bicycle component control device

Abstract

Bicycle component control device (510), comprising: a bracket (520) comprising a distal end section (520a), a proximal end section (520b) and a handle section (530) which is arranged between the distal end section (520a) and the proximal end section (520b), wherein the proximal end section (520b) has a mounting surface (534) which faces a bicycle handlebar (12); the bracket (520) includes a first bracket part (550) and a second bracket part (552), which are separate parts from each other; a first actuating element (526) which is pivotably attached about a pivot axis (A1) to the distal end section (520a) of the holder (520); a hydraulic brake unit (524A) which is actuated and mounted on the bracket (520) and configured to actuate a hydraulic brake device, wherein the hydraulic brake unit (524A) has a piston element (P) which is moved towards the mounting surface (534) as a result of actuation of the first actuating element (526); and an electrical control unit (524B) mounted on the bracket (520) to operate an electric bicycle device, wherein the first and second bracket part (552) are arranged relative to each other to accommodate the electrical control unit (524B).

Description

background

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application DE 10 2012 015 331.7, the filing date of which is claimed, and claims priority from US patent applications US 13 / 195,050, filed on August 1, 2011, and US 13 / 495,411, filed on June 13, 2012. The entire disclosures of the parent application and priority documents US 13 / 195,050 and US 13 / 495,411 are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a bicycle component control device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle component control device having a hydraulic brake unit in combination with either a mechanical shifting unit or an electrical shifting unit. Background of the invention

[0003] Bicycles typically include one or more bicycle component control devices for controlling or operating various bicycle components, such as hydraulic brake devices or a gear shifting device. Some of these bicycle component control devices include a bracket with an interior space that houses a bicycle component operating unit. The bicycle component operating unit is often provided with one or more operating levers extending from the bracket so that the rider can operate the bicycle component operating unit. An example of such a bicycle component control device with a corresponding configuration is disclosed in US Patent Application No. US 2011 / 0 079 103 A1.

[0004] DE 11 2008 001 717 T5 discloses a device for actuating a bicycle brake, comprising a bracket that can be fastened to a bicycle handlebar, a brake lever that is mounted on the bracket so as to be tiltable about a first axis that runs through the bracket, and an actuating portion that is mounted on the brake lever so as to be rotatable about a second axis that runs at an angle of not more than 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the brake lever, and detection means for detecting a rotation of the actuating portion about the second axis.

[0005] US 2007 / 0 193 386 A1 discloses a bicycle control device including a lever bracket and an electric unit. The lever bracket movably supports the control lever. The electric unit is connected to the lever bracket. The lever bracket comprises a bracket body and a bracket cover. The bracket body has a rearwardly disposed bicycle mounting portion, a control lever mounting portion, and a forwardly disposed electric unit mounting portion containing the electric unit. The bracket cover is detachably connected to a forward-facing side of the mounting portion of the bracket to at least partially enclose the electric unit in the mounting portion of the bracket. Summary

[0006] The present invention proposes a bicycle component control device having the features of claim 1 and a bicycle component control device having the features of claim 9. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component control device is proposed, which essentially comprises a bracket, a first operating element, a hydraulic brake unit, and an electrical control unit. The bracket has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a handle portion arranged between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. The bracket includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part, which are separate parts from each other. The proximal end portion has a mounting surface facing or opposite a bicycle handlebar. The first operating element is pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the bracket about a pivot axis. The hydraulic brake unit is operative oroperably mounted on the bracket and configured and provided to actuate a hydraulic braking device. The hydraulic braking unit has a piston element that is moved toward the mounting surface as a result of actuation of the first actuating element. The electrical control unit is operably mounted on at least one of the bracket and the actuating element to actuate an electric bicycle device. The first and second bracket parts are configured relative to each other to receive the electrical control unit.

[0008] In accordance with another aspect set forth in this disclosure, a bicycle component control device is proposed, which essentially comprises a bracket, a first actuating member, a hydraulic brake unit, a shifting unit, and an electric control unit. The bracket has a handle portion. The first actuating member is pivotally mounted to the bracket about a pivot axis. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted to the bracket and configured and provided to actuate a hydraulic braking device. The hydraulic brake unit includes a piston member that moves in response to actuation of the first actuating member and includes a master cylinder, the piston member being movably disposed within the master cylinder. The electric control unit is operatively attached to the bracket to actuate an electric bicycle device.The switching unit is mounted to the first operating member, the first operating member being a brake lever having a unit mounting surface facing the bicycle handlebar when the bicycle component control device is in an installed position. The switching unit is mounted to the unit mounting surface 526A. An electrical cable is coupled to the switching unit and the electrical control unit, and the electrical cable extends along the first operating member. The electrical control unit is positioned at a position below the master cylinder when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0009] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the bicycle component control devices disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments. Short description of the drawings

[0010] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is an interior side view of a bicycle component control device in accordance with a first aspect; Fig. 2 is a front view of the Fig. 1, wherein the brake / shift operating lever and the shift (release) lever are in their rest positions; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated bicycle component control device with the brake / shift operating lever and the shift (release) lever in their rest positions; Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated bicycle component control device; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the bracket supporting the bicycle component control unit of the bicycle component control device shown in Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 6 is a front view of the Fig. 5 shown bracket for supporting the bicycle component control unit of the bicycle component control device shown in Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 7 is a rear view of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown bracket for supporting the Fig. 1 to 4 shown bicycle component control unit; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the Fig. 5 to 7 shown bracket for supporting the Fig. 1 to 4 shown bicycle component control unit; Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the Fig. 5 to 8 shown bracket for supporting the Fig. 1 to 4 shown bicycle component control unit; Fig. 10 is an inside view of the Fig. 5 to 9 shown bracket of one of the bracket parts for supporting the Fig. 1 to 4 shown bicycle component control unit; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket in accordance with a first embodiment, which incorporates the Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first support part of the Fig. 11 shown bracket; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the second support part of the Fig. 11 shown bracket; Fig. 14 is an external view of a bracket in accordance with a second embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 15 is a front view of the Fig. 14 shown bracket; Fig. 16 is a front view of a bracket in accordance with a fourth embodiment, which illustrates the Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 17 is a rear view of the Fig. 16 shown bracket; Fig. 18 is an inside side view of a bicycle component control device in accordance with a fifth embodiment; Fig. 19 is a side sectional view from the inside of Fig. 18 illustrated bracket of one of the bracket parts for supporting a hydraulic brake unit and a mechanical switching unit; Fig. 20 is an inside side view of a bicycle component control device in accordance with a sixth embodiment; and Fig. 21 is a side sectional view from the inside of Fig. 20 illustrated bracket of one of the bracket parts for supporting a hydraulic brake unit and an electrical control unit, which is either an electrical switching unit or a non-switching control unit (control unit for all applications, except switching or gear changing operations). Detailed description of the embodiments

[0011] Selected embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

[0012] Initially, Fig. 1, which illustrates a bicycle component control device 10 in accordance with one aspect. The bicycle component control device 10 is mounted on a road bicycle handlebar 12. In the illustrated aspect, the bicycle component control device 10 is a right-hand control device operated by the rider with their right hand to operate a first braking device (not shown) and a first shifting device (not shown, e.g., a wire-operated rear derailleur). Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this configuration of the bicycle component control device 10 that it can be adapted to a left-hand operation operated by the rider's left hand.

[0013] As seen in Fig. 1 to 4, the bicycle component control device 10 essentially comprises a bracket 20, a clamp 22, and a bicycle component control unit 24 with a pair of actuators 26 and 28. As explained below, the clamp 22 is attached to the bracket 20 to secure the bracket 20 to a curved portion 12a of the longitudinal bar. The bicycle component actuator 24 is disposed within the bracket 20 and the actuators 26 and 28, here protruding from the bracket 20. In the first illustrated aspect, the bicycle component actuator unit 24 is a mechanical shifting unit. However, the bicycle component control unit 24 is not limited to a mechanical shifting unit.Rather, the bicycle component control unit 24 may be an electrical control unit, which is either a non-gear shifting control unit (control unit for all applications other than gear shifting) or an electrical shifting unit, as can be seen from the embodiments below. Furthermore, the bicycle component actuating unit 24 may be a hydraulic brake unit. Furthermore, the bracket 20 may be configured so that two or more actuating units, such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic brake unit, a mechanical shifting unit, a non-gear shifting control unit, and an electrical shifting unit, are supported by the bracket.

[0014] As seen in Fig. 1, the bracket 20 has a grip portion 30 disposed between a pivot axis A1 of the actuating element 26 and the clamp 22. Typically, the bracket 20 is made of a rigid and hard material. This results in a grip cover 32 being pulled over at least the grip portion 30 of the bracket 20 to provide padding for the portion 30 of the bracket 20 and a pleasing appearance. Typically, the grip cover 32 is made of a resilient material such as rubber.

[0015] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, the bracket 20 includes a mounting surface 34, an upper surface 36, a lower surface 38, a first side surface 40, and a second side surface 42. The mounting surface 34 has a recess 34a for receiving the clamp 22 to mount the mounting surface 34 against the bicycle handlebar 12. Preferably, the mounting surface 34 has a substantially curved configuration that mates with the curvature of the curved portion 12a of the bicycle handlebar 12. The upper surface 36 extends from the mounting surface 34 to a free end 44 of the bracket 20. The lower surface 38 extends from the mounting surface 34 to the free end 44 of the bracket 20. The first side surface 40 extends from the mounting surface 34 to the free end 44 of the bracket 20 in the area between the upper and lower surfaces 36 and 38.The second side surface 42 extends from the mounting surface 34 to the free end 44 of the bracket 20 in the area between the upper and lower surfaces 36 and 38.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 4 to 10, the bracket 20 includes a first bracket portion 50 and a second bracket portion 52. The first and second bracket portions 50 and 52 are separate, separate pieces and fit together to define an internally formed interior space 54. The interior space 54 is configured and adapted to form a cavity for receiving an operating unit. Accordingly, the bicycle component operating unit 24 is disposed within the interior space 54 formed between the first and second bracket portions 50 and 52 of the bracket 20. The first and second bracket portions 50 and 52 are fixedly secured to each other to define the interior space 54 therebetween, and the first and second bracket portions 50 and 52 each support the bicycle component operating unit 24.

[0017] Furthermore, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are configured relative to one another such that a connecting seam 56 is formed on the outside of the support member 20. In this first aspect, the connecting seam 56 between the first and second support members 50 and 52 is configured such that the connecting seam 56 separates the support member 20 along the mounting surface 34, the top surface 36, the bottom surface 38, and the free end 40. However, it will be apparent from the following embodiments that the connecting seam 56 may have other configurations. For the purpose of stability and durability, the connecting seam 56 extends along at least three of the mounting surface 34, the top surface 36, the bottom surface 38, the first side surface 40, and the second side surface 42.

[0018] In the first aspect, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are each made of a rigid and hard plastic material. As illustrated, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are preferably manufactured by injection molding. Therefore, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are injection-molded parts in the illustrated embodiment. More preferably, each of the first and second support members 50 and 52 is manufactured using an injection molding machine that uses or includes two mold halves so that the first and second support members 50 and 52 are molded without hidden surfaces. An opening direction refers to the direction in which the two mold halves are separated or opened from each other to release the support members 50 or 52 from the molds. The opening direction is also called a pull line.In the context of injection-molded parts, the term "hidden surfaces" refers to a surface of the injection-molded part that cannot be seen when the injection-molded part is viewed in the opening direction. The hidden surfaces of the injection-molded parts are often formed using slides or inserts that are moved into a cavity perpendicular to the opening direction so that overhangs or undercuts can be formed. Therefore, the injection-molded first and second support members 50 and 52, as shown, have no hidden surfaces with respect to the opening direction. Thus, the molds can be kept relatively simple, and the support members 50 or 52 can be easily ejected or molded from the molds.

[0019] In the illustrated aspect, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are mirror images of each other, except that the first support member 50 has an inner surface 60 defining a pair of blind bores 62 for respectively threading a pair of fasteners or screws 64, whereas the second support member 52 has a pair of stepped or countersunk through-holes 66 for receiving the fasteners 64 therethrough. After the through-holes 66 are stepped or countersunk, the heads of the fasteners 64 recess or do not protrude from the outer surface of the second support member 52. Thus, the first and second support members 50 and 52 are immovably secured to each other by means of the fasteners 64.Of course, other types of fastening arrangements may be used to immovably fix the first and second support members 50 and 52 to one another, as desired and / or required.

[0020] In the first illustrated aspect, the first bracket member 50 has a pair of support portions 70 and 72 configured and arranged to contact and support a first side of the bicycle component operating unit 24. Likewise, the second bracket member 52 has a pair of support portions 74 and 76 configured and arranged to contact and support a second side of the bicycle component operating unit 24. In the first illustrated aspect, the support portions 70, 72, 74, and 76 represent shaft engagement portions of the bracket 20.

[0021] In the first aspect illustrated, the first support member 50 has a first pivot hole 80 and the second support member 52 has a second pivot hole 82. The first and second pivot holes 80 and 82 receive a pivot pin 84 that defines the pivot axis A1. The pivot pin 84 pivotally supports the actuating element 86 to the support member 20 for movement in a direction B1 ( Fig. 1).

[0022] The clamp 22 is a conventional handlebar clamp, often used for racing bicycle shifters. In the first aspect illustrated, the clamp 22 is sandwiched between, or clamped or enclosed by, the first and second support members 50 and 52. In particular, the first and second support members 50 and 52 mate to form a clamp receiving recess 34a, as mentioned above, and a clamp bolt receiving recess 86.

[0023] In the first aspect presented, the bicycle component operating unit 24 is a conventional mechanical shifting unit which includes a shift cable C1 ( Fig. 1) which is coupled to a gear shifting device, either pulls or releases. The actuating element 26 is configured to perform a cable pull operation, whereas the actuating element 28 is configured to perform a cable release operation. Consequently, the actuating element 26 represents a pull lever, whereas the actuating element 28 represents a release lever. The actuating element 26 is also configured to perform a braking operation by pulling a brake cable C2. Thus, the actuating element 26 represents a brake / shift actuating lever, which functions as a brake lever when the rider actuates or pivots the actuating element 26 about the pivot axis A1 with respect to the bracket toward the curved portion 12a of the handlebar 12. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the actuating members 26 and 28 are pivoted in a lateral direction toward a vertical longitudinal center plane of the bicycle to perform shifting operations. The bicycle component actuating unit 24 has a pair of mounting fixtures 90 and 92 supported by the support portions 70, 72, 74, and 76 of the first and second support members 50 and 52. The mounting fixtures 90 and 92 are attached to a main axis structure of the bicycle component actuating unit 24. The first and second support members 50 and 52 may be provided with additional structures that cooperate with the bicycle component actuating device 24 to help support and / or actuate the bicycle component actuating unit 24 as desired and / or needed.

[0024] It will be appreciated from this disclosure that any type of mechanical shifting unit may be used with the bracket 20 by reconfiguring or redesigning the interior space 54 to suit the configuration of the mechanical shifting unit. Accordingly, the bicycle component actuation unit 24 will not be discussed in further detail herein.

[0025] In the following, with reference to the Fig. 11 to 13, a bracket 120 is explained in accordance with a first embodiment. The bracket 120 is configured to be used with the clamp 22 and the bicycle component operating unit 24 of the first aspect. The bracket 120 has a mounting surface 134, a top surface 136, a bottom surface 138, a first side surface 140, and a second side surface 142. The bracket 120 further includes a first bracket part 150 and a second bracket part 152. The first and second bracket parts 150 and 152 are separate parts and fit together to form an interior space 154. The first and second bracket parts 150 and 152 are immovably secured to each other by a pair of fasteners or screws 164. The first and second bracket parts 150 and 152 are further configured with respect to each other such that a connecting seam 156 is formed on the outer surface of the bracket 120.In this first embodiment, the joining seam 156 is formed between the first and second support members 150 and 152 such that the joining seam 156 divides the support 120 along the top surface 136, the bottom surface 138, and the first and second side surfaces 140 and 142. When the first and second support members 150 and 152 are secured together, the support 120 is identical to the support 120 except for the orientation of the joining seam 156 and the arrangement of the fasteners between the first and second support members 150 and 152 using the fasteners or screws 164.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, a bracket 220 is explained in accordance with a second embodiment. The bracket 220 is configured to be used with the clamp 22 and the bicycle component operating unit 24 of the first aspect. The bracket 220 has a mounting surface 234, a top surface 236, a bottom surface 238, a first side surface 240, and a second side surface 242. The bracket 220 further includes a first bracket part 250 and a second bracket part 252. The first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 are separate parts and fit together to form an interior space 254 therebetween. The first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 are immovably secured to each other by means of a pair of fasteners or screws 264. The first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 are further configured, respectively with respect to each other, to form a connecting seam 256 on the outside of the bracket 220.In this second embodiment, the connecting seam 256 between the first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 is formed such that the connecting seam 256 separates the bracket 220 along the mounting surface 234 and the first and second side surfaces 240 and 242. When the first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 are joined together, the bracket 220 is identical to the bracket 20 except for the orientation of the connecting seam 256 and the fastening arrangement between the first and second bracket parts 250 and 252 using the fasteners or screws 264.

[0027] In the following, with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 explains a bracket 320 in accordance with a fourth embodiment. The bracket 320 is configured to be used with the clamp 22 and the bicycle component operating unit 24 of the first aspect. The bracket 320 has a mounting surface 334, a top surface 336, a bottom surface 338, a first side surface 340, and a second side surface 342. The bracket 320 further includes a first bracket part 350 and a second bracket part 352. The first and second bracket parts 350 and 352 are separate parts and fit together to form an interior space 354. The first and second bracket parts 350 and 352 are immovably secured to each other by a pair of fasteners or screws 364. The first and second bracket parts 350 and 352 are further configured with respect to each other to form a connecting seam 356 on the outer surface of the bracket 320.In this fourth embodiment, the connecting seam 356 between the first and second support parts 350 and 352 is formed such that the connecting seam 356 separates the support 320 along the mounting surface 334, the bottom surface 338, and the first side surface 340. Alternatively, the connecting seam 356 separating the first and second support parts 350 and 352 may be formed such that the connecting seam separates the support 320 along the mounting surface 334, the top surface 332, and the second side surface 342. When the first and second support members 350 and 352 are secured together, the support member 320 is identical to the support member 320 except for the orientation of the joining seam 356 and the fastening arrangement between the first and second support members 350 and 352 using the fasteners or screws 364.

[0028] With reference to the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, a bicycle component control device 410 according to a fifth embodiment will be explained below. The bicycle component control device 410 includes a bracket 420 configured to be used with the clamp 22 of the first aspect. The bracket 420 has a distal (first) end portion 420a and a proximal (second) end portion 420b. A handle portion 430 is disposed between the distal end portion 420a and the proximal end portion 420b. The proximal end portion 420b has a mounting surface 434, and the clamp 22 is attached to the mounting surface 434. Thus, the clamp 22 is attached to the bracket 420 to secure the bracket 420 to the bicycle handlebar 12.

[0029] Furthermore, the bracket 420 has a first bracket part 450 and a second bracket part 452. The first and second bracket parts 450 and 452 are separate parts and fit together to form an interior space 454 between them. The first and second bracket parts 450 and 452 are immovably attached to each other by means of a pair of fasteners or screws 464. The first and second bracket parts 450 and 452 are further configured with respect to each other to form a longitudinal joining seam 456 (i.e., the outline of the inner surface 460) on the outer surface of the bracket 420, as seen in Fig. 19. Essentially, the longitudinal connecting seam 456 divides the bracket 420 into two halves which are substantially mirror images of each other, in accordance with the manner of the first aspect.

[0030] In this fifth embodiment, the first and second support members 450 and 452 are further configured relative to each other to receive and support a hydraulic brake unit 424A and an electrical control unit 424B. The hydraulic brake unit 424A is configured to actuate a hydraulic braking device (not shown). The electrical control unit 424B is configured to actuate or operate an electric bicycle device (not shown). Since the first and second support members 450 and 452 can be configured to support any hydraulic brake unit and any electrical control unit, the hydraulic brake unit 424A and the electrical control unit 424B will not be discussed in further detail here.In other words, the bracket 420 splits into two parts in substantially the same manner as the bracket 20 described above, although the interior space 454 of the bracket 420 is different. Thus, each of the hydraulic brake unit 424A and the electrical control unit 424B constitutes a bicycle operating unit housed in the interior space 454 of the bracket 420.

[0031] The hydraulic brake unit 424A includes an actuating element or brake lever 426 that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface 454 of the bracket 420. The hydraulic brake unit 424A includes a master cylinder MC and a piston element P. The master cylinder MC is disposed within the handle portion 430 of the bracket 420. The piston element P is movably disposed within the master cylinder MC. Specifically, the piston element P is moved toward the mounting surface 434 of the bracket 420 as a result of actuation of the actuating element 426. The master cylinder MC of the hydraulic brake unit 424A is disposed behind the pivot axis A1 of the actuating element 426 when the bicycle component control device is in an installed position, as shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. The actuating member 426 is pivotally mounted on the distal end portion 420A of the bracket 420 about a pivot axis A1 to actuate the hydraulic brake unit 424A. Similarly, the mechanical switching unit 424B includes an actuating member or switch lever 428 projecting outwardly from the interior space 454 of the bracket 420. Furthermore, the actuating member or lever 428 performs both a cable pulling actuation and a cable releasing actuation of the electrical control unit 424B.

[0032] With reference to the Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, a bicycle component control device according to a sixth embodiment will be explained below. The bicycle component control device 510 includes a bracket 520 configured to be used with the clamp 22 of the first aspect. The bracket 520 has a distal (first) end portion 520a and a proximal (second) end portion 520b. A grip portion 530 is disposed between the distal end portion 520a and the proximal end portion 520b. The proximal end portion 520b has a mounting surface 534, and the clamp 22 is attached to the mounting surface 534. Therefore, the clamp 22 is attached to the bracket 520 to secure the bracket 520 to the bicycle handlebar 12.

[0033] Here, the bracket 520 has a first bracket part 550 and a second bracket part 525. The first and second bracket parts 550 and 552 are separate parts and fit together to form an interior space 554 therebetween. The first and second bracket parts 550 and 552 are immovably secured to each other by means of a pair of fasteners or screws 564. The first and second bracket parts 550 and 552 are further configured with respect to each other to form a longitudinal joining seam 556 (i.e., the outline of the inner surface 560) on the outer surface of the bracket 520, as seen in Fig. 21. Essentially, the longitudinal connecting seam 556 separates the bracket 520 into two halves which are substantially mirror images of each other, similar to the manner of the first aspect.

[0034] In the sixth embodiment, the first and second support members 550 and 552 are further configured relative to each other to receive and support a hydraulic brake unit 524A and an electrical control unit 524B. The electrical control unit 524B may be either an electrical shifting unit or a non-gear shifting control unit. The hydraulic brake unit 524A is configured to actuate a hydraulic braking device (not shown). The electrical control unit 524B is configured to actuate an electric bicycle device (not shown). Since the first and second support members 550 and 552 may be configured to receive and support any hydraulic brake unit and any electronic control unit, the hydraulic brake unit 524A and the electrical control unit 524B will not be described or illustrated in further detail herein.In other words, the bracket 25 is divided into two parts in substantially the same manner as the bracket 20 described above, even if the interior space 554 of the bracket 520 is different. Thus, each of the hydraulic brake unit 524A and the electrical control unit 524B constitutes a bicycle component operating unit disposed in the interior space 554 of the bracket 520.

[0035] The hydraulic brake unit 524A includes an actuating member or brake lever 526 that protrudes outward from the interior space 545 of the bracket 520. The hydraulic brake unit 524A includes a master cylinder MC and a piston member P. The master cylinder MC is disposed within the handle portion 530 of the bracket 520. The piston member P is movably disposed within the master cylinder MC. More specifically, the piston member P is moved toward the mounting surface 534 of the bracket 520 upon actuation of the actuating member 526. The master cylinder MC of the hydraulic brake unit 524A is disposed behind the pivot axis A1 of the actuating member 526 when the bicycle component control device 510 is mounted in an installed position, as seen in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. The operating member 526 is pivotally attached to the distal end portion 520a of the bracket 520 about the pivot axis A1 to actuate the hydraulic brake unit 524A. Similarly, the electronic control unit 524B includes an operating member or shift lever 528 located on the operating member 526 and thus protruding outward from the interior space 554 of the bracket 520. More specifically, the electronic control unit 524B includes a switching unit 529. The operating member 526 is operatively connected to the switching unit 529. The operating member 526 is a brake lever having a unit mounting surface 526A that faces the bicycle handlebar 12 when the bicycle component control device 512 is in an installed position. The switching unit 529 is mounted on the unit mounting surface 526A, as shown in Fig.21. Furthermore, the operating element lever 528 is mounted on the shift unit 529 and performs both a gear change operation to the higher gears by rotating the operating element lever 528 in a first direction and a gear change operation to the lower gears (downshifting) by rotating the operating element lever 528 in a second (opposite) direction. The shift unit 529 is arranged outside the bracket 520 when the electric control unit 524B is arranged inside the bracket 520. An electric cable W electrically connects a main part of the electric control unit 524B to the shift unit 529.

[0036] For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open-ended terms that specify the presence of the recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "having," "with," and their derivatives. Furthermore, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the plural meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.As used herein to describe the present invention, the following directional terms "forward," "backward, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, downward, and transverse," as well as any similar directional terms, refer to the directions of a bicycle equipped with the bicycle component control device. Accordingly, these terms, as used to describe the present bicycle component control device, should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the present bicycle component control device when used in the normal riding position. Finally, the extent terms, such as "substantially," "by," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a reasonable amount of deviation from the modified term such that the end result is not significantly altered.

[0037] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the joint may be changed as long as the joint extends along at least three of the mounting surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface. For example, the bracket parts in the fifth and sixth embodiments may be divided so that the joint is similar to those of the second, third, or fourth embodiments.In the case of the fourth embodiment, the connecting seam can divide the bracket along one of the first and second side surfaces, one of the top or bottom surfaces, and the mounting surface, as desired and / or required. Therefore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Bicycle component control device (510) comprising: a bracket (520) comprising a distal end portion (520a), a proximal end portion (520b), and a handle portion (530) disposed between the distal end portion (520a) and the proximal end portion (520b), wherein the proximal end portion (520b) has a mounting surface (534) facing a bicycle handlebar (12); the bracket (520) includes a first bracket part (550) and a second bracket part (552), which are separate parts from one another; a first actuating element (526) which is pivotally attached to the distal end portion (520a) of the holder (520) about a pivot axis (A1); a hydraulic brake unit (524A) operably mounted on the bracket (520) and configured to actuate a hydraulic brake device, wherein the hydraulic brake unit (524A) has a piston element (P) which is moved toward the mounting surface (534) as a result of actuation of the first actuating element (526); and an electrical control unit (524B) operably mounted on the bracket (520) to operate an electric bicycle device, wherein the first and second bracket parts (552) are configured relative to each other to receive the electrical control unit (524B). [2] The bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical control unit (524B) comprises a switching unit (529) arranged outside the bracket (520). [3] The bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit (529) is mounted on the first operating member (526). [4] The bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 3, wherein the first operating member (526) is a brake lever (526) having a unit mounting surface (526A) facing the bicycle handlebar (12) when the bicycle component control device (510) is in an installed position, the switching unit (529) being mounted on the unit mounting surface (526A). [5] Bicycle component control device (510) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electrical control unit (524B) has a second actuating element (528) operatively connected to the control unit (524B). [6] Bicycle component control device (510) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydraulic brake unit (524A) has a master cylinder (MC), wherein in particular the piston element (P) is movably arranged in the master cylinder (MC) and / or the master cylinder (MC) is / are arranged within the handle portion (530) of the holder (520). [7] Bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 6, wherein the master cylinder (MC) is arranged behind the pivot axis (A1) of the first actuating member (526) when the bicycle component control device (510) is in an installed position. [8] Bicycle component control device (510) according to one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a clamp (22) attached to the bracket (520). [9] Bicycle component control device (510) comprising: a holder (520) having a handle portion (530); a first actuating element (526) pivotably mounted on the bracket (520) about a pivot axis (A1); a hydraulic brake unit (524A) operably mounted on the bracket (520) and configured to actuate a hydraulic brake unit (524A), the hydraulic brake unit (524A) having a piston member (P) moving in response to actuation of the first actuating member (526), and a master cylinder (MC), the piston member (P) being movably disposed in the master cylinder (MC); and an electrical control unit (524B) operatively mounted on the bracket (520) to operate an electric bicycle device; and a switching unit (529) mounted on the first operating member (526), wherein the operating member (526) is a brake lever (526) having a unit mounting surface (526A) facing the bicycle handlebar (12) when a bicycle component control device (510) is in an installed position, wherein the switching unit (529) is mounted on the unit mounting surface (526A), and wherein an electrical cable (W) is coupled to the switching unit (529) and the electrical control unit (524B), and the electrical cable (W) extends along the first operating member (526), wherein the electrical control unit (524B) is positioned at a position below the master cylinder (MC) when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (A1). [10] The bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 9, wherein the electrical control unit (524B) includes a second actuating element (528) operatively connected to the control unit (524B). [11] Bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the hydraulic brake unit (524A) has a master cylinder (MC), the master cylinder (MC) being arranged within the handle portion (530) of the bracket (520). [12] Bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 11, wherein the master cylinder (MC) is arranged behind the pivot axis (A1) of the first actuating member (526) when the bicycle component control device (510) is in an installed position. [13] Bicycle component control device (510) according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the bracket (520) has a distal end portion (520a) and a proximal end portion (520b), wherein the handle portion (530) of the bracket (520) is arranged between the distal end portion (520a) and the proximal end portion (520b), and wherein the first operating member (526) is pivotally attached to the distal end portion (520a) of the bracket (520). [14] A bicycle component control device (510) according to claim 13, wherein the proximal end portion (520b) of the bracket (520) has a mounting surface (534), the hydraulic brake unit (524A) comprising a piston member (P) disposed in the master cylinder (MC) and which is moved toward the mounting surface (534) as a result of an operation of the first operating member (526). [15] Bicycle component control device (510) according to one of claims 14, further comprising a clamp (22) attached to the mounting surface (534) of the bracket (520).

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