TOOL FOR DRIVING OUT A CHAIN ​​PIN FROM A CHAIN ​​LINK

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for driving out a chain pin from a chain link, comprising a handle body extending along a longitudinal axis, which has a positioning element at a first end along the longitudinal axis, and a pressing device with an upper and a lower projection, each of which defines an intermediate element connecting both projections, wherein coaxial through holes are provided in both projections and a drive screw with a press punch at its end oriented towards the lower projection is screwed into the upper projection.

[0002] These tools are used for repairing damaged chain links or shortening drive chains. Often, the chain links, which are connected by a chain pin, need to be separated. This is done by driving out the chain pin using a press punch that engages the pin coaxially along its longitudinal axis. The term "chain rivet" is often used synonymously with "chain pin." However, this is misleading and technically incorrect, as not all chain designs actually rivet the links together; instead, they are often connected by friction-fit connecting pins. Such a tool is particularly important for cyclists to repair defects in their bicycle's drive chain, such as a broken link.Accordingly, a large number of tools of this type are known from the prior art, for example from DE 297 05 818 U1. Also very well known in specialist circles is the "Revolver" riveting tool from Rohloff, in which the lower projection of the pressing device is replaced by a rotatably adjustable drum. In this way, through holes of different diameters can be positioned in the working area below the press punch, enabling more precise machining of chains of different designs and manufacturers. However, all these known tools have in common that, due to their large dimensions and the resulting bulkiness and the packing volume they require, they are more suitable for use in stationary workshops and are very unsuitable for taking along on a bicycle tour.Especially sport-oriented cyclists tend to use space- and weight-saving "multitools," which combine a number of different tools for repairing typical bicycle damage in a compact case or attach them to a common base unit in a foldable and / or swiveling manner. GB 2 533 545 A1 describes such a tool for removing a chain pin, which also offers other tool functions. However, these well-known multitools often contain only highly miniaturized versions of the aforementioned tools. Their usability is severely limited, as these miniature tools often cannot be precisely aligned with the chain pin to be removed, and sometimes the necessary driving force cannot be applied.Furthermore, all known tools of this type share the common feature that a chain link to be machined is placed on a comb-like positioning element, which engages in the space between the two outer plates of the chain link. However, modern chain manufacturing shows a strong trend towards reducing the distance between the opposing outer plates of a chain link in order to reduce the component depth of derailleur cassettes despite a large number of gears or sprockets. The spaces between the outer plates of a chain link are therefore becoming increasingly narrow. This means that some such narrow-design chains can no longer be machined with the known tools because the comb-like positioning elements must not fall below a certain minimum thickness and thus can no longer engage with the chain links of some chain designs.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a tool for driving out a chain pin from a chain link, comprising a handle extending along a longitudinal axis and having a positioning element at a first end along the longitudinal axis, and a pressing device with an upper and a lower projection, each of which defines an intermediate element connecting both projections, wherein coaxial through-holes are provided in both projections and a drive screw with a press plunger at its end oriented towards the lower projection is screwed into the upper projection, which should exhibit good manual applicability even for chains of different designs while simultaneously being very small in dimensions and easily transportable. In particular, the tool should also enable the processing of very narrow chain designs.

[0004] This task is solved by providing the handle body with a guide device at its first end along the longitudinal axis, extending the handle body along its longitudinal axis. The dispensing device is slidably mounted in this guide device along the longitudinal axis of the handle body between a first position, in which the positioning element and the intermediate element of the dispensing device form a chain space for positioning the chain link, and a second position, in which the dispensing device is spaced apart from the positioning element. In this way, the dispensing device is slidably mounted.Adjustable between an intended operating position, in which the chain link positioned in the chain space is fixed by positive and / or non-positive locking, and an out-of-use position, in which this locking is lifted and the space required for the operator to insert, align and manually manipulate the chain link in the tool is significantly increased and more accessible.

[0005] Preferably, in this context, the dispensing device can be removed from the guide in the second position, for example by moving it along a spatial axis that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the dispensing device in the guide. In this way, the dispensing device and the handle body can be separated, thus enabling separate storage of both components of the tool. This is particularly advantageous because, when assembled for intended use, both components have longitudinal extensions that are perpendicular to each other, and therefore the assembled tool occupies a comparatively large volume. This is known to be problematic when storing a tool of this type according to the prior art.The invention now makes it possible - in addition to the aforementioned improvement in the handling of the tool - to store the tool in a state in which the dispensing device and handle body are separated from each other and can be positioned in a space-saving manner, for example in a parallel arrangement.

[0006] The invention provides that the dispensing device can be fixed in the first position against the handle body by magnetic means. This allows the user to easily fix the dispensing device against the handle body, whereby the dispensing device is pressed almost automatically towards the handle body and thus also against the positioning element arranged on the handle body by the force of the magnetic means. In this way, the clamping force exerted on the chain link by the dispensing device enables automatic fixing of the chain link positioned in the chain space.This facilitates the operation of the tool according to the invention, since the operator does not have to perform any separate operating actions to fix the chain link in the chain space and can therefore concentrate exclusively on the correct positioning of the chain link in the chain space - in particular on the exact alignment of the chain pin to be driven out in coaxial extension of the feed movement of the press ram of the extrusion device.

[0007] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive basic idea, the handle body forms a recess at its first end along the longitudinal axis, extending the handle body along the longitudinal axis and bounded by side walls, with the guide device being integrated into the side walls. The side walls are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool or the handle body and have linear guide elements, such as guide ribs or the like, on their mutually facing inner surfaces. To ensure its movability between the first and second positions, the dispensing device has functionally corresponding counterparts to these linear guide elements in the area of ​​the side surfaces bounding the lower projection, such as a linear groove on both outer sides of the lower projection.Such integration into a recess milled into the tool allows for high stability of the tool according to the invention. The side walls of the recess can be dimensioned to be break-resistant and designed to be completely smooth or flat on the outside, so that the tool does not snag anywhere during use. With regard to the removableness of the dispensing device from the guide element, it is of particular importance that the guide element extends along the longitudinal axis of the tool or handle body only over a portion of each side wall of the recess and is therefore absent in a section of the recess furthest from the positioning element. The gap thus formed is dimensioned such that the dispensing device is not engaged with the guide element in this area and can therefore be removed from it.

[0008] With regard to the inventive basic concept, it is particularly advantageous if the positioning element has a semicircular recess and is formed on the handle body in such a way that an edge is formed between the positioning element and the handle body, which defines a bearing surface for a chain link positioned in the chain space against the handle body. The semicircular recess forms a substantially vertical side surface on the positioning element, oriented towards the chain space, which in turn forms the aforementioned edge defining the bearing surface together with the handle body. The dimensions of the semicircular recess correspond to the radius of the outer contour of an outer plate of the chain links intended for processing with the tool according to the invention. Thus, contact occurs between an outer plate of the chain link and the positioning element.This represents a departure from conventional positioning elements known from the prior art, which are always designed as a comb engaging in the space between the two outer plates of a chain link and bearing directly against the chain pin to be driven out. The contact surface is part of the handle body and oriented perpendicular to the direction of the feed movement of the press ram of the ejector. Thus, the chain link positioned in the chain space is not only effectively supported vertically against the handle body against the forces exerted on the chain link by the press ram during the drive-out of the chain pin, with the lower outer plate of the chain link resting fully on the contact surface, but is also positioned horizontally by the outer plate bearing against the edge or the side surface of the positioning element facing the chain space.The chain link can be inserted into the chain space regardless of the positioning of the ejector, i.e., even when the ejector is in the second position, and positioned on the support surface by manually pressing it against the edge or side of the positioning element. Once the ejector is in the first position, the intermediate element of the ejector clamps the chain link against the positioning element.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the upper edges of the guide device or the side walls of the recess connect to the handle body in such a way as to increase the contact area. This significantly improves the support of the chain link positioned in the chain space in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction of the press ram's feed movement.

[0010] The invention further provides that a hook- or lever-like tire engagement element of a tire lever is molded onto the second end of the handle body, the end furthest from the guide device. In this way, the comparatively robust handle body can be used for an additional tool. This opens up the possibility of creating a combination tool that is useful for cyclists.

[0011] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a recess is formed in an area between the first and second ends of the handle body. The boundary contour and the depth of this recess correspond to the outer contour and thickness of a chain lock or spare chain link in relation to the surface of the handle body. In this way, a chain lock or spare chain link can be stored on the handle body in a space-saving manner. Additionally, a magnet is provided at the bottom of the recess, which serves as a retaining element for the spare chain link. Alternatively or additionally, means for positively locking the chain lock or spare chain link by means of clamping can be provided in the area of ​​the recess.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one element for gripping a tire valve is formed in the side of one of the two projections of the pressing device facing away from the gap, for example, in the form of an opening whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of a tire valve and is provided with additional elements for positive or force-fit gripping of the tire valve. In this way, the pressing device can be used for another tool that is very useful for cyclists, effectively supporting the concept of a combination tool. Similarly, it is further provided that at least one nipple wrench is formed in the side of one of the two projections of the pressing device facing away from the gap.If the pressing device is implemented on one side with the aforementioned element for gripping the tire valve, the nipple clamp is sensibly implemented on the opposite side of the pressing device.

[0013] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1: Perspective view of the tool according to the invention. Figure 2: Detail view of the dispensing device, view from below. Figure 3: Detailed view of the dispensing device in a position separated from the handle body. Figure 4: Detailed view of the dispensing device in a second position. Figure 5: Detailed view of the dispensing device in a first position. Figure 6: View of the tool according to the invention in combination with an additional tool with a hexagonal outer contour.

[0014] The tool according to the invention consists of a handle body 10, in this case in the form of a solid square made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, as well as a dispensing device 20 and a drive screw 30, both in this case made of metal. The dispensing device 20 is formed in a manner known per se from the prior art, comprising an upper projection 21, a lower projection 22, and an intermediate element 23 arranged between and bounded by these two projections. Coaxial through-holes 24, 25 are provided in the two projections 21, 22; the intermediate element 23 is narrower and is not encompassed by these through-holes 24, 25. In a manner also known from the prior art, a drive screw 30 is screwed into the through bore 24 of the upper cantilever 21, the press die of which (not visible in the figures for reasons of the chosen perspective) is oriented in the direction of the lower cantilever 22.At one end along the longitudinal axis A of the handle body 10, the handle body 10 has a positioning element 11, which has a semicircular recess 12 on one side surface. Furthermore, a guide element 14 is integrally formed at the first end along the longitudinal axis A of the handle body 10, which extends the handle body 10 by means of side walls 15 parallel to the longitudinal axis A. On the opposing inner surfaces of both side walls 15, a guide strip 16, also parallel to the longitudinal axis A, is arranged on each side. On the lower projection 22 of the dispensing device 20, a guide groove 26 is machined on both sides, into which a guide strip 16 of the guide element 14 of the handle body 10 can engage. The guide strips 16 are shorter with respect to the longitudinal axis A than the side walls 15. This creates a gap in which the dispensing device 20 is not guided in the guide element 14.As in . Figure 2 As shown, the dispensing device 20 can be separated from the guide device 14 or from the handle body 10 in the area of ​​this guide gap. Thus, the dispensing device 20 can be inserted into or removed from the handle body 10 in this position.

[0015] The positioning element 11 is mounted on a surface of the handle body 10 such that, firstly, its side surface, designed as a semicircular recess 12, is oriented towards the guide device 14, and secondly, this aforementioned side surface forms an edge with the surface of the handle body that defines a support surface 13 of the handle body extending towards the guide device. This support surface 13 also includes the upper edges of the side walls 15 and thus extends onto the guide device 14. When the ejection device 20 is engaged with the guide device 14, the inner upper surface of the lower projection 22 of the ejection device 20, oriented towards the intermediate element 23, has no height offset with respect to the support surface 13. Furthermore, the handle body has a magnet 17 below the positioning element, which also acts towards the guide device 14.

[0016] As in the Figures 4 and 5 The dispensing device 20 inserted into the handle body 10 is shown to be moved between a first position (shown in the guide device 14) by means of the guide device 14. Figure 5 ) and a second position (shown in Figure 4 ) slidably mounted. The in Figure 5The first position of the pressing device 20 shown is the operating position in which the tool according to the invention is ready for use in driving out a chain pin 51 from a chain link 50. In this position, the positioning element 11, the intermediate element 23, and the lower projection 22 of the pressing device 20, as well as the support surface 13, define the chain space 40 provided for positioning the chain link 50 to be processed, wherein the lower projection 22 and the support surface 13 form a continuously flat surface. In this position, the pressing device 20 is fixed against the handle body 10 by means of the magnet 17.

[0017] When the tool is used as intended, the dispensing device 20 is inserted into the handle body 10 and in the Figure 5The first position shown is positioned relative to the handle body 10. In a first step, the chain link 50 to be machined by the tool is inserted into the chain space 40, placed on the support surface 13 by means of a first vertical movement component with downward-oriented outer tab 52, and pushed horizontally against the side surface of the positioning element 11. This acts as a stop, with the contour of the outer tab 14 aligning with the contour of the semicircular recess 12. In this way, the chain link is reliably positioned relative to the tool such that its chain pin 51 to be driven out is aligned in coaxial extension of the feed direction of the drive screw 30 or its press ram. This is an essential prerequisite for the successful and proper removal of the chain pin.In the further course of the intended use of the tool, the press punch is first lowered towards the chain pin 51 by turning the driving screw 30, which is then finally driven out of the chain link 50 by the press punch.

[0018] For transport and space-saving storage of the tool, the dispensing device 20 can be inserted into the guide device 13 using the guide device. Figure 4The tool can be moved to the second position shown, in which the ejection device is as far away from the positioning element 11 as possible. This only requires overcoming the holding force of the magnet 17. Since the guide grooves 26 of the ejection device 20 and the guide rails 16 of the handle body 10 are no longer in mutual engagement in this position, the ejection device 20 can be removed from the guide element 14 and thus separated from the handle body 10. Therefore, the tool does not need to be stored and transported in its cumbersome operating position.

[0019] In the central region of the handle body 10, i.e., in a region between its first and second ends, a recess 18 is formed, offset by approximately 90° relative to the positioning element 11. The boundary contour of this recess corresponds approximately to the contour of the outer plate 52 of a chain lock, and its depth relative to the surface of the handle body 10 corresponds approximately to the thickness of a chain lock. This recess 18 is thus designed to hold a chain lock, which serves as an aid for reconnecting a chain after removing a broken link. A magnet 19 is integrated into the bottom of the recess 18, by means of which a chain lock can be securely fixed to the handle body 10. Preferably, two such recesses 18 are provided on opposite sides of the handle body 10.

[0020] Beyond its primary function of driving a chain pin out of a chain link, the tool described here can be used for a number of other applications. For example, the tool features a hook- or lever-like tire engagement element 60 at the second end of the handle body 10, furthest from the guide element 14, allowing it to also be used as a tire lever. Furthermore, a tire valve gripper 28 is integrated into the underside of the lower projection 22 of the pressing device 20, facing away from the intermediate element 23, and a nipple wrench 27 is integrated into the opposite upper surface of the upper projection 21 of the pressing device 20. Such nipple wrenches are used to tighten or loosen spoke nuts, which secure the spokes to the rim flange of a wheel. While the aforementioned tools do not have a direct functional connection to driving out chain pins, the tool's original function, they are nevertheless useful in other applications.However, they represent useful functional extensions and broaden the application range of the tool according to the invention.

[0021] A further functional extension of the tool is provided by a recess with a hexagonal outer contour in the base of the guide device 14 of the handle body 10. An additional tool 70 with a similar hexagonal outer contour, such as an Allen key or a compact socket wrench kit already marketed by the applicant under the name "daysaver," which replicates the outer contour of such an Allen key, can be inserted through this recess and held in a form-fitting manner against the handle body by means of shaped elements (see figure). Figure 6In combination with such an additional tool, the dispensing device 10 remains engaged with the guide element 14 of the handle body 10 and forms a single design unit with the short lever end of the additional tool 70. To improve the positive locking, the outer surface of the dispensing device that contacts the aforementioned tool 70 is adapted to the outer contour of the tool 70 in this area. Likewise, the length of the aforementioned short lever end is consistent with the overall height of the dispensing device 20 engaged in the guide element 14. Reference symbol list

[0022] 10 Handle body 11 Positioning element 12 Semicircular recess 13 Contact surface 14 Guide device 15 Side wall 16 Guide strip 17 Magnet 18 Recess 19 Magnet 20 Pressing device 21 Upper projection 22 Lower projection 23 Intermediate element 24, 25 Through holes 26 Guide groove 27 Nipple tensioner 28 Tire valve gripper 30 Drive screw 40 Chain space 50 Chain link 51 Chain pin 52 Outer plate 60 Tire engagement element 70 Tool with hexagonal outer contour A Longitudinal axis of the handle body

Claims

1. A tool for driving a chain pin (51) out of a chain link (50), comprising ▪ a handle body (10) which extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and has a positioning element (11) at a first end along the longitudinal axis (A), ▪ and a press-out device (20) having an upper (21) and a lower (22) projection, each of which delimits an intermediate element (23) connecting the two projections (21, 22), wherein through bores (24, 25) coaxial with one another are provided in the two projections (21, 22) and a driving screw (30) with a press plunger is screwed into the upper projection (21) at its end oriented towards the lower projection (22), characterized in that the handle body (10) has, at the first end along the longitudinal axis (A), a guide device (14) extending the handle body (10) along the longitudinal axis (A), in which the press-out device (20) is movably mounted along the longitudinal axis (A) of the handle body (10) between a first position, in which the positioning element (11) and the intermediate element (23) of the press-out device (20) form a chain space (40) for positioning the chain link (50), and a second position, in which the press-out device (20) is spaced apart from the positioning element (11).

2. The tool for driving out a chain pin (51) according to claim 1, characterized in that the press-out device (20) can be fixed in the first position against the handle body (10) by magnetic means (17).

3. The tool for driving out a chain pin (51) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle body (10) forms, at the first end along the longitudinal axis (A), a recess which lengthens the handle body (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) and is delimited by side walls (15), wherein the guide device (14) is integrated into the side walls (15).

4. The tool for driving out a chain pin (51) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positioning element (11) has a semicircular recess (12) and is formed on the handle body (10) in such a way that an edge is formed between the positioning element (11) and the handle body (10), which edge delimits a support surface (13) for a chain link (50) positioned in the chain space (40) towards the handle body (10).

5. The tool for driving out a chain pin according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a hook- or lever-like tire engagement element (60) of a tire lifter is formed on the second end of the handle body (10) remote from the guide device (14).

6. The tool for driving out a chain pin according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a recess (18) is formed in a region between the first and the second end of the handle body (10), the boundary contour of which as well as its recess in relation to the surface of the handle body (10) correspond to the outer contour as well as the component thickness of a chain lock or replacement chain link.

7. The tool for driving out a chain pin according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one element (28) for gripping a tire valve is formed in the side of one of the two projections (21, 22) of the press-out device (20) facing away from the intermediate element (23).

8. The tool for driving out a chain pin according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one nipple tensioner (27) is formed in the side of one of the two projections (21, 22) of the press-out device (20) facing away from the intermediate element (23).