bicycle control unit
The bicycle shift control device with adjustable user-operating elements and torsion springs improves gear shifting flexibility and efficiency, addressing the limitations of existing devices by enabling intuitive and precise gear changes.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102014007156
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2013-06-21
- Filing Date
- 2014-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing bicycle shift control devices lack flexibility and efficiency in gear shifting, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking intuitive operation.
A bicycle shift control device with a user-operating element that can be adjusted to two different positions, featuring a housing, basic elements, and fastening mechanisms to allow for precise and intuitive gear changes through a combination of axles, guide slots, and torsion springs for smooth operation.
Enhances gear shifting flexibility and efficiency by allowing intuitive and precise control of gear changes, reducing manual effort and improving cycling performance.
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Abstract
Description
BACKGROUNDField of the invention
[0001] This application claims priority to US Application No. 13 / 923,603, filed on June 21, 2013. This disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a bicycle control device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle control device having a user actuation element that is adjustable between at least two different positions. Background information
[0003] Bicycles are often provided with one or more bicycle controls for controlling various components of the bicycle. Some bicycles are provided with a drivetrain having different gears, allowing a cyclist to select a particular gear for a particular situation. A bicycle control is usually provided for the cyclist to manually change the gears of the drivetrain. This type of control is often referred to as a bicycle shifter. In most cases, the bicycle control is attached to a portion of a handlebar or frame of the bicycle. Typically, the bicycle control includes a user actuator that is movably arranged to operate a bicycle component. Occasionally, the user actuator is adjustable. For example, US application No.2008 / 009 8848 (US 2008 / 0 098 848 A1) a bicycle switch with an adjustable lever.
[0004] 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 tensioning lever and a release lever, wherein the tensioning lever on the switch can be rotated in a cable winding direction of rotation to switch individual gear stages in the transmission, while in a cable release direction of rotation at least one gear stage can be switched by actuating the release lever.
[0005] US 4,974,469 A discloses a support for brake levers, including a pin for the articulation of an operating lever for the front or rear derailleur, which is mounted on an auxiliary body whose position relative to the support is adjustable. The auxiliary body can be connected to a handlebar-mounted support of the lever in a device arranged such that the operating lever is arranged above or below the center plane of the support.
[0006] US 4,611,500 A discloses a brake actuating device mounted on a bicycle handle, in which a bracket having a first actuating member pivotally supports an actuating lever having a second stop surface for abutting the first stop surface. Each stop surface is formed in a circular arc centered at a position spaced from the pivot point of the lever relative to the bracket. The pivot point is switched on the circumference of a circle concentric with the circular arcs forming the first and second stop surfaces to adjust the grip distance between the handle and the actuating lever. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Essentially, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle control device. A bicycle control device is disclosed that includes a user actuation element that is adjustable between at least two different positions.
[0008] In view of the known art and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle control device is provided, which essentially comprises a housing, a base member, a user operating member, and a mounting member. The housing has an interior space. The base member is at least partially disposed within the interior space and pivotally mounted with respect to the housing about a first axis. The user operating member is adjustably mounted to the base member and partially disposed within the interior space. The user operating member has a user contacting portion. The mounting member secures the user operating member to the base member at at least one of a first position and a second position.
[0009] The user touch portion is spaced from the first axis by a first distance when the user actuating element is mounted in the first position. The user touch portion is spaced from the first axis by a second distance when the user actuating element is mounted in the second position. The first distance is different from the second distance.
[0010] Preferably, the bicycle control device further comprises a first axle shaft defining the first axle, wherein the user actuating element has an elongated hole through which the first axle shaft passes.
[0011] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that one of the base member and the user operating member has a guide slot and the other of the base member and the user operating member has a guide pin arranged in the guide slot to prevent relative rotation between the base member and the user operating member.
[0012] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured and provided such that one of the base member and the user operating member has at least a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole for selectively receiving the mounting member. The user operating member is arranged in the first position with the first mounting member passing through the first mounting hole. The user operating member is arranged in the second position with the mounting member passing through the second mounting hole.
[0013] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured and provided such that the fastening element fastens the user actuating element to the base element within the interior of the housing.
[0014] Preferably, the bicycle control device further comprises a winding element pivotally mounted to the housing about a winding axis.
[0015] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured and provided such that the winding axis is coaxial with the first axis.
[0016] Preferably, the fastening element is configured to selectively fasten the user actuating element to the base element in one of at least the first position and the second position.
[0017] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle control device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description given below, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses embodiments of the bicycle control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a bicycle handlebar having two bicycle control devices, each configured in accordance with an illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle control device mounted on the right side of the bicycle handlebar; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the Fig. 2, wherein both the first and second user actuating elements are in a rest position; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the Fig. 3, but with the first user actuating element moved into an actuated position and the second user actuating element in the rest position; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the Fig. 3, but with the first user actuating element in the rest position and the second user actuating element moved into an actuated position; Fig. 6 is a rear view of the Fig. 2 to 5, with the housing removed to show internal parts and both of the first and second user actuating elements in a rest position; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the Fig. 6 illustrated bicycle control device, with selected parts removed or not shown; Fig. 8 is a plan view of the Fig. 7 shows a bicycle control device with selected parts removed; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the Fig. 8, with additional parts removed; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the Fig. 9, with additional parts removed; Fig. 11 is a view from below of the Fig. 2 to 5, with the housing removed to show internal parts and both of the first and second user actuating elements in a rest position; Fig. 12 is a view from below, in Fig. 11, wherein the first user operating element is moved to an actuated position and the second user operating element is in the rest position; Fig. 13 is a view from below, in Fig. 11, with selected parts removed to show the first user actuating member attached to the base member in the first position; Fig. 14 is a view from below, in Fig. 11 with selected parts removed to show the first user actuating member attached to the base member at the second position. Fig. 15 is a view from below, in Fig. 11, with additional selected parts removed to show the basic element; Fig. 16 is a plan view of the Fig. 2, wherein the housing has been removed and the second user actuating element is attached to the base element at the first position; Fig. 17 is a plan view of the Fig. 2, wherein the housing is removed and the second user actuating member is attached to the base member at the second position; Fig. 18 is a plan view of an alternative bicycle control device with the housing removed and the second user actuation member attached to the base member at the first position; Fig. 19 is a plan view of the Fig. 18, but with the second user actuating element attached to the base element at the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Selected embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting or restricting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0020] With initial reference to Fig. 1, a bicycle handlebar 10 is shown, which is provided with a bicycle control device 12 and a bicycle control device 14 in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment. The bicycle control device 12 is arranged on a right side of the bicycle handlebar 10, whereas the bicycle control device 14 is arranged on a left side of the bicycle handlebar 10. In the illustrated first embodiment, the bicycle control device 12 is operatively coupled to a first gear change device (not shown) via a first control cable 16, whereas the bicycle control device 14 is operatively coupled to a second gear change device (not shown) by means of a second control cable 18. The gear change devices are parts of a conventional bicycle drive station orDrive system used to shift a bicycle chain to change gears of a drivetrain (not shown) in a relatively conventional manner. Accordingly, the gear-changing devices are not further shown or described herein. However, the bicycle control devices 12 and 14 may be used to operate other types of bicycle components (e.g., suspension devices) as needed and / or desired.
[0021] Preference is given to Fig. As shown in Figure 1, control cables 16 and 18 are conventional bicycle control cables, having an outer sheath covering an inner cable or core. In other words, each of control cables 16 and 18 is a Bowden cable, essentially comprising an inner cable or core slidably received within an outer sheath. For example, control cable 16 has a core 16a with an outer sheath 16b covering core 16a, whereas control cable 18 has a core 18a with an outer sheath 18b covering core 18a.
[0022] Likewise, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control devices 12 and 14 are essentially identical in terms of their function and operation, except that they are mirror images of each other and have different numbers of actuation (shifting) positions. In other words, the bicycle control device 14 is identical to the bicycle control device 12, except that the bicycle control device 14 has been modified to be a mirror image and the number of gears that can be shifted has been changed. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the bicycle control device 12 will be described and illustrated below.
[0023] As seen in Fig. 2 to 5, the bicycle control device 12 comprises a housing 20 and a mounting element 22. The bicycle control device 12 further comprises a first user actuating element 24, which can be moved relative to the housing 20 and the mounting element 22 between a rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and an actuated position ( Fig. 4). The first user actuating element 24 has a user contact portion 24a. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device 12 further comprises a second user actuating element 26 which moves relative to the housing and the mounting element 22 between a rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and an actuated position ( Fig. 5). The second user actuating element 26 has a user contact portion 26a. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuating element 24 pulls the core 16a when the first user actuating element 24 is moved by the user from the rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) into the actuated position ( Fig. 4). On the other hand, in the illustrated embodiment, the second user actuating element 26 releases the core 16a when the second user actuating element 26 is moved by the user from the rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) into the actuated position ( Fig. 5) is moved. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the housing 20 has a first cover part 20a and a second cover part 20b. The first cover part 20a is detachably attached to the second cover part 20b by means of a plurality of screws (not shown) to cover internal parts. The mounting element 22 is configured and provided to be attached to a part of a bicycle, such as the handlebar 10, as shown in Fig. 3 to 5. Preferably, a cable adjustment unit 28 is attached to the housing in a conventional manner.
[0024] As seen in Fig. 6, the housing 20 has an interior 30 that houses various parts such as a support structure that supports or carries the internal components. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure of the bicycle control device 12 includes a first stationary support plate 32, a second stationary support plate 34, and a third stationary support plate 36. The bicycle control device 12 further includes a first axle shaft 38 that extends through the stationary support plates 32, 34, and 36. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Fig. 6, the first axle shaft 38 is formed by a screw or bolt having a nut 39 threaded onto its threaded end to secure the stationary support plates 32, 34, and 36 together. The first axle shaft 38 defines a first axis A.
[0025] As seen in Fig. 7, the bicycle control device 12 further comprises a winding element 40, which is pivotally mounted to the housing about a winding axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axle shaft defines the winding axis. Accordingly, the winding element 40 is mounted to the first axle shaft 38, wherein the winding axis is coaxial with the first axis A. A biasing element 42 is provided between the first stationary support plate 32 and the winding element 40 to bias the winding element 40 in a first direction of movement R1. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 42 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion arranged around the first axle shaft 38, a first end hooked into the first stationary support plate 32, and a second end hooked into the winding element 40. One end of the core 16a is connected to the winding element 40, as seen in Fig. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuating element 24 rotates the winding element 40 in a second direction of movement R2 when the first user actuating element 24 is moved by the user from the rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) into the actuated position ( Fig. 4). On the other hand, in the illustrated embodiment, the second user actuating element 26 releases the winding element 40 such that the biasing element 42 (ie, a torsion spring) rotates the winding element 40 in the first movement direction R1 when the second user actuating element 26 is moved by the user from the rest position ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) into the actuated position ( Fig. 5) is moved.
[0026] As seen in Fig. 8 to 11, the bicycle control device 12 further includes a first base member 44 and a second base member 46, which are at least partially disposed within the interior space 30 and which are pivotally mounted with respect to the housing 20 about the first axis A. Thus, the first user actuation member 24 is partially disposed within the interior space 30. In the illustrated embodiment, as stated above, the first axle shaft 38 defines both the first axis A and the take-up axis. The bicycle control device 12 further includes a first attachment member 48, which attaches the first user actuation member 24 to the first base member 44, as described below. The bicycle control device 12 further includes a second attachment member 50, which attaches the second user actuation member 26 to the second base member 46, as described below.
[0027] Here in the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuating element 24 is adjustable to the first base element 44 between a first position ( Fig. 13) and a second position ( Fig. 14) using the first fastening member 48, as described below. The first and second positions of the first user actuation member 24 provide different rest positions of the first user actuation member 24. The user-touching portion 24a is spaced from the first axis A by a first distance when the first user actuation member 24 is secured in the first position. The user-touching portion 24a is spaced from the axis A by a second distance when the first user actuation member 24 is secured in the second position. The first distance is different from the second distance. The first fastening member 48 secures the first user actuation member 24 to the first base member 44 within the interior space 30 of the housing 20.
[0028] Likewise, in the illustrated embodiment, the second user actuating element 26 is adjustable to the base element 46 between a first position ( Fig. 16) and a second position ( Fig. 17) using the second fastening member 50, as described below. Thus, the second fastening member 50 secures the second user actuation member 26 to the second base member 46 at at least one of the first position and the second position. The first and second positions of the second user actuation member 26 provide different rest positions for the second user actuation member 26.
[0029] As seen in Fig. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the second base member 46 has a first part 46a and a second part 46b so that the second user actuating member 26 can be actuated in either direction from the rest position to perform a release actuation or a release actuation. The first part 46a is pivotally attached to the second user actuating member 26 by means of a pivot pin 51. The second part 46 is pivotally mounted to the first axle shaft 38 to pivot about the first axis A. The first part 46a engages the second part 46b as seen in Fig. 10. Consequently, the first part 46a and the second part 46b pivot together as a unit around the axis A when the second user actuating element 26 is actuated in a first actuating direction, as seen in Fig. 5. When the second user actuating member 26 is pivoted in the opposite direction, the first part 46a pivots on a mount 52 which is used to secure the first part 46 to the second stationary support plate 34, and the second part 46b pivots about the first axis A. In particular, the mount 52 extends through a slot in the first part 46a to prevent the first part 46a from separating from the second part 46b. In this configuration, the first part 46a can pivot about the first axis A when the second user actuating member 26 is actuated in the first actuation direction, and can pivot about the mount 52 when the second user actuating member 26 is actuated in a second actuation direction that is opposite to the first actuation direction. Of course, the first part 46a and the second part 46b can be used as one part.be made in one piece if it is desired that the second user actuating element 26 is to be actuated only in the first actuating direction, as shown in . Fig. 5.
[0030] As seen in Fig. 10, a biasing member 53 is provided around the first axle shaft 38 for biasing the first and second user actuating members 24 and 26 toward their rest positions. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 53 is a flat coil torsion spring wound around the first axle shaft 38, with one free end disposed in a hole of the first base member 44 and the other free end hooked into the second base member 46. In this manner, the first and second base members 44 and 46 are biased in opposite directions toward their rest positions. After the first and second user actuating members 24 and 26 are attached to the first and second base members 44 and 46, the biasing member 53 biases the first and second user members 24 and 26 toward their rest positions. The biasing element 53 biases the first user actuating element 24 in the first direction of movement R1 ( Fig. 7) around the first axis A and tensions the second user actuating element 26 in the second direction of movement R2 ( Fig. 7) around axis A. Consequently, the biasing element 57 functions as a return spring of the first and second actuating elements 24 and 26 from their actuated position back to the rest position. As a result, the actuating elements 24 and 26 are trigger elements that return to their rest position when actuated and released.
[0031] With reference to Fig. 8, the bicycle control device 12 further includes a position-holding assembly that controls the position of the winding member 40 as a result of actuation of the first and second user actuation members 24 and 26. The position-holding assembly selectively holds the winding member 40 in one of a plurality of holding positions relative to the housing 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the position-holding assembly essentially includes a positioning member or ratchet wheel 54 and a positioning pawl 56. The positioning member 54 is attached to the winding member 40 such that they move together as a unit.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 54 is a flat plate formed from a rigid material, such as a metallic material. As seen in Fig. 8, the positioning element 54 has a non-circular opening 54a for receiving a projection 40a of the take-up element 40. The projection 40a mates with the non-circular opening 54a to prevent relative rotation of the two parts. The positioning element 54 has a peripheral edge that has a plurality of positioning stops or teeth 54b and a plurality of take-up stops or teeth 54c. The positioning element 54 is rotatably mounted on the first axle shaft 38 to rotate together with the take-up element 40 due to the above-mentioned mating configuration of the two parts. After the positioning element 54 is non-rotatably mounted on the take-up element 40, the biasing element 42 effectively biases the positioning element 54 in the first movement direction R1 ( Fig. 7).
[0033] The positioning pawl 56 is pivotally mounted to the housing 20 by means of a pivot pin 58 secured between the first and second stationary support plates 32 and 34. A biasing member 60 is provided on the pivot pin 58 to bias the positioning pawl 56 into engagement with the peripheral edge of the positioning member 54. The positioning stops 54b cooperate with the positioning pawl 56 to define the plurality of holding positions of the take-up member 40. Specifically, the positioning pawl 56 is provided with a pair of teeth 56a and 56b that selectively engage the positioning stops 54b to prevent the positioning member 54 from rotating under the urging force of the biasing member 42.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the switching unit also includes a winding pawl 62 which is pivotally mounted on the first base member 44 by means of a pivot pin 64. After the first user actuating member 24 is secured to the first base member 44 by the first fastening member 48, the winding pawl 62 pivots with the first user actuating member 24 when the first user actuating member 24 is between the rest position ( Fig. 3) and the actuated position ( Fig. 4) moves. As seen in Fig. 8 to 10 is a prestressing element 66 (only the ends are in Fig. 8 to 10) is provided on the pivot pin 64 for biasing the winding pawl 62 into engagement with the positioning member 54. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the biasing member 66 is a torsion spring which biases the winding pawl 62 toward the peripheral edge of the positioning member 54. However, as seen in Fig. 9, with the first user actuating member 24 in the rest position, the take-up pawl 62 engages a peripheral edge of the second stationary support plate 34, which holds the take-up pawl out of the way of the take-up stops 54c of the positioning member 54. Specifically, a tooth 62a of the take-up member 62 contacts the peripheral edge of the second stationary support plate 34 while the first user actuating member 24 is in the rest position. When the first user actuating member 24 is moved from the rest position, the tooth 62 of the take-up pawl 62 slides off the peripheral edge of the second stationary support plate 34 and engages one of the take-up stops 54c of the positioning member 54 due to the urging force of the biasing member 66 exerted on the take-up pawl 62.The tooth 62a of the winding pawl 62 engages with one of the winding stops 54c of the positioning element 54 to move the positioning element 54 and the winding element 40 together in the second movement direction R2 (. Fig. 7) when the first user actuating element 24 is pivoted from the rest position to an actuated position. This rotation of the winding element 40 in the second direction of movement R2 draws the core 16a into the housing 20.
[0035] The second part 46b of the second base member 46 is configured and provided as a release element that selectively engages a stop of the positioning pawl 56 to pivot the positioning pawl 56 when the second user actuating member 26 is pivoted from the rest position to the actuated position. As a result of this pivoting of the second part 46b of the second base member 46, the tooth 56a is disengaged from one of the positioning stops 54b of the positioning member 54 to permit rotation of the winding member 40 and the positioning member 54 in the first movement direction R1 ( Fig. 7). At the time the tooth 56a disengages from one of the positioning stops 54b of the positioning member 54, the tooth 56b moves into the path of the positioning stops 54b of the positioning member 54. As a result, the tooth 56b stops the rotation of the winding member 40 and the positioning member 54 in the first rotational direction R1.
[0036] With reference now to the Fig. 13 to 15, the adjustment of the first user actuating element 24 relative to the first base element 44 is explained below. As described above, the first fastening element 48 fastens the first user actuating element 24 to the first base element 44 at one of at least the first position ( Fig. 13) and the second position ( Fig. 14). In other words, the first fastening element 48 is used to selectively fasten the first user actuating element 24 to the first base member 44 at one of the first and second positions as desired by the user. In particular, the first user actuating element 24 has a fastening portion 24b having an elongated hole 80 through which the first axle shaft 38 passes. This elongated hole 80 allows the first user actuating element 24 to move relatively with respect to the first base member 44 when the first user actuating element 24 is moved between the first position ( Fig. 13) and the second position ( Fig. 14) is moved.
[0037] One of the base member 44 and the first user actuating member 24 has a guide slot 84, and the other of the first base member 44 and the first user actuating member 24 has a guide pin 82 disposed in the guide slot 84 to prevent relative rotation between the first base member 44 and the first user actuating member 24. As in the illustrated embodiment, the first base member 44 has a pair of guide slots 84, and the first user actuating member 24 has a pair of guide pins 82. Likewise, one of the first base member 44 and the first user actuating member 24 has at least a first mounting hole 86 and a second mounting hole 88 for selectively receiving the first mounting member 48. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first base member 44 has the first and second mounting holes 86 and 88, which are threaded holes.Thus, the first fastening member 48 is a fastening screw that extends through an unthreaded opening in the first user actuating member 24 and is selectively threaded into one of the first and second mounting holes 86 and 88. The first user actuating member 24 is disposed at the first position with the first fastening member 48 passing through the first mounting hole 86, as seen in FIG. Fig. 13. The first user actuating element 24 is arranged at the second position with the first fastening element 48 passing through the second fastening hole 88, as seen in Fig. 14.
[0038] With reference now to the Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the adjustment of the second user actuating element 26 relative to the second base element 46 is explained below. As previously stated, the second fastening element 50 fastens the second user actuating element 26 to the second base element 46 at one of at least the first position ( Fig. 16) and the second position ( Fig. 17). In particular, the second user actuation element 26 includes a mounting portion 26b pivotally attached to the first part 46a of the second base member 46. The first part 46a of the second base member 46 has a first mounting opening or hole 90 and a second mounting opening or hole 92.
[0039] The mounting portion 26b has a first positioning opening or hole 94 and a second positioning opening or hole 96. Here, the first and second mounting holes 90 and 92 are threaded holes, whereas the first and second positioning holes 94 and 96 are unthreaded openings. Accordingly, the second fastening element 50 is a fastening screw that extends through one of the first and second positioning holes 94 and 96 in the second user actuating element 26 and is selectively screwed into one of the first and second mounting holes 90 and 92. More specifically, the second fastening element 50 passes through the first positioning hole 94 and is screwed into the first mounting hole 90 to secure the second user actuating element 26 at the first position, as seen in Fig. 16. The second fastening element 50 passes through the second positioning hole 96 and is screwed into the second fastening hole 92 to secure the second user actuating element 26 in the Fig. 17 shown position.
[0040] As seen in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, an alternative bicycle control device 112 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment. The bicycle control device 112 is identical to the bicycle control device 12 as described above, except that the second user actuation member 26 and the second base member 46 of the bicycle control device 12 have been replaced by a second user actuation member 126 and a second base member 146. More specifically, the only difference between the bicycle control devices 12 and 112 is the adjustment feature of the second user actuation member relative to the second base member. Accordingly, the parts of the bicycle control device 112 that are identical to the parts of the bicycle control device 12 are given the same reference numerals.
[0041] Here in the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 18 and Fig.19, the second user actuation member 126 includes a user contact portion 126a and a mounting portion 126b. The mounting portion 126b is adjustably attached to the second base member 146 such that the second user actuation member 126 can be mounted in a variety of rest positions as needed and / or desired. In this embodiment, the second base member 146 is provided with a non-circular protrusion 150, and the second user actuation member 126 is provided with a non-circular opening 190. The non-circular opening 190 has a plurality of splines or ribs that mate with a plurality of splines or ribs of the protrusion 150.The splines of the projection 150 and the recess of the non-circular opening 190 can be mated in a variety of orientations to adjust the position of the user-contacting portion 126a of the second user actuation member 126 relative to the mounting member 22. Furthermore, the second user actuation member 126 and the second base member 146 are identical to the second user actuation member 26 and the second base member 46. Accordingly, the bicycle control device 112 will not be further described or illustrated herein.
[0042] 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 terms that specify the presence of the recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unspecified features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The above also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," "having," and their derivatives. As used above to describe the embodiment(s), the following directional terms "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "below," and "across," as well as any other directional or positional specifications, refer to those of a bicycle equipped with the bicycle control device 12.Accordingly, these terms used to describe the bicycle control device 12 are intended to be relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle control device 12 in a normal riding position on a flat surface. Furthermore, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member," or "element," when used in the singular, may have the plural meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, the extent terms, such as "substantially," "by," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a reasonable amount of variation from the modified term such that the end result is not significantly altered.
[0043] 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 various components may be changed as desired and / or required, so long as they do not substantially deviate from their intended function. Components shown as being directly connected to one another may have intermediate structures between them unless specifically stated otherwise. The function of one element may be achieved by two and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment. It is not necessary that all advantages or features are always present in one embodiment. Any feature that is different from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Therefore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are given for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
[1] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) comprising: a housing (20) with an interior (30); a base element (44, 46) arranged at least partially in the interior space (30) and pivotally arranged with respect to the housing (20) about a first axis (A); a user actuating element (24; 26; 126) adjustably mounted to the base element (44, 46) and partially disposed within the interior space (30), the user actuating element (24; 26; 126) having a user contact portion (24a; 26a; 126a); and a fastening element (48; 50) fastening the user actuation element (24; 26; 126) to the base element (44, 46) at one of at least a first position and a second position, wherein the user contact portion (24a; 26a; 126a) is spaced from the first axis (A) by a first distance, wherein the user actuation element (24; 26; 126) is fixed at the first position and the user contact portion (24a; 26a; 126a) is spaced from the first axis (A) by a second distance, wherein the user actuation element (24; 26; 126) is fixed at the second position, and wherein the first distance is different from the second distance. [2] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to claim 1, further comprising a first axle shaft (38) defining the first axis (A) and the user actuating element (24; 26; 126) having an elongated hole (80) through which the first axle shaft (38) extends. [3] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one of the base member (44, 46) and the user operating member (24; 26; 126) has a guide slot (84) and the other of the base member (44, 46) and the user operating member (24; 26; 126) has a guide pin (82) which is arranged in the guide slot (84) to prevent relative rotation between the base member (44, 46) and the user operating member (24; 26; 126). [4] The bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the base member (44, 46) and the user operating member (24; 26; 126) has at least a first mounting hole (86; 90) and a second mounting hole (88; 92) for selectively receiving the mounting member (48; 50), the user operating member (24; 26; 126) being disposed at the first position with the mounting member (48; 50) passing through the first mounting hole (86; 90) and the user operating member (24; 26; 126) being disposed at the second position with the mounting member (48; 50) passing through the second mounting hole (88; 92). [5] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening element (48; 50) fastens the user actuating element (24; 26; 126) to the base element (44, 46) within the interior space (30) of the housing (20). [6] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a winding element (40) pivotally mounted to the housing (20) about a winding axis. [7] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to claim 6, wherein the winding axis is coaxial with the first axis (A). [8] Bicycle control device (12; 14; 112) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the fastening element (48; 50) is configured to selectively fasten the user actuating element (24; 26; 126) to the base element (44, 46) in one of at least the first position and the second position.
Citation Information
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