Cycle pedal sub-assembly

Abstract

A cycle pedal sub-assembly 10 comprises an axle 12 having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis AA between first 16 and second 18 ends of the axle 18, the axle 18 configured for mounting a pedal body (20, figure 2) thereon by insertion of the first end 16 into the pedal body 20. The sub-assembly 10 further comprises an annular bearing 22 receivable on the axle 12 at an axial position thereon spaced apart from the first end 16, and a retainer member 24 attachable to the body in fixed axial relation thereto to inhibit removal of the annular bearing 22 from the axle 12 by withdrawal of the axle. The retainer 24 may be a resilient ring such as a circlip located in an annular groove.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a cycle pedal sub-assembly. Particularly, the invention relates to a cycle pedal sub-assembly for cycles, such as a bicycle or a tricycle. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a cycle pedal sub-assembly. BACKGROUND A cycle pedal comprises several components, including a pedal body, an axle and bearings. The pedal body provides a platform on which a rider's foot rests, and the axle rotatably connects the pedal body to a crank arm of the cycle. The axial is a substantially cylindrical shaft that extends through the pedal body towards the crank arm. To allow for smooth, efficient rotation of the pedal body relative to the axle, one or more bearings typically provides an interface between the pedal body and the axle. It is common that the bearings may form an interference or friction fit with the pedal body. While such fit is important to facilitate stability of the pedal body on the axle, removal of the bearing from the pedal body can be difficult—the bearing may get stuck in the pedal body—which hampers servicing or replacing parts of the pedal. Known arrangements often require specialist tools to facilitate removal of the bearing, and removing a bearing retained in the pedal body increases the time associated with servicing cycles and may, in some circumstances, damage the bearing and / or the pedal body. It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved cycle pedal subassembly, for example that improves ease of removal of the bearing from the pedal body, and / or at least mitigates one or more problems associated with known arrangements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cycle pedal sub-assembly comprising: an axle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis between first and second ends of the axle, the axle configured for mounting a pedal body thereon by insertion of the first end into the pedal body; an annular bearing receivable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle through the annular bearing, the annular bearing moveable along the body to an axial position thereon spaced apart from the first end; and a retainer member attachable to the body in fixed axial relation thereto to inhibit removal of the annular bearing from the axle by withdrawal of the first end of the axle through the annular bearing. This arrangement may improve ease of removal of the bearing from a pedal body, by retaining the bearing on the axle. In certain embodiments, the retainer member may inhibit movement of the annular bearing from the axial position along the body towards the first end. Additionally, or alternatively, the axial position may be closer to the second end than to the first end. In certain embodiments, the retainer member may be annular, for example the retainer member may be a circlip. The retainer member may be receivable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle through the retainer member. The retainer member may be resiliently deformable to effect attachment thereof to the body. In certain embodiments, the body may comprise a recess for receiving the retainer member to attach the retainer member in fixed axial relation thereto. The recess may be annular and may extend about a circumference of the body. Additionally, or alternatively, the retainer member may be attachable to the body by snap-fit engagement with the recess. In certain embodiments, the body comprises a tapered portion between the first end and the axial position, the tapered portion decreasing in diameter in a direction towards the first end. The annular bearing may be a plain bearing. The annular bearing may be a rolling-element bearing, for example the annular bearing may be a ball bearing. In certain embodiments, the cycle pedal sub-assembly may further comprise a pedal body mountable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle into the pedal body. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cycle, for example a bicycle or a tricycle, comprising the cycle pedal sub-assembly as described above. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a cycle pedal sub-assembly, the method comprising: providing an axle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis between first and second ends of the axle; providing an annular bearing; providing a retainer member; inserting the first end of the axle through the annular bearing, and moving the annular bearing along the body to an axial position thereon spaced apart from the first end; and attaching the retainer member to the body in fixed axial relation thereto to inhibit removal of the annular bearing from the axle by withdrawal of the first end of the axle through the annular bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cycle pedal sub-assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an perspective view of the cycle pedal sub-assembly of Figure 1, including a pedal body, prior to insertion of an axle thereof into the pedal body; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the cycle pedal sub-assembly of Figure 1, showing insertion of the axle into the pedal body; Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the cycle pedal sub-assembly of Figure 1, showing inside of the pedal body with the axle received therein; Figure 5 is correctional view of the cycle pedal sub-assembly of Figure 1, showing inside of the pedal body with the axle received therein; and Figure 6 is a further partial perspective view of the cycle pedal sub-assembly of Figure 1, showing removal of the axle from the pedal body; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 5 show a cycle pedal sub-assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The sub-assembly 10 may have particular application as part of cycle pedal, for example bicycle pedal. The sub-assembly 10 comprises an axle 12 having a body 14, and first and second ends 16, 18. The body 14 of the axle 12 extends along a central longitudinal axis A-A between the ends 16, 18 of the axle 12. The axle 12 is configured for mounting a pedal body 20 (see Figures 2-6) thereon by insertion of the first end 16 into the pedal body 20, as explained below by way of example. The sub-assembly 10 further comprises an annular bearing 22 and a retainer member 24. The bearing 22 is receivable on the axle 12 by insertion ofthe first end 16 of the axle 12 through the bearing 22, i.e. through a central aperture extending through the bearing 22. Once received on the axle 12, the bearing 22 is moveable, for example slidable, along the body 14 to an axial position thereon, the axial position being spaced apart from the first end 16. The retainer member 24 is attachable to the body 14 in fixed axial relation thereto so as to block movement ofthe bearing 22 along the body 14, at least to some degree, so as to inhibit removal ofthe bearing 22 from the axle 12 by withdrawal ofthe first end 16 ofthe axle 12 through the annular bearing 22. The axle 12 is an elongate, substantially cylindrical member for supporting the pedal body 20 rotatably thereon, and provides a connection between the pedal body 20 and a crank arm (not shown) of a cycle. The second end 18 of the axle 12 may therefore by configured for attachment to the crank arm. Any suitable connection means may be used for attachment to the crank arm, for example certain embodiments may comprise a threaded projection extending from the second end 18 for engaging a threaded hole of the crank arm. In use, the axle 14 may being fixedly attached to the crank arm and the pedal body 20 rotates about the axle 12 as the crank arm is rotated by action of a user operating the pedal. The body 14 of the axle 12 may be a single, monolithic piece. The axle 12 may be a single, monolithic piece. Rotation of the pedal body 20 about the axle 12 is facilitated by the annular bearing 22. In particular, the bearing 22 may help to provide for smooth revolution of the pedal body 20 about the axle 12, reducing friction between the two parts as they move relative to one another and allowing for comfortable pedalling. The bearing 22 may therefore provide a low-friction interface between the axle 12 and the pedal body 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 22 is a plain bearing, also known as a bushing or sleeve bearing. As such, the bearing 22 may be made of a low-friction material, for example bronze, brass, or a composite material such as nylon or other polymer. However, in certain embodiments, the bearing 22 may be alternatively provided, for example by a rolling-element bearing such a ball bearing or sealed bearing (a ball bearing in which the balls are sealed in a housing or cartridge to protect them from road debris and the like). The annular bearing 22 is a tubular member or sleeve, and therefore has an inner diameter di and an outer diameter d2 (indicted in Figure 5). In certain embodiments, the inner diameter di may be approximately 10 mm and / or the outer diameter d2 may be approximately 12 mm. Of course, any suitable inner diameter di and outer diameter d2 may be used. The inner diameter di may fit around the body 14 of the axle 12, and the outer diameter d2 may be in contact with the pedal body 20. In certain embodiments, the inner diameter di may be larger than an outer diameter d3 of the body 14 of the axle 12, at least along a length of the body 14 corresponding to the axial position of the bearing 22, thereby creating a clearance or gap between the body 14 and the bearing 22. The clearance may facilitate rotation of the bearing 22 about the axle 12, minimising the friction between the two parts. The clearance may also help with assembly of the subassembly 10, and / or may accommodate a lubricant. The amount of clearance may be determined to balance smooth rotation while maintaining a secure fit, i.e. the clearance may be very small, i.e. the inner diameter d1 of the bearing 22 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter d3 of the body 14. In certain embodiments, the clearance may be up to 0.05 mm or up to 0.06 mm. The bearing 22 has a length h. The length h of the bearing 22 may be determined to provide a sufficient contact length between the body 14 and the bearing 22 so as to suitably distribute forces transferred from the pedal body 20 to the bearing 22 and subsequently to the axle 12. In certain embodiments, the length h of the bearing 22 may be at least 15 mm and / or up to 50 mm. In certain embodiments, the length h of the bearing 22 may be approximately 20 mm. Of course, any suitable length of the bearing 22 may be used. The annular bearing 22 has a wall 28 delimiting the inner and outer diameters di, d2. The wall 28 may extend 360°, i.e. the wall 28 may be circumferentially continuous. In certain embodiments, however, the wall 28 may be circumferentially discontinuous, and thereby have a split forming opposing ends of the bearing 22. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the bearing 22 may be a split bearing. The fit of the bearing 22 about the axle 12, and consequently the stability of the pedal, may be greater when the wall 28 is continuous compared to it being discontinuous. The annular bearing 22 is retained on the body 14 of the axle 12 by the retainer member 24. Specifically, as mentioned above, the retainer member 24 is attachable to the body 14 in fixed axial relation thereto so as to inhibit removal of the bearing 22 from the axle 12 by withdrawal of the first end 16 of the axle 12 through the annular bearing 22. To this end, the retainer member 24 is attachable to the body 14 at a position between the first end 16 and the axial position of the bearing 22. The attachment of the retainer member 24 is such that the retainer member 24 extends radially from the body 14 beyond the outer diameter d3 thereof to abut an end 30 the bearing 22. In effect, the retainer member 24 increases the outer diameter d3 of the body 14 such that bearing 22 cannot move along the body 14 beyond the retainer member 24—an effective diameter of the body 14 and retainer member 24 being greater than the inner diameter di of the bearing 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member 24 inhibits movement of the bearing 22 from the axial position along the body 14 towards the first end 16. This is because in the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member 24 is attachable to the body 14 substantially directly adjacent the axial position of the bearing 22. The bearing 22 is thereby retained substantially in the axial position. However, in certain embodiments, the retainer member 24 may be attachable to the body 14 at any position therealong between the first end 16 of the body 14 and the axial position of the bearing 22. In certain embodiments, the axial position may be closer to the second end 18 than to the first end 16. In certain embodiments, a distance between the first end 16 and axial position may be at least 50 mm and / or up to 70 mm. In certain embodiments, a distance between the first end 16 and axial position may be approximately 60 mm. The retainer member 24 may take any suitable form, and in addition to being attachable to the body 14 may be detachable from and / or re-attachable to the body 14. As in the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member 24 may be annular, and therefore may extend about the body 14 when attached thereto. More specifically, as in the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member 24 may be a circlip, i.e. a ring having open ends, also known as a C-clip or snap ring. The retainer member 24 may exhibit a degree of resiliency or elastic deformability that allows the retainer member 24 to deform and recover its original shape. Such resiliency may facilitate attachment of the retainer member 24 to the body 14 of the axle 12 and / or receipt of the retainer member 24 on the body 14. The body 14 may comprise a recess 32 for receiving the retainer member 24 so as to attach the retainer member 24 in fixed axial relation thereto. As in the illustrated embodiment, the recess 32 may be provided by an annular groove extending circumferentially about the body 14. To attach the retainer member 24 to the body 14, the retainer member 24 may be receivable on the axle 12 by insertion of the first end 14 of the axle 14 therethrough. Once received on the axle 12, the retainer member 24 is moveable, for example slidable, along the body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer member 24 is moveable along the body 14 to the recess 32, in which the retainer member 24 is receivable to effect attachment The retainer member 24 may be deformed for insertion of the first end 14 therethrough, and / or movement of the retainer member 24 along the body 14, for example in embodiments having a circlip the retainer member 24 may deform or flex such that the ends of the ring move away from one another. Once in axial alignment with the recess 32, the resiliency of the retainer member 24 may cause recovery of the deformation, thereby providing snap-fit engagement of the retainer member 24 with the recess 32. The body 14 may comprises a tapered portion 34 extending between the first end 16 and the axial position and decreasing in diameter in a direction towards the first end 16. The tapered portion 34 may facilitate insertion of the axle 12 into the pedal body 20. Additional, or alternatively, in embodiments where the retainer member 24 may be receivable on the axle 12 by insertion of the first end 14 of the axle 14 therethrough, the tapered portion 34 may serve to deform the retainer member 24 and the retainer member 24 is moved along the body 14 toward the recess 32. Generally, the retainer member 24 may be attachable to the body 14 by snap-fit engagement with the recess 32 by any suitable means, for example the retainer member 24 may be provided by a deformable band or O-ring. In certain embodiments, to attach the retainer member 24 to the body 14, the retainer member 24 may be receivable on the axle 12 by deforming the retainer member 24 and passing it over a diameter of the body 14. In certain embodiments, the retainer member 24 may be alternatively provided, for example by a grub screw, dowel or the like receivable in a hole in the body 14 of the axle 12. The hole may be a through hole or a blind hole. In certain embodiments, the hole may be threaded. In certain embodiments, the sub-assembly 10 may comprise further features. In certain embodiments, the axle 12 may include a shoulder 36 at or toward the second end 18. The shoulder 36 may serve to inhibit removal of the bearing 22 from the axle 12 by withdrawal of the second end 18 of the axle 12 through the annular bearing 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 36 inhibits movement of the bearing 22 from the axial position along the body 14 towards the second end 16. This is because in the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 36 is substantially directly adjacent the axial position of the bearing 22. Though the bearing 22 is thereby retained substantially in the axial position, some degree of axial movement of the bearing 22 may be possible between the retainer member 24 and the shoulder 36. The second end 18 may be an enlarged end of the axle 12, having a greater diameter than the remainder of the axle 12, or at least the body 14 of the axle 12, thereby providing the shoulder 36. In certain embodiments, the subassembly 10 may comprise a further bearing 38 at or toward the first end 16. The further bearing 38 may fit around the body 14 of the axle 12, and may be in contact with the pedal body 20. The further bearing 38 may be retained on the axle 12 by and end cap 40 or a screw. The further bearing 38 may facilitate the distribution of forces transferred from the pedal body 20 to the axle 12. In certain embodiments, there may be additional components or mechanisms to secure the pedal body onto the axle 12, preventing it from sliding off unintentionally during use, for example retaining clips, lock nuts, or other suitable retention systems. To assemble the pedal, a user inserts the first end 16 of the axle 12 through the bearing 22, and moves the bearing 22 along the body 14 to the axial position, for example by moving the bearing 22 along the body until the bearing 22 contacts the shoulder 36. Subsequently, the user attaches the retainer member 24 to the body 14. As in the illustrated embodiment, this may be achieved by the user inserting the first end of the axle 16 though the retainer member 24, and moving the retainer member 24 along the body 14 until the retainer member 24 snaps into the recess 32. This fixes the bearing 22 in axial relation to the axle 12 to inhibit removal of the bearing 22 from the axle 12 by withdrawal of the first end 16 of the axle 12 through the bearing 22. The axle 12, with the bearing 22 mounted thereon, may then be inserted into the pedal body 20 (an arrow in Figure 3 indicates the direction of insertion). The axle 12 may be received within a bore 42 (best shown in Figures 4 and 5) of the pedal body 20. The bore 42 may have an inner diameter d4 substantially the same as the outer diameter d2 of the bearing 22, thereby the bearing 22 forming an interference fit with the bore 42. The shoulder 36 may abut the bearing 22 to urge the bearing 22 into the bore 42. The pedal body 20 may be secured to the axle 12 by conventional means. To remove the bearing 22 form the pedal body 20, the user need only remove the axle 12 therefrom (an arrow in Figure 6 indicates the direction of removal). The retainer member 24 abuts the bearing 22 to urge the bearing 22 out of the bore 42. Advantageously, the user may grasp the second end 18 to pull the axle 14 from pedal body 20, thereby removing the bearing 22 from the pedal body without the use of specialist tools. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise”, “contain”, “having” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, and characteristics, described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. In particular, the phrase “certain embodiments” is to be understood to mean any embodiment described, illustrated, or otherwise disclosed herein. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A cycle pedal sub-assembly comprising:an axle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis between first and second ends of the axle, the axle configured for mounting a pedal body thereon by insertion of the first end into the pedal body;an annular bearing receivable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle through the annular bearing, the annular bearing moveable along the body to an axial position thereon spaced apart from the first end; anda retainer member attachable to the body in fixed axial relation thereto to inhibit removal of the annular bearing from the axle by withdrawal of the first end of the axle through the annular bearing.

2. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retainer member inhibits movement of the annular bearing from the axial position along the body towards the first end.

3. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the axial position is closer to the second end than to the first end.

4. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer member is annular, for example the retainer member is a circlip.

5. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to claim 4, wherein the retainer member is receivable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle through the retainer member.

6. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer member is resiliently deformable to effect attachment thereof to the body.

7. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein thebody comprises a recess for receiving the retainer member to attach the retainer member in fixed axial relation thereto.

8. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to claim 7, wherein the recess is annular and extends about a circumference of the body.

9. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the retainer member is attachable to the body by snap-fit engagement with the recess.

10. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a tapered portion between the first end and the axial position, the tapered portion decreasing in diameter in a direction towards the first end.

11. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular bearing is a plain bearing.

12. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the annular bearing is a rolling-element bearing, for example the annular bearing is a ball bearing.

13. A cycle pedal sub-assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cycle pedal sub-assembly further comprises a pedal body mountable on the axle by insertion of the first end of the axle into the pedal body.

14. A cycle, for example a bicycle or a tricycle, comprising the cycle pedal subassembly according to any preceding claim.

15. A method of manufacturing a cycle pedal sub-assembly, the method comprising:providing an axle having a body extending along a central longitudinal axis between first and second ends of the axle;providing an annular bearing;providing a retainer member;5 inserting the first end of the axle through the annular bearing, and moving theannular bearing along the body to an axial position thereon spaced apart from the first end;andattaching the retainer member to the body in fixed axial relation thereto to inhibit removal of the annular bearing from the axle by withdrawal of the first end of the axle10 through the annular bearing.15

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