Bicycle operating device

Abstract

Bicycle operating device (12, 14), comprising: a supporting structure (58); a release component (70) which is rotatably mounted on the support structure (58) such that it rotates about a pivot axis (A1) between a first non-release position and a first release position; a first actuating component (66) which is movably mounted on the support structure (58) between a rest position and an actuated position; and a release pawl (88) which is movably mounted on the first actuating component (66), wherein the release component (70) has a first stop (70a1) and a second stop (70a2), wherein the second stop (70a2) is spaced circumferentially from the first stop (70a1) with respect to the pivot axis (A1), wherein the release pawl (88) is selectively arranged such that it engages in one of the first and second stops (70a1, 70a2) and rotates the release element (70) from the rest position to the actuated position during the movement of the first actuating element (66) without engaging in the other of the first and second stops (70a1, 70a2), and wherein the first stop (70a1) is arranged at a first radial distance (R1) from the pivot axis (A1), the second stop (70a2) is arranged at a second radial distance (R2) from the pivot axis (A2), and the second radial distance (R2) is greater than the first radial distance (R1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to a bicycle actuation device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle actuation device used for the selective actuation of a bicycle component.

[0002] Many bicycles have components that move between different positions. For example, a gear shifter (bicycle shift lever) is an example of a bicycle shifter. This type of shifter often incorporates a component positioning unit to control the shifting mechanism for changing speed levels. The shifter is connected to the shifting mechanism, for example, by a Bowden cable. The shifter is designed and arranged so that a user can operate the shifting mechanism, for example, by actuating a lever or other such actuating component of the shifter. An example of a bicycle shifter is disclosed in US 2012 / 0297919 A1.

[0003] In addition to a gear shifting actuator, other bicycle components are also equipped with a bicycle component positioning unit. For example, a shifting device such as a derailleur can be equipped with a bicycle actuator that includes a bicycle component positioning unit, as disclosed in US 8,777,788 B2.

[0004] Another example of a bicycle actuation device is disclosed in US 8,881,619 B2. The bicycle actuation device includes a stationary element, an actuating element, a rotatable element, a positioning element, and a release element. The positioning element is movable to selectively hold the rotatable element in a plurality of predetermined positions. The release element is movably arranged between a non-release position and a release position and moves the positioning element to release the rotatable element. By actuating the actuating element, the release element moves from the non-release position to the release position as the actuating element moves from a rest position toward a first actuating position.The release element moves from the release position to the non-release position when the actuator moves from the first actuation position towards a second actuation position. The release element moves from the non-release position to the release position when the actuator moves from the second actuation position towards a third actuation position.

[0005] In general, the present invention is directed to various features of a bicycle actuation device.

[0006] With reference to the known technology and according to the present invention, a bicycle actuation device is provided which basically comprises a support structure, a release component, a first actuating component, and a release pawl. The release component is pivotally mounted on the support structure such that it rotates about a pivot axis between a first non-release position and a first released position. The first actuating component is movably mounted on the support structure between a rest position and an actuated position. The release pawl is movably mounted on the first actuating component. The release component has a first stop and a second stop. The second stop is spaced circumferentially from the first stop with respect to the pivot axis.The release pawl is selectively arranged to engage either the first or the second stop and rotate the release component from its rest position to the actuated position during movement of the first actuating component, without engaging the other stop. The first stop is located at a first radial distance from the pivot axis. The second stop is located at a second radial distance from the pivot axis. This second radial distance is greater than the first.

[0007] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the release pawl is movably mounted on the first actuating component in such a way that it moves from the rest position to the actuated position in the direction of the pivot axis during the movement of the first actuating component.

[0008] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the release pawl is mounted on the first actuation component in a pivotable manner.

[0009] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the first actuation component is mounted in a pivot-joint manner around the pivot axis.

[0010] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device further comprises a positioning component and a position-holding pawl. The positioning component is movably mounted relative to the support structure. The position-holding pawl is movably mounted relative to the support structure such that it selectively holds the positioning component in a predetermined position and can be selectively released from the positioning component in response to the movement of the release component.

[0011] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device has a second actuation component which is movably mounted on the support structure between a rest position and an actuated position for rotating the positioning component.

[0012] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device further comprises a wire receiving component designed to rotate with the positioning component. The wire receiving component rotates in a first direction in response to the actuation of the first actuation component. In response to the actuation of the second actuation component, the wire receiving component rotates in a second direction opposite to the first.

[0013] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the first and second actuating components are mounted pivotally about the pivot axis. The first actuating component moves in a first direction about the pivot axis when it moves from its rest position to its actuated position. The second actuating component moves in a first direction about the pivot axis when it moves from its rest position to its actuated position.

[0014] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the first actuating component moves with the second actuating component when the second actuating component moves from the rest position of the second actuating component to the actuated position of the second actuating component.

[0015] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device is designed such that the second actuation component remains stationary when the first actuation component moves from the rest position of the first actuation component to the actuated position of the first actuation component.

[0016] Preferably, the bicycle actuation device further comprises a base body which includes a handlebar mounting section located at a first end of the base body, a knob section located at a second end of the base body, and a handle section arranged between the handlebar mounting section and the knob section.

[0017] Other items, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle actuation device will also be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses an illustrative embodiment of the bicycle actuation device.

[0018] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 a perspective front view of a section of a bicycle equipped with two bicycle actuation devices coupled to a racing bicycle handlebar in their installed positions, each bicycle actuation device having a release arrangement according to an illustrative embodiment; Fig. 2 an interior view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated right bicycle actuation device, in which the first and second actuation components are in their rest positions (unactuated position); Fig. 3 an interior view of the in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated right bicycle actuation device, in which the first and second actuation components are turned into a braking position; Fig. 4 a front view of the in the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the right-hand bicycle actuation device, in which the first and second actuation components are in their rest positions; Fig. 5 a rear view of the in the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the right-hand bicycle actuation device, in which the first and second actuation components are in their rest positions; Fig. 6 a front view of the in the Fig. The illustrated right-hand bicycle actuation device shown in Figures 1 to 5 is one in which the first actuating component is moved into a cable release position, while the second actuating component remains in the rest position; Fig. 7 a rear view of the in the Fig. The right-hand bicycle actuation device illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 is one in which the first actuating component is moved into a cable release position, while the second actuating component remains in the rest position; Fig. 8 a front view of the in the Fig. 1 to 4 illustrated right bicycle actuation device, in which the first and second actuation components are moved into a cable-pull position; Fig. 9 an interior view of the in the Fig. Figures 1 to 8 illustrate the right-hand bicycle operating device, with one bracket removed; Fig. 10 A perspective front view of the bicycle component positioning unit (shifting unit) of the in the Fig. Figures 1 to 8 illustrate the right-hand bicycle operating device, the parts of which are in the rest position; Fig. 11 a perspective rear view of the in Fig. The 10 illustrated bicycle component positioning unit is one whose parts are in the rest position; Fig. 12 another perspective rear view of the in the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a bicycle component positioning unit, the parts of which are in the rest position; Fig. 13 a first side view of the in the Fig. Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a bicycle component positioning unit, whose parts are in the rest position; Fig. 14 a second side view of the in the Fig. Figures 10 to 13 illustrate a bicycle component positioning unit, the parts of which are in the rest position; Fig. 15 a front view of selected parts (a positioning structure, a holding component, a stop component, a first actuating component, a pull latch, a second actuating component, a release component, a release latch, a fixed support plate and a main support axis) of the in the Fig. Figures 10 to 14 illustrate the bicycle component positioning unit, with the selected parts in their rest positions; Fig. 16 a rear view of the selected parts of the in Fig. The bicycle component positioning unit shown in the illustrations is 15; Fig. 17 a rear view, similar Fig. 16, selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, however, a first positioning locking wheel of the positioning assembly is removed; Fig. 18 a rear view, similar Fig. 17, selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but also a second positioning locking wheel of the positioning assembly is removed; Fig. 19 a rear view, similar to the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, however, with additional parts removed; Fig. 20 is a front view of selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit used for a loosening process; Fig. 21 a rear view of the in Fig. 16 selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit shown, however, the first actuating component is initially pivoted to start a cable release process; Fig. 22 a rear view of the in Fig. The selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit shown in Figure 19 are those of the bicycle component positioning unit, with the first actuating component initially pivoting to start the cable release process, as shown in Figure 19. Fig. 21 shown; Fig. 23 a rear view of the in Fig. The 16 selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit shown, however, the first actuating component is removed from the assembly during the cable release process. Fig. 21 and Fig. The position shown in 22 is swivelled further; Fig. 24 a rear view of the in Fig. The 17 selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit shown, however, the first actuating component is removed from the housing during the cable release process. Fig. 21 and Fig. The position shown in 22 is swivelled further; Fig. 25 a front view of the in the Fig. 19, Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 shown selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but illustrating a situation in which the second actuating component has been slightly pivoted, while the first actuating component has initially been pivoted to start a cable release process; Fig. 26 a rear view, similar Fig. 25, who is in the Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 22 and Fig. 25 shown selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, but illustrating a situation in which the second actuating component has been slightly pivoted, while the first actuating component has initially been pivoted to start a cable release process; Fig. 27 a front view of the in the Fig. 19, Fig. 20, Fig. 22, Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 shown selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, however, the first and second actuating components are removed from the assembly during the cable release process. Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 have been swung further into the position shown; Fig. 28 a rear view, similar Fig. 27, who is in the Fig. 19, 20, 22 and 25 to 27 selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, however, the first and second actuating components are removed from the assembly during the cable release process. Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 have been swung further into the position shown; Fig. 29 a rear view of the in the Fig. The selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit shown in Figures 19, 20, 22 and 25 to 28 are shown, but the first actuating component is removed from the part shown in the figures during the cable release process. Fig. 27 and Fig. The position shown in 28 has been swung further; Fig. 30 a rear view, similar Fig. 16, which is the selected part of the bicycle component positioning unit, but the second actuating component is initially pivoted to start a cable pull operation, which also causes the first actuating component to move; Fig. 31 a rear view of the in Fig. 30 shown selected parts of the bicycle component positioning unit, wherein, however, the first actuating component for moving the holding component is pivoted further such that the holding component exerts a rotational force on the first positioning locking wheel of the positioning assembly; and Fig. 32 a rear view, similar Fig. 26, which is the selected part of the bicycle component positioning unit, but with the first positioning locking wheel removed to show the stop component in the path of the stop teeth of the second positioning locking wheel even more clearly.

[0019] First, with reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a section of a bicycle 1 equipped with two bicycle control devices 12 and 14 according to an illustrative embodiment. The bicycle control devices 12 and 14 are mounted on a racing bicycle handlebar H according to the illustration in Figure 1. Fig. The bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are mounted on the downward-bent sections of the racing bicycle handlebar H, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0020] The bicycle actuation device 12 is a right-hand actuation device that the cyclist operates with their right hand to actuate a first brake device (not shown) and a first shifting device (e.g., a cable-operated rear derailleur). The bicycle actuation device 14 is a left-hand actuation device that the cyclist operates with their left hand to actuate a second brake device (not shown) and a second shifting device (e.g., a cable-operated front derailleur). The first and second shifting devices are part of a conventional bicycle drive system, used to change the speed levels of the drivetrain in a relatively standard manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle actuation device 12 is operationally coupled to the first shifting device via a shift cable 16 and to a brake device via a brake cable 18.In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle actuation device 14 is operationally coupled to the second shifting device via a shift cable 20 and operationally to a brake device via a brake cable 22.

[0021] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, cables 16, 18, 20, and 22 are preferably conventional bicycle shift cables, which have a housing that covers a shift cable. In other words, each of cables 16, 18, 20, and 22 is a Bowden cable, which essentially has a shift cable that slides inside a housing. As, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the shift cable 16 has a shift cable 16a, with a cable housing 16b covering the shift cable 16a, while the brake cable 18 has a shift cable 18a, with a cable housing 18b covering the shift cable 18a. The shift cable 16a forms a connecting component that operatively connects the bicycle actuation device 12 to the first shifting device for changing speed levels in response to actuation of the bicycle actuation device 12. The brake cable 18a forms a connecting component that operatively connects the bicycle actuation device 12 to the first brake device for applying a braking force to a wheel in response to actuation of the bicycle actuation device 12. The cables 20 and 22 of the bicycle actuation device 14 have the same construction as the cables 16 and 18.

[0022] Although bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 are illustrated as combining shifting and braking using Bowden cables, they are not limited to this function. For example, they could be configured solely for shifting. They could also be configured for braking using a hydraulic actuation unit. In the illustrated embodiment, bicycle actuation devices 12 and 14 operate essentially identically, except that they are mirror images of each other and have a different number of shifting operations.In other words, the bicycle actuation device 14 is essentially identical to the bicycle actuation device 12, except that the bicycle actuation device 14 has been modified to be a mirror image and the number of gears that can be shifted has been reduced. Therefore, only the bicycle actuation device 12 is discussed and illustrated here.

[0023] How best to in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment the bicycle actuation device 12 comprises a bracket or base body 24, a first user actuation lever 26, and a second user actuation lever 28. Furthermore, the bicycle actuation device 12 comprises a bicycle component positioning unit 30, which in the illustrated embodiment is a shifting unit. The first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are pivoted relative to the base body 24 to perform shifting operations. In other words, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are examples of user-operated levers that, as discussed below, are used to actuate the bicycle component positioning unit 30. The second user actuation lever 28 is also used, as discussed below, to perform a braking operation. Therefore, the bicycle actuation device 12 is often referred to as a road "brifter."

[0024] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the base body 24 forms a basic component that pivotally mounts the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28. The bicycle component positioning unit 30 is arranged in an interior or cavity of the base body 24. The base body 24 is typically made of a rigid, hard plastic material. Cyclists sometimes grip the base body 24 and lean on it while riding. It would be desirable to provide a comfortable feel for the cyclist's hand while gripping the base body 24. Therefore, the base body 24 is preferably covered with a soft, elastomeric outer grip cover 32. The grip cover 32 partially covers the base body 24, as shown in the figures. Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that the handle cover 32 is stretched over a handle section of the base body 24. The exact construction of the base body 24 depends on the construction of the bicycle component positioning unit 30, which can be of various types, such as cable-operated, as shown, or electric (not shown). The base body 24 is sometimes formed as a single-piece component, while in other cases it consists of a rigid base body section and one or more cover sections. Since a variety of switching units can be used for the bicycle component positioning unit 30 in the bicycle actuation device 12, the exact construction of the base body 24 is not discussed here.

[0025] The base body 24 has a handlebar mounting section 24a, a knob section 24b, and a grip section 24c. The handlebar mounting section 24a is located at a first end (i.e., a rear or near end) of the base body 24. The base body 24 is provided with a handlebar mounting structure 34 on the handlebar mounting section 24a for mounting on one of the downward-curved sections of the racing bicycle handlebar H. The knob section 24b is located at a second end (i.e., a front or far end) of the base body 24. The knob section 24b is an upward-projecting section located at the front (far) end 24d. The grip section 24c is positioned between the handlebar mounting section 24a and the knob section 24b. Cyclists grip the grip section 24c between the handlebar mounting section 24a and the knob section 24b.The base body 24, once mounted to the road bike handlebar H by means of the handlebar mounting assembly 34, is a fixed component. Since the base body 24 is fixed to the road bike handlebar H by means of the handlebar mounting assembly 34, it forms a component fixed relative to the road bike handlebar H. The handlebar mounting assembly 34 is preferably a conventional strap closure or a similar construction used in road bike shifters to grip the road bike handlebar H. Since the handlebar mounting assembly 34 can be any suitable mounting construction, it will not be discussed or illustrated in detail here.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are starter levers that are conventionally biased to their rest position. The first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are designed to rotate about a first pivot axis P1, thereby performing a switching operation as discussed below. Likewise, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are pivotally mounted as a unit on the base body 24 to rotate about a second pivot axis P2 as discussed below.

[0027] The Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the first and second user operating levers 26 and 28 in their rest positions. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the second user actuation lever 28 in an actuated position, whereby the first user actuation lever 26 is moved by the second user actuation lever 28. Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the first user actuation lever 26 in an actuated position and the second user actuation lever 28 in its rest position. As used herein, the term "rest position" refers to a state in which the part (e.g., the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28) remains stationary without the user having to hold the part in this rest position. As used herein, the term "actuated position" refers to a state in which the part (e.g., the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28) is temporarily held by an external force (e.g., when the user holds the part in a state corresponding to the actuated position).

[0028] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second user operating lever 28 is used to perform a braking operation. As shown in Figure 3. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second user actuation lever 28 is pivotally mounted to the base body 24 by a pivot pin 36, which is mounted on the base body 24. The pivot pin 36 defines the second pivot axis P2 (i.e., a brake pivot axis), which extends transversely to the side faces of the base body 24 for performing the braking operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are mounted on a lever assembly 38, which is pivotally attached to the base body 24 by the pivot pin 36, which defines the first pivot axis P1. As explained below, the second user actuation lever 28 is also used to perform a switching operation (e.g., a cable pull operation). Thus, the second user actuation lever 28 forms a user brake / shift actuation lever.

[0029] Specifically, to brake, the cyclist rotates the second user actuation lever 28 around the second pivot axis P2 in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. This rotational movement of the second user actuation lever 28 from the rest position to the actuated (braking) position along a non-shifting actuation path B ( Fig. 3) pulls the shift cable 18a of the brake cable 18 to actuate a braking device (not shown). The first user actuation lever 26 is pivotally attached to the lever mounting component 38 and moves together with the second user actuation lever 28 and the lever mounting component 38 when the second user actuation lever 28 is actuated to perform the braking operation, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 can be seen. Thus, the second user actuation lever 28 serves as a brake lever.

[0030] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first user actuation lever 26 is operationally coupled to the bicycle component positioning unit 30 for performing a shifting operation (i.e., a cable release operation). In the illustrated embodiment, the first user actuation lever 26 is used to release the shift cable 16a from the bicycle component positioning unit 30 when the first user actuation lever 26 is rotated about the first pivot axis P1 in a direction S1 towards the central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 10. Thus, the first user actuation lever 26 forms a cable release lever. The first user actuation lever 26 only performs shifting operations. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the first user actuation lever 26 in the rest position, while the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Illustrate the first user actuation lever 26 in an actuated position. In particular, the first user actuation lever 26 is pivotally mounted with respect to the lever mounting component 38 such that the first user actuation lever 26 pivots about the first pivot axis P1 with respect to the second user actuation lever 28 (see Figure 7). Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) rotates between the rest position and the switching position (or the actuated position). The second user actuation lever 28 remains stationary or substantially stationary while the first user actuation lever 26 is rotated about the first pivot axis P1. In particular, the first user actuation lever 26 can be rotated independently of the second user actuation lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1 in the direction S1 such that the second user actuation lever 28 remains stationary. However, sometimes the cyclist can make contact with the second user actuation lever 28 while moving the first user actuation lever 26 about the first pivot axis P1 in the direction S1, so that the second user actuation lever 28 moves slightly with the first user actuation lever 26 as explained below.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second user actuation lever 28 rotates relative to the base body 24 along a plane perpendicular to the braking plane of the second user actuation lever 28 to perform a shifting operation. The first pivot axis P1 is not coaxial with respect to the second pivot axis P2. Specifically, to shift gears, the cyclist rotates the second user actuation lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1 in a direction S2 towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. This rotational movement of the second user actuation lever 28 from the rest position to the actuated shifting position pulls the shift cable 16a of the shift cable 16. Thus, in addition to its function as a brake lever as described above, the second user actuation lever 28 also serves as a cable pull lever. The first user actuation lever 26 moves together with the second user actuation lever 28 when the second user actuation lever 28 is actuated to perform the shifting operation, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. Figure 8 shows that during a shifting operation using the second user actuation lever 28, the second user actuation lever 28 contacts the first user actuation lever 26 during the rotation of the second user actuation lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1, so that the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 move together. However, the first user actuation lever 26 does not actuate the bicycle component positioning unit 30 when the second user actuation lever 28 is rotated about the first pivot axis P1 to perform the shifting operation.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the first and second user actuation levers 26 and 28 are movably mounted on the lever mounting component 38 and rotate about the first pivot axis P1 to execute the shifting operations. In particular, the first user actuation lever 26 also has a mounting end 26a that is pivotally attached to the lever mounting component 38 by a pivot axis assembly 40. The second user actuation lever 28 also has a mounting end 26a that is pivotally attached to the lever mounting component 38 by the pivot axis assembly 40. The pivot axis assembly 40 is disclosed in more detail in US Patent 9,056,597 B2 by Shimano Inc.

[0033] The first user actuation lever 26 has a user actuation section 26b, which is arranged outside the base body 24, so that the cyclist can rotate the first user actuation lever 26 about the first pivot axis P1. Similarly, the second user actuation lever 28 has a user actuation section 28b, which is arranged outside the base body 24, so that the cyclist can rotate the second user actuation lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1.

[0034] The second user actuation lever 28 has a stop 28c that contacts the first user actuation lever 26 when the second user actuation lever 28 is rotated about the first pivot axis P1 to perform the shifting operation. In this way, the first user actuation lever 26 is rotated by the second user actuation lever 28 when the second user actuation lever 28 is rotated about the first pivot axis P1 to perform a shifting operation. The second user actuation lever 28 also has a stop 28d which, as explained later, contacts a part of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 to actuate it.

[0035] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the lever mounting component 38 has a cable fastening bore 38a for attaching the shift cable 18a of the brake cable 18. The pivot bolt 36 is located in bores of rotary fastening sections of the base body 24 and the lever mounting component 38, so that the shift cable 18a of the brake cable 18 is pulled when the second user actuating lever 28 is moved from the rest position on the pivot bolt 36 ( Fig. 2) into the brake position (or activated position) ( Fig. 3) is rotated. A preloading element (not shown) is attached to the pivot bolt 36 to preload the lever mounting component 38 and the second user actuating lever 28 into the rest position ( Fig. 2) with respect to the base body 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the preloading element for preloading the lever mounting component 38 and the second user actuating lever 28 is a torsion spring, the wound section of which is arranged on the pivot bolt 36, the first free end of which contacts the base body 24 and the second free end of which contacts the lever mounting component 38.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a preload element 42 is provided between the first user actuating lever 26 and the lever mounting component 38. The preload element 42 is designed to preload the first user actuating lever 26 relative to the second user actuating lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1 in the direction of the rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 42 is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot axis assembly 40. In this embodiment, the preload element 42 has a first free end section that is arranged in a bore of the first user actuating lever 26 and a second free end section that contacts the lever mounting component 38. The coiled section of the preload element 42 is arranged on a lever mounting section of the pivot axis assembly 40.

[0037] This is similar to how in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a preload element 44 is provided between the second user actuating lever 28 and the lever mounting component 38. The preload element 44 preloads the second user actuating lever 28 relative to the lever mounting component 38 about the first pivot axis P1 in the direction of a rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 44 is a torsion spring arranged on a central part of the pivot axis assembly 40. Specifically, the preload element 44 has a first free end section, which is arranged in a bore of the second user actuating lever 28, and a second free end section, which is arranged in a bore of the lever mounting component 38. The coiled section of the preload element 44 is arranged on the pivot axis assembly 40.

[0038] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is attached by means of a mounting hook 46 and a mounting bolt 48 (see Figure 9). Fig. 7) mounted on the base body 24. The mounting hook 46 supports the front end of the bicycle component positioning unit 30, while the mounting bolt 48 supports the rear end of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. The mounting hook 46 is attached to the base body 24 by a screw (not shown) that is screwed into the base body 24. The mounting bolt 48 passes through a hole in the rear end of the base body 24 and is inserted into the bicycle component positioning unit 30. With this mounting arrangement, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is mounted to the base body 24 in such a way that the bicycle component positioning unit 30, which can be removed from the base body 24, is an integrated unit.

[0039] The following refers to the Fig. Sections 10 to 32 discuss the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is a cable-actuated unit. Specifically, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is a switching unit that tightens and releases the shift cable 16a such that the shift cable 16a is selectively held in one of several predetermined positions. However, it is apparent from the disclosure that the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can also be used in other bicycle component actuating devices, such as a bicycle suspension actuating device and an adjustable bicycle seatpost actuating device. Furthermore, it is apparent from the disclosure that the bicycle component positioning unit 30 can also be used in non-cable actuating devices as needed and / or if desired.

[0040] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 basically comprises a positioning structure 50 and a position-holding pawl 52. As explained later, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning structure 50 cooperates with the position-holding pawl 52 to hold the shift cable 16a in one of the predetermined positions. The positioning structure 50 is arranged so that it rotates about a pivot axis A1. The positioning structure 50 is designed so that it is movable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1. Here, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the first and second directions D1 and D2 are directions of rotation centered on the pivot axis A1. However, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 could also be redesigned so that the positioning structure 50 could move in a linear direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction D1 corresponds to a cable release direction, while the second direction D2 corresponds to a cable pull direction. Preferably, the positioning structure 50 is pre-tensioned by a pre-tensioning element 53 about the pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1.

[0041] In principle, the position-holding pawl 52 is designed to move between a holding position, which holds the positioning structure 50 in one of several predetermined positions, and a release position, which releases the positioning structure 50 for movement into another of the predetermined positions. Specifically, the position-holding pawl 52 contacts the positioning structure 50 and selectively holds it in one of the predetermined positions, as explained later. The position-holding pawl 52 has a retaining tooth 52a that selectively engages the positioning structure 50, thus defining the predetermined positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the position-holding pawl 52 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis A2 between the holding position and the release position. A preload element 54 is provided for preloading the position-holding pawl 52 in the direction of the positioning structure 50.As a result, the position holding pawl 52 is pre-tensioned so that the retaining tooth 52a contacts the positioning structure 50.

[0042] Here, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 has a support structure 58 that carries the positioning structure 50 and the position-holding pawl 52 on the bracket 24 of the bicycle actuating device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 58 has a support axle 56, an axle nut 59, a pivot axle 60, a first fixed support plate 61, and a second fixed support plate 62. Thus, the support structure 58 forms a fixed component of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. Of course, it is evident from this disclosure that the fixed component is not limited to the support structure of the illustrated embodiment. Moreover, each of the parts of the support structure 58 can individually be considered a fixed component of the bicycle component positioning unit 30.In other words, the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 that are fixed relative to the parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 are each considered as a fixed component.

[0043] The positioning assembly 50 is rotatably mounted on the support axis 56, while the position-holding pawl 52 is pivotally mounted on the pivot axis 60. The support axis 56 defines a pivot axis A1 of the positioning assembly 50. The pivot axis 60 defines the pivot axis A2 of the position-holding pawl 52. The pivot axis A2 is offset from and parallel to the pivot axis A1. The preload element 54 is mounted on the pivot axis 60. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 54 is a torsion spring having a wound section 54a that is spirally wound around the pivot axis 60. The preload element 54 has a first free end section 54b that engages the position-holding pawl 52, and a second free end section 54c that is hooked onto the first fixed support plate 61.In this way, the position holding pawl 52 is pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning element 54 around the pivot axis A2 in the direction of the positioning structure 50.

[0044] The support axle 56 is a bolt having a head 56a at one end and a shaft 56b with a thread at the opposite end of the head 56a. Specifically, the head 56a of the support axle 56 abuts the first fixed support plate 61, with an anti-rotation device formed between them. The first and second fixed support plates 61 and 62 are supported on the shaft 56b. The first and second fixed support plates 61 and 62 are preferably rigid components made of a suitable material, such as a metallic material. The mounting hook 46 has a lower opening in which the shaft 56b is received. The axle nut 59 is screwed onto the threaded end of the shaft 56b to secure the mounting hook 46 to the shaft 56b and to hold together the various parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30 on the shaft 56b.

[0045] The support axle 56 is also equipped with various spacers and bushings for the correct spacing and rotatable mounting of various parts of the bicycle component positioning unit 30. Since the spacers and bushings are conventional parts commonly found in a bicycle component positioning unit 30, they are not discussed and / or illustrated here.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a wire receiving component 64, which is designed to rotate with the positioning structure 50 about the pivot axis A1. The wire receiving component 64 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The positioning structure 50 is not rotatably mounted on the wire receiving component 64. In particular, as discussed below, the wire receiving component 64 and the positioning structure 50 interlock, thereby preventing relative rotation between the positioning structure 50 and the wire receiving component 64. The wire receiving component 64 has a cable fastening structure 64a for attaching a nipple of the shift cable 16a to it. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire receiving component 64 functions as a roller.The wire receiving component 64 is preferably a rigid component made of a suitable material such as a hard, rigid plastic material.

[0047] Since the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding component 64 are not rotatably coupled to one another, the wire holding component 64 is also pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning element 53 in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning element 53 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The pre-tensioning element 53 has a wound section 53a that is wound around the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The pre-tensioning element 53 has a first free end section 53b, which is arranged in a bore of the wire holding component 64, and a second free end section 53c, which is hooked onto the first fixed support plate 61. In this way, the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding component 64 are pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning element 53 in the first direction D1, which corresponds to the cable release direction, about the pivot axis A1.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a first actuating component 66. The first actuating component 66 is movably mounted on the support structure 58 between a rest position and an actuated position. The first actuating component 66 moves in the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A1 when it moves from its rest position to its actuated position. The first actuating component 66 is used to release the positioning structure 50 and the wire holder 64 for movement in the first direction D1. In other words, the wire holder 64 is rotated in the first direction D1 in response to the actuation of the first actuating component 66.In particular, the first actuating component 66 is movably arranged to rotate the positioning structure 50 and the wire receiving component 64 in the first direction D1 when the first actuating component 66 moves from the rest position to the actuated position. The first actuating component 66 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. In the illustrated embodiment, in response to the actuation of the first user actuating lever 26 from the rest position to the actuated position, the first actuating component 66 moves from the rest position to the actuated position. Thus, the actuation of the first actuating component 66 by the first user actuating lever 26 causes the wire receiving component 64 to rotate in the first direction D1, which corresponds to the cable release direction, thereby releasing the switching cable 16a.Alternatively, the bicycle actuation device 12 can be designed such that the first actuation component 66 can be a user actuation lever that is actuated directly by the cyclist, instead of the cyclist using the first user actuation lever 26 to actuate the first actuation component 66.

[0049] The first actuating component 66 is mounted with a pivot joint about the pivot axis A1. Preferably, the first actuating component 66 is pre-tensioned in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1 by a pre-tensioning element 67 ( Fig. 10) In the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 67 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The preload element 67 has a wound section that is wound around the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The preload element 67 has a first free end section that is hooked onto the first actuating component 66, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second fixed support plate 62. In this way, the first actuating component 66 is preloaded by the preload element 67 in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1. Thus, the first actuating component 66 is designed as a start switch that is preloaded into the rest position.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuation device 12 further comprises a second actuating component 68. The second actuating component 68 is movably mounted on the support structure 58 between a rest position and an actuated position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating component 68 moves in the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A1 when the second actuating component 68 moves from its rest position to its actuated position. The second actuating component 68 rotates the positioning structure 50 and the wire receiving component 64 in the second direction D2 when the second actuating component 68 moves from its rest position to its actuated position.In other words, the wire receiving component 64 is rotated in the second direction D2, which is opposite to the first direction D1, in response to the actuation of the second actuating component 68. The second actuating component 68 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support axis 56.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, in response to the actuation of the second user actuation lever 28 from its rest position to its actuated position, the second actuation component 68 is moved from its rest position to its actuated position. Thus, actuation of the second actuation component 68 by the second user actuation lever 28 causes the wire receiving component 64 to rotate in the second direction D2, which corresponds to the cable pull direction, thereby tightening the shift cable 16a. Alternatively, the bicycle actuation device 12 can also be designed such that the second actuation component 68 can be a user actuation lever that is actuated directly by the cyclist, instead of the cyclist using the second user actuation lever 28 to actuate the second actuation component 68.The first actuating component 66 moves with the second actuating component 68 when the second actuating component 68 moves from its rest position to its actuated position. Conversely, the second actuating component 68 normally remains stationary when the first actuating component 66 moves from its rest position to its actuated position. However, as explained below, it is also possible that the user might inadvertently press the second user actuating lever 28 when moving the first user actuating lever 26 from its rest position to its actuated position. In this case, the second actuating component 68 could initially move with the first actuating component 66.

[0052] The second actuating component 68 is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis A1. Preferably, the second actuating component 68 is pre-tensioned in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1 by a pre-tensioning element 69. In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning element 69 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The pre-tensioning element 69 has a wound section that is wound around the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The pre-tensioning element 69 has a first free end section that is hooked onto the second actuating component 68, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second fixed support plate 62. In this way, the second actuating component 68 is pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning element 69 about the pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. Thus, the second actuating component 68 is designed as a start switch that is pre-tensioned into the rest position.

[0053] In particular, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 further comprises a release element 70. The release element 70 is designed such that it moves in the second direction D2 from a non-release position to a release position and thus selectively moves the position-holding pawl 52 between the holding position and the release position. In particular, the release element 70 is pivotally mounted on the support structure 58 and rotates about the pivot axis A1 between a first non-release position and a first release position in response to the actuation of the first user actuating lever 26 from the rest position to the actuated position, when the second user actuating lever 28 remains stationary. Thus, actuation of the first actuating component 66 by the first user actuating lever 26 causes the wire receiving component 64 to rotate in the first direction D1, which corresponds to the cable release direction, to release the switching cable 16a.

[0054] Preferably, the release component 70 is pre-tensioned in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1 by a pre-tensioning element 71. In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-tensioning element 71 is a flat-wound torsion spring. The pre-tensioning element 71 has a wound section 71a that is wound around the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The pre-tensioning element 71 has a first free end section that is hooked onto the release component 70 and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second fixed support plate 62. In this way, the release component 70 is pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning element 71 in the first direction D1 about the pivot axis A1.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning assembly 50 of the bicycle actuation device further comprises a first positioning component or locking wheel 72 and a second positioning component or locking wheel 74. The first and second positioning locking wheels 72 and 74 are examples of positioning components that are not rotatably coupled to the wire receiving component 64. In particular, the first positioning locking wheel 72 has a non-circular opening 76 (see Fig. 16) for engagement with a non-circular projection (not shown) of the wire receiving component 64. Similarly, the second positioning locking wheel 74 has a non-circular opening 78 (see Fig. 17) to engage the non-circular projection (not shown) of the wire receiving component 64. In this way, the wire receiving component 64 is designed to rotate with the first positioning component or locking wheel 72 and the second positioning component or locking wheel 74. The first and second positioning locking wheels 72 and 74 are preferably rigid components made of a suitable material such as a metallic material. The first and second positioning locking wheels 72 and 74 are rotatably mounted on the support axis 56. Thus, the first and second positioning components (the first and second positioning locking wheels 72 and 74) are movably mounted relative to the support structure 58. The second actuating component 68 is movably mounted on the support structure 58 between a rest position and an actuated position for rotating the first and second positioning components (the first and second positioning locking wheels 72 and 74).

[0056] The first positioning ratchet wheel 72 of the positioning assembly 50 has several positioning teeth 80 that define the predetermined positions. The first positioning ratchet wheel 72 is a first ratchet plate whose positioning teeth 80 are formed by an outer circumferential edge of the first ratchet plate. The second positioning ratchet wheel 74 of the positioning assembly 50 has a plurality of pull teeth 81 and a plurality of stop teeth 82. The second positioning ratchet wheel 74 is a second ratchet plate with pull teeth 81 and stop teeth 82, which are formed by an outer circumferential edge of the second ratchet plate.

[0057] The number of positioning teeth 80, the number of pulling teeth 81, and the number of stop teeth 82 depend on the desired number of predetermined positions. For example, if the bicycle component positioning unit 30 is used for a front derailleur or suspension, the number of positioning teeth 80, the number of pulling teeth 81, and the number of stop teeth 82 can each be reduced to two or three teeth.

[0058] Regarding Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning teeth 80 are all identical. However, it is evident from the disclosure that each of the positioning teeth 80 can be designed differently as needed and / or desired. The retaining tooth 52a of the position-holding pawl 52 selectively engages the positioning teeth 80 and thus establishes the predetermined positions.

[0059] The position-holding pawl 52 is movably mounted with respect to the support structure 58 and thus selectively holds the first positioning component or locking wheel 72 and the second positioning component or locking wheel 74 in a predetermined position and selectively releases from the first positioning component or locking wheel 72 and the second positioning component or locking wheel 74 in response to a movement of the release component 70.

[0060] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Figure 16, in the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating component 68 has a pawl 84 which is pivotally mounted on the second actuating component 68 by means of a pivot pin 85. The pivot pin 85 is supported at one end by the second actuating component 68 and at the other end by a support plate 86. The support plate 86 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 56b of the support axis 56. The pawl 84 is designed and arranged such that it rotates the first and second positioning ratchet wheels 72 and 74, respectively, causing the wire receiving component 64 to rotate in the second direction D2. In particular, the pawl 84 has an engagement tooth 84a that selectively engages one of the pull teeth 81 when the second actuating component 68 rotates in the second direction D2.

[0061] A preload element 87 is mounted on the pivot bolt 85 to preload the pawl 84 about a central pivot axis of the pivot bolt 85 such that the engagement tooth 84a is preloaded into engagement with the positioning structure 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 87 is a torsion spring. The preload element 87 has a wound section that is wound on the pivot bolt 85, a first free end section that is hooked onto the pawl 84, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second actuating component 68. In this way, the pawl 84 is preloaded about the central pivot axis of the pivot bolt 85 into engagement with the pull teeth 81. While the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest position, the engagement tooth 84a is arranged between two adjacent pull teeth 81 and thus lies in a path of the pull teeth 81.

[0062] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 15 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 further comprises a release pawl 88. The release pawl 88 is movably mounted on the first actuating component 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the release pawl 88 is pivotally mounted on the first actuating component 66. In particular, the release pawl 88 is pivotally mounted on the first actuating component 66 by means of a pivot pin 89. The release pawl 88 is designed and arranged such that it engages in the release component 70 and rotates it in the second direction D2 such that the first positioning locking wheel 72 of the positioning assembly 50 is released from the position-holding pawl 52 and the wire receiving component 64 rotates in the first direction D1.In particular, the release pawl 88 has an engagement tooth 88a which engages a circumferential edge of the release component 70 when the first actuating component 66 is rotated in the second direction D2.

[0063] A preload element 90 is mounted on the pivot bolt 89 to preload the release pawl 88 about a central pivot axis of the pivot bolt 89 such that the engagement tooth 88a is preloaded into engagement with the circumferential edge of the release component 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the preload element 90 is a torsion spring. The preload element 90 has a wound section that is wound around the pivot bolt 89, a first free end section that is hooked onto the release pawl 88, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the first actuating component 66. In this way, the release pawl 88 is preloaded about the central pivot axis of the pivot bolt 89 into engagement with the circumferential edge of the release component 70. As a result, the release pawl 88 is movably mounted on the first actuating component 66 in order to move from the rest position to the actuated position in the direction of the pivot axis A1 during the movement of the first actuating component 66.

[0064] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, while the parts of the bicycle actuating device 12 are in their rest position, the engagement tooth 88a is held without contact with the circumferential edge of the release component 70. In particular, the release pawl 88 has a control pin 91 fixed to it. The control pin 91 extends from the release pawl 88 through an arc-shaped slot into the first actuating component 66, so that the free end of the control pin 91 contacts a circumferential edge 68a of the second actuating component 68 while the parts of the bicycle actuating device 12 are in their rest position. In this way, the release pawl 88 is held by the second actuating component 68 without engaging the circumferential edge of the release component 70.As a result, when the second actuating component 68 is rotated in the second direction D2, a bushing on the pivot pin 89 and the control pin 91 both contact the circumferential edge 68a of the second actuating component 68, causing the first actuating component 66 to rotate with the second actuating component 68 in the second direction D2. Since the first and second actuating components 66 and 68 move together during the cable pull operation (first switching operation), the control pin 91 prevents the release pawl 88 from engaging with the release component 70.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle component positioning unit 30 of the bicycle actuating device 12 further comprises a stop pawl 92, which is pivotally mounted on the pivot axis 60 between a non-stop position and a stop position. The stop pawl 92 has an engagement tooth 92a, which is designed and arranged such that it selectively engages with and disengages from the stop teeth 82, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the positioning structure 50 and the wire holding component 64 in the first direction D1 during the cable release process (second switching process). The stop pawl 92 is pre-tensioned by a pre-tensioning element 93 engaging the stop teeth 82. The pre-tensioning element 93 is a torsion spring.The preloading element 93 has a wound section that is wound around the pivot axis 60, a first free end section that engages the stop pawl 92, and a second free end section that is hooked onto the second fixed support plate 62. In this way, the stop pawl 92 is preloaded by the preloading element 93 around the central pivot axis of the pivot axis 60 and thus held outside the path of the stop teeth 82 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest position. As a result of this arrangement, the stop pawl 92 does not engage with the positioning structure 50 during the cable pull operation (e.g., a switching operation). On the other hand, the stop pawl 92 has a projection 92b that engages with the release element 70, thereby rotating the stop pawl 92 so that the engagement tooth 92a moves into a path of the stop teeth 82 when the release element 70 is engaged during the cable pull release operation (e.g., during a switching operation).a switching process) is rotated in the second direction D2.

[0066] As mentioned above, the release component 70 is rotated in the second direction D2 from the non-release position to the release position when the first actuating component 66 moves from a rest position to an actuated position in response to the actuation of the first user actuating lever 26. The movement of the release component 70 in the second direction D2 moves the position-holding pawl 52 from the holding position to the release position, thus releasing the positioning assembly 50 to move to another of the predetermined positions. The movement of the release component 70 in the second direction D2 also moves the pull pawl 84 out of the path of the pull teeth 81, so that the positioning assembly 50 and the wire-receiving component 64 can rotate in the first direction D1 during the cable release process.Furthermore, the movement of the release component 70 in the second direction D2 also moves the stop pawl 92 from the non-stop position to the stop position, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the positioning structure 50 and the wire receiving component 64 in the first direction D1 during the cable release process.

[0067] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the release component 70 further features a stop pin 96 that projects outwards in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A1 and towards the second fixed support plate 62. The stop pin 96 contacts the second fixed support plate 62 when the release component 70 is in the release position (i.e., the actuated position). Thus, the stop pin 96 limits the rotational movement of the release component 70 in the second direction D2.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the release component 70 has a first stop 70a1 and a second stop 70a2. The second stop 70a2 is spaced circumferentially from the first stop 70a1 with respect to the pivot axis A1. In particular, the second stop 70a2 is spaced circumferentially in the second direction D2 from the release pawl 88 by a distance that is greater than the circumferential distance of the first stop 70a1 from the release pawl 88 in the second direction D2. The first stop 70a1 is arranged at a first radial distance R1 from the pivot axis A1. The second stop 70a2 is arranged at a second radial distance R2 from the pivot axis A1. The second radial distance R2 is greater than the first radial distance R1.The release pawl 88 is selectively arranged such that it engages one of the first and second stops 70a1 and 70a2, respectively, and rotates the release element 70 from the rest position to the actuated position during the movement of the first actuating element 66, without engaging the other of the first and second stops 70a1 and 70a2. In other words, the first stop 70a1 is designed to be engaged by the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 when the second actuating element 68 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position during a first actuation state. Conversely, the second stop 70a2 is designed to be engaged by the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 when the second actuating element 68 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position during a second actuation state.Thus, the release component 70 is rotated in the second direction D2 from the non-release position to the release position when the first actuating component 66 moves from the rest position to the actuated position during the cable release process.

[0069] During normal operation of the first actuating component 66, the second actuating component 68 remains stationary when the first actuating component 66 moves from its rest position to its actuated position, as shown in the Fig. Figures 19 to 24 show that in this case, the release pawl 88 will be able to rotate in the direction of the pivot axis A1 when the first actuating component 66 moves from its rest position to its actuated position. As a result, the release pawl 88 will engage the first stop 70a1 and rotate the release component 70 in the second direction D2 with respect to the pivot axis A1.

[0070] However, as in the Fig. As shown in Figures 25 to 29, it is possible that the user might inadvertently press the second user actuation lever 28 when moving the first user actuation lever 26 from its rest position to its actuated position. In this case, the second actuation component 68 could initially move with the first actuation component 66. If the second user actuation lever 28 initially moves with the first user actuation lever 26, then the release pawl 88 will not be able to engage the first stop 70a1. However, if the user then stops pressing the second user actuation lever 28, the release pawl 88 will be able to rotate in the direction of the pivot axis A1 as the first actuation component 66 continues to move into its actuated position. As a result, the release pawl 88 will engage in the second stop 70a2 and rotate the release component 70 in the second direction D2 with respect to the pivot axis A1.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the release component 70 further comprises a first cam surface 70b, a second cam surface 70c, a pull-latch stop 70d, and a stop stop 70e. In this embodiment, the release component 70 is a plate component. A circumferential edge of the release component 70 defines the first stop 70a1, the second stop 70a2, the first cam surface 70b, the second cam surface 70c, the pull-latch stop 70d, and the stop stop 70e.

[0072] The first cam surface 70b is designed such that it rotates the position-holding pawl 52 outwards from the holding position to the release position against the force of the preload element 54 when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2 during the cable release process. In this way, the position-holding pawl 52 releases the positioning assembly 50 and the wire-receiving component 64 to rotate in the first direction D1.

[0073] The second cam surface 70c is designed such that it rotates the stop pawl 92 inwards against the force of the preload element 93 from the non-stop position to the stop position when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2 during the cable release process. This causes the engagement tooth 92a of the stop pawl 92 to move into the path of the stop teeth 82, thereby limiting the rotational movement of the positioning assembly 50 and the wire holder 64 in the first direction D1 during the cable release process. In other words, the engagement tooth 92a of the stop pawl 92 engages one of the stop teeth 82 while the release component 70 is in the release position. As a result, further rotation of the positioning assembly 50 and the wire holder 64 in the first direction D1 is prevented.

[0074] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the pawl stop 70d is designed to keep the pawl 84 out of engagement with the pull teeth 81 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest position. In other words, the pre-tensioning element 87 pre-tensions the pawl 84 such that the engagement tooth 84a contacts the pawl stop 70d of the release component 70 in such a way that the engagement tooth 84a is spaced apart from the pull teeth 81 while the parts of the bicycle actuation device 12 are in their rest position. The pawl stop 70d is further designed to keep the pawl 84 out of engagement with the pull teeth 81 when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2 during the cable release process. In particular, the pull-latch stop 70d pushes the engagement tooth 84a of the pull-latch 84 outwards with respect to the pivot axis A1 when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2 during the cable release process.

[0075] The stop stop 70e contacts the second fixed support plate 62 while the release component 70 is in its rest position (i.e., the non-release position). Specifically, the preloading element 71 preloads the release component 70 against the stop stop 70e to establish a rest position for the release component 70. The preloading element 71 is located between the second actuating component 68 and the release component 70.

[0076] Now, with reference to the Fig. Figures 6, 7 and 16 to 29 illustrate the rope release process. In particular, they show how to do it as described in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the cable release process is carried out by the cyclist rotating the first actuating component 66 about the first pivot axis P1 in a direction S2 towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. The first user actuating lever 26 abuts the first actuating component 66. As a result, the first actuating component 66 is rotated by the first user actuating lever 26 in the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A1.

[0077] When the first actuating component 66 is rotated in the second direction D2, the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 engages one of the first and second stops 70a1 and 70a2 of the release component 70 to rotate the release component 70 in the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A1. As mentioned above, the first stop 70a1 is designed such that it is engaged by the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 when the first actuating component 66 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position during a first actuation state, as shown in the Fig. 18 to 24 can be seen. On the other hand, the second stop 70a2 is designed such that it is engaged by the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 when the first actuating component 66 is moved from the rest position to the actuated position during a second actuating state, as shown in the Fig. Figures 25 to 29 show this. In particular, during a second actuation state, the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 moves behind the first stop 70a1 because the control pin 91 is in contact with the circumferential edge 68a of the second actuating component 68, as the first actuating component 66 moves with the second actuating component 68. If the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 crosses the first stop 70a1, the first stop 70a1 cannot engage the engagement tooth 88a of the release pawl 88 without moving the first actuating component 66 back to its rest position in the first direction D1.Thus, the release component 70 is rotated in the second direction D2 from the non-release position to the release position when the first actuating component 66 moves from the rest position to the actuated position during the cable release process, even if the second actuating component 68 is initially actuated by the user who accidentally moves the second user actuating lever 28.

[0078] In both the first and second states, when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2, the first cam surface 70b of the release element 70 rotates the position-holding pawl 52 out of the path of the positioning teeth 80 of the first positioning ratchet wheel 72, as shown in the Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 can be seen. Likewise, when the release component 70 rotates in the second direction D2, the second cam surface 70c of the release component 70 rotates the stop pawl 92 into the path of the stop teeth 82 of the second positioning ratchet wheel 74, as shown in the Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 can be seen. In this way, the wire holding component 64, the first positioning locking wheel 72 and the second positioning locking wheel 74 can rotate in the first direction D1 until one of the stop teeth 82 engages in the stop pawl 92.

[0079] Now, when the first user actuation lever 26 is released, the first actuation component 66 and the release component 70 begin to return to their rest position, as described in the Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 shows that the stop pawl 92 also rotates out of the path of the stop teeth 82 of the second positioning ratchet wheel 74, thereby releasing the wire holder component 64, the first positioning ratchet wheel 72, and the second positioning ratchet wheel 74, while simultaneously the position holding pawl 52 rotates back into engagement with one of the positioning teeth 80 of the first positioning ratchet wheel 72. This switches the bicycle component positioning unit 30 by one switching position in the first direction D1.

[0080] Now, primarily with reference to the Fig. Figures 4, 8, 16, and 30 to 32 illustrate a rope pulling process. In particular, as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the cable pull operation is carried out by the cyclist rotating the second user actuation lever 28 about the first pivot axis P1 in a direction S1 towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle. The stop 28d of the second user actuation lever 28 is arranged such that it contacts the second actuation component 68 when the second user actuation lever 28 is moved in direction S1. As a result, the second actuation component 68 is rotated by the second user actuation lever 28 in the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A1.

[0081] When the second actuating component 68 is rotated in the second direction D2, the second actuating component 68 abuts a bushing at the end of the pivot bolt 89, causing the first and second actuating components 66 and 68 to rotate together. As shown in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 30, during the rotational movement of the second actuating component 68 in the second direction D2, the engagement tooth 84a of the pawl 84 slides from the pawl stop 70d of the release component 70 and engages one of the pull teeth 81 of the second positioning locking wheel 74. Likewise, the position-holding pawl 52 is rotated about one of the positioning teeth 80 around the pivot axis A2. Therefore, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 31, a further rotational movement of the second actuating component 68 in the second direction D2 occurs, such that the retaining tooth 52a of the position-holding pawl 52 engages one of the positioning teeth 80. As a result, the wire-holding component 64, the first positioning locking wheel 72, and the second positioning locking wheel 74 are rotated by the force of the preload element 54 acting on one of the positioning teeth 80, such that the retaining tooth 52a of the position-holding pawl 52 engages the nearest adjacent positioning tooth 80, as shown in Figure 31. Fig. 32 can be seen.

[0082] As used herein, the following directional terms, “frame-facing side,” “frame-away side,” “forward,” “backward,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “sideways,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “perpendicular,” and “transverse,” as well as all other similar directional terms, refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position, equipped with the bicycle control device. Consequently, these directional terms, as used to describe the bicycle control device, should be interpreted in relation to a bicycle in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface, equipped with the bicycle control device. The terms “left” and “right” are to indicate “right” when viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and “left” when viewed from the rear of the bicycle, respectively. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 bicycle 12 Bicycle operating device 14 Bicycle operating device 16 Gear shift cable 16a Shift cable 16b Cable housing 18 Brake cable 18a Shift cable 18b cable housing 20 gear shift cable 22 Brake cable 24 basic shapes 24a Steering rod assembly section 24b Knob section 24c handle section 24d front end 26 first user operating lever 26a End of assembly 26b User Operation Section 28 second user operating lever 28b User Operation Section 28c stop 28d stop 30 bicycle component positioning unit 32 Handle cover 34 Steering rod mounting construction 36 pivot bolts 38 Lever mounting component 38a Rope fastening hole 40 swivel axis construction 42 Preload element 44 Preload element 46 mounting hooks 48 mounting bolts 50 Positioning construction 52 Positioning retaining latch 52a Retaining tooth 53 Preload element 53a wound section 53b first free end section 53c second free end section 54 Preload element 54a wound section 54b first free end section 54c second free end section 56 Carrier axle 56a Head 56b shaft 58 Support structure 59 axle nut 60° swivel axis 61 first fixed support plate 62 second fixed support plate 64 Wire holding component 64a Fastening structure 66 first actuating component 67 Preload element 68 second actuating component 68a Perimeter edge 69 Preload element 70 Sole component 70a1 first attack 70a2 second attack 70b first cam surface 70c second cam surface 70d pull-latch stop 70e Stop stop 71 Preload element 72 first positioning component or ratchet wheel 74 second positioning component or locking wheel 76 non-circular openings 78 non-circular opening 80 positioning teeth 81 traction teeth 82 stop teeth 84 Pull handle 84a Intervention tooth 85 pivot bolts 86 Carrier plate 87 Preload element 88 Release latch 88a Intervention tooth 89 pivot bolts 90 Preload element 91 Control pen 92 Stop pawl 92a Intervention tooth 92b advantage 93 Preload element 96 Stop pin A1 Swivel axis A2 Swivel axis B Non-switching track D1 first direction D2 second direction H-shaped steering rod P1 first pivot axis P2 second pivot axis R1 first radial distance R2 second radial distance S1 direction S2 direction

Claims

[1] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) comprising: a supporting structure (58); a release component (70) which is rotatably mounted on the support structure (58) such that it rotates about a pivot axis (A1) between a first non-release position and a first release position; a first actuating component (66) which is movably mounted on the support structure (58) between a rest position and an actuated position; and a release pawl (88) which is movably mounted on the first actuating component (66), wherein the release component (70) has a first stop (70a1) and a second stop (70a2), wherein the second stop (70a2) is spaced circumferentially from the first stop (70a1) with respect to the pivot axis (A1), wherein the release pawl (88) is selectively arranged such that it engages in one of the first and second stops (70a1, 70a2) and rotates the release element (70) from the rest position to the actuated position during the movement of the first actuating element (66) without engaging in the other of the first and second stops (70a1, 70a2), and wherein the first stop (70a1) is arranged at a first radial distance (R1) from the pivot axis (A1), the second stop (70a2) is arranged at a second radial distance (R2) from the pivot axis (A2), and the second radial distance (R2) is greater than the first radial distance (R1). [2] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to claim 1, wherein the release pawl (88) is movably mounted on the first actuating component (66) such that it moves from the rest position to the actuated position in the direction of the pivot axis (A1) during a movement of the first actuating component (66). [3] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release pawl (88) is mounted rotatably on the first actuation component (66). [4] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuation component (66) is mounted pivotally about the pivot axis (A1). [5] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a positioning component (72) which is movably mounted with respect to the supporting structure (58); and a position-holding latch (52) which is movably mounted with respect to the support structure (58) such that it selectively holds the positioning component (72) in a predetermined position and can be selectively released from the positioning component (72) in response to a movement of the release component (70). [6] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to claim 5, further comprising a second actuation component (68) which is movably mounted on the support structure (58) between a rest position and an actuated position for rotating the positioning component (72). [7] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to claim 6, further comprising a wire receiving component (64) designed to rotate with the positioning component (72), wherein the wire receiving component (64) is rotated in a first direction (D1) in response to the actuation of the first actuation component (66) and the wire receiving component (64) is rotated in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) in response to the actuation of the second actuation component (68). [8] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and the second actuation component (66, 68) are mounted pivotally about the pivot axis (A1), the first actuation component (66) moves in a first direction (D1) about the pivot axis (A1) when the first actuation component (66) moves from the rest position of the first actuation component (66) to the actuated position of the first actuation component (66), and the second actuation component (68) moves in the first direction (D1) about the pivot axis when the second actuation component (68) moves from the rest position of the second actuation component (68) to the actuated position of the second actuation component (68). [9] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, wherein the first actuation component (66) moves with the second actuation component (68) when the second actuation component (68) moves from the rest position of the second actuation component (68) to the actuated position of the second actuation component (68). [10] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the second actuation component (68) remains stationary when the first actuation component (66) moves from the rest position of the first actuation component (66) to the actuated position of the first actuation component (66). [11] Bicycle actuation device (12, 14) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base body (24) comprising a handlebar mounting section (24a) located at a first end of the base body (24), a knob section (24b) located at a second end of the base body (24), and a handle section (24c) arranged between the handlebar mounting section (24a) and the knob section (24b).

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