Chain guard system lock nut

Abstract

The present application describes a chain guard system lock nut comprising an electric motor (7) wherein the sprocket rotates at an angular speed different from the crank speed (2). The present application discloses a bike chain guard system lock nut designed to protect the clothing of the user from fouling or being caught between the chain and the sprocket, thereby avoiding accidents, but also, and by means of the chain guard (4), avoiding the chain from releasing from the sprocket in the bottom bracket (8). This lock nut is assembled together with the sprocket directly on the bottom bracket.

Claims

1. A chain guard system comprising: a lock nut with an integrated chain guard, forming one body, wherein the lock nut joins a sprocket directly to the chain guard such that the sprocket and the system each rotate at a first angular speed and a crank rotates at a second angular speed independent of the first angular speed.

2. The chain guard system according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the guard and the sprocket is less than the thickness of the chain.

3. The chain guard system according to claim 1, wherein the lock nut further comprises an integrated annular protrusion having a chamfer.

4. A method for assembling the chain guard system according to claim 1, comprising assembling the elements thereof together with the sprocket.

5. A bicycle comprising the chain guard system according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For an easier understanding of the technique, drawings are herein attached, which represent preferred embodiments and which, however, are not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

(2) FIG. 1 is a representation of a new type of electric motors for bikes with the addition of a chain guard system lock nut, wherein reference numbers represent: 2crank; 3sprocket; 4chain guard; 7electric motor; 8bottom bracket; 9system lock nut.

(3) FIG. 2 is a representation of the chain with the chain guard system applied, particular emphasis being given to the chamfer and the distance A between the guard and the sprocket, wherein reference numbers represent: 10chain; 11chamfer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(4) The present application describes a chain guard system lock nut for a bike, preferably a bicycle, comprising an electric motor (7) wherein the sprocket rotates at an angular speed different from the crank speed (2).

(5) The system lock nut (9) may have a protective design as that which is illustrated in FIG. 1. This system lock nut is mounted together with the sprocket (3), the system lock nut not needing to be applied since a tightening system is already provided within the chain guard system itself. This system lock nut enables the sprocket or pulley to rotate at the same speed as that of the chain guard (4) thus leaving the crank (2) free from such rotation. It also provides easy and fast assembly of the entire system, without the need for any additional tightening systems, including the transmission system lock nut (9) which is provided with the motor.

(6) Due to an improved simplicity in the system, the technology herein developed enables an easier assembly/replacement, allowing faster assembly which means a time drop in assembly lines and/or replacement operations within the system. There is also a reduction in weight associated with the improved simplicity of the system, since screws and lock nuts are not required in the sprocket guard.

(7) Another feature of the technology herein disclosed is to prevent the chain or belt from being trapped between the sprocket or belt pulley and the chain guard thus avoiding accidents. This feature is ensured by a distance A between the guard and the sprocket less than the thickness of the chain or belt, thereby preventing the chain or belt from entering into this free space between transmission and guard systems.

(8) In order to prevent the chain from contacting the guard in the event of a bicycle being equipped with a rear derailleur, a chamfer (11) may be introduced, as shown in FIG. 2, which provides enough space to prevent the chain (10) from contacting the guard, thus allowing the system to incorporate smaller sprockets than a conventional system for latest generation engines, and the chain is unlikely to touch the bottom of the guard.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

(9) An application example is hereinafter described, which however is not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

(10) One way to achieve this technology is by means of the manufacture of a guard, by means of a progressive tool, the guard having the shape shown in FIG. 1 and being made of steel plate or other material so that the user is protected from the chain.

(11) Another alternative would be by plastic injection thus ensuring a low weight system.

(12) The present embodiment is of course in no way restricted to the embodiments herein described and a person of ordinary skill in the art will be capable of providing many modification possibilities thereto without departing from the general idea of the invention as defined in the claims.

(13) The embodiments described above are obviously combinable with each other. The following claims define further preferred embodiments.