Bicycle control device for controlling an electrical device

Abstract

A bicycle control device comprising a bracket configured to be mounted on a handlebar, a first lever pivotally mounted on the bracket and defining a first pivot axis, a second lever including a first user contact portion pivotally mounted relative to the first lever, pivoting relative to a second axis, and a first electrical switch mounted relative to one of the first lever and the second lever. The first electrical switch is actuated in response to pivotal movements of the second lever relative to the second axis. The first pivot axis is positioned or arranged between the second pivot axis and the first user contact portion.

Description

Environment of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle control device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle control device or controller mounted on a handlebar of a bicycle for actuating a braking device and for electrically actuating a non-hub gear system, also called an external gear system. Background of the invention

[0002] There are known bicycle gearshifts that are electrically powered and configured to be electrically controlled for shifting among a variety of gear or shift positions. This type of electrically powered gearshift is operated with a gearshift device that can be mounted on a handlebar (see, e.g., US Pat. No. 7,854,180 B2 to Tetsuka, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference). This conventional gearshift device electrically operates an external or non-hub gearshift, such as a front derailleur and / or a rear derailleur. The conventional gearshift includes a brake lever and two shift levers pivotally mounted on the brake lever. The shift levers are pivoted in an inward direction to respectively operate corresponding switches.

[0003] From the US patent application US 2009 / 0 031 841 A1 and from the US patent application US 2010 / 0 186 538 A1 a bicycle control device is known in which the brake lever pivot axis is located above the gear lever pivot axis.

[0004] In the conventional gear shifting device as described above, a relatively large operating force is required to operate the shift lever when the user / driver pushes or presses an upper end portion of a user contact part of the shift lever because the pivot axis of the shift lever is located close to the user contact part.

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved bicycle control device. The invention is directed to meeting this need, as well as other needs that will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following disclosure.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle control device which does not require a large operating force from the rider.

[0007] This object is achieved by a bicycle control device according to the main claim 1 or according to the dependent claim 14. Summary of the preferred embodiments

[0008] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle control device is provided including a bracket configured to be mounted to a handlebar, a first lever pivotally mounted to the bracket and defining a first pivot axis, a second lever including a first user touch portion pivotally mounted relative to the first lever, pivoting about a second axis, and a first electrical switch mounted on one of the first lever and the second lever. The first electrical switch is actuated in response to pivotal movement of the second lever with respect to the second axis. The first pivot axis is disposed between the second pivot axis and the first user touch portion.

[0009] The invention, together with further features and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the detailed description that follows. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a right-side plan view of a bicycle control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a left-side cross-sectional view of the bicycle control device. Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the derailleur operating unit on the lever operating part of the brake lever. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the derailleur operating unit on the lever operating part of the brake lever. Fig. 5 is a right side cross-sectional view of the derailleur operating unit on the lever operating part of the brake lever. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0010] With initial reference to Fig. 1 shows a control device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The control device is mounted on a handlebar 100. The handlebar 100 is of the well-known racing bicycle handlebar type, having a U-shaped portion 100a on the right side and a U-shaped portion (not shown) on the left side, as well as an intermediate portion (not shown). The intermediate portion is arranged between the U-shaped portion 100a on the right side and the U-shaped portion on the left side, and connects the upper end portions of the right-side U-shaped portion 100a and the left-side U-shaped portion. The control device 10 is mounted on the right-side U-shaped portion 100a for actuating a conventional front or rear brake device (not shown) and a conventional electric front or rear derailleur.The control device 10 is connected to the brake device via a Bowden-type brake cable (not shown). The control device 10 is also connected to the electric front derailleur or derailleur via an electric cable or wire (not shown).

[0011] In the following explanations, terms such as "inward" refer to a direction directed toward the center of the handlebar 100 from one end or the other of the handlebar 100, whereas "outward" or "outwardly" refers to directions toward one end of the handlebar 100 as viewed from the center of the handlebar 100.

[0012] As it is in Fig. 1, the control device 10 includes a bracket or clamp 12 configured to be mounted on the handlebar 100, a brake lever 14 pivotally mounted on the bracket 12, and a derailleur operating unit 16 mounted on the brake lever 14. A connector portion 18 is provided within the bracket 12 for connecting or connecting electrical cables or wires.

[0013] The brake lever 14 is connected with respect to the bracket or holder 12 in such a way that it can pivot freely with respect to a lever shaft 20 arranged from left to right on a lower frontal portion of the bracket or holder 12. As shown in Fig. 5, the lever shaft 20 defines a brake lever pivot axis A1, relative to which the brake lever 14 pivots. The brake lever 14 is connected to one end of a Bowden-type brake cable (not shown) on the inside of the bracket 12. The other end of the brake cable is connected to or connected to the front or rear brake device. The brake lever 14 has a lever actuating part 22 extending downward from a support portion where it is supported by the lever shaft 20. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the lever actuating portion 22 includes a right side wall 24, a left side wall 26, and an intermediate or front wall 28 disposed between the right and left side walls 24 and 26 along the longitudinal dimension of the lever actuating portion 22. At least a portion of the derailleur actuating unit 16 is disposed between the right and left side walls 24 and 26.

[0014] As it is in Fig. 1, the derailleur or front derailleur operating unit 16 comprises a first shift operating lever 30, a shift operating lever 32, a first electrical switch 34 and a second electrical switch 36 (see Fig. 2). The first shift lever 30 pivots together with the brake lever 14 when the brake lever 14 pivots about the axis A1. The first shift lever 30 is pivotable with respect to the brake lever 14, as previously mentioned. The second shift lever 32 also pivots together with the brake lever 14 when the brake lever 14 pivots about the axis A1. The second shift lever 32 is pivotable with respect to the brake lever 14, as previously mentioned. The second shift lever 32 is separate from the first shift lever 30. The first electrical switch 34 is operated by the first shift lever 30. The second electrical switch 36 is operated by the second shift lever 32. The first and second shift operating levers 30 and 32 are pivotally mounted with respect to a rear surface 28a of the front wall 28 of the brake lever 14.The first and second electrical switches 34 and 36 are mounted together in a switch mounting unit 38 on the left side wall or wall 26 of the brake lever 14. In an alternative embodiment, one or both electrical switches 34 and 36 could be mounted on one of the first or second shift operating levers 30 or 32. In such an embodiment, the switches 34 or 36 can be actuated by the respective first or second shift operating lever 30 of 32 (or the switch or the switch mounting unit), abutting against the brake lever after pivoting.

[0015] The first shifting lever 30 is used to operate the electric front derailleur or front derailleur in an upshifting direction or a downshifting direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the first shift operating lever 30 can be pivoted or swung from a first rest or initial position P1 toward the center of the handlebar 100, that is, toward the inside of the brake lever 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow M in Fig. 4. A first actuating position P2, in which the first electrical switch 34 is or will be actuated, is located on the inward side of the first initial or rest position P1. The first switch actuating lever 30 can be pivoted or swung inward beyond the first actuating position P2.

[0016] As it is in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5, the first shift operating lever 30 includes a first mounting portion 40, a first arm portion 42, and a user contact or touch portion 44. It should be understood that the first shift operating lever 30 is a lever mounted on a pivot shaft 46. More specifically, the first mounting portion 40 is mounted on the pivot shaft 46. The first arm portion 42 extends in a radial direction from the first mounting portion 40. The first user contact portion 44 is arranged to intersect with a distal end portion of the first arm portion 42. A first support hole 40a is formed in the first mounting portion 40 for the pivot shaft 46 to allow the pivot shaft 46 to pass therethrough. The pivot shaft 46 is threadedly engaged in a threaded boss portion 28b formed on the rear surface 28a of the brake lever 14.The pivot shaft 46 has a larger-diameter flange portion 46a, a shaft portion 46b, and an externally threaded portion 46c. The shaft portion 46b snaps into the first support hole 40a.

[0017] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, an extension portion (not shown) of the first user contact part 44 contacts an inner surface of the right side wall 24 of the brake lever 14 when the first shift operating lever 30 is in the rest position P1. Thus, the initial or rest position P1 of the first shift operating lever 30, that is, the end point of movement of the first shift operating lever 30 in the outward direction, is determined by this contact.

[0018] As it is in Fig. 5, the first user contact portion 44 is disposed rearward of the right side wall 24 of the brake lever 14. The first user contact portion 44 has a first operating surface 44a formed as a rough or tactile surface. A first shift operating portion 44b having a semicircular shape is formed on an opposite surface (inward or left-side surface) of the first operating surface 44a of the first user contact portion 44. A first biasing member (e.g., a coil spring, not shown) is disposed between the first shift operating lever 44b and the first electrical switch 34. According to this configuration, the first biasing member urges the first electrical switch 34 in response to a pivotal movement of the first shift operating lever 30 from the first home or rest position P1 toward the first operating position P2.

[0019] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, two pressing portions 44c and 44d are configured to press against the second shift operating lever 32, located on both longitudinal sides of the opposing surface. The pressing or urging portions 44c and 44d are formed thinner than other portions and are arranged and configured so that the second shift operating lever 32 can enter the interior thereof.

[0020] The second shifting lever 32 is used to operate the electric front derailleur or front derailleur in the other upshifting direction than the downshifting direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the second shift operating lever 32 can be pivoted or swung from a second home or rest position Q1 toward the center of the handlebar 100, that is, toward the inboard side of the brake lever 14. A second operating position Q2, at which the second electrical switch 36 is operated, is arranged or located on the inboard side of the second home or rest position Q1. The second shift operating lever 32 can be pivoted or swung inward beyond the second operating position Q2. The distance or amount of movement from the first home or rest position P1 to the first operating position P2 is less or shorter than the distance or amount from the second home or rest position Q1 to the second operating position Q2.

[0021] When the first shift operating lever 30 is moved inward or leftward with respect to the brake lever 14, the second shift operating lever 32 moves inward or leftward with respect to the brake lever 14 together with the first shift operating lever 30. Similarly, when the second shift operating lever 32 is moved inward with respect to the brake lever 14, the first operating lever 30 does not move inward. Since the moving distance or amount of the first shift operating lever 30 is shorter or less than the moving distance or amount of the second shift operating lever 32, the second electrical switch 36 is not operated when the second shift operating lever 32 is moved inward as a result of the operation of the first shift operating lever 30.

[0022] The second shift operating lever 32 includes a second mounting portion 48, a second arm portion 50, and a second user contact portion 52. It should be understood that the second shift operating lever 32 is a lever mounted on the pivot shaft 46. More specifically, the second mounting portion 48 is supported or mounted on the pivot shaft 46. The second arm portion 50 extends in a radial direction from the second mounting portion 48. The second user contact portion 52 is arranged to intersect with a distal end portion of the second arm portion 50.

[0023] A second support opening or hole 48a is formed in the second mounting part 48 for the pivot shaft 46 to pass therethrough. The shaft part 46b of the pivot shaft 46 fits tightly or snap-fit ​​into the support opening or hole 48a. Since the first shift operating lever 30 and the second shift operating lever 32 are both pivotally mounted with respect to the same pivot shaft 46, both elements pivot with respect to the same (single) axis A2 (see Fig. 5).

[0024] As it is in Fig. 5, the axis A1 is positioned between the shift lever pivot axis A2 (the axis with respect to which the first shift operating lever 30 and the second shift operating lever 32 pivot) and the first user contact part 44. The axis A1 is further positioned between the axis A2 and the second user contact part 52. In other words, when the bicycle control device 10 is mounted on the handlebar 100, the pivot axis of the first shift operating lever 30 and the pivot axis of the second shift operating lever 32 (in Fig. 5 the same) above the pivot axis of the brake lever 14, and the uppermost point of the first user contact part 44 and the uppermost point of the second user contact part 52 are located below the pivot axis of the brake lever 14. In a preferred embodiment, the axes A1 and A2 are not parallel and are advantageously approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0025] Pressure-receiving parts 52b and 52c are provided at an upper end portion and an intermediate portion along the longitudinal direction of the second user-touching part 52. The pressure-receiving parts 52b and 52c are provided in positions where they can contact the pressing parts 44c and 44d of the first user-touching part 44. The pressure-receiving parts 52b and 52c are contacted and pressed or pressed by the pressing parts 44c and 44d when the first shift operating lever 30 is pivoted or swung from the first home or rest position P1. As a result, the second shift operating lever 32 is pivoted or swung together when the shift operating lever 30 is pivoted or swung.

[0026] A second switch operating part 52d having a semicircular shape is formed on an opposite or opposing surface (inward or leftward surface) of the second operating or operation surface 52a of the second user touching part 52. A second biasing member (e.g., a coil spring - not shown) is arranged between the second switch operating part 52d and the second electrical switch 36. According to this construction, the second biasing member pushes or urges the second electrical switch 36 in response to a pivotal movement of the second switch operating lever 32 from the second home or rest position Q1 toward the first operating or operation position Q2.

[0027] As it is in Fig. 4, the second arm portion 50 is arranged adjacent to the first arm portion 42 (not shown in Fig. 4) when the second shift operating lever 32 is in the second home or rest position Q1. Thus, the second home or rest position Q1 forms the end point of movement of the second shift operating lever 32 in the outward direction. The second arm portion 50 extends in a radial direction from the second mounting portion 48 to a position rearward of the first arm portion 42.

[0028] As it is in the Fig. 3 to 5, a portion of the second user touch part 52 is arranged rearward of the first user touch part 44. A second operating or actuating surface 52a is formed on an outward-facing or rightward-facing surface of the second user touch part 52. The second operating or actuating surface 52a is a smooth or soft surface without roughness or obstruction, or without haptic elements, so that it can be distinguished from the first operating surface 44a by means of the touch sensation or haptics (different surface). When the switching operating levers 30 and 32 are both in the home or rest positions P1 and Q1, the second operating surface 52a is arranged in a different plane than the first operating or actuating surface 44a ( Fig. 4). More specifically, the second actuating or operating surface 52a is arranged slightly more inwardly or to the left than the first actuating or operating surface 44a. Thus, the first shift operating lever 30 and the second shift operating lever 32 can be distinguished based on both differences in texture or feel and differences in arrangement, thereby reliably preventing an unintentional gear shift maneuver.

[0029] In this embodiment, the brake lever 14 corresponds to the first lever, the first shift lever 30 corresponds to the second lever, the second shift lever 32 corresponds to the third lever, the axis A1 corresponds to the first pivot axis, and the axis A2 corresponds to the second and third pivot axes. According to this construction, a rider can operate the first shift lever 30 and the second shift lever 32 with relatively little effort even while pushing or sliding the upper end portions of the first shift lever 30 and the second shift lever 32.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, a space S is defined between the axis A1 (or the lever shaft 20) and the rear surface 28a of the front wall or wall 28 of the brake lever 14. As shown in Fig.5, the first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 50 extend through this space or volume S. The first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 50 are thus arranged or positioned between the axis A1 and the rear or rear surface 28a of the front wall or wall 28. This positioning provides reduced exposure of at least one (and preferably both) of the first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 50. This arrangement or positioning provides an attractive appearance and / or assists in avoiding inadvertent or unwanted contact of a driver or driver's hand with the first arm portion 52 and the second arm portion 50.Furthermore, with such an arrangement in which the first arm part 42 and the second arm part 50 are arranged between the axis A1 and the rear or rear surface 28a of the front wall 28, it is possible to effectively limit the pivoting ranges of the first arm part 42 and the second arm part 50 by means of the side walls or walls 24 and 26 of the brake lever 14, without the need to provide separate pivoting range limiting structures.

[0031] Although the above-described embodiment illustrates a derailleur or front derailleur (externally mounted gear change mechanism) as an example of a gear shifting device, the present invention can also be applied to a brake and a gear shift operating device configured to operate a hub gear having a plurality of indexing positions and capable of being electrically controlled.

[0032] Although in the previous embodiment, the first shift operating lever 30 and the second shift operating lever 32 are connected to the brake lever 14 such that they pivot about the same pivot shaft 46, it is also possible to connect or provide them so that they pivot or can pivot about separate pivot shafts with correspondingly different axes. It is also possible to connect or couple the shift operating levers 30 and 32 to the brake lever 14 such that they are movable in a movement other than a pivoting movement, such as a sliding movement.

[0033] In the embodiment described above, the first and second shift operating levers 30 and 32 are mounted directly or immediately to the brake lever 14. However, it is also possible to mount the first and second shift operating levers 30 and 32 either to the brake lever 14 or to the bracket or clamp 12 with a separate mounting element.

[0034] Although in the preferred embodiment described above, the moving distances or the amount of movement of the two switching operating levers are different in order to avoid unintentional operation of the operating or switching, it is also acceptable if both moving amounts are the same or if the moving distances correspond to each other.

[0035] It is to be understood that the present invention is applicable to a bicycle control device that inputs signals indicative of a single shifting movement with respect to a shifting device having a single shifting operation, but also to a bicycle control device that inputs a signal indicative of two or more shifting movements with respect to a shifting device having a single shifting operation.

Claims

[1] Bicycle control device (10), comprising: a bracket (12) configured to be mounted on a handlebar (100); a first lever (14) pivotally mounted on the bracket (12) and defining a first pivot axis (A1); a second lever (30) pivotally mounted relative to the first lever (14) for pivoting relative to a second axis (A2), the second lever (30) including a first user contact portion (44); and a first electrical switch (34) mounted on one of the first lever (14) and the second lever (30) and actuated in response to pivotal movement of the second lever (30) with respect to the second axis (A2); wherein the first pivot axis (A1) is arranged between the second pivot axis (A2) and the first user contact part (44). [2] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second axis (A2) is not parallel to the first pivot axis (A1). [3] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second axis (A2) is approximately perpendicular to the first pivot axis (A1). [4] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrical switch (34) is mounted on the first lever (14). [5] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first lever (14) includes a front wall (28) with a rear surface (28a), the second lever (30) being arranged between the first pivot axis (A1) and the rear surface (28a). [6] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a third lever (32) pivotally mounted relative to the first lever (14) for pivoting about a third axis, the third lever (32) including a second user contact portion (52); and a second electrical switch (36) mounted relative to one of the first lever (14), the second lever (30) and the third lever (32) and actuated in response to pivotal movement of the third lever (32) relative to the third axis, wherein the first pivot axis (A1) is arranged between the second axis (A2) and the second user contact part (52). [7] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the second axis (A2) and the third axis are coaxial. [8] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second and third axes are not parallel to the first pivot axis (A1). [9] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second and third axes are approximately perpendicular to the first pivot axis (A1). [10] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the first and second electrical switches (34, 36) are mounted on the first lever (14). [11] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second lever (30) is pivotable with respect to the first lever (14) in a first direction for operating the first switch (34), and the third lever (32) is pivotable with respect to the first lever (14) in a second direction for operating the second switch (36), the first and second directions being corresponding directions to each other. [12] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the third lever (32) is arranged such that the third lever (32) is pivotable by the second lever (30) when the second lever (30) is pivoted about the second pivot axis (A2) with respect to the first lever (14). [13] Bicycle control device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the first lever (14) includes a front wall (28a) with a rear or tail surface (28a), the second lever (30) and the third lever (32) being arranged or positioned between the first axis (A1) and the rear or tail surface (28a). [14] Bicycle control device (10), comprising: a bracket (12) configured for mounting on a handlebar (100); a first lever (14) pivotally mounted with respect to the bracket (12) and defining a first pivot axis (A1), the first lever (14) including a front wall (28) with a rear surface (28a); a second lever (30) pivotally mounted with respect to the first lever (14) for pivoting about a second axis (A2), the second lever (30) including a first user contact portion (44); and a first electrical switch (34) mounted on one of the first lever (14) and the second lever (30) and actuated in response to a pivotal movement of the second lever (30) with respect to the second axis (A2), wherein the first pivot axis (A1) is positioned between the second pivot axis (A2) and the first user contact part (44); and wherein the second lever (30) is positioned between the first pivot axis (A1) and the rear surface (28a). [15] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 14, further comprising: a third lever (32) pivotally mounted relative to the first lever (14) for pivoting relative to a third axis (A2), the third lever (32) including a second user contact portion (52); and a second electrical switch (36) actuated in response to a pivoting movement of the third lever (32) with respect to the third axis (A2), wherein the first pivot axis (A1) is positioned between the second axis (A2) and the second user contact part (52). [16] Bicycle control device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the third lever (32) is positioned between the first pivot axis (A1) and the rear or tail surface (28a).

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