CN115320776B

CN115320776B - Mounting member

Info

Publication number: CN115320776B
Application number: CN202210451324.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 中村毅志; 高尾宪太郎; 森一磨
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2022-04-27
Publication date: 2024-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2042-04-27
Also published as: CN115320776A; TW202243951A; DE102021112318A1

Abstract

A mounting member is basically provided with a sandwich portion, a first rib and a second rib. The sandwich portion is configured to be positioned between a clamp and a handlebar to mount an operating device to the handlebar. The first rib is connected to the sandwich portion and is configured to contact a first outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a first direction. The second rib is connected to the sandwich portion and is configured to contact a second outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a second direction. The second outer wall is opposite the first outer wall, and the second direction is opposite the first direction.

Description

Mounting member

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a mounting member. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting member configured to mount an operating device to a handlebar of a human powered vehicle.

Background

Human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) are typically provided with various components or devices. These components or devices are often provided with one or more operating devices. The operating device is sometimes mounted on a handlebar of a human powered vehicle so that the operating device is easily operated by a rider. For example, typically, an operating device is mounted on each end of the handlebar near the grab handle for operating remotely located components of the human powered vehicle. These types of operating devices are typically mounted by brackets having belt clips.

Disclosure of Invention

Generally, the present disclosure relates to various features of a mounting member configured to mount an operating device to a handlebar of a human powered vehicle. The term "human powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle that can be driven by at least human powered driving force, but does not include a vehicle that uses only driving force other than human power. In particular, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as a driving force is not included in a human powered vehicle. It is often assumed that human powered vehicles are compact, light weight vehicles, sometimes without the need for a license for driving on public roads. The number of wheels on a human powered vehicle is not limited. Human powered vehicles include, for example, wheelbarrows and vehicles having three or more wheels. Human powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, freight bikes, and recumbent bikes, as well as electric assist bikes (E-bike).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a mounting member is provided, which basically comprises a sandwich portion, a first rib and a second rib. The sandwich portion is configured to be positioned between a clamp and a handlebar to mount an operating device to the handlebar. The first rib is connected to the sandwich portion and is configured to contact a first outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a first direction. The second rib is connected to the sandwich portion and is configured to contact a second outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a second direction. The second outer wall is opposite the first outer wall, and the second direction is opposite the first direction.

With the mounting member according to the first aspect, the operating device can be easily mounted to the handlebar using the clamp.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to the first aspect is configured such that the sandwich portion is configured to be adjustable relative to the clamp in a circumferential direction with respect to the handlebar.

With the mounting member according to the second aspect, the operating device can be easily adjusted in the circumferential direction with respect to the handlebar.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the sandwich portion comprises an outer curved contact surface configured to contact a curved clamping surface of the clamp.

With the mounting member according to the third aspect, the mounting member can be used with most conventional handlebar clamps.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the sandwich portion comprises an inner curved contact surface configured to contact the handlebar.

With the mounting member according to the fourth aspect, the inner curved contact surface ensures firm contact with the handlebar.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the first rib and the second rib are parallel.

With the mounting member according to the fifth aspect, the mounting member can be easily manufactured for use with most conventional handlebar clamps.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the first rib is a curved rib.

With the mounting member according to the sixth aspect, the size of the first rib can be minimized by manufacturing the first rib as a curved rib.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the second rib is a curved rib.

With the mounting member according to the seventh aspect, the size of the second rib can be minimized by manufacturing the second rib as a curved rib.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to seventh aspects further includes a connecting portion connecting the first rib and the second rib in addition to the sandwich portion. The connecting portion is spaced apart from the sandwich portion.

With the mounting member according to the eighth aspect, the mounting member can be made more rigid by including the connecting portion that connects the first rib and the second rib.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further comprises a bridge portion configured to extend across a gap formed between ends of the clamps, the ends of the clamps being moved together by the tightening member.

With the mounting member according to the ninth aspect, in the case where the handlebar has a non-circular cross section, deformation of the mounting member can be reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further comprises one of an abutment and a recess configured to engage the other of the abutment and the recess of the clip to position the mounting member relative to the clip.

With the mounting member according to the tenth aspect, undesired movement of the mounting member with respect to the jig can be restricted.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the one of the abutment portion and the recess of the mounting member and the other of the clamp are configured to allow relative circumferential movement between the mounting member and the clamp with respect to the handlebar.

With the mounting member according to the eleventh aspect, the mounting member can be adjusted in the circumferential direction while restricting undesired movement of the mounting member with respect to the jig.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the first rib and the second rib are spaced apart by a distance equal to or slightly greater than a distance between the first outer wall and the second outer wall with respect to an axial direction of the handlebar.

With the mounting member according to the twelfth aspect, movement of the mounting member with respect to the clamp in the axial direction of the handlebar can be restricted.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting member according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the first rib and the second rib are spaced apart by a distance greater than a distance between the first outer wall and the second outer wall with respect to an axial direction of the handlebar, such that the sandwich portion is configured to be adjustable with respect to the clamp in the axial direction with respect to the handlebar.

With the mounting member according to the thirteenth aspect, the mounting member is adjustable relative to the clamp in the axial direction of the handlebar.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an operating device comprising a housing, the mounting member according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, and a user operated input. The mounting member mounts the housing to the handlebar. The user-operated input is movably arranged relative to the housing from a rest position towards an operating position.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the operating device can be easily mounted to the handlebar using the clamp.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the mounting member includes an attachment portion attached to the housing.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the mounting member is easily attached to the operating device through the attaching portion.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect further includes a rope retractor movably provided with respect to the housing in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, the operating device may be used for operating a cable operated device of a human powered vehicle.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect further includes a positioning ratchet movably disposed with respect to the housing in the first direction and the second direction. The positioning ratchet includes a plurality of ratchet teeth, and the cable retractor is provided to the positioning ratchet.

With the mounting member according to the seventeenth aspect, the operating device is able to selectively hold the rope retractor in a plurality of predetermined positions.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects further includes an additional operating device configured to be coupled to the mounting member. The additional operating device comprises the clamp.

With the mounting member according to the eighteenth aspect, the operating devices can be mounted to the handlebar with the clamps of the additional operating devices such that a single clamp is used to mount both operating devices to the handlebar.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the additional operating device is a brake operating device.

With the mounting member according to the nineteenth aspect, the additional operating device can be used to operate a brake device of a human powered vehicle.

Further, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed mounting member will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the mounting member.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a rear side perspective view of a portion of a handlebar of a human powered vehicle equipped with an operating device having a mounting member coupled to an additional operating device in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear side elevational view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the operating device and the additional operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, with the first operating member of the operating device having been moved to an operating position (e.g., a shift position);

FIG. 6 is a top view of the operating device and the additional operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, with the second operating member of the operating device having been moved to an operating position (e.g., a shift position);

Fig. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the operating device shown in fig. 1 to 6;

Fig. 8 is a top view of the operating device and the additional operating device shown in fig. 1-6, wherein the operating lever of the additional operating device has been moved to an operating position (e.g., a braking position);

fig. 9 is an outside elevational view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in fig. 1-6;

FIG. 10 is an outside elevational view of the operating device and the additional operating device similar to FIG. 9, but with the operating device having been rotated relative to the additional operating device about the central axis of the handlebar;

fig. 11 is a first perspective view of a mounting member for the operating device shown in fig. 1 to 6;

fig. 12 is a second perspective view of a mounting member for the operating device shown in fig. 1 to 6;

fig. 13 is a third perspective view of a mounting member for the operating device shown in fig. 1 to 6;

fig. 14 is a fourth perspective view of a mounting member for the operating device shown in fig. 1 to 6;

FIG. 15 is a rear side perspective view of a portion of a handlebar of a human powered vehicle equipped with an operating device having a mounting member coupled to an additional operating device in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded front side perspective view of the operating device and the additional operating device shown in FIG. 15, with the operating device separated from the additional operating device;

FIG. 17 is an exploded rear side perspective view of the operating device and the additional operating device shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, with the operating device detached from the additional operating device;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the operating device and the additional operating device shown in fig. 15 to 17;

Fig. 19 is an outside elevational view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in fig. 15-18;

FIG. 20 is an outside elevational view of the operating device and the additional operating device similar to FIG. 19, but with the operating device having been rotated relative to the additional operating device about the center axis of the handlebar;

FIG. 21 is a rear side perspective view of a portion of a handlebar of a human powered vehicle equipped with an operating device having a mounting member coupled to an additional operating device in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the operating device and additional operating device shown in FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is a top view of the operating device and the additional operating device illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, but with the operating device having been moved relative to the additional operating device in a direction parallel to the center axis of the handlebar.

Detailed Description

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

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a component assembly 10 for a human powered vehicle V (only handlebar H is shown) is provided in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment. The component assembly 10 basically includes an operating device 12 and an additional operating device 14. Here, in the first embodiment, the human powered vehicle V is a bicycle, and the handle bar H is a bicycle handle bar. However, the human powered vehicle V is not limited to a bicycle. The operating device 12 includes a mounting member 16. The mounting member 16 is configured to mount the operating device 12 to the handlebar H. In particular, the additional operating device 14 comprises a clamp 18. The clamp 18 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H to mount the additional operating device 14 to the handlebar H. The clamp 18 is also configured to receive the mounting member 16 to attach the mounting member 16 to the handlebar H. Thus, the additional operating device 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting member 16. Thus, the operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar H and the additional operating device 14 via the mounting member 16.

In the case where the human powered vehicle V is a bicycle, the operating device 12 is a first bicycle component operating device and the additional operating device 14 is a second bicycle component operating device. The operating device 12 is shown in the form of a cable operating device. On the other hand, the additional operating device 14 is shown in the form of a hydraulically operated (actuating) device.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the operating device 12 is configured to operate at least one of a cable operated derailleur 20, a cable operated seat post height adjuster 22 and a cable operated suspension adjuster 24. Thus, the operating device 12 constitutes at least one of a user-operable shifter, a user-operable seatpost height control device and a user-operable suspension control device. On the other hand, the additional operating device 14 is a brake operating device. Thus, the additional operating device 14 is configured to operate the brake device 26. The derailleur 20, the seat post height adjuster 22, the suspension adjuster 24, and the brake device 26 are conventional bicycle components, and therefore, they will not be discussed and/or illustrated herein.

The operating device 12 will now be discussed in more detail. As shown in fig. 1 to 10, the operating device 12 is a right-hand side operating device operated by the right hand of the rider. Those skilled in the art of human powered vehicles will appreciate that the configuration of the operating device 12 may be adapted for use with a left hand operating device operated by the left hand of a rider.

In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1, the operating device 12 is configured to be operatively coupled to a vehicle (bicycle) component (e.g., a derailleur 20, a seat post height adjuster 22 or a suspension adjuster 24) via a control cable C. Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1, the control cable C is a conventional bicycle operating cable that has an outer housing C1 that covers an inner cable C2. In other words, the control cable C is a bowden cable in which the inner cable C2 is slidably received in the housing C1. The inner cable C2 has a cable joint (cable) or attachment barrel for attaching the inner cable C2 to the operating device 12 as described below. The operating device 12 selectively operates a vehicle (bicycle) component (e.g., a derailleur 20, a seat post height adjuster 22 or a suspension adjuster 24) by selectively pulling and releasing the inner cable C2.

Basically, the operating device 12 includes a housing 30 and a user operated input 32. The mounting member 16 mounts the housing 30 to the handlebar H as described below. Basically, the inner wire C2 is pulled into the housing 30 and released from the housing 30 in response to an operation of the user operated input part 32.

Here, for example, the housing 30 includes an upper (first) case 30A and a lower (second) case 30B. The upper and lower cases 30A and 30B are coupled together by fasteners. The upper and lower shells 30A, 30B of the housing 30 are hard rigid members constructed of a suitable material such as hard plastic or lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum). However, the housing 30 may have various configurations as needed and/or desired. Since the shape, size, and material of the housing 30 may be virtually any suitable shape, size, and material, the construction of the housing 30 will not be discussed in further detail herein.

Here, the user-operated input section 32 includes a first operating member 32A and a second operating member 32B. More specifically, here, the first operating member 32A includes a first lever, and the second operating member 32B includes a second lever. Operation of the first operating member 32A pulls the inner cable C2 of the control cable C, and operation of the second operating member 32B releases the inner cable C2 of the control cable C. However, the operating device 12 is not limited to this type of cable operating device. Moreover, the operating device 12 may be configured to operate more than one vehicle component. Since the operating device 12 may be a conventional operating device, details of the operating device 12 will not be discussed herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the operating device 12 further includes a cable retractor 34. The rope retractor 34 is movably disposed with respect to the housing 30 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is opposite to the first direction D1. The operating device 12 further comprises a positioning ratchet 36 which is movably arranged with respect to the housing 30 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The positioning ratchet 36 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 36a. The cable retractor 34 is provided to a positioning ratchet 36. Specifically, the positioning ratchet 36 is immovably fixed to the cable retractor 34.

Here, as shown in fig. 7, the operating device 12 further includes a base 38. The mounting member 16 is non-movably attached to the base 38 by fasteners 40 (e.g., screws). The base 38 also supports the internal components of the operating device 12 within the housing 30. For example, the base 38 pivotally supports the cable retractor 34 and the positioning ratchet 36 about the first pivot axis P1. The first operating member 32A and the second operating member 32B are also pivotally supported on the base 38 about the first pivot axis P1.

Preferably, the operating device 12 includes one or more pawls (e.g., a pulling pawl, a releasing pawl, and/or a positioning pawl) to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined steps or positions and move between the predetermined positions. When the operating device 12 is used with the derailleur 20, a predetermined step or position of the operating device 12 corresponds to a gear position of the derailleur 20. Since the mounting member 16 may be used with any type of operating device, the internal components of the operating device 12 will not be discussed in further detail.

The housing 30 encloses a cable retractor 34, a positioning ratchet 36 and other internal components of the operating device 12. The user operated input 32 extends partially out of the housing 30 so that the user or rider can operate the internal components of the device 12. The user operated input 32 is movably arranged relative to the housing 30 from a rest position (see fig. 1 to 4) towards an operating position (see fig. 5 and 6). The term "rest position" as used herein refers to a state in which a component (e.g., user-operated input 32) remains stationary without requiring the user to hold the component in that state. On the other hand, the terms "operating position" and "actuation position" as used herein refer to a temporary state in which a component (e.g., the user-operated input portion 32) is temporarily held in a position due to an external force being input into the operating device 12.

Referring to fig. 2 and 8, the additional operating device 14 will be discussed in more detail. Here, the additional operating device 14 is a brake operating device. In particular, here, the additional operating device 14 is a hydraulic operating device. However, the additional operating device 14 is not limited to a hydraulic operating device. Moreover, the additional operating device 14 is not limited to being used to operate a brake device. Basically, the additional operating device 14 includes a housing 42 and an operating (brake) lever 44. The operating lever 44 is pivotally mounted to the housing 42 so as to pivot about the second pivot axis P1 from a rest position (see fig. 2) and an operating position (see fig. 8).

As shown in fig. 2, the housing 42 defines a master cylinder 44a that houses a piston 46. The master cylinder 42a of the housing 42 is operatively (fluidly) coupled to the brake device 26 by a hydraulic hose HC. As shown in fig. 2, the housing 42 also defines a reservoir 42b that contains hydraulic fluid (mineral oil). The master cylinder 42a is fluidly connected to the reservoir 42b. The hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder 42a is pressurized by movement of the piston 46 in the master cylinder 42a in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever 44 toward the handlebar 12, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, operation of the operating lever 44 causes an increase in fluid pressure in the master cylinder 42a of the housing 42 to operate the brake device 26 in a conventional manner. Since the operation of the additional operation device 14 is conventional, the additional operation device 14 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

The clamp 18 of the additional operating device 14 is integrally formed with the housing 42 as a single integral unit. In particular, the clamp 18 includes a first clamp member 50 and a second clamp member 52, the first clamp member 50 being integrally formed with the housing 42 of the additional operating device 14 as a one-piece, unitary member. The first and second clamp members 50 and 52 are pivotally connected at a first end by a pivot pin 54. The first and second clamp components 50, 52 have second ends that are releasably secured together by threaded fasteners or clamping bolts 56 (i.e., tightening members). In other words, the first and second clamp members 50, 52 have first ends that are hinged together and second ends that are releasably secured together by the clamp bolts 56. Alternatively, the first and second clamp members 50 and 52 may be integrally formed as a one-piece member, or the hinge may be replaced with a second bolt.

In any event, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clamp members 50 and 52 have curved clamping surfaces 50a and 52a, respectively, that define the entire handlebar engaging surface of the clamp 18. The clamping surfaces 50a and 52a are curved such that their centers of curvature are located at or near the longitudinal center axis A of the handlebar H. Tightening the bolts 56 causes the clamping surfaces 50a and 52a of the clamp 18 to squeeze the handlebar H to attach the additional operating device 14 to the handlebar H. Once the clamp 18 is immovably fixed to the handlebar H, the longitudinal center axis a of the handlebar H becomes coincident or nearly coincident with the center axis of the clamp 18. Thus, the longitudinal center axis A as shown in the drawings refers to both the center axis of the handlebar H and the center axis of the clamp 18.

Referring to fig. 11-14, the mounting member 16 will now be discussed in more detail. Basically, the mounting member 16 basically includes a sandwich portion 60, a first rib 61 and a second rib 62. Here, the mounting member 16 is a one-piece member made of a rigid material (e.g., a metallic material or a fiber-reinforced nonmetallic material). However, the mounting member 16 may be made of several pieces if needed and/or desired. As described above, the mounting member 16 is fixedly attached to the operating device 12 and clamped to the handlebar H to mount the operating device 12 to the handlebar H.

More specifically, in the first embodiment, the sandwich portion 60 is configured to be positioned between the clamp 18 and the handlebar H to mount the operating device 12 to the handlebar H. Here, the sandwich portion 60 includes an outer curved contact surface 60a configured to contact the curved clamping surface 50a of the clamp 18. The outer curved contact surface 60a and the curved clamping surface 50a have matching curvatures. Thus, the outer curved contact surface 60a cooperates with the curved clamping surface 50a to ensure firm contact therebetween. Moreover, the sandwich portion 60 includes an inner curved contact surface 60b that is configured to contact the handlebar H. Preferably, the inner curved contact surface 60b and the curved outer surface of the handlebar H have matching curvatures. Thus, the inner curved contact surface 60b mates with the curved outer surface of the handlebar H to ensure firm contact therebetween.

Here, the first rib 61 is connected to the sandwich portion 60, and the second rib 62 is connected to the sandwich portion 60. Preferably, the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 are parallel. Also, preferably, the first rib 61 is a curved rib. Also, preferably, the second rib 62 is a curved rib. The first rib 61 is configured to contact the first outer wall 18a of the clip 18 to limit relative movement between the mounting member 16 and the clip 18 in the first direction X1. The second rib 62 is configured to contact the second outer wall 18b of the clip 18 to limit relative movement between the mounting member 16 and the clip 18 in the second direction X2. The second outer wall 18b is opposite the first outer wall 18 a. The second direction X2 is opposite to the first direction X1. In other words, the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 are configured to limit relative movement of the mounting member 16 between the mounting member 16 and the clamp 18 in the first direction X1 and the second direction X2. Accordingly, the first and second ribs 61 and 62 are spaced apart a distance equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the first and second outer walls 18a and 18 relative to the axial direction of the handlebar H. In this way, the mounting member 16 does not move in the first direction X1 or the second direction X2 relative to the clamp 18.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the sandwich portion 60 is configured to be adjustable relative to the clamp 18 in a circumferential direction X3 with respect to the handlebar H. In particular, because the outer curved contact surface 60a and the curved clamping surface 50a have matching curvatures, the outer curved contact surface 60a of the sandwich portion 60 can slide relative to the curved clamping surface 50a of the clamp 18.

The mounting member 16 further includes a connecting portion 64 connecting the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 in addition to the sandwich portion 60. The connecting portion 64 is spaced apart from the sandwich portion 60. The connecting portion 64 increases the rigidity of the mounting member 16. Here, the mounting member 16 further includes an attachment portion 66. The attachment portion 66 is attached to the housing 30. In particular, the attachment portion 66 is attached to the base 38 of the housing 30 by fasteners 40 (e.g., screws), as shown in fig. 7. In this way, the mounting member 16 may be detached and reattached to the base 38 of the housing 30 by the fasteners 40.

Referring now to fig. 15-20, a component assembly 110 according to a second embodiment will now be described. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Further, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The component assembly 110 basically includes the operating device 12 and the additional operating device 14, which have been discussed above. Here, however, in the second embodiment, the operating device 12 includes the mounting member 116, and the additional operating device 14 includes the jig 118. Thus, the additional operating device 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting member 116. In this way, the operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar H and the additional operating device 14 via the mounting member 216.

The mounting member 116 and the clamp 118 are substantially identical to the mounting member 16 and the clamp 18 discussed above, except that the mounting member 116 and the clamp 118 are configured for use with a handlebar that does not have a circular cross-section. In particular, the mounting member 116 also includes a bridge portion 168 configured to extend across a gap G formed between ends of the clamp 118 that are moved together by the tightening member (e.g., clamp bolt 56). Mounting member 116 is identical to mounting member 16 except that mounting member 116 includes a bridge portion 168. The clamp 118 includes a first clamp member 50 integrally formed with the housing 42 of the additional operating device 14 and a second clamp member 152 pivotally connected to the first clamp member 50 by a pivot pin 54. Thus, clamp 118 is identical to clamp 18 except that clamp 118 has a second clamp member 152 instead of second clamp member 52. The second clamp member 152 has a curved clamping surface 152a for engaging the handlebar H.

The mounting member 116 further includes one of an abutment and a recess configured to engage the other of the abutment and the recess of the clamp 118 to position the mounting member 116 relative to the clamp 118. Preferably, one of the abutment and recess of the mounting member 16 and the other of the clamp 18 are configured to allow relative circumferential movement between the mounting member 16 and the clamp 18 relative to the handlebar H. Here, in the second embodiment, the bridge portion 168 of the mounting member 116 has a pair of curved fingers 168a that define a recess 168c. On the other hand, the second clamp component 152 has an abutment 152b that is received in a recess 168c of the bridge portion 168 of the mounting member 116. The recess 168c and the abutment 152b are configured to allow relative circumferential movement between the mounting member 116 and the clamp 118 relative to the handlebar H, as seen in FIGS. 19 and 20.

Referring now to fig. 21 to 23, a component assembly 210 according to a third embodiment will now be described. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Further, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

The component assembly 210 basically includes the operating device 12 and the additional operating device 14. Here, in the third embodiment, the operating device 12 includes the mounting member 216. The mounting member 216 is configured to mount the operating device 12 to the handlebar H. Specifically, the clamp 18 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H to mount the additional operating device 14 to the handlebar H. The clamp 18 is also configured to receive the mounting member 216 to attach the mounting member 216 to the handlebar H. Accordingly, the additional operating device 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting member 216. In this way, the operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar H and the additional operating device 14 via the mounting member 216. The only difference between component assembly 10 and component assembly 210 is the use of mounting member 216 in component assembly 210 rather than mounting member 16. Accordingly, only the mounting member 216 will be discussed in the third embodiment.

The mounting member 216 basically includes a sandwich portion 260, a first rib 261 and a second rib 262. Here, the mounting member 216 also includes an attachment portion 266. In the same manner as the first embodiment, the attachment portion 266 is attached to the housing 30 using the fastener 40 (e.g., a screw). Preferably, the mounting member 216 further includes a connection portion connecting the first rib 261 and the second rib 262 in the same manner as the first embodiment.

Here, in the third embodiment, the first rib 261 and the second rib 262 are spaced apart by a distance greater than a distance between the first outer side wall 18a and the second outer side wall 18b with respect to the axial direction of the handlebar H, so that the sandwich portion 260 is configured to be adjustable with respect to the clamp 18 in the axial direction with respect to the handlebar H. In other words, the sandwich portion 260 of the mounting member 216 is wider in the axial direction with respect to the handlebar H than the sandwich portion 60 of the mounting member 16. Thus, using the mounting member 216, the operating device 12 is adjustable in the first direction X1 or the second direction X2 relative to the additional operating device 14, as shown in fig. 22 and 23.

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 the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "component," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with a mounting member. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the mounting member should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the mounting member. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to "right" that is referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of the field of human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles), and "left" that is referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of the field of human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles).

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

Moreover, it will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. 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 invention.

The term "attached" or "attached" as used herein encompasses the following configurations: directly securing an element to another element by attaching the element directly to the other element; indirectly securing an element to another element by attaching the element to intermediate member(s), which in turn is attached to the other element; and one element being integral with another element, i.e. one element being essentially part of the other element. The definition also applies to words of similar import, such as "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "joined," "secured," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a degree 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 various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. All advantages do not have to be present in one particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, which is unique from the prior art, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1.A mounting member comprising:

A sandwich portion configured to be positioned between a clamp and a handlebar to mount an operating device to the handlebar;

A first rib connected to the sandwich portion and configured to contact a first outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a first direction; and

A second rib connected to the sandwich portion and configured to contact a second outer wall of the clip to limit relative movement between the mounting member and the clip in a second direction, the second outer wall being opposite the first outer wall and the second direction being opposite the first direction.

2. The mounting member according to claim 1, wherein the sandwich portion is configured to be adjustable relative to the clamp in a circumferential direction with respect to the handlebar.

3. The mounting member of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sandwich portion includes an outer curved contact surface configured to contact a curved clamping surface of the clamp.

4. The mounting member of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sandwich portion includes an inner curved contact surface configured to contact the handlebar.

5. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rib and the second rib are parallel.

6. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rib is a curved rib.

7. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second rib is a curved rib.

8. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a connecting portion connecting the first rib and the second rib in addition to the sandwich portion, the connecting portion being spaced apart from the sandwich portion.

9. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bridge portion configured to extend across a gap formed between ends of the clips, the ends of the clips being moved together by the tightening member.

10. The mounting member of claim 1 or 2, further comprising one of an abutment and a recess configured to engage the other of the abutment and the recess of the clip to position the mounting member relative to the clip.

11. The mounting member of claim 10, wherein the one of the abutment and recess of the mounting member and the other of the clamp are configured to allow relative circumferential movement between the mounting member and the clamp relative to the handlebar.

12. The mounting member according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 11, wherein the first and second ribs are spaced apart a distance equal to or slightly greater than a distance between the first and second outer walls relative to an axial direction of the handlebar.

13. The mounting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second ribs are spaced apart a distance greater than a distance between the first and second outer walls relative to an axial direction of the handlebar such that the sandwich portion is configured to be adjustable relative to the clamp in an axial direction with respect to the handlebar.

14. An operating device, comprising:

A housing;

the mounting member according to any one of claims 1-13, the mounting member mounting the housing to the handlebar; and

A user operated input movably arranged relative to the housing from a rest position towards an operating position.

15. The operating device of claim 14, wherein the mounting member includes an attachment portion that is attached to the housing.

16. An operating device according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a cable retractor movably arranged relative to the housing in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

17. The operating device of claim 16, further comprising a positioning ratchet movably disposed relative to the housing in the first and second directions, the positioning ratchet including a plurality of ratchet teeth, the cable retractor being disposed to the positioning ratchet.

18. A component assembly comprising the operating device of any one of claims 14 to 17, the component assembly further comprising:

an additional operating device configured to be coupled to the mounting member, the additional operating device including the clamp.

19. The component assembly of claim 18, wherein the additional operating device is a brake operating device.