Operating device for human-powered vehicles

Abstract

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle is provided with a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot relative to the support structure about a first pivot axis to perform a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot relative to the support structure about a second pivot axis to perform a releasing operation. The operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage from the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device for a human powered vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Human powered vehicles such as bicycles are often provided with one or more operating devices for operating one or more components. In the case of a bicycle, examples of some of these components include a gear shifting device (e.g., a derailleur or an internal gear hub), a suspension, and a seat post. The operating device is often provided on the human powered vehicle in a position that is easily accessible to the rider (e.g., on the handlebars). The operating device is often connected to the component using a control cable, such as a Bowden-type control cable. The control cable is pulled or released by the operating device to remotely operate the component. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, the present disclosure relates to various features of operating devices for operating components of human-powered vehicles. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be driven at least by human-powered driving force, but does not include vehicles that use only driving forces other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only internal combustion engines as driving forces are not included in human-powered vehicles. It is generally assumed that human-powered vehicles are compact, lightweight vehicles that sometimes do not require a license for driving on public roads. The number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle is not limited. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric-assisted bicycles (E-bikes).

[0004] In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device is provided, which basically includes a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a releasing operation. The second pivot axis is different from the first pivot axis. The operating member includes a positioning member, which is configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage from the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction.

[0005] With the operating device according to the first aspect, a component can be operated with a single operating member.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

[0007] With the operating device according to the second aspect, the configuration of the operating device can be simplified.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first or second aspect is configured so that the at least one position stopper includes a plurality of position stoppers that are selectively engaged by the positioning member to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

[0009] With the operating device according to the third aspect, a component having a plurality of operating positions can be operated.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured so that the support structure includes a first support portion defining the first pivot axis and a second support portion defining the second pivot axis.

[0011] With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, the operating device can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support portion to pivot about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

[0013] With the operation device according to the fifth aspect, the pulling operation can be easily performed.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fifth aspect is configured so that the operating member includes a non-circular opening that is partially defined by the first pivot surface.

[0015] With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, the operating member can be switched between pivoting about the first pivot axis and pivoting about the second pivot axis.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the non-circular opening is partially defined by a contact surface, and when the positioning member is engaged with the at least one position stopper, the first support portion of the support structure contacts the contact surface.

[0017] With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, the cable can be reliably pulled during the pulling operation.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects is configured so that the operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion to pivot about the second pivot axis during the release operation.

[0019] With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, the cable can be reliably released during the releasing operation.

[0020] In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

[0021] With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, the operating member can be reliably pivoted about the second pivot axis at relatively low cost.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured so that the support structure includes a slot defining the at least one position stop.

[0023] With the handling device according to the tenth aspect, the support structure can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

[0024] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured so that the at least one position stopper is at least partially aligned with the second support portion along a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

[0025] With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the operating device can be made relatively compact.

[0026] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured so that the at least one position stopper is offset from the second support portion in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

[0027] With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to easily provide the second support portion which is reliably formed for performing the releasing operation in the case where the operating device has a plurality of position stoppers.

[0028] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured so that the operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

[0029] With the operation device according to the thirteenth aspect, the operation cable can be easily attached to the operation member.

[0030] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is configured so that the operating member is biased in the second direction by a cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

[0031] With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the operating device does not require a biasing element for performing a releasing operation of the cable, but can use a biasing force applied to the cable by a component operated by the operating device.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured so that the supporting structure includes a cable guide portion.

[0033] With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the operating device can be easily controlled with a cable.

[0034] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured so that the operating member includes a lever member.

[0035] With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, the user can easily operate the operating device.

[0036] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed operating device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the operating device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar area of ​​a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) having a first operating device and a second operating device according to one illustrated embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the first operating device shown;

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top plan view of a first operating device shown in , with a portion of the housing of the first operating device removed;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the second operating device shown;

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 and Figure 4A top plan view of a second operating device shown in , with a portion of the housing of the second operating device removed;

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view of internal components of a first operating device;

[0044] Figure 7 is a first exploded perspective view of internal components of a first operating device;

[0045] Figure 8 is a second exploded perspective view of internal components of the first operating device;

[0046] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device in a fully released position or a first predetermined position;

[0047] Fig.10 is with Fig. 9 a similar top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved toward the fully pulled position or the second predetermined position;

[0048] Fig.11 is with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 a similar top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the detent member of the operating member engages the position stop to establish the fully pulled position or the second predetermined position;

[0049] Fig.12 is with Figures 9 to 11 a similar top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved to initiate a release operation;

[0050] Fig.13 is with Figures 9 to 12 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar first operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from Fig.12 to move the positioning member of the operating member to disengage from the position stop portion;

[0051] Fig.14 is with Figures 9 to 13 a similar top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved further in the release direction;

[0052] Fig.15 is a perspective view of internal components of a second operating device;

[0053] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A first exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device shown in FIG.

[0054] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 and Fig.16 A second exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device shown in FIG.

[0055] Fig.18 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device in a fully released position or a first predetermined position;

[0056] Fig.19 is with Fig.18 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved in a release direction towards a next (second) predetermined position;

[0057] Fig. 20 is with Fig.18 and Fig.19 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig.19 The position of the device is further moved along the release direction toward the next (second) predetermined position;

[0058] Fig.21 is with Figures 18 to 20 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the detent member of the operating member engages the second position stop to establish the next (second) predetermined position;

[0059] Fig. 22 is with Figures 18 to 21 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig.18 The second predetermined position is further moved in the release direction toward the next (third) predetermined position;

[0060] Fig.23 is with Figures 18 to 22 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig. 22 The position of the device is further moved in the release direction toward the next (third) predetermined position;

[0061] Fig.24 is with Figures 18 to 23 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the detent member of the operating member engages the third position stop to establish the next (third) predetermined position;

[0062] Fig.25 is with Figures 18 to 24 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig.24 The third predetermined position moves along the release direction toward the next (fourth) predetermined position;

[0063] Fig.26 is with Figures 18 to 25 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the detent member of the operating member engages the fourth position stop to establish the next (fourth) predetermined position;

[0064] Fig. 27 is with Figures 18 to 26 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig.26 The fourth predetermined position moves along the release direction toward the next (fifth) predetermined position;

[0065] Fig.28 is with Figures 18 to 27 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the detent member of the operating member engages with the fifth position stop to establish the next (fifth) predetermined position;

[0066] Fig.29 is with Figures 18 to 28 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved to initiate a release operation;

[0067] Fig.30 is with Figures 18 to 29 A top plan view of the internal components of a similar second operating device, but in which the operating member has been removed from the Fig.29 to move the positioning member of the operating member to disengage from the fifth position stopper;

[0068] Fig.31 is with Figures 18 to 30 a similar top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device, but wherein the operating member has been moved further in the release direction;

[0069] Fig.32 yes Figures 15 to 31 A top plan view of a support member of a second operating device shown in ;

[0070] Fig.33 is a top plan view of a second operating device according to a modification of another illustrated embodiment; and

[0071] Fig.34 yes Fig.33 The second operating device shown is along Fig.33 A cross-sectional view when viewed along section line 34-34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. From this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles (such as bicycles) that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0073] First reference Figure 1 , a part of a handlebar H of a human-powered vehicle V (e.g., a bicycle). Basically, at least one operating device is provided for the human-powered vehicle V. Here, according to the illustrated embodiment, the human-powered vehicle V is provided with a first operating device 10A and a second operating device 10B. Here, the first operating device 10A is, for example, arranged on the left side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the left hand of the occupant (e.g., the left hand of the rider). The second operating device 10B is, for example, arranged on the right side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the right hand of the occupant (e.g., the right hand of the rider). Although the handlebar H is a flat handlebar (MTB handlebar) in the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B may be configured to be mounted to other types of handlebars, such as a racing handlebar (road handlebar), as needed and / or desired.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the first operating device 10A is configured to be coupled to a first vehicle component BC1 (e.g., a first bicycle component, such as a front derailleur) via a first control cable 12, and on the other hand, the second operating device 10B is configured to be coupled to a second vehicle component BC2 (e.g., a second bicycle component, such as a rear derailleur or an internal gear hub) via a second control cable 14.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B are configured as shifters for controlling the gear position of a speed-changing device or transmission such as a derailleur or an internal gear hub. However, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B can be used as operating devices for operating other types of vehicle components (e.g., suspension, adjustable seat post, etc.) as needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B each have a plurality of predetermined positions. That is, the first operating device 10A has two predetermined positions and the second operating device 10B has five predetermined positions. These predetermined positions may also be referred to as predetermined gear positions or predetermined stop positions. When the first vehicle component BC1 is a front derailleur, the two predetermined positions of the first operating device 10A correspond to the gear positions of the front derailleur. When the second operating device 10B is a rear derailleur or an internal gear hub, the five predetermined positions of the second operating device 10B correspond to the gear positions of the rear derailleur or the internal gear hub.

[0076] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first control cable 12 is a conventional bicycle operating cable having an outer shell 16 covering an inner cable 18. In other words, the control cable 12 is a Bowden-type cable in which the inner cable 18 is slidably received in the outer shell 16. The inner cable 18 has a cable nipple or attachment barrel 20 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), for attaching the inner cable 18 to the first operating device 10A, as described below. The first operating device 10A operates the first vehicle component BC1 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner cable 18. Therefore, the first operating device 10A constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the first operating device 10A is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 22 for adjusting the contact point of the end of the housing 16 relative to the first operating device 10A.

[0077] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second control cable 14 is a conventional bicycle operating cable having an outer shell 24 covering an inner cable 26. In other words, the control cable 14 is a Bowden-type cable in which the inner cable 26 is slidably received in the outer shell 24. The inner cable 26 has a cable connector or attachment barrel 28 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), for attaching the inner cable 26 to the second operating device 10B, as described below. The second operating device 10B operates the second vehicle component BC2 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner cable 26. Therefore, the second operating device 10B constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the second operating device 10B is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 30 for adjusting the contact point of the end of the housing 24 relative to the second operating device 10B.

[0078] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first operating device 10A basically includes a support structure 32 and an operating member 34. The operating member 34 is movably supported on the support structure 32 for selectively operating the selective pulling and releasing of the inner cable 18 of the first control cable 12. Here, the support structure 32 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H so that the occupant of the human-powered vehicle V can operate the operating member 34 from the handlebar H. However, it can be understood from the present disclosure that the support structure 32 can be configured to be mounted to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and / or desired.

[0079] Here, the support structure 32 includes a handlebar attachment 36, a housing 38, and a support member 40. However, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the support structure 32 may have other configurations as needed and / or desired to support the operating member 34. The handlebar attachment 36 is attached to the housing 38. The support member 40 is supported by the housing 38. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the support member 40 is at least primarily disposed within the housing 38.

[0080] The handlebar attachment 36 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 36 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metal material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 36 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of the handlebar attachment 36 can be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member (i.e., a non-articulated clamp) adjustably coupled by a tightening bolt, or an articulated clamp having a pair of curved jaws that are pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a tightening bolt. Since the handlebar attachment is a well-known structure, the handlebar attachment 36 will not be discussed or shown in further detail.

[0081] The housing 38 covers the internal components of the first operating device 10A, which are released from the inner cable 18 to be sent out from the housing 38, and the inner cable 18 is pulled into the housing 38. Here, for example, the housing 38 has a two-piece construction, including an upper housing component 38a and a lower housing component 38b fastened together by a plurality of screws. The upper housing component 38a and the lower housing component 38b are rigid members composed of a suitable material (e.g., hard plastic or light metal). However, the housing 38 can have various configurations as needed and / or desired.

[0082] The support 40 is a rigid plate member. The support 40 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard molded plastic or a lightweight stamped metal. Although the support 40 is shown as a single-piece member, the support 40 can be made of several pieces that are coupled together. Alternatively, the support 40 can be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 38. Here, the support 40 of the support structure 32 includes a cable guide 42. The cable guide 42 is configured to guide the first inner cable 18 relative to the support 40 when the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40. Preferably, as shown in FIG. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the cable guide 42 has a threaded hole 42a. The threaded hole 42a is configured to receive the cylindrical adjuster 22 in a threaded manner (see Figure 3 ), so that the cylindrical adjuster 22 is adjustably coupled to the support member 40. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the cylindrical adjuster 22 may be omitted if needed and / or desired.

[0083] like Figure 3 as well as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the support member 40 of the support structure 32 also includes a mounting member 44. The mounting member 44 is provided with a threaded hole 44a for receiving a threaded fastener 46 (see Figure 2) to fix the operating member 34 to the support structure 32. That is, the support 40 is connected to the upper housing part 38a by a threaded fastener 46 (e.g., a screw) so that the operating member 34 is movably mounted between the upper housing part 38a and the support 40. The mounting member 44 is provided with a curved engagement surface 44b, which contacts the operating member 34 to help control the movement of the operating member 34 when the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40. Here, the curved engagement surface 44b is a cylindrical surface having a central axis that coincides with the central axis of the threaded hole 44a. Therefore, the support structure 32 includes a first bearing portion (fulcrum) F1, which defines a first pivot axis A1. More specifically, the curved engagement surface 44b forms the first bearing portion F1 that defines the first pivot axis A1.

[0084] The support structure 32 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 32 includes a slot 48 that defines the at least one position stop. Here, the support member 40 includes at least one position stop. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support member 40 includes a slot 48 that defines a first position stop 48a and a second position stop 48b. The first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b are selectively engaged by the operating member 34 to selectively establish a first predetermined position ( Figure 3 and Fig. 9 ) or the second predetermined position ( Fig.11 ), as described below. The slot 48 also defines a curved engagement surface 48c, which contacts the operating member 34 to help control the movement of the operating member 34 when the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40. Therefore, the support structure 32 includes a second support portion F2, which defines a second pivot axis A2. The second pivot axis A2 is different from the first pivot axis A1. Moreover, the first pivot axis A1 is parallel to the second pivot axis A2 and offset from the second pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved engagement surface 48c forms a second support portion F2 that defines the second pivot axis A2. Here, the curved engagement surface 48c is concentrically arranged relative to the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the curved engagement surface 44b and the curved engagement surface 48c have a center of curvature that coincides with the first pivot axis A1.

[0085] Moreover, at least one position stop (e.g., the first position stop 48a and / or the second position stop 48b) is at least partially aligned with the second support F2 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A2. In other words, at least one of the first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b is at least partially located in a plane that includes the second support F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b are located in a plane that includes the second support F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2.

[0086] The operating member 34 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 34 includes a positioning member 50. Here, the operating member 34 also includes another positioning member 52. The positioning member 52 has an abutment seat 52a that selectively engages the first position stop 48a to selectively establish the first predetermined position ( Figure 3 and Fig. 9 ). At the first predetermined position ( Figure 3 and Fig. 9 ), the positioning member 52 engages with the first position stopper 48a, and the inner cable 18 of the first cable is completely released. On the other hand, the positioning member 50 has an abutment portion 50a, which selectively engages with the second position stopper 48b to selectively establish a second predetermined position ( Fig.11 At the second predetermined position ( Fig.11 ), the positioning member 50 engages with the second position stopper 48b, and the inner cable 18 of the first cable is fully pulled.

[0087] As described below, the positioning member 52 is a protrusion that engages the support 40 to assist the release operation of the operating member 34. Therefore, the operating member 34 includes a protrusion. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion corresponds to the positioning member 52. However, the protrusion may be a member separate from the positioning member 52, as in the case of the second operating device 10B described below.

[0088] Basically, if Figures 9 to 11As shown, the operating member 34 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform a pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a non-circular opening 54. The non-circular opening 54 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 44b of the support 40 so that the operating member 34 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform a pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 34 includes a first pivot surface 54a, which is configured to contact the first bearing portion F1 to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 during the pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 partially defines the first pivot surface 54a. In this way, when the operating member 34 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a pulling operation, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move away from the first position stop 48a and toward the second position stop 48b along the slot 48 of the support 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 50 has a contact surface 50 b that contacts and slides along the curved engagement surface 48 c when the operating member 34 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a pulling operation.

[0089] When the positioning member 50 moves to engage with the second position stopper 48b, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 to Figure 11 As seen from the transition of the operating member 34, the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40. In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 54 is larger than the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44, the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40. Here, the operating member 34 includes a contact surface 54b, which contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit the movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40. Therefore, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 18 from the first control cable 12, which pulls on the operating member 34, which pulls the positioning member 50 against the second position stop 48b and pulls the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to engage at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 48b) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 is partially defined by the contact surface 54b. As described above, the first bearing portion F1 of the support structure 32 is defined by the curved engagement surface 44b. Thus, when the positioning member 50 is engaged with at least one position stop (eg, the second position stop 48b), the first bearing portion F1 of the support structure 32 contacts the contact surface 54b.

[0090] On the other hand, Figure 12 to Figure 14As shown, the operating member 34 is also configured to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform a release operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a second pivot surface, which is configured to contact the second bearing portion F2 to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 during the release operation. More specifically, in the first operating device 10A, the positioning member 52 has a contact surface 52b that defines the second pivot surface. The contact surface 52b is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40 so that the operating member 34 pivots about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform a release operation. In any case, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion (i.e., the positioning member 52) partially defines the second pivot surface (i.e., the contact surface 52b). In this way, when the operating member 34 pivots about the second pivot axis A2 to perform a release operation, the positioning member 50 disengages from the second position stop 48b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to disengage from at least one position stopper (eg, the second position stopper 48 b ) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the second pivot axis A2 in the second direction D2 that is different from the first direction D1 .

[0091] After the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stopper 48b, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the operating member 34 pivots again relative to the support 40 about the first pivot axis A1. Here, the operating member 34 includes an additional contact surface 54c. The additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit the movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 just when the positioning member 50 disengages from the second position stop 48b or just after the positioning member 50 disengages from the second position stop 48b. Since the additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b, the operating member 34 pivots again about the first pivot axis A1, so that the positioning member 50 of the operating member 34 engages the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40, and the first pivot surface 54a of the operating member 34 contacts the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44 on the support 40. Moreover, this pivotal movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 causes the positioning member 52 (i.e., the protrusion of the operating member 34) to move out of contact with the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40.

[0092] Therefore, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move along the slot 48 of the support 40 away from the second position stop 48b and toward the first position stop 48a. Finally, after the release operation, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 18 of the first control cable 12, which pulls on the operating member 34, which pulls the positioning member 52 against the first position stop 48a and pulls the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b. Fig. 9shown.

[0093] Here, the operating member 34 includes a rod member 56, which is configured to protrude from the housing 38 so that the user can operate the rod member 56. Therefore, the rod member 56 constitutes the user operation input portion of the first operating device 10A. The rod member 56 can be provided with a user operation portion 56a so that the rod member 56 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operation portion 56a can be made of a rubber or plastic material covering a portion of the rod member 56. The operating member 34 also includes a base 58, which is movably supported on the mounting member 44 of the support 40. The base 58 is located inside the housing 38. The rod member 56 is formed integrally with the base 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 56 and the base 58 are formed as a single piece by a suitable material such as a metal material or a fiber-reinforced non-metallic material.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the operating member 34 includes a cable attachment structure 60. Here, the cable attachment structure 60 is provided to the base 58. In this way, the operating member 34 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 12 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 60. Alternatively, a biasing element (e.g., a torsion spring) may be provided between the operating member 34 and the support 40.

[0095] Now refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 15 to 31 , the second operating device 10B will now be explained in more detail. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second operating device 10B basically includes a support structure 62 and an operating member 64. The operating member 64 is movably supported on the support structure 62 so as to selectively operate the inner cable 26 that selectively pulls and releases the second control cable 14. Here, the support structure 62 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H so that the occupant can operate the operating member 64 from the handlebar H. However, it will be understood from the present disclosure that the support structure 62 can be configured to be mounted to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and / or desired.

[0096] Here, the support structure 62 includes a handlebar attachment 66, a housing 68, and a support member 70. However, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the support structure 62 may have other configurations as needed and / or desired to support the operating member 64. The handlebar attachment 66 is attached to the housing 68. The support member 70 is supported by the housing 68. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the support member 70 is at least primarily disposed within the housing 68.

[0097] The handlebar attachment 66 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 66 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metal material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 66 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of the handlebar attachment 66 can be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member (i.e., a non-articulated clamp) adjustably coupled by a tightening bolt, or an articulated clamp having a pair of curved jaws that are pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a tightening bolt. Since the handlebar attachment is a well-known structure, the handlebar attachment 66 will not be discussed or shown in further detail.

[0098] The housing 68 covers the internal components of the second operating device 10B, which are released from the inner cable 26 to be sent out from the housing 68, and the inner cable 26 is pulled into the housing 68. Here, for example, the housing 68 has a two-piece construction, including an upper housing component 68a and a lower housing component 68b fastened together by a plurality of screws. The upper housing component 68a and the lower housing component 68b are rigid members composed of a suitable material (e.g., hard plastic or light metal). However, the housing 68 can have various configurations as needed and / or desired.

[0099] The support member 70 is a rigid plate member. The support member 70 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard molded plastic or a lightweight stamped metal. Although the support member 70 is shown as a single-piece member, the support member 70 can be made of several pieces that are coupled together. Alternatively, the support member 70 can be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 68. Here, the support member 60 of the support structure 62 includes a cable guide 72. The cable guide 72 is configured to guide the first inner cable 26 relative to the support member 70 when the operating member 64 moves relative to the support member 70. Preferably, as shown in FIG. Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the cable guide 72 has a threaded hole 72a. The threaded hole 72a is configured to receive the cylindrical adjuster 30 (see Figure 5 ), so that the cylindrical adjuster 30 is adjustably coupled to the support member 70. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the cylindrical adjuster 30 may be omitted if needed and / or desired.

[0100] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the support member 70 of the support structure 62 also includes a mounting member 74. The mounting member 74 is provided with a threaded hole 74a for receiving a threaded fastener 76 (see Figure 4) to fix the operating member 64 to the support structure 62. That is, the support 70 is connected to the upper housing part 68a by a threaded fastener 76 (e.g., a screw) so that the operating member 64 is movably mounted between the upper housing part 68a and the support 70. The mounting member 74 is provided with a curved engagement surface 74b that contacts the operating member 64 to help control the movement of the operating member 64 when the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70. Here, the curved engagement surface 74b is a cylindrical surface having a central axis that coincides with the central axis of the threaded hole 74a. Therefore, the support structure 62 includes a first bearing portion F3 that defines a first pivot axis A3. More specifically, the curved engagement surface 74b forms the first bearing portion F3 that defines the first pivot axis A3.

[0101] The support structure 62 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 62 includes a slot 78 defining at least one position stop. In the second operating device 10B, the at least one position stop includes a plurality of position stops 78a to 78e. Therefore, the slot 78 defines the position stops 78a to 78e. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support member 70 includes a slot 78, which defines the position stops 78a to 78e. The slot 78 has a stepped configuration so that the position stops 78a to 78e are positioned gradually closer to the pivot axis A3. In other words, the first position stop 78a is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the second position stop 78b. The second position stop 78b is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the third position stop 78c. The third position stop 78c is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the fourth position stop 78d. The fourth position stop 78d is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the fifth position stop 78e. The position stops 78a to 78e are selectively engaged by the operating member 64 to selectively establish one of a plurality of predetermined positions (i.e., five predetermined positions), as described below. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to engage at least one position stop in response to the operating member 64 pivoting about the first pivot axis A3 in the first direction D1.

[0102] The support structure 62 also defines a curved engagement surface 79 that contacts the operating member 64 to help control the movement of the operating member 64 when the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70. Therefore, the support structure 62 includes a second support portion F4 that defines a second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4'''. The second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' is different from the first pivot axis A3. Moreover, the first pivot axis A3 is parallel to the second pivot axis A4 and offset from the second pivot axis A4. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved engagement surface 79 forms a second support portion F4 that defines the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4'''. Here, the curved engagement surface 79 is concentrically arranged relative to the curved engagement surface 74b. In other words, the curved engagement surface 74b and the curved engagement surface 79 have a center of curvature that coincides with the first pivot axis A3.

[0103] Here, too, the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' is displaced along the curved engagement surface 79, depending on which of the predetermined positions the release operation is performed from, e.g. Fig.32 shown. Figure 5 as well as Figures 18 to 31 The second pivot axis A4 shown is the second pivot axis A4 for releasing from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position. Fig.32 As shown, the second support portion F4 defines a total of four second pivot axes A4, A4', A4'' and A4''', which are parallel to each other and to the first pivot axis A3. The second pivot axis A4' is used to release from the fourth predetermined position to engage the third predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4'' is used to release from the third predetermined position to engage the second predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4''' is used to release from the second predetermined position to engage the first predetermined position. For the sake of simplicity, the second operating device 10B can be described and illustrated using only the second pivot axis A4 for releasing from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position.

[0104] Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, at least one position stop is offset from the second support portion F4 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4'''. In particular, the curved engagement surface 79 is not formed by the slit 78, but by a curved protrusion adjacent to the slit 78. In this way, the position stops 78a to 78e are located in a first plane perpendicular to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''', and the curved engagement surface 79 defining the second support portion F4 is located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. In this way, the position stops 78a to 78e are offset from the second support portion F4 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4'''.

[0105] The operating member 64 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 64 includes a positioning member 80. Here, the operating member 64 also includes a protrusion 82. Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 is also not used as a positioning member. On the contrary, the protrusion 82 partially defines the second pivot surface. More specifically, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 has a contact surface 82a that defines the second pivot surface. The contact surface 82a is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support 70 so that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 around the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' to perform a release operation. Therefore, the contact surface 82a defines the second pivot surface.

[0106] The positioning member 80 has an abutment portion 80a that selectively engages the position stop portions 78a to 78e to selectively establish a predetermined position ( Fig.18 , Fig.21 , Fig.24 , Fig.26 and Fig.28 ). At the first predetermined position ( Fig.18 ), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the first position stopper 78a, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is completely released. Fig.21 ), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the second position stopper 78b, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. Fig.24 ), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the third position stopper 78c, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. Fig.26 ), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the fourth position stopper 78d, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. Fig.28 ), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the fifth position stopper 78e, and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is fully pulled. Therefore, the position stoppers 78a to 78e are selectively engaged by the positioning member 80 to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

[0107] Basically, the operating member 64 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 relative to the support structure 62 so as to perform a pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a non-circular opening 85. The non-circular opening 85 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 74b of the support 70 so that the operating member 64 pivots about the first pivot axis A3 relative to the support structure 62 so as to perform a pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 64 includes a first pivot surface 85a, which is configured to contact the first bearing portion F3 to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 during the pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 partially defines the first pivot surface 85a. In this way, when the operating member 64 pivots about the first pivot axis A3 so as to perform a pulling operation, the positioning member 80 and the positioning member 80 move away from the first position stop 78a and toward the second position stop 78b along the slot 78 of the support 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80 b that contacts and slides along the curved engagement surface 79 when the operating member 64 pivots about the first pivot axis A3 to perform a pulling operation.

[0108] like Figures 18 to 22 As shown, during the pulling operation from the first predetermined position, the operating member 64 first pivots about the first pivot axis A3 and then slides relative to the support 70, so that the positioning member 80 moves to engage with the second position stopper 78b. In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 85 is larger than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74, the operating member 64 slides relative to the support 70. The positioning member 80 engages with the slit 78 to limit the movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70. Similarly, as Figure 22 to Figure 28 As shown, for each of the subsequent pulling operations, the operating member 64 is first pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 and then slid relative to the support 70 so that the positioning member 80 moves into engagement with the next of the position stops 78c, 78d or 78e.

[0109] Here, the operating member 64 includes a contact surface 85b that contacts the curved engagement surface 74b to limit the movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70. Therefore, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 26 from the second control cable 14, which pulls on the operating member 64, which pulls the positioning member 80 against the second position stop 78b and the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 is partially defined by the contact surface 85b. As described above, the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 is defined by the curved engagement surface 74b. In this way, when the positioning member 80 is engaged with at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 78b), the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 contacts the contact surface 85b.

[0110] On the other hand, the operating member 64 is also configured to pivot relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' in order to perform a release operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a second pivot surface, which is configured to contact the second support portion F4 to pivot about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' during the release operation. More specifically, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80b, which is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support member 70 so that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' in order to perform a release operation. In this way, when the operating member 64 pivots about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' in order to perform a release operation, the positioning member 80 disengages from the second position stop portion 78b. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to disengage from the position stop 78b, 78c, 78d or 78e in response to the operating member 64 pivoting about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' in the second direction D2. In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 85 is larger than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74, the operating member 64 can pivot about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4'' or A4''' relative to the support 70.

[0111] like Fig.29As shown, here, the operating member 64 includes an additional contact surface 85c. The additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b to limit the movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70 just when the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the current position stopper 78b, 78c, 78d or 78e or just after the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the current position stopper 78b, 78c, 78d or 78e. Since the additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b, the operating member 64 pivots again in the second direction D2 about the first pivot axis A3 under the tension from the inner cable 26 pulled on the operating member 64. Therefore, the positioning member 80 moves along the slit 78 of the support 70 away from the previous position stopper and toward the next position stopper. Finally, after the release operation, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 26 of the second control cable 14, which pulls on the operating member 64, which pulls the positioning member 80 against the current position stop and pulls the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b.

[0112] Here, the operating member 64 includes a rod member 86. The rod member 86 is configured to protrude from the housing 68 so that the user can operate the rod member 86. Therefore, the rod member 86 constitutes the user operation input portion of the second operating device 10B. The rod member 86 can be provided with a user operation portion 86a so that the rod member 86 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operation portion 86a can be made of a rubber or plastic material covering a portion of the rod member 86. The operating member 64 also includes a base 88, which is movably supported on the mounting member 74 of the support member 70. The base 88 is located inside the housing 68. The rod member 86 is formed integrally with the base 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 86 and the base 88 are formed as a single piece by a suitable material such as a metal material or a fiber-reinforced non-metallic material.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.17 As shown, the operating member 64 includes a cable attachment structure 90. Here, the cable attachment structure 90 is provided to the base 88. In this way, the operating member 64 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 14 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 90. Alternatively, a biasing element (e.g., a torsion spring) may be provided between the operating member 64 and the support 70.

[0114] Now refer to Fig.32 and Fig.33, shows a modified second operating device 110 according to another embodiment. Basically, the second operating device 110 includes an operating member 164, a support 170, and a support member 171 defining a second support portion F4. Here, the operating member 164 and the support 170 are substantially the same as the operating member 64 and the support 70 described above, respectively, except that the support member 171 is a separate component from the support 170. Therefore, the operating member 164 includes a rod member 186 and a base 188. Moreover, similar to the second operating device 10B, the support 170 is provided with a cylindrical adjuster 30, and the inner cable 26 of the second control cable 14 is connected to the operating member 164. Moreover, the operating member 164, the support 170, and the second support portion 171 may be provided to the housing 68 and attached to the handlebar H via the handlebar attachment 66. In view of the similarity between the second operating device 10B and the second operating device 110, the components of the second operating device 110 that are the same as those of the second operating device 10B may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0115] Similar to the support 70 of the second operating device 10B, the support 170 includes a mounting member 174 and a slot 178. Moreover, similar to the operating member 14 of the second operating device 10B, the operating member 164 includes a positioning member 180 and a protrusion 182. Here, the operating member 164 is movably mounted to the mounting member 174 of the support 170. That is, the operating member 164 includes a non-circular opening 185, which cooperates with the mounting member 174 to control the movement of the operating member 164 relative to the support 170 in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The positioning member 180 cooperates with the slot 178 of the support 170 to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined positions in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The protrusion 182 cooperates with the curved engagement surface 179 of the second support portion F2 in the same manner as the protrusion 82 in the second operating device 10B cooperates with the curved engagement surface 79. However, since the second bearing portion F2 is located on the side of the operating member 164 opposite to the support 170 , the protrusion 182 extends away from the support 170 .

[0116] Therefore, the operation of the second operating device 110 is the same as the operation of the second operating device 10B. Therefore, the operation of the second operating device 110 will not be discussed further herein.

[0117] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprise" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open terms, which specify the presence of the features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprises", "having" and their derivatives. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

[0118] As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", and "lateral", and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with an operating device. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe the operating device should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with an operating device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" being referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle), and "left" being referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

[0119] The phrase "at least one of..." as used in the present disclosure refers to "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one of..." as used in the present disclosure refers to "only one single option" or "both of two options" if the number of its options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of..." as used in the present invention refers to "only one single option" or "any combination of equal to or more than two options" if the number of its options is equal to or more than three. Moreover, the term "and / or" as used in the present disclosure refers to "either or both".

[0120] Moreover, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0121] As used herein, the term "attached" or "attached" covers the following configurations: an element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; an element is indirectly fixed to the other element by attaching the element to (one or more) intermediate members, which (one or more) intermediate members are in turn attached to the other element; and one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, "connect", "connect", "couple", "mount", "combine", "fix" and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately" refer to the amount of deviation of the modified term so that the end result will not be significantly changed.

[0122] Although only selected embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be clear to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as these changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the components shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures arranged between them, as long as these changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages do not necessarily exist simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature that is unique compared to the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such (one or more) features. Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is only for illustration, and is not intended to limit the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: a support structure, the support structure comprising at least one position stop; as well as an operating member configured to pivot relative to the support structure about a first pivot axis to perform a pulling operation, and configured to pivot relative to the support structure about a second pivot axis to perform a releasing operation, the second pivot axis being different from the first pivot axis, The operating member includes a positioning member, which is configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction, and the positioning member is configured to disengage from the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein: The first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one position stop includes a plurality of position stops selectively engaged by the positioning member to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

4. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The support structure includes a first support portion defining the first pivot axis and a second support portion defining the second pivot axis.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support portion to pivot about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

6. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein: The operating member includes a non-circular opening defined in part by the first pivot surface.

7. The operating device according to claim 6, wherein: The non-circular opening is defined in part by a contact surface, and the first bearing portion of the support structure contacts the contact surface when the positioning member is engaged with the at least one position stop.

8. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion to pivot about the second pivot axis during the releasing operation.

9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein: The operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

10. The operating device according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-9, wherein: The support structure includes a slot defining the at least one position stop.

11. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one position stop is at least partially aligned with the second support along a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

12. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one position stop is offset from the second support in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

13. The operating device according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-9 and 11-12, wherein: The operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

14. The operating device according to claim 13, wherein: The operating member is biased in the second direction by a cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

15. The operating device according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-9, 11-12 and 14, wherein: The support structure includes a cable guide.

16. The operating device according to any one of claims 1-2, 5-9, 11-12 and 14, wherein: The operating member includes a lever member.

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