bicycle operating device

Abstract

Bicycle operating device comprising: a positioning structure (50) which is designed to be movable in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) which is opposite to the first direction (D1); and a retaining element (52) which is configured to move between a first position which holds the positioning structure (50) in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, and a second position which releases the positioning structure (50) to move to another of the predetermined positions, wherein the retaining element (52) contacts the positioning structure (50), and wherein the positioning structure (50) and the retaining element (52) are configured such that the retaining element (52) applies a rotational force to the positioning structure (50) in the first direction (D1) when the retaining element (52) moves from the second position to the first position.

Description

Cross-reference to other registrations

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. patent application no. 14 / 791,689, filed on July 6, 2015. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application no. 14 / 791,689 is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. Field of invention

[0002] This invention relates essentially to a bicycle actuation device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle actuation device which is used to selectively position a bicycle component in at least two positions. Background information

[0003] Many bicycles have components that move between different positions. For example, a gear shifter (bicycle shifter) is an example of a bicycle component actuation device. In this type of gear shifter, a bicycle component positioning unit is often provided to control a gear shifter for changing speeds. The gear shifter is connected to the shifter, for example, by a Bowden-type shift cable. The gear shifter is designed and arranged to allow a user to operate the gear shifter by actuating, for example, a lever or other actuating elements of the gear shifter. An example of a bicycle component actuation device (bicycle shifter) is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application US 2012 / 0297919A1, filed by Shimano Inc.can be allocated.

[0004] Document US 2006 070 484 A1 discloses a device for reducing the engagement force of an engagement element for a bicycle component, comprising a first engagement element and a movable second engagement element, in which the first engagement element is in engagement with the second engagement element. A preload mechanism exerts a preload force to bias the first engagement element and the second engagement element towards each other, with the preload mechanism reducing the preload force when the second engagement element moves.

[0005] In addition to the gear shifting device, other bicycle components are also provided with a bicycle component positioning unit. For example, a gear shifting device, such as a front derailleur, can be provided with a bicycle shifting device including a bicycle component positioning unit, as described in US patent US 8,777,788 B2, which is attributed to Shimano Inc. Summary

[0006] Essentially, the present disclosure relates to different features of a bicycle actuation device.

[0007] In view of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle actuation device is provided, which essentially comprises a positioning structure and a retaining element. The positioning structure is configured to be movable in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The retaining element is configured to move between a first position, which holds the positioning structure in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, and a second position, which releases the positioning structure to move to another of the predetermined positions. The retaining element contacts the positioning structure. The positioning structure and the retaining element are configured such that the retaining element exerts a rotational force on the positioning structure in the first direction when the retaining element moves from the second position to the first position.

[0008] Preferably, the positioning structure is arranged to rotate with respect to a rotational axis.

[0009] Preferably, the positioning structure can include a multitude of positioning teeth that define the predetermined positions. The retention element includes a retention tooth that selectively engages with the positioning teeth to establish the predetermined positions. The retention element can be pre-tensioned such that the retention tooth contacts the positioning structure.

[0010] Preferably, at least one of the positioning teeth includes a contact surface. The retaining tooth can run along the contact surface such that the retaining tooth applies the rotational force to the positioning structure in the first direction when the retaining element moves from the second position to the first position.

[0011] Preferably, the contact surface is designed to be essentially flat.

[0012] Preferably, at least one of the positioning teeth includes an upper section. The contact surface can be arranged on a second directional side with respect to the upper section. The contact surface can have an angle of inclination between five and sixty degrees with respect to a line extending from the axis of rotation to the upper section.

[0013] The contact surface can have a contact angle between one degree and six degrees with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0014] Preferably, at least one of the positioning teeth includes a projection that extends in the second direction with respect to the axis of rotation. The contact surface can be provided on this projection.

[0015] Preferably, the retaining tooth includes a recess and the projection is designed to be / be positioned in the recess of the retaining tooth while the retaining element is in the first position.

[0016] Preferably, the positioning teeth have a first tooth comprising a radially outermost tooth contact point and a second tooth comprising a radially innermost tooth contact point, facing the first tooth. The first tooth and the second tooth can define a tooth angle between the radially outermost tooth contact point and the radially innermost tooth contact point of between ten and fourteen degrees with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0017] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device further comprises a wire receiving element configured to rotate with the positioning structure, and a first actuating element movably arranged to rotate the positioning structure and the wire receiving element in the first direction when the first actuating element moves from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0018] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device further comprises a release element, which is configured to be moved in the first direction from a non-release position to a release position in order to selectively move the holding element between the first position and the second position, and a second actuation element, which is movably arranged to move the release element in the first direction from the non-release position to the release position when the second actuation element moves from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second actuating element can be designed as trigger levers, which are each pre-tensioned towards the rest position.

[0020] Further tasks, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle actuation device will also become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses an embodiment of the bicycle actuation device. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Referring now to the attached drawings, which form part of this original revelation: Fig. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a section of a bicycle equipped with a pair of bicycle actuation devices coupled to a racing handlebar in their installed positions, each of the bicycle actuation devices including a bicycle component positioning unit according to an illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 is an interior elevation view of the right bicycle actuation device illustrated in Fig. 1 with the first and second actuating elements in their rest positions (non-actuated position); Fig. Figure 3 is an interior elevation view of the right bicycle operating device illustrated in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the first and second actuating elements pivoted into a braking position; Fig. Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the right bicycle actuation device illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 with the first and second actuating elements in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 5 is a front elevation view of the right bicycle actuation device illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 moved with the first and second actuators into a cable pulling position; Fig. Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the right bicycle actuation device illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5 with the first and second actuating elements in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 7 is a rear elevation view of the right bicycle actuation device illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6. The second actuator is moved into a cable release position while the first actuator remains in the rest position; Fig. Figure 8 is an interior elevation view of the right bicycle operating device illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 removed with a bracket or hanger; Fig. Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the bicycle component positioning unit (shifting unit) of the right bicycle actuation device, illustrated in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 with the parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of the bicycle component positioning unit, illustrated in Fig. 9 with the parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 11 is another rear perspective view of the bicycle component positioning unit illustrated in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 with the parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 12 shows a first side elevation view of the bicycle component positioning unit, illustrated in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11, with the parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 13 shows a second side elevation view of the bicycle component positioning unit, illustrated in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12 with the parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 14 is a front elevation view of selected parts (a positioning structure, a holding element, a stop element, a first actuating element, a pull claw, a second actuating element, a release element, a release claw, a stationary support plate, and a main support shaft) of the bicycle component positioning unit illustrated in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. 13 with the selected parts in their resting positions; Fig. Figure 15 shows a rear elevation view of the selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, illustrated in Fig. 14; Fig. Figure 16 is a rear elevation view, similar to Fig. 15, from selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with a first positioning ratchet or first positioning pawl of the positioning structure removed; Fig. Figure 17 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 16, from selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but also removed with a second positioning ratchet or second positioning pawl of the positioning structure; Fig. Figure 18 is an enlarged rear elevation view of an upper section of the selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit illustrated in Fig. 14; Fig. Figure 19 is another enlarged rear elevation view of the upper section of the selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit illustrated in Fig. 18; Fig. 20 is a rear elevation view, similar to Fig. 15, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first actuating element initially pivoted to begin or initiate a cable pulling actuation, which also results in the second actuating element being / being moved; Fig. 21 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 15 and Fig. 20, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first actuating element further pivoted to move the retaining element, such that a rotational force is applied to the first positioning ratchet or first positioning pawl of the positioning structure by the retaining element; Fig. 22 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 15, Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first actuating element returned to the rest position and the holding element with a positioning tooth, different from the positioning tooth that is in Fig. 15. is undergoing / has undergone intervention; is undergoing / has undergone intervention; Fig. 23 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 15, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the second actuating element initially pivoted to initiate or begin a cable release actuation; Fig. 24 is a rear elevation view, similar to Fig. 23, from selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first and second positioning ratchets or first and second positioning pawls removed to illustrate or show the engagement of the release clamp with the release element; Fig. 25 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 15 and Fig. 22, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the second actuating element further pivoted to move the release element, such that the stop element is / is moved into the path of the stop teeth of the second positioning ratchet or second positioning pawl in order to limit or restrict the rotational movement of the positioning structure in a cable release direction; and Fig. 26 is a rear elevation view, similar to the Fig. 25, of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first positioning ratchet or first positioning pawl removed to clearly represent or show the stop link in the path or way of the stop teeth of the second positioning ratchet or second positioning pawl. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0022] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art of bicycles from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0023] Firstly, referring to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a section of a bicycle 1 equipped with a pair of bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 according to an illustrated embodiment. The bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are attached to a racing handlebar H according to the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are mounted to the downward-running curved sections of the racing handlebar H.

[0024] The bicycle actuation device 12 is a right-side actuation device, operated by the rider's right hand to actuate a first braking device (not shown) and a first shifting device (e.g., a cable-operated rear derailleur). The bicycle actuation device 14 is a left-side actuation device, operated by the rider's left hand to actuate a second braking device (not shown) and a second shifting device (e.g., a cable-operated front derailleur). The first and second shifting devices are part of a conventional bicycle drivetrain system, used to change the speed levels of the drivetrain in a relatively conventional manner.In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle actuation device 12 is operatively coupled to the first shifting device via a shift control cable 16 and to a brake device via a brake control cable 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle actuation device 14 is operatively coupled to the second shifting device via a shift control cable 20 and to a brake device via a brake control cable 22.

[0025] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the control cables 16, 18, 20, and 22 are preferably conventional bicycle actuation cables, which have an outer casing covering an inner wire. In other words, each of the control cables 16, 18, 20, and 22 is a Bowden-type cable, which essentially contains an inner wire that slides within an outer casing. For example, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the shift control cable 16 has an inner wire 16a with an outer sheath 16b covering the inner wire 16a, while the brake control cable 18 has an inner wire 18a with an outer sheath 18b covering the inner wire 18a. The inner wire 16a forms a connecting element that operatively connects the bicycle actuation device 12 to the first shifting device for changing the speed level in response to actuation of the bicycle actuation device 12. The inner wire 18a forms a connecting element that operatively connects the bicycle actuation device 12 to the first brake device for applying a braking force to a wheel in response to actuation of the bicycle actuation device 12. The control cables 20 and 22 of the bicycle actuation device 14 have the same construction as the control cables 16 and 18.

[0026] While bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are illustrated as bicycle actuation devices that combine shifting and braking using Bowden cables, they are not limited to combining shifting and braking using Bowden cables. For example, bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 can be configured to perform only shifting. They can also be configured to perform braking using a hydraulic actuation unit. In the illustrated embodiment, bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are essentially identical in their actuation, except that they are mirror images of each other and they may have a different number of shifting operations.In other words, the bicycle actuation device 14 is essentially identical to the bicycle actuation device 12, except that the bicycle actuation device 14 has been modified to be a mirror image and the number of gears that can be shifted has been increased. Consequently, only the bicycle actuation device 12 is illustrated and explained herein.

[0027] In this embodiment, as best described in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bicycle actuation device 12 essentially comprises a bracket 24, a first user actuation lever 26, and a second user actuation lever 28. Furthermore, the bicycle actuation device 12 includes a bicycle component positioning unit 30, which is a shifting unit in the illustrated embodiment. The first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are pivoted relative to the bracket 24 to perform shifting operations. In other words, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are examples of user-operated levers used to actuate the bicycle component positioning unit 30, as explained below. The first user actuation lever 26 is also used to perform a brake actuation, as explained below. Consequently, the bicycle actuation device 12 is also referred to as a "road-rifter."

[0028] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the bracket 24 forms a base element that pivotably supports the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28. The bicycle component positioning unit 30 is located in an interior or cavity of the bracket 24. Typically, the bracket 24 is made of a rigid, hard plastic material. Riders sometimes grip the bracket 24 and lean on it while riding. It is therefore desirable to provide a comfortable feel for the rider's hand while gripping the bracket 24. Consequently, the bracket 24 has a rigid main body covered with a soft, externally elastomeric gripping cover 32. The gripping cover 32 at least partially covers the bracket 24, as shown in the figures. Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the gripping cover 32 is stretched over the gripping section of the bracket 24. The exact design of the bracket 24 depends on the design of the bicycle component positioning unit 30, which can be of a variety of types, such as a cable-operated unit, as shown, or an electrically operated unit (not shown). The bracket 24 is sometimes designed as a single-piece component, while in other cases it is designed as a rigid main body part and consists of one or more panel parts. Since a variety of switching units can be used for the bicycle component positioning unit 30 in the bicycle actuation device 12, the exact design of the bracket 24 is not described here.

[0029] The bracket 24 is provided with a steering rod mounting structure 34 at a rear end (proximal end) 24a for mounting to one of the downward-sloping curved sections of the racing steering rod H. The bracket 24 has an upward-sloping projecting section (knob section) 24b at a front end (distal end) 24c. The rider grips between the proximal end 24a and the knob section 24b. In other words, the bracket 24 has a gripping section 24d between the proximal end 24a and the knob section 24b. The bracket 24 is a stationary link when mounted to the racing steering rod H by the steering rod mounting structure 34. Since the bracket 24 is fixed to the racing steering rod H by the steering rod mounting structure 34, the bracket 24 represents a fixed link with respect to the racing steering rod H.The steering rod mounting structure 34 is preferably a conventional band clamp or of a similar structure used for a road switch to grip the racing steering rod H. Since the steering rod mounting structure 34 can be any suitable mounting structure, it is not described or illustrated in detail herein.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28 are trigger levers that are biased / preloaded to the rest position in a conventional manner. Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28 in their rest positions. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the first user actuation lever 26 in the actuated position, wherein the second user actuation lever 28 is / is moved into the actuated position by the first user actuation lever 26. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the second user actuation lever 28 in an actuated position and the first user actuation lever 26 in its rest position. The term "rest position," as used herein, refers to a state in which the part (e.g., the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28) remains stationary without the need for a user to hold the part in the state corresponding to the rest position. The term "actuated position," as used herein, refers to a state in which the part (e.g., the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28) is temporarily held by an external force (e.g., a user holding the part in a state corresponding to the actuated position).

[0031] As in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first user actuation lever 26 is used to perform both brake actuation and an initial shift actuation (e.g., a cable pull actuation). Consequently, the first user actuation lever 26 represents a user brake / shift actuation lever. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the brake actuation performed by the first user actuation lever 26. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first user actuation lever 26 is pivotably mounted relative to the bracket 24 by means of a pivot pin 36, which is / will be mounted to the bracket 24. The pivot pin 36 defines a brake pivot axis P1, which extends transversely to the lateral surfaces of the bracket 24 to perform the brake actuation. In the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuation lever 26 is supported on a mounting member 38, which is pivotably attached to the bracket 24 by means of the pivot pin 36, which defines the brake pivot axis P1.

[0032] More specifically, the rider pivots the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the brake pivot axis P1 in a direction substantially parallel to the bicycle's longitudinal center plane to brake. This pivoting movement of the first user actuation lever 26 from the rest position to the actuated position (brake position) along a non-shift actuation path P pulls the inner wire 18a of the brake cable 18 to actuate a braking device (not shown). The second user actuation lever 28 is pivotally mounted to the mounting member 38 and moves together with the first user actuation lever 26 and the mounting member 38 when the first user actuation lever 26 is actuated to perform the braking action, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 can be seen. Consequently, the first user actuation lever 26 serves as a brake lever.

[0033] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the first switching operation performed by the first user operating lever 26. As shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first user actuation lever 26 is pivotably mounted relative to the bracket 24 with respect to a shift pivot axis P2 in order to perform the first shift actuation. The first user actuation lever 26 pivots relative to the bracket 24 along a plane that is transverse to a braking plane of the first user actuation lever 26. The shift pivot axis P2 is not coaxial with respect to the braking pivot axis P1.

[0034] More specifically, the rider pivots the first user actuation lever 26 relative to the shift pivot axis P2 in a direction S1 towards a longitudinal center plane of the bicycle to shift gears. This pivoting movement of the first user actuation lever 26 from the rest position to the shift actuation position pulls the inner wire 16a of the shift cable 16. Consequently, the first user actuation lever 26 acts as a cable pull lever. The second user actuation lever 28 moves together with the first user actuation lever 26 when the first user actuation lever 26 is actuated to perform the first shift actuation, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that the first user actuation lever 26 touches the second user actuation lever 28 during the pivoting movement of the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the shift pivot axis P2 to perform the first shift actuation. However, the second user actuation lever 28 does not actuate the bicycle component positioning unit 30 when the first user actuation lever 26 is pivoted with respect to the shift pivot axis P2 to perform the first shift actuation.

[0035] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the second user actuation lever 28 is operatively coupled to the bicycle component positioning unit 30 to perform a second switching actuation (i.e., a cable release actuation). In the illustrated embodiment, the second user actuation lever 28 is used to release the inner wire 16a from the bicycle component positioning unit 30 when the second user actuation lever 28 is pivoted in a direction S2 towards the central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 10 with respect to the switching pivot axis P2. Consequently, the second user actuation lever 28 constitutes a cable release lever. The second user actuation lever 28 only performs switching actuations. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the second user actuation lever 28 in the rest position, while the Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the second user actuation lever 28 in a switching actuation position. In particular, the second user actuation lever 28 is pivotally mounted to the first user actuation lever 26 such that the second user actuation lever 28 is relative to the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the first switching pivot axis P2 (see Figure 7). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) pivots between the rest position and the switching position. Consequently, the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28 have matching switching pivot axes. The first user actuation lever 26 remains stationary or substantially stationary, while the second user actuation lever 28 is pivoted with respect to the switching pivot axis P2.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first user actuation lever 26 and the second user actuation lever 28 are movably supported on the bracket 24 by the mounting member 38. Specifically, the first user actuation lever 26 has a mounting end 26a that is pivotally attached to a pair of mounting flanges 38a and 38b of the mounting member 38 by a pivot shaft structure 40. The second user actuation lever 28 also has a mounting end 38 that is pivotally attached to the mounting flanges 38a and 38b of the mounting member 38 by the pivot shaft structure 40. The pivot shaft structure 40 is disclosed in detail in US Patent 9,056,597 B2, which is granted to Shimano Inc.

[0037] The first user actuation lever 26 has a user actuation section 26b located outside the mounting bracket 24 for the driver to pivot the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the shift pivot axis P2. Similarly, the second user actuation lever 28 has a user actuation section 28b located outside the mounting bracket 24 for the driver to pivot the second user actuation lever 28 with respect to the shift pivot axis P2. The first user actuation lever 26 has a stop 26c that contacts the user actuation section 28a of the second user actuation lever 28 when the first user actuation lever 26 pivots with respect to the shift pivot axis P2 to perform the first shift actuation.In this way, the second user actuation lever 28 is pivoted by the first user actuation lever 26 when the first user actuation lever 26 is pivoted with respect to the shift pivot axis P2 to perform a shift actuation. The first user actuation lever 26 also has a stop 26d that strikes a part of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 to actuate the bicycle component positioning unit 30, as explained later.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the mounting member 38 has a cable fastening hole 38c for securing the inner wire 18a of the brake control cable 18. The pivot pin 36 is located in holes in the pivot mounting sections of the bracket 24 and the mounting member 38, such that the inner wire 18a of the brake control cable 18 is pulled when the first user actuating lever 26 on the pivot pin 36 is moved from the rest position ( Fig. 2) into the braking position ( Fig. 3) is pivoted. As a preloading element (not shown), the pivot pin 36 is used to preload the assembly member 38 and the first user actuating lever 26 into the rest position as position ( Fig. 2) provided with respect to the bracket 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the preloading element for preloading the mounting member 38 and the first user actuating lever 26 is a torsion spring with its wound section arranged on the pivot pin 36, wherein a first free end contacts the bracket 24 and a second free end contacts the mounting member 38.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a first preload element 42 is provided between the first user actuation lever 26 and the mounting element 38. The first preload element 42 preloads the first user actuation lever 26 relative to the mounting element 38 with respect to the switching pivot axis P2 towards a rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first preload element 42 is a torsion spring arranged on a central section of the pivot shaft structure 40. More specifically, the first preload element 42 has a first end that is arranged in a hole in the first user actuation lever 26 and a second end that is arranged in a hole in the mounting element 38. The first preload element 42 has its wound section arranged on the pivot shaft structure 40. Similarly, a second preload element 44 is provided between the second user actuation lever 28 and the mounting element 38.The second preload element 44 is arranged to preload the second user actuation lever 28 relative to the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the switching pivot axis P2 towards the rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second preload element 44 is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot shaft structure 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the second preload element 44 has a first end that is arranged in a hole of the second user actuation lever 28 and a second end that contacts the mounting element 38. The second preload element 44 has its wound section arranged on a lever mounting section of the pivot shaft structure 40.

[0040] The bicycle component positioning unit 30 is mounted to the bracket 24 by a mounting bracket 46 and a mounting bolt 48. The mounting bracket 46 supports the front end of the bicycle component positioning unit 30, while the mounting bolt 48 supports the rear end of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. The mounting bracket 46 is attached to the bracket 24 by a screw (not shown) that is screwed into the bracket 24. The mounting bolt 48 extends through a hole in the rear end of the bracket 24 and is screwed into the bicycle component positioning unit 30. In this mounting arrangement, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is mounted to the bracket 24 in such a way that the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is removable from the bracket 24 as an integral unit.

[0041] Referring now to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18 to Fig. 19. The bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 is explained in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is a cable-actuated unit. More specifically, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is a switching unit that pulls and releases the inner wire 16a such that the inner wire 16a is selectively held in a plurality of predetermined positions. However, it is evident from this disclosure that the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can be used in other bicycle component actuating devices, such as a bicycle suspension actuating device. Furthermore, it is evident from this disclosure that the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can be used in a non-cable-actuated device, if required and / or desired.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 essentially comprises a positioning structure 50 and a retaining element 52. As explained later, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning structure 50 cooperates with the retaining element 52 to hold the inner wire 16a in one of the predetermined positions. The positioning structure 50 is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation A1. The positioning structure 50 is configured to be movable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1. Here, as shown in the Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 17, the first and second directions D1 and D2 are directions of rotation centered on the axis of rotation A1. However, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can be redesigned such that the positioning structure 50 moves in a linear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction D1 corresponds to a cable pulling direction, while the second direction D2 corresponds to a cable release direction. Preferably, the positioning structure 50 is pre-tensioned with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2 by a pre-tensioning element 53.

[0043] Essentially, the retaining element 52 is configured to move between a first position (holding position), which holds the positioning structure 50 in one of the plurality of predetermined positions, and a second position (release position), which releases the positioning structure 50 to move to another of the predetermined positions. In particular, the retaining element 52 contacts the positioning structure 50 to selectively hold the positioning structure 50 in one of the predetermined positions, as explained later. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 52 is a position-holding claw. The retaining element 52 includes a retaining tooth 52a that selectively engages with the positioning structure 50 to establish the predetermined positions. The retaining tooth 52a includes a recess 52a1 ( Fig. 20). As explained in more detail later, the recess 52a1 is designed to accommodate the positioning structure 50, while the retaining tooth 52a engages with the positioning structure 50 to hold the positioning structure 50 in one of the predetermined positions.

[0044] As will be explained in more detail later, the positioning structure 50 and the retaining element 52 are designed such that the retaining element 52 applies a rotational force to the positioning structure 50 in the first direction D1 when the retaining element 52 moves from the second position to the first position. Specifically, the retaining element 52 is pivotably mounted with respect to a pivot axis A2 between the first position and the second position. A preloading element 54 is provided to preload the retaining element 52 towards the positioning structure 50. As a result, the retaining element 52 is preloaded such that the retaining tooth 52a contacts the positioning structure 50. In this way, as will be explained later, the preloading element 54 applies a force to the positioning structure 50 during the cable pulling operation of the inner wire 16a, thus making the cable pulling operation (first switching operation) easier for the user.In other words, the working force of the preload element 54 assists the user in rotating the positioning structure 50 during the cable pulling operation (first switching operation) in order to reduce an input force applied by the user to rotate the positioning structure 50 in the first direction D1.

[0045] Here, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 includes a support structure that supports the positioning structure 50 and the retaining element 52 on the bracket 24 of the bicycle actuation device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure includes a support shaft 56, a shaft nut 59, a pivot shaft 60, a first stationary support plate 61, and a second stationary support plate 62. Consequently, the support structure constitutes a fixed element of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. It is clear from this disclosure that the fixed element is not limited to the support structure of the illustrated embodiment. Rather, each of the parts of the support structure can individually be considered a fixed element of the bicycle component positioning unit 30.In other words, each of the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 that are stationary with respect to the parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can be considered or viewed as a fixed link.

[0046] The positioning structure 50 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 56, while the retaining member 52 is pivotably supported on the pivot shaft 60. The support shaft 56 defines a rotation axis A1 of the positioning structure 50. The pivot shaft 60 defines the pivot axis A2 of the retaining member 52. The pivot axis A2 is offset from and parallel to the rotation axis A1. The preload element 54 is mounted on the pivot shaft 60. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 54 is a torsion spring having a wound section 54a that is spirally wound around the pivot shaft 60. The preload element 54 has a first free end section 54b that engages with the retaining member 52, and a second free end section 54c that is hooked onto the first stationary support plate 61.In this way, the retaining member 52 is pre-tensioned with respect to the pivot axis A2 by the pre-tensioning element 54 towards the positioning structure 50.

[0047] The support shaft 56 is a bolt having a head 56a at one end and a shaft 56b with a thread at the other end opposite the head 56a. Specifically, the head 56a of the support shaft 56 abuts the first stationary support plate 61, which has an anti-rotation structure formed between them. The first and second stationary support plates 61 and 62 are supported on the shaft 56b. The first and second stationary support plates 61 and 62 are preferably rigid links made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The mounting bracket 46 has a lower opening that accommodates the shaft 56b. The shaft mode 59 is screwed onto the threaded end of the shaft 56b to secure the mounting bracket 46 to the shaft 56b and to hold the various parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 together on the shaft 56b.

[0048] The support shaft 56 is also provided with various spacers and bushings for the appropriate spacing and rotational support of the various parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. Since the spacers and bushings are conventional parts typically found in the bicycle component positioning unit 30, these spacers and bushings of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 are not explained and / or illustrated in detail herein.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a wire holder 64 configured to rotate with the positioning structure 50 about the axis of rotation A1. The wire holder 64 is rotatably supported on the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The positioning structure 50 is not rotatably mounted on the wire holder 64. In particular, the wire holder 64 has at least one projection that aligns with the positioning structure 50 to prevent relative rotation between the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64. The wire holder 64 has a cable fastening structure 64a for attaching a nipple of the inner wire 16a to it. The wire holder 64 functions as a coil in the illustrated embodiment.The wire receiving element 64 is preferably a rigid element made of a suitable material such as a hard, rigid plastic material.

[0050] Since the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 are not rotatably coupled, the wire holder 64 is also preloaded with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2 by the preloading element 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the preloading element 53 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The preloading element 53 has a wound section 53a that is wound around the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The preloading element 53 has a first free end section 53b, which is arranged in a hole in the wire holder 64, and a second free end section 53c, which is hooked onto the first stationary support plate 61. In this way, the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 are preloaded with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2, which corresponds to the cable release direction, by the preloading element 53.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a first actuating element 66, which is movably arranged to rotate the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 in the first direction D1 when the first actuating element 66 moves from a rest position to an actuated position. The first actuating element 66 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuating element 66 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position in response to actuation of the first user actuation lever 26. Consequently, the actuation of the first actuating element 66 by the first user actuation lever 26 causes the wire holder 64 to rotate in the first direction D1, which corresponds to the cable pulling direction, to pull the inner wire 16a.Alternatively, the bicycle actuation device 12 can be designed such that the first actuating element 66 can be a user actuating lever that is actuated directly by the rider instead of the rider using the first user actuating lever 26 to actuate the first actuating element 66.

[0052] Preferably, the first actuating element 66 is preloaded with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2 by a preloading element 67 ( Fig. 10) pre-tensioned. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning element 67 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The pre-tensioning element 67 has a wound section that is wrapped around the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The pre-tensioning element 67 has a first free end section that is hooked onto the first actuating member 66, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second stationary support plate 62. In this way, the first actuating member 66 is pre-tensioned in the second direction D2 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 by the pre-tensioning element 67. Consequently, the first actuating member 66 is designed as a trigger lever that is / is pre-tensioned towards the rest position.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a second actuating element 68, which is used to release the positioning structure 50 and the wire retainer 64 for movement in the second direction D2. The second actuating element 68 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating element 68 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position in response to actuation of the second user actuation lever 28. Consequently, the actuation of the second actuating element 68 by the second user actuation lever 28 causes the wire retainer 64 to rotate in the second direction D2, which corresponds to the cable release direction, to release the inner wire 16a.Alternatively, the bicycle actuation device 12 can be designed such that the second actuation element 68 is a user actuation lever that is actuated directly by the rider instead of the rider using the second user actuation lever 28 to actuate the second actuation element 68.

[0054] Preferably, the second actuating element 68 is biased in the second direction D2 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 by a biasing element 69. Here, in the embodiment illustrated in X, the biasing element 69 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The biasing element 69 has a wound section that is wrapped around the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The biasing element 69 has a first free end section that is hooked onto the second actuating element 68 and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second stationary support plate 62. In this way, the second actuating element 68 is biased in the second direction D2 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 by the biasing element 69. Consequently, the second actuating element 68 is designed as a trigger lever that is biased towards the rest position.

[0055] In particular, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 further comprises a release element 70, which is configured to move in the first direction D1 from a non-release position to a release position in order to selectively move the holding element 52 between the first position and the second position. The second actuating element 68 is movably arranged to move the release element 70 in the first direction D1 from a non-release position to the release position when the second actuating element 68 moves from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0056] Preferably, the release member 70 is pre-tensioned with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2 by a pre-tensioning element 71. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning element 71 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The pre-tensioning element 71 has a wound section 71a which is wound with respect to the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The pre-tensioning element 71 has a first free end section 71b which is hooked onto the release member 70, and a second free end section 71c which is hooked onto the second stationary support plate 62. In this way, the release member 70 is pre-tensioned with respect to the axis of rotation A1 in the second direction D2 by the pre-tensioning element 71.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning structure 50 includes a first positioning ratchet 72, or first positioning pawl, or first positioning locking pawl, and a second positioning ratchet 74, or second positioning pawl, or second positioning locking pawl. The first and second positioning pawls 72 and 74 are examples of positioning elements that are not rotatably coupled to the wire receiving element 64. In particular, the first positioning pawl 72 has a non-circular opening 76 (see Figure 7). Fig. 15) for engagement with a non-circular projection (not shown) of the wire receiving element 64. The second positioning pawl 74 also has a non-circular opening 78 (see Fig. 16) to engage with a non-circular projection (not shown) of the wire receiving element 64. The first and second positioning pawls 72 and 74 are preferably rigid elements made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The first and second positioning pawls 72 and 74 are rotatably mounted on the support shaft 56.

[0058] The first positioning pawl 72 of the positioning structure 50 comprises a plurality of positioning teeth 80, which define the predetermined positions. The first positioning pawl 72 is a first pawl plate, comprising the positioning teeth 80, which are formed by an outer peripheral edge of the first pawl plate. The second positioning pawl 74 of the positioning structure 50 comprises a plurality of extracting teeth 81 and a plurality of stop teeth 82. The second positioning pawl 74 is a second pawl plate, comprising the extracting teeth 81 and the stop teeth 82, which are formed by an outer peripheral edge of the second pawl plate.

[0059] The number of positioning teeth (80), the number of extraction teeth (81), and the number of stop teeth (82) depends on the desired number of predetermined positions. For example, if the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is used for a front derailleur or for suspension, the number of positioning teeth (80), extraction teeth (81), and stop teeth (82) can be reduced to two or three.

[0060] Referring to the Fig. 15, Fig. 18 and Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning teeth 80 are all identical. However, it is evident from this disclosure that each of the positioning teeth 80 can have a different configuration if required and / or desired. The retaining tooth 52a of the retaining member 52 selectively engages with the positioning teeth 80 to establish the predetermined positions. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the positioning teeth 80 includes a projection 80a that extends in the second direction D2 with respect to the axis of rotation A1. The projection 80a is configured to be located in the recess 52a1 of the retaining tooth 52a while the retaining member 52 is in the first position. Each of the positioning teeth 80 includes a contact surface 80a1. The contact surface 80a1 is configured to be substantially flat. The contact surface 80a1 is provided on the projection 80a.During a cable pulling operation, the retaining tooth 52a runs along the contact surface 80a1, applying the rotational force to at least one of the positioning teeth 80 in the first direction D1, when the retaining element 52 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the positioning teeth 80 includes an upper section 80b. The upper section 80b is located on the side of the first direction D1 of the projection 80a with respect to the axis of rotation A1. Consequently, the contact surface 80a1 is located on the side of the second direction D2 with respect to the upper section 80b. The contact surface 80a1 has an angle of inclination α with respect to a line L extending from the axis of rotation A1 to the upper section 80b. The angle of inclination α is between five degrees and sixty degrees. Preferably, the angle of inclination α is between fifteen degrees and forty-five degrees. The contact surface 80a1 has a contact angle □ between one degree and six degrees with respect to the axis of rotation A1.The upper distance 80b from each of the positioning teeth 80 includes a radially outermost tooth contact point P1, which is the outermost point of each of the positioning teeth 80 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 that contacts the retaining tooth 52a. Each of the positioning teeth 80 includes a radially innermost tooth contact point P2, which is the innermost point of each of the positioning teeth 80 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 that contacts the retaining tooth 52a while in the first position. The positioning teeth 80 have a first tooth including a radially outermost tooth contact point and a second tooth including a radially innermost tooth contact point facing the first tooth. The first tooth and the second tooth define a tooth angle θ between the radially outermost tooth contact point P1 and the radially innermost tooth contact point P2 of between ten degrees and fourteen degrees with respect to the axis of rotation A1.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the positioning teeth 80 further includes a cam section 80c. The cam section 80c is located on the side of the first direction D1 of the upper section 80b with respect to the axis of rotation A1. The cam section 80c engages with the retaining tooth 52a of the retaining element 52 during the first actuation (cable pulling actuation) in order to move the retaining element 52 from the first position to the second position. In this way, the positioning structure 50 is released to move to the next of the predetermined positions.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the first actuating element 66 includes a draw claw 84, which is pivotably mounted on the first actuating element 66 by a pivot pin 85. The pivot pin 85 is supported at one end by the first actuating element 66 and at the other end by a support plate 86. The support plate 86 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support shaft 56. The draw claw 84 is designed and arranged to rotate the first and second positioning pawls 72 and 74 such that the wire receiving element 64 rotates in the first direction D1. In particular, the draw claw 84 has an engagement tooth 84a that selectively engages with one of the draw teeth 81 when the first actuating element 66 rotates in the first direction D1.

[0064] A preload element 87 is mounted on the pivot pin 85 to preload the draw claw 84 with respect to a central pivot axis of the pivot pin 85, such that the engagement tooth 84a is preloaded towards engagement with the positioning structure 50. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 87 is a torsion spring. The preload element 87 has a wound section that is wrapped around the pivot pin 85, a first free end section that is hooked onto the draw claw 84, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the first actuating element 66. In this way, the draw claw 84 is preloaded with respect to the central pivot axis of the pivot pin 85 towards engagement with the draw teeth 81. While the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest positions, the engagement tooth 84a is arranged between two adjacent pull teeth 81, such that it is in a path orThe path of the extraction teeth 81 is located.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the second actuating element 68 includes a release claw 88, which is pivotably mounted on the second actuating element 68 by a pivot pin 89. The release claw 88 is designed and arranged to engage with the release element 70 and rotate it in the first direction D1 such that the first positioning pawl 72 of the positioning structure 50 is released from the retaining element 52 in order to rotate the wire receiving element 64 in the second direction D2. In particular, the release claw 88 has an engagement tooth 88a that engages with a peripheral edge of the release element when the second actuating element 68 is rotated in the first direction D1.

[0066] A preload element 90 is mounted on the pivot pin 89 to preload the release claw 88 with respect to a central pivot axis of the pivot pin 89, such that the engagement tooth 88a is / is preloaded towards engagement with the peripheral edge of the release member 70. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 90 is a torsion spring. The preload element 90 has a wound section which is wrapped around the pivot pin 89, a first free end section which is hooked onto the release claw 88, and a second free end section which is hooked onto the second actuating member 68. In this way, the release claw 88 is preloaded with respect to the central pivot axis of the pivot pin 89 towards engagement with the peripheral edge of the release member 70.

[0067] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, while the parts of the bicycle actuating device 12 are in their rest positions, the engagement tooth 88a is held out of contact with the peripheral edge of the release element 70. In particular, the release claw 88 has a control pin 91 which is fixed to it. The control pin 91 extends from the release claw 88 through an arc-shaped slot in the second actuating element 68 such that the free end of the control pin 91 contacts the peripheral edge of the first actuating element 66 while the parts of the bicycle actuating device 12 are in their rest positions. In this way, the release claw 88 is held out of engagement with the peripheral edge of the release element 70 by the first actuating element 66.As a result, when the first actuating element 66 is rotated in the first direction D1, a bushing on the pivot pin 89 and the control pin 91 both contact the peripheral edge of the first actuating element 66 such that the second actuating element 68 rotates with the first actuating element 66 in the first direction D1. Since the first and second actuating elements 66 and 68 move together during the cable pull actuation (first switching actuation), the control pin 91 prevents the release claw 88 from engaging with the release element 70.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a stop claw 92, which is pivotably mounted on the pivot shaft 60 between a non-stop position and a stop position. The stop claw 92 has an engagement tooth 92a, which is designed and arranged to selectively engage with and disengage from the stop teeth 82 in order to restrict the rotational movement of the positioning structure 50 and the wire retainer 64 in the second direction D2 during cable release actuation (second switching actuation). The stop claw 92 is biased away from engagement with the stop teeth 82 by a preload element 93. The preload element 93 is a torsion spring.The preload element 93 has a wound section that is wound with respect to the pivot shaft 60, a first free end section that engages with the stop claw 92, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second stationary support plate 62. In this way, the stop claw 92 is preloaded with respect to the central pivot axis of the pivot shaft 60 by the preload element 93 to be kept out of the path of the stop teeth 82 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest positions. As a result of this arrangement, the stop claw 92 does not engage with the positioning structure 50 during the cable pull actuation (first shift actuation). On the other hand, the stop claw 92 has a projection 92b which engages with / reaches the release element 70 in order to pivot the stop claw 92 in such a way that the engagement tooth 92a enters a path orThe path of the stop teeth 82 moves when the release element 70 rotates in the first direction D1 during the cable release actuation (second switching actuation).

[0069] The release element 70 will now be explained in more detail. As explained above, the release element 70 is rotated in the first direction D1 from the non-release position to the release position when the second actuating element 68 moves from a rest position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the second user actuating lever 28. The movement of the release element 70 in the first direction D1 moves the holding element 52 from the first position (holding position) to the second position (release position) such that the positioning structure 50 is released to move to a further or different position from the predetermined positions. The movement of the release element 70 in the first direction D1 also moves the pull claw 84 out of the path of the pull teeth 81, such that the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding element 64 can rotate in the second direction D2 during cable release actuation.Furthermore, the movement of the release element 70 in the first direction D1 also moves the stop claw 92 from the non-stop position to the stop position in order to limit the rotational movement of the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding element 64 in the second direction D2 during cable release. In the illustrated embodiment, the release element 70 includes a release claw stop 70a, a first cam surface 70b, a second cam surface 70c, a pull claw stop 70d, and a stop stop 70e. In this embodiment, the release element 70 is a plate element. A peripheral edge of the release element 70 defines the release claw stop 70a, the first cam surface 70b, the second cam surface 70c, the pull claw stop 70d, and the stop stop 70e.

[0070] The release claw stop 70a is designed to engage with the engagement tooth 88a of the release claw 88 when the second actuating element 68 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position. In this way, the release element 70 is rotated in the first direction D1 from the non-release position to the release position when the second actuating element 68 moves from a rest position to an actuated position during cable release.

[0071] The first cam surface 70b is designed to pivot the retaining member 52 from the first position to the second position against the force of the preloading element 54 when the release member 70 rotates in the first direction D1 during cable release operation. In this way, the retaining member 52 releases the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding member 64 to rotate in the second direction D2.

[0072] The second cam surface 70c is designed to pivot the stop claw 92 inwards from the non-stop position to the stop position against the force of the preload element 93 when the release element 70 rotates in the first direction D1 during cable release. In this way, the engagement tooth 92a of the stop claw 92 moves into the path of the stop teeth 82 to limit the rotation of the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 in the second direction D2 during cable release. In other words, the engagement tooth 92a of the stop claw 92 engages with one of the stop teeth 82 while the release element 70 is in the release position. As a result, further rotation of the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 in the second direction D2 is prevented.

[0073] The pull-jaw stop 70d is designed to prevent the pull-jaw 84 from engaging with the pull teeth 81 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest positions. In other words, the pre-tensioning element 87 pre-tensions the pull-jaw 84 such that the engagement tooth 84a contacts the pull-jaw stop 70e of the release member 70 such that the engagement tooth 84a is spaced apart from the pull teeth 81 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest positions. The pull-jaw stop 70d is further designed to prevent the pull-jaw 84 from engaging with the pull teeth 81 when the release member 70 rotates in the first direction D1 during cable release actuation. In particular, the pull claw stop 70e pushes the engagement tooth 84a of the pull claw 84 outwards with respect to the axis of rotation A1 when the release element 70 rotates in the first direction D1 during the cable release actuation.

[0074] The stop stop 70e contacts the second stationary support position 62 while the release element 70 is in the rest position (non-release position). In particular, the pre-tensioning element 71 pre-tensions the release element 70 against the stop stop 70e to establish a rest position for the release element 70. The pre-tensioning element 71 is positioned between the second actuating element 68 and the release element 70.

[0075] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the release element 70 further includes a stop pin 96 that projects in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A1 and towards the second stationary support plate 62. The stop pin 96 contacts the second stationary support plate 62 when the release element 70 is in the release position (actuated position). Consequently, the stop pin 96 limits the rotational movement of the release element 70 in the first direction D1.

[0076] Now primarily referring to the Fig. 4, 5 and 15 to 22 illustrate a cable pulling operation. In particular, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the cable pull actuation (first shift actuation) is performed by the rider by pivoting the first user actuation lever 26 with respect to the shift pivot axis P2 in a direction S1 towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. The stop 26d of the first user actuation lever 26 is arranged to contact the first actuating element 66 when the first user actuation lever 26 is moved in the direction S1. As a result, the first actuating element 66 is pivoted in the first direction D1 with respect to the axis of rotation A1 by the first user actuation lever 26.

[0077] When the first actuating element 66 is pivoted in the first direction D1, the first actuating element 66 abuts a bushing at the end of the pivot pin 89, such that the first and second actuating elements 66 and 68 pivot together. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, during the pivoting movement of the first actuating element 66 in the first direction D1, the engagement tooth 84a of the draw claw 84 slides from the draw claw stop 70d of the release element 70 and engages with the draw teeth 81 of the second positioning pawl 74. The retaining element 52 also pivots relative to the pivot axis A2 of the cam section 80c from one of the positioning teeth 80. Consequently, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, a further pivoting movement of the first actuating element 66 in the first direction D1 causes the retaining tooth 52a of the retaining element 52 to engage with the contact surface 80a1 of the projection 80a of one of the positioning teeth 80. This position is shown in Figure 21. Fig. 21, the preload element 54 presses the retaining member 52 against the contact surface 80a1 of one of the positioning teeth 80 to apply a force to the first positioning pawl 72 in the first direction D1. As a result, the wire receiving member 64, the first positioning pawl 72, and the second positioning pawl 74 receive the force in the first direction D1. Consequently, the wire receiving member 64, the first positioning pawl 72, and the second positioning pawl 74 are rotated by the force of the preload element 54 acting on the contact surface 80a1 of one of the positioning teeth 80, such that the retaining tooth 52a of the retaining member 52 engages with the nearest positioning tooth 80, as shown in the Fig. 22 can be seen, is undergoing / has entered intervention. In Fig. In position 22, the projection 80a of one of the positioning teeth 80 engages with the recess 52a1 of the retaining tooth 52a. In this way, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is switched to the first direction D1 by a switching position.

[0078] Now, referring to the Fig. Figures 6, 7, 15 and 23 to 16 illustrate the cable release mechanism. In particular, as shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the cable release is activated by the rider by pivoting the second user actuation lever 28 relative to the shift pivot axis P2 in a direction S2 towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. The second user actuation lever 28 abuts the second actuating element 68. As a result, the actuating element 68 is pivoted in the first direction D1 relative to the pivot axis A1 by the second user actuation lever 28.

[0079] When the second actuating element 68 is pivoted in the first direction D1, the engagement tooth 88a of the release claw 88 engages with the release claw stop 70a of the release element 70 in order to rotate the release element 70 in the first direction D1 with respect to the axis of rotation A1. When the release element 70 rotates in the first direction D1, the first cam surface 70b of the release element 70 pivots the retaining element 52 out of the path of the positioning teeth 80 of the first positioning pawl 72. Also when the release element rotates in the first direction D1, the second cam surface 70c of the release element 70 pivots the stop claw 92 into the path of the stop teeth 82 of the second positioning pawl 74. In this way, the wire receiving element 64, the first positioning pawl 72, and the second positioning pawl 74 can rotate in the second direction D2 until one of the stop teeth 82 engages with the stop claw 92.Now, when the second user actuation lever 28 is released, the second actuation element 68 and the release element 70 spring back to their rest positions. The stop claw 92 also pivots out of the path of the stop teeth 82 of the second positioning pawl 74 to release the wire receiving element 64, the first positioning pawl 72, and the second positioning pawl 74, while the retaining element 52 simultaneously pivots back into engagement with one of the positioning teeth 80 of the first positioning pawl 72. In this way, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is switched to the second direction D2 by a switching position.

[0080] Regarding the understanding of the scope of the present invention, the terms "comprehensive" and its derivatives, as used herein, are to be understood as open terms that specify the presence of the mentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unmentioned features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "include," "exhibit," and their derivatives. Furthermore, the terms "part," "section," "section," "link," or "element," when used in the singular, may have the plural meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

[0081] As used herein, the following directional terms, "frame-facing side," "not frame-facing side," "forward," "backward," "in front," "behind," "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "button," "on top," "underside," "lateral," "vertical," "horizontal," "perpendicular," and "transverse," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to such directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position and fitted with the bicycle control device. Accordingly, these directional terms, as used herein to describe the bicycle control device, should be interpreted as referring to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and fitted with the bicycle control device.The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote right when referring to the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referring to the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

[0082] It should also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second," as used herein, are intended to describe different components, these components should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Consequently, 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 terms "attached" or "fastening," as used herein, include configurations in which one element is directly attached to another by means of attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element via an intermediate element; and configurations in which one element is integrally equipped with another element, i.e.,One element is essentially part of the other element. This concept is also applied to other words with similar meanings, such as "connected," "joined," "coupled," "assembled," "glued," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "essentially," "by," and "approximately," as used herein, signify a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0083] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to describe 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 can be changed as desired or / or necessary. Unless otherwise stated, components shown directly connected to one another can have intermediate structures between them, as long as the change does not substantially affect their intended function. The function of one element can be performed by two and vice versa, unless otherwise stated.Each feature that differs from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, shall be considered a separate description of further inventions of the applicant, including the structure and / or functional concepts embodied by such invention(s). Consequently, the preceding descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Bicycle actuation device comprising: a positioning structure (50) which is designed to be movable in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) which is opposite to the first direction (D1); and a retaining element (52) which is configured to move between a first position which holds the positioning structure (50) in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, and a second position which releases the positioning structure (50) to move to another of the predetermined positions, wherein the retaining element (52) contacts the positioning structure (50), and wherein the positioning structure (50) and the retaining element (52) are configured such that the retaining element (52) applies a rotational force to the positioning structure (50) in the first direction (D1) when the retaining element (52) moves from the second position to the first position. [2] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 1, in which the positioning structure (50) is arranged to rotate with respect to an axis of rotation (A1). [3] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning structure (50) includes a plurality of positioning teeth (80) which define the predetermined positions; and the retaining member (52) includes a retaining tooth (52a) which selectively engages with the positioning teeth (80) to establish the predetermined positions, wherein the retaining member (52) is / is pre-tensioned such that the retaining tooth (52a) contacts the positioning structure (50). [4] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 3, in which at least one of the positioning teeth (80) includes a contact surface (80a1), in particular a flat contact surface (80a1), wherein the retaining tooth (52a) runs along the contact surface (80a1) such that the retaining tooth (52a) applies the rotational force to the positioning structure (50) in the first direction (D1) when the retaining member (52) moves from the second position to the first position. [5] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the positioning teeth (80) includes an upper section (80b), wherein the contact surface (80a1) is / is arranged on a second directional side with respect to the upper section (80b), wherein the contact surface (80a1) has a contact angle between one degree and six degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (A1) and / or an inclination angle (α) with respect to a line extending from the axis of rotation (A1) to the upper section (80b) between five degrees and sixty degrees. [6] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 4, in which at least one of the positioning teeth (80) includes a projection (80a) which projects in the second direction (D2) with respect to the axis of rotation (A1), wherein the contact surface (80a1) is / is provided on the projection (80a). [7] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 6, wherein the retaining tooth (52a) includes a recess (52a1); and the projection (80a) is designed to be / be arranged in the recess (52a1) of the retaining tooth (52a) while the retaining member (52) is in the first position. [8] Bicycle actuation device according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the positioning teeth (80) comprise a first tooth comprising a radially outermost tooth contact point (P1) and a second tooth comprising a radially innermost tooth contact point (P2) facing the first tooth, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth define a tooth angle between the radially outermost tooth contact point (P1) and the radially innermost tooth contact point (P2) between 10 degrees and 14 degrees with respect to the axis of rotation (A1). [9] Bicycle actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a wire receiving element (64) which is designed to rotate with the positioning structure (50); and a first actuating element (66) which is movably arranged to rotate the positioning structure (50) and the wire receiving element (64) in the first direction (D1) when the first actuating element (66) moves from a rest position to an actuated position. [10] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 9, further comprising: a release element (70) which is configured to be moved in the first direction (D1) from a non-release position to a release position in order to selectively move the retaining element (52) between the first position and the second position; and a second actuating element (68) which is movably arranged to move the release element (70) in the first direction (D1) from the non-release position to the release position when the second actuating element (68) moves from a rest position to an actuated position. [11] Bicycle actuation device according to claim 9 or 10, in which the first and / or second actuation element(s) (66; 68) is / are designed as a trigger lever which is / are biased towards the rest position(s).

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