Adjustable electric bicycle control device

Abstract

Electrical control device for a bicycle, wherein the electrical control device comprises: - a clamping element (12) suitable for mounting on a bicycle handlebar (100), - a mounting element (14) adjustably mounted on the clamping element (12), and - a first electrical user interface element (16a) which is operatively coupled to the mounting element (14), wherein the clamping element (12) is mounted in such a way as to be adjustable on the bicycle handlebar (100) in an axial direction of an axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100), and wherein the mounting element (14) is mounted in such a way as to be adjustable on the clamping element (12) in an adjustment direction (D1) not parallel to the axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to an electric bicycle control device, and more particularly to an electric bicycle control device that is adjustable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBicycle control devices are known for controlling various aspects of the bicycle such as shifting or braking. For example, many shift devices are electrically operated and configured such that they can be electrically controlled to change among a plurality of gear positions (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7854180, inventor Tetsuka, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). These types of devices include electrical switches and can be mounted on a handlebar. However, due to the different size of the hands of drivers, it is desirable to provide adjustability of the positioning of the user interface devices or switches.EP 2 562 070 A1 discloses a preferably electrical operating device of a bicycle handlebar shift comprising a mounting member mountable to the end of the handlebar moving forward in the direction of travel of the bicycle and an actuator mounted on the mounting member. The actuator is in a neutral position with respect to the mounting member when no shift is commanded. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the neutral position of the actuating part with respect to the mounting member.DE 10 2012 222 347 A1 discloses a clamping assembly provided for fastening a steering rod handle to a steering rod. The clamping assembly includes a fastener configured to be mounted to the handlebar. The fastening element has at least one handle locking structure forming a counterpart and a component fastening structure.DE 602 05 173 T2 discloses an electrical device for a bicycle comprising a housing portion and a coil portion extending from the housing portion, the coil portion having a winding surface, and a retaining portion connected to overlie a portion of the coil portion to retain an electrical cord on the winding surface of the coil portion.DE 10 2004 037 741 A1 discloses a switch for actuating a transmission on a bicycle, comprising a switch housing, a cable storage device for winding up a cable, a clamping lever and a release lever, wherein the clamping lever can be rotated on the switch in a cable winding rotational direction for shifting individual gear stages in the transmission, while in a cable release rotational direction at least one gear stage can be shifted in each case by actuating the release lever.DE 20 2012 103 675 U1 discloses a cable control device for a bicycle, comprising a cable control mechanism that has an insertion region, a housing that accommodates the cable control mechanism and that has a first insertion hole into which the insertion region of the cable control mechanism is inserted. Further, a fixing member having a second insertion hole communicating with the first insertion hole, a screw member for fixing the housing to the fixing member, and a regulating member having a first hook portion hooked to an opening portion of the second insertion hole of the fixing member, an extension portion extending from the first hook portion so as to pass through the second insertion hole of the fixing member and the first insertion hole of the housing, and a second hook portion provided at an end portion of the extension portion and hooked to an opening portion of the first insertion hole.In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for an improved bicycle electric control device. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs that will become apparent to one skilled in the art from this disclosure.SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSAccording to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric control device for a bicycle including a clamping member adapted to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar, a support member adjustably mounted on the clamping member, and a first user electrical interface member operatively coupled to the support member. The support member is mounted to be adjustable on the clamping member in an adjustment direction perpendicular to an axis of the bicycle handlebar and in an adjustment direction in a circumferential direction relative to the axis. In a preferred embodiment, the holding member is adjustable with respect to the clamping member in at least one first adjustment direction. Preferably, one of the clamping member and the support member includes a guide portion extending in the first adjustment direction, and the other of the clamping member and the support member is operatively associated with the guide portion and is therefore adjustable in the first adjustment direction. The guide portion includes an elongated hole defined therein, which extends substantially in the first adjustment direction. In a preferred embodiment, the electric control device includes a fixing member which extends through the elongated hole and is fixed to the other of the clamping member and the holding member. Preferably, one of the clamping member and the holding member has a protruding portion, the guide portion includes a groove portion, and the protruding portion is received in the groove portion such that the protruding portion slides along the groove portion in a first adjustment direction. Preferably, the electrical control device includes first and second electrical switch units mounted on the support member and operated by the first and second electrical user interface members. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second electrical user interface members include lever members each pivoting about a lever axis.In a preferred embodiment, the guide portion includes at least first and second adjustment openings defined therein. A fastener extends through one of the first and second adjustment openings and is secured to the one of the clamping member and the support member. The position of the support member can be adjusted by extending the fastener through the other of the first and second adjustment openings.In a preferred embodiment, the clamping member includes a band part that is adapted to be attached to the bicycle handlebar and that defines a central axis. In this embodiment, the first setting direction is an angular direction with respect to the central axis of the band part.In a preferred embodiment, the protruding portion is received in the channel portion and the guide portion further includes a lead screw spanning the length of the channel portion and extending through a threaded bore defined in the protruding portion. The support member is displaced in the first adjustment direction when the lead screw is rotated.According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric control device associated with a clamping member capable of being mounted on a bicycle handlebar. The electrical control device includes a support member adjustably mounted to the clamping member and a first electrical user interface member operatively coupled to the support member. The user interface member includes an electrical switching unit.According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric control device for a bicycle including a clamping member capable of being mounted on a bicycle handlebar, a brake operating member operatively mounted on the clamping member, a support member detachably mounted on the clamping member, and an electric control member including a user interface member. The electrical control member is operatively coupled to the support member.The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electric control device of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the electrical control device of FIG. 1 in a first position; FIG. 3B is a bottom plan view of the electrical control device of FIG. 1 in a second position; FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of an electric control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an electrical control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an electrical control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of an electrical control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electric control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electric control device of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of an electric control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an electric control device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSSelected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.Referring initially to FIGS. 1 to 3B, an electric control device 10 afor a bicycle according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, the electric control device 10 aincludes a clamping member 12 capable of being mounted on a bicycle handlebar 100, a support member 14 adjustably mounted on the clamping member 12, and at least one operating component or user interface member coupled to the support member 14. A user interface member may be, for example, a brake lever, a shift lever or button, and so forth. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the electrical control device 10a includes at least a first electrical user interface member 16a operatively coupled to the support member 14 and preferably a second electrical user interface member 16b operatively coupled thereto. The electric control device 10 ais used for operating electric bicycle components, such as an electric front bicycle derailleur or a rear derailleur. The electric control device 10 acan be further used for operating a plurality of electric components, such as an electric seat height adjuster and an electric suspension switching device.In a preferred embodiment, the first electrical user interface member 16a includes a first lever member 17a and a first electrical switching unit 19a. The first electric switching unit 19a is operatively attached to the support member 14. The first lever member 17 abides about a first lever axis P 1 with respect to the first electric switching unit 19 a. The first electric switch unit 19a is operated by the first lever member 17a due to the pivotal movement of the first lever member 17a. The second electrical user interface member 16b includes a second lever member 17b and a second electrical switch unit 19b. The second electric switching unit 19 bis operatively attached to the support member 14. The second lever member 17 bb pivots about a second lever axis P2 with respect to the second electric switching unit 19b. The second electric switch unit 19b is operated by the second lever member 17b due to the pivotal movement of the second lever member 17b.In a preferred embodiment, the support member 14 is adjustable relative to the clamping member 12 in an adjustment direction D 1 corresponding to the first adjustment direction of the appended claims. The adjustment direction D 1 may be any direction, and depends on, among other things, the orientation of the clamping member 12 and the support member 14. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment direction D 1 is substantially perpendicular to an axis A 1 defined by the bicycle handlebar when the control device 10 is mounted to the bicycle handlebar 100.As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping member 12 includes a guide portion 18 which extends in the adjustment direction D 1 and allows adjustment of the support member 14 in the adjustment direction D 1. In a preferred embodiment, the guide portion 18 includes a channel portion 20 defined in the clamping member 12. The support member 14 includes a protruding portion 22 that is received in and slides along the groove portion 20 in the adjustment direction D 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the guide portion 18 includes an elongated hole 24 defined therein, which extends substantially in the adjustment direction D 1. The slot 24 is defined in the channel portion 20 such that a fastener 26 extends through the slot 24 and into an opening 28 in the protruding portion 22 to secure the retainer member 14 to the clamping member 12. More than one fastener 26 and corresponding aperture 28 may be used.In order to adjust the position of the support member 14 and the first and second electrical user interface members 16 aand 16 bthereof, the fastening member 26 is loosened, the support member 14 is slid in the adjustment direction D 1 to the desired position (by means of the protruding portion 22) sliding in the fillet portion 20, and the fastening member 26 is fastened. For example, FIG. 3A shows the support member 14 (and the first and second electrical user interface members 16 aand 16 bthereof) in a first position, and FIG. 3B shows the support member 14 in a second position. As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment of an electric control device 10 b, the protruding portion 22 may be located on the clamping member 12, and the guide portion 18 and the groove portion 20 may be defined in the support member 14.FIGS. 5 and 6 show respective further embodiments of electric control devices 10 cand 10 dfor a bicycle. As seen in FIG. 5, in the electric control device 10 c, the guide portion 18 is provided to the support member 12 and includes first, second, and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 b, and 30 cdefined therein. The first, second and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 band 30 cof the clamping member 12 correspond to an opening 28 provided on the support member 14 (only a portion of the support member 14 is shown in FIG. 5 ). As seen in FIG. 6, in the electric control device 10 d, the guide portion 18 is provided on the support member 14 (only a portion of the support member 14 is shown in FIG. 6 ) and includes first, second, and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 b, and 30 cdefining therein. The first, second and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 band 30 cof the support member 14 correspond to an opening 28 provided on the clamping member 12. It will be appreciated that for simplicity the electrical user interface members of Figures 5 and 6 have been omitted. In use, however, at least one electrical user interface member 16a is associated with the support member 14, as shown in Fig. 1. More or fewer adjustment openings may be used.In the embodiment of the electric control device 10 cshown in FIG. 5, in order to adjust the position of the support member 14, the fastening member 26 is removed from the opening 28 and from one of the first, second and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 band 30 c, the support member 14 is slid in the adjustment direction D 1 to the desired position, the fastening member 26 is extended through another one of the first, second and third adjustment openings 30 a, 30 band 30 cand opening 28, and the fastening member 26 is fastened.In the embodiment of the electric control device 10 dshown in FIG. 6, in order to adjust the position of the support member 14, the fixing member 26 is removed from one of the first, second, and third adjustment holes 30 a, 30 b, and 30 cand the hole 28, the support member 14 is slid in the adjustment direction D 1 to the desired position, the fixing member 26 is extended through the hole 28 and another one of the first, second, and third adjustment holes 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c, and the fixing member 26 is fastened.It will be appreciated that the fastener 26 may be a threaded fastener or other type of fastener that extends through the slot 24, aperture 28, or adjustment apertures 30a, 30b, and 30c. The fastener 26 may be, for example, a rod or the like which is spring biased inward and which is pulled out of the apertures and then reinserted into another aperture (or portion of the slot 24) after adjustment.FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of an electric control device 10 efor a bicycle. In this embodiment, the clamping member 12 includes a band part 32 defining an axis A 2 that is coaxial with the axis A 1 when the electric control device 10 eis mounted on a bicycle handlebar 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the support member 14 includes a fastener 26 extending therethrough and into the band part 32. The clamping member 12 includes a guide portion 18. The position of the support member 14 (and the first electrical user interface member 16a) thereon is adjustable by loosening the fastener 26 and displacing the support member 14 in an adjustment direction D2 which is an angular or circumferential direction and corresponds to the first adjustment direction of the appended claims. This can be accomplished by the association of the fastener 26 with a plurality of adjustment apertures or slot defined in the strap portion 32 (similar to the embodiments described above) or some other slidably or slidable relationship between the support member 14 and the clamping member 12 (strap portion 32). In this embodiment, the support member 14 is substantially rotatable or pivotable about the axis A 2.FIGS. 8 to 9 show another embodiment of an electric control device 10f for a bicycle. In this embodiment, the guide portion 18 includes a threaded spindle 34 that spans the length of the flute portion 20 and extends through a threaded bore 36 defined in the protruding portion 22. In operation, the support member 14 is displaced in the adjustment direction D 1 when the lead screw 34 is rotated.FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of an electric control device 10 gfor a bicycle. In this embodiment, the support member 14 is adjustable in an adjustment direction D 3 that is substantially parallel to the axis A 1 defined by the bicycle handlebar 100 when the control device 10 gis mounted on the bicycle handlebar 100.FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of an electric control device 10 h. In this embodiment, the electric control device 10 hoperates more than one bicycle component. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the electrical control device 10h may operate an electrical shifting device, such as one of an electrical front or rear derailleur (via the first electrical user interface member 16a) and a brake unit (via a brake lever or brake operating member 40). In a preferred embodiment, the electrical control device 10h includes the clamping member 12, the support member 14, the first electrical user interface member 16a, the second electrical user interface member 16b, and the brake operating member 40 pivotally attached to a mounting portion 42 provided on the clamping member 12. Mounting portion 42 and clamping member 12 may be integral or removable from each other so that different brake control members may be used. In view of adjustability of the position of the support member 14 (and the first and second electrical user interface members 16a and 16b), any of the above described adjustment methods or components may be used to adjust the position of the support member 14 relative to the clamping member 12. In use, the clamping member 12 is attached to a bicycle handlebar.In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be unlimited terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other non-stated features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps. The foregoing is also applicable to words having similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. The terms "part", "section", "section", "member" or "element", when used in the singular, may also have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein in describing the above embodiments, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "rightward", "leftward", "outward", "forward", "inward", "downward", "upward", "above", "below", "perpendicular", "horizontal", and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle equipped with the bicycle control device. Accordingly, these terms, as used to describe the bicycle control device, should be interpreted with respect to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle control device as used in a normal riding posture on a level ground. Finally, gradual terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an appropriate amount of deviation from the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.Although certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim embodiments, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim embodiments. Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. §112 Paragraph 6 will begin with the words "means for.". Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to continue such additional claim embodiments for other aspects of the disclosure.Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all terms used herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and that various changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

An electrical control device for a bicycle, the electrical control device comprising: - a clamping member (12) suitable for mounting on a bicycle handlebar (100); - a support member (14) adjustably mounted on the clamping member (12); and - a first electrical user interface member (16a) operatively coupled to the support member (14), wherein the clamping member (12) is mounted to be adjustable on the bicycle handlebar (100) in an axial direction of an axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100), and wherein the support member (14) is mounted to be adjustable on the clamping member (12) in an adjustment direction (D1) non-parallel to the axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100).An electrical control device associated with a clamping member (12) suitable for mounting on a bicycle handlebar (100), the electrical control device comprising: - a support member (14) adjustably mounted on the clamping member (12), and - a first electrical user interface member (16a) operatively coupled to the support member (14), wherein the clamping member (12) is mounted to be adjustable on the bicycle handlebar (100) in an axial direction of an axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100), and wherein the support member (14) is mounted to be adjustable on the clamping member (12) in an adjustment direction (D1) non-parallel to the axis (A1) of the bicycle handlebar (100).An electrical control device for a bicycle, the electrical control device comprising: a clamping member (12) suitable for adjustable mounting on a bicycle handlebar (100); a brake operating member (40) operatively mounted on the clamping member (12); a support member (14) removably mounted on the clamping member (12); and an electrical control member including a user interface member (16a; 16b), the electrical control member operatively coupled to the support member (14), the user interface member (16a; 16b) including an electrical shift unit (19a).Electrical control device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting member (14) is adjustable with respect to the clamping member (12) in at least one adjustment direction (D1; D2).The electric control device according to claim 4, wherein one of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14) includes a guide portion (18) extending in the first adjustment direction (D1; D2), the other of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14) being operatively associated with the guide portion (18) and thereby adjustable in the first adjustment direction (D1; D2).The electric control device according to claim 5, wherein the other of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14) has a protruding portion (22), the guide portion (18) includes a groove portion (20) having a length, the protruding portion (22) being / is accommodated in the groove portion (20), the guide portion (18) includes a lead screw (34) that spans the length of the groove portion (20) and extends through a threaded hole (36) defined in the protruding portion (22), the support member (14) being slid in the first adjustment direction (D1; D2) when the lead screw (34) is rotated.The electrical control device of claim 5, wherein the guide portion (18) includes an elongated hole (24) defined therein that extends primarily in the first adjustment direction (D1; D2), and optionally wherein a fastener (26) extends through the elongated hole (24) and is secured to the other of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14).The electrical control device of claim 5, wherein the guide portion (18) includes at least first and second adjustment openings (30a, 30b) defined therein.The electric control device according to claim 8, further comprising a fixing member (26) which extends through one of the first and second adjustment holes (30a, 30b) and is fixed to the other of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14), wherein the position of the support member (14) can be adjusted by the fixing member (26) extending through the other of the first and second adjustment holes (30a, 30b).The electric control device according to claim 5, wherein the other of the clamping member (12) and the support member (14) has a protruding portion (22), wherein the guide portion (18) includes a fillet portion (20), and wherein the protruding portion (22) is / is accommodated in the fillet portion (20) such that the protruding portion (22) slides along the fillet portion (20) in the first adjustment direction (D1; D2).The electric control device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the first adjustment direction (D1; D2) is oriented perpendicular to the axis (A1) defined by the bicycle handlebar (100) when the control device is mounted on the bicycle handlebar (100).The electric control device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the clamping member (12) includes a band part (32) that is suitable for attachment to the bicycle handlebar (100) and that defines a central axis, wherein the first adjustment direction (D1; D2) is an angular direction with respect to the central axis of the band part (32).The electrical control device of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first electrical user interface member (16a) includes a first lever member (17a) that pivots about a first lever axis (P1), and optionally wherein a first electrical switch unit (19a) is mounted to the support member (14), the first lever member (17a) operating the first electrical switch unit (19a).The electrical control device of any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second electrical user interface member (16b) operatively coupled to the support member (14), in particular wherein the second electrical user interface member (16b) includes a second lever member (17b) that pivots about a second lever axis (P2).The electrical control device according to claim 14, wherein the second electrical user interface member (16b) further includes a second electrical switch unit (19a) mounted on the mounting member (14), and in particular the second lever member (17b) operates the second electrical switch unit (19a).

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