CN115230860A - Operating device for man-powered vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle is provided with a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a releasing operation. The operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in the first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in the second direction.

Description

Operating device for man-powered vehicles

technical field

The present disclosure relates to an operating device for a man-powered vehicle.

Background technique

Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, are typically provided with one or more operating devices for operating one or more components. In the case of bicycles, examples of some of these components include gear shifting (eg, derailleurs or internally geared hubs), suspension, and seatposts. The operating device is typically provided on the human-powered vehicle, in a location where the rider can easily operate the operating device (eg, on the handlebars). The operating device is typically connected to the components using a control cable such as a Bowden-type control cable. The control cable is pulled or released by the operating device to remotely operate the components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present disclosure relates to various features of operating devices for operating components of human-powered vehicles. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle capable of being driven by at least a human-powered driving force, but does not include a vehicle that uses only a driving force other than human-powered. In particular, vehicles using only an internal combustion engine as a driving force are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally assumed to be compact, lightweight vehicles that sometimes do not require a license for driving on public roads. There is no limit to the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, wheelbarrows and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric assist bikes (E-bikes).

In view of the state of the art and in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an operating device that basically includes a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure for performing a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the support structure for performing a release operation. The second pivot axis is different from the first pivot axis. The operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position detent in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position detent in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in the second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction.

With the operating device according to the first aspect, it is possible to operate a part with a single operating member.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the second aspect, the configuration of the operating device can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the at least one position stopper includes a plurality of position stoppers that are positioned by the The members are selectively engageable to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, a component having a plurality of operating positions can be operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the support structure includes a first bearing defining the first pivot axis and defining the second A second support for the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, the operating device can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support portion to pivoting about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, the pulling operation can be easily performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a non-circular opening partially defined by the first pivot surface.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, the operating member is switchable between pivoting about the first pivot axis and pivoting about the second pivot axis.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the non-circular opening is partially defined by the contact surface, and in the case where the positioning member is engaged with the at least one position stopper Below, the first support portion of the support structure contacts the contact surface.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, the cable can be pulled reliably during the pulling operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects is configured such that the operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the The second support portion is to pivot about the second pivot axis during the release operation.

With the operation device according to the eighth aspect, the cable can be released reliably during the release operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, the operating member can be reliably pivoted about the second pivot axis at a relatively low cost.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the support structure includes a slot that defines the at least one position stop.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, the support structure can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operation device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured such that the at least one position stopper is parallel to the second pivot axis in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis. The second support portion is at least partially aligned.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the operating device can be manufactured as a relatively compact operating device.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured such that the at least one position stopper extends from all the positions in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis. The second support portion is offset.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to easily provide the second support portion that is reliably formed for performing the release operation in the case where the operating device has a plurality of position stoppers.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

With the operation device according to the thirteenth aspect, the operation cable can be easily attached to the operation member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the operating member is biased in the second direction by the cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the operating device does not require a biasing member for performing a release operation of the cable, but can use a biasing force applied to the cable by the member operated by the operating device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the support structure includes a cable guide.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the operating device can be easily controlled with a cable.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operation device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the operation member includes a lever member.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, the user can easily operate the operating device.

Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed operating device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the operating device.

Description of drawings

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

1 is a perspective view of a handlebar area of a man-powered vehicle (eg, a bicycle) having a first operating device and a second operating device, according to one illustrated embodiment;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the first operating device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the first operating device shown in Figures 1 and 2 with a portion of the housing of the first operating device removed;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the second operating device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the second operating device shown in Figures 1 and 4 with a portion of the housing of the second operating device removed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

7 is a first exploded perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

8 is a second exploded perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device in a fully released position or a first predetermined position;

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to Figure 9, but wherein the operating member has been moved towards a fully retracted position or a second predetermined position;

Figure 11 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to Figures 9 and 10, but wherein the operating member has been moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the position detent to establish a fully pulled position or a second predetermined location;

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to Figures 9-11, but wherein the operating member has been moved to initiate the release operation;

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to Figures 9-12, but wherein the operating member has been moved from the position of Figure 12 to disengage the positioning member of the operating member from the position detent;

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to Figures 9 to 13, but wherein the operating member has been moved further in the release direction;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device;

Figure 16 is a first exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device shown in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a second exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device shown in Figures 15 and 16;

18 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device in a fully released position or a first predetermined position;

Figure 19 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figure 18, but wherein the operating member has been moved in the release direction towards the next (second) predetermined position;

Figure 20 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18 and 19, but wherein the operating member has been moved further from the position of Figure 19 in the release direction towards the next (second) predetermined position;

Figure 21 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-20, but wherein the operating member has been moved so that the positioning member of the operating member engages the second position stop to establish the next ( 2) Predetermined location;

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18 to 21, but wherein the operating member has been moved further from the second predetermined position of Figure 18 in the release direction towards the next (third) predetermined position ;

Figure 23 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18 to 22, but wherein the operating member has been moved further from the position of Figure 22 in the release direction towards the next (third) predetermined position;

Figure 24 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-23, but wherein the operating member has been moved so that the positioning member of the operating member engages the third position stop to establish the next ( 3) Predetermined location;

Figure 25 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18 to 24, but wherein the operating member has been moved from the third predetermined position of Figure 24 in the release direction towards the next (fourth) predetermined position;

Figure 26 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-25, but wherein the operating member has been moved so that the positioning member of the operating member engages the fourth position stop to establish the next ( 4) Predetermined location;

Figure 27 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18 to 26, but wherein the operating member has been moved from the fourth predetermined position of Figure 26 in the release direction towards the next (fifth) predetermined position;

Figure 28 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-27, but wherein the operating member has been moved so that the positioning member of the operating member engages the fifth position stop to establish the next ( 5) Predetermined location;

Figure 29 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-28, but wherein the operating member has been moved to initiate the release operation;

Figure 30 is a top plan view of the internal components of a second operating device similar to Figures 18-29, but wherein the operating member has been moved from the position of Figure 29 to disengage the positioning member of the operating member from the fifth position stop;

Figure 31 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to Figures 18-30, but wherein the operating member has been moved further in the release direction;

Figure 32 is a top plan view of the support of the second operating device shown in Figures 15-31;

33 is a top plan view of a second operating device according to a modification of another illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the second operating device shown in FIG. 33 when viewed along section line 34 - 34 of FIG. 33 .

Detailed ways

Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. From this disclosure, it should be apparent to those skilled in the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. the invention as defined.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a portion of a handlebar H of a man-powered vehicle V (eg, a bicycle). Basically, the man-powered vehicle V is provided with at least one operating device. Here, according to the illustrated embodiment, the man-powered vehicle V is provided with a first operating device 10A and a second operating device 10B. Here, the first operating device 10A is arranged, for example, on the left side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the left hand of the occupant (eg, the left hand of the rider). The second operating device 10B is arranged, for example, on the right side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the right hand of the occupant (eg, the right hand of the rider). Although the handlebar H is a flat handlebar (MTB handlebar) in the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B may be configured to mount to other types of handlebars as needed and/or desired, For example racing handlebars (road handlebars).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first operating device 10A is configured to be coupled via a first control cable 12 to a first vehicle component BC1 (eg, a first bicycle component, such as a front derailleur), and on the other hand, to a second operating device 10B is configured to be coupled to a second vehicle component BC2 (eg, a second bicycle component such as a rear derailleur or internal gear hub) via a second control cable 14 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B are configured as shifters for controlling the gear positions of a derailleur or derailleur, such as a derailleur or an internal gear hub. However, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B may be used as operating devices for operating other types of vehicle components (eg, suspension, adjustable seatpost, etc.) as needed and/or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B each have a plurality of predetermined positions. That is, the first operating device 10A has two predetermined positions, and the second operating device 10B has five predetermined positions. These predetermined positions may also be referred to as predetermined gear positions or predetermined stop positions. When the first vehicle component BC1 is the front derailleur, the two predetermined positions of the first operating device 10A correspond to the gear positions of the front derailleur. When the second operating device 10B is the rear derailleur or the internal gear hub, the five predetermined positions of the second operating device 10B correspond to the gear positions of the rear derailleur or the internal gear hub.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first control cable 12 is a conventional bicycle operating cable having a housing 16 covering an inner cable 18 . In other words, the control cable 12 is a Bowden-type cable in which the inner cable 18 is slidably received in the housing 16 . The inner cable 18 has a cable nipple or attachment barrel 20 (see FIG. 3 ) for attaching the inner cable 18 to the first operating device 10A, as described below. The first operating device 10A operates the first vehicle component BC1 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner cable 18 . Therefore, the first operating device 10A constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the first operating device 10A is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 22 for adjusting the contact point of the end of the housing 16 with respect to the first operating device 10A.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second control cable 14 is a conventional bicycle operating cable having a housing 24 covering an inner cable 26 . In other words, the control cable 14 is a Bowden-type cable in which the inner cable 26 is slidably received in the housing 24 . The inner cable 26 has a cable gland or attachment barrel 28 (see FIG. 3 ) for attaching the inner cable 26 to the second operating device 10B, as described below. The second operating device 10B operates the second vehicle component BC2 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner cable 26 . Therefore, the second operating device 10B constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the second operating device 10B is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 30 for adjusting the contact point of the end of the housing 24 with respect to the second operating device 10B.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first operating device 10A basically includes a support structure 32 and an operating member 34 . An operating member 34 is movably supported on the support structure 32 for selectively operating the selective pulling and releasing of the inner cable 18 of the first control cable 12 . Here, the support structure 32 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H so that the occupant of the man-powered vehicle V can operate the operating member 34 from the handlebar H. However, as will be appreciated from this disclosure, the support structure 32 may be configured to mount to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and/or desired.

Here, the support structure 32 includes a handlebar attachment 36 , a housing 38 and a support 40 . However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 32 may have other configurations as needed and/or desired to support the operating member 34 . A handlebar attachment 36 is attached to the housing 38 . The support 40 is supported by the housing 38 . Here, in the embodiment shown, the support 40 is provided at least primarily inside the housing 38 .

The handlebar attachment 36 is configured to mount to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 36 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metallic material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 36 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of the handlebar attachment 36 may be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member adjustably coupled by a tightening bolt (ie, a non-hinged clamp), or a hinged pair with a pair of curved jaws A clamp, the pair of curved jaws is pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a tightening bolt. Since handlebar attachments are well known structures, the handlebar attachments 36 will not be discussed or shown in further detail.

The housing 38 covers the internal components of the first operating device 10A, which are released from the inner cable 18 to be sent out of the housing 38 and pull the inner cable 18 into the housing 38 . Here, for example, the housing 38 has a two-piece construction comprising an upper housing part 38a and a lower housing part 38b fastened together by a plurality of screws. Upper housing part 38a and lower housing part 38b are rigid members constructed of a suitable material such as hard plastic or lightweight metal. However, the housing 38 may have various configurations as needed and/or desired.

The support 40 is a rigid plate member. The support 40 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material such as hard molded plastic or lightweight stamped metal. Although the support 40 is shown as a one-piece member, the support 40 may be made of several pieces that are coupled together. Alternatively, the support 40 may be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 38 . Here, the support 40 of the support structure 32 includes a cable guide 42 . The cable guide 42 is configured to guide the first inner cable 18 relative to the support 40 as the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40 . Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the cable guide portion 42 has a threaded hole 42a. The threaded hole 42a is configured to threadably receive the barrel adjuster 22 (see FIG. 3 ) for adjustably coupling the barrel adjuster 22 to the support 40 . Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the barrel adjuster 22 may be omitted if needed and/or desired.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 8 , the support 40 of the support structure 32 further includes a mounting member 44 . The mounting member 44 is provided with threaded holes 44 a for receiving threaded fasteners 46 (see FIG. 2 ) to secure the operating member 34 to the support structure 32 . That is, the support 40 is connected to the upper housing part 38 a by threaded fasteners 46 (eg, screws) such that the operating member 34 is movably mounted between the upper housing part 38 a and the support 40 . Mounting member 44 is provided with a curved engagement surface 44b that contacts operating member 34 to help control movement of operating member 34 as operating member 34 moves relative to support 40 . Here, the curved engagement surface 44b is a cylindrical surface having a center axis coincident with the center axis of the threaded hole 44a. Accordingly, the support structure 32 comprises a first fulcrum F1 defining a first pivot axis A1 . More specifically, the curved engagement surface 44b forms a first bearing portion F1 that defines a first pivot axis A1.

The support structure 32 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 32 includes a slot 48 that defines the at least one position stop. Here, the support 40 includes at least one position stopper. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 includes a slot 48 that defines a first position stop 48a and a second position stop 48b. The first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b are selectively engaged by the operating member 34 to selectively establish the first predetermined position (FIGS. 3 and 9) or the second predetermined position (FIG. 11), as described below. The slot 48 also defines a curved engagement surface 48c that contacts the operating member 34 to help control movement of the operating member 34 as the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40 . Accordingly, the support structure 32 comprises a second bearing portion F2, which defines a second pivot axis A2. The second pivot axis A2 is different from the first pivot axis A1. Furthermore, the first pivot axis A1 is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved engagement surface 48c forms a second bearing portion F2 that defines a second pivot axis A2. Here, the curved engagement surface 48c is arranged concentrically with respect to the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the curved engagement surface 44b and the curved engagement surface 48c have a center of curvature that coincides with the first pivot axis A1.

Also, at least one position stop (eg, the first position stop 48a and/or the second position stop 48b) is at least partially opposed to the second support F2 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A2 allow. In other words, at least one of the first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b is located at least partially in a plane that includes the second bearing F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2. In the embodiment shown, both the first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b lie in a plane that includes the second support F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2.

The operating member 34 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 34 includes a positioning member 50 . Here, the operating member 34 also includes another positioning member 52 . The positioning member 52 has an abutment seat 52a that selectively engages the first position detent 48a to selectively establish a first predetermined position (FIGS. 3 and 9). In the first predetermined position (FIGS. 3 and 9), the positioning member 52 is engaged with the first position stop 48a, and the inner cable 18 of the first cable is fully released. On the other hand, the positioning member 50 has an abutment portion 50a that selectively engages the second position stop 48b to selectively establish a second predetermined position (FIG. 11). In the second predetermined position (FIG. 11), the positioning member 50 is engaged with the second position stop 48b, and the inner cable 18 of the first cable is fully pulled.

As described below, the positioning member 52 is a protrusion that engages the support 40 to assist in the release operation of the operating member 34 . Therefore, the operation member 34 includes a protrusion. In the embodiment shown, the protrusion corresponds to the positioning member 52 . However, the protrusion may be a separate member from the positioning member 52, as is the case in the second operating device 10B described below.

Basically, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , the operating member 34 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the support structure 32 in order to perform the pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a non-circular opening 54 . The non-circular opening 54 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 44b of the support 40 such that the operating member 34 pivots relative to the support structure 32 about the first pivot axis A1 in order to perform the pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 34 includes a first pivot surface 54a configured to contact the first bearing portion F1 to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 during the pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 partially defines the first pivot surface 54a. In this way, when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 to perform the pulling operation, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move away from the first position stop 48a and toward the second position along the slot 48 of the support 40 The stopper 48b moves. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 50 has a contact surface 50b that contacts and slides along the curved engagement surface 48c when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a pulling operation .

When the positioning member 50 is moved into engagement with the second position stop 48b, the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40 as seen from the transition from FIG. 10 to FIG. 11 . In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 54 is larger than the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44 , the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40 . Here, the operating member 34 includes a contact surface 54b that contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 . Thus, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension from the inner cable 18 of the first control cable 12, which is pulling on the operating member 34, which pulls the positioning member 50 against The second position stop 48b and pulls the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to engage at least one position detent (eg, the second position detent 48b) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 is partially defined by the contact surface 54b. As mentioned above, the first support portion F1 of the support structure 32 is defined by the curved engagement surface 44b. In this way, the first support portion F1 of the support structure 32 contacts the contact surface 54b with the positioning member 50 engaged with at least one position stopper (eg, the second position stopper 48b).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 , the operating member 34 is also configured to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the support structure 32 in order to perform the release operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second bearing portion F2 to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 during the release operation. More specifically, in the first operating device 10A, the positioning member 52 has a contact surface 52b that defines a second pivot surface. The contact surface 52b is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40 such that the operating member 34 pivots relative to the support structure 32 about the second pivot axis A2 in order to perform the release operation. In any event, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion (ie, the positioning member 52 ) partially defines the second pivot surface (ie, the contact surface 52b ). In this way, when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the second pivot axis A2 to perform the release operation, the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stopper 48b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to disengage from at least one position detent (eg, the second position detent 48b) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the second pivot axis A2 in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is different from the first direction D1.

After the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stopper 48b, as shown in FIG. 13, the operating member 34 is pivoted again relative to the support 40 about the first pivot axis A1. Here, the operating member 34 includes an additional contact surface 54c. This additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit the operating member 34 relative to the support just when the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stop 48b or just after the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stop 48b movement of the piece 40. As the additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b, the operating member 34 pivots again about the first pivot axis A1 such that the positioning member 50 of the operating member 34 engages the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40 and the first The pivot surface 54a contacts the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44 on the support 40 . Moreover, this pivotal movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 causes the positioning member 52 (ie, the protrusion of the operating member 34 ) to move out of contact with the curved engagement surface 48 c of the support 40 .

Accordingly, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move along the slot 48 of the support 40 away from the second position stop 48b and toward the first position stop 48a. Finally, after the release operation, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 18 of the first control cable 12, which pulls on the operating member 34, which positions the positioning member 52 Pulling against the first position stop 48a and pulling the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b, as shown in FIG. 9 .

Here, the operating member 34 includes a lever member 56 configured to protrude from the housing 38 so that the user can operate the lever member 56 . Therefore, the lever member 56 constitutes a user operation input portion of the first operation device 10A. The lever member 56 may be provided with a user operating portion 56a so that the lever member 56 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operating portion 56a may be made of a rubber or plastic material covering a portion of the lever member 56 . The operating member 34 also includes a base 58 that is movably supported on the mounting member 44 of the support 40 . The base 58 is located inside the housing 38 . The lever member 56 is integrally formed with the base 58 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 56 and base 58 are formed as a single piece from a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced non-metallic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the operating member 34 includes a cable attachment structure 60 . Here, the cable attachment structure 60 is provided to the base 58 . In this way, the operating member 34 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 12 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 60 . Alternatively, a biasing element, such as a torsion spring, may be provided between the operating member 34 and the support 40 .

Referring now to Figures 4, 5 and 15 to 31, the second operating device 10B will now be explained in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second operating device 10B basically includes a support structure 62 and an operating member 64 . An operating member 64 is movably supported on the support structure 62 for selectively operating the inner cable 26 that selectively pulls and releases the second control cable 14 . Here, the support structure 62 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H so that the occupant can operate the operating member 64 from the handlebar H. However, as will be appreciated from this disclosure, the support structure 62 may be configured to mount to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and/or desired.

Here, the support structure 62 includes a handlebar attachment 66 , a housing 68 and a support 70 . However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 62 may have other configurations as needed and/or desired to support the operating member 64 . A handlebar attachment 66 is attached to the housing 68 . The support 70 is supported by the housing 68 . Here, in the embodiment shown, the support 70 is provided at least primarily inside the housing 68 .

The handlebar attachment 66 is configured to mount to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 66 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metal material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 66 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of the handlebar attachment 66 may be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member (ie, a non-hinged clamp) adjustably coupled by a tightening bolt, or a hinged with a pair of curved jaws A clamp, the pair of curved jaws is pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a tightening bolt. Since handlebar attachments are well known structures, handlebar attachment 66 will not be discussed or shown in further detail.

The housing 68 covers the internal components of the second operating device 10B that are released from the inner cable 26 to be sent out of the housing 68 and that pull the inner cable 26 into the housing 68 . Here, for example, the housing 68 has a two-piece construction comprising an upper housing part 68a and a lower housing part 68b fastened together by a plurality of screws. Upper housing part 68a and lower housing part 68b are rigid members constructed of a suitable material such as hard plastic or lightweight metal. However, the housing 68 may have various configurations as needed and/or desired.

The support 70 is a rigid plate member. The support 70 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material such as hard molded plastic or lightweight stamped metal. Although the support 70 is shown as a one-piece member, the support 70 may be made of several pieces that are coupled together. Alternatively, the support 70 may be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 68 . Here, the support 60 of the support structure 62 includes a cable guide 72 . The cable guide 72 is configured to guide the first inner cable 26 relative to the support 70 as the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70 . Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 , the cable guide portion 72 has a threaded hole 72a. The threaded hole 72a is configured to threadably receive the barrel adjuster 30 (see FIG. 5 ) for adjustably coupling the barrel adjuster 30 to the support 70 . Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the barrel adjuster 30 may be omitted if needed and/or desired.

As shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 , and 15-17 , the support 70 of the support structure 62 also includes a mounting member 74 . The mounting member 74 is provided with threaded holes 74a for receiving threaded fasteners 76 (see FIG. 4 ) to secure the operating member 64 to the support structure 62 . That is, the support 70 is connected to the upper housing part 68 a by threaded fasteners 76 (eg, screws) such that the operating member 64 is movably mounted between the upper housing part 68 a and the support 70 . The mounting member 74 is provided with a curved engagement surface 74b that contacts the operating member 64 to help control movement of the operating member 64 as the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70 . Here, the curved engagement surface 74b is a cylindrical surface having a center axis coincident with the center axis of the screw hole 74a. Accordingly, the support structure 62 includes a first bearing portion F3, which defines a first pivot axis A3. More specifically, the curved engagement surface 74b forms a first bearing portion F3 that defines a first pivot axis A3.

The support structure 62 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 62 includes a slot 78 that defines at least one position stop. In the second operating device 10B, at least one position stopper includes a plurality of position stoppers 78a to 78e. Accordingly, the slot 78 defines the position stops 78a to 78e. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 70 includes a slot 78 that defines the position stops 78a to 78e. The slot 78 has a stepped configuration such that the position stops 78a to 78e are positioned gradually closer to the pivot axis A3. In other words, the first position stopper 78a is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the second position stopper 78b. The second position stopper 78b is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the third position stopper 78c. The third position stopper 78c is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the fourth position stopper 78d. The fourth position stopper 78d is further away from the pivot axis A3 than the fifth position stopper 78e. The position stops 78a to 78e are selectively engaged by the operating member 64 to selectively establish one of a plurality of predetermined positions (ie, five predetermined positions), as described below. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to engage the at least one position detent in response to the operating member 64 pivoting in the first direction D1 about the first pivot axis A3.

The support structure 62 also defines a curved engagement surface 79 that contacts the operating member 64 to help control movement of the operating member 64 as the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70 . Accordingly, the support structure 62 comprises a second bearing portion F4 which defines a second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"'. The second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" is different from the first pivot axis A3. Furthermore, the first pivot axis A3 is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis A4. In the embodiment shown, the curved engagement surface 79 forms a second bearing portion F4 that defines a second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"". Here, the curved engagement surface 79 is arranged concentrically with respect to the curved engagement surface 74b. In other words, the curved engagement surface 74b and the curved engagement surface 79 have a center of curvature that coincides with the first pivot axis A3.

Also, here, the second pivot axis A4 , A4 ′, A4 ″ or A4 ″″ is displaced along the curved engagement surface 79 , depending on which of the predetermined positions the release operation is performed from, as shown in FIG. 32 . The second pivot axis A4 shown in FIGS. 5 and 18 to 31 is the second pivot axis A4 for releasing from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position. As shown in Fig. 32, the second support portion F4 defines a total of four second pivot axes A4, A4', A4" and A4"', which are parallel to each other and parallel to the first pivot axis A3. The second pivot axis A4' is used to release from the fourth predetermined position to engage the third predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4" is used to release from the third predetermined position to engage the second predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4"' is used to release from the second predetermined position to engage the first predetermined position. For the sake of brevity, the second operating device 10B may be described and shown using only the second pivot axis A4 for release from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position.

Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, the at least one position stop is arranged in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" from the first The two support parts F4 are offset. In particular, the curved engagement surface 79 is not formed by the slot 78 , but is formed by a curved protrusion adjacent the slot 78 . In this way, the position stops 78a to 78e lie in a first plane perpendicular to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"', and the curved engagement surface 79 defining the second bearing F4 lies in in a second plane parallel to the first plane. In this way, the position stops 78a to 78e are offset from the second support portion F4 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"'.

The operating member 64 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 64 includes a positioning member 80 . Here, the operating member 64 also includes a protrusion 82 . Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 also does not function as a positioning member. Instead, the protrusion 82 partially defines the second pivot surface. More specifically, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 has a contact surface 82a that defines a second pivot surface. The contact surface 82a is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" in order to perform the release operation . Thus, the contact surface 82a defines a second pivot surface.

The positioning member 80 has an abutment portion 80a that selectively engages the position stops 78a to 78e to selectively establish a predetermined position ( FIGS. 18 , 21 , 24 , 26 and 28 ). In the first predetermined position (FIG. 18), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the first position stop portion 78a, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is fully released. In the second predetermined position (FIG. 21), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the second position stop 78b, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the third predetermined position (FIG. 24), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the third position stopper 78c, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the fourth predetermined position (FIG. 26), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the fourth position stopper 78d, and the inner cable 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the fifth predetermined position (FIG. 28), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the fifth position stop 78e, and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is fully pulled. Accordingly, the position stops 78a to 78e are selectively engaged by the positioning member 80 to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

Basically, the operating member 64 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 relative to the support structure 62 in order to perform the pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a non-circular opening 85 . The non-circular opening 85 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 74b of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the first pivot axis A3 in order to perform the pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 64 includes a first pivot surface 85a configured to contact the first bearing portion F3 to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 during the pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 partially defines the first pivot surface 85a. In this way, when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 to perform the pulling operation, the positioning member 80 and the positioning member 80 move away from the first position stopper 78a along the slot 78 of the support 70 and toward the second position The stopper 78b moves. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80b that contacts and slides along the curved engagement surface 79 when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 to perform a pulling operation .

As shown in FIGS. 18 to 22 , during the pulling operation from the first predetermined position, the operating member 64 is first pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 and then slid relative to the support 70 so that the positioning member 80 moves to the same The second position stopper 78b is engaged. In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 85 is larger than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74 , the operating member 64 slides relative to the support 70 . Positioning member 80 engages slot 78 to limit movement of operating member 64 relative to support 70 . Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 22-28 , for each of the subsequent pulling operations, the operating member 64 first pivots about the first pivot axis A3 and then slides relative to the support 70 so that the positioning member 80 moves into engagement with the next of the position stops 78c, 78d or 78e.

Here, the operating member 64 includes a contact surface 85b that contacts the curved engagement surface 74b to limit movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70 . Thus, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension from the inner cable 26 of the second control cable 14, which is pulling on the operating member 64, which pulls the positioning member 80 against The second position stop 78b and pull the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 is partially defined by the contact surface 85b. As mentioned above, the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 is defined by the curved engagement surface 74b. In this way, the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 contacts the contact surface 85b with the positioning member 80 engaged with at least one position stopper (eg, the second position stopper 78b).

On the other hand, the operating member 64 is also configured to pivot relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" in order to perform the release operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second bearing portion F4 to about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4 during the release operation ''' pivot. More specifically, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80b configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4, A4', A4' ' or A4''' to pivot in order to perform the release. In this way, when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"' to perform the release operation, the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the second position stopper 78b. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to contact the position stops 78b, 78c in response to the operating member 64 pivoting in the second direction D2 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" , 78d or 78e disengage. In particular, since the size of the non-circular opening 85 is larger than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74, the operating member 64 can pivot relative to the support 70 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4" or A4"" change.

As shown in FIG. 29, here, the operating member 64 includes an additional contact surface 85c. The additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b just when the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the current position stop 78b, 78c, 78d or 78e or just when the positioning member 80 is disconnected from the current position stop 78b, 78c, 78d or Movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70 is restricted after disengagement of 78e. As the additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b, the operating member 64 is again pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 in the second direction D2 under tension from the inner cable 26 pulled on the operating member 64. Accordingly, the positioning member 80 moves along the slot 78 of the support 70 away from the previous position stop and towards the next position stop. Finally, after the release operation, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension of the inner cable 26 of the second control cable 14, which pulls on the operating member 64, which positions the positioning member 80 Pulls against the current position stop and pulls the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b.

Here, the operating member 64 includes a lever member 86 . The lever member 86 is configured to protrude from the housing 68 to enable a user to operate the lever member 86 . Therefore, the lever member 86 constitutes a user operation input portion of the second operation device 10B. The lever member 86 may be provided with a user operating portion 86a so that the lever member 86 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operating portion 86a may be made of a rubber or plastic material covering a portion of the lever member 86 . The operating member 64 also includes a base 88 that is movably supported on the mounting member 74 of the support 70 . The base 88 is located inside the housing 68 . The lever member 86 is integrally formed with the base 88 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 86 and the base 88 are formed as a single piece from a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced non-metallic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 , the operating member 64 includes a cable attachment structure 90 . Here, the cable attachment structure 90 is provided to the base 88 . In this way, the operating member 64 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 14 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 90 . Alternatively, a biasing element, such as a torsion spring, may be provided between the operating member 64 and the support 70 .

Referring now to Figures 32 and 33, a modified second operating device 110 according to another embodiment is shown. Basically, the second operating device 110 includes the operating member 164, the supporter 170, and the support member 171 defining the second support portion F4. Here, the operating member 164 and the support 170 are substantially the same as the operating member 64 and the support 70 as described above, respectively, except that the support member 171 is a separate part from the support 170 . Thus, the operating member 164 includes a lever member 186 and a base 188 . Also, similarly to the second operating device 10B, the support 170 is provided with the cylindrical adjuster 30 , and the inner cable 26 of the second control cable 14 is connected to the operating member 164 . Also, the operating member 164 , the support 170 and the second bearing portion 171 may be provided to the housing 68 and attached to the handlebar H via the handlebar attachment 66 . In view of the similarities between the second operating device 10B and the second operating device 110, the same components of the second operating device 110 as those of the second operating device 10B may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

Similar to the support 70 of the second operating device 10B, the support 170 includes a mounting part 174 and a slot 178 . Also, similar to the operating member 14 of the second operating device 10B, the operating member 164 includes a positioning member 180 and a protrusion 182 . Here, the operating member 164 is movably mounted to the mounting member 174 of the supporter 170 . That is, the operating member 164 includes a non-circular opening 185 that cooperates with the mounting member 174 to control movement of the operating member 164 relative to the support 170 in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The positioning member 180 cooperates with the slot 178 of the support 170 to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined positions in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The protrusions 182 cooperate with the curved engagement surface 179 of the second bearing portion F2 in the same manner as the protrusions 82 in the second operating device 10B cooperate with the curved engagement surface 79 . However, since the second support portion F2 is located on the opposite side of the operating member 164 from the supporter 170 , the protrusion 182 extends away from the supporter 170 .

Therefore, the operation of the second operating device 110 is the same as that of the second operating device 10B. Therefore, the operation of the second operating device 110 will not be discussed further here.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, parts, groups, integers and/or steps, but not The presence of other unrecited features, elements, parts, groups, integers and/or steps is excluded. The foregoing also applies to words of similar import, such as the terms "comprising", "having" and derivatives thereof. Also, unless stated otherwise, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame facing side", "non-frame facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower" , "above", "below", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "horizontal" and any other similar The directional term refers to those directions in the field of man-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) in an upright riding position and equipped with an operating device. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the operating device should be interpreted relative to the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the operating device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to "right" in reference to the right side when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle domain (eg, bicycle), and when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle domain (eg, bicycle) When referring to "left" from the left.

As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of" refers to "one or more" of the desired selection. As an example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure refers to "only a single choice" or "both of two choices" if the number of choices is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure refers to "only a single choice" or "any combination equal to or more than two choices" if the number of choices equal to or more than three words. Also, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure means "either or both."

Furthermore, it will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attached" encompass configurations where an element is directly secured to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; by attaching the element to (a or a plurality of) intermediate members which in turn are attached to another element, thereby indirectly securing the element to the other element; and one element is integral with the other element, i.e. an element is substantially above is part of another element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, eg, "connected," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "coupled," "secured," and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately" as used herein refer to the amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, practice may be made herein. Various changes and modifications. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the functions of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment. Each feature that is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and and/or functional concepts. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (16)

1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising:

a support structure comprising at least one position stop; and

an operating member configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure so as to perform a pulling operation, and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis relative to the support structure so as to perform a releasing operation,

the operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction, and the positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

2. The operating device of claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

3. The operating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position stop comprises a plurality of position stops selectively engaged by the positioning member to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

4. The operating device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure comprises a first bearing defining the first pivot axis and a second bearing defining the second pivot axis.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support to pivot about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

6. The operating device of claim 5, wherein the operating member includes a non-circular opening defined in part by the first pivot surface.

7. The operating device of claim 6, wherein the non-circular opening is defined in part by a contact surface and the first support of the support structure contacts the contact surface with the positioning member engaged with the at least one position stop.

8. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion to pivot about the second pivot axis during the releasing operation.

9. The operating device of claim 8, wherein the operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

10. The operating device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support structure comprises a slot defining the at least one position stop.

11. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one position stop is at least partially aligned with the second support along a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

12. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one position stop is offset from the second support in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

13. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

14. The operating device according to claim 13, wherein the operating member is biased in the second direction by a cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

15. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support structure comprises a cable guide.

16. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the operating member includes a lever member.

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