Bicycle operating device

Abstract

Bicycle operating device (10, 210), comprising: a base member (12, 212) adapted to be mounted on a bicycle body (B1); an actuating element (14, 214) which is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from a rest position (P0, P50) to a first actuated position (P1, P51) and is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the rest position (P0, P50) to a second actuated position (P2, P52), the rest position (P0, P50) being arranged between the first actuated position (P1, P51) and the second actuated position (P2, P52) which is opposite the first actuated position (P1, P51); a movable member (16, 226) movable relative to the base member (12, 212) to move an actuating cable (2) in a pulling direction (D11, D51) and in a releasing direction (D12, D52) opposite to the pulling direction (D11, D51); wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured to move the actuating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51) to actuate a bicycle component in response to a first movement of the actuating element (14, 214) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the first actuated position (P1, P51), wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured such that the actuating cable (2) is movable in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to a release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the first actuated position (P1, P51); and wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured to move the actuating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51) in order to actuate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the actuating element (14, 214) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the second actuated position (P2, P52), wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured such that the actuating cable (2) is movable in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to a release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the second actuated position (P2, P52).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle operating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a mode of transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has recently undergone extensive redesign is the bicycle control device.

[0003] DE 697 01 922 T2 relates to a shift control unit comprising a rotating body for rotation in one direction for winding a shift cable and for rotation in another direction for unwinding the shift cable, a user-operable control element, a first gear for transmitting the movement of the control element into rotation of the rotating body with a first gear ratio, a second gear for transmitting the movement of the control element into rotation of the rotating body with a second gear ratio, and a position-determining mechanism for holding the rotating body in positions relative to the fixed axis that correspond to different shift positions of the control unit. Furthermore, DE 10 2013 020 347 A1 discloses a base element, two actuating elements, a movable element, a pretensioning mechanism, and an electrical control unit actuated by the movement of the first and second actuating elements.The actuating elements move between actuated, rest and intermediate positions.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a bicycle operating device with a simplified structure.

[0005] To achieve this object, a bicycle operating device having the features of claim 1 is proposed. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 25. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, and a movable member. The base member is configured to be mounted on a bicycle body. The operating member is movable relative to the base member from a rest position to a first operated position and movable relative to the base member from the rest position to a second operated position. The rest position is located between the first operated position and the second operated position opposite to the first operated position. The movable member is movable relative to the base member to move an operating cable in a pulling direction and in a releasing direction opposite to the pulling direction.The movable member is configured to move the actuating cable in the pulling direction to actuate a bicycle component in response to a first movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the first actuated position. The movable member is configured such that the actuating cable is movable in the releasing direction in response to a release of the actuating member from the first actuated position. The movable member is configured to move the actuating cable in the pulling direction to actuate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the second actuated position. The movable member is configured such that the actuating cable is movable in the releasing direction in response to a release of the actuating member from the second actuated position.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element is movable relative to the base element from a release position to a first pulling position in response to the first movement of the actuating element. The movable element is movable relative to the base element from the release position to a second pulling position in response to the second movement of the actuating element. The first amount of movement of the movable element from the release position to the first pulling position differs from a second amount of movement of the movable element from the release position to the second pulling position.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the first amount of movement of the movable element is smaller than the second amount of movement of the movable element.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element is movable relative to the base element from the release position to the first pulling position in order to move the actuating cable in the pulling direction. The movable element is movable relative to the base element from the release position to the second pulling position in order to move the actuating cable in the pulling direction.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the bicycle operating device further comprises a biasing structure configured to bias the movable member relative to the base member such that the operating cable is moved relative to the base member in the release direction in response to the release of the operating member from each of the first actuated position and the second actuated position.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable member is movable relative to the base member from a release position to a first pull position in response to the first movement of the actuating member. The movable member is movable relative to the base member from the release position to a second pull position in response to the second movement of the actuating member. The biasing structure is configured to bias the movable member from the first pull position toward the release position in order to move the actuating cable in the release direction in response to the release of the actuating member from the first actuated position. The biasing structure is configured to bias the movable member from the second pull position toward the release position in order to move the actuating cable in the release direction in response to the release of the actuating member from the second actuated position.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element comprises a cable fastening section to which an inner wire of the actuating cable is to be fastened.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the base element comprises an outer sheath receiving portion which is designed to receive an outer sheath of the actuating cable.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the base element comprises a guide section which is designed to guide the actuating cable in the pulling direction.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is pivotally coupled to the movable element about a pivot axis.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element is rotatable relative to the base element about a rotation axis. The pivot axis of the actuating element is parallel to the rotation axis of the movable element.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable member is rotatable relative to the base member about a central axis of a tubular part of the bicycle body in a state in which the base member is fixedly attached to the tubular part.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the base element is designed to be rigidly attached to a tubular part of the bicycle body. The movable element is rotatable relative to the base element about a rotation axis.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the base element comprises a first contact portion that can be brought into contact with the actuating element. The actuating element is in contact with the first contact portion in a first actuated state in which the actuating element is arranged in the first actuated position.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is in contact with the first contact portion in a rest state in which the actuating element is arranged at the rest position.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the base member comprises a second contact portion that can be brought into contact with at least one of the actuating member and the movable member. The at least one of the actuating member and the movable member is in contact with the second contact portion in a second actuated state in which the actuating member is arranged at the second actuated position.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is pivotally coupled to the movable element about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The movable element comprises a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion. The first positioning portion can be brought into contact with the actuating element in a state in which the actuating element is arranged at the first position relative to the base element. The second positioning portion can be brought into contact with the actuating element in a state in which the actuating element is arranged at the second position relative to the base element.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is in contact with the first contact portion and the first positioning portion in the first actuated state. The actuating element is in contact with the second contact portion and the second positioning portion in the second actuated state.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is in contact with the first contact portion and the second positioning portion in a rest state in which the actuating element is arranged at the rest position relative to the base element.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is pivotable relative to the base element from the rest position to the first actuated position about a first pivot axis. The actuating element is pivotable relative to the base element from the rest position to the second actuated position about a second pivot axis, which is different from the first pivot axis.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element is rotatable relative to the base element about a rotation axis. The second pivot axis coincides with the rotation axis. The first pivot axis is parallel to the second pivot axis and extends radially outward relative to the second pivot axis.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element comprises a first contact part. The actuating element comprises a second contact part that can be brought into contact with the first contact part. The second contact part is in contact with the first contact part in a first actuated state in which the actuating element is arranged in the first actuated position. The second contact part is in contact with the first contact part in a second actuated state in which the actuating element is arranged in the second actuated position.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element comprises a third contact part. The actuating element comprises a fourth contact part that can be brought into contact with the third contact part. The fourth contact part is in contact with the third contact part to position the actuating element at the first actuated position relative to the base element in the first actuated state. The fourth contact part is spaced from the third contact part in the second actuated state.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the movable element comprises a fifth contact part. The actuating element comprises a sixth contact part that can be brought into contact with the fifth contact part. The sixth contact part is spaced from the fifth contact part in the first actuated state. The sixth contact part is in contact with the fifth contact part to position the actuating element relative to the base element at the second actuated position in the second actuated state.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element comprises an elongated hole. The base element comprises a pivot shaft extending through the elongated hole and defining the first pivot axis. The elongated hole and the pivot shaft define an angular range within which the actuating element can be pivoted relative to the base element about the second pivot axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown bicycle operating device; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device along the line III-III of Fig. 1 (a resting position); Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1 (a first actuated position); Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device along the line VV of Fig. 1 (a second actuated position); Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown bicycle operating device; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device along the line VII-VII of Fig. 1 (a resting position); Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 1 shown bicycle operating device; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle seat post assembly according to the first embodiment; Fig. 10 a partial cross-sectional view of the Fig. 9 (a closed position); Fig. 11 a partial cross-sectional view of the Fig. 9 (a first open position); Fig. 12 a partial cross-sectional view of the Fig. 9 (the first open position); Fig. 13 a partial cross-sectional view of the Fig. 9 (a second open position); Fig. 14 a partial cross-sectional view of the Fig. 9 (a third open position); Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle seat post assembly along line XV-XV of Fig. 13 is (the second open position); Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle seat post assembly along line XVI-XVI of Fig. 14 is (the third open position); Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device according to a second embodiment; Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the Fig. 17 shown bicycle operating device; Fig. 19 a top view of the Fig. 17, with a housing omitted (a rest position); Fig. 20 is a top plan view of an actuating element and a movable element of the Fig. 17 shown bicycle operating device (the rest position); Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the actuating element and the movable element of the Fig. 17 (a first operated position); Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the actuating element and the movable element of the Fig. 17 (a second actuated position); Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the actuating element, the movable element and a biasing element of the Fig. 17 shown bicycle operating device (the rest position); Fig. 24 a cross-sectional view of the Fig. 17 shown bicycle operating device; Fig. 25 a top view of the Fig. 17, with a housing omitted (a first pulling position); and Fig. 26 a top view of the Fig. 17, with the housing omitted (a second pulling position). DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings. First embodiment

[0033] If one refers to Fig. 1, a bicycle operating device 10 according to a first embodiment is configured to be mounted on a bicycle body B1. The bicycle operating device 10 is configured to operate a bicycle component B2, which is configured to be operated via an operating cable 2, such as a Bowden cable. The bicycle component B2 may be a cable-operated device. Possible examples of the bicycle component B2 include an adjustable seatpost assembly, a bicycle transmission, a suspension, and an intermediate receiving device. For example, the intermediate receiving device is operatively connected to the bicycle operating device 10 via the operating cable 2. The intermediate receiving device is configured to wind and unwind another operating cable to operate a cable-operated device in response to movement of the operating cable 2.

[0034] The bicycle operating device 10 is a left-hand control device operated by the rider's left hand. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art that the design of the bicycle operating device 10 can be adapted to a right-hand control device operated by the rider's right hand.

[0035] In the present application, the following directional terms "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "upward," and "downward," as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions determined based on the rider sitting on a bicycle saddle (not shown) facing a bicycle handlebar (not shown). Accordingly, as used to describe the bicycle operating device 10, these terms should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle operating device 10 as being used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

[0036] As in Fig. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a base member 12, an operating member 14, and a movable member 16. The base member 12 is configured to be mounted on the bicycle body B1. The base member 12 is configured to be fixedly attached to a tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1. Possible examples of the bicycle body B1 include a bicycle handlebar, a handlebar stem, and a bicycle frame. In the embodiment shown, the base member 12 is configured to be fixedly attached to the bicycle handlebar of the bicycle body B1. However, the base member 12 may be fixedly attached to other parts of the bicycle body B1 if needed and / or desired.

[0037] As in Fig. 2, the base element 12 comprises a housing 18 and a support body 20. The support body 20 has a ring shape and comprises a fastening opening 21 through which the tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1 ( Fig. 1) should extend. The housing 18 comprises a first housing portion 22 and a second housing portion 24. The first housing portion 22 has an annular shape and comprises a housing opening 26 through which the tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1 ( Fig. 1) is intended to extend. The second housing portion 24 protrudes from an outer peripheral edge of the first housing portion 22. The support body 20 is provided in the housing 18 and is secured to the housing 18. In the embodiment shown, the support body 20 is secured to the first housing portion 22.

[0038] The base member 12 includes a securing member 27 provided in the mounting hole 21. The securing member 27 is radially movable relative to the support body 20 to sandwich the tubular part B11 between the securing member 27 and an inner peripheral surface of the support body 20.

[0039] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the actuating element 14 is movable relative to the base element 12 from a rest position P0 to a first actuated position P1. The actuating element 14 is movable relative to the base element 12 from the rest position P0 to a second actuated position P2. The actuating element 14 is configured to be actuated by a user between the rest position P0 and the first actuated position P1 and between the rest position P0 and the second actuated position P2.

[0040] The movable element 16 is movable relative to the base element 12 to move the actuating cable 2 in a pulling direction D11 and in a releasing direction D12 opposite to the pulling direction D11. In the embodiment shown, the actuating cable 2 comprises an outer sheath 2a and an inner wire 2b movably provided in the outer sheath 2a. The movable element 16 is movable relative to the base element 12 to move the inner wire 2b relative to the base element 12 in the pulling direction D11 and the releasing direction D12.

[0041] In the present application, the term "rest position" as used herein refers to a position in which a movable part (e.g., the operating member 14) remains stationary in a state in which the movable part is not operated by a user (e.g., a rider). The term "operated position" as used herein refers to a position in which the movable part has been operated by a user (e.g., a rider) to perform an operation of a bicycle component.

[0042] As in Fig. 3, the rest position P0 is arranged between the first actuated position P1 and the second actuated position P2. In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 14 is pivotally coupled to the movable element 16 about a pivot axis A1. The actuating element 14 comprises a pivot end 14a and an actuating end 14b opposite the pivot end 14a. The actuating element 14 extends between the pivot end 14a and the actuating end 14b. The movable element 16 comprises a pivot pin 28. The pivot end 14a is pivotally coupled to the movable element 16 about the pivot axis A1 via the pivot pin 28. The actuating end 14b is provided outside the base element 12 and is configured to be actuated by a user.The rest position P0, the first actuated position P1 and the second actuated position P2 are defined based on a position of the actuating end 14b of the actuating member 14 relative to the base member 12.

[0043] The actuating end 14b is movable relative to the base element 12 along an actuating direction D0 defined about a rotation axis A2 of the movable element 16. The rest position P0 is located between the first actuated position P1 and the second actuated position P2 in the actuating direction D0. The first actuated position P1 is located on an opposite side of the second actuated position P2 relative to the rest position P0 in the actuating direction D0.

[0044] As in Fig. 2, the base member 12 includes an opening 29 provided on the second housing portion 24. More specifically, the opening 29 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion 24. As shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, the actuating element 14 extends through the opening 29. The actuating element 14 is movable within the opening 29 relative to the base element 12.

[0045] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the movable element 16 is configured to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11 to actuate the bicycle component B2 in response to a first movement of the actuating element 14 from the rest position P0 to the first actuated position P1. The movable element 16 is configured such that the actuating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to a release of the actuating element 14 from the first actuated position P1.

[0046] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the movable element 16 is configured to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11 to actuate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the actuating element 14 from the rest position P0 to the second actuated position P2. The movable element 16 is configured such that the actuating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to a release of the actuating element 14 from the second actuated position P2.

[0047] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the movable member 16 is movable relative to the base member 12 from a release position P20 to a first pulling position P21 in response to the first movement of the actuating member 14. The movable member 16 is movable relative to the base member 12 from the release position P20 to the first pulling position P21 to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11.

[0048] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the movable member 16 is movable relative to the base member 12 from the release position P20 to a second pulling position P22 in response to the second movement of the actuating member 14. The movable member 16 is movable relative to the base member 12 from the release position P20 to the second pulling position P22 to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11.

[0049] As in the Fig. 3 to 5, a first movement amount M1 of the movable element 16 from the release position P20 to the first pulling position P21 differs from a second movement amount M2 of the movable element 16 from the release position P20 to the second pulling position P22. In the embodiment shown, the first movement amount M1 of the movable element 16 is smaller than the second movement amount M2 of the movable element 16. However, the first movement amount M1 of the movable element 16 may be greater than the second movement amount M2 of the movable element 16 if needed and / or desired. Furthermore, the first movement amount M1 of the movable element 16 may be equal to the second movement amount M2 of the movable element 16 if needed and / or desired.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, the movable element 16 is rotatable relative to the base element 12 about the rotation axis A2. The pivot axis A1 of the actuating element 14 is parallel to the rotation axis A2 of the movable element 16. In the embodiment shown, the support body 20 is designed to support the movable element 16 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis A2. As shown in Fig. 1, the movable member 16 is rotatable relative to the base member 12 about a central axis A3 of the tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1 in a state in which the base member 12 is fixedly attached to the tubular part B11.

[0051] As in Fig. 6, the support body 20 has a cylindrical portion 30 and projections 32. The projections 32 protrude from the cylindrical portion 30 in an axial direction D2 parallel to the rotation axis A2. The housing 18 includes recesses 34. The projections 32 are adapted to the recesses 34. Thus, the support body 20 is fixedly positioned relative to the housing 18 through engagement of the projections 32 and recesses 34.

[0052] The movable element 16 comprises an annular body 36, a sliding element 38, a first part 40, and a second part 42. The sliding element 38 has a ring shape and is fitted into the annular body 36. The sliding element 38 includes a sliding opening 39 through which the cylindrical portion 30 of the support body 20 extends.

[0053] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the sliding element 38 is provided radially outwardly relative to the cylindrical portion 30 of the support body 20. The sliding element 38 is slidable with an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 30, so that the movable element 16 is rotatable relative to the base element 12 about the rotation axis A2.

[0054] As in Fig. 2, the first part 40 and the second part 42 are provided on the annular body 36. In the embodiment shown, the first part 40 and the second part 42 are provided integrally with the annular body 36 as a single, unitary element. The second part 42 is opposite the first part 40 relative to the rotation axis A2.

[0055] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the actuating element 14 is pivotally coupled to the first part 40 via the pivot pin 28. The pivot pin 28 is attached to the first part 40. The first part 40 includes a recess 44. The pivot pin 28 is provided in the recess 44. The pivot end 14a of the actuating element 14 is provided in the recess 44. The actuating element 14 is pivotable relative to the first part 40 within the recess 44.

[0056] The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a cover member 46 having a ring shape. The cover member 46 is attached to the movable member 16 with fastening means, such as screws (not shown). The cover member 46 is rotatable together with the movable member 16 relative to the base member 12 about the rotation axis A2. However, the cover member 46 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10 if needed and / or desired. Furthermore, the cover member 46 can be attached to the base member 12 if needed and / or desired.

[0057] As in Fig. 7, the bicycle operating device 10 further comprises a biasing structure 48. As shown in the Fig. 3 to 5 and 7, the biasing structure 48 is configured to bias the movable member 16 relative to the base member 12 so that the actuating cable 2 moves relative to the base member 12 in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the actuating member 14 from each of the first actuated positions P1 ( Fig. 4) and the second actuated position P2 ( Fig. 5). In the embodiment shown, the biasing structure 48 is configured to exert a biasing force F1 on the movable element 16.

[0058] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the biasing structure 48 is configured to bias the movable element 16 from the first pulling position P21 to the release position P20 in order to move the actuating cable 2 in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the actuating element 14 from the first actuated position P1. As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the biasing structure 48 is configured to bias the movable member 16 from the second pulling position P22 toward the release position P20 in order to move the actuating cable 2 in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the actuating member 14 from the second actuated position P2.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, as shown in Fig. 7, the biasing structure 48 includes a biasing element 50 configured to bias the movable member 16 relative to the base member 12. The biasing element 50 is provided in the base member 12. While in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 50 is a coil tension spring, the biasing element 50 may be other biasing elements, such as a coil compression spring and a coil torsion spring.

[0060] As in Fig. 7, the prestressing structure 48 includes a first attachment portion 52 and a second attachment portion 54. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the first attachment portion 52 is attached to the base member 12. The second attachment portion 54 is attached to the movable member 16. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the biasing member 50 includes a coil body 50a, a first end portion 50b, and a second end portion 50c. The first end portion 50b is hooked to the first attachment portion 52. The second end portion 50c is hooked to the second attachment portion 54.

[0061] While the bicycle operating device 10 includes the biasing structure 48 in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing structure 48 may be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10 if needed and / or desired. In such an embodiment, the movable member 16 may be pulled via the actuating cable 2 by a biasing structure provided in the bicycle component B2.

[0062] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the movable member 16 includes a cable attachment portion 56 to which the inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 is to be attached. In the embodiment shown, the cable attachment portion 56 includes a first recess 57 and a through hole 58. The through hole 58 extends from the first recess 57. An end member 2c of the inner wire 2b is provided in the first recess 57. The inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 extends through the through hole 58.

[0063] The base member 12 includes an outer sheath receiving portion 59 configured to receive the outer sheath 2a of the operating cable 2. The outer sheath receiving portion 59 includes a second recess 60 and a guide hole 61. The guide hole 61 extends from the second recess 60. One end of the outer sheath 2a is provided in the second recess 60. The inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 extends through the guide hole 61.

[0064] As in the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 3 to 5, the base member 12 includes a guide portion 62 configured to guide the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide portion 62 is configured to guide the inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11. The guide portion 62 includes a guide groove 62a. The guide groove 62a is connected to the guide hole 61 of the outer sheath receiving portion 59. The inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 extends through the guide groove 62a.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the guide groove 62a is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the support body 20 of the base member 12. The guide portion 62 may be omitted from the base member 12 or may be provided at other positions as needed and / or desired. The cable attachment portion 56 is provided on the second part 42 of the movable member 16. The cable attachment portion 56 may be provided at other positions as needed and / or desired.

[0066] As in Fig. 8, the base member 12 includes an additional opening 64 provided on the second housing portion 24. As shown in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 3 to 5, the additional opening 64 is provided to prevent interference between the base element 12 and the end element 2c of the inner wire 2b. The end element 2c of the inner wire 2b is movable within the additional opening 64.

[0067] As in Fig. 3, the base member 12 includes a first contact portion 66 that can be brought into contact with the actuating element 14. The actuating element 14 is in contact with the first contact portion 66 in a rest state in which the actuating element 14 is arranged at the rest position P0. As shown in Fig. 4, the actuating element 14 is in contact with the first contact portion 66 in a first actuated state in which the actuating element 14 is arranged at the first actuated position P1. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first contact portion 66 is attached to the support body 20 and has a curved surface. In the embodiment shown, the first contact portion 66 comprises a rod attached to the support body 20.

[0068] As in Fig. 5, the base member 12 includes a second contact portion 68 that can be brought into contact with at least one of the actuating member 14 and the movable member 16. The at least one of the actuating member 14 and the movable member 16 is in contact with the second contact portion 68 in a second actuated state in which the actuating member 14 is arranged at the second actuated position P2.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the second contact portion 68 can be brought into contact with the actuating element 14 and the movable element 16. The actuating element 14 and the movable element 16 are in contact with the second contact portion 68 in the second actuated state. The second contact portion 68 includes a third contact portion 70 and a fourth contact portion 72. The third contact portion 70 can be brought into contact with the actuating element 14. The fourth contact portion 72 can be brought into contact with the movable element 16. The actuating element 14 and the movable element 16 are each in contact with the third contact portion 70 and the fourth contact portion 72 in the second actuated state.

[0070] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the third contact portion 70 is provided at an edge of the opening 29 on the second housing portion 24. The fourth contact portion 72 is provided on the cylindrical portion 30 of the support body 20. One of the third contact portion 70 and the fourth contact portion 72 may be omitted from the second contact portion 68 if needed and / or desired. Namely, only one of the actuating member 14 and the movable member 16 may be in contact with the second contact portion 68 if needed and / or desired.

[0071] As in the Fig. 3 to 5, the actuating element 14 is pivotally coupled to the movable element 16 about the pivot axis A1 between a first position P31 and a second position P32. The movable element 16 comprises a first positioning section 74 and a second positioning section 76. As shown in Fig. 4, the first positioning portion 74 can be brought into contact with the actuating element 14 in a state in which the actuating element 14 is arranged at the first position P31 relative to the base member 12. The contact of the actuating element 14 with the first positioning portion 74 prevents movement of the movable element 16 in the pulling direction D11 beyond the first pulling position P21. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the second positioning portion 76 can be brought into contact with the actuating member 14 in a state where the actuating member 14 is located at the second position P32 relative to the base member 12. The contact of the actuating member 14 with the second positioning portion 76 prevents movement of the movable member 16 in the pulling direction D11 beyond the second pulling position P22.

[0072] As in Fig. 3, the actuating element 14 is in contact with the first contact portion 66 and the second positioning portion 76 in the rest state in which the actuating element 14 is arranged at the rest position P0 relative to the base element 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the actuating element 14 is in contact with the first contact portion 66 and the first positioning portion 74 in the first actuated state. As shown in Fig. 5, the actuating element 14 is in contact with the second contact portion 68 and the second positioning portion 76 in the second actuated state. In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 14 is in contact with the third contact portion 70 and the second positioning portion 76 in the second actuated state. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the first positioning portion 74 and the second positioning portion 76 define the recess 44 of the movable member 16.

[0073] Since the preload force F1 on the movable element 16 is transmitted by the preload structure 48 ( Fig. 7), the operating member 14 is positioned at the rest position P0 by the first contact portion 66 and the second positioning portion 76 when the operating member 14 is not operated by a user.

[0074] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, when the actuating member 14 is actuated by a user from the rest position P0 toward the first actuated position P1, the actuating member 14 is pivoted relative to the base member 12 about the first contact portion 66 toward the first actuated position P1, coming into contact with the first contact portion 66. This urges the movable member 16 to rotate relative to the base member 12 about the rotation axis A2 from the release position P20 toward the first pull position P21 against the biasing force F1. At this time, the actuating member 14 is pivoted relative to the movable member 16 from the first position P31 toward the second position P32.

[0075] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the contact between the operating member 14 and the first positioning portion 74 stops the pivoting movement of the operating member 14 and the rotation of the movable member 16 at the first pulling position P21. Accordingly, the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by the first movement amount M1 in the pulling direction D11. The movable member 16 is positioned at the first pulling position P21 while the operating member 14 is positioned by the user at the first operated position P1, allowing the first movement amount M1 to be maintained.

[0076] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when the operating element 14 is released by the user from the first actuated position P1, the movable element 16 is returned to the release position P20 by the biasing force F1. This allows the operating cable 2 to be released (moved) in the release direction D12. The operating element 14 is positioned at the rest position P0 by the first contact portion 66 and the second contact portion 76. Thus, the movable element 16 is positioned at the release position P20.

[0077] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, when the actuating element 14 is actuated by a user from the rest position P0 toward the second actuated position P2, the actuating element 14 remains in contact with the second contact portion 76 of the movable element 16. Thus, the actuating element 14 and the movable element 16 are pivoted together relative to the base element 12 about the second axis A2 toward the second actuated position P2 and the second pulling position P22, against the biasing force F1.

[0078] As in Fig. 5, the contact between the second contact portion 68 and each of the operating member 14 and the movable member 16 stops the rotation of the movable member 16 at the second pulling position P22. More specifically, the contacts between the third contact portion 70 and the operating member 14 and between the fourth contact portion 72 and the movable member 16 stop the rotation of the movable member 16 at the second pulling position P22. Accordingly, the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by the second moving amount M2 in the pulling direction D11. The movable member 16 is positioned at the second pulling position P22 while the operating member 14 is positioned by the user at the second operated position P2, allowing the second moving amount M2 to be maintained.

[0079] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, when the operating element 14 is released by the user from the second actuated position P2, the movable element 16 is returned to the release position P20 by the biasing force F1. This allows the operating cable 2 to be released (moved) in the release direction D12. The operating element 14 is positioned at the rest position P0 by the first contact portion 66 and the second contact portion 76. Thus, the movable element 16 is positioned at the release position P20.

[0080] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating device 10 does not include a positioning structure configured to position the movable member 16 at the first pulling position P21 and the second pulling position P22 relative to the base member 12 in a state where the operating force is not applied by the driver's finger or fingers to the operating member 14. In the present application, possible examples of the phrase "releasing the operating member" as used herein include moving the driver's finger or fingers away from an operating member, such as the operating member 14, and removing an operating force applied by the driver's finger or fingers to the operating member from the operating member.However, in the embodiment, the operating device 10 includes a positioning structure that positions the movable member 16 only at the release position P20 in a state where the operating force is not applied to the operating member 14 by the driver's finger or fingers.

[0081] In the bicycle operating device 10, the rest position P0 is arranged between the first operated position P1 and the second operated position P2. The movable member 16 is configured to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11 to operate the bicycle component B2 in response to the first movement of the operating member 14 from the rest position P0 to the first operated position P1. The movable member 16 is configured to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11 to operate the bicycle component B2 in response to the second movement of the operating member 14 from the rest position P0 to the second operated position P2. Accordingly, it is possible to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D11 even when the operating member 14 is operated in various ways.

[0082] Furthermore, the movable member 16 is configured such that the operating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the operating member 14 from the first operated position P1. The movable member 16 is configured such that the operating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the operating member 14 from the second operated position P2. Accordingly, it is possible to return the operating cable 2 to an initial position by releasing the operating member 14, which allows for the simplification of the structure of the bicycle operating device 10.

[0083] The bicycle operating device 10 can be used to operate several bicycle components. An example of the bicycle component B2 is described with reference to Fig. 9 to 16 described below.

[0084] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the bicycle operating device 10 can be used, for example, to operate a bicycle seat post assembly 100 via the operating cable 2. The operating cable 2 is configured to be connected to the bicycle seat post assembly 100 to adjust an overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100. The bicycle seat post assembly 100 has a maximum overall length L0 and a minimum overall length L3. The overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is adjustable within an adjustment range AR, which is defined as a difference between the maximum overall length L0 and the minimum overall length L3. The bicycle seat post assembly 100 has a first overall length L1 and a second overall length L2. The first overall length L1 and the second overall length L2 are defined between the maximum overall length L0 and the minimum overall length L3. The first and second overall lengths L1 and L2 differ from each other.

[0085] For example, the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is adjustable to the first overall length L1 in a state in which the operating member 14 is positioned at the first operated position P1, so that the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by the first movement amount M1 ( Fig. 4). The overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is adjustable to the second overall length L2 in a state in which the operating member 14 is positioned at the second actuated position P2, so that the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 12 by the second movement amount M2 ( Fig. 5).

[0086] As in Fig. 9, the bicycle seat post assembly 100 includes a first cylinder 102 and a second cylinder 104. The first cylinder 102 is, for example, releasably attached to a seat tube (not shown). However, the second cylinder 104 may be releasably attached to the seat tube if needed and / or desired. The second cylinder 104 is configured to be telescopically received within the first cylinder 102. The first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 are configured to be movable relative to each other in a telescopic direction D10. The second cylinder 104 includes a saddle attachment portion 106 to which a saddle (not shown) is to be attached.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 has a locked state, a first adjusted state, and a second adjusted state. The bicycle seatpost assembly 100 includes a structure configured to switch a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 from the locked state, the first adjusted state, and the second adjusted state using the bicycle operating device 10.

[0088] For example, in the locked state, the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is maintained at an adjusted overall length. In the locked state, the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 are fixedly positioned relative to each other in the telescopic direction D10.

[0089] In the first adjustment state, the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is adjustable to the first overall length L1 simply by operating the operating member 14 of the bicycle operating device 10 to the first operated position P1. More specifically, in the first adjustment state, when the second cylinder 104 moves downward relative to the first cylinder 102 from a position corresponding to the maximum overall length L0, the second cylinder 104 stops relative to the first cylinder 102 at a position corresponding to the first overall length L1. In the first adjustment state, the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 are telescopically movable relative to each other between the maximum overall length L0 and the minimum overall length L1 in the telescopic direction D10.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first adjustment state, the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is continuously adjustable between the maximum overall length L0 and the first overall length L1 by actuating the actuating element 14 of the bicycle operating device 10 to the first actuated position P1. In the second adjustment state, the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 are telescopically movable relative to each other between the maximum overall length L0 and the minimum overall length L3 in the telescopic direction D10. Namely, in the first adjustment state, a positional relationship between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 is continuously adjustable within a first position adjustment range AR1. The first position adjustment range AR1 is defined between a first maximum overall length (the maximum overall length L0) and a first minimum overall length (the first overall length L1) of the bicycle seat post assembly 100.

[0091] In the second adjustment state, the overall length of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 is continuously adjustable within the adjustment range AR by actuating the actuating element 14 to the second actuated position P2. Namely, in the second adjustment state, the positional relationship between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 is continuously adjustable within a second position adjustment range AR2 (the adjustment range AR), which is different from the first position adjustment range AR1. The second position adjustment range AR2 is defined between a second maximum overall length (the maximum overall length L0) and a second minimum overall length (the minimum overall length L3) of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the second overall length L2 represents possible overall lengths within the adjustment range AR, while the first overall length L1 is a predetermined overall length.

[0092] As in Fig. 9, the first position adjustment range AR1 and the second position adjustment range AR2 differ from each other. More specifically, the first position adjustment range AR1 at least partially overlaps the second position adjustment range AR2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position adjustment range AR1 completely overlaps the second position adjustment range AR2 and is included in the second position adjustment range AR2. The second position adjustment range AR2 partially overlaps the first position adjustment range AR1.

[0093] The first position adjustment range AR1 has a full length that is different from the full length of the second position adjustment range AR2. In the illustrated embodiment, the full length of the first position adjustment range AR1 is shorter than the full length of the second position adjustment range AR2. The first minimum total length (first total length L1) is different from the second minimum total length (minimum total length L3). On the other hand, the first maximum total length (maximum total length L0) is equal to the second maximum total length (maximum total length L0). In the illustrated embodiment, the first minimum total length (first total length L1) is longer than the second minimum total length (minimum total length L3).

[0094] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the bicycle seat post assembly 100 includes a positioning structure 108. The positioning structure 108 is configured to relatively position the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104. The positioning structure 108 is configured to switch a state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 from the locked state, the first adjustment state, and the second adjustment state.

[0095] The positioning structure 108 is configured to change the state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 from the first adjustment state and the second adjustment state in response to an operation of the bicycle operating device 10 ( Fig. 4). The positioning structure 108 is configured to switch the state of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 to the first adjustment state in response to a first actuation of the bicycle operating device 10. The positioning structure 108 is configured to switch the state of the bicycle seatpost assembly 100 to the second adjustment state in response to a second actuation of the bicycle operating device 10.

[0096] In the embodiment shown, as in Fig. 4, the first actuation of the bicycle actuating device 10 is an actuation in which the actuating element 14 is moved relative to the base element 12 from the rest position P0 to the first actuated position P1. As shown in Fig. 5, the second actuation of the bicycle actuating device 10 is an actuation in which the actuating element 14 is moved relative to the base element 12 from the rest position P0 to the second actuated position P2.

[0097] As in Fig. 9, the positioning structure 108 comprises a support member 110 and a fluid cylinder 112. The support member 110 is configured to be telescopically movable relative to the fluid cylinder 112. The support member 110 and the fluid cylinder 112 extend in the telescopic direction D10. The support member 110 is provided in the first cylinder 102 and is integrally movable with the first cylinder 102 relative to the second cylinder 104. The fluid cylinder 112 is provided in the second cylinder 104 and is integrally movable with the second cylinder 104 relative to the first cylinder 102. However, the support member 110 may be provided in the second cylinder 104, and the fluid cylinder 112 may be provided in the first cylinder 102, if needed and / or desired.

[0098] As in Fig. 10, the positioning structure 108 includes a valve element 114. The valve element 114 is configured to be movable relative to the support element 110. As shown in Fig. 9, the bicycle seat post assembly 100 further includes a valve actuation structure 116 attached to a lower end of the first cylinder 102. The valve actuation structure 116 is operatively connected to the bicycle operating device 10 via the actuation cable 2. The valve element 114 is moved upward relative to the support member 110 via the valve actuation structure 116. In the embodiment shown, the valve element 114 is moved relative to the support member 110 via the valve actuation structure 116 in response to the first actuation and the second actuation of the bicycle operating device 10 ( Fig. 9) moved upwards.

[0099] As in Fig. 10, the support member 110 includes an inner tube 118 and a valve receiving member 120. The valve receiving member 120 is attached to an upper end of the inner tube 118 and slidably provided in the fluid cylinder 112. The positioning structure 108 is configured to determine a position of the valve member 114 relative to the support member 110 in response to an actuation of the bicycle operating device 10 ( Fig. 9) to change.

[0100] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 10, the positioning structure 108 includes a first chamber C1 and a second chamber C2. The first chamber C1 is defined by the support member 110 (the valve receiving member 120), the fluid cylinder 112, and the valve member 114. The second chamber C2 is defined by the support member 110 and the fluid cylinder 112. Each of the first chamber C1 and the second chamber C2 is filled, for example, with a substantially incompressible fluid (e.g., oil).

[0101] The support element 110 and the valve element 114 constitute a valve structure 121. The valve structure 121 has a closed state ( Fig. 10), a first open state ( Fig. 11 and Fig. 12) and a second open state ( Fig. 13). The closed state corresponds to the locked state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100. The first open state corresponds to the first adjustment state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100. The second open state corresponds to the second adjustment state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100.

[0102] As in Fig. 10, the valve element 114 is slidably provided within the inner tube 118 and the valve receiving member 120. The valve element 114 is configured to be positioned at a closed position P10, a first open position P11, and a second open position P12. In the closed state of the valve structure 121, the valve element 114 is positioned at the closed position P10. In the first open state of the valve structure 121, the valve element 114 is positioned at the first open position P11. In the second open state of the valve structure 121, the valve element 114 is positioned at the second open position P12. The positioning structure 108 includes a biasing member (not shown) configured to bias the valve element 114 relative to the support member 110 toward the closed position P10.

[0103] The valve element 114 is in contact with the valve receiving element 120 to close the valve structure 121 in a state where the valve element 114 is positioned at the closed position P10. The closed position P10 corresponds to the rest position P0 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 9) of the bicycle operating device 10. The first open position P11 corresponds to the first actuated position P1 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 9) of the bicycle operating device 10. The second open position P12 corresponds to the second actuated position P2 ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 9) of the bicycle operating device 10. The position of the valve element 114 is adjustable relative to the support element 110 by means of the bicycle operating device 10 continuously between the closed position P10 and the second open position P12 ( Fig. 9). The position of the valve element 114 can be adjusted relative to the support element 110 by means of the first actuated position P1 of the bicycle operating device 10 ( Fig. 9) at the first open position P11.

[0104] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 13, the valve element 114 is movably mounted on the support member 110 and is configured to protrude from the support member 110. As shown in Fig. 11, the valve element 114 protrudes from the support member 110 by a first protrusion amount AMP1 in a state where the valve element 114 is located at the first open position P11. As shown in Fig. 13, the valve element 114 protrudes from the support member 110 by a second protrusion amount AMP2, which is different from the first protrusion amount AMP1, in a state in which the valve element 114 is arranged at the second open position P12. In the embodiment shown, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 12 and Fig. 14, the second lead amount AMP2 is greater than the first lead amount AMP1.

[0105] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 13, the positioning structure 108 comprises a first passage W11 and a second passage W12. As shown in Fig. 11, in the first adjustment state of the bicycle seat post assembly (i.e., in a state in which the valve element 114 is arranged at the first open position P11), the first chamber C1 communicates with the second chamber C2 via the first passage W11. As shown in Fig. 13, in the second adjustment state of the bicycle seat post assembly (ie, in a state in which the valve element 114 is arranged at the second open position P12), the first chamber C1 communicates with the second chamber C2 via the second passage W12. As shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 13, the first passage W11 and the second passage W12 are at least partially arranged between the support element 110 and the valve element 114. In the embodiment shown, the first passage W11 differs at least partially from the second passage W12.

[0106] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the positioning structure 108 is configured to switch a fluid passage from the first passage W11 and the second passage W12 to switch the state of the bicycle seatpost assembly between the first adjustment state and the second adjustment state. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve element 114 is configured to switch the fluid passage from the first passage W11 and the second passage W12 depending on the position of the valve element 114 relative to the support member 110.

[0107] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 11, the first passage W11 includes a first passage GT1 configured to open and close in response to the position of the valve element 114 relative to the support member 110. The first passage GT1 is open in a state where the valve element 114 is located at the first open position P11.

[0108] More specifically, the positioning structure 108 includes a first passage sealing element SM1 provided on an inner periphery of the valve receiving member 120. The first passage sealing element SM1 can be brought into contact with the valve element 114. The first passage GT1 is closed in a state in which the first passage sealing element SM1 is in contact with the valve element 114 ( Fig. 10) is in contact. The first passage GT1 is open in a state in which the first passage sealing element SM1 is separated from the valve element 114 ( Fig. 11) is spaced.

[0109] As in Fig. As seen in Fig. 13, the second passage W12 includes a second passage GT2 configured to open and close in response to a position of the valve element 114 relative to the support member 110. The second passage GT2 is provided at a position different from a position of the first passage GT1. More specifically, the second passage GT2 is provided at a position spaced apart from the first passage GT1 in the telescopic direction D10 and is closer to an upper end of the movable member than the first passage GT1. The first passage GT1 and the second passage GT2 are open in a state where the valve element 114 is located at the second open position P12 relative to the support member 110, which is different from the first open position P11.

[0110] More specifically, the positioning structure 108 includes a second passage sealing element SM2 provided on the inner periphery of the valve receiving member 120. The second passage sealing element SM2 can be brought into contact with the valve element 114. The second passage GT2 is closed in a state in which the second passage sealing element SM2 is in contact with the valve element 114 ( Fig. 10). The second passage GT2 is open in a state in which the second passage sealing element SM2 is separated from the valve element 114 ( Fig. 13) is spaced.

[0111] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the first passage GT1 and the second passage GT2 are closed in a state where the valve element 114 is positioned relative to the support member 110 at the closed position P10, which is different from the first open position P11 and the second open position P12. In this state, the first passage sealing element SM1 and the second passage sealing element SM2 are in contact with the valve element 114, so that the first passage GT1 and the second passage GT2 are closed. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the second passage GT2 is closed in a state where the valve element 114 is located at the first open position P11. In this state, the first passage sealing element SM1 is spaced apart from the valve element 114 so that the first passage GT1 is open, and the second passage sealing element SM2 is in contact with the valve element 114 so that the second passage GT2 is closed.

[0112] A first intermediate chamber C3 is defined between the fluid cylinder 112 and the valve receiving element 120. More specifically, the positioning structure 108 includes an additional sealing element SM4 provided on the outer periphery of the valve receiving element 120. The first intermediate chamber C3 is defined by the fluid cylinder 112, the valve receiving element 120, and the additional sealing element SM4.

[0113] A second intermediate chamber C4 is defined between the valve element 114 and the valve receiving member 120. The valve receiving member 120 includes first through holes 120a and second through holes 120b. The first through holes 120a extend in a radial direction of the valve receiving member 120 and are provided between the first passage sealing member SM1 and the second passage sealing member SM2.

[0114] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 11, the first intermediate chamber C3 communicates with the second intermediate chamber C4 via the first through holes 120a in a state where the first passage GT1 is open. The second through holes 120b extend in the radial direction of the valve receiving member 120 and are provided on an opposite side of the first through holes 120a relative to the first passage sealing member SM1. The second intermediate chamber C4 communicates with the second chamber C2 via the second through holes 120b. The additional sealing member SM4 is provided between the first through holes 120a and the second through holes 120b in the telescopic direction D10.

[0115] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the first passage GT1 and the second passage GT2 are open in a state where the valve element 114 is positioned relative to the support member 110 at a third closed open position P13, which is different from the first open position P11 and the second open position P12. In the illustrated embodiment, the third open position P13 is positioned between the first open position P11 and the second open position P12.

[0116] As in Fig. 15, the second passage GT2 has a first cross-sectional area A11 in a state where the valve element 114 is arranged at the second open position P12. The first cross-sectional area A11 is shown in a cross section along the line XV-XV of Fig. 13. As defined in Fig. 16, the second passage GT2 has a second cross-sectional area A12 in a state where the valve element 114 is arranged at the third open position P13. The second cross-sectional area A12 is shown in a cross section along the line XVI-XVI of Fig. 14. As defined in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the second cross-sectional area A12 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A11. Since the second cross-sectional area A12 is smaller than the first cross-sectional area A11, a fluid resistance caused by the second passage GT2 having the second cross-sectional area A12 is greater than the fluid resistance caused by the second passage GT2 having the first cross-sectional area A11. Thus, the second cross-sectional area A12 of the second passage GT2 reduces the relative movement speed between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 compared with the first cross-sectional area A11 of the second passage GT2. This allows the user to finely adjust the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100.

[0117] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the fluid cylinder 112 includes an inner peripheral surface 112e and a recessed inner peripheral surface 112d recessed from the inner peripheral surface 112e. The recessed inner peripheral surface 112d defines an inner diameter DM1 that is greater than an inner diameter DM2 defined by the inner peripheral surface 112e. The inner peripheral surface 112e includes a first inner peripheral surface 112b and a second inner peripheral surface 112c. The recessed inner peripheral surface 112d is disposed between the first inner peripheral surface 112b and the second inner peripheral surface 112c. The recessed inner peripheral surface 112d defines a recess 112a.

[0118] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 11, the first passage W11 includes a third passage GT3 configured to open and close in response to a relative position between the support member 110 and the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d. The third passage GT3 is configured to open and close the first passage W11 provided between the first chamber C1 and the first intermediate chamber C3. The support member 110 includes a sealing member 122 (a third-passage sealing member) disposed on an outer periphery of the support member 110. The third passage GT3 is open in a state where the sealing member 122 faces the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d of the fluid cylinder 112 in the radial direction of the valve receiving member 120. More specifically, the third passage GT3 is open in a state where a clearance is established between the sealing member 122 and the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d.The first chamber C1 communicates with the first intermediate chamber C3 in a state where the third passage GT3 is open (that is, in a state where the seal member 122 is disposed between an upper end and a lower end of the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d). As shown in FIG. Fig. 12, the third passage GT3 is closed in a state where the sealing member 122 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 112e of the fluid cylinder 112.

[0119] The operation of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is explained in detail below. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, in a state where the total length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 is the maximum total length L0, the sealing member 122 is arranged radially inward relative to the recess 112a provided in the fluid cylinder 112. The sealing member 122 is spaced from the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d of the fluid cylinder 112 to provide a passage W1 between the recessed inner peripheral surface 112d and the sealing member 122. The passage W1 is a part of the first passage W11.

[0120] As in Fig. 11, when the actuating element 14 ( Fig. 9) When the bicycle operating device 10 is moved by the user from the rest position P0 to the first operated position P1, the valve element 114 is moved from the closed position P10 to the first open position P11. In a state where the valve element 114 is positioned at the first open position P11, the first chamber C1 communicates with the second chamber C2 via the first intermediate chamber C3, the first through-holes 120a, the second intermediate chamber C4, and the second through-holes 120b. This allows the substantially incompressible fluid to flow from the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 via the first passage W11, allowing the second cylinder 104 to be moved downward relative to the first cylinder 102 using the rider's weight acting on the saddle attachment portion 106.

[0121] As in Fig. 12, after the sealing element 122 passes through the recess 112a, the sealing element 122 is in contact with the first inner peripheral surface 112b of the fluid cylinder 112. The third passage GT3 is closed in a state in which the sealing element 122 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 112e of the fluid cylinder 112. This prevents the substantially incompressible fluid from flowing from the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2, causing the second cylinder 104 to move downward relative to the first cylinder 102 and to be fixedly positioned relative to the first cylinder 102 at a position corresponding to the first total length L1 ( Fig. 9) after the valve element 114 has moved from the first open position P11 to the closed position P10. Accordingly, when the actuating element 14 of the bicycle operating device 10 is moved to the first actuated position P1, the second cylinder 104 can move relative to the first cylinder 102 from the maximum overall length L0 to the first overall length L1 defined by the recess 112a.

[0122] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 13, when the operating member 14 is moved by the user from the rest position P0 to the second operated position P2, the valve element 114 is moved from the closed position P10 to the second open position P12. In a state where the valve element 114 is positioned at the second open position P12, the first chamber C1 communicates with the second chamber C2 via the second intermediate chamber C4 and the second through-holes 120b. This allows the substantially incompressible fluid to flow from the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 via the second passage W12, allowing the second cylinder 104 to be moved downward relative to the first cylinder 102 using the rider's weight acting on the saddle attachment portion 106.

[0123] At this time, the substantially incompressible fluid flows from the first chamber C1 to the second chamber C2 without passing through the first intermediate chamber C3. Accordingly, a relative position between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 can be continuously adjusted by the bicycle operating device 10, regardless of the recess 112a.

[0124] In the bicycle seat post assembly 100, as shown in Fig. 9, the positioning structure 108 is configured to switch the state of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 between the first adjustment state and the second adjustment state. In the first adjustment state, the positional relationship between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 is continuously adjustable within the first position adjustment range AR1. In the second adjustment state, the positional relationship between the first cylinder 102 and the second cylinder 104 is continuously adjustable within the second position adjustment range AR2, which is different from the first position adjustment range AR1. Accordingly, it is possible to easily adjust a height of the bicycle seat (not shown) by using the first position adjustment range AR1 and the second position adjustment range AR2, which are different from each other.For example, it is possible to easily and / or precisely adjust the overall length of the bicycle seat post assembly 100 from the maximum overall length L0 to the predetermined first overall length L1 by using the first adjustment state.

[0125] The bicycle component B2 operated using the bicycle operating device 10 is not limited to the bicycle seatpost assembly 100. The bicycle operating device 10 can be used to operate bicycle components other than the bicycle seatpost assembly 100, if needed and / or desired.

[0126] The bicycle seat post assembly 100 is not limited to a hydraulically adjustable seat post such that its overall length is continuously adjustable. In a case where the bicycle operating device 10 is applied to a seat post assembly, the seat post assembly may have a mechanical structure such that its overall length can be mechanically adjusted to a plurality of predetermined lengths, instead of a hydraulic mechanism. Second embodiment

[0127] A bicycle operating device 210 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 17 and Fig. 26. Elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same here and, for the sake of brevity, are not described and / or illustrated in detail again.

[0128] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the bicycle operating device 210 is configured to be mounted on the bicycle body B1. The bicycle operating device 210 is configured to operate the bicycle component B2, which is configured to be operated via the operating cable 2. Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 according to the first embodiment, the bicycle operating device 210 is configured to operate an additional bicycle component B3, which is configured to be operated via an additional operating cable 4, such as the Bowden cable. Possible examples of the additional bicycle component B3 include an adjustable seatpost assembly, a bicycle transmission, a suspension, and an intermediate receiving device.

[0129] The bicycle operating device 210 is a left-hand control device operated by the rider's left hand. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art that the configuration of the bicycle operating device 210 can be adapted to a right-hand control device operated by the rider's right hand.

[0130] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the bicycle operating device 210 includes a base member 212 and an operating member 214. The base member 212 is configured to be mounted on the bicycle body B1, as in the first embodiment. The base member 212 is configured to be fixedly attached to the tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1. The operating member 214 is configured to be operated by a user.

[0131] In the embodiment shown, the base member 212 includes a first housing 216, a second housing 218, and a mounting portion 220. The first housing 216 is attached to the second housing 218 via fasteners, such as screws (not shown). The mounting portion 220 is configured to releasably couple the first housing 216 to the bicycle body B1. In the embodiment shown, the mounting portion 220 includes a clamping structure configured to clamp the bicycle body B1. The mounting portion 220 is attached to the first housing 216. The mounting portion 220 may be provided integrally with the first housing 216 as a single, unitary member, if needed and / or desired.

[0132] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the bicycle operating device 210 includes an additional actuating element 222. The additional actuating element 222 is configured to be actuated by the user. The additional actuating element 222 may be omitted from the bicycle operating device 210 if needed and / or desired.

[0133] As in Fig. 18, the base member 12 further includes a base plate 224 secured to the first housing 216 and the second housing 218. The base plate 224 is disposed between the first housing 216 and the second housing 218.

[0134] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 19, the actuating element 214 is movable relative to the base element 212 from a rest position P50 to a first actuated position P51. The actuating element 214 is movable relative to the base element 212 from the rest position P50 to a second actuated position P52. The actuating element 214 is configured to be actuated by a user between the rest position P50 and the first actuated position P51 and between the rest position P50 and the second actuated position P52.

[0135] The rest position P50 is located between the first actuated position P51 and the second actuated position P52. The actuating element 214 includes an actuating end 215 configured to be actuated by a user. As shown in Fig. 17, the actuating end 215 is provided outside the base element 212. As shown in Fig. 19, the rest position P50, the first actuated position P51, and the second actuated position P52 are defined based on a position of the actuating end 215 of the actuating member 214 relative to the base member 212.

[0136] The actuating end 215 is movable relative to the base element 212 along an actuating direction D4 defined about a rotation axis A6 of the movable element 226. The rest position P50 is located between the first actuated position P51 and the second actuated position P52 in the actuating direction D4. The first actuated position P51 is located on an opposite side of the second actuated position P52 in the actuating direction D4 relative to the rest position P50.

[0137] In the embodiment shown, as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the actuating element 214 is pivotable relative to the base element 212 from the rest position P50 to the first actuated position P51 about a first pivot axis A51. The actuating element 214 is pivotable relative to the base element 212 from the rest position P50 to the second actuated position P52 about a second pivot axis A52, which is different from the first pivot axis A51. The first pivot axis A51 is parallel to the second pivot axis A52 and radially outward relative to the second pivot axis A52.

[0138] As in Fig. 20, the bicycle operating device 210 comprises a movable element 226. The movable element 226 is movable relative to the base element 212 ( Fig. 18) is movable to move the actuating cable 2 in a pulling direction D51 and in a releasing direction D52 opposite to the pulling direction D51. In the embodiment shown, the movable member 226 is movable relative to the base member 212 to move the inner wire 2b relative to the base member 12 in the pulling direction D51 and in the releasing direction D52.

[0139] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the base member 212 includes an opening 212a provided on the second housing 218. The actuating member 214 extends through the opening 212a. The actuating member 214 is movable within the opening 212a relative to the base member 212.

[0140] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, the movable member 226 is configured to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51 to actuate the bicycle component B2 in response to a first movement of the actuating member 214 from the rest position P50 to the first actuated position P51. The movable member 226 is configured such that the actuating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D52 in response to a release of the actuating member 214 from the first actuated position P51.

[0141] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 22, the movable member 226 is configured to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51 to actuate the bicycle component B2 in response to a second movement of the actuating member 214 from the rest position P50 to the second actuated position P52. The movable member 226 is configured such that the actuating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D52 in response to a release of the actuating member 214 from the second actuated position P52.

[0142] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the movable member 226 is movable relative to the base member 212 from a release position P60 to a first pulling position P61 in response to the first movement of the actuating member 214. The movable member 226 is movable relative to the base member 212 from the release position P60 to the first pulling position P61 to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51.

[0143] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the movable member 226 is movable relative to the base member 212 from the release position P60 to a second pulling position P62 in response to the second movement of the actuating member 214. The movable member 226 is movable relative to the base member 212 from the release position P60 to the second pulling position P62 to move the actuating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51.

[0144] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 20 to 22, a first movement amount M21 of the movable member 226 from the release position P60 to the first pull position P61 differs from a second movement amount M22 of the movable member 226 from the release position P60 to the second pull position P62. In the illustrated embodiment, the first movement amount M21 of the movable member 226 is less than the second movement amount M22 of the movable member 226. However, the first movement amount M21 of the movable member 226 may be greater than the second movement amount M22 of the movable member 226 if needed and / or desired. Further, the first movement amount M21 of the movable member 226 may be equal to the second movement amount M22 of the movable member 226 if needed and / or desired.

[0145] In the embodiment shown, as in Fig. 20, the movable member 226 is rotatable relative to the base member 212 about the rotation axis A6. While the second pivot axis A52 coincides with the rotation axis A6 in the illustrated embodiment, the second pivot axis A52 may be offset from the rotation axis A6. The rotation axis A6, the first pivot axis A51, and the second pivot axis A52 are not parallel to the central axis A3 of the tubular part B11 of the bicycle body B1 in a state in which the base member 212 is firmly attached to the tubular part B11 ( Fig. 17 and Fig. 18).

[0146] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the actuating element 214 includes a slot 227. The base element 212 includes a pivot shaft 229 extending through the slot 227 and defining the first pivot axis A51. The slot 227 and the pivot shaft 229 define an angular range within which the actuating element 214 is pivotable relative to the base element 212 about the second pivot axis A52. The base element 212 includes an additional pivot shaft 231 defining the second pivot axis A52. In the embodiment shown, the additional pivot shaft 231 also defines the rotation axis A6.

[0147] As in Fig. 23, the bicycle operating device 210 further includes a biasing structure 248. The biasing structure 248 is configured to bias the movable member 226 relative to the base member 212 such that the operating cable 2 is moved relative to the base member 212 in the release direction D52 in response to the release of the operating member 214 from each of the first actuated position P51 and the second actuated position P52. In the embodiment shown, the biasing structure 248 is configured to exert a biasing force F21 on the movable member 226.

[0148] In the embodiment shown, the biasing structure 248 includes a biasing element 250 configured to bias the movable element 226 relative to the base element 212. The biasing element 250 is mounted in the base element 212 ( Fig. 17). While in the embodiment shown, the biasing element 250 is a spiral torsion spring, the biasing element 250 may be other biasing elements, such as a spiral compression spring and a spiral tension spring.

[0149] As in Fig. 23, the biasing element 250 comprises a coil body 250a, a first end portion 250b and a second end portion 250c. As shown in the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, the prestressing structure 248 includes a first attachment portion 252 ( Fig. 19) and a second fastening section 254 ( Fig. 20). As in Fig. 19, the first fastening portion 252 is secured in the base plate 224 of the base member 212. The first end portion 250b is hooked to the first fastening portion 252. As shown in Fig. 20, the second fastening portion 254 is provided on the movable member 226 as a fastening opening. The second end portion 250c ( Fig. 21) is hooked to the second fastening section 254.

[0150] As in Fig. 23, the biasing structure 248 is configured to bias the movable member 226 from the first pulling position P61 to the release position P60 in order to move the actuating cable 2 in the release direction D52 in response to the release of the actuating member 214 from the first actuated position P51. The biasing structure 248 is configured to bias the movable member 226 from the second pulling position P62 to the release position P60 in order to move the actuating cable 2 in the release direction D52 in response to the release of the actuating member 214 from the second actuated position P52.

[0151] While the bicycle operating device 210 includes the biasing structure 248 in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing structure 248 may be omitted from the bicycle operating device 210 if needed and / or desired. In such an embodiment, the movable member 226 may be pulled via the actuating cable 2 by a biasing structure provided in the bicycle component B2.

[0152] As in the Fig. 23 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 24, the movable member 226 includes a cable attachment portion 256 to which the inner wire 2b of the actuating cable 2 is to be attached. In the embodiment shown, the cable attachment portion 256 includes a through-hole 258. The inner wire 2b of the actuating cable 2 extends through the through-hole 258.

[0153] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, the base member 212 includes an outer sheath receiving portion 259 configured to receive the outer sheath 2a of the operating cable 2. The outer sheath receiving portion 259 includes a second recess 260 and a guide hole 261. The guide hole 261 extends from the second recess 260. The end of the outer sheath 2a is provided in the second recess 260. The inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 extends through the guide hole 261.

[0154] As in the Fig. 23 and Fig. As shown in Figure 24, the movable member 226 includes a groove 262. The groove 262 is connected to the through hole 258 of the outer sheath receiving portion 259. The inner wire 2b of the operating cable 2 extends through the groove 262.

[0155] As in Fig. 20, the movable member 226 includes a first contact portion 280. The actuating member 214 includes a second contact portion 282 that can be brought into contact with the first contact portion 280. The movable member 226 includes a third contact portion 284. The actuating member 214 includes a fourth contact portion 286 that can be brought into contact with the third contact portion 284. The movable member 226 includes a fifth contact portion 288. The actuating member 214 includes a sixth contact portion 290 that can be brought into contact with the fifth contact portion 288.

[0156] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 20, the second contact part 282 is in contact with the first contact part 280 in a rest state in which the actuating element 214 is located at the rest position P50. The fourth contact part 286 is spaced from the third contact part 284 in the rest state. The sixth contact part 290 is in contact with the fifth contact part 288 to position the actuating element 214 relative to the base member 212 in the rest state at the rest position P50.

[0157] The biasing force F21 biases the first contact part 280 toward the second contact part 282. The biasing force F21 is transmitted from the movable element 226 to the actuating element 214 via the first contact part 280 and the second contact part 282. The contact between the fifth contact part 288 and the sixth contact part 290 thereby restricts the actuating element 214 from pivoting relative to the base element 212 about the first pivot axis A51 from the rest position P50 to the second actuated position P52. This causes the actuating element 214 and the movable element 226 to be positioned at the rest position P50 and the release position P60.

[0158] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the second contact portion 282 is in contact with the first contact portion 280 in a first actuated state in which the actuating member 214 is located at the first actuated position P51. The fourth contact portion 286 is in contact with the third contact portion 284 to position the actuating member 214 relative to the base member 212 in the first actuated state at the first actuated position P51. The sixth contact portion 290 is spaced apart from the fifth contact portion 288 in the first actuated state.

[0159] As in Fig. As seen in Figure 22, the second contact portion 282 is in contact with the first contact portion 280 in a second actuated state in which the actuating element 214 is located at the second actuated position P52. The fourth contact portion 286 is spaced apart from the third contact portion 284 in the second actuated state. The sixth contact portion 290 is in contact with the fifth contact portion 288 to position the actuating element 214 relative to the base member 212 at the second actuated position P52 in the second actuated state.

[0160] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 21, when the actuating element 214 is actuated by a user from the rest position P50 toward the first actuated position P51, the actuating element 214 is pivoted relative to the base element 212 about the first pivot axis A51 toward the first actuated position P51. This urges the movable element 226 via the first contact part 280 and the second contact part 282 to rotate relative to the base element 212 about the rotation axis A6 from the release position P60 toward the first pull position P61 against the biasing force F21.

[0161] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the contact between the third contact part 284 and the fourth contact part 286 stops the pivoting movement of the operating member 214 at the first actuated position P51 and the rotation of the movable member 226 at the first pulling position P61. Accordingly, the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 212 by the first movement amount M21 in the pulling direction D51. The movable member 226 is positioned at the first pulling position P61 while the operating member 214 is positioned by the user at the first actuated position P51, allowing the first movement amount M1 to be maintained.

[0162] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. As shown in Figure 21, when the operating element 214 is released by the user from the first actuated position P51, the movable element 226 is returned relative to the release position P60 by the biasing force F21. This allows the operating cable 2 to be released (moved) in the release direction D52. The contact between the fifth contact part 288 and the sixth contact part 290 positions the operating element 214 at the rest position P50 and the movable element 226 at the release position P60.

[0163] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. 22, when the actuating element 214 is actuated by the user from the rest position P50 toward the second actuated position P52, the second contact part 282 and the sixth contact part 290 remain in contact with the first contact part 280 and the fifth contact part 288, respectively. Thus, the actuating element 214 and the movable element 226 are pivoted relative to the base element 212 about the second pivot axis A52 toward the second actuated position P52 and the second pull position P62, against the biasing force F21.

[0164] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the contact between the pivot shaft 229 and an edge of the elongated hole 227 stops the pivoting movement of the operating member 214 at the second actuated position P52 and the rotation of the movable member 16 at the second pulling position P62. Accordingly, the operating cable 2 is pulled relative to the base member 212 by the second movement amount M22 in the pulling direction D11. The movable member 226 is positioned at the second pulling position P62 while the operating member 214 is positioned by the user at the second actuated position P52, allowing the second movement amount M22 to be maintained.

[0165] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, when the operating element 214 is released by the user from the second actuated position P52, the movable element 226 is returned to the release position P60 by the biasing force F21. This allows the operating cable 2 to be released (moved) in the release direction D52. The operating element 214 is positioned at the rest position P50 by the first contact part 280, the second contact part 282, the fifth contact part 288, and the sixth contact part 290. Thus, the movable element 226 is positioned at the release position P60.

[0166] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating device 210 does not include a positioning structure configured to position the movable member 226 at the first pulling position P61 and the second pulling position P62 relative to the base member 212 in a state where the operating force is not applied by the driver's finger or fingers to the operating member 214. In the present application, possible examples of the phrase "releasing the operating member" as used herein include moving the driver's finger or fingers away from an operating member, such as the operating member 214, and removing an operating force applied by the driver's finger or fingers to the operating member from the operating member.However, in the embodiment, the operating device 210 includes a positioning structure that positions the movable member 226 only at the release position P60 in a state where the operating force is not applied to the operating member 214 by the driver's finger or fingers. However, in the embodiment, the operating device 210 includes a positioning structure that positions the movable member 226 only at the release position P60 in a state where the operating force is not applied to the operating member 214 by the driver's finger or fingers.

[0167] In the bicycle operating device 210, the rest position P50 is arranged between the first operated position P51 and the second operated position P52. The movable member 226 is configured to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51 to operate the bicycle component B2 in response to the first movement of the operating member 214 from the rest position P50 to the first operated position P51. The movable member 226 is configured to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51 to operate the bicycle component B2 in response to the second movement of the operating member 214 from the rest position P50 to the second operated position P52. Accordingly, it is possible to move the operating cable 2 in the pulling direction D51 even when the operating member 214 is operated in various ways.

[0168] Furthermore, the movable member 226 is configured such that the operating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the operating member 214 from the first operated position P51. The movable member 226 is configured such that the operating cable 2 is movable in the release direction D12 in response to the release of the operating member 214 from the second operated position P52. Accordingly, it is possible to return the operating cable 2 to an initial position by releasing the operating member 214, which allows for the simplification of the structure of the bicycle operating device 210.

[0169] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, in the bicycle operating device 210, the additional bicycle component B3 can be operated using the additional operating member 222. The additional operating member 222 is pivotable relative to the base member 212 about the second pivot axis A52 (the rotation axis A6) between a rest position P70 and an actuated position P71. The additional operating member 222 is biased toward the rest position P70 by a biasing member (not shown).

[0170] The bicycle operating device 210 further includes a receiving member 292, a positioning pawl 294, a winding pawl 296, and a control member 298. The receiving member 292 is rotatable relative to the base plate 224 about the rotation axis A6 between a first winding position P81 and a second winding position P82. The receiving member 292 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to rotate relative to the base plate 224 about the rotation axis A6 in a first rotational direction D71. The control member 298 is rotatable relative to the base plate 224 and the receiving member 292 about the rotation axis A6. The control member 298 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to rotate relative to the base plate 224 in the first rotational direction D71. The control member 298 is provided between the receiving member 292 and the base plate 224.

[0171] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 19, the receiving member 292 includes an additional cable fastening portion 300 to which an inner wire 4b of the additional operating cable 4 is to be fastened. The receiving member 292 includes a first projection 302, a second projection 304, and a third projection 306. The first projection 302, the second projection 304, and the third projection 306 are spaced apart from each other.

[0172] The positioning pawl 294 is configured to selectively engage the first projection 302 and the second projection 304 to position the receiving member 292 at the first winding position P81 and the second winding position P82. The winding pawl 296 can be brought into contact with the third projection 306 to transmit pivotal movement of the additional actuating member 222 to the receiving member 292 via the third projection 306. The positioning pawl 294 is pivotally mounted to the base plate 224 of the base member 212 about a pivot axis A71. The positioning pawl 294 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to pivot relative to the base plate 224 about the pivot axis A71 in a pivot direction D81. The winding pawl 296 is mounted on the additional actuating element 222 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis A72.The winding pawl 296 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to pivot relative to the additional actuating member 222 about the pivot axis A72 in a pivot direction D82. The winding pawl 296 is movable relative to the base member 212 in response to the pivoting movement of the additional actuating member 222.

[0173] In Fig. 25, the receiving element 292 is omitted. As in Fig. 25, the control member 298 includes a receiving portion 308, a release pawl 310, and a recess 312. The winding pawl 296 can be brought into contact with the receiving portion 308 to transmit the pivoting movement of the additional actuating member 222 to the control member 298 via the receiving portion 308. The release pawl 310 can be brought into contact with the positioning pawl 294 to release the engagement between the positioning pawl 294 and the second projection 304. The base member 212 includes a pin 314 attached to the base plate 224. The pin 314 is provided in the recess 312 to define a rotational range of the control member 298. The control member 298 is positioned by the pin 314 at a rest position, which is Fig. 25 is shown.

[0174] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the winding pawl 296 moves in a second rotational direction D72, opposite to the first rotational direction D71, in response to the pivotal movement of the additional actuating member 222 from the rest position P70 to the actuated position P71. In a state where the receiving member 292 is positioned at the first winding position P81, the winding pawl 296 pushes the third projection 306, so that the receiving member 292 rotates relative to the base member 212 about the rotational axis A6 from the first winding position P81 to the second winding position P82.

[0175] The winding pawl 296 is arranged radially outward relative to the receiving portion 308 of the control member 298 in a state in which the winding pawl 296 is engaged with the third projection 306. Thus, the winding pawl 296 presses the third projection 306 in the second rotational direction D72 without being in contact with the receiving portion 308.

[0176] Rotation of the receiving member 292 brings the second projection 304 into contact with the positioning pawl 294. Further rotation of the receiving member 292 moves the positioning pawl 294 away from the receiving member 292 via the second projection 304. When the additional actuating member 222 is pivoted to the actuated position P71, the second projection 304 rides through the positioning pawl 294 in the second rotational direction D72. When the additional actuating member 222 is released by the user from the actuated position P71, the receiving member 292 is rotated relative to the base plate 224 about the rotational axis A6 in the first rotational direction D71 by the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). Thus, the positioning pawl 294 engages the second projection 304 to position the receiving member 292 at the second winding position P82.

[0177] As in Fig.26, the winding pawl 296 moves relative to the base member 212 in a second rotational direction D72 in response to the pivotal movement of the additional operating member 222 from the rest position P70 to the actuated position P71. In a state where the receiving member 292 is positioned at the second winding position P82, one end of the winding pawl 296 can be brought into contact with the receiving portion 308. Accordingly, the winding pawl 296 presses the receiving portion 308 of the control member 298, so that the control member 298 rotates relative to the base member 212 and the receiving member 292 about the rotation axis A6 in the second rotational direction D72. Since the winding pawl 296 is not in contact with the third projection 306, the receiving member 292 is positioned at the second winding position P82 without rotating relative to the base plate 224.The additional actuating element 222 is pivoted until an edge of the recess 312 comes into contact with the pin 314.

[0178] Rotation of the control member 298 brings the release pawl 310 into contact with the positioning pawl 294. Further rotation of the control member 298 moves the positioning pawl 294 away from the receiving member 292 via the release pawl 310, releasing the engagement between the positioning pawl 294 and the second projection 304. Thus, the receiving member 292 is rotated relative to the base plate 224 in the first rotational direction D71 by the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). At this time, the first projection 302 is in contact with the positioning pawl 294 to bring the receiving member 292 into contact at the first winding position P81, since the first projection 302 protrudes radially outward more than the second projection 304.

[0179] The control member 298 is rotated about the rotation axis A6 in the first rotation direction D71 by the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown) in response to the release of the additional operating member 222 from the actuated position P71 relative to the base plate 224. Thus, the positioning pawl 294 engages with the first projection 302 to position the receiving member 292 at the first winding position P81. Accordingly, it is possible to switch a position of the inner wire 4b of the additional operating cable 4 between two positions corresponding to the first and second winding positions P81 and P82 by only operating the additional operating member 222 from the rest position P70 to the actuated position P71.

[0180] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that indicate the presence of the specified features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other, unspecified features, elements, components, groups, numbers, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms "comprising," "including," and their derivatives.

[0181] The terms “component”, “section”, “portion”, “part” and “element”, when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

[0182] The atomic numbers, such as "first," "second," or the like, used in this application are merely designations and do not have any other meanings, such as a specific order, etc. Furthermore, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element," and the term "second element" itself does not imply the existence of a "first element."

[0183] The term "pair of" as used herein may include the formation in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other, in addition to the formation in which the pair of elements have the same shapes or structures.

[0184] Finally, terms of extent, such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “approximately,” as used herein, mean a reasonable degree of deviation from the term being qualified, such that the final result is not significantly changed.

Claims

[1] Bicycle operating device (10, 210), comprising: a base member (12, 212) adapted to be mounted on a bicycle body (B1); an actuating element (14, 214) which is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from a rest position (P0, P50) to a first actuated position (P1, P51) and is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the rest position (P0, P50) to a second actuated position (P2, P52), the rest position (P0, P50) being arranged between the first actuated position (P1, P51) and the second actuated position (P2, P52) which is opposite the first actuated position (P1, P51); a movable member (16, 226) movable relative to the base member (12, 212) to move an actuating cable (2) in a pulling direction (D11, D51) and in a releasing direction (D12, D52) opposite to the pulling direction (D11, D51); wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured to move the actuating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51) to actuate a bicycle component in response to a first movement of the actuating element (14, 214) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the first actuated position (P1, P51), wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured such that the actuating cable (2) is movable in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to a release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the first actuated position (P1, P51); and wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured to move the actuating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51) in order to actuate the bicycle component in response to a second movement of the actuating element (14, 214) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the second actuated position (P2, P52), wherein the movable element (16, 226) is configured such that the actuating cable (2) is movable in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to a release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the second actuated position (P2, P52). [2] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 1, wherein the movable element (16, 226) is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from a release position (P20, P60) to a first pull position (P21, P61) in response to the first movement of the actuating element (14, 214), the movable member (16, 226) is movable relative to the base member (12, 212) from the release position (P20, P60) to a second pull position (P22, P62) in response to the second movement of the actuating member (14, 214), and a first movement amount (M1, M21) of the movable element (16, 226) from the release position (P20, P60) to the first pulling position (P21, P61) differs from a second movement amount (M2, M22) of the movable element (16, 226) from the release position (P20, P60) to the second pulling position (P22, P62). [3] The bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 2, wherein the first movement amount (M1, M21) of the movable member (16, 226) is smaller than the second movement amount (M2, M22) of the movable member (16, 226). [4] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the movable element (16, 226) is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the release position (P20, P60) to the first pulling position (P21, P61) in order to move the operating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51), and the movable element (16, 226) is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the release position (P20, P60) to the second pulling position (P22, P62) in order to move the operating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51). [5] The bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a biasing structure (48, 248) configured to bias the movable member (16, 226) relative to the base member (12, 212) such that the operating cable (2) is moved relative to the base member (12, 212) in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to the release of the operating member (14, 214) from each of the first actuated position (P1, P51) and the second actuated position (P2, P52). [6] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 5, wherein the movable element (16, 226) is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from a release position (P20, P60) to a first pull position (P21, P61) in response to the first movement of the actuating element (14, 214), the movable element (16, 226) is movable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the release position (P20, P60) to a second pull position (P22, P62) in response to the second movement of the actuating element (14, 214), the biasing structure (48, 248) is configured to bias the movable element (16, 226) from the first pulling position (P21, P61) towards the release position (P20, P60) in order to move the actuating cable (2) in response to the release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the first actuated position (P1, P51) in the release direction (D12, D52), and the biasing structure (48, 248) is configured to bias the movable element (16, 226) from the second pulling position (P22, P62) towards the release position (P20, P60) in order to move the actuating cable (2) in the release direction (D12, D52) in response to the release of the actuating element (14, 214) from the second actuated position (P2, P52). [7] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable member (16, 226) comprises a cable fastening portion (56, 256) to which an inner wire of the operating cable (2) is to be fastened. [8] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base member (12, 212) comprises an outer casing receiving portion (59, 259) configured to receive an outer casing of the operating cable (2). [9] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base element (12, 212) comprises a guide portion (62) which is designed to guide the operating cable (2) in the pulling direction (D11, D51). [10] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating element (14, 214) is pivotally coupled to the movable element (16, 226) about a pivot axis (A1). [11] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 10, wherein the movable element (16, 226) relative to the base element (12, 212) by a rotation axis (A2) is rotatable, and the pivot axis (A1) of the actuating element (14, 214) is parallel to the rotation axis (A2) of the movable element (16, 226). [12] The bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the movable member (16, 226) is rotatable relative to the base member (12, 212) about a central axis (A3) of a tubular part (B11) of the bicycle body (B1) in a state in which the base member (12, 212) is fixedly attached to the tubular part (B11). [13] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base member (12, 212) is adapted to be fixedly attached to a tubular part (B11) of the bicycle body (B1), and the movable member (16, 226) is rotatable relative to the base member (12, 212) about a rotation axis (A2). [14] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base member (12, 212) comprises a first contact portion (66) which can be brought into contact with the operating member (14, 214), and the operating member (14, 214) is in contact with the first contact portion (66) in a first operated state in which the operating member (14, 214) is arranged at the first operated position (P1, P51). [15] The bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 14, wherein the operating member (14, 214) is in contact with the first contact portion (66) in a rest state in which the operating member (14, 214) is arranged at the rest position (P0, P50). [16] The bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the base member (12, 212) comprises a second contact portion (68) that can be brought into contact with at least one of the operating member (14, 214) and the movable member (16, 226), and the at least one of the operating member (14, 214) and the movable member (16, 226) is in contact with the second contact portion (68) in a second operated state in which the operating member (14, 214) is arranged at the second operated position (P2, P52). [17] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 16, wherein the operating element (14, 214) is pivotally coupled to the movable element (16, 226) about a pivot axis (A1) between a first position (P31) and a second position (P32), and the movable element (16, 226) comprises a first positioning portion (74) which can be brought into contact with the actuating element (14, 214) in a state in which the actuating element (14, 214) is arranged at the first position (P31) relative to the base element (12, 212), and a second positioning portion (76) which can be brought into contact with the actuating member (14, 214) in a state in which the actuating member (14, 214) is arranged at the second position (P32) relative to the base member (12, 212). [18] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 17, wherein the actuating element (14, 214) is in contact with the first contact portion (66) and the first positioning portion (74) in the first actuated state, and the actuating element (14, 214) is in contact with the second contact portion (68) and the second positioning portion (76) in the second actuated state. [19] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 18, wherein the operating member (14, 214) is in contact with the first contact portion (66) and the second positioning portion (76) in a rest state in which the operating member (14, 214) is arranged at the rest position (P0, P50) relative to the base member (12, 212). [20] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the operating element (14, 214) is pivotable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the first actuated position (P1, P51) about a first pivot axis (A51), and the operating element (14, 214) is pivotable relative to the base element (12, 212) from the rest position (P0, P50) to the second actuated position (P2, P52) about a second pivot axis (A52) which is different from the first pivot axis (A51). [21] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to claim 20, wherein the movable element (16, 226) is rotatable relative to the base element (12, 212) about a rotation axis (A6), the second pivot axis (A52) coincides with the rotation axis (A6), and the first pivot axis (A51) is parallel to the second pivot axis (A52) and is provided radially outward with respect to the second pivot axis (A52). [22] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 20 or 21, wherein the movable element (16, 226) comprises a first contact part (280), the actuating element (14, 214) comprises a second contact part (282) which can be brought into contact with the first contact part (280), the second contact part (282) is in contact with the first contact part (280) in a first actuated state in which the actuating element (14, 214) is arranged at the first actuated position (P1, P51), and the second contact part (282) is in contact with the first contact part (280) in a second actuated state in which the actuating element (14, 214) is arranged at the second actuated position (P2, P52). [23] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the movable element (16, 226) comprises a third contact part (284), the actuating element (14, 214) comprises a fourth contact part (286) which can be brought into contact with the third contact part (284), the fourth contact part (286) is in contact with the third contact part (284) to position the actuating element (14, 214) relative to the base element (12, 212) in the first actuated state at the first actuated position (P1, P51), and the fourth contact part (286) is spaced from the third contact part (284) in the second actuated state. [24] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the movable element (16, 226) comprises a fifth contact part (288), the actuating element (14, 214) comprises a sixth contact part (290) which can be brought into contact with the fifth contact part (288), the sixth contact part (290) is spaced from the fifth contact part (288) in the first actuated state, and the sixth contact part (290) is in contact with the fifth contact part (288) to position the actuating element (14, 214) relative to the base element (12, 212) in the second actuated state at the second actuated position (P2, P52). [25] Bicycle operating device (10, 210) according to one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the actuating element (14, 214) comprises an elongated hole (227), the base element (12, 212) comprises a pivot shaft (229) extending through the elongated hole (227) and defining the first pivot axis (A51), and the elongated hole (227) and the pivot shaft (229) define an angular range in which the actuating element (14, 214) can be pivoted relative to the base element (12, 212) about the second pivot axis (A52).

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