EP4659903A1

EP4659903A1 - Roller chain cutter

Info

Publication number: EP4659903A1
Application number: EP25176574.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pedro Regás Chavarría
Original assignee: De Regas Pena Beatriz; De Regas Pena Gonzalo; De Regas Pena Pablo; De Regas Pena Victor
Current assignee: De Regas Pena Beatriz; De Regas Pena Gonzalo; De Regas Pena Pablo; De Regas Pena Victor
Priority date: 2024-05-16
Filing date: 2025-05-15
Publication date: 2025-12-10
Also published as: ES1309326U; ES1309326Y

Abstract

The object of the invention is a roller chain cutter comprising a T-shaped body (1) with one arm perpendicular to the other, comprising holes, which connect the body (1) to one of the gripping legs (8) through an outer chain link (10) and pins (11), allowing the tool to be opened and closed in order to grip the chain. The tool is operated by squeezing the lever (13) and rod (5) by hand to open the legs (8), and gripping the chain around the roller.

Description

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention, as the title of the invention states, is a roller chain cutter, to facilitate the disassembly of pins in roller chains. This is an innovation that, within the current techniques, provides advantages that were unknown until now.
This invention is characterised by the special functional and constructive characteristics of the elements that make up the device. They all work together to create a tool that improves the current chain pin extractors, in order to be able to completely extract the outer link of the chain and can also dismantle most chains with attachments.

TECHNICAL SECTOR

This invention therefore falls within the field of tools and tools for roller chain maintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This innovative tool represents a significant improvement on the devices known as chain pin extractors (also referred to as chain pin detachers or chain breakers), which have been in use for many years. These traditional tools are limited in their ability to completely remove the outer link of most chains, as well as to disassemble chains that include attachments. Furthermore, a single tool is not sufficient to dismantle chains with pitches ranging from 3/8" to 1".
However, with the introduction of this new tool, these limitations have been effectively overcome. It is now possible to completely remove the outer link of chains, disassemble chains including attachments and tackle chains with pitches ranging from 3/8" to 1", all with a single tool. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone in the industry, as it solves problems that were previously considered difficult to overcome.
Regarding the present state of the art, it should be noted that, although devices for disassembling roller chains are known, none possess identical or similar structural and constitutive technical characteristics to those featured in the invention described in this document.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a roller chain cutting tool designed to be able to completely dismantle any roller chain with pitches ranging from 3/8" to 1", even with attachments.
Specifically, what the invention proposes, as stated above, is a tool that has 3 fundamental characteristics that differentiate it from the current ones:
You have more space to handle the chains, this allows you to disassemble most chains with attachments, such as the ones with side plates, and also to be able to remove the outer link completely.
The power screw has a greater range of motion and can accommodate long punches, whereas current tools only allow for a conical tip. In standard roller chains, when the outer link plate is removed, it cannot be detached with the current tools because the riveted pins do not pass through the bushing of the inner links. This second feature solves this problem and with this new tool it is possible to push the pin completely out of the bushing and thus remove the outer link of the chain so that it is open.
The screw can accommodate long punches of different sizes which can be easily replaced as they have a groove in which a ring is placed to allow the punch to fit tightly and not come out, but on the other hand still allowing for easy removal. This feature allows the tool to dismantle chains with the following pitches: 3/8", ½", 5/8", ¾", 1" using only the punches and no additional accessories.
In many instances, it is beneficial to dismantle multi-strand chains through multiple operations. This technique allows a more precise and safer disassembly, avoiding possible damage or accidents.
The use of a larger diameter punch facilitates the safe breaking of strong rivets, such as those present in motorbike chains. This tool provides the necessary force to effectively disassemble the rivets while maintaining the integrity of the chain.
In addition, it is possible to remove a single pin from the chain with care and precision. To achieve this, it is crucial to position the chain correctly and to break the rivet with the largest punch first, ensuring maximum safety during the process. Subsequently, the extraction is completed by pushing the rivet with the appropriate punch.
These advantages offer efficient and safe chain disassembly, ensuring a high degree of control over the operations carried out.
Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this document carry their customary meaning as understood by a person skilled in the relevant field of this invention. When using this invention, processes and materials similar or equivalent to those described may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the sake of completeness and to enhance comprehension of the invention's features within this description, integral and accompanying figures have been included. The figures are for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. They represent the following:

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool.
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool with a roller chain.
Figure 3 is a detailed cutaway representation of the roller chain cutting tool.
Figure 4 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool with a first example dismantling chains with attachments.
Figure 5 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool with a second example dismantling chains with attachments.
Figure 6 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool in the first stage of chain disassembly.
Figure 7 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool in the second stage of chain disassembly.
Figure 8 is a perspective representation of the roller chain cutting tool in the third stage of chain disassembly.
Figure 9 is a representation of a first example of a punch (3).
Figure 10 is a representation of a second example of a punch (3).
Figure 11 is a representation of a third example of a punch (3).

PREFERRED USE OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned drawings, a preferred, but non-limiting use of the proposed invention is described below, which consists of a roller chain cutting tool.
As can be seen in the figures, the roller chain cutting tool comprises a T-shaped main body (1) with a cylindrical arm perpendicular to a rectangular arm. The rectangular part has holes at the ends, which are used to connect the main body (1) to one of the gripping legs (8) through an outer chain link (10) and pins (11), thus allowing the tool to be opened and closed in order to grip the chain. The cylindrical part moves along the inside of the guide (6), ensuring precise alignment, and has a threaded inner hole through which the clamping screw (2) moves. Thanks to this component, the clamping screw (2) has sufficient linear travel to be able to fully disassemble the chains.
The clamping screw (2), comprising a head with perpendicular holes (4), where the removable rod (5) is housed, with which leverage is used to turn the clamping screw (2), at the other end it has a hole where the punches (3) are housed. These punches (3) are interchangeable, each one having different characteristics adaptable to the needs of the task to be performed, modifying for example their length, head type or diameter. They are designed for easy replacement and are long enough to pass through the entire length of the bushing to extract the chain pin. The punches also include an adjustment ring (14) to prevent movement during use.
The guide (6), on the other hand, is designed to guide the main body (1), being pushed by a spring (7) that keeps the assembly in a closed position. It also supports the gripping legs (8) by means of pins (9) so that they can rotate when the tool is opened.
In addition, the legs (8) have a length that allows more space inside the tool, so that the chains can be disassembled. The chain gripping ends are designed to grip all sizes of chain that can be disassembled, comprising an angled recess (12) at its tip, which is specifically designed to ensure a secure grip on the drive chain link rollers. The legs (8) include a lever (13) that enables the user to exert the necessary force to operate the tool.
The operation of the tool works by squeezing the lever (13) and the rod (5) by hand to open the legs (8), at which point the chain is gripped underneath the plates around the roller. It is then released and with the aid of the spring (7), the tool tends to return to its position, gripping and positioning the chain. The screw (2) is then turned using the rod (5) for leverage and movement, pushing the chain pin to detach it from the plate. Subsequently, the same is repeated with another pin of the outer link.
Having sufficiently described the nature of this invention, as well as how to use it, further explanation is not considered necessary for any expert on the subject to understand its scope and benefits. It is also noted that, within its essential nature, the device may be implemented in other ways which differ from the one described by way of example. The protection sought shall equally apply in these cases, provided that its fundamental principal is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

Roller chain cutting tool characterised in that it comprises:
a T-shaped main body (1) with a cylindrical arm perpendicular to a rectangular arm. The rectangular part has holes at the ends for connecting the main body (1) to one of the gripping legs (8) via an outer chain link (10) and pins (11), the cylindrical part of which moves inside the guide (6), ensuring precise alignment, and has a threaded inner hole through which the clamping screw (2) moves;

a clamping screw (2) comprising a head with perpendicular holes (4), where a rod (5) is housed, at the other end it has a hole where the punches (3) are housed;

a guide (6), designed to guide the main body (1), being pushed by a spring (7) that keeps the assembly in a closed position that supports the gripping legs (8) by means of pins (9);

legs (8), the ends of which are designed to grip the chains, and include a lever (13).
Roller chain cutting tool, according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the punches (3) are interchangeable.
Roller chain cutting tool, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the legs (8) comprise a recess (12) at their tips.
Roller chain cutting tool, according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the recess (12) is in the form of an angle.
Roller chain cutting tool, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rod (5) is detachable.
Roller chain cutting tool according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an adjustment ring (14) is housed in the punch (3).