Patent Description:
Control devices are used to issue one or more commands to one or more mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or electromechanical and/or electro-electronic equipment of the bicycle, such as a brake associated with a wheel, a gearshift associated with the hub of the rear wheel, a derailleur associated with the bottom bracket spindle, a suspension, a saddle setting adjuster, a lighting system, a satellite navigator, a training device, an anti-theft device, a cycle computer capable of providing information on the status of the bicycle, the cyclist and/or the route, etc..

The known control devices for a bicycle comprise one or more manual actuation members, of the lever type, namely actuated with a rotary movement, or of the pushbutton type, namely actuated with a linear movement, actuatable with one finger or with plural fingers. Manual actuation members capable of issuing two or more different commands according to the direction and/or magnitude of the movement and/or of a duration thereof and/or of its repetition are also known.

Typically, one or more manual actuation members are supported by a support body suitable for attachment to the bicycle, in proximity or at a grip portion of the handlebars or of the forward protruding rest bars in the specialized handlebars for speed races (so-called "bar-end" control devices), or in other positions of the handlebars or of the frame.

The so-called "integrated" control devices comprise one to three manual actuation members in charge of controlling a brake and the gear ratio, besides possibly one or more manual actuation members in charge of controlling other equipment. In the present description and the attached claims, under the expression "gear ratio" it is generally meant to encompass one or more of the following, unless otherwise indicated:.

In some cases, the controlled equipment directly responds to the manual force issued through the control device, such as for example in the case of mechanical brakes and gearshifts actuated through a Bowden cable or other sheathed cable; in other cases the manual force is amplified through the use of a hydraulic fluid, such as for example in the case of hydraulic brakes or hydraulic suspensions; in still other cases, an electric motor is used, such as for example in the case of electronic gearshifts, and the manual action is limited to control of an electric switch.

In the case of a control device at least partly electric/electronic, the control device may contain part of or all the electric and/or electronic components for processing the issued signals, and it may be connected via cable or wireless with the controlled piece or pieces of equipment, directly or through a central processing unit, a cycle computer or a smart-phone or other general purposed device provided with a suitable app.

In the present description and the attached claims, adjectives like "proximal", "distal", "upper", "lower", "right", "left" refer to the mounted condition of the control device on the bicycle. In particular, "proximal" is used to indicate closer to the center of the handlebars, facing the center of the handlebars, and the adjective "distal" is used to indicate farther from the center of the handlebars, facing away from the center of the handlebars. Vice versa, adjectives "inner" and "outer" are used with reference to the control device itself: "inner" is used to indicate closer to the center of the control device and adjective "outer" is used to indicate farther from the center of the control device.

The electronic control devices for a bicycle generally comprise one or more push-operated switches, typically of the micro-switch type or of the type including a deformable dome-shaped diaphragm. For switching the switch in order to issue the electric-electronic commands, a region of a manual actuation member is usually adjacent to the switch - for example adjacent to the deformable diaphragm - in the rest condition of the manual actuation member, and acts by pushing thereonto in the actuation condition of the manual actuation member.

As mentioned above, the manual actuation members may be of a lever type, namely actuated with a rotary movement, or of the push-button type, namely actuated with a linear movement, actuatable with one finger or with plural fingers in order to issue commands to equipment of the bicycle.

The Applicant has noted that in all cases, the stroke of the switch is very short, for example corresponding to the deformation of the deformable diaphragm, and that this entails the risk of involuntary actuation, for example because of oscillations of the manual actuation member or of a mechanism for pushing the switch interposed between the latter and the manual actuation member; furthermore, the movement of the manual actuation member is hardly perceivable by the cyclist.

One aim of the invention is to provide an electronic control device for a bicycle which actuation is well perceivable by the cyclist and less subject to involuntary actuation.

<CIT> discloses an electronic control device for a bicycle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. A spring may be used to operate the switch, and a gap exists between the spring and the switch actuating part of the lever.

The technical problem at the basis of the invention, starting from the teachings of the above documents, is to make the electronic control device more precise.

The invention relates, in an aspect thereof, to an electronic control device for a bicycle, comprising:.

The control device comprises a de-coupling mechanism operatively interposed between the manual actuation member and the switch and effective to de-couple the manual actuation member from the switch during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the manual actuation member.

Through the de-coupling mechanism, it is possible, despite the short stroke of the switch, to allow a large enough movement of the manual actuation member to be perceived by the cyclist; furthermore, because such a large enough movement of the manual actuation member is necessary, then small oscillations of the manual actuation member, caused by vibrations or small movements of the cyclist's hand or fingers, do not entail any involuntary actuation of the switch.

The de-coupling mechanism, moreover, by introducing an idle stroke of the manual actuation member, also improves the cyclist's tactile feeling because the cyclist perceives the instant when the de-coupling mechanism stops being effective, and thereafter also the instant when the switch closes, for example with the deformable diaphragm snapping.

The de-coupling mechanism comprises a sliding seat of a driven region of the manual actuation member or of at least one element directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region of the manual actuation member, the sliding seat having a first opening facing toward the switch and a second opening opposed to the first opening, the sliding seat being oversized with respect to the stroke of the switch.

In this way, in the rest condition of the manual actuation member, there is at least one gap or empty space in the sliding seat, generally between the manual actuation member and the switch; while the manual actuation member, during actuation thereof, acts by directly or indirectly pushing on the switch only after said at least one gap has been absorbed.

The push-operated switch may be housed within the support body.

The de-coupling mechanism may comprise a first pusher on the side of the sliding seat having the first opening.

The gap may be formed generally between the first pusher and the manual actuation member, when the latter is not actuated.

The de-coupling mechanism may comprise a second pusher on the side of the sliding seat having the second opening.

The gap may be formed generally between the second pusher and the switch, when the manual actuation member is not actuated.

The de-coupling mechanism may comprise a spring urging said manual actuation member or said at least one element directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region of the manual actuation member away from the first opening, wherein the elastic constant of the spring is selected so that the load of the spring is less than the actuation load of the switch.

In particular, the spring may be operatively interposed between the first pusher and the second pusher, forming said gap therebetween when the manual actuation member is not actuated.

The manual actuation member may be a control lever.

The control device may comprise a motion transmission device operatively interposed between the control lever and the switch, wherein said motion transmission device comprises a substantially longitudinally incompressible body having a first end directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region of the control lever during actuation thereof, and a second end, wherein said at least one element directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region of the control lever comprises said second end of the substantially longitudinally incompressible body.

The substantially longitudinally incompressible body may be a filiform body slidable in a guide element.

The guide element may have a first end fixed in proximity to a driven region of the control lever and a second end fixed in proximity to the second opening of the sliding seat.

When the support body is configured for attachment to curved bicycle handlebars, so-called drop-bar, the control device may further comprise a brake lever for controlling the brake, articulated at an upper end thereof, the pivot axis of the brake lever being substantially horizontal and forward with respect to the handlebars in the travel direction, so that the brake lever is actuated by pulling it towards the curved end of the handlebars.

The control lever may then be arranged behind of the brake lever and/or it may be articulated with the brake lever.

The filiform body and the guide element may have enough flexibility to follow the movements of the brake lever.

The push-operated switch may be of the deformable dome-shaped diaphragm type.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be better highlighted by the description of preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:.

In <FIG> there is shown a control device <NUM> according to a merely illustrative and not limiting embodiment of the invention. All the components described below are to be understood as optionally present in the control device <NUM>, unless otherwise indicated.

In the case shown, it is a left control device, a right control device being the mirror image thereof.

In the case shown, it is a control device for curved handlebars, so-called of the "drop-bar" type, or for racing bicycles.

In the case shown, it is a control device of the electronic type.

In the case shown, it is a wireless control device.

The control device <NUM> comprises a support body <NUM>, configured, in the case shown, for attachment to the bicycle handlebars. In the case of the control device for curved handlebars shown, the support body <NUM> is attached at its rear region <NUM>, so as to protrude forward in the travel direction from the convex grip region of the handlebars, in a manner per se well known. The support body <NUM> may also be gripped by the cyclist instead of the handlebars, resting his/her hand palm on its upper region <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> shown is, by way of an example, of the integrated type, in charge of controlling a brake and the gear ratio.

The control device <NUM> shown is, moreover, by way of an example, in charge of emitting further commands, as better described hereinbelow.

The control device <NUM> may comprise, as shown, a manual actuation member in the form of a brake lever <NUM>, for controlling the brake, articulated at an upper end thereof, the pivot axis <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM> being substantially horizontal and forward with respect to the handlebars in the travel direction, so that the brake lever <NUM> is actuated by pulling it towards the curved end of the handlebars, namely generally toward the rear region <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, as shown by arrow X.

In <FIG> a hydraulic tank <NUM> of the braking system is visible, but the braking system is not necessarily of the hydraulic type.

The control device <NUM> may comprise, as shown, a pair of manual actuation members in the form of control levers <NUM>, <NUM> in charge of controlling a gear ratio, preferably, in the case of the left control device shown, for controlling the gear ratio between the bottom bracket spindle and a looped transmission member, in particular a chain or a belt.

The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are articulated, for example, at an upper end of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> have a respective control region <NUM>, <NUM>, intended for applying the manual force, in the case shown arranged behind the brake lever <NUM>, namely rearward with respect to the brake lever <NUM> in the travel direction.

The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated, for example, by pushing them generally in the distal to proximal direction, as shown by arrows Y, Z. In this case, the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are movable between a rest position behind the brake lever <NUM>, namely rearward with respect to the brake lever <NUM> in the travel direction, and an actuation position proximal with respect to the rest position.

In the case shown of an electronic control device, for controlling a derailleur or gearshift or other electric-electronic equipment, the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> control the closure of a respective switch, not visible in <FIG>; in other cases, the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided for issuing one or more commands to one or more mechanical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or electromechanical pieces of equipment, and for example they may control the traction of sheathed cables, the push of pistons or something else.

The control device <NUM> may comprise, as shown, a pair of manual actuation members in the shape of push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM> which control the command, for example the closing, of a respective switch, not visible in <FIG>, and which are in charge of, for example, issuing commands to electronics of a controlled equipment, in particular to the electronics of the front derailleur in the case of the left control device shown, of the gearshift in the case of the right control device.

The control device <NUM> may comprise a luminous indicator <NUM> as output interface device with the user.

The push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM> and the luminous indicator <NUM> are arranged, for example, on the proximal face <NUM> of the support body, so as to be easily accessed by the cyclist's thumb, and in a position visible by the cyclist.

A sheath <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, may cover part of the support body <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> has regions <NUM>, <NUM> with greater flexibility, for example thinner, or holes at the push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as a hole <NUM> at the luminous indicator <NUM>, if provided for.

The control device <NUM> may comprise a coaxial cable <NUM> having an antenna function for wireless communication with one or more pieces of equipment controlled by the control device <NUM> and/or with other electronic devices. The coaxial cable <NUM> has for example the function of a quarter wave antenna.

The coaxial cable <NUM> may extend to the outer surface of the support body <NUM> and may also have an end portion 24a extending thereonto.

The coaxial cable <NUM> may extend to - and possibly with the end portion 24a on - the proximal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>.

The coaxial cable <NUM> may arrive - and its end portion 24a may extend - in a position not involved by the cyclist's hand and/or fingers during the normal grip of the support body <NUM> or of the handlebars.

In <FIG>, motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are also partially visible, which may be interposed between the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> and respective switches, not visible in those figures.

The possible switches controlled by the manual actuation members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are housed within a cavity of the support body <NUM>, the closure of which is shown in <FIG>, made for example through a frame-like cover <NUM> and a cover <NUM> inserted therein, which also serves for fixing a battery for powering the electric/electronic components housed within the cavity of the support body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is, for example, arranged on the distal face <NUM> of the control device <NUM>, so that the battery may be easily accessible for replacement.

The distal face <NUM> may also bear a service opening closed by a cover <NUM>.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged one above the other as shown. For example, the control lever <NUM> having the upper control region <NUM> is intended for applying the manual force with a forefinger, and the control lever <NUM> having the lower control region <NUM> is intended for applying the manual force with a middle finger. For example, the control lever <NUM> having the upper control region <NUM> is intended for emitting an upshift command and the control lever <NUM> having the lower control region <NUM> is intended for emitting a downshift command. The cyclist's finger may therefore "specialize" and an involuntary actuation is avoided.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a different surface texture so as to allow them to be distinguished by the feel.

Furthermore, because there are two independent control levers <NUM>, <NUM>, the respective pivot point may be optimized, so as to better exploit the lever effect during actuation.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> may be separated by a slit <NUM>.

The slit <NUM> may extend, slanted downwards, substantially along a direction 32a forming an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>° with the longitudinal direction <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>, preferably an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, more preferably an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

The longitudinal direction <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM> is defined by a line tangent to the rear edge 7a of a distal face <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM> and intersecting the pivot axis <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend on one and a same plane as shown, or on a curved surface having a constant or uniformly changing radius of curvature, so that between the two control regions there is no sharp transition. However, this is not strictly necessary.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> start preferably both from the rear edge 7a of the distal face <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>; alternatively, they could be one rearward with respect to the other one.

With reference also to <FIG>, the control regions <NUM>, <NUM> may extend on surfaces which, at the rear edge 7a of the brake lever <NUM>, are tangent to the distal face <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>.

In the control device <NUM> shown, the upper control region <NUM> is comparatively short and wide and the lower control region <NUM> is comparatively tall and narrow, even though this is not strictly necessary. Because the brake lever <NUM> is usually slanted towards the handlebars, by so shaping the control regions <NUM>, <NUM> it is possible to make their distance from the handlebars substantially equal.

The control regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> provided behind the brake lever <NUM> may however have configurations and/or positions even remarkably different from those shown; manual actuation members different from control levers, for example of the push-button type, may also be provided for, in order to actuate the possible switches which, in the case of the control device <NUM> shown, are actuated by the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>, or to send non-electric commands; control levers or other manual actuation members behind the brake lever <NUM> may also be lacking altogether, only control manual actuation members or push-buttons on the support body <NUM> being provided for.

As mentioned, the control device <NUM> may comprise a plurality of switches and/or other electric/electronic components, among which for example also a wireless communication device.

With reference also to <FIG>, a plurality of electric/electronic devices may be housed within the support body <NUM>.

Said plurality of electric-electronic devices may be distributed on at least two printed circuit boards, PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. The two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> of a pair of said PCBs may be parallel to and spaced from each other. In this way, the two PCBs may for example be housed within a cavity <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, which may have a comparatively small cross size, with respect to the extent of the support body <NUM>.

The two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> of the pair of PCBs may be electrically connected to each other, for example as discussed hereinbelow.

The electro-electronic devices borne by the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> of the pair of parallel and spaced PCBs may represent the most or even the totality of the electric/electronic components of the control device <NUM>.

However, other electro-electronic devices may be borne by one or more other PCBs, for example on a third PCB not parallel to the PCBs of the pair as will be described for example hereinbelow with reference to <FIG>, or also directly fixed for example to the support body.

The cavity <NUM>, which closure has already been discussed above, may open on the distal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> may extend from the distal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, to in proximity to the proximal face <NUM>. The bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may have through holes or openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively at the control push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, at the luminous indicator <NUM>, and for the passage of the coaxial cable <NUM>, if provided for.

One of the two PCBs, hereinbelow named auxiliary PCB <NUM>, bears, on its proximal face <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) facing toward the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, and in positions corresponding to the holes <NUM>, <NUM>, switches <NUM>, <NUM> respectively controlled by the control push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM>. The auxiliary PCB <NUM> is fixed in proximity to the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, for example through screws <NUM> in threaded blind holes <NUM>.

A flexible diaphragm <NUM>, for example made of silicone, may be interposed between the auxiliary PCB <NUM> and the bottom <NUM> of the cavity, in order to ensure hermetic_tightness. The diaphragm is so seated as to let the holes <NUM>, <NUM> for the luminous indicator <NUM> and for passage of the coaxial cable <NUM> free, if provided for.

The diaphragm <NUM> may have recessed seats <NUM>, <NUM> at the holes <NUM>, <NUM> and at the switches <NUM>, <NUM>, if provided for, open towards the auxiliary PCB <NUM>, within which rigid pushers <NUM>, <NUM> are housed.

The diaphragm <NUM> with the rigid pushers <NUM>, <NUM> embodies the manual actuation members or control push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM>.

A spacer <NUM> may be fixed to the proximal face <NUM> of the auxiliary PCB <NUM> about the switches <NUM>, <NUM>, for example trough press fitting protrusions <NUM> thereof into holes <NUM> of the auxiliary PCB <NUM>, in order to keep the diaphragm <NUM> and the rigid pushers <NUM>, <NUM> spaced from the switches <NUM>, <NUM> in the rest condition of the control push-buttons <NUM>, <NUM>; furthermore, the spacer <NUM> allows tightness through compression of the diaphragm <NUM> towards the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

A pusher <NUM> may have a greater height than the other pusher <NUM> so that the control push-button <NUM> protrudes from the proximal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM> so as to promote actuation thereof, and so that the control push-button <NUM> is flush with the proximal face <NUM> or is recessed in the proximal face <NUM> so as to avoid an involuntary actuation thereof. The protruding control push-button <NUM> is intended for the input of commands during the ordinary use of the bicycle, for example it is a push-button for selecting an operating mode of the controlled equipment ("mode" push-button), while the control push-button <NUM> is intended for example for the input of setting commands.

The control push-button <NUM> may be intended for switching some or all the electric/electronic components on and off, through disconnection of the power supplied by the battery which, as mentioned, may be fixed to the cover <NUM> on the distal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, and which will be better described hereinbelow. This provision allows energy to be spared, also when the electronics is provided with a low consumption mode, so-called sleep or standby mode, and is awaken thus returning to be fully operative, namely in a full operation operating mode, for example through a movement sensor, for example an accelerometer, while it enters the low consumption mode in the absence of movement and/or after a certain period of time, for example. This provision is particularly useful in the case of a control device <NUM> provided with a wireless communication module, because the latter has remarkable consumption. The provision of an on/off push-button on an electronic control device provided with a wireless communication module and/or provided with a low consumption mode is innovative per se, irrespectively of the presence or absence of other innovative features of the subject-matter disclosed herein.

With reference also to <FIG>, the distal face <NUM> of the auxiliary PCB <NUM>, facing toward the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, may have a connector <NUM> for coupling with a matching connector (<NUM>) connected to switches controlled by the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>, if provided for as better described hereinbelow. The connector <NUM> may be of the snap-type, for example a connector of the EZ-mate type. The connection may however be made through soldering.

The distal face <NUM> of the auxiliary PCB <NUM> may have a connector <NUM> for coupling with a matching connector <NUM> provided on the proximal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM>, visible in <FIG> and facing toward the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. The connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be of the snap-type, for example of the pin strip type.

The provision of the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> aids the mounting operations and also serves as a mutual mechanical connection of the two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>, avoiding vibrations and risks of collision of the components, as well as a spacer, thus ensuring the aeration of the electric-electronic components on the PCBs <NUM>, <NUM>. The connection may however be made through soldering.

The proximal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM> may also bear a wireless communication module <NUM>, for example according to the BlueTooth or ANT+ protocol. The module may have an integrated microcontroller.

The wireless communication module <NUM> is typically provided with an internal antenna. In order to avoid that the cyclist's hand screens the antenna, the above-mentioned coaxial cable <NUM> may be provided for, having an antenna function. The coaxial cable <NUM> may be connected with the wireless communication module <NUM> through a coaxial connector <NUM> provided for example on the distal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM> and connected with the wireless communication module <NUM> through, for example, a printed connection through the main PCB <NUM>.

The coaxial cable <NUM> may extend to - and possibly also with its end portion 24a extending on the - outer surface of the support body <NUM>, for example on its proximal face <NUM>, as mentioned above. For example, the coaxial cable <NUM> may pass next to the auxiliary PCB <NUM>, to the spacer <NUM> and to the diaphragm <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> and through the through hole <NUM> on the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>.

The coaxial cable <NUM> may extend to the outer surface of the support body <NUM> in a region of the support body <NUM> which, in a mounted condition of the control device <NUM> on the handlebars or in general on the bicycle, substantially faces an intended position for a wireless communication module with which said wireless communication module <NUM> is intended to communicate, for example with a wireless communication module of a controlled equipment such as a derailleur or a gearshift, or of another electronic device, such as a cycle computer, a smartphone or similar, arranged in a central region of the handlebars. The end portion 24a of the coaxial cable <NUM> may extend in said region.

The control device <NUM> and said controlled equipment or other electronic device form a bicycle electronic system.

With reference also to <FIG>, the end portion of the coaxial cable <NUM> is for example housed in a groove <NUM>, correspondingly sized, one end of which may communicate with the hole <NUM>. The coaxial cable <NUM> thus turns out to be force fitted, or in any case without any substantial possibility of movement within the groove <NUM>, so as to remain in the intended position.

The groove <NUM> may be made in a recess <NUM> of the outer surface of the support body <NUM>, larger than the groove <NUM>, provided for example to house a film made of adhesive plastic material (not shown) for retaining the coaxial cable <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be sized correspondingly to the film. These details have been omitted from <FIG> for the sake of clarity.

The proximal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM> may also bear a light source <NUM>, for example an LED. A light guide <NUM> may extend between the light source <NUM> and the through hole <NUM> on the proximal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>. A light diffuser <NUM> or gem may be provided for at the through hole <NUM>. The light source <NUM>, the light guide <NUM> and the light diffuser <NUM> embody said luminous indicator <NUM>, if provided for.

The distal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM> may also bear electric contacts <NUM> for a battery <NUM>, for example a button battery.

A screen <NUM> may be coupled on the distal face <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM>, in order to hide the main PCB <NUM> from view and protect any test points <NUM> provided on said distal face <NUM>. A through aperture <NUM> is provided on the screen <NUM> at the passage of the electric contacts <NUM>.

The main PCB <NUM>, with the possible screen <NUM> coupled thereto, may be fixed to the proximal face <NUM> of the frame-like cover <NUM> which partially closes the mouth <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, for example through force fitting protrusions <NUM> of the frame-like cover <NUM> in holes <NUM> of the main PCB <NUM>.

A through seat <NUM> for the battery <NUM> may be provided for in the frame-like cover <NUM>, for example it may protrude from the proximal face <NUM> of the frame-like cover <NUM>.

The frame-like cover <NUM> is fixed in the peripheral region of the mouth <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, for example through screws <NUM> in threaded blind holes <NUM> made in posts <NUM> upright from the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. A frame-like gasket <NUM> may be interposed between the frame-like cover <NUM> and the posts <NUM> in order to ensure tightness.

The main PCB <NUM> turns out to be fixed in an intermediate position of the cavity <NUM> - while, as above mentioned, the auxiliary PCB <NUM> may be fixed in proximity to the bottom <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> - and therefore in proximity to the proximal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM> in the case shown.

The above-mentioned cover <NUM> of the battery <NUM> closes the through seat <NUM> or opening of the frame-like cover <NUM> holding the battery <NUM> in its seat. An O-ring <NUM> may be provided for in order to ensure the tightness between the cover <NUM> and the frame-like cover <NUM>. A seat <NUM> for the O-ring <NUM> may be provided for in the cover <NUM> of the battery <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> presses the battery <NUM> onto the electric contacts <NUM>, holding it against the main PCB <NUM>. If the electric contacts <NUM> are of the flexible blade type, they elastically deform and aid the ejection of the battery <NUM> for its replacement.

The cover <NUM> of the battery <NUM> is, for example, of the bayonet type, two snapping lugs <NUM> being visible in <FIG>. The cover <NUM> of the battery is, for example, provided with a groove <NUM> for inserting an actuation coin.

The arrangement of the cover <NUM> of the battery <NUM>, in general of the mouth <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>, on the distal face <NUM> of the control device <NUM> aids the replacement of the battery <NUM> because this is easily accessible.

<FIG> shows a detail of the support body <NUM> in a cut-away view at the cavity <NUM>, making the mounting condition of the components housed therein evident, including the frame-like cover <NUM>, while the battery <NUM> is shown broken away from its seat and the cover <NUM> is also shown broken away, provided with the O-ring <NUM>.

In <FIG>, which also shows a detail of the support body <NUM> in a cut-away view at the cavity <NUM>, the mounting condition of all components housed therein is evident.

It will be understood that the arrangement of the various electric/electronic components on the two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> may vary also remarkably from what shown, that some of them may be omitted, and vice versa other electric/electronic components may be provided for.

However, it is highlighted that the provision of the two parallel and spaced PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> not only allows to have a lot of space available for the electric/electronic components, and therefore allows their number to be increased, but it also allows the various electric/electronic components to be placed in the most suitable position of the support body <NUM>, in proximity to suitable regions of its exposed surface.

In the control device <NUM> shown, the two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to the proximal face <NUM> and to the distal face <NUM> of the support body <NUM>, but alternatively they may be parallel to a lower and an upper face of the support body <NUM>, or they may be parallel to a front and a rear face of the support body <NUM>, or have another configuration with respect to the support body <NUM>.

It will be understood that in the case of a control device not intended for curved handlebars, rather intended for straight handlebars or so-called T-bar, or for a resting bar protruding forward of handlebars specialized for speed races ("bar-end" control device), or for a control device intended for attachment to the bicycle frame, the provision of the two PCBs <NUM>, <NUM> may still turn out to be convenient. In those cases, the two PCBs may still be parallel to a distal and a proximal face of the support body, or they may be parallel to a lower and an upper face of the support body, or they may be parallel to a front and a rear face of the support body, or may have another configuration with respect to the support body, the criteria for placing the two PCBs in the support body and for distributing the various electric/electronic components on the two PCBs being manifest to those skilled in the art in the light of the above description.

With reference also to <FIG>, as above mentioned, in the case shown of electronic control device <NUM>, for controlling a derailleur or a gearshift or other electric-electronic equipment, the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> control the closure of a respective switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

Between the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> and the switches <NUM>, <NUM>, motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> can be interposed, as above mentioned. In this way it is possible to arrange the switches <NUM>, <NUM> on the support body <NUM>, where the electric and tight insulation may be made more conveniently, while the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged where it is more ergonomic, for example behind the brake lever <NUM>. Through the transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> it is not necessary, still being possible, to articulate the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> with the support body <NUM> and provide them with a dual articulation in order to allow them to follow the movement of the brake lever <NUM>. On the contrary, it is possible for example to articulate the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> on the brake lever <NUM>, as better described hereinafter.

The switches <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed, together with other components better described hereinbelow, in a switch case <NUM> tightly closed by a cover <NUM>, for example of the snapping type.

With reference also to <FIG> and <FIG>, the switch case <NUM> may be housed within the support body <NUM>, in a service opening <NUM> extending through the support body <NUM> from a recess <NUM> thereof adjacent to the cavity <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be also provided for housing the mechanics actuated by the brake lever <NUM> and the hydraulic tank <NUM> controlled thereby, if provided for.

The switch case <NUM> may be fixed to the support body <NUM> for example through a screw (not shown) extending between a hole <NUM> of the above-mentioned cover <NUM>, which closes the service opening <NUM>, a hole <NUM> of the case <NUM> and a hole (not visible) of the support body <NUM>.

With reference in particular to <FIG>, the switches <NUM>, <NUM> may be of the push-operated type, for example of the micro-switch type or of the deformable dome-shaped diaphragm type. For example, in the switch case <NUM> there may be housed a switch printed circuit board or PCB <NUM> comprising conductive tracks and a pair of deformable diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM> to close electric circuits formed by the conductive tracks, facing the switch PCB <NUM> to form the switches <NUM>, <NUM>.

The other face of the switch PCB <NUM> may bear a removable connector <NUM> for a cable system <NUM>, comprising for example three cables, having a matching removable connector <NUM> a first end and a second connector <NUM> at the second end. The cable system <NUM> may pass through a hole <NUM> (<FIG>) which communicates the recess <NUM> with the cavity <NUM>; a gasket <NUM> may be provided at the hole <NUM> (<FIG>). A cover <NUM> (<FIG>) may be fixed, for example through a screw <NUM>, within the recess <NUM> in order to seal the cable system <NUM>.

The removable connector <NUM> at the second end of the cable system <NUM> couples to the removable connector <NUM> on the distal face <NUM> of the auxiliary PCB <NUM>. In this way, the assembly of the control device <NUM> is particularly simple and fast and the replacement of the switch PCB <NUM> is possible independently of the replacement of the main PCB <NUM> and/or of the auxiliary PCB <NUM>. However, the removable connectors <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM>, <NUM> may be replaced by soldered connections, for example.

In the case of the control device <NUM> shown, as mentioned, motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are provided, each one operatively interposed between the manual actuation member or control lever <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective switch <NUM>, <NUM>. In case the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are not provided for, the manual actuation members or control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may act by directly pushing on the switches <NUM>, <NUM>, for example in order to temporarily close the switches <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a guide element <NUM>, <NUM> provided with a filiform through cavity <NUM>, <NUM>, and a filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> substantially longitudinally incompressible and slidingly guided within the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>. The guide element <NUM>, <NUM> may have a first end <NUM>, <NUM> fixed, for example in the manner better described hereinbelow, in proximity to a driven region <NUM>, <NUM> of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, <NUM> fixed in proximity to the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the present description and the attached claims, under term "filiform", elongated and thin is meant to be understood.

In the present description and the attached claims, the expression "driven region" is used to indicate the portion of the manual actuation member which is moved when the cyclist applies a force to a control region of the manual actuation member. In the case of a manual actuation member of the lever type, the control region comprises the application point of the driving force and the driven region comprises the application point of the driven force; in the case of a push-button, the control region and the driven region are opposed faces.

The filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> may have a first end <NUM>, <NUM> directly or indirectly pushed, as better described hereinbelow, by the driven region <NUM>, <NUM> of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> during actuation thereof and a second end <NUM>, <NUM> acting by pushing on the switch <NUM>, <NUM>, for example temporarily closing it.

The second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> may directly act on the switch <NUM>, <NUM> or, as in the case shown, indirectly.

In the case shown, the switch case <NUM> has seats <NUM>, <NUM> for housing a pair of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> for holding end flanges <NUM>, <NUM> of the guide elements <NUM>, <NUM> in order to prevent axial sliding thereof.

Through holes <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the bottom of the seats <NUM>, <NUM> for the passage of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, which communicate with another pair of seats <NUM>, <NUM> of the case <NUM> and form openings thereof.

In the seats <NUM>, <NUM> a pair of rigid pushers <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed, which are on the side of openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the seats <NUM>, <NUM> and act, through the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, on the deformable diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the seats <NUM>, <NUM> a second pair of auxiliary pushers <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed, on the side of the openings <NUM>, <NUM> of the seats <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the seats <NUM>, <NUM> a pair of springs <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed, extending about the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The elastic constant of each of the springs <NUM>, <NUM> is selected such that the load of the spring <NUM>, <NUM> is less than the actuation load of the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, the elastic constant of the springs <NUM>, <NUM> may, but not necessarily has to, be selected in such a manner that they push or contribute to push the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> and therefore in general the manual actuation members <NUM>, <NUM>, away from the first openings <NUM>, <NUM>, in the direction of non-actuation of the switches <NUM>, <NUM>.

The auxiliary pushers <NUM>, <NUM> are for example cup shaped in order to accommodate the ends of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

A spacer <NUM> may be interposed between the deformable dome-shaped diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM> and the pushers <NUM>, <NUM>; the spacer <NUM> also holds the diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM> in their position.

The seats <NUM>, <NUM> may be oversized with respect to the stroke of the switches <NUM>, <NUM>. In the rest, not compressed condition of the springs <NUM>, <NUM>, the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> may then be spaced by a gap <NUM>, <NUM>, better discussed hereinbelow. The load of the spring <NUM>, <NUM> is related to the elastic constant of the spring <NUM>, <NUM> and to the entity of the gap <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the case shown, an auxiliary body <NUM> is fixed to the brake lever <NUM>, for example housed in a region thereof having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The auxiliary body <NUM> may be fixed to the brake lever <NUM> for example through gluing or comoulding. The auxiliary body <NUM> thus becomes a single body with the brake lever <NUM> and might also be missing, by suitably shaping the brake lever <NUM>.

The auxiliary body <NUM> may have a pair of pivot pins <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>. The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are thus articulated on the brake lever <NUM>, rather than on the support body <NUM>.

The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may have protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> provided with holed flanges <NUM>, <NUM> configured to rotate on pivots <NUM>, <NUM>, being axially hold for example by elastic rings <NUM>, <NUM>.

The pivot pins <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> extend substantially orthogonal to the pivot axis <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>, almost orthogonal to the above defined longitudinal direction <NUM> of the brake lever <NUM>.

The control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may have end-of-stroke protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The driven regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may have protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> provided with apertures <NUM>, <NUM> forming cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

The cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> amplify a displacement of the driven regions <NUM>, <NUM> caused by the rotation of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> into a larger displacement of cam followers associated therewith, which actuate the switches <NUM>, <NUM> by directly or indirectly pushing them, for example as described hereinbelow.

Through the provision of the cam surface <NUM>, <NUM>, a movement of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> large enough to be perceived by the cyclist may be allowed, also when the movement for actuating the switch <NUM>, <NUM> by pushing it has to be small; furthermore, because such a large enough movement of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> is necessary, then small oscillations of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>, caused by vibrations or small movements of the cyclist's hand or fingers, do not entail any involuntary actuation of the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

The presence of the cam surface <NUM>, <NUM> makes the magnitude of the linear displacement of pushing on the switch <NUM>, <NUM> independent of the size of the lever arm, of its angular stroke, and of the position of the fulcrum with respect to the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

The provision, in an electronic control device for a bicycle comprising a support body configured for attachment to the bicycle, a push-operated switch, and a control lever actuatable for switching the switch in order to issue a command, of the fact that the driven region of the control lever has a cam surface configured to amplify a displacement of the driven region caused by the rotation of the control lever into a larger displacement of a cam follower associated with the cam surface, said cam follower actuating said switch by directly or indirectly pushing it, is innovative per se, irrespectively of the presence or absence of other innovative features of the subject-matter disclosed herein.

It is noted that the protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, in general the driven regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>, are arranged in an intermediate zone of the control regions <NUM>, <NUM>, which extend substantially along the entire length of the control levers <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> may act as second-class_lever or as third-class lever according to where the cyclist rests his/her finger and/or of which finger he/she uses.

Cam followers <NUM>, <NUM> are movable in the cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM> may be operatively associated with the cam followers <NUM>, <NUM>.

The cam followers <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a pair of pushers <NUM>, <NUM> preferably cup-shaped in order to house the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and articulated in the cam followers <NUM>, <NUM> so as to be able to remain extended along one and the same direction during the movement of the cam followers <NUM>, <NUM> in the cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

The auxiliary body <NUM> has a pair of seats <NUM>, <NUM> for snapping therein a pair of bushings <NUM>, <NUM> for holding end flanges (cf. flange <NUM> visible in <FIG>) of the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the guide elements <NUM>, <NUM> in order to prevent axial sliding thereof.

The bushings <NUM>, <NUM> may also serve as guides of the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> of the cam followers <NUM>, <NUM>. Through holes <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the bottom of the seats <NUM>, <NUM> for the passage of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>.

Both at the first ends <NUM>, <NUM>, and at the second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, the guide elements <NUM>, <NUM> may lack the flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding one, by being fixed for example through incompressible sleeves, for example provided with conical surfaces coupled with conical surfaces of a clamping ferrule, or in other suitable ways to prevent their axial sliding.

With reference also to FIGG. <NUM> and <NUM>, wherein only one manual actuation member or control lever <NUM> and only one motion transmission device <NUM> are shown, and only the main reference numbers are shown for the sake of clarity, when, in the condition of <FIG>, the control lever <NUM> is not actuated, the cam follower <NUM> is at an end of the cam surface <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> with the first end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> is in a rearward position, so that the first end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> protrudes by a comparatively large amount from the first end <NUM> of the guide element <NUM>. In the case switch <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> is in a rearward position and protrudes by a comparatively small amount from the second end <NUM> of the guide element <NUM>. The auxiliary pusher <NUM> is spaced from the pusher <NUM> by the gap <NUM>, the spring <NUM> is not compressed. The pusher <NUM> does not deform the deformable dome-shaped diaphragm <NUM>, and the switch <NUM> is open.

When, in the condition of <FIG>, the control lever <NUM> is actuated, the cam follower <NUM> is at the other end of the cam surface <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> with the first end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> is in a forward position, so that the first end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> protrudes by a comparatively small amount from the first end <NUM> of the guide element <NUM>. In the switch case <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM> is in a forward position and protrudes by a comparatively large amount from the second end <NUM> of the guide element <NUM>. The auxiliary pusher <NUM> has been brought close to the pusher <NUM> and has pushed it, after having completely absorbed the gap <NUM>, thus compressing the spring <NUM>, to deform the deformable dome-shaped diaphragm <NUM>, so that the switch <NUM> is closed.

When the control lever <NUM> is released, the return force of the spring <NUM> restores the condition of above-described <FIG>.

The auxiliary pushers <NUM>, <NUM> may be omitted, the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> directly acting on the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> which are in contact with the diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM> of the switches <NUM>, <NUM>. The pushers <NUM>, <NUM> may also be omitted, the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> directly acting on the diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM>. Vice versa, only the auxiliary pushers <NUM>, <NUM> may be present and act on the diaphragms <NUM>, <NUM>.

More in general, each seat <NUM>, <NUM> is a sliding seat of at least one element (for example, the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the pushers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the pushers <NUM>, <NUM>) directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>, in the case shown by the driven region <NUM>, <NUM> of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>. The sliding seats <NUM>, <NUM> have, as mentioned, a first opening <NUM>, <NUM> facing toward the switch <NUM>, <NUM> and a second opening <NUM>, <NUM> opposed to the first opening.

As shown in <FIG>, the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> may have a pair of springs <NUM>, <NUM> either also (<FIG>) or only (<FIG>) at the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM>, which springs <NUM>, <NUM> are shortened while the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are actuated, and return to an elongated condition when the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> are released, thus restoring (<FIG>) or contributing to restore (<FIG>) the rest condition of the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The springs <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the springs <NUM>, <NUM>, if provided for (<FIG>), to restore the rest condition of the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> upon release of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in FIGG. <NUM> and <NUM>, the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> need not necessarily have a filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> slidingly guided within a guide element <NUM>, <NUM>.

In <FIG> motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are shown comprising articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM> in lieu of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, formed by rigid segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, three in the case shown merely by way of an example. The intermediate rigid segments <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by two parallel branches, as shown. The guide elements <NUM>, <NUM> are omitted.

The ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> and the bushings <NUM>, <NUM> in this case only play the role of guiding the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and they may also be omitted.

The articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are capable of following the movement of the brake lever <NUM>.

In <FIG> motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are shown, comprising rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM> in lieu of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>; the guide elements <NUM>, <NUM> are omitted. Also in this case, the ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> and the bushings <NUM>, <NUM> only play the role of guides of the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and might also be omitted. The rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM> do not allow the movements of the brake lever <NUM> to be followed, but the configuration may turn out to be useful, for example, for control devices not configured for drop bar handlebars.

In both cases of <FIG>, both the springs <NUM>, <NUM> at the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively of the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, in the case switch <NUM>, and the springs <NUM>, <NUM> at the first end of the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively of the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, are shown, but they need not necessarily be all present.

In <FIG> the other reference numbers, corresponding to those of <FIG>, are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

It is noted that the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, and the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are all substantially longitudinally incompressible bodies.

The configuration of the oversized seats <NUM>, <NUM>, with the pair of pushers <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> and the gap <NUM>, <NUM> therebetween in the rest condition of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> embodies an example of a de-coupling mechanism operatively interposed between the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> and the switch <NUM>, <NUM>. The de-coupling mechanism is effective to de-couple the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM> from the switch <NUM>, <NUM> during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>.

While the first end <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> is pushed (directly or indirectly as shown) by the driven region <NUM>, <NUM> of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> during the actuation thereof, the second end <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> acts by pushing on the switch <NUM>, <NUM> only after the gap <NUM>, <NUM> present between the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and said switch <NUM>, <NUM> in the rest condition of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> has been absorbed.

Through such a de-coupling mechanism, despite the small stroke of the switch <NUM>, <NUM>, a movement of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> or in general of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM> large enough to be perceived by the cyclist may be allowed, for example a rotation by <NUM>° of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, because such a large enough movement of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>, in general of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>, is necessary, then small oscillations of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>, in general of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>, caused for example by vibrations or small movements of the cyclist's hand or fingers, do not entail any involuntary actuation of the switch <NUM>, <NUM>. It is noted that this effect is additional to and independent of the similar effect of the cam surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> described above.

The sliding seats <NUM>, <NUM> and the gap <NUM>, <NUM> may be so sized that, for example, <NUM>% of the stroke of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM>, for example the first <NUM>°, corresponds to the absorption of the gap <NUM>, <NUM> while only the remaining <NUM>% of the stroke of the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> serves to effectively close the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

The de-coupling mechanism, moreover, by introducing an idle stroke of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>, also improves the cyclist's tactile feeling because the cyclist perceives the instant when the de-coupling mechanism stops being effective, and thereafter also the instant when the switch <NUM>, <NUM> closes, for example with the deformable dome-shaped diaphragm <NUM>, <NUM> snapping.

As mentioned, not all the above-mentioned sliding elements in the sliding seat <NUM>, <NUM> of the de-coupling mechanism are necessary, and indeed they may be totally absent when in the seat <NUM>, <NUM> the driven region of the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM> directly slides, namely when the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> are totally absent. When it is a control lever, the sliding seat extends along a curve in order to allow the rotation movement of the control lever.

In order to embody the de-coupling mechanism, the gap or empty space in the sliding seat may be generally formed between the manual actuation member and the switch, in the rest condition of the manual actuation member; while the manual actuation member, during actuation thereof, acts by directly or indirectly pushing on the switch only after the absorption of said gap.

The gap <NUM>, <NUM> may be considered as generally formed between the first pusher <NUM>, <NUM>, on the side of the sliding seat <NUM>, <NUM> having the opening <NUM>, <NUM> facing toward the switch <NUM>, <NUM>, and the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM>, when it is not actuated.

The gap <NUM>, <NUM> may also be considered as generally formed between the second pusher or auxiliary pusher <NUM>, <NUM> and the switch <NUM>, <NUM>, when the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM> is not actuated.

The gap <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided for also in the absence of one of or both pushers <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> of each motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM>, for example directly between the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM> or the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM> or the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM> and the switch <NUM>, <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, another gap (not shown) may be provided for at the first end <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM> or of the articulated bodies <NUM>, <NUM> or of the rigid bodies <NUM>, <NUM>. When two gaps are present, at both ends of the motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM>, the control lever <NUM>, <NUM> or in general the manual actuation device starts being effective in closing the switch <NUM>, <NUM> only after having absorbed both gaps.

It is noted that the spring <NUM>, <NUM> is not strictly necessary. Indeed, in the absence of the spring <NUM>, <NUM>, when the manual actuation member <NUM>, <NUM> is not actuated, it may occur that by gravity an element sliding in the seat <NUM>, <NUM> (be it the pusher <NUM>, <NUM> or the pusher <NUM>, <NUM> in the absence thereof or the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> in the absence thereof) faces the opening <NUM>, <NUM> and enters into or remains in contact with the switch <NUM>, <NUM>, but does not perform the push action necessary to actuate the latter.

Moreover, it is noted that, alternatively or additionally to the spring <NUM>, <NUM>, other return means may be provided for, for example other springs at the first ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the filiform bodies <NUM>, <NUM> as described above.

The de-coupling mechanism represents an innovative aspect per se of the subject-matter disclosed herein. In particular the de-coupling mechanism may also be provided independently of the motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM> comprises the substantially longitudinally incompressible filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> slidingly guided within the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>, the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> may have enough flexibility to follow the movements of the brake lever <NUM>, in the case of a control device <NUM> for curved handlebars. They may have a flexural rigidity module E <= <NUM> GPa. Between the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> there may be a friction coefficient Mu <= <NUM>.

The filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of a metal material, for example steel, or of a thermoplastic material, for example polyetherketone (PEEK), or of an elastomeric material, for example of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or of a composite material, for example of glass/carbon fiber reinforced polyamide (PA GF/CF Reinforced), or of a thermoset material, for example polyurethane; the material of the two components may be the same or different.

The filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> may be made through a process of extrusion or co-extrusion, or injection moulding, or compression moulding, or drawing, or lamination, or braiding to form a braided sock.

With reference to <FIG>, the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> may have a polygonal cross-section (<FIG>) or a curvilinear cross-section so as to have longitudinal grooves (<FIG>). Alternatively, the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> may have a polygonal cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-section of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> may be solid or hollow. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the mantle or not.

The guide element <NUM>, <NUM> may also have a hollow curvilinear cross-section so as to have longitudinal grooves <NUM> (<FIG>), or a hollow polygonal cross-section, or else a hollow cylindrical cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the mantle or not.

As shown in <FIG>, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and of the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> are to be meant as being merely by way of an example, a single guide element <NUM> may be shared by two (or more) motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> provided between two or more switches <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective manual actuation members <NUM>, <NUM>, by having two or more side-by-side filiform through cavities <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, between the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> and the guide element <NUM>, <NUM> there may be a clearance <NUM>, <NUM>, but it is not strictly necessary.

The clearance <NUM>, <NUM>, if present, is for example less than the maximum cross size of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM>, indicated as d_o in <FIG>. More in particular, indicating with D_o the diameter of the externally circumscribed circle of the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>, with D_i the diameter of the internally inscribed circle of the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>, with d_o the diameter of the externally circumscribed circle of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM>, with d_i the diameter of the internally inscribed circle of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM>, the clearance <NUM>, <NUM> may be such that formula D_i - d_o <= d_0 applies.

The filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> need not necessarily be a single element rather it may be formed by a plurality of elements aligned along the filiform through cavity <NUM>, <NUM> of the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the elements of said plurality may be selected from the group consisting of spheres, cylinders, disks and prisms. In this way, the flexibility of the motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM> is increased, because the elements of the plurality may mutually slide in the transversal direction of the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>.

In particular in the case of spheres, the above-mentioned clearance <NUM>, <NUM> is not necessary in that the sliding of the filiform body <NUM>, <NUM> is aided by the low rolling friction of the spheres in the guide element <NUM>, <NUM>.

A motion transmission device <NUM>, <NUM> as described above may also turn out to be useful for control devices configured for handlebars different from a drop bar, or for the so-called bar-end control devices or for control devices arranged anywhere on the bicycle frame. Indeed, also in all these cases it may turn out to be useful, for example, to arrange a manual actuation member in a remote position with respect to an electric switch controlled thereby.

It is emphasized once more that the control device <NUM> shown above, comprising the wireless communication device, is free of cabling towards the external.

Furthermore, thanks to the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM> between the control levers <NUM>, <NUM> and the switches <NUM>, <NUM>, all the electric/electronic components are conveniently housed in the support body <NUM> where they may be easily electrically insulated and protected from the elements, besides from shocks and dirt.

The configuration of the switch case <NUM> allows a quick replacement in case of damage to the switches <NUM>, <NUM> and/or to the motion transmission devices <NUM>, <NUM>.

As already emphasized, not all of the above-described components are necessarily present in the control device <NUM> and/or are not necessarily configured and/or arranged as described. Only some of the various possible changes are discussed below.

The control device <NUM> might be attached elsewhere on the bicycle, for example at the resting bars protruding forwards in the handlebars specialized for speed races (bar-end control devices), or in other positions of the handlebars or of the frame, the support body <NUM> being configured accordingly even very differently from what has been shown.

Not all the manual actuation members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are strictly necessary, just as vice versa there may be other manual actuation members.

The control regions of the control levers arranged behind the brake lever may have configurations and/or positions even remarkably different from what has been shown.

The control levers arranged behind the brake lever may also be pivoted on the support body, instead of on the brake lever. Said control levers need not necessarily actuate an electric switch, rather they may be mechanic control levers.

Even when the control levers arranged behind the brake lever control a respective electric switch remote therefrom, there need not necessarily be a motion transmission device of the type described above.

At the brake lever may there may also be manual actuation members different from control levers, for example of the pushbutton type, in order to actuate the possible switches or to emit non-electric commands. Vice versa, on the support body <NUM> manual actuation members of the lever type or of the small lever type or of the tilting type may be provided for, in order to actuate the possible switches or to emit non-electric commands.

In an electronic control device, one single switch controlled through a motion transmission device, or none, or more than two may be provided for.

Claim 1:
Electronic control device (<NUM>) for a bicycle, comprising:
- a support body (<NUM>) configured for attachment to the bicycle handlebars,
- a push-operated switch (<NUM>, <NUM>),
- a manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>) actuatable for switching the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) in order to issue a command, and
- a de-coupling mechanism operatively interposed between the manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) and effective to de-couple the manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that the de-coupling mechanism comprises a sliding seat (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a driven region (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>) or of at least one element (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) directly or indirectly pushed by the driven region (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the manual actuation member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the sliding seat (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) facing toward the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposed to the first opening (<NUM>, <NUM>), the sliding seat (<NUM>, <NUM>) being oversized with respect to the stroke of the switch (<NUM>, <NUM>).