Control unit, bicycle and method for setting switching states

Abstract

Operating unit (1) comprising a first operating element (2) and a second operating element (3), a rocker switch (4) pivotably mounted about a rocker axis (13) with a first actuating section (5), a second actuating section (6), a first rocker shoulder (7) assigned to the first operating element (2), and a second rocker shoulder (8) assigned to the second operating element (3), as well as a weighing beam (9) spatially arranged between the rocker switch (4) and the two operating elements (2, 3). The weighing beam (9) has a web (14) for the rocker axis (13) to pass through.In this case, the rocker switch (4) comes into contact with the weighing beam (9) in a neutral position with both rocker shoulders (7, 8) and the weighing beam (9) is supported on both operating elements (2, 3), wherein the rocker switch (4) is designed to pivot in a first direction of rotation by applying an actuating force to the first actuating section (5) and to assume a first switching state, and to pivot further in the first direction of rotation and to assume a second switching state by increasing the actuating force on the first actuating section (6), wherein the rocker switch (4) is designed to pivot in a second direction of rotation by applying an actuating force to the second actuating section (6) and to assume a third switching state, and to pivot further in the second direction of rotation and to assume a fourth switching state by increasing the actuating force on the second actuating section (6).

Description

The invention relates to an operating unit having two operating elements and four switching states. The invention further relates to a bicycle having such an operating unit and to a method for setting shifting states on the operating unit.Input devices are used as an interface in human-machine interaction. If the input is effected manually, the operation elements are referred to. Operating elements can be designed as buttons or switches. A plurality of operating elements can be combined to form an operating unit. Electronic control units often have two switching directions, each with one switching stage per switching direction. In order to produce the electrical contact, operating elements are used, the electrical contact points of which are brought together during the actuation. Control units can also have a double click function, i.e. two switching stages per switching direction, for which four control elements are generally used.DE 196 27 294 A1 relates to a rocker button having a rest position and an operating position, having a housing, having a pivotable manual actuating element which is designed as a switching rocker and is articulated on the housing, which switching rocker acts on at least one switching contact which can be connected to an associated fixed contact, wherein a switching lever is provided which cooperates with the manual actuating element and can be acted on by the latter and is provided with at least one elastic actuating arm which has a switching cam which serves for actuating the at least one switching contact.DE 44 31 937 A1 relates to a switch having a housing which contains an elastomer switching mat and a spring-loaded button region which, when pressed, comes into contact with a mating contact of a switching element. The button area has two independent switching elements on the rear side, which are actuated via reinforced pressure sides.US 5 426 275 A relates to a rocker switch comprising a rigid element bridging two elastic click elements, each elastic click element carrying a movable contact positioned over a fixed contact. A lever, which is pivotably positioned above the rigid element, causes, by its rotation, the elastic clicking elements to buckle depending on the direction of rotation.US 5 834 716 A relates to a mechanism for multi-clutch switches having at least a first and a second collapsible clutch structure. An elongate actuating bar bridges the dome structures, a notch in the upper surface of the bar receiving a key cap pivotable between various positions.The object of the present invention is to provide an operating unit having two switching directions and in each case two switching stages per switching direction. In particular, installation space and costs for the operating unit are to be reduced. The object is achieved by the subject matters having the features of the independent claims. Embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.An operating unit according to the invention comprises a first operating element and a second operating element, a switching rocker mounted pivotably about a rocker axis, having a first actuating portion, a second actuating portion, a first rocker shoulder assigned to the first operating element, and a second rocker shoulder assigned to the second operating element, and a weighing beam arranged spatially between the switching rocker and the two operating elements, wherein the switching rocker, in a neutral position, comes to bear with both rocker shoulders on the weighing beam and the weighing beam is supported on both operating elements, wherein the switching rocker is configured to pivot in a first rotational direction and to assume a first switching state by applying an actuating force on the first actuating portion, wherein the weighing beam actuates the first operating element and only the first rocker shoulder comes to bear against the weighing beam, wherein the switching rocker is configured to pivot further in the first rotational direction and to assume a second switching state by increasing the actuating force on the first actuating portion, wherein the weighing beam actuates both operating elements, wherein the switching rocker is configured to pivot in a second rotational direction and to assume a third switching state by applying an actuating force on the second actuating portion, wherein the weighing beam actuates the second operating element and only the second rocker shoulder comes to bear against the weighing beam, wherein the switching rocker is configured to pivot further in the second rotational direction and to assume a fourth switching state by increasing the actuating force on the second actuating portion, wherein the weighing beam actuates both operating elements.In a switching state of the operating unit, at least one of the two operating elements is switched. Since the switching rocker has two stages during switching in the respective direction of rotation, a respective switching state is also to be understood as a switching stage. The neutral position of the shift rocker is to be understood as a basic state, wherein none of the two operating elements is actuated in the neutral position. According to the first and second switching states, only the first rocker shoulder, which is assigned to the first-actuated first operating element, comes to bear against the weighing beam, wherein the second rocker shoulder has no contact with the weighing beam, so that the switching rocker is supported on the weighing beam in a force-inducing manner only via the first rocker shoulder. According to the third and fourth switching states, only the second rocker shoulder, which is assigned to the first-actuated second operating element, comes to bear against the weighing beam, wherein the first rocker shoulder has no contact with the weighing beam, so that the switching rocker is supported on the weighing beam in a force-inducing manner only via the second rocker shoulder.The operating unit therefore has a total of five positions or states, namely a neutral position which actuates neither of the two operating elements, and four switching states which actuates at least one of the operating elements. The actuating force is introduced by a user into the operating unit via the switching rocker, wherein the switching rocker pivots about the rocker axis and actuates at least one of the two operating elements via the weighing bar in order to set a switching state. By using only two operating elements, which are designed in particular as buttons, a rocker switch with rocker axis and a weighing beam, the operating unit is designed to be particularly compact and cost-effective.According to the method according to the invention for setting switching states on the operator control unit according to the invention, the first switching state is set when an actuating force is applied to the first actuating section of the switching rocker and the switching rocker is pivoted in a first direction of rotation, wherein the weighing bar actuates only the first operator control element, wherein the second switching state is set when the actuating force on the first actuating section of the switching rocker is increased and the switching rocker is pivoted further in the first direction of rotation, wherein the weighing bar then also actuates the second operator control element, wherein the third switching state is set when an actuating force is applied to the second actuating section of the switching rocker and the switching rocker is pivoted in a second direction of rotation, wherein the weighing bar actuates only the second operator control element, wherein the fourth switching state is set, when the actuating force at the second actuating section of the rocker switch is increased and the rocker switch is pivoted in the second direction of rotation, wherein the weighing beam then also actuates the first operating element.In particular, the two control elements are used not only for setting two shift stages, but also for setting two shift directions, specifically depending on the actuation sequence. In other words, a basic state, i.e. a neutral position, is present at the operating unit when neither of the two operating elements is actuated. The first switching state is present at the operating unit when the first operating element is actuated and the second operating element is not actuated. The second switching state is present at the operating unit when both operating elements are actuated, wherein the first operating element was actuated first and the second operating element was actuated thereafter. The third switching state is present at the operating unit when the second operating element is actuated and the first operating element is not actuated. The fourth switching state is present at the operating unit when both operating elements are actuated, wherein the second operating element was actuated first and the first operating element was actuated thereafter. The first and the third switching state are therefore set directly by selecting the switching direction at the switching rocker. To set the second switching state, there is always a need for a pass through the first switching state and for a force increase compared to the actuating force for the first switching state. To set the fourth switching state, there is always a need for a pass through the third switching state and for a force increase compared to the actuating force for the third switching state. Thus, the second and fourth switching states can be set not directly but only indirectly via a further switching state.According to a preferred embodiment, the operating elements are designed as buttons and have a switching stroke, i.e. a switching path. For example, the respective operating element is configured to generate haptic and / or acoustic signals upon actuation. As a result, the user receives a feedback when the switching rocker is actuated, as a result of which the first switching stage can be better distinguished from the second switching stage and the third switching stage can be better distinguished from the fourth switching stage. In particular, the desired shift stage can thereby be triggered particularly precisely. Furthermore, the buttons in particular have a restoring force, so that the operating unit can be moved back into the basic state after the actuation without an external effect.According to a preferred embodiment, the switching rocker is formed in one piece and has a first side facing a user and a second side facing the weighing beam, wherein the two actuating sections are arranged on the first side of the switching rocker and the two rocker shoulders are arranged on the second side of the switching rocker. The first side of the rocker panel facing the user is configured to receive the user input. The second side of the rocker panel facing the weighing beam is configured to apply the user input to the rocker panel via the respective rocker shoulder on the rocker panel and to actuate the operating elements via this. A rocker shoulder is to be understood as an elevation on the switching rocker. The first side of the switching rocker is arranged opposite the second side of the switching rocker. For example, the first side of the switching rocker is at least partially curved, in particular concave, in order to improve the ergonomy for the user.For example, the user can actuate the switching rocker via a finger, in particular a thumb.According to a preferred embodiment, the weighing bar has elevations for bearing against the operating elements. In particular, a first elevation is provided for the contact and actuation of the first operating element, wherein a second elevation is provided for the contact and actuation of the second operating element. The respective elevation on the weighing beam is preferably formed complementary to a respective depression on the respective operating element, as a result of which the contact and the positioning between the weighing beam and the operating element are optimized.According to a preferred embodiment, the operating unit further comprises a housing for receiving the rocker axle, on which the switching rocker is pivotably arranged. In particular, the rocker axis extends through at least one bore, preferably through two bores, on the second side of the switching rocker. For example, the luffing axle can also extend through at least one bore on the weighing beam. The rocker axle is preferably arranged at two bores on the housing. Furthermore, the bores for receiving the luffing axle are preferably arranged on the housing at a respective end section of the luffing axle, whereby the support and force introduction into the housing is improved.According to the invention, the weighing beam has a web for passing through the luffing axle. In particular, the web bridges a bore for receiving the luffing axle and thus extends at least partially around the luffing axle. In particular, the web is formed perpendicular to the luffing axis. The rocker axis carried out does not restrict the movement of the weighing beam. The web is configured for stabilizing the weighing beam. Furthermore, by means of the web, slipping of the weighing bar in the housing is prevented.According to a preferred embodiment, the rocker shoulders on the switching rocker have a receiving region for the web of the weighing beam. In particular, the receiving region for the web of the weighing beam is arranged between the rocker shoulders on the switching rocker. Preferably, the rocker shoulders on the switching rocker are divided by the receiving region for the web of the weighing beam, so that the rocker shoulders are divided into two sections. In particular, the weighing beam is thereby positioned relative to the switching rocker, whereby assembly is also facilitated.According to a preferred embodiment, the operating unit further comprises a signal interface which is configured to be connected to a data processing unit in a signal-transmitting manner. The data processing unit is configured to evaluate signals received via the signal interface and to actuate further devices connected to the data processing unit, in particular a transmission or a drive machine, accordingly. The data processing unit functions as a control unit or control device and is designed to evaluate data and to actuate at least one further device as a function of these data. A signal interface is a link for exchanging data and signals between different devices. The respective signal interface enables at least two components or devices to communicate with each other. The respective signal interface is integrated into the respective component or integral part thereof and serves for receiving and transmitting signals. In particular, the data processing unit has a signal interface for signal-transmitting connection, wherein the signal location has a transmitter and a receiver for bidirectional signal transmission. For example, the signal-transmitting connection can be configured to be wired, wireless or optical. A signal-transmitting connection is a communicating connection in which data, in particular measurement data, and / or information are transmitted as a signal from a transmitter to a receiver. The signals may be, for example, switching, control, data transmission or command signals. For example, the data processing unit can be a group of control units or control units. For example, one of the control units can be part of a drive machine, a transmission or another device.A bicycle according to the invention comprises at least one operating unit according to the invention. Further, the bicycle includes a drive train and at least two wheels. For example, the bicycle comprises the usual components of a muscle-powered bicycle. In particular, the bicycle comprises a transmission having a plurality of transmission stages, wherein the transmission is integrated in the drive train of the bicycle and the transmission stages can be shifted according to the operating unit. Furthermore, the bicycle can have an electric machine designed as a drive motor, which is integrated in the drive train of the bicycle in order to reduce the load on the user during the movement or to increase its range, specifically as a function of the capacity of an energy store connected thereto. The drive motor can be arranged as a central motor in the region of the pedal crankshaft or as a wheel drive directly on a drive wheel. Such bicycles are also known as electric bicycles, pedelec or e-bikes.Preferred fields of application of the operator control unit according to the invention are not only bicycles but also remote controls, light switches, window lifters for vehicles, input devices for computers and consoles, in particular controllers in the gaming field and electronic devices with two directions and a fast and slow mode, in particular kitchen devices, for example hand-held stirring devices.An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The following are shown here: FIG. 1 shows a greatly simplified schematic illustration of a bicycle according to the invention with an operating unit according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a greatly simplified schematic illustration of the operator control unit according to the invention in a neutral position, FIG. 3 shows a greatly simplified schematic illustration of the operator control unit according to the invention in a first switching state, FIG. 4 shows a greatly simplified schematic illustration of the operator control unit according to the invention in a second switching state, FIG. 5 shows an abstract schematic illustration of the first switching state illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 shows an abstract schematic illustration of the second switching state illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 shows a simplified perspective illustration of the operator control unit according to the invention, FIG. 8 shows a simplified exploded illustration of the operator control unit according to the invention from FIG. 7, FIG. 9 shows a simplified perspective illustration of a switching rocker of the operator control unit according to the invention from FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 10 shows a simplified perspective illustration of a weighing bar of the operator control unit according to the invention from FIGS. 7 and 8, and FIG. 11 shows a simplified perspective illustration of a housing of the operator control unit according to the invention from FIGS. 7 and 8.FIG. 1 shows a bicycle 100 according to the invention in a greatly simplified manner. The bicycle 100 has a frame 104, on which a steerable wheel 101 designed as a front wheel, a wheel 102 designed as a rear wheel or drive wheel, a steering handle 105 arranged pivotably on the frame 104, with steering handles arranged thereon, on which the user can support and hold himself during travel, and a saddle 106 are arranged. The steerable wheel 101 is pivotable together with the steering arm 105 about a steering axis. Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has a drive train which is configured to drive the bicycle 100 only with a muscle power of a user-not shown here. For this purpose, the user sits on the saddle 106 during driving, for example, and introduces a drive power into the drive train of the bicycle 100 via respective pedals 107, which are connected to a crankshaft 108 via respective cranks. In the present case, the drive power is transmitted to the drive wheel via a traction drive 103 having two sprockets and a chain. Thus, the bicycle 100 is configured as a conventional bicycle 100 without a drive assistance. Furthermore, the bicycle 100 has an operating unit 1 and a shiftable transmission 109 with multiple transmission stages, wherein the transmission 109 is arranged drive-effectively between the crankshaft 108 and the drive wheel. The transmission ratio of the transmission 109 can be changed via the operating unit 1 as a function of a user input.FIG. 2 shows the operating unit 1 according to FIG. 1 in a greatly simplified manner. the operating unit 1 comprises a first operating element 2 and a second operating element 3, which are designed in the present case as buttons. The two operating elements 2, 3 are fixed to a fastening plate 16. Furthermore, the operating unit 1 comprises a switching rocker 4 mounted pivotably about a rocker axis 13 and having a first actuating section 5, a second actuating section 6, a first rocker shoulder 7 assigned to the first operating element 2, and a second rocker shoulder 8 assigned to the second operating element 3, and a weighing beam 9 arranged spatially between the switching rocker 4 and the two operating elements 2, 3. The switching rocker 4 is of one-piece design and has a first side facing the user and a second side facing the weighing beam 9. The two actuating sections 5, 6 are arranged on the first side of the switching rocker 4 and the two rocker shoulders 7, 8 are arranged on the second side of the switching rocker 4. The weighing bar 9 has a first elevation 10 which comes to bear against the first operating element 2 and a second elevation 11 which comes to bear against the second operating element 3.The switching rocker 4 therefore forms the component of the operating unit 1 which is used for inputting the switching information from the user, wherein the switching rocker 4 has the two actuating sections 5, 6 for this purpose on the first side which is designed as the upper side. In contrast, on the second side of the switching rocker 4 designed as the underside, the two rocker shoulders 7, 8 are designed for the transmission of force to the weighing beam 9. When a force is introduced via the first actuating section 5, the switching rocker 4 pivots counterclockwise about the rocker axis 13. When a force is introduced via the second actuating section 6, the switching rocker 4 pivots clockwise about the rocker axis 13. In the present case, the switching rocker 4 is shown in a neutral position, wherein the switching rocker 4 comes to rest with both rocker shoulders 7, 8 on the weighing beam 9 and the weighing beam 9 is supported on both operating elements 2, 3 via the elevations 10, 11. The operating elements 2, 3 are not actuated and have an identical switching stroke.FIG. 3 shows a first switching state of the operating unit 1 from FIG. 2, to which reference is made. In the present case, an actuating force, which is represented by the arrow F 1 acts on the first actuating section 5 of the switching rocker 4, so that the switching rocker 4 pivots counterclockwise in a first rotational direction about the rocker axis 13. As a result of this pivoting movement of the switching rocker 4, the switching rocker 4 is supported on the weighing beam 9 only with the first rocker shoulder 7, wherein the second rocker shoulder 8 lifts from the weighing beam 9. The weighing bar 9 actuates the first operating element 2, wherein the first operating element 2 overcomes the switching stroke and generates a haptic and acoustic signal for the user. During actuation, a first circuit also closes, resulting in a corresponding electrical signal. In addition, a switching travel is produced which is defined by the switching stroke of the first operating element 2. Due to the one-sided height change, the weighing beam 9 is now in a slightly inclined position.FIG. 4 shows a second switching state of the operating unit 1 from FIGS. 2 and 3, to which reference is made. In the present case, a second actuating force, which is increased compared to the first actuating force and is illustrated by the arrow F 2 acts on the first actuating section 5 of the switching rocker 4, with the result that the switching rocker 4 pivots further in the first rotational direction counter to the counterclockwise direction about the rocker axis 13. The switching rocker 4 is still supported on the weighing beam 9 only by the first rocker shoulder 7. The second rocker shoulder 8 does not come to rest against the weighing beam 9. The weighing bar 9 now also actuates the second operating element 3, wherein the second operating element 3 overcomes a switching path and generates a haptic and acoustic signal for the user. When the second operating element 3 is actuated, a second circuit is closed and a corresponding electrical signal is generated. The geometric stop of the actuating unit 1 is thus reached in the selected switching direction. If the force on the switching rocker 4 is removed, the actuating unit 1 assumes its basic state according to FIG. 2 due to the restoring force of the actuating elements 2, 3 and a new switching direction can be selected. The switching processes of the two switching directions are mirror-reversed with respect to one another, wherein a third switching state is set when an actuating force is applied to the second actuating section 6 of the switching rocker 4 and the switching rocker 4 is pivoted in a second rotational direction, wherein the switching rocker 4 is supported on the weighing beam 9 via the second rocker shoulder 8 and the weighing beam actuates only the second operating element 2. A fourth switching state is set when the actuating force on the second actuating section 6 of the switching rocker 4 is further increased and the switching rocker 4 is pivoted further in the second direction of rotation, wherein the switching rocker 4 is supported on the weighing beam 9 via the second rocker shoulder 8 and the weighing beam 9 also actuates the first operating element 2 on account of the increased actuating force. The third and fourth switching states of the operating unit 1 are not shown pictorially in the present case, but correspond to mirror-inverted representations according to FIGS. 3 and 4.FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the first switching state of the operating unit 1 according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the second switching state of the operating unit 1 according to FIG. 4 The torque balances illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are provided in particular for illustrating the change in lever arm from the first switching state of the operating unit 1 to the second switching state of the operating unit 1. The weighing beam 9 rests at its ends on the operating elements 2, 3. Starting from the respective contact point of the weighing beam 9 at the respective beam end, the illustrated moment balances are produced. The arrow F T shows in FIG. 5 the lifting force of the first operating element 2 and in FIG. 6 the lifting force of the second operating element 3. The arrow F B shows in each case the point of action of the actuating force starting from the first rocker shoulder 7, i.e. acting at the contact point of the switching rocker 4 on the weighing beam 9. The lever arm which is effective in the first switching state is illustrated by the double arrow h S,1 in FIG. 5. The lever arm which is effective in the second switching state is illustrated by the double arrow h S,2 in FIG. 6. The contact point of the switching rocker 4 on the weighing beam 9 determines the ratio of the lever arms, i.e. the length of contact point to beam end. Since the lever arm acting in the first switching state is larger than the lever arm acting in the second switching state, the actuating force must increase from the first switching state to the second switching state in order to generate an identical torque for switching the second actuating element 3. If the actuating force and thus also the torque at the switching rocker 4 are increased, namely until the actuating force corresponds to the lifting force of the second operating element 3, the second operating element 3 is actuated, so that the operating unit 1 then changes from the first switching state according to FIG. 3 into the second switching state according to FIG. 4.FIG. 7 shows the operating unit 1 in perspective. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the operation unit 1, thereby improving the visibility of the components of the operation unit 1. The operating unit 1 is implemented in an electronic gear shift of a bicycle. In particular, the transmission ratio of a transmission can be changed via the operating unit 1 in accordance with the user input. The switching rocker 4 is formed in one piece and has a first side facing a user and a second side facing the weighing beam 9, wherein two actuating sections 5, 6 are arranged on the first side of the switching rocker 4. The switching rocker 4 is designed to be conically arched in order to improve the ergonomy for the user during the switching. The operating unit 1 comprises a housing 12 which is configured to receive the luffing axle 13 and can be fastened to the handlebar of the bicycle via a handlebar-type locking clamp, not shown in more detail. The housing 12 comprises a housing cover 21; the switching rocker 4 is pivotably mounted via the rocker axis 13. To accommodate the rocker axle 13, the housing 12 has two accommodation regions with bores 19, 20. The rocker axle 13 extends not only through bores on the switching rocker 4 but also through a bore on the weighing beam 9.On a fastening plate 16 designed as a printed circuit board, which is arranged in the interior between the housing 12 and the housing cover 21, the two operating elements 2, 3 designed as snap-on disk-based buttons are arranged. The push buttons are of identical design and have the same actuating force. The probes are preferably soldered to the printed circuit board. By selecting the type of button and the switching force of the buttons, the haptics are decisively defined when switching the operating unit 1. Furthermore, a signal interface 17 is also arranged on the printed circuit board, which is configured to be connected to a data processing unit 18 illustrated in FIG. 1 in a signal-transmitting manner. The electrical signals which are generated by means of buttons during switching are provided via the printed circuit board of the signal interface 17 in order to be conducted from there to the data processing unit 18. The printed circuit board is spatially fixed in the housing 12 of the operating unit 1. Four switching states can be realized with the operating unit 1, wherein only two buttons are used for this purpose. The weighing beam 9 is used to distribute the force introduced by the user into the rocker switch 4 to the buttons via two lever arms, as described above, wherein the rocker switch 4 is mounted by the rocker axis 13 and can rotate at least partially about the longitudinal axis of the rocker axis 13.As can be seen from FIG. 9, the two rocker shoulders 7, 8 are arranged on the second side of the switching rocker 4. Via the rocker shoulders 7, 8, the switching rocker 4 comes to rest at defined points on the weighing beam 9. At these points, the transmission of force can take place between the switching rocker 4 and the weighing beam 9. In the present case, the rocker shoulders 7, 8 on the switching rocker 4 have a gap-shaped receiving region 15 for a web 14 of the weighing beam 9, which is illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 10. In other words, the receiving region 15 runs like a slot through the rocker shoulders 7, 8 on the second side of the switching rocker 4 designed as the underside, in order to create space for the web 14 of the weighing beam 9. The switching rocker 4 further has two receiving regions on the second side with bores 23, 24 for the rocker axle 13.According to FIG. 10, the weighing beam 9 has a bore formed by the web 14 for passing through the rocker axis and elevations 10, 11 for bearing against the operating elements 2, 3. Consequently, the weighing beam 9 is connected to the first button via the first elevation 10 and is connected to the second button via the second elevation 11. The knob-like elevations 10, 11 on the weighing beam 9 fit into plastic attachments of the feelers. The web 14 essentially serves for stabilizing and passing through the luffing axle. The luffing axle does not restrict the movement of the weighing beam 9.In FIG. 11, the housing 12 is shown enlarged from a further perspective. In the present case, a region 22 is focused with a bore on the housing 12 which is provided for connecting a handlebar-side clamp and fastening it to the bicycle handlebar.In summary, the mode of operation of the operating unit 1 can be described in other words as follows. The operation unit 1 is operated by applying a force to either side of the rocker 4. The force is conducted via the rocker shoulders 10, 11 to the weighing beam 9, whereby two lever arms are thereby produced. The lever arm to the equilateral button is shorter than to the button on the opposite side. The force is consequently distributed differently on the push buttons. By changing the lever arm ratio, the ratio of the switching forces can be defined. Since the buttons are of identical design and have the same switching force, the button is first actuated, on the side of which the force is exerted on the switching rocker. When the button is triggered, a haptic and acoustic signal is generated, which forms the feedback for the user. In addition, there is a shift path defined by the stroke of the button. The weighing beam 9 is lowered on one side and now rests on this side against a stop on the probe. After actuation of the first shift stage, an additional exertion of force is necessary in order to trigger the second shift stage. If both switching stages of one side are actuated, then a geometric stop of the operating unit 1 is also achieved, since the weighing beam 9 cannot move any further in this switching direction. By using buttons for the operating elements 2, 3, the operating unit 1 is moved into the basic state in the event of failure of the operating force. If the switching direction is changed by a force being exerted on the other of the two sides of the switching rocker 4, the displacement supported on the weighing beam 9 and thus also the distribution of the lever arms change. The buttons are thereby triggered in the reverse sequence.The data processing unit 18 is configured to recognize four shift states and the neutral, non-shifted state. The data processing unit 18 comprises a memory for the switching states of both pushbuttons. If the first button is switched, the first signal is recognized and stored. The first switching state is present. If the second button is also switched, the data processing unit 18 recognizes that both buttons are switched and knows that the first button was switched first. The second switching state is present. When the operating unit 1 falls back to the basic state, the data processing unit 18 receives a signal and detects that no button is switched, resetting the storage state. In the opposite switching direction, the second button is first switched, this being stored by the data processing unit 18. The third switching state is present. If the first button is also switched thereafter, the data processing unit 18 receives a corresponding signal, but can distinguish this fourth switching state from the second switching state according to the first switching sequence by means of the memory state. The fourth switching state is present.Reference numerals denote reference numerals1 Operating unit 2 First operating element 3 Second operating element 4 Rocker switch 5 First operating section 6 Second operating section 7 First rocker shoulder 8 Second rocker shoulder 9 Weighing beam 10 First elevation 11 Second elevation 12 Housing 13 Rocker axle 14 Web 15 Receiving region 16 Fastening plate 17 Signal interface 18 Data processing unit 19 Bore 20 Bore 21 Housing cover 22 Region 23 Bore 24 Bore F 1 Arrow F 2 Arrow F T Arrow F B Arrow h S,1 Double arrow h S,2 Double arrow 100 Bicycle 101 Wheel 102 Drive wheel 103 Traction drive 104 Frame 105 Link 106 Caliper 107 Pedals 108 Pedal crank shaft 109 Transmission

Claims

Operating unit (1) having • a first operating element (2) and a second operating element (3), • a switching rocker (4) which is mounted pivotably about a rocker axis (13) and has a first actuating portion (5), a second actuating portion (6), a first rocker shoulder (7) which is assigned to the first operating element (2), and a second rocker shoulder (8) which is assigned to the second operating element (3), and • a weighing beam (9) which is arranged spatially between the switching rocker (4) and the two operating elements (2, 3), • wherein the switching rocker (4) in a neutral position comes to bear with both rocker shoulders (7, 8) on the weighing beam (9) and the weighing beam (9) is supported on both operating elements (2, 3), • wherein the switching rocker (4) is configured to operate in such a way that it is possible to operate the load-bearing arm in a manner which is free from movement of the two rocker shoulders (7, 8) on the weighing beam (9), by applying an actuating force on the first actuating section (5) to pivot in a first direction of rotation and to assume a first switching state, wherein the weighing bar (9) actuates the first operating element (2) and only the first rocker shoulder (7) comes to bear against the weighing bar (9), • wherein the switching rocker (4) is configured to pivot further in the first direction of rotation and to assume a second switching state by increasing the actuating force on the first actuating section (6), wherein the weighing bar (9) actuates both operating elements (2, 3), • wherein the switching rocker (4) is configured to pivot in a second direction of rotation and to assume a third switching state by applying an actuating force on the second actuating section (6), wherein the weighing beam (9) actuates the second operating element (3) and only the second rocker shoulder (8) comes to rest against the weighing beam (9), • wherein the switching rocker (4) is configured to pivot further in the second rotational direction by increasing the actuating force at the second actuating section (6) and to assume a fourth switching state, wherein the weighing beam (9) actuates both operating elements (2, 3), characterized in that the weighing beam (9) has a web (14) for passing through the rocker axis (13).Operating unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the switching rocker (4) is of one-piece design and has a first side facing a user and a second side facing the weighing beam (9), wherein the two actuating sections (5, 6) are arranged on the first side of the switching rocker (4) and the two rocker shoulders (7, 8) are arranged on the second side of the switching rocker (4).Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective operating element (2, 3) is configured to generate haptic and / or acoustic signals when operated.Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two operating elements (2, 3) are designed as pushbuttons and have a switching stroke.Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weighing bar (9) has elevations (10, 11) for bearing against the operating elements (2, 3).Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized bya housing (12) for receiving the rocker axle (13), on which the switching rocker (4) is pivotably arranged.Operating unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rocker shoulders (7, 8) on the switching rocker (4) have a receiving region (15) for the web (14) of the weighing beam (9).Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized bya fastening plate (16) for receiving the two operating elements (2, 3).Operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized bya signal interface (17) which is configured to be connected to a data processing unit (18) in a signal-transmitting manner.Method for setting switching states on an operating unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, • wherein a first switching state is set if an actuating force is applied to the first actuating section (5) of the switching rocker (4) and the switching rocker (4) is pivoted in a first direction of rotation, wherein the weighing beam (9) actuates only the first operating element (2), • wherein a second switching state is set if the actuating force is increased at the first actuating section (5) of the switching rocker (4) and the switching rocker (4) is pivoted further in the first direction of rotation, wherein the weighing beam (9) then also actuates the second operating element (3), • wherein a third switching state is set if an actuating force is applied to the second actuating section (6) of the switching rocker (4) and the switching rocker (4) is pivoted in a second direction of rotation, wherein the weighing beam (9) actuates only the second operating element (2), • wherein a fourth switching state is set when the actuating force at the second actuating section (6) of the switching rocker (4) is increased and the switching rocker (4) is pivoted in the second direction of rotation, wherein the weighing beam (9) then also actuates the first operating element (2).Bicycle (100) comprising at least one operating unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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