# US 12,191,783 B2 · Operating device

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- Number: US 12,191,783 B2
- Document ID: US12191783B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/954,537
- Filed: 2018-04-16
- Published: 2019-10-17
- Granted: 2025-01-07
- Earliest claimed: 2018-04-16
- Assignees: Shimano Inc.
- Applicants: Shimano Inc.
- Inventors: Takafumi Nishino; Shingo Sakurai
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12191783B2

## CPC

- H02N 2/18: producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators (for measurement devices G01)
- B62J 43/30: for providing power to equipment other than for propulsion
- B62K 23/06: Levers
- B62L 3/023: {acting on fluid pressure systems}
- B62M 25/08: with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
- F15B 1/26: Supply reservoir or sump assemblies
- F15B 11/08: with only one servomotor
- F15B 15/14: of the straight-cylinder type
- H02J 7/32: for charging batteries from a charging set comprising a non-electric prime mover {rotating at constant speed}
- H02J 7/345: {using capacitors as storage or buffering devices}
- H02N: ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B62J: CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62K: CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDECARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62L: BRAKES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES {(arrangements in cycles for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions B60T8/00)}
- B62M: RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR {SINGLE-TRACK} CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES (arrangements or mounting of transmissions in vehicles in general B60K; transmission elements per se F16)
- F15B: SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY

## Abstract

An operating device for a human powered vehicle comprises a base member, a first operating member, a piston, and an electric generator. The base member includes a cylinder bore. The first operating member is configured to be movably coupled to the base member between a first rest position and a first operated position. The piston is configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position. The electric generator is configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore;
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the piston is pulled from an initial position to an actuated position when the first operating member is moved from the first rest position to the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state where viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the cylinder bore and the piston are provided to the second end portion;
an electric generator configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device; and
a power storage configured to be charged with the electric power generated by the electric generator, wherein
the electric generator is disposed to the first operating member, and
the power storage is disposed to the base member at a height below the pivot axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis and when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 2

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore;
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the piston is pulled from an initial position to an actuated position when the first operating member is moved from the first rest position to the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state where viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the cylinder bore and the piston is provided to the second end portion;
an electric generator configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device;
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member; and
a power storage configured to be charged with the electric power generated by the electric generator, wherein
the power storage is mounted to the base member at a height below the pivot axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis and when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising
an electrical switch; and
a controller configured to generate an operation signal in response to an operation of the electrical switch, wherein
the electric generator is configured to generate the electric power in response to the operation of the electrical switch.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The operating device according to claim 3, further comprising
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member, wherein
the electrical switch is provided on at least one of the first operating member and the second operating member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The operating device according to claim 3, further comprising
a communicator configured to wirelessly transmit the operation signal generated by the controller.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The operating device according to claim 5, further comprising
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member, wherein
the communicator is configured to be provided on at least one of the base member, the first operating member, and the second operating member.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the electric generator includes a piezoelectric element.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the base member includes a hydraulic reservoir configured to be connected to the cylinder bore.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the base member includes a first end configured to be mounted to a steering device of the human powered vehicle, a second end opposite to the first end, and a grip portion configured to be arranged between the first end and the second end.

### Claim 10

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore;
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the piston is pulled from an initial position to an actuated position when the first operating member is moved from the first rest position to the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state where viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the cylinder bore and the piston are provided to the second end portion; and
a power storage configured to be charged, wherein
the power storage is a rechargeable battery, and
the power storage is mounted to the base member at a height below the pivot axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis and when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 11

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore;
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the piston is pulled from an initial position to an actuated position when the first operating member is moved from the first rest position to the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state where viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the cylinder bore and the piston are provided to the second end portion;
a power storage configured to be charged; and
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member, wherein
the power storage is mounted to the base member at a height below the pivot axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis and when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The operating device according to claim 10, further comprising
an electric generator configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device, wherein
the power storage is configured to be charged with the electric power generated by the electric generator.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The operating device according to claim 12, further comprising
an electrical switch; and
a controller configured to generate an operation signal in response to an operation of the electrical switch, wherein
the electric generator is configured to generate the electric power in response to the operation of the electrical switch.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The operating device according to claim 13, further comprising
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member, wherein
both of the electrical switch and the electric generator are provided on at least one of the base member, the first operating member, and the second operating member.

### Claim 15 (depends on 13)

The operating device according to claim 13, further comprising
a communicator configured to wirelessly transmit the operation signal generated by the controller.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The operating device according to claim 15, further comprising
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member, wherein
the communicator is configured to be provided on at least one of the base member, the first operating member, and the second operating member.

### Claim 17 (depends on 12)

The operating device according to claim 12, wherein
the electric generator includes a piezoelectric element.

### Claim 18 (depends on 10)

The operating device according to claim 10, wherein
the base member includes a hydraulic reservoir configured to be connected to the cylinder bore.

### Claim 19 (depends on 10)

The operating device according to claim 10, wherein
the base member includes a first end configured to be mounted to a steering device of the human powered vehicle, a second end opposite to the first end, and a grip portion configured to be arranged between the first end and the second end.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the operating device is a hand operating device, and
the electric generator is configured to generate electric power in accordance with the physical change applied to the hand operating device.

### Claim 21

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore;
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the piston is pulled from an initial position to an actuated position when the first operating member is moved from the first rest position to the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state where viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the cylinder bore and the piston is provided to the second end portion;
an electric generator configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device;
a second operating member configured to be movably coupled to one of the base member and the first operating member; and
a power storage configured to be charged with the electric power generated by the electric generator, wherein
the electric generator is disposed to one of the first operating member and the second operating member, and
the power storage is disposed to the base member at a height below the pivot axis when viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis and when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the power storage is a rechargeable battery.

### Claim 23 (depends on 3)

The operating device according to claim 3, wherein
both of the electrical switch and the electric generator are provided on the first operating member.

### Claim 24 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position pulls the piston closer to the pivot axis.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, wherein
the pivot axis is disposed at a height below at least a portion of the cylinder bore when the base member is mounted to the handlebar.

### Claim 26 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a biasing member that biases the first operating member toward the first rest position relative to the base member.

### Claim 27 (depends on 1)

The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a cover attached the base member to cover an internal cavity of the base member; and
a grip cover at least partly covering a base body of the base member, wherein
the power storage is disposed within the internal cavity of the base member,
the cover covers the power storage within the internal cavity, and
the grip cover covers the cover.

### Claim 28 (depends on 27)

The operating device according to claim 27, further comprising
an electrical switch; and
a button to operate the electrical switch, wherein
the electric generator is configured to generate the electric power in response to the operation of the electrical switch, and
the button is mounted within the internal cavity and includes a portion that extends through an opening in the cover.

### Claim 29

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore; the base member includes:
a first end portion configured to be a handlebar,
a second end portion opposite the first end portion,
a grip portion configured to be arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion,
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member from an initial position toward an actuated position in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the the cylinder bore and the piston are provided to the second end portion; and
an electric generator configured to generate electric power in accordance with a physical change applied to the operating device.

### Claim 30

An operating device for a human powered vehicle, comprising:
a base member including a cylinder bore; the base member includes:
a first end portion configured to be a handlebar,
a second end portion opposite the first end portion,
a grip portion configured to be arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion,
a first operating member configured to be movably coupled to the base member about a pivot axis between a first rest position and a first operated position;
a piston configured to be movably provided in the cylinder bore and to be pulled by a piston rod connected to the first operating member from an initial position toward an actuated position in response to a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position, the actuated position is closer to the first operating member than the initial position in a state viewed from a direction parallel to the pivot axis, the cylinder bore and the piston are provided to the second end portion; and
a power storage configured to be charged.

### Claim 31 (depends on 29)

The operating device according to claim 29, further comprising:
a mounting clamp configured to couple to a handlebar, wherein
a first end portion.

### Claim 32 (depends on 30)

The operating device according to claim 30, further comprising:
a mounting clamp configured to couple to a handlebar, wherein
a first end portion.