JP7796487B2 - Operating device for human-powered vehicle, and human-powered vehicle - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an operating device for a human-powered vehicle and a human-powered vehicle.

Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device that can be attached to the handlebars of a human-powered vehicle.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-87362

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an operating device for a human-powered vehicle that prevents erroneous operation by the rider. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an operating device for a human-powered vehicle that makes it easy to see the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a base portion, a first operating member provided on the base portion, a second operating member provided on the base portion and positioned with a gap from the first operating member in a predetermined first direction, a protrusion provided on the base portion and at least a portion of which is positioned between the first operating member and the second operating member in the predetermined first direction and protruding from the surface of the base portion, and a third operating member provided on the base portion and positioned adjacent to the protrusion in a predetermined second direction non-parallel to the predetermined first direction.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the first aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member are arranged on either side of the protrusion in a first direction. The third operating member is arranged in a second direction relative to the protrusion. The rider can distinguish between the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member using the protrusion as the center. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can prevent the rider from erroneously operating the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member. Furthermore, when the rider does not operate the first operating member, the second operating member, or the third operating member, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can support the rider's fingers with the protrusion.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the second aspect according to the first aspect, the first operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operating state. The second operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operating state. The third operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operating state.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the second aspect, the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member protrude from the surface of the base portion, allowing the rider to easily recognize the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further reduce the rider's erroneous operation of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In an operating device for a human-powered vehicle having a third side according to the first side, the maximum protrusion amount of the protrusion from the surface of the base portion is greater than the first maximum protrusion amount of the first operating member from the surface of the base portion when the first operating member is not operated, the second maximum protrusion amount of the second operating member from the surface of the base portion when the second operating member is not operated, and the third maximum protrusion amount of the third operating member from the surface of the base portion when the third operating member is not operated.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the third aspect, the protrusion protrudes further from the surface of the base portion than the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member, making the protrusion easily recognizable by the rider. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further reduce the rider's erroneous operation of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the fourth aspect according to the third aspect, the maximum protrusion amount is three times or less than at least one of the first maximum protrusion amount, the second maximum protrusion amount, and the third maximum protrusion amount.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the fourth aspect allows the rider to smoothly move their fingers between each operating member. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle contributes to the rider's quick operation of the operating members. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle contributes to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the fifth aspect of the operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the width of the free end of the protrusion in the second direction is smaller than the width of the base end of the protrusion.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the fifth aspect allows the rider to move their fingers smoothly between the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can contribute to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the ratio of the width of the free end in the second direction to the width of the base end in the second direction is 1:4 or greater and 1:7 or less.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the sixth aspect makes it easy for the rider to recognize the protrusions and to move the rider's fingers between the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the seventh aspect according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the protrusion has a first end and a second end opposite the first end in the second direction. The second end is positioned closer to the third operating member than the first end. The first end has a first inclined surface that slopes closer to the second end as it moves from the base end of the protrusion toward the free end of the protrusion.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the seventh aspect makes it easy for the rider to wait with their finger extended from the first end to the second end along the second direction and in contact with the protrusion. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect, the second end has a second inclined surface that slopes toward the first end as it moves from the base end of the protrusion toward the free end of the protrusion.

According to the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the eighth aspect, when a rider extends their finger along the second direction from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion to operate the third operating member, moving the finger along the second inclined surface makes it easier to operate the third operating member. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the ninth aspect according to the eighth aspect, the first inclined surface is formed substantially flat. The second inclined surface is formed substantially flat. The inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is less than or equal to the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the ninth aspect allows the rider to easily operate each operating member when extending their fingers in the second direction from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is 20° or more and 45° or less.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the tenth aspect allows the rider to easily position their fingers along the first inclined surface while extending their fingers in the second direction from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 11 according to aspect 9 or 10, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is 45° or more and 70° or less.

With the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 11, when a rider extends their finger along the second direction from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion to operate the third operating member, moving the finger along the second inclined surface makes it easier to operate the third operating member. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of the third operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 12 according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, at least one of the first minimum distance between the first operating member and the protrusion in the first direction and the second minimum distance between the second operating member and the protrusion in the first direction is 2.0 mm or less.

According to the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 12, when the first minimum distance between the first operating member and the protrusion in the first direction is 2.0 mm or less, the rider can easily recognize the position of the first operating member relative to the protrusion. When the second minimum distance between the second operating member and the protrusion in the first direction is 2.0 mm or less, the rider can easily recognize the position of the second operating member relative to the protrusion. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of at least one of the first operating member and the second operating member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 13 according to aspect 12, at least one of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance is less than half the maximum width of the protrusion in the first direction.

According to the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 13, when the first minimum distance is equal to or less than half the maximum width of the protrusion in the first direction, the rider can easily recognize the position of the first operating member relative to the protrusion. When the second minimum distance is equal to or less than half the maximum width of the protrusion in the first direction, the rider can easily recognize the position of the second operating member relative to the protrusion. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can further contribute to improving the rider's operability of at least one of the first operating member and the second operating member.

In a fourteenth aspect of the operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the base portion includes a housing having at least one light-transmitting portion and forming a storage space. The housing is formed with a first through-hole in which the first operating member is disposed, a second through-hole in which the second operating member is disposed, and a third through-hole in which the third operating member is disposed. The operating device includes an electronic board disposed in the storage space and on which a light-emitting member, at least a portion of a first electric switch operated by the first operating member, at least a portion of a second electric switch operated by the second operating member, and at least a portion of a third electric switch operated by the third operating member, are disposed; a light-shielding member disposed in the storage space and provided between the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the third through-hole and the light-emitting member; and a light-guiding portion that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member through the at least one light-transmitting portion and is molded integrally with the light-shielding member.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 14 suppresses light leakage from the first through hole, second through hole, and third through hole formed in the housing, thereby improving the visibility of light emitted from at least one light-transmitting portion. Furthermore, because the operating device for a human-powered vehicle has a light-shielding member integrally formed with a light-guiding portion, the arrangement of the light-shielding member and the light-guiding portion can be carried out simultaneously.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 15 according to aspect 14, the light guide portion has a light guide member.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the operating device for a human-powered vehicle, light emitted from the light-emitting member is guided by a light-guiding member to at least one light-transmitting portion and is emitted from the at least one light-transmitting portion to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can contribute to improving the visibility of the light emitted from the light-emitting member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 16 according to aspect 15, the light-blocking member has a welded portion welded to the housing so as to surround the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the third through-hole. The light-guiding member is provided outside the area surrounded by the welded portion.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 16 prevents light from leaking into the area surrounded by the weld. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can contribute to improving the visibility of the light emitted from the light-emitting member.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 17, which is in accordance with any one of aspects 14 to 16, further includes a first operation transmission unit disposed between the first operating member and at least a portion of the first electric switch, a second operation transmission unit disposed between the second operating member and at least a portion of the second electric switch, and a third operation transmission unit disposed between the third operating member and at least a portion of the third electric switch. The first operation transmission unit, the second operation transmission unit, and the third operation transmission unit are provided on the light-blocking member.

According to the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 17, the first operation transmission member, the second operation transmission member, and the third operation transmission member are supported by a light-shielding member. For example, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can reliably transmit operation of the first operation member by the rider to the first electrical switch via the first operation transmission member.

In the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 18 according to aspect 17, the first operation transmission unit, the second operation transmission unit, and the third operation transmission unit are formed of elastic members.

According to the operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 18, when the rider presses the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member, the elastic member deforms, clearly communicating to the rider that each operating member is being operated.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of aspect 19 comprises: a base portion including a housing that defines a storage space and has at least one operating member and a through hole through which the at least one operating member is disposed, at least one light-transmitting portion; an electronic board that is disposed in the storage space and that is provided with a light-emitting member and at least a portion of an electric switch operated by the at least one operating member; a light-shielding member that is disposed in the storage space and is disposed between the through hole and the light-emitting member; and a light-guiding member that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member to the at least one light-transmitting portion and is molded integrally with the light-shielding member. The light-shielding member has a welded portion that is welded to the housing so as to surround the through hole. The light-guiding member is disposed outside the area surrounded by the welded portion.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the nineteenth aspect suppresses light leakage from the through-hole formed in the housing, thereby improving the visibility of light emitted from at least one light-transmitting portion. Furthermore, light leakage into the area surrounded by the welded portion is prevented. Therefore, the operating device for a human-powered vehicle can contribute to improving the visibility of light emitted from the light-emitting member.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle of the 20th aspect according to the 19th aspect further includes an operation transmission unit disposed between the at least one operating member and at least a portion of the electric switch. The operation transmission unit is provided on the light-blocking member.

According to the twentieth aspect of the operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operation transmission member is supported by a light-shielding member. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle can reliably transmit operation of at least one operating member by the rider to the electric switch via the operation transmission member.

The human-powered vehicle on the 21st side is equipped with an operating device for one of the human-powered vehicles on the 1st to 20th sides.

The human-powered vehicle of the twenty-first aspect reduces the risk of the rider operating the control device incorrectly.

The operating device for a human-powered vehicle disclosed herein can achieve at least one of the following: reducing erroneous operation of the operating device by the rider, and improving the visibility of the light emitted from the light-emitting member.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle equipped with an operating device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the operating device of the first embodiment attached to a handlebar. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the operating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the operating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the operating device of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first housing portion, the first operating member, the second operating member, and the third operating member are removed from the operating device of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a portion of the operating device according to the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG.

First Embodiment
1, the human-powered vehicle 10 is, for example, a mountain bike equipped with an electric drive unit 12. The human-powered vehicle 10 is not limited to mountain bikes, and may be other bicycles such as road bikes, cross bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, hand cycles, and recumbent bikes, as well as unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels, as long as they can be propelled at least by human power.

The human-powered vehicle 10 includes a frame 14. The frame 14 includes, for example, a head tube 14A, a top tube 14B, a down tube 14C, seat stays 14D, and chain stays 14E. The human-powered vehicle 10 also includes a front fork 14F, a stem 14G, and a handlebar 14H. The front fork 14F and the stem 14G are connected to the head tube 14A. The handlebar 14H is connected to the stem 14G. The human-powered vehicle 10 includes two wheels 16, a drivetrain 18, an electric drive unit 12, and a transmission system 20. The two wheels 16 include a front wheel 16A and a rear wheel 16B. The front wheel 16A is connected to the front fork 14F. The rear wheel 16B is connected to the connection between the seat stay 14D and the chain stay 14E.

The drivetrain 18 is configured to transmit manual driving force to the rear wheel 16B. The drivetrain 18 includes a pair of pedals 22, a crank 24, at least one front chainwheel 26, a chain 28, and at least one rear sprocket 30. When the crank 24 is rotated by manual driving force applied to the pair of pedals 22, the front chainwheel 26 rotates. The rotational force of the front chainwheel 26 is transmitted to the rear sprocket 30 via the chain 28. The rotation of the rear sprocket 30 rotates the wheel 16. At least one rear sprocket 30 includes multiple sprockets. At least one rear sprocket 30 includes multiple sprockets with different numbers of teeth.

Instead of the front chainwheel 26, rear sprocket 30, and chain 28, the drivetrain 18 may include pulleys and belts, or may include bevel gears and shafts. The crank 24 includes a crankshaft, a first crank arm connected to a first axial end of the crankshaft, and a second crank arm connected to a second axial end of the crankshaft. The drivetrain 18 may include other components such as a one-way clutch, other sprockets, or other chains. The at least one front chainwheel 26 may include multiple chainwheels. Preferably, the rotational axis of the front chainwheel 26 is coaxial with the rotational axis of the crank 24. The rotational axis of the rear sprocket 30 is coaxial with the rotational axis of the rear wheel 16B.

The electric drive unit 12 is configured to assist the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10. The electric drive unit 12 operates in response to human-powered driving force applied to the pedals 22, for example. The electric drive unit 12 includes a motor 32. The motor 32 is provided in a housing 12A attached to the frame 14. The motor 32 includes an electric motor. The motor 32 includes, for example, a brushless motor. The motor 32 is driven when the wheels 16 are rotating due to human-powered driving force, and is configured to assist the propulsion of the human-powered vehicle 10 due to the human-powered driving force. The motor 32 operates using power supplied from a battery 34. The battery 34 is housed in, for example, the down tube 14C. The assist force generated by the electric drive unit 12 is adjusted by adjusting the driving current and driving voltage supplied to the motor 32 via a drive circuit.

The transmission system 20 includes a control device 40 and a transmission 42. The control device 40 is housed, for example, in the housing 12A of the electric drive unit 12. The control device 40 may be provided on the frame 14 or on the transmission 42 instead of in the housing 12A of the electric drive unit 12. The control device 40 operates using power supplied from the battery 34.

The transmission 42 is provided in the transmission path of the human-powered driving force. The transmission path of the human-powered driving force is the path along which the human-powered driving force applied to the pedals 22 is transmitted to the wheels 16. The transmission 42 includes, for example, an externally mounted gearbox. In this embodiment, the transmission 42 includes a rear derailleur 44, a chain 28, and multiple rear sprockets 30. The chain 28, which meshes with one of the multiple rear sprockets 30, is moved by the rear derailleur 44 to mesh with another of the multiple rear sprockets 30, thereby changing the gear ratio of the transmission 42. The transmission 42 may also include a front derailleur. The transmission 42 may include an internal gearbox instead of an externally mounted gearbox, or may include an internal gearbox in addition to an externally mounted gearbox. The internal gearbox is provided, for example, in the hub of the rear wheel 16B. The internal gearbox may be a stepped transmission or a continuously variable transmission.

The human-powered vehicle 10 is equipped with an operating device 50. The control state of the electric drive unit 12 is changed in response to a signal output from the operating device 50 shown in FIG. 2. The operating device 50 is attached to the handlebar 14H. The shape of the handlebar 14H may be flat or drop-shaped, and is not particularly limited. The operating device 50 is attached to the handlebar 14H, for example, near the portion of the handlebar 14H that the rider grips with his/her left hand. The operating device 50 is attached to the handlebar 14H, for example, near the grip 14J that the rider grips with his/her left hand, and in a position that is near the thumb of the rider's left hand when the rider is gripping the grip 14J. The operating device 50 is configured to change the control state of the electric drive unit 12, but the human-powered vehicle components operated by the operating device 50 are not limited to the electric drive unit 12. The operating device 50 may also be configured to change the gear position of the transmission 42, for example.

The operating device 50 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The operating device 50 includes a base portion 52. The operating device 50 includes at least one operating member 54. The base portion 52 includes a housing 56. The base portion 52 further includes a first protrusion 58, a second protrusion 60, and an attachment portion 62. The housing 56 forms an accommodation space 110 (see Figure 6).

The housing 56 includes a first housing portion 56a and a second housing portion 56b. The housing 56 has at least one light-transmitting portion 64 and defines an accommodation space 110. The second housing portion 56b is located closer to the handlebar 14H than the first housing portion 56a. The first housing portion 56a has an opening 56c at its end facing the handlebar 14H. The second housing portion 56b has an opening 56d at its end opposite the handlebar 14H. The opening 56c of the first housing portion 56a and the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b are attached so that they mate with each other to form the accommodation space 110 (see Figure 6).

The first housing portion 56a includes a flat surface portion 66 and a first side surface portion 68. The area of the flat surface portion 66 is smaller than the area of the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b. The first side surface portion 68 is formed along the periphery of the flat surface portion 66. The first side surface portion 68 extends from the periphery of the flat surface portion 66 toward the second housing portion 56b. The first side surface portion 68 includes a first outer wall 68a, a second outer wall 68b, a third outer wall 68c, and a fourth outer wall 68d.

The first outer wall 68a is connected to a first end of the flat portion 66 in a predetermined first direction X. The second outer wall 68b is connected to a second end of the flat portion 66 opposite the first end in the predetermined first direction X. The first direction X is a direction substantially parallel to an imaginary axis perpendicular to the axis P of the handlebar 14H. The first outer wall 68a slopes closer to the second outer wall 68b as it moves from the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b toward the flat portion 66. The second outer wall 68b slopes closer to the first outer wall 68a as it moves from the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b toward the flat portion 66.

The third outer wall 68c is connected to a third end of the flat portion 66 in a predetermined second direction Y that intersects with the first direction X. The fourth outer wall 68d is connected to a fourth end of the flat portion 66 opposite the third end. The third outer wall 68c slopes closer to the fourth outer wall 68d as it moves from the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b toward the flat portion 66. The fourth outer wall 68d slopes closer to the third outer wall 68c as it moves from the opening 56d of the second housing portion 56b toward the flat portion 66. The second direction Y is a direction non-parallel to the first direction X. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and substantially parallel to the axis P of the handlebar 14H.

The second housing portion 56b includes a bottom portion 70, a second side portion 72, and a tubular portion 74. The bottom portion 70 is positioned on the handlebar 14H side. The second side portion 72 extends from the periphery of the bottom portion 70 toward the first housing portion 56a. The tubular portion 74 protrudes from the bottom portion 70 toward the handlebar 14H side. The tubular portion 74 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. An electrical connector is housed in the tubular portion 74. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the electronic board 112 provided in the housing 56. The electrical connector housed in the tubular portion 74 is configured so that the plug of the electrical cable 76 can be attached and detached. The electrical cable 76 transmits control signals to the electric drive unit 12, etc.

A first through hole 80a, a second through hole 80b, and a third through hole 80c are formed in the flat surface portion 66. The first through hole 80a, the second through hole 80b, and the third through hole 80c each extend in directions perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y, and are connected to the external space of the housing 56 and the storage space 110. A protrusion 82 is provided on the flat surface portion 66. The protrusion 82 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 56. The first through hole 80a and the second through hole 80b are arranged side by side along the predetermined first direction X. The second through hole 80b is arranged spaced apart from the first through hole 80a in the first direction X. The protrusion 82 is formed between the first through hole 80a and the second through hole 80b. Details of the protrusion 82 will be described later.

The third through hole 80c is formed adjacent to the protrusion 82 in the second direction Y. Preferably, the first through hole 80a and the second through hole 80b are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the second direction Y.

At least one light-transmitting portion 64 is provided in the first housing portion 56a. The at least one light-transmitting portion 64 is made of a light-transmitting material. For example, the at least one light-transmitting portion 64 is made of a transparent resin. The synthetic resin making up the at least one light-transmitting portion 64 includes, for example, polycarbonate. The at least one light-transmitting portion 64 includes a first light-transmitting portion 64a and a second light-transmitting portion 64b. Preferably, the first light-transmitting portion 64a and the second light-transmitting portion 64b are each provided in the housing 56 so that light from the interior space of the housing 56 is transmitted to the exterior space of the housing 56.

In the first direction X, the first light-transmitting portion 64a is provided on one side of the first through-hole 80a. In the first direction X and the second direction Y, at least a portion of the third through-hole 80c is disposed between the first light-transmitting portion 64a and the second light-transmitting portion 64b. Preferably, the first light-transmitting portion 64a and the second light-transmitting portion 64b are disposed symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the second direction Y.

The first protrusion 58 is provided at the first end of the housing 56 in the first direction X. The first protrusion 58 is provided closer to the third end of the housing 56 in the second direction Y. Of the first end of the housing 56 in the first direction X, the portion closer to the third end of the housing 56 in the second direction Y has a first inclined portion that slopes toward the second end of the housing 56 in the first direction X. The first protrusion 58 protrudes from the first inclined portion. A fourth through hole 58a is formed in the first protrusion 58. The fourth through hole 58a connects the external space of the housing 56 and the storage space 110.

The second protrusion 60 is provided at the second end of the housing 56 in the first direction X. The second protrusion 60 is provided closer to the third end of the housing 56 in the second direction Y. The portion of the second end of the housing 56 in the first direction X that is closer to the third end of the housing 56 in the second direction Y has a second inclined portion that slopes toward the first end of the housing 56 in the first direction X. The second protrusion 60 protrudes from the second inclined portion. A fifth through hole 60a is formed in the second protrusion 60. Preferably, the fifth through hole 60a connects the external space of the housing 56 and the storage space 110. The first protrusion 58 and the second protrusion 60 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to the second direction Y.

The mounting portion 62 protrudes from the bottom surface 70 of the second housing portion 56b toward the handlebar 14H. The mounting portion 62 is attached to a mounting member 88 using a nut 84 and a bolt 86. The insertion portion 88a of the mounting member 88 is inserted into the mounting portion 62. The bolt 86 is tightened via the nut 84 into the insertion portion 88a, thereby attaching the mounting portion 62 to the mounting member 88.

The mounting member 88 is configured to be attached to the handlebar 14H. The mounting member 88 is C-shaped. The mounting member 88 is attached to the handlebar 14H using a nut 90 and a bolt 92. The mounting member 88 may also be attached to the handlebar 14H via an adjustment member 94. The mounting portion 62 may be configured to accommodate one of several types of mounting members 88 that correspond to the diameter of the handlebar 14H.

The at least one operating member 54 includes a first operating member 54a, a second operating member 54b, and a third operating member 54c. The at least one operating member 54 may further include a fourth operating member 54d and a fifth operating member 54e. The first operating member 54a is provided on the base portion 52. The first operating member 54a is disposed in a first through-hole 80a formed in the housing 56. The first operating member 54a is configured to protrude from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 in a non-operated state. The surface 52a of the base portion 52 is included in the outer surface of the housing 56. The first operating member 54a is operated, for example, to increase the assist level of the electric drive unit 12. The operating surface of the first operating member 54a is formed, for example, as a flat surface. The corners of the first operating member 54a are chamfered.

The second operating member 54b is provided on the base portion 52. The second operating member 54b is disposed in a second through-hole 80b formed in the housing 56. The second operating member 54b is configured to protrude from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 in a non-operating state. The second operating member 54b is disposed with a gap from the first operating member 54a in the first direction X. The second operating member 54b is operated to decrease the assist level of the electric drive unit 12. The operating surface of the second operating member 54b is formed, for example, as a flat surface. The corners of the second operating member 54b are chamfered.

At least a portion of the end face of the first operating member 54a facing the protrusion 82 on the second operating member 54b side and at least a portion of the end face of the second operating member 54b facing the first operating member 54a side facing the protrusion 82 extend substantially parallel to the second direction Y. At least a portion of the end face of the first operating member 54a facing the second operating member 54b side facing the third operating member 54c and at least a portion of the end face of the second operating member 54b facing the first operating member 54a side facing the third operating member 54c extend away from each other as they move away from the protrusion 82 in the second direction Y. The shapes of the first operating member 54a and the second operating member 54b allow for a sufficient distance between the first operating member 54a and the second operating member 54b and the third operating member 54c, thereby reducing the risk of the rider operating the operating device 50 incorrectly.

When the operating device 50 is configured to change the gear position in the transmission 42, the first operating member 54a may be operated to upshift the transmission 42, and the second operating member 54b may be operated to downshift the transmission 42.

The third operating member 54c is provided on the base portion 52. The third operating member 54c is disposed in a third through-hole 80c formed in the housing 56. The third operating member 54c is configured to protrude from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 in a non-operated state. The third operating member 54c is disposed adjacent to a protrusion 82 provided on the base portion 52 in the second direction Y. The third operating member 54c is disposed closer to the fourth end of the housing 56 than the protrusion 82 in the second direction Y. The third operating member 54c is operated, for example, to change the display on a display provided on the human-powered vehicle 10. At least a portion of the third operating member 54c is disposed between the first operating member 54a and the second operating member 54b in the first direction X. Preferably, more than half of the width of the third operating member 54c in the second direction Y is disposed between the first operating member 54a and the second operating member 54b in the first direction X. The operating surface of the third operating member 54c is formed, for example, as a flat surface. The corners of the third operating member 54c are chamfered.

The fourth operating member 54d is provided on the base portion 52. The fourth operating member 54d is inserted into a fourth through-hole 58a formed in the first protrusion 58. The fourth operating member 54d is configured to protrude from the first protrusion 58 when not in operation. The fourth operating member 54d is operated to switch the lighting provided on the human-powered vehicle 10 "ON" or "OFF." The lighting includes, for example, a front light. The fourth operating member 54d may also be operated to switch the power supply of the operating device 50 "ON" or "OFF."

The fifth operating member 54e is provided on the base portion 52. The fifth operating member 54e is inserted into a fifth through-hole 60a formed in the second protruding portion 60. The fourth operating member 54d is configured to protrude from the second protruding portion 60 in a non-operated state. The fifth operating member 54e is operated to switch the power supply of the operating device 50 "ON" or "OFF." The fifth operating member 54e may also be operated to switch a lighting lamp provided on the human-powered vehicle 10 "ON" or "OFF."

The protrusion 82 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 6, and 7. The protrusion 82 is provided on the base portion 52. At least a portion of the protrusion 82 is disposed between the first operating member 54a and the second operating member 54b in the first direction X. The protrusion 82 protrudes from the surface 52a of the base portion 52. The protrusion 82 is provided on the flat portion 66 of the housing 56. The corners of the protrusion 82 are chamfered.

The protrusion 82 has a first end 100 and a second end 102 in the second direction Y. The first end 100 is the end of the protrusion 82 in the second direction Y that is closer to the third end of the housing 56. The second end 102 is located on the opposite side of the first end 100 in the second direction Y. The second end 102 is positioned closer to the third operating member 54c than the first end 100.

Preferably, the first end 100 has a first inclined surface 100a. The first inclined surface 100a slopes from the base end 82a of the protrusion 82 toward the free end 82b of the protrusion 82 so as to approach the second end 102. The base end 82a is the end of the protrusion 82 facing the base portion 52. The free end 82b is the end of the protrusion 82 opposite the base portion 52. In this embodiment, the first inclined surface 100a is formed as a substantially flat surface. The first inclined surface 100a may also be a curved surface. For example, the first inclined surface 100a may be a convexly curved surface. The first inclined surface 100a may also be a concavely curved surface. Preferably, the first inclined surface 100a is included in the same plane in the second direction Y as a portion of the outer surface of the third outer wall 68c adjacent to the first inclined surface 100a.

Preferably, the second end 102 has a second inclined surface 102a. The second inclined surface 102a slopes closer to the first end 100 as it moves from the base end 82a of the protrusion 82 to the distal end 82b of the protrusion 82. In this embodiment, the second inclined surface 102a is formed as a substantially flat surface. The second inclined surface 102a may also be a curved surface. For example, the second inclined surface 102a may be a convexly curved surface. The second inclined surface 102a may also be a concavely curved surface.

In this embodiment, the first inclined surface 100a and the second inclined surface 102a are parallel to the first direction X. The first inclined surface 100a and the second inclined surface 102a may be non-parallel to the first direction X. In this embodiment, the protrusion 82 extends parallel to the second direction Y. The protrusion 82 may be non-parallel to the second direction Y.

The inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 100a is less than or equal to the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 102a. The inclination angle is an angle with respect to the surface 52a of the base portion 52. The inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 100a is the internal angle between the first inclined surface 100a and the surface of the flat portion 66. Preferably, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 100a is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 45°. The first inclined surface 100a is formed as a plane continuous with the surface of the third outer wall 68c of the first housing portion 56a so that no step is formed between the first inclined surface 100a and the third outer wall 68c. The inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 102a is the internal angle between the second inclined surface 102a and the surface of the flat portion 66. Preferably, the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 102a is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 70°.

Preferably, the width W1 of the free end 82b of the protrusion 82 in the second direction Y is smaller than the width W2 of the base end 82a of the protrusion 82. Preferably, the ratio of the width W1 of the free end 82b in the second direction Y to the width W2 of the base end 82a in the second direction Y is greater than or equal to 1:4 and less than or equal to 1:7.

Preferably, the first minimum distance L1 between the first operating member 54a and the protrusion 82 in the first direction X is 2.0 mm or less. The first minimum distance L1 is the distance between the first operating member 54a and the portion of the base end 82a of the protrusion 82 closest to the first operating member 54a in the first direction X. Preferably, the second minimum distance L2 between the second operating member 54b and the protrusion 82 in the first direction X is 2.0 mm or less. The second minimum distance L2 is the distance between the second operating member 54b and the portion of the base end 82a of the protrusion 82 closest to the second operating member 54b in the first direction X. Either one of the first minimum distance L1 or the second minimum distance L2 may be longer than 2.0 mm. Preferably, at least one of the first minimum distance L1 and the second minimum distance L2 is 2.0 mm or less. Preferably, at least one of the first minimum distance L1 and the second minimum distance L2 is less than half the maximum width L3 of the protrusion 82 in the first direction X.

The maximum protrusion amount H of the protrusion 82 is greater than the first maximum protrusion amount H1 of the first operating member 54a, the second maximum protrusion amount H2 of the second operating member 54b, and the third maximum protrusion amount H3 of the third operating member 54c. The maximum protrusion amount H of the protrusion 82 is the amount of protrusion from the surface 52a of the base portion 52. In this embodiment, the amount of protrusion from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 is the amount of protrusion from the outer surface of the flat portion 66. The first maximum protrusion amount H1 is the amount of protrusion from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 when the first operating member 54a is not operated. The second maximum protrusion amount H2 is the amount of protrusion from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 when the second operating member 54b is not operated. The third maximum protrusion amount H3 is the amount of protrusion from the surface 52a of the base portion 52 when the third operating member 54c is not operated. Preferably, the maximum protrusion amount H is no more than three times at least one of the first maximum protrusion amount H1, the second maximum protrusion amount H2, and the third maximum protrusion amount H3.

The internal configuration of the operating device 50 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. The operating device 50 includes an electronic board 112 and a light-blocking member 114. The operating device 50 further includes an operation transmission unit 116. The operating device 50 further includes a support member 118. The electronic board 112 is disposed in the housing space 110. The electronic board 112 is provided with a light-emitting member 120 and at least a portion of an electric switch 122. The electronic board 112 is also provided with a control device 124.

The light-emitting element 120 is, for example, a light-emitting diode. The light-emitting element 120 includes a first light-emitting element 120a and a second light-emitting element 120b. The first light-emitting element 120a emits light toward the first light-transmitting element 64a. The first light-emitting element 120a emits light of a color that corresponds to, for example, the control state of the electric drive unit 12 (see FIG. 1). The control state may be, for example, an assist mode or an assist level. The second light-emitting element 120b emits light toward the second light-transmitting element 64b. The second light-transmitting element 64b emits light of a color that corresponds to, for example, the remaining battery charge of the operating device 50.

At least some of the electric switches 122 are operated by at least one operating member 54. The electric switches 122 include at least some of the first electric switch 122a, at least some of the second electric switch 122b, and at least some of the third electric switch 122c. The electric switches 122 include a fourth electric switch 122d and a fifth electric switch 122e. The first electric switch 122a is operated by the first operating member 54a. The first electric switch 122a outputs a first signal to the control device 124 in response to operation of the first operating member 54a by the rider. The first electric switch 122a is, for example, a membrane switch. The first electric switch 122a may also be a tactile switch, etc.

The second electric switch 122b is operated by the second operating member 54b. The second electric switch 122b outputs a second signal to the control device 124 in response to the rider's operation of the second operating member 54b. The second electric switch 122b is, for example, a membrane switch. The second electric switch 122b may also be a tactile switch, etc.

The third electric switch 122c is operated by the third operating member 54c. The third electric switch 122c outputs a third signal to the control device 124 in response to the rider's operation of the third operating member 54c. The third electric switch 122c is, for example, a tactile switch. The third electric switch 122c may also be a membrane switch, etc.

The fourth electric switch 122d is operated by the fourth operating member 54d. The fourth electric switch 122d outputs a fourth signal to the control device 124 in response to the rider's operation of the fourth operating member 54d. The fourth electric switch 122d is, for example, a tactile switch. The fourth electric switch 122d may also be a membrane switch, etc.

The fifth electric switch 122e is operated by the fifth operating member 54e. The fifth electric switch 122e outputs a fifth signal to the control device 124 in response to the rider's operation of the fifth electric switch 122e. The fifth electric switch 122e is, for example, a tactile switch. The fifth electric switch 122e may also be a membrane switch, etc.

The control device 124 generates a first control signal based on the first signal output from the first electrical switch 122a. The first control signal is a signal that reduces the assist level in the electric drive unit 12 (see FIG. 1). The control device 124 generates a second control signal based on the second signal output from the second electrical switch 122b. The second control signal is a signal that increases the assist level in the electric drive unit 12. The control device 124 outputs a third control signal based on the third signal output from the third electrical switch 122c. The third control signal is a signal that changes the display. The control device 124 generates a fourth control signal based on the fourth signal output from the fourth electrical switch 122d. The fourth control signal is a signal that switches the lighting provided on the human-powered vehicle 10 "ON" or "OFF."

The control device 124 outputs a first control signal and a second control signal to the electric drive unit 12 via the electrical cable 76. The control device 124 outputs a third control signal to the display via the electrical cable 76. The control device 124 outputs a fourth control signal to the lighting fixture via the electrical cable 76. The control device 124 may output the fourth control signal to the electric drive unit 12 via the electrical cable 76, and the electric drive unit 12 may control the lighting fixture. The first control signal, second control signal, third control signal, and fourth control signal may be transmitted, for example, via power line communication (PLC) or CAN.

At least one of the first control signal, the second control signal, the third control signal, and the fourth control signal may be transmitted by a wireless communication device. For example, the first control signal and the second control signal may be transmitted to the electric drive unit 12 by the wireless communication device. For example, the third control signal may be transmitted to a display by the wireless communication device. For example, the fourth control signal may be transmitted to a lamp or the electric drive unit 12 by the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit. The short-range wireless communication unit may be configured to communicate wirelessly based on a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ANT+, or may be configured to communicate wirelessly based on a proprietary communication method.

The light-shielding member 114 is provided closer to the first housing portion 56a than the electronic board 112. The light-shielding member 114 is disposed in the storage space 110. The light-shielding member 114 is provided between the first through-hole 80a, the second through-hole 80b, and the third through-hole 80c and the light-emitting member 120. The light-shielding member 114 is made of a colored material. For example, the light-shielding member 114 is made of a black synthetic resin. The synthetic resin that makes up the light-shielding member 114 includes, for example, polycarbonate. The light-shielding member 114 has a welded portion 130. The light-shielding member 114 includes a first recess 132, a second recess 134, and a light-guiding portion 136.

The welded portion 130 is formed so as to surround the first through hole 80a, the second through hole 80b, and the third through hole 80c. The welded portion 130 is welded to the housing 56. The welded portion 130 is welded to the housing 56, for example, by a laser. The welded portion 130 is welded to the housing 56 so as to surround the first through hole 80a, the second through hole 80b, and the third through hole 80c. The first recess 132 is provided inside the area surrounded by the welded portion 130. The first recess 132 is formed so as to be recessed closer to the electronic board 112 than the welded portion 130.

The second recess 134 is formed in the bottom 132a of the first recess 132. The second recess 134 is formed so as to be recessed closer to the electronic board 112 than the bottom 132a of the first recess 132. The operation transmission unit 116 is provided in the second recess 134. A sixth through hole 134a, a seventh through hole 134b, and an eighth through hole 134c are formed in the second recess 134. The sixth through hole 134a and the seventh through hole 134b are formed side by side along the first direction X. The eighth through hole 134c is formed to the right of the sixth through hole 134a and the seventh through hole 134b.

The light-guiding portion 136 is provided outside the area surrounded by the welded portion 130. The light-guiding portion 136 transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member 120 to at least one light-transmitting portion 64. The light-guiding portion 136 is formed integrally with the light-blocking member 114. The light-guiding portion 136 includes a first light-guiding portion 136a and a second light-guiding portion 136b. A ninth through-hole 136c is formed in the first light-guiding portion 136a. The ninth through-hole 136c is provided between the first light-transmitting portion 64a and the first light-emitting member 120a. The ninth through-hole 136c is formed to guide the light emitted from the first light-emitting member 120a to the first light-transmitting portion 64a.

A tenth through hole 136d is formed in the second light-guiding portion 136b. The tenth through hole 136d is provided between the second light-transmitting portion 64b and the second light-emitting member 120b. The tenth through hole 136d is formed to guide light emitted from the second light-emitting member 120b to the second light-transmitting portion 64b.

The operation transmission unit 116 is provided on the light-blocking member 114. The operation transmission unit 116 is disposed between at least one operating member 54 and at least a portion of the electric switch 122. The operation transmission unit 116 includes a first operation transmission unit 116a, a second operation transmission unit 116b, and a third operation transmission unit 116c. The operation transmission unit 116 also includes a connection unit 116d. The first operation transmission unit 116a, the second operation transmission unit 116b, and the third operation transmission unit 116c are formed of an elastic member. The connection unit 116d connects the first operation transmission unit 116a, the second operation transmission unit 116b, and the third operation transmission unit 116c. The connection unit 116d is fitted into the second recess 134.

The first operation transmission unit 116a is disposed between the first operating member 54a and at least a portion of the first electrical switch 122a. The first operation transmission unit 116a is provided between the protrusion 54f of the first operating member 54a and the first electrical switch 122a. When the rider presses the first operating member 54a toward the electronic board 112, the first operating member 54a deforms toward the first electrical switch 122a, activating the first electrical switch 122a. When the rider releases the operation of the first operating member 54a, the first operating member 54a returns to its non-operated state.

The second operation transmission unit 116b is provided between the second operating member 54b and at least a portion of the second electrical switch 122b. The second operation transmission unit 116b is provided between the protrusion 54g of the second operating member 54b and the second electrical switch 122b. When the rider presses the second operating member 54b toward the electronic board 112, the second operating member 54b deforms toward the second electrical switch 122b, activating the second electrical switch 122b. When the rider releases the operation of the second operating member 54b, the second operating member 54b returns to its non-operated state.

The third operation transmission unit 116c is provided between the third operating member 54c and at least a portion of the third electrical switch 122c. The third operation transmission unit 116c is provided between the protrusion 54h of the third operating member 54c and the third electrical switch 122c. When the rider presses the third operating member 54c toward the electronic board 112, the third operating member 54c deforms toward the third electrical switch 122c, activating the third electrical switch 122c. When the rider releases the operation of the third operating member 54c, the third operating member 54c returns to its non-operated state.

At least one of the first operation transmission unit 116a, the second operation transmission unit 116b, and the third operation transmission unit 116c may be provided separately from the connection unit 116d. The operation transmission unit 116 does not have to be provided with the connection unit 116d. The first operation transmission unit 116a, the second operation transmission unit 116b, and the third operation transmission unit 116c may be provided as separate components.

The support member 118 is provided between the light blocking member 114 and the first housing portion 56a. The support member 118 is provided in the first recess 132 of the light blocking member 114. The support member 118 supports the first operating member 54a, the second operating member 54b, and the third operating member 54c. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the first operating member 54a is sandwiched between the support member 118 and the first housing portion 56a. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the second operating member 54b is sandwiched between the support member 118 and the first housing portion 56a. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the third operating member 54c is sandwiched between the support member 118 and the first housing portion 56a. An eleventh through hole 118a, a twelfth through hole 118b, and a thirteenth through hole 113c are formed in the support member 118.

The eleventh through hole 118a is provided between the first operating member 54a and the first operation transmission unit 116a. A portion of the protrusion 54f of the first operating member 54a and a portion of the first operation transmission unit 116a are inserted into the eleventh through hole 118a. The twelfth through hole 118b is provided between the second operating member 54b and the second operation transmission unit 116b. A portion of the protrusion 54g of the second operating member 54b and a portion of the second operation transmission unit 116b are inserted into the twelfth through hole 118b.

The thirteenth through-hole 113c is provided between the third operating member 54c and the third operation transmission part 116c. A portion of the protrusion 54h of the third operating member 54c and a portion of the third operation transmission part 116c are inserted into the thirteenth through-hole 113c.

Second Embodiment
Next, the operating device 150 of the second embodiment differs from the operating device 50 of the first embodiment in the internal configuration of the operating device 150. Only the parts of the operating device 150 of the second embodiment that are different from the operating device 50 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The light guide unit 152 of the operating device 150 of the second embodiment has a light guide member 154.

The light-guiding member 154 is positioned outside the area surrounded by the welded portion 130. The light-guiding member 154 is formed integrally with the light-blocking member 156. The light-guiding member 154 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin. The synthetic resin that makes up the light-guiding member 154 includes, for example, polycarbonate. The light-guiding member 154 transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member 120 through at least one light-transmitting portion 64. The light-guiding member 154 includes a first light-guiding member 154a and a second light-guiding member 154b.

The first light-guiding member 154a is provided on the first light-guiding section 152a. The first light-guiding member 154a is fitted into the ninth through-hole 152c of the first light-guiding section 152a. The first light-guiding member 154a suppresses diffusion of light emitted from the first light-emitting member 120a. The first light-guiding member 154a guides the light emitted from the first light-emitting member 120a to the first light-transmitting section 64a.

The second light-guiding member 154b is provided in the second light-guiding section 152b. The second light-guiding member 154b is fitted into the tenth through-hole 152d of the second light-guiding section 152b. The second light-guiding member 154b suppresses diffusion of light emitted from the second light-emitting member 120b. The second light-guiding member 154b guides the light emitted from the second light-emitting member 120b to the second light-transmitting section 64b.

<Modification>
The operation device 50, 150 may wirelessly communicate with an external device via a wireless communication device. The external device may include, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. The external device may display, for example, the state of an object operated by the operation device 50 based on a signal received from the operation device 50. For example, the external device may display the assist level of the electric drive unit 12. The operation device 50, 150 may be provided integrally with a display.

The operating device 50, 150 may be attached to the handlebar 14H adjacent to the portion of the handlebar 14H that the rider grips with his/her right hand. When the operating device 50, 150 is attached to the handlebar 14H adjacent to the portion of the handlebar 14H that the rider grips with his/her right hand, the operating device 50, 150 is attached to the handlebar 14H in a state rotated 180 degrees from the state shown in FIG. 2 around an axis that passes through the center of the housing 56 and is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y.

In the operating devices 50 and 150, at least one of the first operating member 54a, the second operating member 54b, the third operating member 54c, the fourth operating member 54d, and the fifth operating member 54e may be a touch panel. In the operating devices 50 and 150, the fourth operating member 54d and the fifth operating member 54e may be omitted. In the operating devices 50 and 150, the protrusion 82, one or two of the first operating member 54a, the second operating member 54b, and the third operating member 54c, and one of the first light-transmitting portion 64a and the second light-transmitting portion 64b may be omitted.

In the operating device 50, 150, the operation transmission unit 116 may form part of the electrical switch 122. For example, a conductive member is provided at the tip of the first operation transmission unit 116a. When the first operating member 54a is pressed by the rider, the conductive member at the tip of the first operation transmission unit 116a comes into contact with a contact formed on the electronic board 112, thereby electrically connecting the conductive member and the contact. The term "at least one" used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, when the number of options is two, the term "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of two options." For another example, when the number of options is three or more, the term "at least one" means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options." Some of the embodiments and variations have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and various modifications and improvements can be implemented in other forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

10...human-powered vehicle, 12...electric drive unit, 50...operation device, 52...base portion, 52a...surface, 54...operation member, 54a...first operation member, 54b...second operation member, 54c...third operation member, 56...housing, 64...light-transmitting portion, 80a...first through-hole, 80b...second through-hole, 80c...third through-hole, 82...protrusion, 82a...base end, 82b...free end, 100...first end, 100a...first inclined surface, 102...second end, 102a...second inclined surface, 112...electronic board, 114...light-shielding member, 116...operation transmission portion, 116a...first operation transmission portion, 116b...second operation transmission portion, 116 c...third operation transmission unit, 118...support member, 122...electrical switch, 122a...first electric switch, 122b...second electric switch, 122c...third electric switch, 130...welded portion, 136...light guide unit, 150...operation device, 152...light guide unit, 154...light guide member, θ1...inclination angle of the first inclined surface, θ2...inclination angle of the second inclined surface, H...maximum protrusion amount, H1...first maximum protrusion amount of the first operating member, H2...second maximum protrusion amount of the second operating member, H3...third maximum protrusion amount of the third operating member, L1...first minimum distance, L2...second minimum distance, L3...maximum width, W1...width of the free end, W2...width of the base end

Claims (19)

A base portion;
a first operating member provided on the base portion;
a second operating member provided on the base portion and disposed with a gap from the first operating member in a predetermined first direction;
a protrusion provided on the base portion, at least a portion of which is disposed between the first operating member and the second operating member in the predetermined first direction, and which protrudes from a surface of the base portion;
a third operating member provided on the base portion and disposed adjacent to the protrusion in a predetermined second direction that is non-parallel to the predetermined first direction,
the first operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operated state;
the second operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operated state;
the third operating member is configured to protrude from the surface of the base portion in a non-operated state;
the maximum protrusion amount of the protrusion from the surface of the base portion is greater than a first maximum protrusion amount of the first operating member from the surface of the base portion when the first operating member is not operated, a second maximum protrusion amount of the second operating member from the surface of the base portion when the second operating member is not operated, and a third maximum protrusion amount of the third operating member from the surface of the base portion when the third operating member is not operated,
An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the third operating member is disposed between the first operating member and the second operating member in the first direction. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 1, wherein the maximum protrusion amount is three times or less than at least one of the first maximum protrusion amount, the second maximum protrusion amount, and the third maximum protrusion amount. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the free end of the protrusion in the second direction is smaller than the width of the base end of the protrusion. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 3, wherein the ratio of the width of the free end in the second direction to the width of the base end in the second direction is greater than or equal to 1:4 and less than or equal to 1:7. The protrusion has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the second direction,
the second end is disposed closer to the third operating member than the first end,
5. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first end has a first inclined surface that is inclined so as to approach the second end as it moves from the base end of the protrusion toward the free end of the protrusion. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 5, wherein the second end has a second inclined surface that slopes toward the first end as it moves from the base end of the protrusion toward the free end of the protrusion. the first inclined surface is formed as a substantially flat surface,
the second inclined surface is formed as a substantially flat surface,
7. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 6, wherein an inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is equal to or smaller than an inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 7, wherein the inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 45°. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein the inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the surface of the base portion is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 70°. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first minimum distance between the first operating member and the protrusion in the first direction and the second minimum distance between the second operating member and the protrusion in the first direction is 2.0 mm or less. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first minimum distance and the second minimum distance is less than half the maximum width of the protrusion in the first direction. the base portion includes a housing having at least one light-transmitting portion and forming an accommodating space;
a first through hole in which the first operating member is disposed, a second through hole in which the second operating member is disposed, and a third through hole in which the third operating member is disposed,
The operating device is
an electronic board disposed in the accommodation space, the electronic board having a light emitting member, at least a portion of a first electric switch operated by the first operating member, at least a portion of a second electric switch operated by the second operating member, and at least a portion of a third electric switch operated by the third operating member;
a light-blocking member disposed in the accommodation space and provided between the first through-hole, the second through-hole, and the third through-hole and the light-emitting member;
12. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a light-guiding section that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member through the at least one light-transmitting section and is molded integrally with the light-blocking member. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 12, wherein the light-guiding unit has a light-guiding member. the light blocking member has a welding portion that is welded to the housing so as to surround the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole;
The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the light guide member is provided outside the area surrounded by the welded portion. the switch further includes a first operation transmission unit disposed between the first operating member and at least the portion of the first electric switch, a second operation transmission unit disposed between the second operating member and at least the portion of the second electric switch, and a third operation transmission unit disposed between the third operating member and at least the portion of the third electric switch,
15. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the first operation transmission unit, the second operation transmission unit, and the third operation transmission unit are provided on the light-blocking member. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in claim 15, wherein the first operation transmission unit, the second operation transmission unit, and the third operation transmission unit are formed from elastic members. an electronic board provided with a light emitting member and at least a part of an electric switch operated by at least one of the first to third operating members, and disposed in the housing space of the base;
a light-blocking member disposed in the accommodation space and provided between the through hole and the light-emitting member;
a light guide member integrally formed with the light blocking member,
the base portion includes a housing having the through hole in which the at least one operation member is disposed, the housing having at least one light-transmitting portion, and forming the accommodation space;
the light blocking member has a welding portion that is welded to the housing so as to surround the through hole,
2. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guiding member transmits light emitted from the light-emitting member to the at least one light-transmitting portion and is disposed outside an area surrounded by the welded portion. an operation transmission unit disposed between the at least one operating member and the at least part of the electric switch;
18. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the operation transmission unit is provided on the light blocking member. A human-powered vehicle equipped with the operating device for a human-powered vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 18.