CN109578518B

CN109578518B - Bicycle chain outer link plate and bicycle chain

Info

Publication number: CN109578518B
Application number: CN201810954747.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赤西谦一; 江村笃裕; 水谷祐太; 福森毅
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2017-09-29
Filing date: 2018-08-21
Publication date: 2021-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-21
Also published as: TWI767040B; TWI749254B; TW201914895A; DE102018120313A1; DE102018120323A1; CN109578518A; TW201915356A; CN109578519A; CN109578519B

Abstract

The bicycle chain outer link plate includes a first outer link end portion, a second outer link end portion, and a first outer link middle portion. The first outer link end includes a first outer link opening and a first outer link end outermost edge. The second outer link end includes a second outer link opening and a second outer link end outermost edge. The first outer link middle portion includes a first outer link middle outermost edge and a first additional outer link middle outermost edge. The first outer chain intermediate portion has a first distance defined in an axial direction on a first outer chain longitudinal axis. The first outer chain intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined in the axial direction. The outermost edge of the first outer link end has a third distance defined in the axial direction. The first distance is greater than the second distance and the third distance. The second distance is greater than the third distance.

Description

Bicycle chain outer link plate and bicycle chain

Technical Field

The invention relates to a bicycle chain outer link plate and a bicycle chain.

Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is a chain.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain outer link plate includes a first outer link end portion, a second outer link end portion and a first outer link middle portion. The first outer link end includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer link opening, and a first outer link end outermost edge. The first inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link plate and the additional outer link plate are assembled. The first outer chain opening has a first outer chain center axis and extends along the first outer chain center axis from the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The first outer link end outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening. The second outer link end includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a second outer link aperture, and a second outer link end outermost edge. The second inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state. The second outer link opening has a second outer link central axis and extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface. The second outer link end outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the second outer link opening. The first outer link middle portion connects the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion to each other. The first outer link middle portion includes a first middle outer surface, a first middle inner surface, a first outer link middle outermost edge, and a first additional outer link middle outermost edge. The first intermediate inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first intermediate outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state. The first outer link middle outermost edge is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge. The first additional outer link middle outermost edge is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge. The first outer chain intermediate portion has a first distance defined on a first outer chain longitudinal axis in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extending from the first outer chain central axis to the second outer chain central axis when viewed in the axial direction. The first outer chain intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined along the axial direction. The first outer link end outermost edge has a third distance defined along the axial direction, the first distance being greater than the second distance and the third distance, the second distance being greater than the third distance.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the first aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be smoothed.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the first aspect is configured such that the first distance ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the second aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be made smoother.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the second distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the third aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be made smoother.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the third distance ranges from 0.44mm to 0.48 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the fourth aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be made smoother.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain outer link plate includes a first outer link end portion, a second outer link end portion and a first outer link middle portion. The first outer link end includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer link opening, and a first outer link end outermost edge. The first inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link plate and the additional outer link plate are assembled. The first outer chain opening has a first outer chain center axis and extends along the first outer chain center axis from the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The first outer link end outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening. The second outer link end includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a second outer link aperture, and a second outer link end outermost edge. The second inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state. The second outer link opening has a second outer link central axis and extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface. The second outer link end outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the second outer link opening. The first outer link middle portion connects the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion to each other. The first outer link middle portion includes a first middle outer surface, a first middle inner surface, a first outer link middle outermost edge, and a first additional outer link middle outermost edge. The first intermediate inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first intermediate outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state. The first outer link middle outermost edge is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge. The first additional outer link middle outermost edge is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge. The first outer chain intermediate portion has a first distance defined on a first outer chain longitudinal axis in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extending from the first outer chain central axis to the second outer chain central axis when viewed in the axial direction. The first outer chain intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined along the axial direction. The second distance ranges from 89% to 93% of the first distance.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the fifth aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be smoothed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the first distance ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the sixth aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be made smoother.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the first outer link end portion includes a first outer link end portion cut surface and a first additional outer link end portion cut surface. The first outer link end section is disposed on the first outer surface. The first additional outer link end section is disposed on the first outer surface. The first outer link end section cut surface extends along the first outer link end outermost edge. The first additional outer link end section cut extends along the first outer link end outermost edge. The first additional outer link end section is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the first outer link end section.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the seventh aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced and the shifting operation can be made smoother in the case where the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer link end portion.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first outer link end cut face is adjacent to the first additional outer link end cut face without an additional cut face between the first outer link end cut face and the first additional outer link end cut face.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to reduce the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate and to make the shifting operation smoother in the case where the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer link end portion.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the seventh or eighth aspect is configured such that the first outer link end cut surface includes a first radially outer edge and a first radially inner edge. The first additional outer link end section comprises a first additional radially outer edge and a first additional radially inner edge. The first radially inner edge is coincident with the first additional radially outer edge.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to reduce the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate and to make the shifting operation smoother in the case where the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer link end portion.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the first outer link end has a fourth distance defined at the first radially outer edge of the first outer link end cutout surface in the axial direction. The fourth distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to reduce the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate and to make the shifting operation smoother in the case where the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer link end portion.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the second distance corresponds to the fourth distance.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the eleventh aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced and the shifting operation can be made smoother in the case where the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer link end portion.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further comprises a contour having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the twelfth aspect, the asymmetric shape may cause the bicycle chain outer link plate to have different functions on both sides.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the second outer link opening has an elongated shape extending along the first outer link longitudinal axis.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the thirteenth aspect, the same effects as those of the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the first aspect can be obtained.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the second outer link opening has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is inclined relative to the first outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain outer link plate according to the fourteenth aspect, the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the second outer link opening can be improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain comprises the bicycle chain outer link plate and the first link pin according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects. The first link pin is disposed in the first outer link opening. The first link pin is engaged with the additional outer link plate.

With the bicycle chain according to the fifteenth aspect, the influence on the strength of the bicycle chain outer link plate can be reduced with the width of the bicycle chain outer link plate reduced, and the shifting operation can be smoothed.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle having a drive train that uses a bicycle chain in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the bicycle chain outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bicycle chain outer link plate in accordance with the variation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outer link plate of the bicycle chain as taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the additional outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of an additional outer link plate according to a variation of this embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the additional outer link plate taken along line X-X of fig. 8.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the outer link plate of the bicycle chain taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is another partial perspective cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain outer link plate taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 5.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain outer link plate taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 5.

Fig. 16 is a partial perspective sectional view of the additional outer link plate taken along line XVI-XVI of fig. 8.

FIG. 17 is another partial perspective cross-sectional view of the additional outer link plate taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 8.

Fig. 18 is a partial perspective sectional view of the additional outer link plate taken along line XVIII-XVIII of fig. 8.

FIG. 19 is another side elevational view of the outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 20 is another side elevational view of the bicycle chain outer link plate in accordance with the variation of the embodiment.

Fig. 21 is another side elevational view of the additional outer link plate illustrated in fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several views.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated that is equipped with a bicycle chain 12 in accordance with one embodiment. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handlebar B2, a saddle B3, and a drive train B4. The drive train B4 is configured to convert the pedaling force of the rider into a driving force. The bicycle chain 12 is part of a drive train B4. Drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, rear sprockets B6, a front derailleur B7 and a rear derailleur B8. The bicycle crank assembly B5 includes a front sprocket B51. The bicycle crank assembly B5 is rotatably mounted on the bottom bracket of the bicycle frame B1 about a center axis of rotation a 1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a center axis of rotation A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6 to extend therebetween. The front derailleur B7 and the rear derailleur B8 are configured and arranged to change gear positions by shifting the bicycle chain 12 in a lateral direction of the bicycle 10. The front sprocket B51 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B51. The rear sprocket B6 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B6.

In the present application, for example, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward" and "downward" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions determined based on, for example, a rider sitting on the saddle B3 of the bicycle 10 and facing the handlebar B2. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle 10 including the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 as being used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. These terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle chain 12 of the bicycle 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, mounted on a horizontal surface for use in an upright riding position.

As seen in fig. 2, the bicycle chain 12 includes a bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and a first link pin 16. The bicycle chain 12 includes an additional outer link plate 18, a second link pin 20, first and second

inner link plates

22 and 24, and a roller ring 28. The bicycle chain outer link plate 14 is spaced apart from the additional outer link plate 18. The first and second

inner link plates

22 and 24 are disposed between the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18. The roller ring 28 is disposed between the first inner link plate 22 and the second inner link plate 24. The bicycle chain 12 has a drive direction DD in which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force F1 during pedaling. The bicycle chain outer link plate 14 can also be referred to as a first outer link plate 14. The additional outer link plate 18 may also be referred to as a second outer link plate 18.

In this embodiment, the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 are connecting link plates to connect one end of the chain to the other end of the chain. Thus, the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 can also be referred to as a first connecting link plate 14. The additional outer link plates 18 may also be referred to as second connecting link plates 18. However, the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 are not limited to connecting link plates. The bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 can be outer link plates.

As seen in fig. 3 and 4, the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 includes a first outer link end portion 30, a second outer link end portion 32 and a first outer link middle portion 34. The first outer link middle portion 34 interconnects the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32. The first outer link middle portion 34 is disposed between the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

As shown in fig. 2, the first outer link end portion 30 includes a first outer surface 30A and a first inner surface 30B. The first inner surface 30B is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface 30A to face the additional outer link plate 18 in an assembled state where the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 are assembled. The second outer link end 32 includes a second outer surface 32A and a second inner surface 32B. The second inner surface 32B is disposed on an opposite side of the second outer surface 32A to face the additional outer link plate 18 in the assembled state. The first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a first intermediate outer surface 34A and a first intermediate inner surface 34B. The first intermediate inner surface 34B is disposed on an opposite side of the first intermediate outer surface 34A to face the additional outer link plate 18 in the assembled state.

As shown in fig. 5, the first outer link end portion 30 includes a first outer link opening 30C having a first outer link central axis CA 11. The first outer link end 30 includes a first outer link end outermost edge 30E disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening 30C. The second outer link end 32 includes a second outer link aperture 32C having a second outer link central axis CA 12. The second outer link end 32 includes a second outer link end outermost edge 32E disposed radially outward of the second outer link opening 32C. The first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a first outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34E and a first additional outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34F. The first outer link middle outermost edge 34E is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge 30E and the second outer link end outermost edge 32E. A first additional outer link middle outermost edge 34F is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge 30E and the second outer link end outermost edge 32E.

The bicycle chain outer link plate 14 includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 that extends from a first outer chain central axis CA11 to a second outer chain central axis CA12 when viewed in an axial direction D1 (fig. 2) that is parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA 11. The bicycle chain outer link plate 14 further includes a profile having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1 (fig. 2). However, the profile of the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 can have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, the first outer chain opening 30C has a circular shape. The second outer chain opening 32C has an elongated shape extending along the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA 11. The second outer chain opening 32C has a longitudinal axis LA 12. The longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C is inclined relative to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, as shown in fig. 6, the longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C may be parallel to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 5, the second outer chain opening 32C includes an attachment opening 32C1 and an insertion opening 32C 2. The attachment opening 32C1 is connected to the insertion opening 32C 2. The attachment opening 32C1 has an attachment central axis CA 13. The insertion opening 32C2 has an insertion center axis CA 14. The longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C extends from the attachment center axis CA13 to the insertion center axis CA14 when viewed in the axial direction D1 (fig. 2). In this embodiment, the second outer chain center axis CA12 coincides with the attachment center axis CA 13. However, the second outer chain center axis CA12 may be offset from the attachment center axis CA 13.

As shown in fig. 7, the first outer chain opening 30C extends from the first outer surface 30A to the first inner surface 30B along the first outer chain center axis CA 11. The second outer chain opening 32C extends from the second outer surface 32A to the second inner surface 32B.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the additional outer link plate 18 includes a third outer link end portion 40, a fourth outer link end portion 42, and a second outer link middle portion 44. The second outer link middle portion 44 interconnects the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42. The second outer link middle portion 44 is disposed between the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42.

As shown in fig. 2, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer surface 40A and a third inner surface 40B. The third inner surface 40B is disposed on an opposite side of the third outer surface 40A to face the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 in an assembled state where the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 are assembled. The fourth outer link end 42 includes a fourth outer surface 42A and a fourth inner surface 42B. The fourth inner surface 42B is disposed on an opposite side of the fourth outer surface 42A to face the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 in the assembled state. The second outer link middle portion 44 includes a second middle outer surface 44A and a second middle inner surface 44B. The second intermediate inner surface 44B is disposed on an opposite side of the second intermediate outer surface 44A to face the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 in the assembled state.

As shown in fig. 8, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link opening 40C having a third outer link central axis CA 21. The third outer link end 40 includes a third outer link end outermost edge 40E disposed radially outward of the third outer link opening 40C. The fourth outer link end 42 includes a fourth outer link opening 42C having a fourth outer link central axis CA 22. The fourth outer link end 42 includes a fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E disposed radially outward of the fourth outer link opening 42C. The second outer link middle portion 44 includes a second outer link middle outermost edge 44E and a second additional outer link middle outermost edge 44F. The second outer link middle outermost edge 44E is disposed between the third outer link end outermost edge 40E and the fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E. A second additional outer link middle outermost edge 44F is disposed between the third outer link end outermost edge 40E and the fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E.

The additional outer link plate 18 includes a second outer link longitudinal axis LA21 that extends from a third outer link central axis CA21 to a fourth outer link central axis CA22 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The additional outer link plates 18 also include a profile having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second outer link longitudinal axis LA21 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the profile of the additional outer link plate 18 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second outer link longitudinal axis LA21 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, the third outer chain opening 40C has a circular shape. The fourth outer chain opening 42C has an elongated shape extending along the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA 21. The fourth outer chain opening 42C has a longitudinal axis LA 22. The longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C is inclined with respect to the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, as shown in fig. 9, the longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C may be parallel to the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 8, the fourth outer chain opening 42C includes an attachment opening 42C1 and an insertion opening 42C 2. The attachment opening 42C1 is connected to the insertion opening 42C 2. The attachment opening 42C1 has an attachment center axis CA 23. The insertion opening 42C2 has an insertion center axis CA 24. The longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C extends from the attachment center axis CA23 to the insertion center axis CA 24. In this embodiment, the fourth outer chain center axis CA22 coincides with the attachment center axis CA 23. However, the fourth outer chain center axis CA22 may be offset from the attachment center axis CA 23.

As shown in fig. 10, the third outer chain opening 40C extends from the third outer surface 40A to the third inner surface 40B along the third outer chain center axis CA 21. The fourth outer chain opening 42C extends from the fourth outer surface 42A to the fourth inner surface 42B.

As shown in fig. 3, the first link pin 16 is disposed in the first outer link opening 30C. The first link pin 16 engages with an additional outer link plate 18. The second link pin 20 is disposed in the second outer link opening 32C. The second link pin 20 engages the additional outer link plate 18. As shown in fig. 4, the first link pin 16 is disposed in the fourth outer link opening 42C. The second link pin 20 is disposed in the third outer link opening 40C.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first inner link plate 22 and the second inner link plate 24 are pivotally coupled to the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 by the first link pin 16. The first and second

inner link plates

22 and 24 are pivotally coupled to the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 and the additional outer link plate 18 by the second link pin 20.

As shown in fig. 11, the first link pin 16 includes a first pin body 16A, a first head portion 16B, a first intermediate portion 16C, and a first recess 16D. The first pin body 16A is disposed in the first outer chain opening 30C. In this embodiment, for example, the first pin body 16A is press-fitted in the first outer chain opening 30C. The first intermediate portion 16C couples the first head portion 16B to the first pin body 16A. The first recess 16D is disposed between the first pin body 16A and the first head portion 16B. The first intermediate portion 16C is disposed in the fourth outer link opening 42C.

As shown in fig. 12, the additional outer link plate 18 includes a guide portion 42K provided in the fourth outer link opening 42C. The guide portion 42K extends from the inner peripheral surface of the fourth outer chain opening 42C. As shown in fig. 4, the guide portion 42K is disposed in the first groove 16D of the first link pin 16 in the assembled state.

As shown in fig. 12, the second link pin 20 includes a second pin body 20A, a second head portion 20B, a second intermediate portion 20C, and a second groove 20D. The second pin body 20A is disposed in the third outer chain opening 40C. In this embodiment, for example, the second pin body 20A is press-fitted in the third outer chain opening 40C. Second intermediate portion 20C couples second head portion 20B to second pin body 20A. A second groove 20D is disposed between the second pin body 20A and the second head portion 20B. The second intermediate portion 20C is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32C.

As seen in fig. 11, the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 includes a guide portion 32K disposed in the second outer link opening 32C. The guide portion 32K extends from the inner peripheral surface of the second outer link opening 32C. As shown in fig. 3, the guide portion 32K is disposed in the second groove 20D of the second link pin 20 in the assembled state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first outer link end 30 includes a first outer link end cut surface 30F and a first additional outer link end cut surface 30G. The first outer chain end cut surface 30F is provided on the first outer surface 30A. A first additional outer chain end cut surface 30G is provided on the first outer surface 30A. The first outer link end cut surface 30F extends along the first outer link end outermost edge 30E. The first additional outer link end cut surface 30G extends along the first outer link end outermost edge 30E. The first additional outer link end tangent plane 30G is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge 30E and the first outer link end tangent plane 30F. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end cut face 30F is adjacent to the first additional outer chain end cut face 30G, and there are no additional cut faces between the first outer chain end cut face 30F and the first additional outer chain end cut face 30G. However, additional cuts may be provided between the first outer chain end cut 30F and the first additional outer chain end cut 30G.

As shown in fig. 13, the first outer chain end section 30F includes a first radially outer edge 30F1 and a first radially inner edge 30F 2. The first additional outer chain end section 30G includes a first additional radially outer edge 30G1 and a first additional radially inner edge 30G 2. The first radially inner edge 30F2 coincides with the first additional radially outer edge 30G 1. However, the first radially inner edge 30F2 may be offset from the first additional radially outer edge 30G 1.

As shown in fig. 5, the second outer link end 32 includes a second outer link end tangent plane 32F and a second additional outer link end tangent plane 32G. A second outer link end tangent plane 32F is provided on the second outer surface 32A. A second additional outer chain end cut surface 32G is provided on the second outer surface 32A. A second outer link end tangent plane 32F extends along the second outer link end outermost edge 32E. A second additional outer link end tangent plane 32G extends along a second outer link end outermost edge 32E. A second additional outer link end tangent plane 32G is disposed between the second outer link end outermost edge 32E and the second outer link end tangent plane 32F. In this embodiment, the second outer chain end tangent plane 32F is adjacent to the second additional outer chain end tangent plane 32G, and there is no additional tangent plane between the second outer chain end tangent plane 32F and the second additional outer chain end tangent plane 32G. However, additional facets may be provided between the second outer chain end facet 32F and the second additional outer chain end facet 32G.

As shown in fig. 14, the second outer link end tangent plane 32F includes a second radially outer edge 32F1 and a second radially inner edge 32F 2. The second additional outer chain end section 32G includes a second additional radially outer edge 32G1 and a second additional radially inner edge 32G 2. The second radially inner edge 32F2 coincides with the second additional radially outer edge 32G 1. However, the second radially inner edge 32F2 may be offset from the second additional radially outer edge 32G 1.

As shown in fig. 15, the first outer chain intermediate portion 34 has a first distance T11 defined on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 in an axial direction D1 that is parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA 11. The first outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34E has a second distance T12 defined along the axial direction D1. The first outer link end outermost edge 30E has a third distance T13 defined along the axial direction D1. The first distance T11 is greater than the second distance T12 and the third distance T13. The second distance T12 is greater than the third distance T13. In this embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth distances T11, T12, T13, T14 is defined in the axial direction D1 from the first intermediate inner surface 34B.

In this embodiment, the first distance T11 ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance T12 ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm. The third distance T13 ranges from 0.44mm to 0.48 mm. In this embodiment, the first distance T11 is 0.89 mm. The second distance T12 is 0.81 mm. The third distance T13 is 0.46 mm. However, each of the first distance T11, the second distance T12, and the third distance T13 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range. The second distance T12 ranges from 89% to 93% of the first distance T11. In this embodiment, the second distance T12 is approximately 91% of the first distance T11. However, the ratio of the second distance T12 to the first distance T11 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first outer link end 30 has a fourth distance T14, the fourth distance T14 being defined in the axial direction D1 at a first radially outer edge 30F1 of the first outer link end tangent plane 30F. The fourth distance T14 ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm. In this embodiment, the fourth distance T14 is 0.81 mm. That is, the second distance T12 corresponds to the fourth distance T14. The second distance T12 is equal to the fourth distance T14. However, the fourth distance T14 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. The fourth distance T14 may be different from the second distance T12.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link end portion cut surface 40F and a third additional outer link end portion cut surface 40G. The third outer chain end cut surface 40F is provided on the third outer surface 40A. A third additional outer chain end cut surface 40G is provided on the third outer surface 40A. The third outer link end cut surface 40F extends along the third outer link end outermost edge 40E. The third additional outer link end cut surface 40G extends along the third outer link end outermost edge 40E. The third additional outer link end tangent plane 40G is disposed between the third outer link end outermost edge 40E and the third outer link end tangent plane 40F. In this embodiment, the third outer chain end cut face 40F is adjacent to the third additional outer chain end cut face 40G, and there are no additional cut faces between the third outer chain end cut face 40F and the third additional outer chain end cut face 40G. However, additional cuts may be provided between the third outer chain end cut 40F and the third additional outer chain end cut 40G.

As shown in fig. 16, the third outer chain end cut surface 40F includes a third radially outer edge 40F1 and a third radially inner edge 40F 2. The third additional outer chain end section 40G includes a third additional radially outer edge 40G1 and a third additional radially inner edge 40G 2. The third radially inner edge 40F2 coincides with the third additional radially outer edge 40G 1. However, the third radially inner edge 40F2 may be offset from the third additional radially outer edge 40G 1.

As shown in fig. 8, the fourth outer link end 42 includes a fourth outer link end tangent plane 42F and a fourth additional outer link end tangent plane 42G. A fourth outer link end tangent plane 42F is provided on the fourth outer surface 42A. A fourth additional outer link end cut surface 42G is provided on the fourth outer surface 42A. A fourth outer link end tangent plane 42F extends along a fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E. A fourth additional outer link end cut surface 42G extends along a fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E. A fourth additional outer link end tangent plane 42G is disposed between the fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E and the fourth outer link end tangent plane 42F. In this embodiment, the fourth outer chain end tangent plane 42F is adjacent to the fourth additional outer chain end tangent plane 42G, and there is no additional tangent plane between the fourth outer chain end tangent plane 42F and the fourth additional outer chain end tangent plane 42G. However, additional facets may be provided between the fourth outer chain end facet 42F and the fourth additional outer chain end facet 42G.

As shown in FIG. 17, the fourth outer link end tangent plane 42F includes a fourth radially outer edge 42F1 and a fourth radially inner edge 42F 2. The fourth additional outer chain end section 42G includes a fourth additional radially outer edge 42G1 and a fourth additional radially inner edge 42G 2. The fourth radially inner edge 42F2 coincides with the fourth additional radially outer edge 42G 1. However, the fourth radially inner edge 42F2 may be offset from the fourth additional radially outer edge 42G 1.

As shown in fig. 18, the second outer link middle portion 44 has a first distance T21 defined on the third outer link center axis CA21 along an axial direction D1 that is parallel to the second outer link longitudinal axis LA 21. The second outer chain intermediate outermost edge 44E has a second distance T22 defined along the axial direction D1. The third outer link end outermost edge 40E has a third distance T23 defined along the axial direction D1. The first distance T21 is greater than the second distance T22 and the third distance T23. The second distance T22 is greater than the third distance T23. In this embodiment, each of the first, second, third, and fourth distances T21, T22, T23, T24 is defined from the second intermediate inner surface 44B in the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, the first distance T21 ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance T22 ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm. The third distance T23 ranges from 0.44mm to 0.48 mm. In this embodiment, the first distance T21 is 0.89 mm. The second distance T22 is 0.81 mm. The third distance T23 is 0.46 mm. However, each of the first distance T21, the second distance T22, and the third distance T23 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range. The second distance T22 ranges from 89% to 93% of the first distance T21. In this embodiment, the second distance T22 is approximately 91% of the first distance T21. However, the ratio of the second distance T22 to the first distance T21 is not limited to this embodiment.

The third outer link end 40 has a fourth distance T24 defined in the axial direction D1 at a third radially outer edge 40F1 of the third outer link end tangent plane 40F. The fourth distance T24 ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm. In this embodiment, the fourth distance T24 is 0.81 mm. That is, the second distance T22 corresponds to the fourth distance T24. The second distance T22 is equal to the fourth distance T24. However, the fourth distance T24 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above. The fourth distance T24 may be different from the second distance T22.

As shown in fig. 19, the first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a first middle cut 34G extending along the first outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34E. The first median cut 34G has a first inner edge 34G 1. The first middle cut 34G is disposed between the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and the first inner edge 34G 1. The first middle cut 34G extends from the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E toward the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F. A first cut intermediate surface 34G is provided on the first inner intermediate surface 34B and between the first and second outer link ends 30, 32.

The first middle cut plane 34G has a first minimum distance MD11 defined along a reference line RL1 between the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and the first inner edge 34G 1. Reference line RL1 is perpendicular to first outer chain longitudinal axis LA 11. The first outer link longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the first outer link central axis CA11 to the second outer link central axis CA12 when viewed in the axial direction D1 that is parallel to the first outer link central axis CA 11. In the first outer chain middle portion 34, the distance DS1 defined on the reference line RL1 between the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F is smallest. When viewed in the axial direction D1, a reference line RL1 extends from a center of curvature CC1 of a reference circular arc RC1 corresponding to the first outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34E. The first minimum distance MD11 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The first minimum distance MD11 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the first minimum distance MD11 is 1.5 mm. However, the first minimum distance MD11 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a first additional middle cut 34H extending along a first additional outer chain intermediate outermost edge 34F. The first additional median cut 34H has a first additional inner edge 34H 1. The first additional middle tangent plane 34H is disposed between the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F and the first additional inner edge 34H 1. The first additional middle cut 34H extends from the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F toward the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E. A first additional tangent plane 34H is provided on the first inner intermediate surface 34B and between the first and second outer link ends 30 and 32.

The first additional middle cut plane 34H has a first additional minimum distance MD12 defined along the reference line RL1 between the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F and the first additional inner edge 34H 1. The first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the first additional minimum distance MD12 is 1.5 mm. That is, the first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to the first minimum distance MD 11. However, as shown in fig. 20, the first additional minimum distance MD12 may be different from the first minimum distance MD 11. However, as shown in fig. 17, the first additional minimum distance MD12 may be different from the first minimum distance MD 11.

As shown in FIG. 21, the second outer link middle portion 44 includes a second middle cut 44G extending along a second outer link middle outermost edge 44E. The second median cut 44G has a second inner edge 44G 1. The second middle cut 44G is disposed between the second outer link middle outermost edge 44E and the second inner edge 44G 1. The second middle cut plane 44G extends from the second outer link middle outermost edge 44E toward the second additional outer link middle outermost edge 44F. A second cut intermediate surface 44G is provided on the second inner intermediate surface 44B and between the third outer link end 40 and the fourth outer link end 42.

The second middle cut plane 44G has a second minimum distance MD21 defined between the second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E and the second inner edge 44G1 along the reference line RL 2. Reference line RL2 is perpendicular to first outer chain longitudinal axis LA 11. The first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the third outer chain central axis CA21 to the fourth outer chain central axis CA22 when viewed in the axial direction D1 that is parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA 21. In the second outer chain middle portion 44, the distance DS2 defined on the reference line RL2 between the second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E and the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F is smallest. When viewed in the axial direction D1, reference line RL2 extends from center of curvature CC2 of reference arc RC2 corresponding to second outer chain intermediate outermost edge 44E. The second minimum distance MD21 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The second minimum distance MD21 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the second minimum distance MD21 is 1.5 mm. However, the second minimum distance MD21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The second outer link middle portion 44 includes a second additional middle cut 44H extending along a second additional outer link middle outermost edge 44F. The second additional median cut 44H has a second additional inner edge 44H 1. The second additional middle tangent plane 44H is disposed between the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F and the second additional inner edge 44H 1. The second additional middle cut plane 44H extends from the second additional outer link middle outermost edge 44F toward the second outer link middle outermost edge 44E. A second additional cut-intermediate surface 44H is provided on the second intermediate inner surface 44B and between the third outer link end 40 and the fourth outer link end 42.

The second additional middle cut plane 44H has a second additional minimum distance MD22 defined between the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F and the second additional inner edge 44H1 along the reference line RL 2. The second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the second additional minimum distance MD22 is 1.5 mm. That is, the second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to the second minimum distance MD 21. However, similar to the bicycle chain outer link plate 14 illustrated in FIG. 20, the second additional minimum distance MD22 may be different than the second minimum distance MD 21.

The term "comprises/comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, e.g., the terms "having," "including," and their derivatives.

The terms "member," "section," "portion," "element," "body" and "structure" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" recited in this application are merely labels, but do not have other meanings, e.g., a particular order, etc. Further, for example, the term "first element" does not itself imply the presence of "second element", and the term "second element" does not itself imply the presence of "first element".

The term "pair" as used herein may include configurations in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other, except for configurations in which a pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other.

The terms "a", "an", "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All numerical values described in this application may be construed to include terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately".

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A bicycle chain outer link plate comprising:

a first outer link end portion, the first outer link end portion comprising:

a first outer surface;

a first inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface to face an additional outer link plate in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link plate and the additional outer link plate are assembled;

a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis and extending along the first outer chain central axis from the first outer surface to the first inner surface; and

a first outer link end outermost edge disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening;

a second outer link end, said second outer link end comprising:

a second outer surface;

a second inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state;

a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain central axis and extending from the second outer surface to the second inner surface; and

a second outer link end outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer link opening; and

a first outer link middle portion that connects the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion to each other, the first outer link middle portion including:

a first intermediate outer surface;

a first intermediate inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the first intermediate outer surface to face the additional outer link plate in the assembled state;

a first outer link middle outermost edge disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge; and

a first additional outer link middle outermost edge disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the second outer link end outermost edge,

the first outer chain intermediate portion has a first distance defined on a first outer chain longitudinal axis in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extending from the first outer chain central axis to the second outer chain central axis when viewed in the axial direction,

the first outer-chain intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined in the axial direction at a position on an outermost periphery of the first outer-chain intermediate portion when viewed in the axial direction, and

the first outer link end outermost edge has a third distance defined in the axial direction, the third distance being at a position on an outermost circumference of the first outer link end as viewed in the axial direction, the first distance being greater than the second distance and the third distance, the second distance being greater than the third distance, wherein,

each of the first, second, and third distances is defined in the axial direction from the first intermediate inner surface.

2. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1,

the first distance ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91 mm.

3. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1,

the second distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

4. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1,

the third distance ranges from 0.44mm to 0.48 mm.

5. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1,

the first outer link end portion includes:

a first outer link end section provided on the first outer surface, and

a first additional outer link end section provided on the first outer surface,

the first outer link end section cut surface extends along the first outer link end outermost edge,

said first additional outer link end section extending along said first outer link end outermost edge, and

the first additional outer link end section is disposed between the first outer link end outermost edge and the first outer link end section.

6. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 5,

the first outer chain end section is adjacent to the first additional outer chain end section without further sections between the first outer chain end section and the first additional outer chain end section.

7. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 5,

the first outer link end section comprises a first radially outer edge and a first radially inner edge,

the first additional outer link end section comprises a first additional radially outer edge and a first additional radially inner edge, and

the first radially inner edge is coincident with the first additional radially outer edge.

8. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 7,

the first outer link end has a fourth distance defined along the axial direction at the first radially outer edge of the first outer link end section, an

The fourth distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

9. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 8,

the second distance is equal to the fourth distance.

10. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1, further comprising:

a profile having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

11. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1,

the second outer chain opening has an elongated shape extending along the first outer chain longitudinal axis.

12. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 11,

the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis, an

The longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is inclined relative to the first outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

13. A bicycle chain outer link plate comprising:

a first outer link end portion, the first outer link end portion comprising:

a first outer surface;

a second outer link end, said second outer link end comprising:

a second outer surface;

a first intermediate outer surface;

the second distance ranges from 89% to 93% of the first distance.

14. The bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 13,

the first distance ranges from 0.87mm to 0.91mm, and

the second distance ranges from 0.79mm to 0.83 mm.

15. A bicycle chain, comprising:

the bicycle chain outer link plate of claim 1; and

a first link pin disposed in the first outer link opening, the first link pin engaging the additional outer link plate.