TWI849119B - Operating device for human-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, a switch, a wireless communicator, and a power supply unit. The base member is configured to be arranged around a handlebar so as to cover an outer circumferential surface of the handlebar. The switch is configured to receive a user input and configured to be mounted to the base member. The wireless communicator is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal in response to the user input received by the switch. The power supply unit is configured to supply electricity to the wireless communicator. The power supply unit includes an electricity generation device. At least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply unit is mounted to the base member.

Description

Operating device for human-powered vehicles

The present invention relates to an operating device for a human-powered vehicle.

The human powered vehicle has a device configured to operate the electrical components.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an operating device for a human-powered vehicle includes a base member, a switch, a wireless communicator, and a power supply unit. The base member is configured to be arranged around the handlebar to cover the outer circumferential surface of the handlebar. The switch is configured to receive user input and is configured to be mounted on the base member. The wireless communicator is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal in response to the user input received by the switch. The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the wireless communicator. The power supply unit includes a power generating device. At least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply unit is mounted on the base member.

With the operating device according to the first aspect, it is possible to mount at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply unit on the handlebar with a simple structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the first aspect is constructed so that the base member includes a gripping portion.

With the operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to mount at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply unit on the handlebar using the grip portion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the first or second aspect is constructed so that the base member is made of elastic material.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to utilize the base member as the portion gripped by the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is constructed so that the switch is constructed to be arranged outside the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to arrange the switch at a position where the user can easily operate the switch.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed so that the switch is constructed to be arranged radially outward of the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to arrange the switch at a position where the user can easily operate the switch.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be arranged outside the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to arrange the wireless communicator at a position where a signal can be reliably transmitted from the wireless communicator.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be arranged radially outward of the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to arrange the wireless communicator at a position where a signal can be reliably transmitted from the wireless communicator.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is constructed so that the power supply unit is constructed to be arranged outside the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to utilize the space located outside the handlebar for the power supply unit.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is constructed so that the power supply unit is constructed to be arranged radially outward of the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to utilize the space located outside the handlebar for the power supply unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the second aspect is constructed so that the switch is constructed to be at least partially arranged on the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to arrange the switch at a position where the user can easily operate the switch.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the tenth aspect is constructed so that the switch is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to securely mount the switch to the grip portion.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the tenth or eleventh aspect is constructed so that the switch is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to securely mount the switch on the grip portion.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is constructed so that the switch is arranged at the first end portion closer to the longitudinal center of the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to arrange the switch at a position where the user can easily operate the switch.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the second aspect is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to utilize the grip portion as a portion in which the wireless communicator is at least partially configured.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to securely mount the wireless communicator on the grip portion.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to securely mount the wireless communicator on the grip portion.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is constructed so that the wireless communicator is constructed to be arranged at the second end portion closer to the free end of the handlebar.

With the operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to arrange the wireless communicator at a position where a signal can be reliably transmitted from the wireless communicator.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the second aspect is constructed so that the power supply unit is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to utilize the gripping portion as a portion at which the power supply unit is at least partially configured.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is constructed so that the power supply unit is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably mount the power supply unit to the grip portion.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect is constructed so that the power supply unit is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion.

With the operating device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to reliably mount the power supply unit on the grip portion.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects is constructed so that the power generating device includes a piezoelectric element.

With the operating device according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to generate electricity using piezoelectric elements.

According to the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects is constructed so that the power supply unit includes a power storage, and the power storage is constructed to store the power generated by the power generating device.

By using the operating device according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to effectively utilize the electric power generated by the electric power generating device.

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same element symbols designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings. First Embodiment

As seen in FIG. 1 , the human-powered vehicle VH includes an operating device 10 according to the first embodiment. The human-powered vehicle VH also includes an additional operating device 12, a handlebar VH1, a stem VH2, a brake operating device VH3, an additional brake operating device VH4, a brake device VH5, an additional brake device VH6, and an electrical component VH7. The handlebar VH1 is coupled to the front fork using the stem VH2. The brake operating device VH3 is constructed to be operatively connected to the brake device VH5. The additional brake operating device VH4 is constructed to be operatively connected to the additional brake device VH6. The operating device 10, the additional operating device 12, the brake operating device VH3, and the additional brake operating device VH4 are mounted on the handlebar VH1. The operating device 10 is constructed to wirelessly operate the electrical component VH7.

For example, the rickshaw vehicle VH is a vehicle that moves using power including at least the human power of a user (i.e., a rider) riding the rickshaw vehicle VH. The rickshaw vehicle VH has an arbitrary number of wheels. For example, the rickshaw vehicle VH has at least one wheel. In this embodiment, the rickshaw vehicle VH preferably has a size smaller than that of a four-wheeled car. However, the rickshaw vehicle VH can have any size. Examples of the rickshaw vehicle VH include bicycles, tricycles, and scooters. In this embodiment, the rickshaw vehicle VH is a bicycle. An electric assist system including an electric motor can be applied to the rickshaw vehicle VH (e.g., a bicycle) to assist the user's muscle power. That is, the rickshaw vehicle VH can be an electric bicycle. Although the human-powered vehicle VH is illustrated as a mountain bike, the operating device 10 can be applied to a road bike or any type of human-powered vehicle.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "transverse", "upward", and "downward", and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions as judged by a user (e.g., a rider) sitting on the saddle of the human-powered vehicle VH and facing the handlebars VH1. Therefore, these terms used to describe the operating device 10 or other components should be interpreted relative to the human-powered vehicle VH equipped with the operating device 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in Fig. 2, the operating device 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base member 14 and a switch SW. The base member 14 is configured to be mounted on the handlebar VH1. The switch SW is configured to receive a user input U and is configured to be mounted on the base member 14. In this embodiment, for example, the switch SW is configured to be operated using the user's thumb.

The base member 14 includes a first end portion 14A and a second end portion 14B. The second end portion 14B is opposite to the first end portion 14A in the longitudinal direction D1 of the handlebar VH1. The base member 14 extends from the first end portion 14A to the second end portion 14B in the longitudinal direction D1. The switch SW is arranged at the first end portion 14A closer to the longitudinal center VH12 of the handlebar VH1. The first end portion 14A is closer to the longitudinal center VH12 of the handlebar VH1 than the second end portion 14B in the longitudinal direction D1. However, the position of the switch SW is not limited to this embodiment.

The base member 14 includes a grip portion 18. The grip portion 18 is configured to be attached to the end portion of the handlebar VH1. The grip portion 18 is configured to be gripped by a user. The base member 14 includes a base body 20 attached to the grip portion 18. The base body 20 is provided at the first end portion 14A of the base member 14. The switch SW is mounted on the base body 20.

As shown in FIG3 , the base member 14 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. In this embodiment, the base member 14 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 entirely in the circumferential direction D2 of the handlebar VH1. In other words, the base member 14 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to surround the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. However, the structure of the base member 14 is not limited to this embodiment.

The grip portion 18 has a tubular shape. The handlebar VH1 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 18 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. The grip portion 18 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 entirely in the circumferential direction D2 of the handlebar VH1. In other words, the grip portion 18 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to surround the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. However, the structure of the grip portion 18 is not limited to this embodiment.

The base body 20 has an annular shape. The base body 20 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. The base body 20 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 entirely in the circumferential direction D2 of the handlebar VH1. In other words, the base body 20 is configured to be arranged around the handlebar VH1 to surround the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. However, the structure of the base body 20 is not limited to this embodiment.

The base member 14 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the grip portion 18 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 20 is made of a material different from the material of the grip portion 18. Examples of materials for the base body 20 include rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 20 has a higher hardness than the hardness of the grip portion 18. However, the structure of the base member 14 is not limited to this embodiment. The base member 14 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The grip portion 18 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The base body 20 can be made of the same material as the grip portion 18.

The switch SW is configured to be disposed outside the handlebar VH1. The switch SW is configured to be disposed radially outside the handlebar VH1. The handlebar VH1 has a tubular shape. The handlebar VH1 has a longitudinal center axis A1. The switch SW is configured to be disposed radially outside the handlebar VH1 relative to the longitudinal center axis A1. The switch SW can be configured to be disposed at least partially inside the handlebar VH1.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the switch SW is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 18. In this embodiment, the switch SW is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 18. The grip portion 18 includes a grip body 18A and a tubular portion 18B. The grip body 18A is constructed to be gripped by a user. The tubular portion 18B extends from the grip body 18A in the longitudinal direction D1 and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the grip body 18A. The base body 20 is attached to the tubular portion 18B of the grip portion 18. However, the structure of the grip portion 18 and the base body 20 is not limited to this embodiment. The switch SW can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 18.

As shown in FIG3 , the switch SW includes a switch circuit SW1 and a button SW2. The operating device 10 includes a circuit board 22. The switch circuit SW1 is electrically mounted on the circuit board 22. The circuit board 22 is fixed to the base member 14. In this embodiment, the circuit board 22 is fixed to the base body 20.

The base member 14 includes a recess 14C. In this embodiment, the base body 20 includes the recess 14C. The switch circuit SW1 and the circuit board 22 are disposed in the recess 14C of the base member 14. However, the positions of the switch SW1 and the circuit board 22 are not limited to this embodiment.

The button SW2 is movably attached to the base member 14. In this embodiment, the base member 14 includes a cover 24, a plurality of screws 26, and a sealing member 27. The cover 24 is secured to the base body 20 by the plurality of screws 26. However, the cover 24 can be secured to the base body 20 by other structures such as adhesives or snaps. The sealing member 27 is disposed between the cover 24 and the base body 20. The sealing member 27 has a closed loop shape and is constructed to surround the recess 14C. The button SW2 is movably attached to the cover 24 to activate the switch circuit SW1 in response to a user input U. The button SW2 is made of materials such as rubber, plastic, and resin.

As seen in FIG5 , the operating device 10 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a wireless communicator WC and a power supply unit PS. The wireless communicator WC is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal in response to a user input U received by a switch SW. The power supply unit PS is configured to supply power to the wireless communicator WC. The power supply unit PS is electrically connected to the circuit board 22 using a bus 30. The power supply unit PS is electrically connected to the wireless communicator WC via the bus 30 to supply power to the wireless communicator WC.

As shown in FIG4, at least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS is mounted on the base member 14. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are mounted on the base member 14. The switch SW, the wireless communicator WC, and the power supply unit PS are electrically mounted on the circuit board 22. However, at least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS can be mounted on a member other than the base member 14.

The wireless communicator WC is configured to be disposed outside the handlebar VH1. The wireless communicator WC is configured to be disposed radially outward of the handlebar VH1. The power supply unit PS is configured to be disposed outside the handlebar VH1. The power supply unit PS is configured to be disposed radially outward of the handlebar VH1.

The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 18. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 18. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 18. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 18. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in a base body 20 attached to the grip portion 18. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in a base body 20 attached to the grip portion 18. However, the positions of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG5 , the power supply unit PS includes a power generating device PS1. In this embodiment, the power generating device PS1 includes a piezoelectric element PS11. The power generating device PS1 is configured to generate power in response to a physical change in the power generating device PS1 caused by activation of a switch SW. The piezoelectric element PS11 is attached to the switch SW to deform in response to the pressing of the button SW2 against the switch circuit SW1.

As seen in FIG3 , the power generating device PS1 is disposed between the switch circuit SW1 and the button SW2. The piezoelectric element PS11 is disposed between the switch circuit SW1 and the button SW2 to be deformable when the switch circuit SW1 is turned on or off in response to the movement of the button SW2. However, the location of the power generating device PS1 is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG5 , the power supply unit PS includes a power storage PS2 configured to store the power generated by the power generating device PS1. The power storage PS2 is electrically mounted on the circuit board 22. The power storage PS2 is electrically connected to the power generating device PS1 through the circuit board 22. The power storage PS2 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element PS11 through the circuit board 22. For example, the power storage PS is configured to store the surplus power generated by the power generating device PS1 but not used by the wireless communicator WC.

The wireless communicator WC is electrically connected to the switch SW using the bus 30. The wireless communicator WC includes a processor WC1, a memory WC2, a signal generating circuit WC3, a signal transmitting circuit WC4, a signal receiving circuit WC5, and an antenna WC6. Therefore, the wireless communicator WC can also be referred to as a wireless communication circuit or circuit group WC in this application. The processor WC1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. The memory WC2 is electrically connected to the processor WC1. The memory WC2 includes a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM includes a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The RAM includes a transient computer-readable storage medium. The memory WC2 includes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM. The processor WC1 controls the memory WC2 to store data in the storage area of the memory WC2 and read data from the storage area of the memory WC2. The memory WC2 (e.g., ROM) stores a program. The program is read into the processor WC1, and thereby, the functions of the wireless communicator WC (e.g., at least a part of the functions of the signal generating circuit WC3, the signal transmitting circuit WC4, and the signal receiving circuit WC5) are realized.

The signal generating circuit WC3 generates a wireless signal based on the user input U received by the switch SW. The signal generating circuit WC3 generates a wireless signal by superimposing a digital signal on a carrier wave using a predetermined wireless communication protocol. The signal transmitting circuit WC4 transmits a wireless signal via the antenna WC6 in response to the user input U received by the switch SW. In this embodiment, the signal generating circuit WC3 can encrypt control information (e.g., a shift control command, a seat post control command, a suspension control command, or other control commands) to generate an encrypted wireless signal. The signal generating circuit WC3 uses a cryptographic key to store a digital signal in the memory WC2. The signal transmitting circuit WC4 transmits the encrypted wireless signal. Therefore, when the switch SW is closed for activation by the user input U, the wireless communicator WC wirelessly transmits a wireless signal to operate the electrical component VH7.

In addition, the signal receiving circuit WC5 receives a wireless signal from the electrical component VH7 via the antenna WC6. In this embodiment, the signal receiving circuit WC5 decodes the wireless signal to identify the information wirelessly transmitted from the electrical component VH7. The signal receiving circuit WC5 can decrypt the encrypted wireless signal by using an encryption key. That is, the wireless communicator WC is constructed to transmit wireless signals to control the electrical component VH7, and to receive wireless signals to identify the information from the electrical component VH7. In other words, the wireless communicator WC is configured as a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC is integrally configured as a single module or unit. However, the wireless communicator WC can include a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver that are provided as separate modules or units that are arranged at positions different from each other. The signal receiving unit WC5 can be omitted from the wireless communicator WC.

The power storage PS2 includes a capacitor PS21, a rectifier circuit PS22, and a voltage regulator PS23. The capacitor PS21, the rectifier circuit PS22, and the voltage regulator PS23 are electrically connected to the power generating device PS1 to rectify the electric energy generated by the power generating device PS1. The rectifier circuit PS22 is electrically connected to the circuit board 22 using the bus 30. The capacitor PS21 is electrically connected to the power generating device PS1 to accumulate the electric power generated by the power generating device PS1. The voltage regulator PS23 adjusts the power supply voltage to a level at which the various circuits of the wireless communicator WC can operate properly. The adjusted power supply voltage is applied from the power storage PS2 to the wireless communicator WC.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the additional operating device 12 has a structure substantially identical to that of the operating device 10, except that the additional operating device 12 is arranged symmetrically with the operating device 10 in the longitudinal direction D1 relative to the longitudinal center VH12 of the handlebar VH1. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here. Second Embodiment

An operating device 210 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. The operating device 210 has the same structure and/or configuration as the operating device 10, except for the base member 14. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the same herein, and for the sake of brevity, will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again.

As seen in FIG6 , the operating device 210 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base member 214 and a switch SW. The base member 214 is configured to be mounted on the handlebar VH1. The switch SW is configured to receive a user input U and is configured to be mounted on the base member 214. The base member 214 has a structure substantially the same as that of the base member 14 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the base member 214 includes a grip portion 218. The grip portion 218 is attached to the end portion of the handlebar VH1.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the base member 14 includes a base body 220 attached to a grip portion 218. The base body 220 is disposed at a first end portion 14A of the base member 214. The switch SW is mounted on the base body 220. The grip portion 218 includes an opening 218A. The switch SW is configured to be at least partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. In this embodiment, the base body 220 is disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. The switch SW is configured to be partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. However, the switch SW can be configured to be entirely disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218.

The grip portion 218 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 218 includes an inner peripheral surface 218B and an outer peripheral surface 218C. The inner peripheral surface 218B of the grip portion 218 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 when the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1. The opening 218A radially extends from the inner peripheral surface 218B to the outer peripheral surface 218C.

The base body 220 includes a recess 14C and a curved surface 220A. The curved surface 220A is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 when the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1. The base body 220 is attached to the grip portion 218 using an adhesive, for example.

The base member 214 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. The grip portion 218 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 218 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1.

The base member 214 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the grip portion 218 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 220 is made of a material different from the material of the grip portion 218. Examples of materials for the base body 220 include rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 220 has a higher hardness than the hardness of the grip portion 218. However, the structure of the base member 214 is not limited to this embodiment. The base member 214 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The grip portion 218 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The base body 220 can be made of the same material as the grip portion 218.

As seen in FIG. 8 , the switch SW is constructed to be at least partially provided at the grip portion 218. The switch SW is entirely provided at the grip portion 218. However, the switch SW can be constructed to be partially provided at the grip portion 218.

The operating device 210 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a wireless communicator WC and a power supply unit PS. At least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS is mounted on a base member 214. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are mounted on the base member 214. However, at least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS can be mounted on a member other than the base member 214.

The wireless communicator WC is configured to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 218. The wireless communicator WC is configured to be at least partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS is configured to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS is configured to be at least partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218.

In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 218. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. However, the wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 218. The wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 218. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 218A of the grip portion 218. Third embodiment

An operating device 310 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The operating device 310 has the same structure and/or configuration as the operating device 210, except for the base member 214. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as the elements in the above embodiment will be numbered the same here, and for the sake of brevity, will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again.

As seen in FIG9 , the operating device 310 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base member 314 and a switch SW. The base member 314 is configured to be mounted on the handlebar VH1. The switch SW is configured to receive a user input U and is configured to be mounted on the base member 314. The base member 314 has a structure substantially the same as that of the base member 214 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the base member 314 includes a grip portion 318. The grip portion 318 is attached to the end portion of the handlebar VH1.

As seen in FIG. 10 , the base member 14 includes a base body 320 attached to a grip portion 318. The base body 320 is disposed at a first end portion 14A of the base member 314. The switch SW is mounted on the base body 320. The grip portion 318 includes an opening 318A. The switch SW is configured to be at least partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. In this embodiment, the base body 320 is disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. The switch SW is configured to be partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. However, the switch SW can be configured to be entirely disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318.

The grip portion 318 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 318 includes an inner peripheral surface 318B and an outer peripheral surface 318C. The inner peripheral surface 318B of the grip portion 318 is constructed to contact the outer peripheral surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 in an attached state where the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1. The opening 318A radially extends from the inner peripheral surface 318B toward the outer peripheral surface 318C. The opening 318A is not exposed from the outer peripheral surface 318C. Therefore, the switch SW is constructed to be embedded in the inside of the grip portion 318. In the attached state where the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1, the switch SW is set in the opening 318A and is not exposed from the grip portion 318.

The base member 314 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. The grip portion 318 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 318 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1.

The base member 314 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the grip portion 318 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 320 is made of a material different from the material of the grip portion 318. Examples of materials for the base body 320 include rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 320 has a higher hardness than the hardness of the grip portion 318. However, the structure of the base member 314 is not limited to this embodiment. The base member 314 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The grip portion 318 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The base body 320 can be made of the same material as the grip portion 318.

The grip portion 318 includes a cover portion 318D configured to cover the switch SW. The cover portion 318D can be elastically deformed in response to a user input U. The switch SW is pressed by the user through the cover portion 318D.

As seen in FIG. 11 , the switch SW is configured to be at least partially provided at the grip portion 318. The switch SW is entirely provided at the grip portion 318. However, the switch SW can be configured to be partially provided at the grip portion 318.

The operating device 310 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a wireless communicator WC and a power supply unit PS. At least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS is mounted on a base member 314. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are mounted on the base member 314. However, only one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS can be mounted on the base member 314.

The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 318. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion 318.

The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 318. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. However, the wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 318. The wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 318. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 318A of the grip portion 318. Fourth embodiment

An operating device 410 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. The operating device 410 has the same structure and/or configuration as the operating device 210, except for the base member 214. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as the elements in the above embodiment will be numbered the same here, and for the sake of brevity, will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the operating device 410 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a base member 414 and a switch SW. The base member 414 is configured to be mounted on the handlebar VH1. The switch SW is configured to receive a user input U and is configured to be mounted on the base member 414. The base member 414 has a structure substantially the same as that of the base member 214 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the base member 414 includes a grip portion 418. The grip portion 418 is attached to an end portion of the handlebar VH1. For example, the switch SW can be operated using one end of the user's hand (such as the user's little finger or ring finger).

The base member 414 includes a first end portion 14A and a second end portion 14B. The base member 414 extends from the first end portion 14A to the second end portion 14B. The switch SW is disposed at the second end portion 14B closer to the longitudinal center VH12 of the handlebar VH1. The first end portion 14A is closer to the longitudinal center VH12 of the handlebar VH1 than the second end portion 14B in the longitudinal direction D1. However, the position of the switch SW is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 13 , the base member 14 includes a base body 420 attached to a grip portion 418. The base body 420 is disposed at the second end portion 14B of the base member 414. The switch SW is mounted on the base body 420. The grip portion 418 includes an opening 418A. The switch SW is configured to be at least partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. In this embodiment, the base body 420 is disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. The switch SW is configured to be partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. However, the switch SW can be configured to be entirely disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the grip portion 418 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 418 includes an inner peripheral surface 418B and an outer peripheral surface 418C. The inner peripheral surface 418B of the grip portion 418 is constructed to contact the outer peripheral surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1 in an attached state where the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1. The opening 418A radially extends from the inner peripheral surface 418B toward the outer peripheral surface 418C. The opening 418A is not exposed from the outer peripheral surface 418C. Therefore, the switch SW is constructed to be buried in the interior of the grip portion 418. In the attached state where the operating device 210 is attached to the handlebar VH1, the switch SW is set in the opening 418A and is not exposed from the grip portion 418.

The opening 418A includes a first opening 418B and a second opening 418C. The first opening 418B is disposed between the first end portion 14A of the base member 414 and the second opening 418C in the longitudinal direction D1. The second opening 418C is disposed on the second end portion 14B of the base member 414. The base body 420 is disposed in the first opening 418B. The second opening 418C has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 418B. The base body 420 is inserted into the first opening 418B through the second opening 418C by deforming the annular portion 418E defining the second opening 418C.

The base member 414 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1. The grip portion 418 has a tubular shape. The grip portion 418 is configured to be disposed around the handlebar VH1 to cover the outer circumferential surface VH11 of the handlebar VH1.

The base member 414 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the grip portion 418 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 420 is made of a material different from the material of the grip portion 418. Examples of materials for the base body 420 include rubber, plastic, and resin. The base body 420 has a higher hardness than the hardness of the grip portion 418. However, the structure of the base member 414 is not limited to this embodiment. The base member 414 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The grip portion 418 can be made of a material other than an elastic material. The base body 420 can be made of the same material as the grip portion 418.

The grip portion 418 includes a cover portion 418D configured to cover the switch SW. The cover portion 418D can be elastically deformed in response to a user input U. The switch SW is pressed by the user through the cover portion 418D.

As seen in FIG. 13 , the switch SW is configured to be at least partially provided at the grip portion 418. The switch SW is entirely provided at the grip portion 418. However, the switch SW can be configured to be partially provided at the grip portion 418.

The operating device 410 for the human-powered vehicle VH includes a wireless communicator WC and a power supply unit PS. At least one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS is mounted on a base member 414. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are mounted on the base member 414. However, only one of the wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS can be mounted on the base member 414.

The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 418. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion 418.

The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 418. The wireless communicator WC is constructed to be entirely disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS is constructed to be entirely disposed in the grip portion 418. However, the wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 418. The wireless communicator WC can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the grip portion 418. The power supply unit PS can be constructed to be partially disposed in the opening 418A of the grip portion 418.

In this embodiment, the wireless communicator WC is configured to be disposed at the second end portion 14B closer to the free end VH13 of the handlebar VH1. However, the wireless communicator WC can be configured to be disposed at a position other than the second end portion 14B.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 , the operating device 410 includes an additional circuit board 422. The wireless communicator WC and the power supply unit PS are electrically mounted on the additional circuit board 422. The additional circuit board 422 is fixed to the base member 414. In this embodiment, the additional circuit board 422 is fixed to the base body 420.

The base member 414 includes an additional recess 414C. In this embodiment, the base body 420 includes the additional recess 414C. The wireless communicator WC, the power supply unit PS, and the additional circuit board 422 are disposed in the additional recess 414C of the base member 414. However, the positions of the wireless communicator WC, the power supply unit PS, and the additional circuit board 422 are not limited to this embodiment.

The base member 414 includes an additional cover 424 and an additional sealing member 427. The additional cover 424 is fixed to the base body 420 using a plurality of screws. The additional sealing member 427 is disposed between the additional cover 424 and the base body 420. As shown in FIG. 15 , the additional sealing member 427 has a closed loop shape and is constructed to surround the recess 414C.

The additional operating device 12 shown in FIG. 1 can have a structure substantially the same as that of the operating devices 10, 210, 310, and 410. Modification

In the above embodiment, the switch SW includes the button SW2. However, the button SW2 can be omitted from the switch SW. In addition, the button SW2 can have other structures such as one of a concave surface, a textured surface, and a flat surface.

In the above embodiment, the operating device 10 includes a switch SW. However, the operating device 10 can include at least one additional switch. Such an additional switch can have a structure that is the same as that of the switch SW, or a structure that is different from that of the switch SW. The operating device 10 can be constructed to operate the electric component VH7 and another electric component by using the switch SW and the additional switch.

In the above embodiment, the power supply unit PS can include another power storage device such as a battery instead of or in addition to the power storage device PS2.

The term "include" and its derivatives used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that define the presence of the described features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

The terms “member,” “section,” “portion,” “component,” “element,” “body,” and “structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single member or a plurality of members.

Ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" in this application are merely distinguishing terms and do not have any other meanings such as a specific order. In addition, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not imply the existence of a "first element".

The term “a pair” used herein can include not only a configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other, but also a configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other.

The terms "a," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. For one example, if the number of options is two, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single option" or "two of the two options." For other examples, if the number of options is equal to or greater than three, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single option" or "any combination of equal to or greater than two options." For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" covers (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" encompasses (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B" in this disclosure.

Finally, the terms of degree used herein, such as "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately" mean a reasonable amount of variation of the modified term so that the end result will not be significantly changed. All numerical values described in the present invention can be interpreted as including terms such as "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately".

Obviously, in light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein.

10: Operating device 12: Additional operating device 14: Base member 14A: First end portion 14B: Second end portion 14C: Recess 18: Grip portion 18A: Grip body 18B: Tubular portion 20: Base body 22: Circuit board 24: Cover 26: Screw 27: Sealing member 30: Bus bar 210: Operating device 214: Base member 218: Grip portion 218A: Opening 218B: Inner peripheral surface 218C: Outer peripheral surface 2 20: Base body 220A: Curved surface 310: Operating device 314: Base member 318: Grip portion 318A: Opening 318B: Inner peripheral surface 318C: Outer peripheral surface 318D: Cover portion 320: Base body 410: Operating device 414: Base member 414C: Additional recess 418: Grip portion 418A: Opening 418B: First opening 418C: Second opening 418D: Cover portion 418E: Ring portion 420 : Base body 422: Additional circuit board 424: Additional cover 427: Additional sealing member A1: Longitudinal center axis D1: Longitudinal direction D2: Circumferential direction PS: Power supply unit PS1: Power generation device PS11: Piezoelectric element PS2: Power storage device PS21: Capacitor PS22: Rectifier circuit PS23: Voltage regulator SW: Switch SW1: Switch circuit SW2: Button U: User input VH: Human-powered vehicle VH1: Handlebar V H11: Outer circumferential surface VH12: Longitudinal center VH13: Free end VH2: Faucet VH3: Brake operating device VH4: Additional brake operating device VH5: Brake device VH6: Additional brake device VH7: Electrical components VIII: Wire WC: Wireless communicator WC1: Processor WC2: Memory WC3: Signal generating circuit WC4: Signal transmitting circuit WC5: Signal receiving circuit WC6: Antenna IV: Wire XI: Wire XIV: Wire XV: Wire

A more complete understanding of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[Fig. 1] is a partial top view of a human-powered vehicle including an operating device according to a first embodiment.

[FIG. 2] is a top view of the operating device shown in FIG. 1, which has a handlebar.

[FIG. 3] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIG. 1.

[FIG. 4] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

[FIG. 5] is a schematic block diagram of the operating device shown in FIG. 1.

[Fig. 6] is a partial top view of an operating device according to the second embodiment, which has a handlebar.

[FIG. 7] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIG. 6.

[FIG. 8] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

[Fig. 9] is a partial top view of an operating device according to a third embodiment, which has a handlebar.

[FIG. 10] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIG. 9.

[FIG. 11] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10.

[Fig. 12] is a partial top view of an operating device according to a fourth embodiment, which has a handlebar.

[FIG. 13] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIG. 12.

[Figure 14] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line XIV-XIV of Figure 13.

[Figure 15] is a cross-sectional view of the operating device taken along line XV-XV of Figure 14.

10: Operating device

14: Base components

14A: First end portion

14B: Second end portion

18: Grip part

20: Base body

D1: Longitudinal direction

SW: switch

U: User input

VH: Human-powered vehicle

VH1: Handlebars

VH12: Vertical Center

VH2: Dragon Head

VH3: Brake operating device

VH5: Braking device

VH7:Electrical components

Claims (21)

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises: a base member configured to be arranged around a handlebar to cover the outer circumferential surface of the handlebar, the base member comprising a grip portion configured to be attached to an end portion of the handlebar; a switch configured to receive user input and configured to be mounted on the base member; a wireless communicator configured to wirelessly transmit a signal in response to the user input received by the switch; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the wireless communicator, the power supply unit comprising a power generating device, at least one of the wireless communicator and the power supply unit being mounted on the base member. As in claim 1, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle, wherein the base member is made of elastic material. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is constructed to be disposed outside the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is constructed to be arranged radially outward of the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communicator is configured to be disposed outside the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communicator is configured to be disposed radially outward of the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply unit is constructed to be arranged outside the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply unit is constructed to be arranged radially outward of the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch is constructed to be at least partially disposed on the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switch is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the switch is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is disposed at a first end portion closer to the longitudinal center of the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communicator is constructed to be at least partially disposed on the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wireless communicator is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the wireless communicator is constructed to be embedded inside the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless communicator is configured to be disposed at the second end portion closer to the free end of the handlebar. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is constructed to be at least partially disposed on the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the power supply unit is constructed to be at least partially disposed in the opening of the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the power supply unit is constructed to be buried inside the grip portion. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power generating device comprises a piezoelectric element. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply unit includes a power storage device, and the power storage device is constructed to store the power generated by the power generating device.

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