bicycle control device

Abstract

Bicycle control device (12) for actuating a bicycle component, the bicycle control device (12) comprising: a mounting element (36) which is designed to be mounted on a bicycle (10); a receiving element (56, 86) which is positioned in a receiving direction with respect to the mounting element (36) for pulling a control cable (31, 32, 33, 34) and is movably arranged in a release direction for releasing the control cable (31, 32, 33, 34); a position holding element (58) which is movably arranged with respect to the assembly element (36) in order to move between a holding position which holds the receiving element (56, 86) in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a release position which releases the receiving element (56, 86) for a pivoting movement; a release element (60) which is pivotally arranged with respect to the assembly element (36) in order to move the position holding element (58) between the holding position and the release position in response to pivoting movement of the release element (60); and a pulling member (47, 48) which is movably arranged with respect to the assembly member (36) in order to selectively move the receiving member (56, 86) and the releasing member (60).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 474,630, filed September 2, 2014. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 474,630 is hereby incorporated by reference. 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 comprising a single element that is actuated to selectively move a take-up member in a wire-pulling direction and a wire-releasing direction. Background information

[0003] Bicycles are often provided with one or more bicycle control devices for controlling various components of a bicycle. Typically, a bicycle control cable connects the bicycle control device to a cable-operated bicycle component of the bicycle. For example, the most common bicycle control cables have a tubular outer casing and an inner wire that can be inserted into and runs through the outer casing. The inner wire protrudes from both ends of the outer casing, and each end of the inner wire is connected to either the bicycle control device or the bicycle component. This type of bicycle control cable is often referred to as a Bowden-type cable of a bicycle control cable. With this type of bicycle control cable, the bicycle control device tightens and releases the inner wire of the bicycle control cable to change an actuating position or state of the bicycle component.

[0004] DE 10 2009 011 392 A1 discloses a bicycle control device. The bicycle control device is equipped with a main support shaft, a first control unit, and a second control unit. Each of the control units includes a wire receiving element, a positioning structure, and an operating element. SUMMARY

[0005] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle control device having a single element that is actuated to selectively move a take-up member in a wire pulling direction and a wire releasing direction.

[0006] In view of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle control device for operating a bicycle component is essentially provided. The bicycle control device comprises a mounting member, a receiving member, a position-holding member, a release member, and a pulling member. The mounting member is configured to be mounted to the bicycle. The receiving member is movably arranged with respect to the mounting member in a receiving direction for pulling a control cable and a release direction for releasing the control cable. The position-holding member is movably arranged with respect to the mounting member to move between a holding position that holds the receiving member in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a release position that releases the receiving member for pivotal movement.The release member is pivotally mounted with respect to the mounting member to move the position-holding member between the holding position and the release position in response to pivotal movement of the release member. The pull member is movably mounted with respect to the mounting member to selectively move the receiving member and the release member.

[0007] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member is movably arranged to move at least between a rest position and a receiving position, wherein the receiving member is biased from the receiving position to the rest position, the pulling member is configured to move the receiving member from the rest position to the receiving position in response to the actuation of the pulling member, and the pulling member is configured to move the release member such that the release member moves the position holding member from the holding position to / towards the release position.

[0008] Preferably, the bicycle control device is designed such that the pulling member is / is disengaged from the releasing member while the receiving member is in the rest position.

[0009] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member includes a cam surface configured to maintain the pulling member in a disengaged position from the releasing member while the receiving member is in the rest position.

[0010] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the cam surface is configured to disengage the pulling member from the releasing member while the receiving member pivots from the receiving position to the rest position.

[0011] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member includes a first engagement surface configured to be selectively engaged by the pulling member, the releasing member includes a second engagement surface configured to be selectively engaged by the pulling member, and the receiving member and the releasing member are arranged coaxially for pivotal movement with respect to the mounting member about a receiving axis.

[0012] Preferably, the bicycle control device is designed such that the first engagement surface of the receiving member is offset radially and outwardly from the second engagement surface of the release member with respect to the receiving axis.

[0013] Preferably, the bicycle control device is designed such that the second engagement surface of the release member is offset radially and inwardly from a radially outermost point of the cam surface of the receiving member with respect to the receiving axis.

[0014] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the pulling member is arranged to be engageable with the receiving member while the receiving member is in an intermediate position between the rest position and the receiving position after the receiving member is / is released from the receiving position by the releasing member.

[0015] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member includes a first engagement surface configured to be selectively engaged by the pulling member, and the releasing member includes a second engagement surface configured to be selectively engaged by the pulling member, wherein the second engagement surface is offset from the first engagement surface in the receiving direction of the receiving member while the receiving member is in the rest position.

[0016] Preferably, the bicycle control device further comprises a lever member which is movably arranged with respect to the mounting member between a non-actuated position or non-actuated position and an actuated position or actuated position, wherein the lever member, having the pulling member, is arranged thereon.

[0017] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member and the releasing member selectively move in the same direction with respect to the mounting member while the lever member is moved from the non-actuated position to the actuated position with respect to the mounting member.

[0018] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the pulling member selectively moves each of the receiving member and the releasing member individually with respect to each other such that while the receiving member is moved in the receiving direction by the pulling member, the releasing member remains stationary and such that while the releasing member is moved by the pulling member, the receiving member moves in the releasing direction.

[0019] Preferably, the bicycle control device is designed such that the receiving member and the release member are arranged coaxially to the pivoting movement with respect to the mounting member about a receiving axis.

[0020] Preferably, the bicycle control device further comprises a lever member pivotally arranged with respect to the mounting member about the receiving axis between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, and the lever member having the pulling member is arranged thereon.

[0021] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member and the position holding member are configured to establish only two of the predetermined positions.

[0022] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member and the position holding member are configured to operate a derailleur as the bicycle component with only two operating positions.

[0023] Preferably, the bicycle control device is configured such that the receiving member and the position holding member are configured to actuate a suspension as the bicycle component with only two actuation states.

[0024] Also, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle control device will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses an illustrated embodiment of the bicycle control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Referring now to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle equipped with a pair of bicycle control devices according to an illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a handlebar portion of the bicycle illustrated in Fig. 1, wherein the bicycle control devices are mounted on the handlebar of the bicycle; Fig. 3 is another enlarged plan view of the left bicycle control device mounted to the left end of the bicycle handlebar; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the left bicycle control device mounted on the left end of the handlebar of the bicycle; Fig. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the internal parts of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the internal parts of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 is another partially exploded perspective view of the internal parts of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, with selected parts removed; Fig. 9 is another partially exploded perspective view of the internal parts of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 6 to 8, with selected parts removed; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, wherein the upper housing portion of the housing is removed to illustrate selected parts of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 11 is another top view, similar to Fig. 10, the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with selected parts removed to clearly show the first wire take-up member and the position holding member; Fig. 12 is a plan view of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with selected parts removed to illustrate selected parts of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 12 to show the first and second pulling links in their rest positions; Fig. 14 is another plan view, similar to Fig. 12, the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with selected parts removed to illustrate selected of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 15 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 14 to show the first and second pulling links in their rest positions; Fig. 16 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 12 and Fig. 14, the bicycle control device, but with selected parts removed to illustrate selected parts of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 17 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 16 to show the first and second pulling members in their rest positions; Fig. 18 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 12, Fig. 14 and Fig. 16, the selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with selected parts removed to illustrate selected parts of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 19 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 18 to show the first and second pulling links in their rest positions; Fig. 20 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 12, Fig. 14, Fig. 16 and Fig. 18, the selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with selected parts removed to illustrate selected parts of the internal parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 21 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 20 to show the first and second pulling links in their rest positions; Fig. 22 is a plan view of the selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, wherein the operating lever has been moved from the rest position to pivot the first wire take-up member without moving the release member and to start pivoting the position holding member (e.g., a holding claw) without moving the release member; Fig. 23 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a plan view, similar to Fig. 22, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the operating lever further away from the rest position than in Fig. 22 to further pivot the first wire take-up member and to further pivot the position holding member to a release position without moving the release member; Fig. 25 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 22 and Fig. 24, the selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the operating lever further from the rest position than in Fig. 24 to further pivot the first wire take-up member and allow the position holding member to pivot back to a holding position without moving the release member; Fig. 27 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 22, Fig. 24 and Fig. 26, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the first wire take-up member in a take-up position and the remaining parts returned to their rest positions; Fig. 29 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is a top perspective view of selected internal parts of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the first wire take-up member in a take-up position and the remaining parts in their rest positions; Fig. 31 is an enlarged top perspective view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 30, showing the first wire take-up member in a take-up position and the remaining parts in their rest positions; Fig. 32 is a plan view of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the actuating lever moved from the rest position such that the pulling member engages with a shoulder of the release member to begin performing a first wire release operation without moving the first wire take-up member which is in the take-up position; Fig. 33 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 32; Fig. 34 is a plan view, similar to Fig. 32, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the operating lever further from the rest position than in Fig. 32 is moved to pivot the release member which pivots the position holding member from the holding position to the release position without moving the first wire take-up member which is in the take-up position; Fig. 35 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 34; Fig. 36 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 32 and Fig. 34, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the operating lever further from the rest position than in Fig. 34 such that the release member holds the position holding member in the release position to release the first wire receiving member, which is still shown in the receiving position; Fig. 37 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 36; Fig. 38 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 32, Fig. 34 and Fig. 36, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the first wire take-up member moved to the rest position; Fig. 39 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 38; Fig. 40 is a further enlarged plan view of a part of the selected section of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 39; Fig. 41 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 32, Fig. 34, Fig. 36 and Fig. 38, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the first wire take-up member in the rest position in which the first wire take-up member abuts against the pulling member; Fig. 42 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 41; Fig. 43 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 32, Fig. 34, Fig. 36, Fig. 38 and Fig. 41, of selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the operating lever further from the rest position than the operated position shown in Fig. 41 removed; Fig. 44 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 43; Fig. 45 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 32, Fig. 34, Fig. 36, Fig. 38, Fig. 41 and Fig. 43, the selected internal parts of the first operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the first wire take-up member and the remaining parts returned to their rest positions by releasing the operating lever from the state shown in Fig. 43; Fig. 46 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 45; Fig. 47 is a plan view of selected internal parts of the second operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, with the inner parts of the bicycle control device in their rest positions; Fig. 48 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 47; Fig. 49 is a plan view, similar to the Fig. 47, of selected parts of the second operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the switching element moved from the rest position (first position) of Fig. 47 to the second position, the cam member moves the first pulling member out of the path of the first wire take-up member and moves the second pulling member into the path of the second wire take-up member; Fig. 50 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 49; Fig. 51 is an enlarged plan view, similar to Fig. 50, of the selected section of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 49, but with the cam link shown in dashed lines; Fig. 52 is a plan view of the selected internal parts of the second operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the switching element further from the rest position (first position) than in Fig. 49 is moved to the second position such that the second pulling member engages the second wire take-up member; Fig. 53 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 52; Fig. 54 is a plan view of selected internal parts of the second operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but with the switching member moved into the second position such that the second wire receiving member is moved into the receiving position; Fig. 55 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 54; Fig. 56 is a plan view of selected internal parts of the second operating unit of the bicycle control device illustrated in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but illustrating the first pulling member (e.g., the first pulling claw in the illustrated embodiment) as contacting the outer peripheral edge of the control part of the first wire take-up member; and Fig. 57 is an enlarged plan view of a selected portion of the bicycle control device illustrated in Fig. 56. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Selected embodiments will now be described below with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to one skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Firstly, referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a bicycle 10 is illustrated, which is configured with a pair of bicycle control devices 12 and 14 according to a first embodiment. The bicycle is, for example, a mountain bike. The bicycle 10 has a bicycle frame 16 having a front wheel 18, a rear wheel 20, and a drive train 22. The bicycle frame 16 includes a frame main body 16a and a swing arm 16b. The swing arm 16b is coupled to a rear section of the frame main body 16a such that the swing arm 16b can pivot freely. A front suspension fork FS is pivotally mounted to a head tube of the frame main body 16a. A handlebar 24 is mounted to an upper end of a handlebar of the front suspension fork FS. The front wheel 18 is mounted to the lower end of the front suspension fork FS. The rear wheel 20 is mounted to a rear end of the swing arm 16b. A rear suspension RS is provided between the frame main body 16a and the swing arm 16b.A height-adjustable seat post SP is attached to a seat tube of the frame main body 16a. A bicycle saddle 26 is also mounted to the upper end of the seat post SP in any suitable manner. The drivetrain 22 includes a front derailleur FD for selectively shifting a chain CH between front chainrings CR and a rear derailleur RD for selectively shifting the chain CH between rear sprockets S.

[0028] As in Fig. 2, the bicycle control devices 12 and 14 are mounted on opposite ends of the handlebar 24. The bicycle control device 12 is generally provided for operating a first bicycle component and a second bicycle component. Similarly, the bicycle control device 14 is generally provided for operating a first bicycle component and a second bicycle component. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device 12 is configured to operate the front derailleur FD as a first bicycle component and the seatpost SP as a second bicycle component. Similarly, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device 14 is configured to operate the rear derailleur RD as a first bicycle component and the rear suspension RS as a second bicycle component.Furthermore, a combination of the first bicycle component and the second bicycle component can be selected from any type of bicycle components, such as the front derailleur FD, rear derailleur RD, seatpost SP, front suspension fork FS, etc. However, the bicycle control devices 12 and 14 do not have to be configured to operate two bicycle components. For example, according to certain aspects of the present invention, the bicycle control device 12 can be provided to operate a single bicycle component, such as the front derailleur FD. In other words, the bicycle control device 12 can be configured to achieve certain aspects of the present invention and not achieve other aspects of the present invention if needed and / or desired.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device 12 is operatively coupled to the front derailleur FD via a first control cable 31 and to either the seatpost SP or one of the front or rear suspensions FS and RS via a second control cable 32. The bicycle control device 14 is operatively coupled to the rear derailleur RD via a third control cable 33 and to either the seatpost SP or one of the front or rear suspensions FS and RS via a fourth control cable 34. Of course, it will be apparent to one skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the bicycle control devices 12 and 14 could be used to control other combinations of bicycle components.For example, the second control cable 32 may be connected to both the front and rear suspensions FS and RS, such that the control device 12 controls the front derailleur FD and both of the suspensions, the front and rear suspensions FS and RS.

[0030] The seat post SP is removably received in a seat tube of the frame main body 16a. The seat post SP may be any suitable type of adjustable seat post as understood in the bicycle field. For example, the seat post SP may be adjustable in height either electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat post SP is an electric seat post having an actuating mechanism M1, such as a reversible electric motor and a solenoid or other suitable actuators. The actuating state of the seat post SP can be changed by actuating a switch, a valve, or a control of the actuator of the seat post SP, using the second control cable 32. The actuating state of a seat post is also called the "position state" of the seat post.

[0031] Preferably, the front and rear suspensions FS and RS are configured such that they can assume one of two actuation states, a free state and a locked state. In the free state, the suspension can extend and contract. The term locked state, in which the suspension cannot expand and contract, as used herein, encompasses a state in which the suspension is prevented from expanding and contracting, but can still expand and contract in a restricted situation, for example, by a separate blow-off structure, as well as a state in which the suspension is completely prevented from expanding and contracting. The free state is also referred to as a lock-release state. The actuation state of a suspension is also referred to as a set state of the suspension.The front suspension FS and the rear suspension RS are configured such that their operating states can be controlled using electricity. Each of the front suspension FS and the rear suspension RS includes a suspension adjustment mechanism M2, such as a motor and a solenoid, or other suitable actuators. The operating state of the front suspension FS or the rear suspension RS can be changed by operating the actuator of the front suspension FS or the rear suspension RS to control a valve provided within the front suspension FS or the rear suspension RS.

[0032] Preferably, the control cables 31 to 34 are conventional bicycle control cables that have an outer sheath to cover an inner wire. In other words, each of the shift control cables 31 to 34 is a Bowden-type cable that essentially includes an inner wire housed within an outer sheath. For example, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first control cable 31 has an inner wire 31a with an outer sheath 31b for covering the inner wire 31a. The second control cable 32 has an inner wire 32a with an outer sheath 32b for covering the inner wire 32a. The third control cable 33 has an inner wire 33a with an outer sheath 33b for covering the inner wire 33a. The fourth control cable 34 has an inner wire 34a with an outer sheath 34b for covering the inner wire 34a.

[0033] Also, in the illustrated embodiment, bicycle control devices 12 and 14 are substantially identical in operation, except that they are mirror images of each other and may have a different number of shifting operations. In other words, bicycle control device 12 is identical to bicycle control device 14, except that bicycle control device 14 has been modified to be a mirror image and the number of gears that can be shifted has been changed to accommodate the number of rear sprockets S. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only bicycle control device 12 will be discussed and illustrated herein.

[0034] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the bicycle control device 12 includes a mounting member 36. The mounting member 36 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle 10. In particular, the mounting member 36 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar 24 of the bicycle 10. Thus, the mounting member 36 represents an example of a handlebar mounting member. Here, the mounting member 36 includes a locking bolt 36 or other locking members to form a tube clamp configured to clamp the mounting member 36 to the handlebar 24.

[0035] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the bicycle control device 12 further includes a housing 38. The mounting member 36 is fixed to the housing 38 by a screw 39. The housing 38 covers the internal parts of the bicycle control device 12. The housing 38 also supports the internal parts of the bicycle control device 12 to the mounting member 36. Here, the housing has a two-part construction, including a first housing part 38a and a second housing part 38b. The first housing part 38a and the second housing part 38b are fastened together by three screws 40. However, the housing 38 is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Rather, the housing 38 may have a variety of configurations as needed and / or desired.

[0036] Referring to the Fig. 6 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle control device 12 further comprises a first operating unit 41 ( Fig. 6 to 8), a second actuating unit 42 ( Fig. 9) and an actuating member 43 ( Fig. 6 to 8). The first operating unit 41 is configured to be connected to the first bicycle component via the first control cable 31. The second operating unit 42 is configured to be connected to the second bicycle component via the second control cable 32. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first operating unit 41 is configured to be connected to the front derailleur FD as the first bicycle component, and the second operating unit 42 is configured to be connected to one of the suspension adjustment mechanism M2 and the height-adjustable seat post SP as the second bicycle component.

[0037] As will be explained in further detail below, the operating member 43 is a user operating member that the rider can use to selectively operate the first and second operating units 41 and 42. In particular, the bicycle control device 12 further comprises a switching member 44 for switching, which is actuated by the first and second operating units 41 and 42 as soon as the operating member 43 is moved. In other words, the switching member 44 is movably coupled to the mounting member 36 to selectively switch between the first and second operating units 41 and 42, which are actuated in response to the movement of the operating member 43. The switching member 44 is movable between a first position ( Fig. 16 to 19, 47 and 48) and a second position ( Fig. 49 to 51). In this way, the actuating member 43 actuates the first actuating unit 41 when the switching member 44 is in the first position ( Fig. 16 to 19, 47 and 48) and actuates the second actuating unit 42, while the switching element 44 is in the second position ( Fig. 49 to 51). Alternatively, the second actuating unit 42 and the switching element 44 can be omitted if only the features of the first actuating unit 41 are desired and / or required. The second actuating unit 42 and the switching element 44 are explained in further detail below.

[0038] Referring to the Fig. 6 to 8, the actuating member 43 is pivotally coupled to the mounting member 36. The actuating member 43 is operatively coupled to the first and second actuating units 41 and 42 to selectively actuate the first and second actuating units 41 and 42 upon movement of the actuating member 43 in a first direction D1. The actuating member 43 is configured to actuate the first actuating unit 41 to pull and release the first control cable 31. The actuating member 43 includes a first lever member 45 pivotally mounted about a pulling axis A (receiving axis). The first lever member 45 is movably arranged with respect to the mounting member 36 between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. In particular, the first lever member 45 is pivotally arranged with respect to the mounting member 36 about the pulling axis A between the non-actuated position and the actuated position. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, a return spring 46 or other biasing elements are operatively coupled between the first lever member 45 and a stationary part of the bicycle control device 12 to bias the first lever member 45 in a second direction D2 toward the non-actuated position, which is a rest position of the first lever member 45. In this way, the first lever member 45 is a trigger lever that returns to the non-actuated position after being pivoted from the non-actuated position to an actuated position and then released.

[0039] The term "rest position" as used herein refers to a state in which a movable part (e.g., the first lever member 45) remains stationary without the need for a user to intervene (e.g., hold the movable part) in the state corresponding to the rest position. Consequently, the term "rest position" may also be referred to as a non-operated position. The term "end position" as used herein refers to a state in which a movable part (e.g., the first lever member 45) is prevented from being moved further from the rest position in a movement direction of a movement stroke of the movable part. The term "operated position" as used herein refers to a state in which a movable part (e.g., the first lever member 45) is moved from the rest position to a position as a result of an external force applied to the movable part.

[0040] As in the Fig. 6 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member 43 further comprises a first pulling member 47 for actuating the first actuating unit 41 to selectively pull or release the first control cable 31. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member 43 further comprises a second pulling member 48 for actuating the second actuating unit 42 to pull the second control cable 32. The first and second pulling members 47 and 48 are each pivotally mounted about a pivot axis B and are arranged to pivot independently of each other. In other words, the first and second pulling members 47 and 48 are configured to pivot about a same or common pivot axis B arranged on the actuating member 43. The first lever member 45 has the first pulling member 47 arranged thereon. Similarly, the first lever member 45 has the second pulling member 48 arranged thereon.Specifically, the first and second pull links 47 and 48 are pivotally mounted to the first lever link 45 by a pivot shaft 49. The pivot shaft 49 defines the pivot axis B. The first and second pull links 47 and 48 are claws pivotally mounted to the pivot shaft 49. The first pull link 47 has a shoulder or tooth 47a, which will be explained later. The second pull link 48 has a shoulder or tooth 48a and a projection 48b. The tooth 48a and the projection 48b will be explained later.

[0041] As in the Fig. 6 to 8, a spring 50 or other biasing element is coupled between the first and second pulling members 47 and 48. The spring 50 biases the first pulling member 47 toward engagement with the first actuating unit 41. The spring 50 also biases the second pulling member 48 away from engagement with the second actuating unit 42. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the spring 50 is a torsion spring that biases the first and second pulling members 47 and 48 in opposite directions about the pivot axis B. Upon actuation of the first lever member 45 from the non-actuated position to its actuated position, the first pulling member 47 actuates the first actuating unit 41 to selectively either pull or release the first control cable 31, depending on the instantaneous state of the first actuating unit 41.

[0042] As explained below and in the Fig. 47 to 57, the second actuating unit 42 is actuated by moving the switching member 44 from a rest or first position to a second position and then subsequently actuating the first lever member 45 with the switching member 44 held in the second position. Consequently, as a result of actuating the switching lever 44, the first pulling member 47 is disengaged from the first actuating unit 41, such that actuation of the first lever member 45 does not actuate the first actuating unit 41 but rather the second actuating unit 42. As explained below, the first lever member 45 pulls the second control cable 32 as the first lever member 45 is actuated from a non-actuated position to the actuated position and then returns to the non-actuated position in a single progressive actuation of the first lever member 45 from the non-actuated position to the actuated position.Consequently, the actuating member 43 is configured to actuate the first and second actuating units 41 and 42 to selectively actuate the first and second actuating units 41 and 42 upon movement of the first lever member 45 of the actuating member 43 in the first direction D1.

[0043] Here, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 6 to 9, the bicycle control device further comprises an internal support structure including a first stationary support plate 51, a second stationary support plate 52, a third stationary support plate 53, and a first shaft 54. The stationary support plates 51 to 53 and the first shaft 54 ​​support the different parts of the first and second operating units 41 and 42 within the housing 38. The first shaft 54 ​​extends through the stationary support plates 51, 52, and 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the first shaft 54 ​​is formed as a bolt 54a and a nut 54b, which is screwed onto a threaded end of the bolt 54a, for fixing different parts of the first and second operating units 41 and 42 to the stationary support plates 51, 52, and 53. The first shaft 54 ​​defines the pulling axis A.The first shaft 54 ​​is provided with a plurality of washers and bushings to assist in supporting and smooth movement of the parts; the washers and bushings are not discussed and / or illustrated below for the sake of brevity.

[0044] Here, in the illustrated embodiment, as in Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the return spring 46 of the first lever member 45 is a torsion spring. The return spring 46 has a threaded portion that winds around the first shaft 54 ​​and is disposed in an annular recess of the first lever member 45. The return spring 46 has one end disposed in a hole of the first lever member 45 and the other end hooked to the third stationary support plate 53 to bias the first lever member 45 in the second direction D2 with respect to the pulling axis A toward the non-actuated position, which is a rest position. In this manner, as explained above, the first lever member 45 returns to the non-actuated position after being pivoted from the non-actuated position to the actuated position and then released.

[0045] Now referring to the Fig. 7, 8 and 11 to 46, the first operating unit 41 of the bicycle control device 12 is explained in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 7 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the first operating unit 41 of the bicycle control device 12 includes a first wire take-up member 56, a position holding member 58, and a release member 60. The first wire take-up member 56 pivots about the pulling axis A to pull or wind the first control cable 31 onto the first wire take-up member 56, or to release or unwind the first control cable 31 from the first wire take-up member 56. Consequently, the first wire take-up member 56 moves with respect to the mounting member 36 in a take-up direction R1 for pulling or winding the first control cable 31 and in a release direction R2 for releasing or unwinding the first control cable 31 in response to movement of the first lever member 45.

[0046] The first wire take-up member 56 and the release member 60 are coaxially arranged for pivotal movement with respect to the mounting member 36 about the pulling axis A. The first pulling member 47 is arranged to engage the first wire take-up member 56 and the release member 60. The first pulling member 47 selectively moves each of the first wire take-up member 56 and the release member 60 individually with respect to each other. In this way, while the first wire take-up member 56 is moved by the first pulling member 47 in the take-up direction, the release member 60 remains stationary. Also, while the release member 60 is moved by the first pulling member 47, the first wire take-up member 56 moves in the release direction. Preferably, as in Fig. 7, the first actuating unit 41 further comprises a first biasing element 61 for biasing the first wire take-up member 56 toward a rest position of the first wire take-up member 56, in which the first control cable 31 is released (unwound). Preferably, as shown in Fig. 7, the first actuating unit 41 further comprises a second biasing element 62 for biasing the position holding member 58 about its pivot axis toward engagement with the first wire receiving member 56.

[0047] As explained below, the first wire take-up member 56 pulls and releases the first control cable 31 to operate a first bicycle component (e.g., the front derailleur FD) in response to actuation of the first lever member 45. Essentially, the first wire take-up member 56 is pivotally mounted to the housing 38 about the pulling axis A defined by the first shaft 54. Essentially, the position retaining member 58 holds the first wire take-up member 56 in at least one actuated position against a biasing force of the first biasing member 61. On the other hand, the release member 60 essentially releases the first wire take-up member 56 for pivotal movement about the pulling axis A by moving the position retaining member 58 from its engagement with the first wire take-up member 56 against a biasing force of the second biasing member 62.

[0048] More specifically, upon actuation of the first lever member 45, the first pulling member 47 moves with respect to the mounting member 36 to selectively move the first wire take-up member 56. Consequently, the first wire take-up member 56 is movably arranged to move between at least the rest position ( Fig. 12) and a wire receiving position ( Fig. 28). In other words, the first pulling member 47 is configured to move the first wire take-up member 56 from the rest position to the take-up position in response to actuation of the first pulling member 47. The first wire take-up member 56 is from the take-up position ( Fig. 28) in addition to the rest position ( Fig. 12) is biased by the first biasing element 61. Consequently, the first wire take-up member 56 moves with respect to the mounting member 36 in the take-up direction R1 for pulling the first control cable 31 and in the release direction R2 for releasing the first control cable 31 in response to movement of the first lever member 45. Furthermore, the first pulling member 47 is arranged to be engageable with the first wire take-up member 56 while the first wire take-up member 56 is in an intermediate position between the rest position and the take-up position after the first wire take-up member 56 has been released from the take-up position by the release member 60.

[0049] Well, as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the first wire receiving member 56 will be explained in further detail. The first wire receiving member 56 includes a control part 64, a cable attachment part 66, and a mounting part 68. While the control part 64, the cable attachment part 66, and the mounting part 68 are illustrated as separate elements that can be separated and coupled to one another, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that these parts 64, 66, and 68 can be formed as a unitary member if needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable attachment part 66 is pivotally mounted in an opening of the control part 64. The cable attachment part 66 is located adjacent the outer periphery of the control part 64. The cable attachment part 66 is a conventional part configured to receive a nipple 31c that is fixed to the inner wire 31a.The mounting part 68 mates non-pivotally with the control part 64 and defines a central opening 68a that receives the first shaft 54. In this way, the control part 64, the cable attachment part 66, and the mounting part 68 pivot together as a unit on the first shaft 54 ​​about the pull axis A.

[0050] The control part 64 of the first wire take-up member 56 includes a first engagement surface 64a provided for pivoting the first wire take-up member 56 in the take-up direction R1 about the pull axis A. More specifically, the first engagement surface 64a is configured to be selectively engaged by the first pulling member 47 for pivoting the first wire take-up member 56 in the take-up direction R1 about the pull axis A. More specifically, the tooth 47a of the first pulling member 47 contacts the first engagement surface 64a of the first wire take-up member 56 during a wire drawing operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the control part 64 is a rigid control plate made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The first engagement surface 64a is a shoulder formed by the outer peripheral edge of the control part 64.

[0051] The control part 64 of the first wire take-up member 56 further includes a cam surface 64b configured to maintain the first pulling member 47 in a disengaged position from the release member 60 while the first wire take-up member 56 is in the rest position. The cam surface 64b is defined by a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the control part 64. The cam surface 64b is located on the upstream side of the take-up direction R1 with respect to the first engagement surface 64a. Furthermore, the cam surface 64b is configured to disengage the first pulling member 47 from the release member 60 while the first wire take-up member 56 pivots from the take-up position to the rest position. In this way, the cam surface 64b of the control part 64 of the first wire take-up member 56 prevents the position holding member 58 from moving back to the holding position before the first wire take-up member 56 reaches the non-actuated position (rest position).

[0052] The control part 64 of the first wire take-up member 56 further includes a first position stop 64c and a second position stop 64d. The first position stop 64c is configured to engage with the position holding member 58 to establish the rest position of the first wire take-up member 56. The second position stop 64d is configured to engage with the position holding member 58 to establish the take-up position of the first wire take-up member 56. The first and second position stops 64c and 64d are defined by two spaced-apart portions of the outer peripheral edge of the control part 64. In other words, the first and second position stops 64c and 64d protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the control part 64.

[0053] The position holding member 58 will now be explained in further detail. The position holding member 58 is a claw pivotally mounted between the first and second stationary support plates 51 and 52 by a pivot pin 65. The position holding member 58 has a shoulder or tooth 58a that selectively contacts the position stops 64c and 64d of the first wire take-up member. In this manner, the position holding member 58 moves with respect to the mounting member 36 to move between a holding position that holds the first wire take-up member 56 in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a release position that releases the wire take-up member 56 for pivotal movement. With the first wire take-up member 56 in the rest position, the position holding member 58 abuts the first position stop 64c. When the first wire take-up member 56 is in the take-up position, the position holding member 58 strikes or abuts against the second position stop 64d.The release member 60 moves the position-holding member 58 from the holding position to / toward the release position as soon as the first lever member 45 is actuated from the non-actuated position to the actuated position. In other words, as soon as the first lever member 45 is actuated from the non-actuated position to the actuated position, the release member 60 pivots the position-holding member 58 from the holding position to / toward the release position to release the position-holding member 58 from the second position stop 64d.

[0054] While the position holding member 58 of the first operating unit 41 only holds the first wire take-up member 56 in two predetermined positions, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the first operating unit 41 may be configured such that the position holding member 58 holds the first wire take-up member 56 in only one predetermined position or more than two predetermined positions, if needed and / or desired. However, in the case of certain bicycle components, the first wire take-up member 56 and the position holding member 58 are configured to establish only two of the predetermined positions, as in the case of the illustrated embodiment. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the first wire take-up member 56 and the position holding member 58 are configured to operate a derailleur (e.g., the front derailleur FD) as the bicycle component with only two operating positions.Alternatively, the first wire take-up member 56 and the position holding member 58 are configured to actuate a suspension (e.g., the rear suspension RS) as the bicycle component with only two actuation states.

[0055] The second biasing member 62 is a torsion spring having a threaded portion wound around the pivot pin 65. A first end of the second biasing member 62 engages the first stationary support plate 51, while a second end of the second biasing member 62 engages the position-holding member 58. In this way, the second biasing member 62 biases the position-holding member 58 around the pivot pin 65 into engagement with the first wire-receiving member 56.

[0056] The release member 60 will now be explained in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the release member 60 is a rigid release plate made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The release member 60 is pivotally mounted to the first shaft 54. The second biasing member 62 biases the release member 60 via the position retaining member 58 in the release direction R2. Specifically, the second biasing member 62 biases the position retaining member 58 about the pivot pin 65 toward the release member 60. More specifically, the tip of the position retaining member 58 contacts the release member 60 and effectively applies a preload to the release member 60 to pivot the release member 60 about the pull axis A in a direction corresponding to the release direction R2 of the first wire take-up member 56. The second stationary support plate 52 is provided with a stop pin 70 which represents a final movement position of the release member 60.

[0057] The first pulling member 47 moves with respect to the mounting member 36 to selectively move the first wire receiving member 56 and the release member 60. In particular, the first wire receiving member 56 and the release member 60 are selectively moved in the same direction with respect to the mounting member 36, while the first lever member 45 is moved with respect to the mounting member 36 from the non-actuated position to the actuated position. More specifically, with the first wire receiving member 56 in the receiving position ( Fig. 22), the release member 60 pivots with respect to the mounting member 36 to move the position holding member 58 between the holding position and the release position, while the first lever member 45 moves between the rest position and the actuated position. More specifically, the first pulling member 47 is configured to move the release member 60 such that the release member 60 moves the position holding member 58 from the holding position to / toward the release position, while the first lever member 45 is actuated from the rest position to the actuated position, while the position holding member 58 holds the first wire receiving member 56 in the receiving position ( Fig. 22). As soon as the release member 60 is moved by the first pulling member 47, the first wire take-up member 56 moves in the release direction by a biasing force of the first biasing element 61, since the first wire take-up member 56 is released from the position holding member 58 by moving the position holding member 58 to the release position. On the other hand, with the first wire take-up member 56 in the rest position ( Fig. 12), the first pulling member 47 does not pivot the release member 60, but it pivots the first wire take-up member 56 in the take-up direction R1. In other words, the first pulling member 47 is disengaged from the release member 60 while the first wire take-up member 56 is in the rest position. Also, while the first wire take-up member 56 is moved by the first pulling member 47, the first wire take-up member 56 is moved in the take-up direction by the first pulling member 47, while the release member 60 remains stationary.

[0058] The release member 60 includes a second engagement surface 60a configured to be selectively engaged by the first pulling member 47. Specifically, the tooth 47a of the first pulling member 47 contacts the second engagement surface 60a of the release member 60 during a wire release operation to move the release member 60 in the take-up direction R1. The second engagement surface 60a is defined by a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the release member 60. The second engagement surface 60a is a ledge formed by the outer peripheral edge of the release member 60. The second engagement surface 60a protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the release member 60. The second engagement surface 60a is offset from the first engagement surface 64a in the take-up direction R1 of the wire take-up member 56 while the first wire take-up member 56 is in the rest position.The first engagement surface 64a of the first wire take-up member 56 is radially and outwardly offset from the second engagement surface 60a of the release member 60 with respect to the pulling axis A. Also, the second engagement surface 60a of the release member 60 is radially and inwardly offset from a radially outermost point of the cam surface 64b of the first wire take-up member 56 with respect to the pulling axis A. In other words, the second engagement surface of the release member 60 is located radially inward from the radially outermost point of the cam surface 64b of the first wire take-up member 56 with respect to the pulling axis A. In this way, the cam surface 64b of the first wire take-up member 56 can prevent the first pulling member 47 from engaging the second engagement surface 60a of the release member 60 while the first lever member 45 is actuated from the non-actuated position to the actuated position when the first wire take-up member 56 is in the rest position.In other words, the first pulling member 47 is configured to engage with the second engagement surface 60a when the first wire receiving member 56 is in the receiving position.

[0059] The release member 60 also includes a cam surface 60b configured to selectively pivot the position-holding member 58 about its pivot axis into a release position. In this manner, the release member 60 releases the first wire-receiving member 56 such that it returns to the rest position under the biasing force of the first biasing element 61.

[0060] Referring now to the Fig. 9 and 47 to 57, the second operating unit 42 of the bicycle control device 12 will now be explained in further detail. Essentially, the second operating unit 42 is operated by moving the switching member 44 from the first position (non-operated position) to the second position (operated position) and then subsequently operating the first lever member 45 with the switching member 44 held in the second position (operated position). Consequently, as a result of the operation of the switching member 44, the first pull member 47 is disengaged from the first operating unit 41, such that the operation of the first lever member 45 operates the second operating unit 42.

[0061] The switching member 44 will now be explained in further detail. The switching member 44 includes a second lever member 72 pivotally mounted about an axis C offset from below parallel to the pulling axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, a second shaft 74 is mounted between the second and third stationary support plates 52 and 53 to pivotally support the second shaft 74. Preferably, additional stationary support plates 76 and 78 are provided to support the second shaft 74. The additional stationary support plates 76 and 78 are mounted to the first shaft 54 ​​and the second shaft 74. The first and second lever members 45 and 72 extend to one end of a handlebar 24 along the longitudinal direction of the handlebar 24. Preferably, the second lever member 72 is longer than the first lever member 45 in a state in which the mounting member 36 is mounted to the handlebar 24.In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first lever member 45 is typically actuated by the driver's thumb, while the second lever member 72 is typically actuated by the driver's index finger. Consequently, this arrangement provides easy actuation of the first and second lever members 45 and 72.

[0062] The switching member 44 further includes a cam member 80 that engages and moves the first and second pulling members 47 and 48 upon actuation of the second lever member 72 of the switching member 44. The cam member 80 of the switching member 44 is pivotally mounted to the first shaft 54 ​​to pivot with respect to the pulling axis A. Preferably, once the cam member 80 begins to pivot about the pulling axis A, the cam member 80 begins to pivot the first pulling member 47 before the cam member 80 pivots the second pulling member 48, and then the second pulling member 48 begins to pivot as the first pulling member 47 continues to be pivoted. Thus, the first and second pulling members 47 and 48 are first pivoted sequentially and then subsequently pivoted together by the movement of the second lever member 72.

[0063] A return spring 82 or other biasing element is operatively coupled between the second lever member 72 and the additional stationary support plate 78 for biasing the second lever member 72 toward the first position, which is a rest position. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the return spring 82 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion wrapped around the first shaft 54. A first end of the return spring 82 is hooked to the second lever member 72, while a second end of the return spring 82 is hooked to the additional stationary support plate 78.

[0064] A return spring 84 or other biasing element is operatively coupled between the cam member 80 and the second stationary support plate 52 to bias the cam member 80 toward the first position, which is a rest position. Consequently, the switching member 44 is biased toward the first position, which corresponds to the rest position of the switching member 44, by the return springs 82 and 84.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating unit 42 includes a second wire take-up member 86. The second wire take-up member 86 is pivotally mounted to the first shaft 54 ​​about the pull axis A. Thus, the cam member 80 of the switching member 44 and the first and second wire take-up members 56 and 86 are pivotally mounted with respect to the mounting member 36 about the single pull axis A. As explained above, the spring 50 biases the first and second pull members 47 and 48 in opposite directions about the pivot axis B. Thus, the first pull member 47 is biased toward the first wire take-up member 56 and the second pull member 48 is biased away from the second wire take-up member 86.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the second pulling member 48 is arranged to engage with the second wire take-up member 86 to pull the second control cable 32. In particular, once the first lever member 45 is moved from the rest position ( Fig. 12) into the recording position ( Fig. 22) is pivoted while the switching member 44 is held in the second position (actuated position), the second pulling member 48 is pivoted by the cam member 80, which moves the second pulling member 48 into engagement with the second wire take-up member 86 to pull the second control cable 32. Upon release of the first lever member 45 from the actuated position, the first lever member 45, the cam member 80, and the second wire take-up member 86 automatically return to their rest positions to release the second control cable 32.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the second wire receiving member 86 includes a control part 88, a cable attachment part 90, and a mounting part 92. While the control part 88, the cable attachment part 90, and the mounting part 92 are illustrated as separate elements that can be separated and coupled together, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that these parts 88, 90, and 92 can be formed as a unitary member if needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable attachment part 90 is pivotally mounted in an opening of the control part 88. The cable attachment part 90 is located adjacent the outer periphery of the control part 88. The cable attachment part 90 is a conventional part configured to receive a nipple 32c fixed to the inner wire 32a.The mounting part 92 is a bushing that pivotally mates with a central opening of the control part 88 and defines a central opening 92a that receives the first shaft 54. In this way, at least the control part 88 and the cable attachment part 90 pivot as a unit on the first shaft 54 ​​about the pull axis A.

[0068] The control part 88 of the second wire take-up member 86 includes an engagement surface 88a arranged to engage with the tooth 48a of the second pulling member 48 to pivot the second wire take-up member 86 in the take-up direction R1 about the pulling axis A. More specifically, the tooth 48a of the second pulling member 48 contacts the engagement surface 88a of the second wire take-up member 86 during a wire drawing operation of the second actuating unit 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the control part 88 is a rigid control plate made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The engagement surface 88a is a shoulder formed by the outer peripheral edge of the control part 88. The engagement surface 88a protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the control part 88. Preferably, the engagement surface 88a is hook-shaped such that the tooth 48a of the second pulling member 48 fits with the engagement surface 88a.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam member 80 is a rigid cam plate made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The cam member 80 has a first cam surface 80a that engages and moves the first pull member 47 to disengage the first pull member 47 from the first wire take-up member 56 upon actuation of the second lever member 72 to pivot the cam member 80. The cam member 80 has a second cam surface 80b that engages and moves the second pull member 48 to engage the second wire take-up member 56 upon actuation of the second lever member 72 to pivot the cam member 80. Preferably, the first and second cam surfaces 80a and 80b are formed by the outer peripheral edge of the cam member 80.The first and second cam surfaces 80a and 80b are spaced apart from each other along the outer peripheral edge of the cam member 80. Preferably, as the cam member 80 pivots about the pull axis A, the first cam surface 80a begins to pivot the first pull member 47 before the second cam surface 80b contacts the second pull member 48. Consequently, the first and second pull members 47 and 48 are first pivoted sequentially and then pivoted together.

[0070] Preferably, the cam member 80 further includes a first retaining surface 80c and a second retaining surface 80d. The first and second retaining surfaces 80c and 80d are formed by the outer peripheral edge of the cam member 80. The first retaining surface 80c is adjacent to the first cam surface 80a. The first retaining surface 80c holds the first pulling member 47 in a release position with respect to the first wire take-up member 56 while the second lever member 72 is in a fully actuated position. The second retaining surface 80d is adjacent to the second cam surface 80d. The second retaining surface 80d holds the second pulling member 48 in an engaged position with respect to the second wire take-up member 86 while the second lever member 72 is in a fully actuated position.

[0071] During a switching operation to select the second actuating unit 42 for actuation, the cam surface 80 is pivoted by pivoting the second lever member 72. In particular, the second lever member 72 has a projection 72a that engages with a shoulder 80e of the cam member 80 such that the cam member 80 pivots about the first shaft 54 ​​while the second lever member 72 pivots about the second shaft 74. This pivoting of the cam member 80 causes the first cam surface 80a to engage with the tooth 47a of the first pull member 47 such that the first pull member 47 pivots on the pivot shaft 49 about the pivot axis B. After a small amount of pivoting movement of the cam member 80, the second cam surface 80b contacts the projection 48b of the second pulling member 48 such that the second pulling member 48 pivots on the pivot shaft 49 about the pivot axis B.Consequently, the first and second pulling members 47 and 48 pivot in opposite directions about the pivot axis B in response to the pivoting of the cam member 80 by the second lever member 72. In this manner, the cam member 80 of the switching member 44 changes a state of engagement between the first pulling member 47 and the first wire take-up member 56, and changes a state of engagement between the second pulling member 48 and the second wire take-up member 86.

[0072] After this initial pivoting of the cam member 80 by the second lever member 72, continued pivoting of the cam member 80 results in the tooth 47a of the first pull member 47 sliding onto the first retaining surface 80c and the projection 48b of the second pull member 48 sliding onto the second retaining surface 80d. Once the cam member 80 is pivoted to the point where the tooth 47a of the first pull member 47 and the projection 48b of the second pull member 48 remain on the first and second retaining surfaces 80c and 80d, the tooth 48a of the second pull member 48 is in a position to engage the engagement surface 88a of the second wire take-up member 86. Consequently, after pivoting the first lever member 45 about the pulling axis A for a small amount of movement, the tooth 48a of the second pulling member 48 engages the engagement surface 88a of the second wire take-up member 86.Now, with the tooth 48a engaged with the engagement surface 88a, further pivoting of the first lever member 45 about the pulling axis A causes the second wire take-up member 86 to pivot in the take-up direction R about the pulling axis A. Also, once the tooth 48a engages / comes into engagement with the engagement surface 88a, the second lever member 72 can be released due to the hook shape of the engagement surface 88a.

[0073] With reference to the Fig. 12, 13 and 20 to 29, the bicycle control device 12 is illustrated in which the first operating unit 41 performs a wire drawing operation of the first control cable 31 by operating the first lever member 45. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 represent selected parts of the bicycle control device 12 in their rest positions. The Fig. 20 to 29 illustrate the selected parts of the bicycle control device 12 that are sequentially moved as the first lever member 45 pivots from the non-actuated position (rest position) to the actuated position and then back to the non-actuated position (rest position) to perform the wire drawing operation of the first control cable 31.

[0074] Essentially, during the wire-pulling operation of the first control cable 31 by operating the first lever member 45, the tooth 47a of the first pulling member 47 engages the first engagement surface 64a of the first wire-receiving member 56 to rotate the first wire-receiving member 56. Once the first wire-receiving member 56 rotates, the position-holding member 58 pivots about its pivot axis to a release position and then pivots back to the holding position to engage the second position stopper 64d. Consequently, the position-holding member 58 holds the first wire-receiving member 56 in the receiving position. Meanwhile, after releasing the first lever member 45, the first lever member 45 returns to the non-operated position.

[0075] With reference to the Fig. 30 to 46, the bicycle control device 12 is illustrated in which the first operating unit 41 performs a wire release operation of the first control cable 31 by operating the first lever member 45. The Fig. 30 and Fig. 31 show the first wire receiving member 56 in a receiving position and the remaining parts in their rest positions. Fig. 32 to 46 illustrate selected parts of the bicycle control device 12 that are sequentially moved as the first lever member 45 is pivoted from the non-actuated position (rest position) to the actuated position and then to the non-actuated position (rest position) to perform the wire release operation of the first control cable 31.

[0076] Essentially, during the wire release operation of the first control cable 31 by operating the first lever member 45, the tooth 47a of the first pulling member 47 engages the second engagement surface 60 of the release member 60 to rotate the release member 60. Since the first engagement surface 64a is offset from the second engagement surface 60a in the take-up direction R1, when the first wire take-up member 56 is in the take-up position, the tooth 47a does not engage the first engagement surface 64a. Once the release member 60 rotates, the cam surface 60b of the position holding member 58 pivots about its pivot axis to the release position to release the first wire take-up member 56, such that it returns to the rest position by the biasing force of the first biasing element 61.After releasing the first lever member 45, the release member 60 returns to the rest position, and the position-holding member 58 pivots about its pivot axis into the holding position to strike or abut against the first holding stop 64c. Consequently, the position-holding member 58 holds the first wire take-up member 56 in the rest position.

[0077] With reference to the Fig. 47 to 57, the bicycle control device 12 is illustrated in which the second actuating unit 42 performs a wire-pulling actuation of the second control cable 32 by pivoting the second lever member 72 from the first position (non-actuated position) to the second position (actuated position) and then subsequently actuates the first lever member 45 while the second lever member 72 is at least initially in the second position (actuated position). Fig. 47 and Fig. 48 represent selected parts of the bicycle control device 12 that relate to the second actuating unit 42 in their rest positions. Fig. 49 to 57 illustrate selected parts of the bicycle control device 12 that are sequentially moved as the second lever member 72 is pivoted from the first position (non-actuated position) to the second position (actuated position) (see Fig. 49 to 51) and then the first lever member 45 is subsequently actuated while the second lever member 72 is initially in the second position (actuated position) (see Fig. 52 to 55). The Fig. 56 and Fig. 57 represent the state of the first wire take-up member 56 while the first lever member 45 is in the second position (actuated position) (see Fig. 52 to 55), during the wire drawing operation of the second control cable 32.

[0078] Essentially, the second actuating unit 42 is actuated by the first lever member 45 to perform the wire drawing operation of the second control cable 32. However, a switching operation must first be performed to select the second actuating unit 42 in order for it to be actuated. Specifically, when the second lever member 72 is pivoted on the second shaft 74, the projection 72a of the stopper 80e of the cam member 80 engages to pivot the cam member 80 about the first shaft 54. This pivoting of the cam member 80 causes the first cam surface 80a to engage the tooth 47a of the first drawing member 47, such that the first drawing member 47 pivots on the pivot shaft 49 about the pivot axis B.After a slight amount of pivotal movement of the cam member 80, the second cam surface 80b contacts the projection 48b of the second pulling member 48 such that the second pulling member 48 pivots on the pivot shaft 49 about the pivot axis B. The pivoting of the cam member 80 by the second lever member 72 results in the tooth 47a of the first pulling member 47 being pivoted away from the first wire take-up member 56 and the tooth 48a of the second pulling member 48 engaging the engagement surface 88a to pivot the second wire take-up member 86 in the take-up direction R1 about the pulling axis A.

[0079] For the purpose of understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open-ended terms that specify the presence of recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other, unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "having," "having," "including," and their derivatives. 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, unless otherwise stated.

[0080] As used herein, the following directional terms such as "frame-facing side," "non-frame-facing side," "front," "rearward," "forward," "backward," "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "upon," "under," "sideways," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "across," as well as any similar directional terms, refer to such directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position equipped with the bicycle control device. Accordingly, these directional terms, as used herein to describe the bicycle control device, should be understood with respect to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface equipped with the bicycle control device.The terms “left” and “right” as used herein to indicate “right” when referring to the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle and to indicate “left” when referring to the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

[0081] It should also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" as used herein describe different components, these components are not limited to these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, for example, a first component as explained above may be referred to as a second component and vice versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term "attached" or "attaching" as used herein includes configurations in which one element is arranged directly to another element by means of attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is arranged indirectly to the other element via the intermediate member; and configurations in which one element is integrally formed with another element, i.e.One element is essentially part of the other element. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connected," "joined," "coupled," "mounted," "glued," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, the extent terms such as "substantially," "by," and "approximately," as used herein, mean a reasonable amount of variation from the modified term so that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0082] 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, unless otherwise stated, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components may be changed as desired and / or required. Unless otherwise stated, components shown directly connected to one another may have intermediate structures between them. The function of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adapted for another. It is not necessary that all of the advantages of one embodiment be present at the same time.Any feature that differs from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should be considered a separate description of further inventions of the applicant, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such invention(s). Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are presented for illustration purposes 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) for operating a bicycle component, the bicycle control device (12) comprising: a mounting member (36) configured to be mounted to a bicycle (10); a receiving member (56, 86) which is arranged with respect to the mounting member (36) in a receiving direction for pulling a control cable (31, 32, 33, 34) and a release direction for releasing the control cable (31, 32, 33, 34) is movably arranged; a position holding member (58) movably arranged with respect to the mounting member (36) to move between a holding position holding the receiving member (56, 86) in one of a plurality of predetermined positions and a release position releasing the receiving member (56, 86) for pivotal movement; a release member (60) pivotally mounted with respect to the mounting member (36) for moving the position holding member (58) between the holding position and the release position in response to pivotal movement of the release member (60); and a pulling member (47, 48) movably arranged with respect to the mounting member (36) for selectively moving the receiving member (56, 86) and the releasing member (60). [2] Bicycle control device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) is movably arranged to move between at least one rest position and a receiving position, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) is biased from the receiving position to the rest position, the pulling member (47, 48) is designed to move the receiving member (56, 86) from the rest position to the receiving position in response to the actuation of the pulling member (47, 48), the pulling member (47, 48) is designed to move the release member (60) such that the release member (60) moves the position holding member (58) from the holding position to / towards the release position, in particular the pulling member (47, 48) is disengaged from the release member (60) while the receiving member (56, 86) is in the rest position. [3] Bicycle control device (12) according to claim 2, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) includes a cam surface configured to hold the pulling member (47, 48) in a disengaged position from the releasing member (60) while the receiving member (56, 86) is in the rest position and / or configured to disengage the pulling member (47, 48) from the releasing member (60) while the receiving member (56, 86) pivots from the receiving position to the rest position. [4] Bicycle control device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) includes a first engagement surface which is configured to selectively engage with the pulling member (47, 48), the release member (60) includes a second engagement surface (60a) which is configured to selectively engage with the pulling member (47, 48), in particular the second engagement surface (60a) is offset from the first engagement surface in the receiving direction of the receiving member (56, 86) while the receiving member (56, 86) is in the rest position. [5] The bicycle control device (12) of claim 4, wherein the first engagement surface of the receiving member (56, 86) is offset radially and outwardly from the second engagement surface (60a) of the release member (60) with respect to the receiving axis; and / or the second engagement surface (60a) of the release member (60) is offset radially and inwardly from a radially outermost point of the cam surface of the receiving member (56, 86) with respect to the receiving axis. [6] Bicycle control device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pulling member (47, 48) is arranged to be engageable with the receiving member (56, 86) while the receiving member (56, 86) is in an intermediate position between the rest position and the receiving position after the receiving member (56, 86) is released from the receiving position by the releasing member (60). [7] Bicycle control device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a lever member (45, 72) which is arranged to be movable with respect to the mounting member (36) between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, and the lever member (45, 72) has the pulling member (47, 48) arranged thereon, in particular the receiving member (56, 86) and the releasing member (60) are selectively moved in the same direction with respect to the mounting member (36) while the lever member (45, 72) is moved with respect to the mounting member (36) from the non-actuated position to the actuated position. [8] The bicycle control device (12) according to claim 7, wherein the pulling member (47, 48) selectively moves each of the receiving member (56, 86) and the releasing member (60) individually with respect to each other, such that while the receiving member (56, 86) is moved in the receiving direction by the pulling member (47, 48), the releasing member (60) remains stationary, and such that while the releasing member (60) is moved by the pulling member (47, 48), the receiving member (56, 86) moves in the releasing direction. [9] Bicycle control device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) and the release member (60) are arranged coaxially for pivotal movement with respect to the mounting member (36) about a receiving axis. [10] The bicycle control device (12) according to claim 9, further comprising a lever member (45, 72) pivotally mounted with respect to the mounting member (36) about the receiving axis between a non-actuated position and an actuated position, the lever member (45, 72) having the pulling member (47, 48) mounted thereon. [11] Bicycle control device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving member (56, 86) and the position holding member (58) are designed to establish only two of the predetermined positions, in particular the receiving member (56, 86) and the position holding member (58) are designed to operate a suspension as the bicycle component with only two operating states and / or to operate a derailleur as the bicycle component with only two operating positions.

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