Improved tool for electric bicycle

Abstract

This invention relates to a tool for insertion into an aperture on a chainring of an electric bicycle. The tool comprises a body which is shaped to abut a pedal arm of the electric bicycle and a head which is shaped to be received by the aperture, wherein the head comprises one or more retractable protrusions for assisting in releasably retaining the head in the aperture and the tool comprises an actuator for moving the one or more retractable protrusions from an extended position to a retracted position. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the tool, and a method of cleaning and / or lubricating a drivetrain of an electric bicycle using the tool.

Description

IMPROVED TOOL FOR ELECTRIC BICYCLE

[0001] This invention relates to a tool for insertion into an aperture on a chainring of an electric bicycle, the tool comprising a body which is shaped to abut a pedal arm of the electric bicycle and a head which is shaped to be received by the aperture.

[0002] Background

[0003] The drivetrain of a bicycle generally comprises the mechanical parts that are involved in producing the movement of the bicycle. The drivetrain components for a bicycle include the pulley wheel, one or more chainrings, the chain and the cassette.

[0004] To clean and / or lubricate one or more of the drivetrain components of a bicycle it is best to turn the pedals backwards and work in one area as the chain rotates through. By rotating the pedals backwards, this can be done without the wheels moving.

[0005] Standard chainrings on an electric bicycle (e-bike) do not rotate backwards with the pedal arm which makes the cleaning and lubrication process difficult. Using a non-standard tool to try and provide this function risks damaging the bicycle. An improved way of cleaning and / or lubricating the drivetrain components of an electric bicycle has been sought.

[0006] Statement of invention

[0007] This invention relates to a tool for insertion into an aperture on a chainring of an electric bicycle, the tool comprising a body which is shaped to abut a pedal arm of the electric bicycle and a head which is shaped to be received by the aperture, wherein the head comprises one or more retractable protrusions for assisting in releasably retaining the head in the aperture and the tool comprises an actuator for moving the one or more retractable protrusions from an extended position to a retracted position. More particularly, the actuator may be for moving the one or more retractable protrusions between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0008] In particular, the one or more retractable protrusions may be provided on an outwardly facing surface of the head. More particularly, the one or more retractable protrusions may be for assisting in releasably retaining the head in the aperture. More particularly, the one or more protrusions may be retractable in use from an extended position in which the tool may be substantially retained in the aperture (unless removed by force), to a retracted position which allows insertion and removal of the tool into and from the aperture. In particular, in use and in the extended position, the one or more retractable protrusions may be such that they abut an opposite face of the chainring from that which they are pushed into, thereby assisting to retain the tool in the aperture. The one or more retractable protrusions can help to hold the tool in the aperture, thereby minimising sideways movement . This allows the tool to have a tighter fit within the aperture whilst minimising the risk of tool binding or being jammed into the pedal arm.

[0009] In an embodiment, the one or more retractable protrusions may each comprise a sphere that protrudes from a hole in the outwardly facing surface of the head, the sphere being retained in the hole by the hole having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the sphere.

[0010] In particular, the actuator may comprise a central barrel which extends along a central axis of the body. More particularly, the actuator may extend along the central axis of the body from a second end of the body, through the body to the head. More particularly, the barrel may comprise an outer surface in which are formed one or more depressions which are shaped to accept the sphere. In particular, the central barrel may be movable from a first position in which an outer surface of the central barrel abuts the one or more retractable protrusions such that the one or more retractable protrusions is in an extended position, to a second position in which a depression is adjacent to the sphere such that the one or more retractable protrusions at least partially enters the depression and is in a retracted position. More particularly, the barrel may be spring loaded such that it is held in the first position and is movable to the second position if the spring is compressed.

[0011] In particular, the head my comprise a pair of opposing faces and a retractable protrusion may be provided on each opposing face. More particularly, the head maycomprise two pairs of opposing faces and a retractable protrusion may be provided on each opposing face.

[0012] In some embodiments, the head may have a cross-section such that the tool is substantially prevented from rotating once it has been received in the aperture. More particularly, the head may have a cross-section which is shaped as a cross or plus sign. In other embodiments, the head may have a cross-section such that the tool can rotate once it has been received in the aperture.

[0013] More particularly, the body may have a larger diameter than the head.

[0014] In particular, the body may comprise a first end from which the head extends, and a second end. More particularly, the second end may comprise a connector for attaching the tool to a keychain or similar. In particular, the second end may comprise one or more projections which extend substantially perpendicularly from a central axis of the body. The one or more projections may be shaped such that tool can be gripped by a user by placing their index and middle fingers either side of the body and against a side of the one or more projections which faces the first end, and their thumb on the second end. More particularly, the one or more projections may comprise an annular projection.

[0015] In particular, the tool may comprise a chamfer between the head and the first end of the body. More particularly, the chamfer may be shaped to mate with a corresponding chamfered edge of the aperture.

[0016] In particular, the body may have a resilient material provided on its surface. More particularly, the resilient material may be rubber or a silicone. In particular, the resilient material may be provided either in the form of a coating on the body or as a separate component (e.g. a cover or sleeve) which can be fitted over the body.

[0017] In addition, this invention relates to a kit comprising:(a) a chainring for an electric bicycle comprising an aperture which is shaped to receive a complementarily shaped tool, and(b) a tool as described above.

[0018] In particular, the aperture may be shaped such that the tool cannot rotate once it has been received in the aperture. More particularly, the aperture may be shaped as a cross or plus sign. In other embodiments, the aperture may be shaped such that the tool can rotate once it has been received in the aperture.

[0019] In particular, the aperture may have a chamfered edge. This can assist the user in locating the tool into the aperture.

[0020] More particularly, the chainring may be substantially circular or substantially elliptical, even more particularly substantially circular.

[0021] Furthermore, this invention relates to a method cleaning and / or lubricating a drivetrain of an electric bicycle, the method comprising the steps of:(a) inserting a tool as described above into the aperture of a chainring for an electric bicycle comprising an aperture which is shaped to receive a complementarily shaped tool,(b) rotating a pedal arm of the electric bicycle backwards until the pedal arm abuts the tool,(c) rotating the pedal arm further in a backwards direction such that the chainring rotates with the pedal arm, and(d) cleaning and / or lubricating the drivetrain.

[0022] In the context of the invention, the term "outer" is used to mean further from a central axis of the tool and "inner" is used to mean closer to the central axis of the tool. Similarly, the term "outwardly" is used to refer to parts of the tool that face away from the central axis of the tool.

[0023] Brief description of the drawings

[0024] This invention will be further described by reference to the following Figures which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, in which:Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a chainring and a tool according to the invention, prior to the insertion of the tool into the aperture in the chainring, Figure 2 shows a side-on view of the chainring and tool of Figure 1 prior to the insertion of the tool into the aperture on the chainringFigure 3 shows a perspective view of the chainring and tool of Figure 1 after the insertion of the tool into the aperture on the chainring,Figure 4 shows a plan view of the chainring and tool of Figure 1 after the insertion of the tool into the aperture on the chainring,Figure 5 shows a close-up perspective view of the chainring and tool of Figure 1 after the insertion of the tool into the aperture on the chainring, and from the opposite side of the chainring to that shown in Figure 3,Figure 6 shows a close up perspective view of a first end of the tool of Figure1 in its extended position,Figure 7 shows a close up perspective view of a first end of the tool of Figure 1 in its retracted position,Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show side-on and cross-sectional views respectively of the tool of Figure 1 in its extended position,Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show side-on and cross-sectional views respectively of the tool of Figure 1 in its retracted position, andFigures 10(a)-(c) show three stages in the method of using the chainring and tool of Figure 1 in order to clean and / or lubricate one of more drivetrain components of an electric bicycle.

[0025] Detailed description

[0026] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective and side-on views respectively of a chainring 1 and a tool 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The chainring 1 comprises tool aperture 5 (described in more detail below), and the tool 100 is shown prior to insertion into the aperture 5. For ease of reference, not all of the component parts described below are labelled in Figure 2.

[0027] Chainring 1 is circular in shape and comprises two opposing faces 2, 3. Although not shown in the figures, elliptical or oval chainrings can also be utilised within the scope of the invention. Chainring 1 also comprises central through hole 10 for accepting an axle to which pedal arms are attached (not shown in Figures 1- 4).

[0028] Extending radially from a hub 15 around central through hole 10 are spider arms, one of which is indicated 20 by way of example. In the embodiment shown inthe Figures, there are nine spider arms 20, which are formed with a lightning bolt shape. However, different numbers of spider arms, and with different shapes, can also be utilised within the scope of the invention.

[0029] Outer ends 20A of spiders arms 20 connect to external ring 25. External ring 25 is provided at its outer edge 25A with teeth, one of which is indicated 30 by way of example. The teeth 30 are shaped to engage a chain (not shown in Figures 1-4) of an electric bicycle.

[0030] The spider arms 20 which extend radially from hub 15 to external ring 25 form spider apertures, one of which is indicated 35 by way of example, between each spider arm 20. In the embodiment shown in the Figures this results in the formation of nine such spider apertures.

[0031] One of the spider apertures 40 of the chainring 1 is different from the others in that it is partially filled in such that the resulting aperture 5 is shaped to receive tool 100. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, tool aperture 5 is shaped as a plus sign or cross. However, other tool aperture shapes can be utilised in the invention provided that they are shaped to receive a corresponding part of tool 100. In some embodiments, it can be advantageous for the tool aperture 5 and the tool 100 to be shaped such that the tool 100 is substantially prevented from rotating when received by the tool aperture 5.

[0032] Tool aperture 5 is provided around its edge on both faces 2, 3 with chamfer 6. The chamfer 6 can assist the user in locating the tool 100 into the tool aperture 5.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 -9(b) , tool 100 comprises tool body 105 which at a first end 105A is provided with tool head 110 extending from tool body 105. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, tool head 110 is shaped as a plus sign such that it can be accepted by tool aperture 5 of chainring 1. In this way. tool head 110 is prevented from rotating when it is received by tool aperture 5.

[0034] As shown particularly in Figures 6 and 7, a chamfer 111 is provided at a first end 105A of tool 100 where tool head 110 meets tool body 105. This chamfer 111has a shape which corresponds to chamfer 6 on chainring 1 in order to provide a good fit between the tool 100 and the chainring 1.

[0035] As shown particularly in Figures 6-9(b), plus sign shaped tool head 110 comprises four outer faces 130, 135, 140, 145. A circular hole 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A (not all of which are visible in the Figures) is formed in each of the four outer faces 130, 135, 140, 145. A sphere (for example, a ball bearing) 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B (not all of which are visible in the Figures) protrudes from each of the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A. The spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B are retained in the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A due to the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B.

[0036] In Figure 6 the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B are shown in an extended position. That is, the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B protrude from circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A substantially to the extent that is permitted by the relative diameters of the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B and the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A. In Figure 7 the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B are shown in a retracted position. That is, the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B are retracted into the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A such that the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B substantially do not protrude from the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A.

[0037] The mechanism by which the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B are extended through and retracted from the circular holes 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A is shown in more detail in Figures 8(a)-9(b). For ease of reference, not all of the component parts described above are labelled in Figures 8(a)-9(b).

[0038] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the spheres 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B in an extended position, i.e. the position shown in Figure 6. Figure 8(b) shows a cross- sectional view of the tool 100 in this extended position. As shown in Figure 8(b), tool 100 comprises a central barrel 150 which extends from a first end 155 at tool head 110, through tool body 105 to a second end 160 at second end 105B of tool body 105. Central barrel 150 sits within a correspondingly shaped central aperture 170. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, central barrel 150 and central aperture 170are substantially cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes can be utilised within the scope of the invention.

[0039] As shown particular in Figures 7 and 9(a), first end 155 of central barrel 150 comprises a section 155A with a substantially plus-shaped cross-section which, in the retracted position shown in these Figures, extends through a correspondingly shaped aperture 110A in tool head 110.

[0040] Moving along central barrel 150 from first end 155 towards its second end 160, the central barrel 150 comprises sphere-engaging section 150A which has a cross-section which is a close fit within central aperture 170. Moving further towards section end 160, central barrel 150 is provided with annular depression 150B. Annular depression 150B is shaped such that, in the retracted position shown in Figures 7, 9(a) and 9(b), it will accept spheres 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A such that the extent to which they protrude from the circular holes 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B is reduced.

[0041] Continuing along central barrel 150 towards its second end 160, the central barrel 150 comprises middle section 150C which has a cross-section which is a close fit within central aperture 170. Middle section 150C extends to shoulder 150D in central barrel 150, after which narrow barrel section 150E extends to the second end 160 of central barrel 150. The shoulder 150D abuts a first side 170B of narrowed section OA of central aperture 170. The central aperture 170 then comprises a wider section 170D which extends from a second side 170C of narrowed section VOA to the second end 105B of tool body 105.

[0042] A spring 175 is provided around narrow barrel section 150E, and then the part of narrow barrel section 150E closest to second end 160 is provided with screw thread 180.

[0043] Onto screw thread 180 of central barrel 150 is threaded stopper 185. Stopper 185 has a cross-section which is a close fit within the wider section 170D of central aperture 170. The spring 175 therefore at a first end abuts a second side 170C of narrowed section VOA of central aperture 170, and at a second end abuts threaded stopper 185. In this way, spring 175 is retained in tool 100.

[0044] Tool body 105 is cylindrical. However, other tool body shapes can be utilised in the invention. The external surface of tool body 105 is provided with silicone coating 115 which substantially prevents the tool 100 from scratching other components of the bicycle, e.g. the pedal arm.

[0045] Extending from stopper 185 of tool body 105 is loop 120. Loop 120 assists the user when moving the tool from its extended to retracted positions (as discussed below), as well as meaning that the tool 100 can be attached to a keychain or similar.

[0046] Second end 105B of tool body 105 is provided with annular projection 190. This also assists the user when moving the tool from its extended to retracted positions (as discussed below).

[0047] In use, the positioning of spring 175 means that, absent any input from a user, the tool 100 is in its extended position (i.e. as shown in Figures 6, 8(a) and 8(b)). The user can then grip the tool 100 by placing their index and middle fingers either side of tool body 105 and against the annular projection 190. The user can then place their thumb onto stopper 185. By applying pressure to the stopper 185 towards annular projection 190, the spring 175 is compressed and central barrel 150 moves in the direction of tool head 110. Annular depression 150B moves similarly, such that it is adjacent to spheres 130A, 135A, 140A, 145A, which are then accepted by annular depression 150B such that the extent to which they protrude from the circular holes 130B, 135B, 140B, 145B is reduced. In this way, the tool 100 is placed in its retracted position (i.e. as shown in Figures 7, 9(a) and 9(b)). In this retracted position, the tool head 110 can easily be accepted by tool aperture 5 in chainring 1. When the user ceases applying pressure to stopper 185, the central barrel 150 moves in a direction away from tool head 110 to its original position such that the tool 100 returns to its extended position (i.e. as shown in Figures 6, 8(a) and 8(b)). The extended position helps to retain the tool head 110 in tool aperture 5.

[0048] Figures 3 and 4 show perspective and side-on views respectively of the tool 100 when inserted into aperture 5 of chainring 1. Tool head 110 is within aperture 5 (not visible in Figures 3 and 4) such that the first end 105A of tool body 105 abutsface 2 of chainring 1. For ease of reference, not all of the component parts described above are labelled in Figures 3 and 4.

[0049] Figures 10(a)-(c) show the chainring 1 and the tool 100 of the invention in use with an electric bicycle. Figure 10(a) shows an electric bicycle, indicated generally as 200, with chainring 1 fitted. Pedal arm 205 of electric bicycle 200 is in a position such that tool aperture 5 is visible.

[0050] In Figure 10(b), tool 100 has been inserted into tool aperture 5 of chainring 1. In addition, the pedal arm 205 of electric bicycle 200 has been rotated in a backwards direction such that it then abuts tool body 105 of tool 100.

[0051] The user can then continue to rotate the pedal arm 205 as shown in Figure 10(c). The pedal arm 205 pushes against the tool body 105 of tool 100, which results in the chainring 1 rotating backwards with the pedal arm 205. The user can then proceed with cleaning and or lubricating one or more drivetrain components of the electric bicycle 200.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tool for insertion into an aperture on a chainring of an electric bicycle, the tool comprising a body which is shaped to abut a pedal arm of the electric bicycle and a head which is shaped to be received by the aperture, wherein the head comprises one or more retractable protrusions for assisting in releasably retaining the head in the aperture and the tool comprises an actuator for moving the one or more retractable protrusions from an extended position to a retracted position.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more retractable protrusions are provided on an outwardly facing surface of the head.

3. A tool as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more retractable protrusions each comprise a sphere that protrudes from a hole in the outwardly facing surface of the head, the sphere being retained in the hole by the hole having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the sphere.

4. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprises a central barrel which extends along a central axis of the body.

5. A tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein the central barrel is movable from a first position in which in which an outer surface of the central barrel abuts the one or more retractable protrusions such that the one or more retractable protrusions is in the extended position, to a second position in which a depression is adjacent to the one or more retractable protrusions such that the one or more retractable protrusions at least partially enters the depression and is in the retracted position.

6. A tool as claimed in claim 5, wherein the central barrel is spring loaded such that it is held in the first position and is movable to the second position if the spring is compressed.

7. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein head comprises two pairs of opposing faces and a retractable protrusion is provided on each opposing face.

8. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the head has a cross-section such that the tool is substantially prevented from rotating once it has been received in the aperture.

9. A tool as claimed in claim 8, wherein the head has a cross-section which is shaped as a cross or plus sign.

10. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a larger diameter than the head.

11. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a first end from which the head extends, and a second end, and the tool comprises a chamfer between the head and the first end of the body.

12. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a resilient material provided on its surface.

13. A tool as claimed in claim 12, wherein the resilient material is a rubber or a silicone.

14. A kit comprising(a) a chainring for an electric bicycle comprising an aperture which is shaped to receive a complementarily shaped tool, and(b) a tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method of cleaning and / or lubricating a drivetrain of an electric bicycle, the method comprising the steps of:(a) inserting a tool as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 into the aperture of a chainring for an electric bicycle comprising an aperture which is shaped to receive a complementarily shaped tool,(b) rotating a pedal arm of the electric bicycle backwards until the pedal arm abuts the tool,(c) rotating the pedal arm further in a backwards direction such that the chainring rotates with the pedal arm, and(d) cleaning and / or lubricating the drivetrain.

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