CN115503866A

CN115503866A - Bicycle chain

Info

Publication number: CN115503866A
Application number: CN202211186010.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 福森毅; 江村笃裕
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2018-07-06
Publication date: 2022-12-23
Also published as: CN109383702A; TW201910198A; TWI752245B; CN109383704B; TW201910663A; TWI814164B; DE102018116403A1; TWI749244B; TWI744538B; CN109383703B; TW202212710A; CN113650719A; CN109383704A; CN109383702B; DE102018116402A1; DE102018116401A1; CN109383703A; TW201910664A; CN113650719B

Abstract

A bicycle chain includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion, a second inner link end portion, and a first inner link middle portion. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion, a fourth inner link end portion, and a second inner link middle portion. The first inner chain end edge has a first chamfer extending around a first inner chain central axis such that a portion of the first chamfer is disposed in a first circumferential region defined from a first inner chain longitudinal centerline to a first reference line when viewed in an axial direction of the first inner chain central axis. The first circumferential area is less than 14 degrees.

Description

Bicycle chain

Divisional application

The application is a divisional application of patent application with the application date of 2018, 7 and 6, the application number of 202110889161.0 and the name of the invention of "bicycle chain".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to 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 hobbyists 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 the chain.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion, a second inner link end portion, and a first inner link middle portion. The first inner link end includes a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis. The second inner chain end includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain central axis extending along the first inner chain central axis. The second inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the first inner chain central axis in a first inner chain longitudinal direction. The first inner link middle portion connects the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion to each other. The first inner link end portion, the second inner link end portion, and the first inner link middle portion define a first inner link peripheral edge. The first inner chain outer peripheral edge includes a first inner chain end edge, a second inner chain end edge, and a first inner chain intermediate edge pair. The first inner link end edge extends around the first inner link end. The second inner link end edge extends around the second inner link end. The first inner chain intermediate edge pair extends along the first inner chain intermediate portion between the first inner chain end edge and the second inner chain end edge. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion, a fourth inner link end portion, and a second inner link middle portion. The third inner chain end includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain central axis extending through the first inner chain opening. The fourth inner chain end includes a fourth inner chain opening having a fourth inner chain central axis extending through the second inner chain opening. The fourth inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the third inner chain central axis in a second inner chain longitudinal direction. The second inner link middle portion connects the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion to each other. The third inner link end portion, the fourth inner link end portion, and the second inner link middle portion define a second inner link peripheral edge. The second inner link peripheral edge includes a third inner link end edge, a fourth inner link end edge, and a second inner link intermediate edge pair. The third inner link end edge extends around the third inner link end. The fourth inner link end edge extends around the fourth inner link end. The second inner link middle edge pair extends along the second inner link middle between the third inner link end edge and the fourth inner link end edge. A first maximum distance is defined in the first inner link longitudinal direction from the first inner link central axis to the first inner link end edge. A third maximum distance is defined in the second inner link longitudinal direction from the third inner link central axis to the third inner link end edge. A fourth maximum distance is defined from the fourth inner link central axis to the fourth inner link end edge in the second inner link longitudinal direction. The first maximum distance is greater than the third maximum distance. The first inner chain end edge has a first chamfer extending around the first inner chain central axis such that a portion of the first chamfer is disposed in a first circumferential region defined from a first inner chain longitudinal centerline to a first reference line when viewed from an axial direction of the first inner chain central axis. The first inner chain longitudinal centerline is perpendicular to the first inner chain central axis and the second inner chain central axis. The first reference line extends radially outward from the first inner chain central axis. The first circumferential area is less than 14 degrees.

With the bicycle chain according to the first aspect, since a portion of the first chamfer is disposed in the first circumferential region, the first chamfer improves shifting performance of the bicycle chain.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the first chamfer overlaps the first inner chain longitudinal centerline when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the second aspect, the first chamfer further improves the shifting performance of the bicycle chain.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the first chamfer extends from one of the first pair of inner chain middle edges to the other of the first pair of inner chain middle edges about the first inner chain central axis.

With the bicycle chain according to the third aspect, the first chamfer further improves the shifting performance of the bicycle chain.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the first inner link plate is disposed between the bicycle frame and the second inner link plate in a state in which the bicycle chain is mounted to the bicycle frame.

With the bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect, a shifting operation in the front sprocket assembly can be smoothed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the first inner link plate includes a first inner surface facing the second inner link plate and a first outer surface provided on opposite sides of the first inner surface in the axial direction. A first axial thickness is defined relative to the first inner link end from the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The first axial thickness is equal to or less than 0.9mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be effectively improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the first inner chain end has a first minimum radial distance and a first maximum radial distance. The first minimum radial distance is defined from the first inner chain central axis to the first inner chain end edge in a first perpendicular direction perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal direction and the first inner chain central axis. The first maximum radial distance is defined in the first inner link longitudinal direction from the first inner link central axis to the first inner link end edge. The first maximum radial distance is greater than the first minimum radial distance.

With the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the first minimum radial distance is equal to or greater than 4.36mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the first inner chain end has a first radial distance defined from the first inner chain central axis to the first inner chain end edge. The first radial distance is equal to or greater than 4.36mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the first chamfer has a first radial width defined in a radial direction with respect to the first inner chain center axis. The first radial width increases from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further comprises a first chain roller ring including a first radially outer peripheral surface and a first radially inner peripheral surface disposed radially inward of the first radially outer peripheral surface. The first inner link plate includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface faces the second inner link plate. The first outer surface is provided on an opposite side of the first inner surface in the axial direction. The first inner link end portion includes a first tubular portion extending from the first inner surface in the axial direction to support the first chain race. The first tubular portion surrounds the first inner chain opening when viewed along the first inner chain central axis. When the first chain roller ring is moved in the first inner chain longitudinal direction towards the first inner chain end until the first radially inner peripheral surface of the first chain roller ring contacts the first tubular portion, a first extension distance is defined between an edge of the first chamfer and a portion of the first radially outer peripheral surface of the first chain roller ring in the first inner chain longitudinal direction. The first extension distance ranges from 0.95mm to 1.1mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the fourth inner chain end edge has a fourth chamfer extending around the fourth inner chain central axis. The fourth chamfer includes a step portion.

With the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that in a state where the bicycle chain is engaged with a sprocket, the first inner chain end portion overlaps with a tooth of the sprocket to provide an overlapping area when viewed in the axial direction. The overlap region has a maximum circumferential length equal to or greater than 0.45 mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect, the chain retaining performance can be improved.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the maximum circumferential length is equal to or less than 3mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect, the chain retaining performance can be further improved.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion, a second inner link end portion, and a first inner link middle portion. The first inner link end includes a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis. The second inner chain end includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain central axis extending along the first inner chain central axis. The second inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the first inner chain central axis in a first inner chain longitudinal direction. The first inner link middle portion connects the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion to each other. The first inner link end portion, the second inner link end portion, and the first inner link middle portion define a first inner link peripheral edge. The first inner chain peripheral edge includes a first inner chain end edge, a second inner chain end edge, and a first inner chain intermediate edge pair. The first inner link end edge extends around the first inner link end. The second inner link end edge extends around the second inner link end. The first inner chain intermediate edge pair extends along the first inner chain intermediate portion between the first inner chain end edge and the second inner chain end edge. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion, a fourth inner link end portion, and a second inner link middle portion. The third inner chain end includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain central axis extending through the first inner chain opening. The fourth inner link end includes a fourth inner link opening having a fourth inner link central axis extending through the second inner link opening. The fourth inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the third inner chain central axis in a second inner chain longitudinal direction. The second inner link middle portion connects the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion to each other. The third inner link end portion, the fourth inner link end portion, and the second inner link middle portion define a second inner link peripheral edge. The second inner chain outer peripheral edge includes a third inner chain end edge, a fourth inner chain end edge, and a second inner chain intermediate edge pair. The third inner link end edge extends around the third inner link end. The fourth inner link end edge extends around the fourth inner link end. The second inner link middle edge pair extends along the second inner link middle between the third inner link end edge and the fourth inner link end edge. A first maximum distance is defined in the first inner link longitudinal direction from the first inner link central axis to the first inner link end edge. A third maximum distance is defined in the second inner link longitudinal direction from the third inner link central axis to the third inner link end edge. The first maximum distance is greater than the third maximum distance. The first inner link plate is disposed between the bicycle frame and the second inner link plate in a state where the bicycle chain is mounted to the bicycle frame. The first outer link plate includes a first outer link end portion, a second outer link end portion, and a first outer link intermediate portion. The first outer link end includes a first outer link opening having a first outer link central axis. The second outer link end includes a second outer link aperture having a second outer link central axis extending along the first outer link central axis. The first outer link middle portion interconnects the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion. The second outer link plate includes a third outer link end portion, a fourth outer link end portion, a second outer link intermediate portion, and a protrusion. The third outer chain end includes a third outer chain opening having a third outer chain central axis extending through the first outer chain opening. The fourth outer link end includes a fourth outer link aperture having a fourth outer link central axis extending therethrough. The second outer link middle portion interconnects the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion. The protrusion extends from the second outer chain intermediate portion toward the first outer chain intermediate portion. The first inner link plate is disposed between the first outer link plate and the second inner link plate in an axial direction of the first inner link central axis. The second inner link plate is disposed between the first inner link plate and the second outer link plate in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect, the chain retaining performance can be improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the first outer link plate does not have a protrusion extending from the first outer chain intermediate portion toward the second outer chain intermediate portion in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the fifteenth aspect, the chain retaining performance can be further improved.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect is configured such that the first outer chain intermediate portion includes a first outer chain intermediate surface that faces the second outer chain intermediate portion in the axial direction. The second outer chain intermediate portions include second outer chain intermediate surfaces facing the first outer chain intermediate portions in the axial direction. The protrusion extends from the second outer link intermediate surface toward the first outer link intermediate surface in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the sixteenth aspect, the chain retaining performance can be further improved.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain comprises a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion, a second inner link end portion, and a first inner link middle portion. The first inner link end includes a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis. The second inner chain end includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain central axis extending along the first inner chain central axis. The second inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the first inner chain central axis in a first inner chain longitudinal direction. The first inner link middle portion connects the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion to each other. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion, a fourth inner link end portion, and a second inner link middle portion. The third inner chain end includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain central axis extending through the first inner chain opening. The fourth inner link end includes a fourth inner link opening having a fourth inner link central axis extending through the second inner link opening. The fourth inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the third inner chain central axis in a second inner chain longitudinal direction. The second inner link middle portion connects the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion to each other. The first inner link plate includes a first inner face and a first outer face. The first inner surface faces the second inner link plate. The first outer surface is provided on an opposite side of the first inner surface in the axial direction. A first axial thickness is defined relative to the first inner link end from the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The first axial thickness is equal to or less than 0.79mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect, the teeth of the sprocket can be smoothly inserted into the space between the first and second inner link plates. This improves the shifting performance of the bicycle chain.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the first inner chain intermediate portion includes a concave portion. A second axial thickness is defined relative to the first inner chain intermediate portion from the first outer surface to the first inner surface. The second axial thickness is less than the first axial thickness.

With the bicycle chain according to the eighteenth aspect, shifting performance can be improved.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion, a second inner link end portion, and a first inner link middle portion. The first inner chain end includes a first inner chain opening having a first inner chain central axis. The second inner chain end includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain central axis extending along the first inner chain central axis. The second inner chain central axis is spaced apart from the first inner chain central axis in a first inner chain longitudinal direction. The first inner link middle portion connects the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion to each other. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion, a fourth inner link end portion, and a second inner link intermediate portion. The third inner chain end includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain central axis extending through the first inner chain opening. The fourth inner chain end includes a fourth inner chain opening having a fourth inner chain central axis extending through the second inner chain opening. The fourth inner link central axis is spaced apart from the third inner link central axis in a second inner link longitudinal direction. The second inner link middle portion connects the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion to each other. The first inner link plate includes a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface faces the second inner link plate. The first outer surface is provided on an opposite side of the first inner surface in the axial direction. The second inner link plate includes a second inner face and a second outer face. The second inner surface faces the first inner link plate. The second outer surface is provided on an opposite side of the second inner surface in the axial direction. An axial distance is defined from the first inner chain intermediate portion to the second inner chain intermediate portion in the axial direction. The axial distance ranges from 2.1mm to 2.3mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the nineteenth aspect, the sturdiness of the bicycle chain can be improved.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that the axial distance is 2.2mm.

With the bicycle chain according to the twentieth aspect, the sturdiness of the bicycle chain can be further improved.

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 a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1 with the sprocket.

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is another side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is another side elevational view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side elevational view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the inner link plate taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is another side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is another side elevational view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged side elevational view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1, with the sprocket.

FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of a bicycle chain in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 36 is another perspective view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 41 is another enlarged side elevational view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 44 is another perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 45 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain in accordance with the third embodiment.

FIG. 46 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain in accordance with the variation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 49 is an enlarged side elevational view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 48.

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.

First embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated that is equipped with a bicycle chain 12 in accordance with a first 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 the drive train B4. The drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, a rear sprocket 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 a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame B1 about a center axis of rotation A1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a rotational center axis A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the front and rear sprockets B51 and B6 to extend therebetween. The front and rear derailleurs B7 and 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.

For example, in the present application, 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 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 shown in fig. 1, as 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 mounted on a horizontal surface for use in an upright riding position as illustrated in fig. 1.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bicycle chain 12 includes a first inner link plate 14, a second inner link plate 16, a first outer link plate 18 and a second outer link plate 20. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 12 includes a plurality of first inner link plates 14, a plurality of second inner link plates 16, a plurality of first outer link plates 18 and a plurality of second outer link plates 20. However, the total number of the first inner link plates 14, the total number of the second inner link plates 16, the total number of the first outer link plates 18, and the total number of the second outer link plates 20 are not limited to this embodiment. The bicycle chain 12 has a drive direction DD in which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force during pedaling.

As seen in fig. 3, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second inner link plate 16 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1. That is, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second inner link plate 16 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B51. The first outer link plate 18 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second outer link plate 20 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1. However, the second inner link plate 16 can be disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the first inner link plate 14 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1. The second outer link plate 20 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the first outer link plate 18 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1.

As shown in fig. 3, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the first outer link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 16 in the axial direction D1 of the first inner link central axis CA 11. The second inner link plate 16 is disposed between the first inner link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 20 in the axial direction D1. However, the second inner link plate 16 may be disposed between the first outer link plate 18 and the first inner link plate 14 in the axial direction D1. The first inner link plate 14 may be disposed between the second outer link plate 20 and the second inner link plate 16 in the axial direction D1.

The first inner link plate 14 includes a first inner surface 14A and a first outer surface 14B. The first inner surface 14A faces the second inner link plate 16. The first outer surface 14B is provided on the opposite side of the first inner surface 14A in the axial direction D1.

The second inner link plate 16 includes a second inner surface 16A and a second outer surface 16B. The second inner surface 16A faces the first inner link plate 14. The second outer surface 16B is provided on the opposite side of the second inner surface 16A in the axial direction D1.

The first outer link plate 18 includes a third inner face 18A and a third outer face 18B. The third inner surface 18A faces the second outer link plate 20. The third outer surface 18B is provided on the opposite side of the third inner surface 18A in the axial direction D1.

The second outer link plate 20 includes a fourth inner surface 20A and a fourth outer surface 20B. The fourth inner surface 20A faces the first outer link plate 18. The fourth outer surface 20B is provided on the opposite side of the fourth inner surface 20A in the axial direction D1.

The bicycle chain 12 further includes a first chain pin 22, a second chain pin 24, a first chain roller ring 26 and a second chain roller ring 28. The opposed pair of first and second

inner link plates

14 and 16 are pivotally coupled to the opposed pair of first and second

outer link plates

18 and 20 about a first pivot axis PA1 with a first link pin 22. The opposing pair of

inner link plates

14 and 16 are pivotally coupled to the other opposing pair of first and second

outer link plates

18 and 20 about the second pivot axis PA2 with the second link pins 24. The first link pin 22 defines a first pivot axis PA1. The second link pin 24 defines a second pivot axis PA2. The first chain roller ring 26 is rotatably mounted to the opposing pair of

inner link plates

14 and 16 about a first pivot axis PA1. The second chain roller ring 28 is rotatably mounted to the opposing pair of

inner link plates

14 and 16 about a second pivot axis PA2.

As seen in fig. 2, the bicycle sprocket B51 includes a plurality of first teeth TH1 and a plurality of second teeth TH2. The first teeth TH1 are engaged in an inner chain space SP1 provided between the first inner link plate 14 and the second inner link plate 16. The second teeth TH2 are engaged in an outer chain space SP2 provided between the first and second

outer link plates

18 and 20.

As shown in fig. 4 to 8, the first inner link plate 14 includes a first inner link end portion 30, a second inner link end portion 32, and a first inner link intermediate portion 34. The first inner link end 30 includes a first inner link opening 36 having a first inner link central axis CA 11. The second inner link end 32 includes a second inner link opening 38 having a second inner link central axis CA12. The second inner chain central axis CA12 extends along the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The second inner chain central axis CA12 is spaced apart from the first inner chain central axis CA11 in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21. The first inner link middle portion 34 interconnects the first inner link end portions 30 and the second inner link end portions 32. As shown in fig. 3, the first link pin 22 extends through the first inner link opening 36. The second link pin 24 extends through the second inner link opening 38. The first inner link end 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the second inner link end 32 in the driving direction DD.

As shown in fig. 4, the first inner link end portion 30 includes a first tubular portion 30A that extends from the first inner surface 14A in the axial direction D1 to support the first chain roller 26 (fig. 3). The second inner link end portion 32 includes a second tubular portion 32A that extends from the first inner surface 14A in the axial direction D1 to support the second chain roller 28 (FIG. 3).

As shown in fig. 6, the first tubular portion 30A surrounds the first inner chain opening 36 when viewed along the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The second tubular portion 32A surrounds the second inner chain opening 38 when viewed along the second inner chain central axis CA12. The first tubular portion 30A includes a first inner chain opening 36. The second tubular portion 32A includes a second inner chain opening 38.

As shown in fig. 7, a first axial thickness T11 is defined relative to the first inner link end 30 from the first outer surface 14B to the first inner surface 14A. The first axial thickness T11 is equal to or less than 0.9mm. More preferably, the first axial thickness T11 is equal to or less than 0.79mm. The first inner chain intermediate portion 34 includes a recess 34A. A second axial thickness T12 is defined relative to the first inner chain intermediate portion 34 from the first outer surface 14B to the first inner surface 14A. The second axial thickness T12 is smaller than the first axial thickness T11.

As shown in fig. 9 to 13, the second inner link plate 16 includes a third inner link end portion 40, a fourth inner link end portion 42, and a second inner link middle portion 44. The third inner link end portion 40 includes a third inner link opening 46 having a third inner link central axis CA 13. The fourth inner link end 42 includes a fourth inner link opening 48 having a fourth inner link central axis CA14. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 is spaced apart from the third inner chain central axis CA13 in the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22. The second inner link middle portion 44 interconnects the third inner link end portion 40 and the fourth inner link end portion 42.

As shown in fig. 3, the third inner chain central axis CA13 extends through the first inner chain opening 36. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 extends through the second inner chain opening 38. The third inner chain central axis CA13 substantially coincides with the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The fourth inner chain center axis CA14 substantially coincides with the second inner chain center axis CA12. However, the third inner chain central axis CA13 may be offset from the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 may be offset from the second inner chain central axis CA12. The third inner link end 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the fourth inner link end 42 in the driving direction DD.

As shown in fig. 10, the third inner link end portion 40 includes a third tubular portion 40A that extends from the second inner surface 16A in the axial direction D1 to support the first chain roller 26 (fig. 3). The fourth inner link end portion 42 includes a fourth tubular portion 42A that extends from the second inner surface 16A in the axial direction D1 to support the second chain roller 28 (FIG. 3).

As shown in fig. 13, the third tubular portion 40A surrounds the third inner chain opening 46 when viewed along the third inner chain central axis CA 13. The fourth tubular portion 42A surrounds the fourth inner chain opening 48 when viewed along the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The third tubular portion 40A includes a third inner chain opening 46. The fourth tubular portion 42A includes a fourth inner chain opening 48.

As shown in fig. 12, a third axial thickness T21 is defined relative to the third inner link end portion 40 from the second outer surface 16B to the second inner surface 16A. The second inner link intermediate portion 44 includes a recess 44A. A fourth axial thickness T22 is defined relative to the second inner link middle portion 44 from the second outer surface 16B to the second inner surface 16A. The fourth axial thickness T22 is less than the third axial thickness T21. In this embodiment, the third axial thickness T21 is substantially equal to the first axial thickness T11. However, the third axial thickness T21 may be different from the first axial thickness T11.

As shown in fig. 14, the first inner link end portion 30, the second inner link end portion 32 and the first inner link middle portion 34 define a first inner link peripheral edge 50. The first inner chain peripheral edge 50 includes a first inner chain end edge 50A, a second inner chain end edge 50B and a first pair of inner chain intermediate edges 50C. The first inner link end edge 50A extends around the first inner link end 30. The second inner link end edge 50B extends around the second inner link end 32. The first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C extends along the first inner chain intermediate portion 34 between the first inner chain end edge 50A and the second inner chain end edge 50B.

As shown in fig. 15, the third inner link end portion 40, the fourth inner link end portion 42 and the second inner link middle portion 44 define a second inner link peripheral edge 52. The second inner chain peripheral edge 52 includes a third inner chain end edge 52A, a fourth inner chain end edge 52B and a second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C. The third inner link end edge 52A extends around the third inner link end 40. The fourth inner link end edge 52B extends around the fourth inner link end 42. The second inner link middle edge pair 52C extends along the second inner link middle 44 between the third inner link end edge 52A and the fourth inner link end edge 52B.

As shown in fig. 14, a first maximum distance MD11 is defined from the first inner link central axis CA11 to the first inner link end edge 50A in the first inner link longitudinal direction D21. A second maximum distance MD12 is defined from the second inner link central axis CA12 to the second inner link end edge 50B in the first inner link longitudinal direction D21. In this embodiment, the second maximum distance MD12 is substantially equal to the first maximum distance MD11. However, the second maximum distance MD12 may be different from the first maximum distance MD11.

As shown in fig. 15, a third maximum distance MD13 is defined from the third inner chain central axis CA13 to the third inner chain end edge 52A in the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22. A fourth maximum distance MD14 is defined from the fourth inner chain central axis CA14 to the fourth inner chain end edge 52B in the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22.

As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the first maximum distance MD11 is greater than the third maximum distance MD13. The third maximum distance MD13 is smaller than the fourth maximum distance MD14. The fourth maximum distance MD14 is substantially equal to the first maximum distance MD11 and the second maximum distance MD12. However, the first maximum distance MD11 may be substantially equal to or less than the third maximum distance MD13. The third maximum distance MD13 may be substantially equal to or greater than the fourth maximum distance MD14. The fourth maximum distance MD14 may be different from at least one of the first maximum distance MD11 and the second maximum distance MD12.

As shown in fig. 14, the first inner link plate 14 has a first maximum length ML11 defined between the first inner link end edge 50A and the second inner link end edge 50B in the first inner link longitudinal direction D21. As shown in fig. 15, the second inner link plate 16 has a second maximum length ML12 defined between the third inner link end edge 52A and the fourth inner link end edge 52B in the second inner link longitudinal direction D22. As shown in fig. 14 and 15, the first maximum length ML11 is greater than the second maximum length ML12. However, the first maximum length ML11 may be equal to or less than the second maximum length ML12.

As shown in fig. 14, the first inner link end edge 50A has a first chamfer 50A1 extending around the first inner link central axis CA11 such that a portion of the first chamfer 50A1 is provided in the first circumferential area AR 11. The first inner link plate 14 includes a first inner link longitudinal centerline CL11. The first circumferential area AR11 is defined from the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 to the first reference line RL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 is perpendicular to the first inner chain central axis CA11 and the second inner chain central axis CA12. The first reference line RL11 extends radially outward from the first inner link central axis CA 11. The first circumferential area AR11 is less than 14 degrees.

The first chamfer 50A1 overlaps the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The first chamfer 50A1 extends from one of the first pair of inner chain intermediate edges 50C to the other of the first pair of inner chain intermediate edges 50C about the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The first chamfer 50A1 has a first radial width RW1 defined in a radial direction relative to the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The first radial width RW1 is substantially constant from one of the first inner chain middle edge pair 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the first radial width RW1 may not be constant from one of the first inner chain middle edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

The first inner link end 30 has a first minimum radial distance MR11 and a first maximum radial distance MR12. The first minimum radial distance MR11 is defined from the first inner link central axis CA11 to the first inner link end edge 50A in a first perpendicular direction D31 perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal direction D21 and the first inner link central axis CA 11. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is defined from the first inner link central axis CA11 to the first inner link end edge 50A in the first inner link longitudinal direction D21. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is equal to or greater than the first minimum radial distance MR11. The first minimum radial distance MR11 is equal to or greater than 4.36mm. Preferably, the first maximum radial distance MR12 is 4.75mm. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is equal to the first maximum distance MD11. However, the dimensional relationship among the first minimum radial distance MR11, the first maximum radial distance MR12, and the first maximum distance MD11 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 14, the second inner link end edge 50B has a second chamfer 50B1 extending around the second inner link central axis CA12 such that a part of the second chamfer 50B1 is provided in the second circumferential area AR 12. The second circumferential area AR12 is defined from the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 to a second reference line RL12 that extends radially outward from the second inner chain central axis CA12 when viewed from the axial direction D1 of the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second circumferential area AR12 is less than 14 degrees.

The second chamfer 50B1 overlaps the first inner link longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second chamfer 50B1 extends from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C to the other of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C about the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second chamfer 50B1 has a second radial width RW2 defined in a radial direction relative to the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second radial width RW2 is substantially constant from one of the first inner chain middle edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 as viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the second radial width RW2 may not be constant from one of the first inner link middle edge pair 50C toward the first inner link longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

The second inner link end 32 has a second minimum radial distance MR21 and a second maximum radial distance MR22. The second minimum radial distance MR21 is defined from the second inner chain central axis CA12 to the second inner chain end edge 50B in a second perpendicular direction D32 perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21 and the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second vertical direction D32 is parallel to the first vertical direction D31. However, the second vertical direction D32 may be angularly offset from the first vertical direction D31.

The second maximum radial distance MR22 is defined from the second inner link central axis CA12 to the second inner link end edge 50B in the first inner link longitudinal direction D21. The second maximum radial distance MR22 is equal to or greater than the second minimum radial distance MR21. In this embodiment, the second minimum radial distance MR21 is equal to or greater than 4.36mm. Preferably, the second maximum radial distance MR22 is 4.75mm. The second maximum radial distance MR22 is equal to the second maximum distance MD12. However, the dimensional relationship among the second minimum radial distance MR21, the second maximum radial distance MR22, and the second maximum distance MD12 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 15, the third inner link end edge 52A has a third chamfer 52A1 extending around the third inner link central axis CA13 such that a portion of the third chamfer 52A1 is disposed in the third circumferential area AR 13. The second inner link plate 16 includes a second inner link longitudinal centerline CL12. The third circumferential area AR13 is defined from the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 to the third reference line RL13 when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the third inner chain central axis CA 13. The second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 is perpendicular to the third inner chain central axis CA13 and the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The third reference line RL13 extends radially outward from the third inner chain center axis CA 13. The third circumferential area AR13 is less than 14 degrees.

The third chamfer 52A1 overlaps the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The third chamfer 52A1 extends from one of the second pair of inner chain intermediate edges 52C to the other of the second pair of inner chain intermediate edges 52C about the third inner chain central axis CA 13. The third chamfer 52A1 has a third radial width RW3 defined in a radial direction relative to the third inner chain center axis CA 13. The third radial width RW3 is substantially constant from one of the second inner chain middle edge pairs 52C toward the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 as viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the third radial width RW3 may not be constant from one of the second inner link middle edge pair 52C toward the second inner link longitudinal centerline CL12 when viewed from the axial direction D1.

The third inner link end 40 has a third minimum radial distance MR31 and a third maximum radial distance MR32. The third minimum radial distance MR31 is defined from the third inner link central axis CA13 to the third inner link end edge 52A in a third perpendicular direction D33 perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal direction D22 and the third inner link central axis CA 13. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is defined from the third inner link central axis CA13 to the third inner link end edge 52A in the second inner link longitudinal direction D22. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is equal to or greater than the third minimum radial distance MR31. The third minimum radial distance MR31 is equal to or greater than 4.36mm. Preferably, the third maximum radial distance MR32 is 4.75mm. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is equal to the third maximum distance MD13. However, the dimensional relationship among the third minimum radial distance MR31, the third maximum radial distance MR32, and the third maximum distance MD13 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 15, the fourth inner link end edge 52B has a fourth chamfer 52B1 extending around the fourth inner link central axis CA14. The fourth chamfer 52B1 extends around the fourth inner chain central axis CA14 such that a portion of the fourth chamfer 52B1 is disposed in the fourth circumferential area AR 14. The fourth circumferential area AR14 is defined from the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 to the fourth reference line RL14 when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The fourth reference line RL14 extends radially outward from the fourth inner chain center axis CA14. The fourth circumferential area AR14 is less than 14 degrees.

The fourth chamfer 52B1 overlaps the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The fourth chamfer 52B1 extends from one of the second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C to the other of the second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C about the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The fourth chamfer 52B1 has a fourth radial width RW4 defined in a radial direction relative to the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The fourth radial width RW4 increases from one of the second inner chain middle edge pairs 52C toward the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 as viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the fourth radial width RW4 may be constant from one of the second inner chain middle edge pair 52C toward the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 as viewed in the axial direction D1.

The fourth inner link end 42 has a fourth minimum radial distance MR41 and a fourth maximum radial distance MR42. The fourth minimum radial distance MR41 is defined from the fourth inner chain central axis CA14 to the fourth inner chain end edge 52B in a fourth perpendicular direction D34 perpendicular to the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22 and the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The fourth vertical direction D34 is parallel to the third vertical direction D33. However, the fourth vertical direction D34 may be angularly offset from the third vertical direction D33.

The fourth maximum radial distance MR42 is defined from the fourth inner link central axis CA14 to the fourth inner link end edge 52B in the second inner link longitudinal direction D22. The fourth maximum radial distance MR42 is equal to or greater than the fourth minimum radial distance MR41. The fourth minimum radial distance MR41 is equal to or greater than 4.36mm. Preferably, the fourth maximum radial distance MR42 is 4.75mm. The fourth maximum radial distance MR42 is equal to the fourth maximum distance MD14. However, the dimensional relationship among the fourth minimum radial distance MR41, the fourth maximum radial distance MR42, and the fourth maximum distance MD14 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 10 and 15, the fourth chamfer 52B1 includes a stepped portion 54. The step portion 54 extends around the fourth inner link central axis CA14. The step portion 54 includes a first surface 54A and a second surface 54B. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B are disposed in the fourth chamfer 52B1. The first surface 54A is disposed between the second surface 54B and the second inner surface 16A of the second inner link plate 16.

As shown in fig. 16, the second surface 54B is inclined with respect to the first surface 54A and the fourth chamfer 52B1. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B are inclined with respect to the second inner surface 16A. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B are disposed between the second inner surface 16A and the second outer surface 16B in the axial direction D1. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B provide a recess in the fourth chamfer 52B1.

As shown in fig. 14, the first chain roller ring 26 includes a first radially outer peripheral surface 26A and a first radially inner peripheral surface 26B disposed radially inward of the first radially outer peripheral surface 26A. When the first chain roller ring 26 moves in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21 toward the first inner chain end 30 until the first radially inner peripheral surface 26B of the first chain roller ring 26 contacts the first tubular portion 30A, a first extension distance ED11 is defined between an edge of the first chamfer 50A1 and a portion of the first radially outer peripheral surface 26A of the first chain roller ring 26 in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21. The first extension distance ED11 ranges from 0.95mm to 1.1mm.

As shown in fig. 3, the first chamfer 50A1 is inclined so that the first inner link end 30 of the first inner link plate 14 is adapted to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The second chamfer 50B1 is inclined such that the second inner link end 32 of the first inner link plate 14 is adapted to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. Further, since the first maximum distance MD11 is greater than the third maximum distance MD13, the first inner link end portion 30 of the first inner link plate 14 can be made more suitable for the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The above feature improves the chain retaining performance between the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle chain 12.

As shown in fig. 17 to 21, the first outer link plate 18 includes a first outer link end portion 60, a second outer link end portion 62, and a first outer link intermediate portion 64. The first outer link end portion 60 includes a first outer link opening (first outer link circular opening) 66 having a first outer link central axis CA 21. The second outer link end 62 includes a second outer link aperture (second outer link circular aperture) 68 having a second outer link central axis CA 22. The second outer chain central axis CA22 extends along the first outer chain central axis CA 21. In this embodiment, the first outer chain openings 66 are circular openings and the second outer chain openings 68 are circular openings. Thus, the first outer chain opening 66 may also be referred to as a first outer chain circular opening 66. The second outer chain opening 68 may also be referred to as a second outer chain circular opening 68. The second outer link central axis CA22 is spaced apart from the first outer link central axis CA21 in the first outer link longitudinal direction D41. The first outer link middle portion 64 connects the first outer link end portion 60 and the second outer link end portion 62 to each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the first link pin 22 extends through the first outer link opening 66. The second link pin 24 extends through the second outer link opening 68. The first outer link end 60 is disposed on the upstream side of the second outer link end 62 in the driving direction DD.

As shown in fig. 22 to 26, the second outer link plate 20 includes a third outer link end portion 70, a fourth outer link end portion 72, and a second outer link intermediate portion 74. The third outer link end 70 includes a third outer link opening 76 having a third outer link central axis CA 23. The fourth outer link end 72 includes a fourth outer link opening 78 having a fourth outer link central axis CA 24. The fourth outer link central axis CA24 is spaced apart from the third outer link central axis CA23 in the second outer link longitudinal direction D42. The second outer link middle portion 74 interconnects the third outer link end portion 70 and the fourth outer link end portion 72.

As shown in fig. 3, the third outer chain central axis CA23 extends through the first outer chain opening 66. The fourth outer chain central axis CA24 extends through the second outer chain opening 68. The third outer chain center axis CA23 substantially coincides with the first outer chain center axis CA 21. The fourth outer link central axis CA24 substantially coincides with the second outer link central axis CA 22. However, the third outer chain center axis CA23 may be offset from the first outer chain center axis CA 21. The fourth outer link central axis CA24 may be offset from the second outer link central axis CA 22. The third outer link end portion 70 is disposed on the upstream side of the fourth outer link end portion 72 in the driving direction DD.

As shown in fig. 3, the second outer link plate 20 includes a projection 80 extending from the second outer link intermediate portion 74 toward the first outer link intermediate portion 64. The protrusion 80 extends from the fourth inner surface 20A toward the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 in the axial direction D1. The first outer chain intermediate portions 64 include first outer chain intermediate surfaces 64A that face the second outer chain intermediate portions 74 in the axial direction D1. The third inner surface 18A includes a first outer chain intermediate surface 64A. The second outer chain intermediate portions 74 include second outer chain intermediate surfaces 74A that face the first outer chain intermediate portions 64 in the axial direction D1. The fourth inner surface 20A includes a second outer chain intermediate surface 74A. The projections 80 extend from the second outer chain intermediate surface 74A in the axial direction D1 toward the first outer chain intermediate surface 64A.

The protrusion 80 extends from the second outer link intermediate surface 74A in the axial direction D1 toward the first outer link plate 18 by a protrusion amount AP1. The difference between the first maximum distance MD11 and the third maximum distance MD13 is smaller than the protrusion amount AP1 of the protrusion 80. However, the difference between the first maximum distance MD11 and the third maximum distance MD13 may be equal to or greater than the protrusion amount AP1 of the protrusion 80.

As shown in fig. 3, the first outer link plates 18 do not have projections extending from the first outer link intermediate portions 64 toward the second outer link intermediate portions 74 in the axial direction D1. However, the first outer link plate 18 may include the projection 80 as the second outer link plate 20.

As shown in fig. 3, an axial distance AD1 is defined from the first inner surface 14A of the first inner chain intermediate portion 34 to the second inner surface 16A of the second inner chain intermediate portion 44. The axial distance AD1 ranges from 2.1mm to 2.3mm. In this embodiment, the axial distance AD1 is 2.2mm. However, the axial distance is not limited to this embodiment and the above range. The axial distance AD1 is the maximum axial distance in the axial direction D1 between the first inner surface 14A of the first inner chain intermediate portion 34 and the second inner surface 16A of the second inner chain intermediate portion 44.

As shown in fig. 3, an additional axial distance AD2 is defined from the third inner surface 18A of the first outer link middle portion 64 to the protrusion 80. The additional axial distance AD2 is the maximum axial distance between the third inner surface 18A of the first outer link intermediate portion 64 and the protrusion 80 in the axial direction D1. The axial distance AD1 is smaller than the additional axial distance AD2.

The first teeth TH1 have a first axial width TH11 defined in the axial direction D1. The second teeth TH2 have a second axial width TH21 defined in the axial direction D1. The first teeth TH1 and the second teeth TH2 are alternately arranged in the driving direction DD. The first axial width TH11 is smaller than the axial distance AD1 of the inner chain space SP 1. The second axial width TH21 is greater than the axial distance AD1 of the inner chain space SP1 and less than the additional axial distance AD2 of the outer chain space SP 2.

As shown in fig. 27, the first outer link end portion 60, the second outer link end portion 62 and the first outer link middle portion 64 define a first outer link peripheral edge 82. The first outer link peripheral edge 82 includes a first outer link end edge 82A, a second outer link end edge 82B, and a first outer link middle edge pair 82C. The first outer link end edge 82A extends around the first outer link end 60. The second outer link end edge 82B extends around the second outer link end 62. The first outer link middle edge pair 82C extends along the first outer link middle 64 between the first outer link end edge 82A and the second outer link end edge 82B.

The first outer link plate 18 includes a first outer link longitudinal centerline CL21 that is perpendicular to the first outer link central axis CA21 and the second outer link central axis CA 22. The first outer chain end edge 82A has a first chamfer 82A1 extending around the first outer chain central axis CA21 such that a portion of the first chamfer 82A1 is provided in the circumferential area AR21, the circumferential area AR21 being defined from the first outer chain longitudinal central line CL21 to a first reference line RL21 extending radially outward from the first outer chain central axis CA21 when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the first outer chain central axis CA 21. The circumferential area AR21 is less than 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the circumferential area AR21 is equal to or less than 45 degrees. The circumferential area AR21 is greater than 0 degrees. However, the circumferential region AR21 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first outer link end edge 82A has a first additional chamfer 82A2. The first additional chamfer 82A2 is a chamfer separate from the first chamfer 82 A1. The first chamfer 82A1 includes a first circumferential end 82a11 and a first additional circumferential end 82a12. The first chamfer 82A1 extends from the first circumferential end 82a11 across the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 to the first additional circumferential end 82a12. The first outer link longitudinal centerline CL21 is disposed between the first circumferential end 82a11 and the first additional circumferential end 82a12 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

The first chamfer 82A1 has a first circumferential angle AG21 defined about the first outer chain central axis CA21 between the first circumferential end 82a11 and the first additional circumferential end 82a12. The first additional chamfer 82A2 has a first additional circumferential angle AG22 defined about the first outer chain central axis CA21 between opposite ends of the first additional chamfer 82A2. The first circumferential angle AG21 is larger than the first additional circumferential angle AG22. However, the first circumferential angle AG21 may be equal to or smaller than the first additional circumferential angle AG22. Both the first chamfer 82A1 and the first additional chamfer 82A2 are provided on the third outer surface 18B. At least one of the first chamfer 82A1 and the first additional chamfer 82A2 may be omitted from the first outer link end edge 82A.

The second outer link end edge 82B has a second chamfer 82B1 extending about the second outer link central axis CA22 such that a part of the second chamfer 82B1 is provided in the circumferential region AR22, the circumferential region AR22 being defined from the first outer link longitudinal center line CL21 to a second reference line RL22 extending radially outward from the second outer link central axis CA22 as viewed in the axial direction D1. The circumferential area AR22 is less than 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the circumferential area AR22 is equal to or less than 45 degrees. The circumferential area AR22 is greater than 0 degrees. However, the circumferential region AR22 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second outer link end edge 82B has a second additional chamfer 82B2. The second additional chamfer 82B2 is a chamfer separate from the second chamfer 82B 1. The second chamfer 82B1 includes a second circumferential end 82B11 and a second additional circumferential end 82B12. The second chamfer 82B1 extends from the second circumferential end 82B11 across the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 to the second additional circumferential end 82B12. The first outer link longitudinal centerline CL21 is disposed between the second circumferential end 82B11 and the second additional circumferential end 82B12 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

The second chamfer 82B1 has a second circumferential angle AG23 defined about the second outer link central axis CA22 between the second circumferential end 82B11 and the second additional circumferential end 82B12. The second additional chamfer 82B2 has a second additional circumferential angle AG24 defined about the second outer link central axis CA22 between opposite ends of the second additional chamfer 82B2. The second chamfer 82B1 and the second additional chamfer 82B2 are both disposed on the third outer surface 18B. At least one of the second chamfer 82B1 and the second additional chamfer 82B2 may be omitted from the second outer link end edge 82B.

As shown in fig. 28, the third outer link end portion 70, the fourth outer link end portion 72, and the second outer link middle portion 74 define a second outer link peripheral edge 84. The second outer link peripheral edge 84 includes a third outer link end edge 84A, a fourth outer link end edge 84B and a second pair of outer link intermediate edges 84C. The third outer link end edge 84A extends around the third outer link end 70. The fourth outer link end edge 84B extends around the fourth outer link end 72. A second outer link middle edge pair 84C extends along the second outer link middle 74 between the third outer link end edge 84A and the fourth outer link end edge 84B.

The second outer link plates 20 include a second outer link longitudinal centerline CL22 that is perpendicular to the third and fourth outer link central axes CA23 and CA 24. The third outer link end edge 84A has a third chamfer 84A1 extending around the third outer link central axis CA 23. The third outer link end edge 84A has a third additional chamfer 84A2. The third additional chamfer 84A2 is a chamfer separate from the third chamfer 84A1. The third chamfer 84A1 has a third circumferential angle AG31 defined about the third outer chain central axis CA23 between opposite ends of the third chamfer 84A1. The third additional chamfer 84A2 has a third additional circumferential angle AG32 defined about the third outer chain central axis CA23 between opposite ends of the third additional chamfer 84A2. The third circumferential angle AG31 is larger than the third additional circumferential angle AG32. However, the third circumferential angle AG31 may be equal to or smaller than the third additional circumferential angle AG32. Third chamfer 84A1 and third additional chamfer 84A2 are both provided on fourth outer surface 20B. At least one of the third chamfer 84A1 and the third additional chamfer 84A2 may be omitted from the third outer link end edge 84A.

The fourth outer link end edge 84B has a fourth chamfer 84B1 extending about the fourth outer link central axis CA 24. The fourth outer link end edge 84B has a fourth additional chamfer 84B2. The fourth additional chamfer 84B2 is a chamfer separate from the fourth chamfer 84B1. The fourth chamfer 84B1 has a fourth circumferential angle AG33 defined about the fourth outer link central axis CA24 between opposite ends of the fourth chamfer 84B1. The fourth additional chamfer 84B2 has a fourth additional circumferential angle AG34 defined about the fourth outer link central axis CA24 between opposite ends of the fourth additional chamfer 84B2. The fourth circumferential angle AG33 is larger than the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. However, the fourth circumferential angle AG33 may be equal to or less than the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. A fourth chamfer 84B1 and a fourth additional chamfer 84B2 are provided on the fourth outer surface 20B. At least one of the fourth chamfer 84B1 and the fourth additional chamfer 84B2 may be omitted from the fourth outer link end edge 84B.

As shown in fig. 27 and 28, the first circumferential angle AG21 is larger than each of the third circumferential angle AG31, the third additional circumferential angle AG32, the fourth circumferential angle AG33, and the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. The second circumferential angle AG23 is larger than each of the third circumferential angle AG31, the third additional circumferential angle AG32, the fourth circumferential angle AG33, and the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. However, the first circumferential angle AG21 may be equal to or smaller than at least one of the third circumferential angle AG31, the third additional circumferential angle AG32, the fourth circumferential angle AG33, and the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. The second circumferential angle AG23 may be equal to or smaller than at least one of the third circumferential angle AG31, the third additional circumferential angle AG32, the fourth circumferential angle AG33, and the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34.

As shown in fig. 29, in the state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the front sprocket B51, the first inner chain end portion 30 overlaps the second teeth TH2 of the front sprocket B51 as viewed in the axial direction D1 to provide an overlapping area OA1. The overlap area OA1 has a maximum circumferential length OA1A equal to or greater than 0.45 mm. The maximum circumferential length OA1A is equal to or less than 3mm.

In a state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with a sprocket (e.g., the front sprocket B51), the second inner chain end portion 32 overlaps with the teeth TH1 of the sprocket (e.g., the front sprocket B51) as viewed in the axial direction D1 to provide an overlapping area OA2. The overlap area OA2 has a maximum circumferential length OA2A equal to or greater than 0.45 mm. The maximum circumferential length OA2A is equal to or less than 3mm.

The maximum circumferential length OA1A of the first inner link end portion 30 is substantially equal to the maximum circumferential length OA2A of the second inner link end portion 32. However, the maximum circumferential length OA1A of the first inner link end portion 30 may be different from the maximum circumferential length OA2A of the second inner link end portion 32.

Second embodiment

A bicycle chain 212 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 30 to 44. The bicycle chain 212 has the same structure as the bicycle chain 12, except for the first inner link plate 14, the second inner link plate 16, the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer link plate 20. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as elements in the first embodiment will be numbered the same herein and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIGS. 30 and 31, the bicycle chain 212 includes a first inner link plate 214, a second inner link plate 216, a first outer link plate 218 and a second outer link plate 220. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 212 includes a plurality of first inner link plates 214, a plurality of second inner link plates 216, a plurality of first outer link plates 218, and a plurality of second outer link plates 220. However, the total number of the first inner link plates 214, the total number of the second inner link plates 216, the total number of the first outer link plates 218, and the total number of the second outer link plates 220 are not limited to the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 32 and 33, the first inner link plates 214 have substantially the same structure as the first inner link plates 14 of the first embodiment. As shown in fig. 34, the first inner chain end edge 50A has a first chamfer 250A1 extending around the first inner chain central axis CA11 such that a part of the first chamfer 250A1 is provided in the first circumferential area AR 11. The first chamfer 250A1 has a first radial width RW21 defined in a radial direction relative to the first inner chain central axis CA 11. The first radial width RW21 increases from one of the first inner chain middle edge pair 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 35 and 36, the second inner link plates 216 have substantially the same structure as the first inner link plates 214. As shown in fig. 32, the second inner link end edge 50B has a second chamfer 250B1 extending around the first inner link central axis CA11 such that a part of the second chamfer 250B1 is provided in the first circumferential region AR 11. The second chamfer 250B1 has a second radial width RW22 defined in a radial direction relative to the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second chamfer 250B1 increases from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 37 and 38, the first outer link plate 218 has substantially the same structure as the first outer link plate 18 of the first embodiment. The first outer link plate 218 does not have the projection 80 of the first embodiment. The first outer link plate 218 includes a first outer link end portion 260, a second outer link end portion 262, and a first outer link middle portion 264. The first outer link end portion 260 has substantially the same structure as the first outer link end portion 60 of the first embodiment. The second outer link end 262 has substantially the same structure as the second outer link end 62 of the first embodiment. The first outer chain intermediate portion 264 has substantially the same structure as the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 39, the first outer link end portion 260, the second outer link end portion 262 and the first outer link middle portion 264 define a first outer link peripheral edge 282. The first outer link peripheral edge 282 includes a first outer link end edge 282A, a second outer link end edge 282B and a first outer link middle edge pair 282C. The first outer link end edge 282A extends around the first outer link end 260. The second outer link end edge 282B extends around the second outer link end 262. The first outer chain intermediate edge pair 282C extends along the first outer chain intermediate portion 264 between a first outer chain end edge 282A and a second outer chain end edge 282B.

At least one of the first outer link end edge 282A, the second outer link end edge 282B, and the first outer link intermediate edge pair 282C has a chamfer. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end edge 282A has a first chamfer 82A1 extending around the first outer chain center axis CA21 such that a part of the first chamfer 82A1 is provided in a circumferential area AR21, the circumferential area AR21 being defined from the first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 to the first reference line RL21 when viewed in the axial direction D1 of the first outer chain center axis CA 21. In this embodiment, the first additional chamfer 82A2 is omitted from the first outer link end edge 282A.

The second outer link end edge 282B has a second chamfer 82B1 extending about the second outer link central axis CA22 such that a portion of the second chamfer 82B1 is disposed in the circumferential region AR22, the circumferential region AR22 being defined from the first outer link longitudinal central axis CL21 to the second reference line RL22 when viewed in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the second additional chamfer 82B2 is omitted from the second outer link end edge 282B.

As shown in fig. 39, a first radial distance MR221 is defined from the first outer chain central axis CA21 to the first outer chain end edge 282A in a perpendicular direction D51 perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 when viewed in the axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA 21. A minimum distance MD221 is defined between the first outer chain intermediate edge pair 282C along the vertical direction D51. The minimum distance MD221 is less than 200% of the first radial distance MR221. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or greater than 5mm. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or less than 8mm. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or greater than 121% of the first radial distance MR221. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or less than 190% of the first radial distance MR221. In this embodiment, the minimum distance MD221 is 142% of the first radial distance MR221. However, the minimum distance MD221 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

When viewed in the axial direction D1, a first additional radial distance MR223 is defined along the perpendicular direction D51 from the second outer link central axis CA22 to the second outer link end edge 282B. The minimum distance MD221 is less than 200% of the first additional radial distance MR223. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or greater than 121% of the first additional radial distance MR223. The minimum distance MD221 is equal to or less than 190% of the first additional radial distance MR223. In this embodiment, the minimum distance MD221 is 142% of the first additional radial distance MR223. However, the minimum distance MD221 is not limited to the above range.

As shown in fig. 40, at least one of the first outer chain intermediate edge pair 282C has a radius of curvature CR21 equal to or greater than 8.2 mm. The radius of curvature CR21 is equal to or less than 12mm. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature CR21 is 11.8mm. However, the curvature radius CR21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

As shown in fig. 39, the first outer chain end portion edge 282A includes at least one first outer chain straight edge portion 282A1 and at least one first outer chain curved edge portion 282A2. The second outer link end edge 282B includes at least one second outer link straight edge portion 282B1 and at least one second outer link curved edge portion 282B2.

As shown in fig. 40, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion 282A1 and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion 282B1 are tangent to an imaginary circle VC1 having a radius equal to the radius of curvature CR21 of at least one of the first outer chain intermediate edge pairs 282C. The first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 bisects the first outer link plate 218 into a first side SD1 and a second side SD2 opposite the first side SD1 relative to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion 282A1 of the first side SD1 and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion 282B1 of the first side SD1 are tangent to an imaginary circle VC1 having a radius equal to the radius of curvature CR21 of at least one of the first outer chain middle edge pairs 282C of the first side SD 1.

As shown in fig. 41, the first outer chain intermediate portion 264 has a concave portion 264R. The recess 264R is provided on the third inner surface 18A. A second radial distance MR222 is defined between the first outer chain center axis CA21 and a boundary of the recess 264R when viewed in the axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA 21. The second radial distance MR222 is greater than the first radial distance MR221. The second radial distance MR222 is greater than 4.2mm. The second radial distance MR222 is equal to or less than 4.75mm. In this embodiment, the second radial distance MR222 is 4.71mm. However, the second radial distance MR222 may be equal to or less than the first radial distance MR221. The second radial distance MR222 is not limited to this embodiment and the above-described range.

The second additional radial distance MR224 is defined between the second outer link central axis CA22 and a boundary of the recess 264R when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second additional radial distance MR224 is greater than the first additional radial distance MR223. The second additional radial distance MR224 is greater than 4.2mm. The second additional radial distance MR224 is equal to or less than 4.75mm. In this embodiment, the second additional radial distance MR224 is 4.71mm. However, the second additional radial distance MR224 may be equal to or less than the first additional radial distance MR223. The second additional radial distance MR224 is not limited to this embodiment and the ranges described above.

As shown in fig. 42, the maximum axial width MAW1 of the first outer link plate 218 is equal to or less than 1mm. The maximum axial width MAW1 of the first outer link plate 218 is equal to or greater than 0.7mm. The maximum axial width MAW1 is defined in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the maximum axial width MAW1 is 0.81mm. However, the maximum axial width MAW1 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

As shown in fig. 43 and 44, the second outer link plate 220 has substantially the same structure as the first outer link plate 218. The second outer link plate 220 includes a third outer link end portion 270, a fourth outer link end portion 272, and a second outer link middle portion 274. The third outer link end portion 270 has substantially the same structure as the first outer link end portion 260. The fourth outer link end 272 has substantially the same structure as the second outer link end 262. The second outer link middle portion 274 has substantially the same structure as the first outer link middle portion 264. Therefore, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As shown in fig. 31, the first chamfer 250A1 is inclined to fit the first inner link end 30 of the first inner link plate 214 to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The second chamfer 250B1 is inclined to fit the second inner link end 32 of the first inner link plate 214 to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The third chamfer 252A1 is inclined to fit the third inner link end 40 of the second inner link plate 216 to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The fourth chamfer 252B1 is inclined to adapt the fourth inner link end 42 of the second inner link plate 216 to the profile of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer link space SP 2. The above feature improves the chain retaining performance between the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle chain 212.

Third embodiment

A bicycle chain 312 according to a third embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 45 to 47. The bicycle chain 312 has the same structure as the bicycle chain 212, except for the first inner link plates 214. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as the above-described embodiments will be numbered the same herein, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIG. 45, the bicycle chain 312 includes a first inner link plate 314, a second inner link plate 216, a first outer link plate 218 and a second outer link plate 220. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 312 includes a plurality of first inner link plates 314. However, the total number of the first inner link plates 314 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 46, the first inner link plates 314 have substantially the same structure as the first inner link plates 214 of the second embodiment. The first inner link end edge 50A has a first chamfer 50A1 extending around the first inner link central axis CA11 such that a part of the first chamfer 50A1 is provided in the first circumferential region AR 11.

As shown in fig. 47, the first inner link end portion 30 may partially have a circular shape. In such an embodiment, the first inner link end 30 has a first radial distance MR311 defined from the first inner link central axis CA11 to the first inner link end edge 50A. The first radial distance MR311 is equal to or greater than 4.36mm.

Fourth embodiment

A bicycle chain 412 according to a fourth embodiment is described below with reference to fig. 48 and 49. The bicycle chain 412 has the same structure as the bicycle chain 212, except for the second inner link plate 216. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as the above-described embodiments will be numbered the same herein, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein.

As seen in FIG. 48, the bicycle chain 412 includes the first inner link plate 214, the second inner link plate 416, the first outer link plate 218 and the second outer link plate 220. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 412 includes a plurality of second inner link plates 416. However, the total number of the second inner link plates 416 is not limited to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 49, the first maximum distance MD11 is greater than the third maximum distance MD13. The third maximum distance MD13 is smaller than the fourth maximum distance MD14. The fourth maximum distance MD14 is substantially equal to the first maximum distance MD11 and the second maximum distance MD12. However, the first maximum distance MD11 may be substantially equal to or less than the third maximum distance MD13. The third maximum distance MD13 may be substantially equal to or greater than the fourth maximum distance MD14. The fourth maximum distance MD14 may be different from at least one of the first maximum distance MD11 and the second maximum distance MD12.

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 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, comprising:

a first outer link plate comprising:

a first outer link end including a first outer link opening having a first outer link central axis;

a second outer link end including a second outer link aperture having a second outer link central axis parallel to the first outer link central axis, the second outer link central axis being spaced from the first outer link central axis in a first outer link longitudinal direction;

a first outer link middle portion interconnecting the first and second outer link ends, the first, second and first outer link ends defining a first outer link peripheral edge, the first outer link peripheral edge comprising:

a first outer link end edge extending around the first outer link end;

a second outer link end edge extending around said second outer link end; and

a first outer link middle edge pair extending along the first outer link middle between the first outer link end edge and the second outer link end edge; and

a first outer link longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer link central axis and the second outer link central axis,

the first outer link end edge comprises at least one first outer link straight edge portion and at least one first outer link curved edge portion,

the second outer link end edge comprises at least one second outer link straight edge portion and at least one second outer link curved edge portion, and

the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion are tangent to an imaginary circle having a radius equal to a radius of curvature of at least one of the first outer chain intermediate edge pair when viewed in an axial direction of the first outer chain center axis.

2. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein

The first outer link longitudinal centerline bisecting the first outer link plate into a first side and a second side opposite the first side relative to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,

the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion of the first side and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion of the first side are tangent to an imaginary circle having a radius equal to a radius of curvature of at least one of the first pair of outer chain intermediate edges of the first side when viewed in the axial direction.

3. The bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, further comprising

A second outer link plate comprising:

a third outer chain end including a third outer chain opening having a third outer chain central axis extending through the first outer chain opening;

a fourth outer link end including a fourth outer link aperture having a fourth outer link central axis parallel to the third outer link central axis, the fourth outer link central axis being spaced from the third outer link central axis in a second outer link longitudinal direction; and

a second outer link middle portion interconnecting the third and fourth outer link end portions, the third, fourth and second outer link middle portions defining a second outer link peripheral edge, the second outer link peripheral edge comprising:

a third outer link end edge extending around the third outer link end;

a fourth outer link end edge extending around said fourth outer link end; and

a second outer link middle edge pair extending along the second outer link middle between the third outer link end edge and the fourth outer link end edge, wherein

The first outer chain end edge having a first chamfer extending about the first outer chain central axis, the first chamfer having a first circumferential angle defined about the first outer chain central axis between opposite ends of the first chamfer,

the third outer link end edge having a third chamfer extending about the third outer link central axis and a third additional chamfer spaced from the third chamfer, the third chamfer having a third circumferential angle defined about the third outer link central axis between opposite ends of the third chamfer, the third additional chamfer having a third additional circumferential angle defined about the third outer link central axis between opposite ends of the third additional chamfer,

said fourth outer link end edge having a fourth chamfer extending about said fourth outer link central axis and a fourth additional chamfer spaced from said fourth chamfer, said fourth chamfer having a fourth circumferential angle defined about said fourth outer link central axis between opposite ends of said fourth chamfer, said fourth additional chamfer having a fourth additional circumferential angle defined about said fourth outer link central axis between opposite ends of said fourth additional chamfer,

the first circumferential angle is greater than each of the third circumferential angle, the third additional circumferential angle, the fourth circumferential angle, and the fourth additional circumferential angle.

4. The bicycle chain of claim 3,

the first outer link plate is disposed between the bicycle frame and the second outer link plate in a state where the bicycle chain is mounted to the bicycle frame.

5. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

the maximum axial width of the first outer link plate is equal to or less than 1mm.

6. The bicycle chain of claim 5,

the maximum axial width of the first outer link plate is equal to or greater than 0.7mm.

7. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

at least one of the first outer chain intermediate edge pair has a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 8.2 mm.

8. The bicycle chain according to claim 7,

the radius of curvature is equal to or less than 12mm.

9. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

the first outer chain intermediate portion has a concave portion, and a second radial distance is defined between a boundary of the concave portion and the first outer chain center axis when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain center axis, the second radial distance being greater than 4.2mm.

10. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

the first outer chain intermediate portion has a concave portion, and a second radial distance is defined between the first outer chain center axis and a boundary of the concave portion when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain center axis, the second radial distance being equal to or less than 4.75mm.

11. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

a minimum distance defined between the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline is equal to or less than 8mm.

12. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2,

a minimum distance defined between the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges in a vertical direction perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline is equal to or greater than 121% of a first radial distance defined from the first outer chain central axis to the first outer chain end edge in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis.

13. The bicycle chain according to claim 12,

the minimum distance is equal to or less than 190% of the first radial distance.