JP2022161936A - bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To propose a bicycle chain which achieves excellent transmission performance as a convention bicycle chain has room for improving transmission performance.

SOLUTION: A bicycle chain includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin. A second inner link surface of a first inner link end part is at least partially offset from the second inner link surface of a first inner link intermediate part to an axial center surface of the bicycle chain so as to form a first axial gap between the second inner link surface of the first inner link end part and a first outer link surface of a first outer link end part in at least one of a first inner link axial direction and a first outer link axial direction.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to bicycle chains.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique related to a bicycle chain. A pair of inner link plates of the chain are connected by bushings. A pin that joins the pair of outer link plates is inserted through the bush.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,078

By the way, conventional bicycle chains have room for improvement in terms of shifting performance. The present invention proposes a bicycle chain having excellent shifting performance.

A bicycle chain according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain comprising a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing, a pin, wherein the first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis; and a second inner link end portion extending parallel to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having an inner link central axis; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; and a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis, the second inner link The plate has a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis and a fourth inner link end portion having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. In an assembled state of a fourth inner link end portion including an inner link opening, a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and the bicycle chain, a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in one inner link axial direction; a fourth inner link surface located opposite to the third inner link surface, wherein the first outer link plate is aligned with another inner link plate or another outer link in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening plates, and the first outer link plate includes a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis; the first outer link end portion and the second outer link; In the first outer link that connects the end parts a middle portion, a first outer link surface, and a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction about the first outer link center axis. , the second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The outer link plate has a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link central axis, and a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the third outer link central axis. In an assembled state of a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening, a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion, and the bicycle chain, a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the first outer link axial direction; and a second outer link axial direction relative to the third outer link central axis. a fourth outer link surface disposed opposite to the third outer link surface in the bushing having a bushing opening, and in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, the first inner link opening. and the third inner link opening, and the pin is inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening and the bushing in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is configured to pass through an opening, and the second inner link surface extends in at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction to the first inner link. The first inner link intermediate portion of the first inner link intermediate portion is arranged such that a first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the end portion and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion. Two inner link surfaces are at least partially offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the first aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the second side following the first side, the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion is arranged in at least one of the axial direction of the second inner link and the axial direction of the second outer link, the second inner link such that a second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion; The fourth inner link surface of the intermediate portion is at least partially offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the second aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the third side following the first or second side, the first axial clearance is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm.
According to the bicycle chain of the third aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the fourth side following the second side, the second axial gap is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm.
According to the bicycle chain of the fourth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the fifth side according to any one of the first to fourth sides, the first axial gap is formed during a shifting operation of the bicycle chain in the axial direction of the first inner link and the It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain in at least one of the second inner link axial direction, the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the fifth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the sixth side following the second or fourth side, the second axial gap is formed between the axial direction of the first inner link and the second inner link axis during shifting operation of the bicycle chain. configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one of a direction, the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the sixth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the seventh side according to any one of the first to sixth sides, the first inner link plate is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the first inner link and the longitudinal centerline of the first inner link. a first inner link transverse centerline extending perpendicularly to said first inner link centerline, wherein a first inner link distance is said first inner link center axis in said first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to said first inner link longitudinal centerline; and said second inner link central axis, said second inner link plate includes a second inner link longitudinal centerline and a second inner link plate extending perpendicularly to said second inner link longitudinal centerline. and a second inner link distance is between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal centerline. Each of the first inner link distance and the second inner link distance defined between the central axis is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the seventh aspect, the driving efficiency is excellent, so it is suitable for use as a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain of the eighth side according to any one of the first to seventh sides, the first outer link plate is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the first outer link and the longitudinal centerline of the first outer link. and a first outer link transverse centerline extending perpendicularly to said first outer link centerline, and a first outer link distance is said first outer link center axis in said first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to said first outer link longitudinal centerline. and the second outer link center axis, the second outer link plate extending perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline. and a second outer link distance is between the third outer link center axis and the fourth outer link in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line. Each of the first outer link distance and the second outer link distance defined between the central axis is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect is excellent in driving efficiency, and is therefore suitable for use as a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

The bicycle chain of the ninth aspect according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the pin has an outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. According to the bicycle chain of the ninth aspect, since the pin holes can be made small, it is easy to secure the rigidity of the outer link plate and the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect according to the ninth aspect, the outer diameter of the pin is 2.5 mm or more. According to the bicycle chain of the tenth aspect, the rigidity of the pin can be ensured.

In the bicycle chain of the eleventh side according to any one of the first to tenth sides, the axial recess is formed on the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and on the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the part. According to the bicycle chain of the eleventh aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced by making the bicycle rear sprocket assembly multi-staged, the axial concave portion is formed so that the sprockets between the inner link plates The necessary space can be obtained to engage the teeth.

In the bicycle chain of the twelfth side according to any one of the first to eleventh sides, the at least one chamfered portion comprises the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the twelfth aspect, the speed changeability of the bicycle chain is improved.

A bicycle chain according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain comprising a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing, a pin, wherein the first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis; and a second inner link end portion extending parallel to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having an inner link central axis; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; and a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis, the second inner link The plate has a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis and a fourth inner link end portion having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. In an assembled state of a fourth inner link end portion including an inner link opening, a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and the bicycle chain, a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in one inner link axial direction; a fourth inner link surface located opposite to the third inner link surface, wherein the first outer link plate is aligned with another inner link plate or another outer link in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; A first outer link end configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening plates, the first outer link plate including a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis; the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion; First outer connecting outer link end A link intermediate portion, a first outer link surface, and a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction about the first outer link center axis. wherein the second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The second outer link plate has a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link center axis, and a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis. a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening; a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion; and the bicycle chain in an assembled state of , a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the first outer link axial direction; and a second outer link axis about the third outer link center axis. a fourth outer link surface disposed directionally opposite to the third outer link surface, the bushing having a bushing opening, wherein, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, the first inner link; The pin is configured to be inserted into the opening and the third inner link opening, and the pin is inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening and the pin is inserted into the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. configured to pass through the bushing opening, the first axial gap being axially spaced from the second inner link of the first inner link end in at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction; The first axial clearance defined between the surface and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the thirteenth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the 14th side following the 13th side, the second axial gap is defined in the third inner link end portion in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. The second axial gap defined between the fourth inner link surface and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the fourteenth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the 15th side following the 13th or 14th side, the first axial gap is formed between the first inner link axis, the second inner link axis, and the second inner link axis during shifting operation of the bicycle chain. configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one of a direction, the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the fifteenth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the sixteenth side according to the fourteenth side, the second axial gap is formed in the first inner link axial direction, the second inner link axial direction, the second inner link axial direction, and the It is configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one of a first outer link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the sixteenth aspect, the bushing structure improves wear resistance, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates bending of the bicycle chain, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the 17th side according to any one of the 13th to 16th sides, the first inner link plate is aligned with the first inner link longitudinal centerline and the first inner link longitudinal centerline. a first inner link transverse centerline extending perpendicularly to said first inner link centerline, wherein a first inner link distance is said first inner link center axis in said first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to said first inner link longitudinal centerline; and said second inner link central axis, said second inner link plate includes a second inner link longitudinal centerline and a second inner link plate extending perpendicularly to said second inner link longitudinal centerline. and a second inner link distance is between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal centerline. Each of the first inner link distance and the second inner link distance defined between the central axis is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect is excellent in driving efficiency, and is suitable for use as a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain of the 18th side according to any one of the 13th to 17th sides, the first outer link plate is aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the first outer link and the longitudinal centerline of the first outer link. and a first outer link transverse centerline extending perpendicularly to said first outer link centerline, and a first outer link distance is said first outer link center axis in said first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to said first outer link longitudinal centerline. and the second outer link center axis, the second outer link plate extending perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline. and a second outer link distance is between the third outer link center axis and the fourth outer link in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line. Each of the first outer link distance and the second outer link distance defined between the central axis is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain according to the eighteenth aspect is excellent in driving efficiency, and is therefore suitable for use as a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

The bicycle chain of the nineteenth aspect according to any one of the thirteenth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the pin has an outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. According to the bicycle chain of the nineteenth aspect, since the pin holes can be made small, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the outer link plate and the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain according to the twentieth aspect according to the nineteenth aspect, the outer diameter of the pin is 2.5 mm or more. According to the bicycle chain of the twentieth aspect, the rigidity of the pin can be ensured.

In the bicycle chain of the 21st side according to any one of the 13th to 20th sides, the axial recess is formed in the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the part. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-first aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced by making the bicycle rear sprocket assembly multi-staged, the axial concave portion is formed so that the sprockets between the inner link plates are The necessary space can be obtained to engage the teeth.

In the bicycle chain of the 22nd side according to any one of the 13th to 21st sides, at least one chamfered portion comprises: the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the 22nd aspect, the speed changeability of the bicycle chain is improved.

A bicycle chain according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain comprising a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing, The first inner link plate includes a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis and a first inner link opening circumferentially surrounding the first inner link opening with respect to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link opening having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to said first inner link center axis; and said second inner link center. a second inner link end portion including a second annular axial projection circumferentially surrounding the second inner link opening about an axis; and connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion. A first inner link intermediate portion, a first inner link surface, and a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis. and wherein the second inner link plate includes: a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link central axis; and a third inner link end portion extending parallel to the third inner link central axis. a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening having four inner link central axes; a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion; a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled; a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction about the center, wherein the first outer link plate, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain: A first outer link configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate, the first outer link plate having a first outer link center axis. a first outer link end portion including an opening; A second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the outer link center axis is connected to the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion. a first outer link intermediate portion, a first outer link surface, and a second outer link arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link center axis. and a surface, wherein the second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposition of another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second outer link plate includes a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link central axis, and a fourth outer link extending parallel to the third outer link central axis. a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a center axis; a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion; and the bicycle chain. in the assembled state, a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link; 2 a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the axial direction of the outer link, the bushing having a bushing opening, and in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, The pin is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening and to contact the first annular axial projection in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, the pin comprising: It is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening in the assembled state of the chain. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-third aspect, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is improved.

In the bicycle chain of the 24th side following the 23rd side, the third inner link end portion includes a third annular axial protrusion portion that circumferentially surrounds the third inner link opening with respect to the third inner link central axis. wherein the fourth inner link end portion includes a fourth annular axial projection portion circumferentially surrounding the fourth inner link opening with respect to the fourth inner link center axis; is configured to contact the third annular axial projection in the assembled state of . According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-fourth aspect, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is further improved.

In the bicycle chain of the 25th side following the 24th side, the additional bushing is configured to be inserted into the second inner link opening and the fourth inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. , the additional bushing is configured to contact the second annular axial protrusion and the fourth annular axial protrusion in an assembled state of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-fifth aspect, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is further improved.

In the bicycle chain of the 26th side according to any one of the 23rd to 25th sides, the axial recess is formed in the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the part. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-sixth aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced by increasing the number of stages of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the sprockets between the inner link plates are formed with the axial recesses. The necessary space can be obtained to engage the teeth.

In the bicycle chain of the 27th side according to any one of the 23rd to 26th sides, at least one chamfered portion comprises: the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-seventh aspect, the speed changeability of the bicycle chain is improved.

According to the bicycle chain of the present invention, the transmission performance is excellent.

A schematic diagram of a bicycle viewed from above. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle chain according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line III-III in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a side view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment as seen from the VA direction of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a side view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment viewed from the direction VB of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3; Sectional drawing of the bicycle chain of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the third embodiment taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8; Sectional drawing of the bicycle chain of other embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A human-powered vehicle to which a bicycle chain is applied will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a top view of a bicycle A, which is an example of a human-powered vehicle. Here, a human-powered vehicle means a vehicle that at least partially uses human power as a driving force for running, and includes vehicles that use electric power to assist human power. Vehicles that use only motive power other than human power are not included in man-powered vehicles. In particular, a vehicle using only an internal combustion engine as a motive power is not included in a human-powered vehicle. Typically, the human-powered vehicle is assumed to be a small light vehicle, and a vehicle that does not require a license to drive on public roads. The illustrated manpowered vehicle includes a bicycle A. Specifically, the human-powered vehicle is Bicycle A. Bicycle A includes a drivetrain B.

Drivetrain B is of the chain drive type. Drivetrain B includes a bicycle crank assembly C, a bicycle sprocket (hereinafter referred to as “sprocket D”), and a bicycle chain 10 . Sprocket D has sprocket teeth with which bicycle chain 10 engages. Sprocket D includes front sprocket E and rear sprocket F. The bicycle crank assembly C includes a crankshaft Ca rotatably supported by the frame of the bicycle A, and a pair of crank arms Cb provided at both ends of the crankshaft Ca. A pedal is rotatably attached to the tip of each crank arm Cb.

The front sprocket E is provided on the crankshaft Ca so as to rotate together with the crankshaft Ca. The rear sprocket F is provided on the hub of the rear wheel. A bicycle chain 10 is wound around a front sprocket E and a rear sprocket F. A driving force applied to the pedals by a user riding the bicycle A is transmitted to the rear wheel via the front sprocket E, the bicycle chain 10, and the rear sprocket F.

The bicycle chain 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3, with the rollers 24 and additional rollers 28 omitted. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment taken along line VII-VII of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle chain 10 includes a first inner link plate 12, a second inner link plate 14, a first outer link plate 16, a second outer link plate 18, a bushing 20, a pin 22; More preferably, the bicycle chain 10 comprises rollers 24 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the first inner link plate 12 includes a first inner link end portion 32 including a first inner link opening 30 having a first inner link center axis AX1, and a first inner link center axis AX1. A second inner link end portion 36 including a second inner link opening 34 having a second inner link central axis AX2 extending parallel to AX1, and connecting the first inner link end portion 32 and the second inner link end portion 36 and a first inner link intermediate portion 38 that The first inner link plate 12 further includes a first inner link surface 12A and a second inner link plate 12 arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface 12A in the first inner link axial direction DA with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1. inner link surface 12B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first inner link plate 12 includes a first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA and a first inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA. LCB. The first inner link distance LGA is defined between the first inner link central axis AX1 and the second inner link central axis AX2 in the first inner link longitudinal direction DE with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA. .

In this embodiment, the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA and the first inner link lateral centerline LCB are defined based on the first inner link plate 12 .
As shown in FIG. 4, the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA extends along the longitudinal direction of the first inner link plate 12 when viewed from the first inner link axial direction DA. , and is defined as a line passing through the first inner link center axis AX1 and the second inner link center axis AX2. The first inner link lateral centerline LCB perpendicularly intersects the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA, and is between the first inner link center axis AX1 and the second inner link center axis AX2. defined as the line through the midpoint of

As shown in FIG. 3, the second inner link plate 14 includes a third inner link end portion 42 including a third inner link opening 40 having a third inner link center axis AX3, and a third inner link center axis AX3. A fourth inner link end portion 46 including a fourth inner link opening 44 having a fourth inner link central axis AX4 extending parallel to AX3, and the third inner link end portion 42 and the fourth inner link end portion 46 are connected. and a second inner link intermediate portion 48 that The second inner link plate 14 has a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link plate 12 in the axial direction DA of the first inner link when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. 14A, and a fourth inner link surface 14B arranged on the opposite side of the third inner link surface 14A in the second inner link axial direction DB with respect to the third inner link central axis AX3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner link plate 14 includes a second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC and a second inner link transverse centerline extending perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC. LCD. A second inner link distance LGB is defined between the third inner link central axis AX3 and the fourth inner link central axis AX4 in the second inner link longitudinal direction DF with respect to the second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC. . Each of the first inner link distance LGA and the second inner link distance LGB ranges from 9 mm to 13 mm. For example, each of the first inner link distance LGA and the second inner link distance LGB is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

In this embodiment, the second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC and the second inner link lateral centerline LCD are defined based on the second inner link plate 14 .
As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC extends along the longitudinal direction of the second inner link plate 14 when the second inner link plate 14 is viewed from a direction along the second inner link axial direction DB. , and is defined as a line passing through the third inner link center axis AX3 and the fourth inner link center axis AX4. The second inner link lateral centerline LCD perpendicularly intersects the second inner link longitudinal centerline LCC, and is between the third inner link center axis AX3 and the fourth inner link center axis AX4. defined as the line through the midpoint of

As shown in FIG. 3, at least one of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 is provided with an axial recess 15 recessed in the first inner link axial direction DA. Specifically, the axial recess 15 is provided in at least one of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link intermediate portion 48 . Preferably, the axial recess 15 is provided in both the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link intermediate portion 48 .

As shown in FIG. 3, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10, the first outer link plate 16 is adjacent to the first inner link plate 12 with no other inner link plate or other outer link plate interposed therebetween. configured to The first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link end portion 52 including a first outer link opening 50 having a first outer link central axis BX1 and a second outer link extending parallel to the first outer link central axis BX1. A second outer link end portion 56 including a second outer link opening 54 having a link central axis BX2, and a first outer link intermediate portion 58 connecting the first outer link end portion 52 and the second outer link end portion 56. including. The first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link surface 16A and a second outer link arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface 16A in the first outer link axial direction DC with respect to the first outer link central axis BX1. and surface 16B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE and a first outer link transverse centerline extending perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE. LCF. A first outer link distance LGC is defined between the first outer link central axis BX1 and the second outer link central axis BX2 in the first outer link longitudinal direction DG with respect to the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE. .

In this embodiment, the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE and the first outer link transverse centerline LCF are defined based on the first outer link plate 16 .
As shown in FIG. 4, the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE extends along the longitudinal direction of the first outer link plate 16 when the first outer link plate 16 is viewed in the first outer link axial direction DC. and is defined as a line passing through the first outer link center axis BX1 and the second outer link center axis BX2. The first outer link transverse centerline LCF perpendicularly intersects the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE, and is between the first outer link center axis BX1 and the second outer link center axis BX2. defined as the line through the midpoint of

As shown in FIG. 3, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10, the second outer link plate 18 is adjacent to the second inner link plate 14 without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate. configured to The second outer link plate 18 includes a third outer link end portion 62 including a third outer link opening 60 having a third outer link central axis BX3, and a fourth outer link extending parallel to the third outer link central axis BX3. A fourth outer link end portion 66 including a fourth outer link opening 64 having a link central axis BX4, and a second outer link intermediate portion 68 connecting the third outer link end portion 62 and the fourth outer link end portion 66. including. The second outer link plate 18 has a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 in the axial direction DC of the first outer link when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. 18A, and a fourth outer link surface 18B arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface 18A in the second outer link axial direction DD with respect to the third outer link central axis BX3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second outer link plate 18 includes a second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG and a second outer link transverse centerline extending perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG. LCH. A second outer link distance LGD is defined between the third outer link central axis BX3 and the fourth outer link central axis BX4 in the second outer link longitudinal direction DH with respect to the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG. . Each of the first outer link distance LGC and the second outer link distance LGD is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. Each of the first outer link distance LGC and the second outer link distance LGD is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

In this embodiment, the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG and the second outer link transverse centerline LCH are defined based on the second outer link plate 18 .
As shown in FIG. 5, the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG extends along the longitudinal direction of the second outer link plate 18 when the second outer link plate 18 is viewed in the second outer link axial direction DD. and is defined as a line passing through the third outer link center axis BX3 and the fourth outer link center axis BX4. The second outer link lateral centerline LCH perpendicularly intersects the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG, and is between the third outer link center axis BX3 and the fourth outer link center axis BX4. defined as the line through the midpoint of

Preferably, at least one chamfer 70 is provided on at least one of first inner link plate 12 , second inner link plate 14 , first outer link plate 16 and second outer link plate 18 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , the chamfered portions 70 may be provided on the first inner link surface 12A at the first inner link end portion 32 and the second inner link end portion 36 of the first inner link plate 12 .
As shown in FIG. 7 , chamfers 70 may be provided on the third inner link surface 14A at the third inner link end 42 and the fourth inner link end 46 of the second inner link plate 14 .
As shown in FIG. 4 , chamfers 70 may be provided on the second outer link surface 16B at the first outer link end 52 and the second outer link end 56 of the first outer link plate 16 .
As shown in FIG. 5 , chamfers 70 may be provided on the fourth outer link surface 18B at the third outer link end 62 and the fourth outer link end 66 of the second outer link plate 18 .

As shown in FIG. 3, bushing 20 has a bushing opening 20A. The bushing 20 is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening 30 and the third inner link opening 40 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The additional bushing 26 has an additional bushing opening 26A. The additional bushing 26 is configured to be inserted into the second inner link opening 34 and the fourth inner link opening 44 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . Bushing 20 and additional bushing 26 may be of the same or different construction.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10, the pin 22 is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening 50 and the third outer link opening 60 and to pass through the bushing opening 20A. be. Preferably, the pin 22 is press-fitted into the first outer link opening 50 and the third outer link opening 60 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The additional pin 23 is configured to be inserted into the second outer link opening 54 and the fourth outer link opening 64 and to pass through the additional bushing opening 26A of the additional bushing 26 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Preferably, the additional pin 23 is press-fitted into the second outer link opening 54 and the fourth outer link opening 64 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . Preferably, pin 22 has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. Further, preferably, the pin outer diameter is 2.5 mm or more. Preferably, the additional pin 23 has an additional pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. Preferably, the outer diameter of the additional pin is 2.5 mm or more.

The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are connected by pins 22 and additional pins 23 . First inner link plate 12 and second inner link plate 14 are joined by bushing 20 and additional bushing 26 .
The assembly of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 aligns the center axis of the pin 22 and the center axis of the additional pin 23 with respect to the assembly of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18. Rotatably connected as a center.
A combined body composed of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 and a combined body composed of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are alternately arranged and connected in a loop shape. be.

As shown in FIG. 3, roller 24 is positioned between first inner link plate 12 and second inner link plate 14 .
One roller 24 has a roller opening 24A through which the bush 20 is inserted. Roller 24 is rotatable relative to bush 20 . The additional roller 28 has an additional roller opening 28A through which the additional bush 26 is inserted. The additional roller 28 is rotatable relative to the additional bushing 26 .

The roller 24 is arranged between the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 . The additional roller 28 is arranged between the second inner link end portion 36 of the first inner link plate 12 and the fourth inner link end portion 46 of the second inner link plate 14 . When the bicycle chain 10 is mounted on the bicycle A, the rollers 24 and additional rollers 28 contact the sprocket teeth.

Next, the structure between the first inner link plate 12 and the first outer link plate 16 and the structure between the second inner link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 18 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 extends along the first inner link end portion in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. 32 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 to form a first axial clearance SA. At least a portion of the inner link surface 12B is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 .

The first axial clearance SA is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The first axial gap SA is between the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 in the first inner link axial direction DA. Defined as distance.
The first axial clearance SA is defined in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link shaft during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

The first outer link end portion 52 of the first outer link plate 16 is arranged in a portion of the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 that is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10. be done.

The first inner link end portion 32 is divided into a first bush peripheral portion 32A around the bush 20 and a first outer peripheral portion 32B around the first bush peripheral portion 32A. The second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32B is opposed to the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. , are at least partially offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . The second inner link surface 12B of the first bush peripheral portion 32A is arranged in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC with respect to the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32B. It is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . Preferably, the second inner link surface 12B of the first bush surrounding portion 32A is configured to be flush with the first bush end surface 20B arranged on the first inner link plate 12 side of the bush 20 . A gap is provided between the first bushing end surface 20B of the bushing 20 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 of the first outer link plate 16 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 extends in at least one of the second inner link axial direction DB and the second outer link axial direction DD. 42 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62, so that a second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 48 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62. At least a portion thereof is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 with respect to the inner link surface 14B.

The second axial air gap SB is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. A second axial gap SB is defined between the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62 in the second inner link axial direction DB. Defined as distance.
The second axial clearance SB is formed in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link shaft during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

A third outer link end portion 62 of the second outer link plate 18 is arranged at a portion of the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 that is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10. be done.

The third inner link end portion 42 is divided into a second bush peripheral portion 42A around the bush 20 and a second outer peripheral portion 42B around the second bush peripheral portion 42A. The fourth inner link surface 14B of the second outer peripheral portion 42B is opposed to the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 48 in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. , are at least partially offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . In at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second bushing peripheral portion 42A has the following relative to the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second outer peripheral portion 42B: It is offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . Preferably, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second bush peripheral portion 42A is configured to be flush with the second bush end surface 20C arranged on the second inner link plate 14 side of the bush 20 . A gap is provided between the second bushing end surface 20C of the bushing 20 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62 of the second outer link plate 18 .

When a force is applied to the bicycle chain 10 by shifting the bicycle A, the bicycle chain 10 is provided with at least one of the first axial clearance SA and the second axial clearance SB. With respect to the link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18, the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are arranged in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, and the first outer link axial direction. It is displaced along either DC or the second outer link axial direction DD. Such an action facilitates the bending of the bicycle chain 10 . Preferably, the bicycle chain 10 is provided with both a first axial clearance SA and a second axial clearance SB.

<Second embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 of a second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment has the structure of the first axial clearance SA and the second axial clearance SB shown in the first embodiment, and the structure of the first axial clearance SA and the second axial clearance SA shown in the first embodiment. Structures other than the structure of the biaxial air gap SB are included.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first axial gap SA is formed on the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. and the first outer link surface 16</b>A of the first outer link end portion 52 . The first axial clearance SA is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

For example, the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 is aligned with the second inner link surface 16A of the first inner link end portion 32 in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. To the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link intermediate portion 58, a first axial gap SA is formed between the surface 12B and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52. , may be at least partially offset in a direction opposite to the direction facing the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10. As shown in FIG.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 is positioned in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. The first inner link intermediate portion 38 is arranged such that a first axial gap SA is formed between the second inner link surface 12B of the end portion 32 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52. At least a portion of the second inner link surface 12B may be offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 .
If the first axial gap SA is formed between the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52, the first inner The second inner link surface 12</b>B of the link plate 12 may be formed flat from the first inner link end portion 32 to the second inner link end portion 36 via the first inner link intermediate portion 38 .

The first axial clearance SA is defined in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link shaft during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second axial gap SB is formed in the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 in at least one of the second inner link axial direction DB and the second outer link axial direction DD. and the third outer link surface 18</b>A of the third outer link end portion 62 . The second axial air gap SB is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

For example, the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62 faces the fourth inner link of the third inner link end portion 42 in at least one of the second inner link axial direction DB and the second outer link axial direction DD. With respect to the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link intermediate portion 68, a second axial gap SB is formed between the surface 14B and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62. , may be at least partially offset in a direction opposite to the direction facing the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10. As shown in FIG.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 extends in at least one of the second inner link axial direction DB and the second outer link axial direction DD. The second inner link intermediate portion 48 is arranged such that a second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner link surface 14B of the end portion 42 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62. At least a portion of the fourth inner link surface 14B may be offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 .
If the second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 42 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62, the second inner link The fourth inner link surface 14</b>B of the link plate 14 may be formed flat from the third inner link end portion 42 to the fourth inner link end portion 46 via the second inner link intermediate portion 48 .

The second axial clearance SB is formed in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link shaft during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

Furthermore, each of the first inner link distance LGA and the second inner link distance LGB may be in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. Each of the first outer link distance LGC and the second outer link distance LGD may be in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. For example, each of the first inner link distance LGA, the second inner link distance LGB, the first outer link distance LGC, and the second outer link distance LGD is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

Further, pin 22 may have a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. The pin outer diameter may be 2.5 mm or more.

Further, the axial recess 15 may be provided in at least one of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link intermediate portion 48.

Additionally, at least one chamfer 70 may be provided on at least one of first inner link plate 12 , second inner link plate 14 , first outer link plate 16 , and second outer link plate 18 .

<Third Embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the configurations that are common to the third embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment differs from the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in the structure of connecting the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 to the bushing 20 and the additional bushing 26 .

The first inner link end portion 32 includes a first inner link opening 30 having a first inner link central axis AX1 and a first annular ring surrounding the first inner link opening 30 with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1 in the circumferential direction. and an axial projection 84 . The second inner link end portion 36 includes a second inner link opening 34 having a second inner link center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner link center axis AX1, and a second inner link opening 34 having a second inner link center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner link center axis AX1. and a second annular axial projection 86 that circumferentially surrounds the inner link opening 34 .

Bushing 20 has a bushing opening 20A. The bushing 20 is inserted into the first inner link opening 30 and the third inner link opening 40 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, and is inserted into the first annular axial protrusion 84 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. configured to make contact.
The pin 22 is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening 50 and the third outer link opening 60 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The additional pin 23 is configured to be inserted into the second outer link opening 54 and the fourth outer link opening 64 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . Pin 22 is configured to pass through bushing opening 20A. Additional pin 23 is configured to pass through additional bushing opening 26A.

The third inner link end portion 42 includes a third annular axial protrusion 88 that circumferentially surrounds the third inner link opening 40 with respect to the third inner link central axis AX3. The fourth inner link end portion 46 includes a fourth annular axial protrusion 90 that circumferentially surrounds the fourth inner link opening 44 with respect to the fourth inner link central axis AX4. The bushing 20 is configured to contact the third annular axial projection 88 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 .

The additional bushing 26 is configured to be inserted into the second inner link opening 34 and the fourth inner link opening 44 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The additional bushing 26 is configured to contact the second annular axial protrusion 86 and the fourth annular axial protrusion 90 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 .

Further, the axial recess 15 may be provided on at least one of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link intermediate portion 48. Preferably, the axial recess 15 is provided in both the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link intermediate portion 48 .

As shown in FIG. 8, roller 24 and additional roller 28 are positioned between first inner link plate 12 and second inner link plate 14 .
The roller 24 is arranged between the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 . The additional roller 28 is arranged between the second inner link end portion 36 of the first inner link plate 12 and the fourth inner link end portion 46 of the second inner link plate 14 .

The roller 24 has a roller opening 24A through which the first annular axial projection 84 and the third annular axial projection 88 extend. Roller 24 is rotatable relative to first annular axial projection 84 and third annular axial projection 88 . The additional roller 28 has an additional roller opening 28A through which the second annular axial projection 86 and the fourth annular axial projection 90 pass. The additional roller 28 is rotatable relative to the second annular axial projection 86 and the fourth annular axial projection 90 .

<Variation>
The description of each embodiment is illustrative of the bicycle chain 10 according to the invention and is not intended to limit its form. The bicycle chain 10 according to the present invention may take the form of, for example, variations of the embodiments shown below, and combinations of at least two variations that are not mutually contradictory. In the following modified examples, the same reference numerals as in the embodiment are given to the parts that are common to the embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

- At least one of the first chamfered portion 92 to the fourth chamfered portion 98 may be provided on the edge of the first outer link plate 16 and the edge of the second outer link plate 18 in each embodiment. The first chamfered portion 92 to the fourth chamfered portion 98 include flat surfaces and curved surfaces.
As shown in FIG. 10, the first chamfered portion 92 is formed between the first end surface 52A of the first outer link end portion 52 of the first outer link plate 16 and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52. may be provided between
The second chamfered portion 94 may be provided between the second end surface 56A of the second outer link end portion 56 of the first outer link plate 16 and the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end portion 56 .
The third chamfered portion 96 may be provided between the third end surface 62A of the third outer link end portion 62 of the second outer link plate 18 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62 .
The fourth chamfered portion 98 may be provided between the fourth end surface 66A of the fourth outer link end portion 66 of the second outer link plate 18 and the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 66 .

AX1... First inner link center axis, AX2... Second inner link center axis, AX3... Third inner link center axis, AX4... Fourth inner link center axis, BX1... First outer link center axis, BX2...Second outer link center axis, BX3...Third outer link center axis, BX4...Fourth outer link center axis, LCA...Longitudinal centerline of first inner link, LCB...Center of first inner link in lateral direction LCC... longitudinal center line of the second inner link LCD... lateral center line of the second inner link LCE... longitudinal center line of the first outer link LCF... lateral center line of the first outer link LCG... second Outer link longitudinal center line, LCH... Second outer link transverse center line, LGA... First inner link distance, LGB... Second inner link distance, LGC... First outer link distance, LGD... Second outer link distance, SA: first axial gap, SB: second axial gap, 10: bicycle chain, 10A: axial center plane, 12: first inner link plate, 12A: first inner link surface, 12B: second inner Link surface 14 Second inner link plate 14A Third inner link surface 14B Fourth inner link surface 15 Axial concave portion 16 First outer link plate 16A First outer link surface 16B 2nd outer link surface 18 2nd outer link plate 18A 3rd outer link surface 18B 4th outer link surface 20 bush 20A bush opening 22 pin 26 additional bush 30 1st inner link opening 32 1st inner link end portion 34 2nd inner link opening 36 2nd inner link end portion 38 1st inner link intermediate portion 40 3rd inner link opening 42... Third inner link end portion, 44... Fourth inner link opening, 46... Fourth inner link end portion, 48... Second inner link intermediate portion, 50... First outer link opening, 52... First outer link end Part 54... Second outer link opening 56... Second outer link end part 58... First outer link intermediate part 60... Third outer link opening 62... Third outer link end part 64... Fourth outer Link opening 66... Fourth outer link end portion 68... Second outer link intermediate portion 70... Chamfered portion 84... First annular axial projection 86... Second Annular axial projection, 88 --- third annular axial projection, 90 --- fourth annular axial projection.

Claims (27)

A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin;
The first inner link plate,
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The first outer link plate is
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The second outer link plate is
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
the bushing has a bushing opening and is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain;
The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening and to pass through the bush opening when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is configured such that the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion extends in at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction. and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion relative to the second inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion such that a first axial gap is formed between the bicycle at least partially offset toward the axial center plane of the chain for
The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion gradually increases from the first inner link intermediate portion toward the end portion of the first inner link end. A bicycle chain that is offset in two steps from the plane toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain. The fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion is arranged in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion relative to the fourth inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion such that a second axial gap is formed between the 2. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle chain is at least partially offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axial clearance is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm. The bicycle chain according to claim 2, wherein said second axial clearance is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm. The first axial clearance is axially spaced from the first inner link, the second inner link, the first outer link, and the second outer link during shifting operation of the bicycle chain. A bicycle chain according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. The second axial clearance is axially spaced from the first inner link, the second inner link, the first outer link, and the second outer link during a shifting operation of the bicycle chain. A bicycle chain according to claim 2 or 4, configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. the first inner link plate has a first inner link longitudinal centerline and a first inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal centerline;
A first inner link distance is defined between the first inner link center axis and the second inner link center axis in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline,
the second inner link plate has a second inner link longitudinal centerline and a second inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal centerline;
A second inner link distance is defined between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link center axis in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal centerline,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of said first inner link distance and said second inner link distance is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The first outer link plate has a first outer link longitudinal centerline and a first outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,
A first outer link distance is defined between the first outer link central axis and the second outer link central axis in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,
The second outer link plate has a second outer link longitudinal centerline and a second outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal centerline,
A second outer link distance is defined between the third outer link central axis and the fourth outer link central axis in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal centerline,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of said first outer link distance and said second outer link distance is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pin has an outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 9, wherein the outer diameter of the pin is 2.5 mm or more. 11. The axial recess is provided in at least one of the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the third inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion. 1. Bicycle chain according to item 1. At least one chamfer is provided on at least one of the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate and the second outer link plate. or a bicycle chain according to any one of the above items. A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin;
The first inner link plate,
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The first outer link plate is
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The second outer link plate is
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
the bushing has a bushing opening and is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain;
The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening and to pass through the bush opening when the bicycle chain is assembled,
A first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion and the first outer link end portion in at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction. formed between the first outer link surface,
the first axial gap is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm;
The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is at least partially offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain with respect to the second inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion. I have a bicycle chain. A second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion and the third outer link end portion in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. formed between the third outer link surface,
The bicycle chain according to claim 13, wherein said second axial clearance is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm. The first axial clearance is axially spaced from the first inner link, the second inner link, the first outer link, and the second outer link during shifting operation of the bicycle chain. 15. A bicycle chain according to claim 13 or claim 14, configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. The second axial clearance is axially spaced from the first inner link, the second inner link, the first outer link, and the second outer link during a shifting operation of the bicycle chain. 15. The bicycle chain of claim 14, configured to facilitate flexing of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. the first inner link plate has a first inner link longitudinal centerline and a first inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal centerline;
A first inner link distance is defined between the first inner link center axis and the second inner link center axis in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline,
the second inner link plate has a second inner link longitudinal centerline and a second inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal centerline;
A second inner link distance is defined between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link center axis in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal centerline,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein each of said first inner link distance and said second inner link distance is in the range of 9mm to 13mm. The first outer link plate has a first outer link longitudinal centerline and a first outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,
A first outer link distance is defined between the first outer link central axis and the second outer link central axis in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,
The second outer link plate has a second outer link longitudinal centerline and a second outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal centerline,
A second outer link distance is defined between the third outer link central axis and the fourth outer link central axis in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal centerline,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein each of said first outer link distance and said second outer link distance is in the range of 9mm to 13mm. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 13-18, wherein the pin has an outer pin diameter of 3.6 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 19, wherein said pin has an outer diameter of 2.5 mm or more. 21. The axial recess is provided in at least one of the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the third inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion. 1. Bicycle chain according to item 1. 22. Any of claims 13 to 21, wherein at least one chamfer is provided on at least one of said first inner link plate, said second inner link plate, said first outer link plate and said second outer link plate. or a bicycle chain according to any one of the above items. A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin;
The first inner link plate,
A first inner link including a first inner link opening having a first inner link central axis and a first annular axial protrusion circumferentially surrounding the first inner link opening with respect to the first inner link central axis. an end part;
a second inner link opening having a second inner link central axis extending parallel to the first inner link central axis; and a second inner link opening surrounding the second inner link opening in the circumferential direction with respect to the second inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including an annular axial projection;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The first outer link plate is
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
The second outer link plate is
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
The bush has a bush opening and is inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening when the bicycle chain is assembled. configured to contact the annular axial projection;
The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
the first annular axial protrusion protrudes toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain;
the third inner link end portion includes a third annular axial protrusion portion that circumferentially surrounds the third inner link opening with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The bicycle chain, wherein the first annular axial protrusion of the first inner link plate directly faces the third annular axial protrusion of the second inner link plate. the fourth inner link end portion includes a fourth annular axial protrusion portion that circumferentially surrounds the fourth inner link opening with respect to the fourth inner link central axis;
the bushing is configured to contact the first annular axial protrusion and the third annular axial protrusion in an assembled state of the bicycle chain;
said first annular axial projection and said third annular axial projection are passed through a roller having a roller opening;
24. A bicycle chain according to claim 23. the additional bushing is configured to be inserted into the second inner link opening and the fourth inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain;
the additional bushing is configured to contact the second annular axial protrusion and the fourth annular axial protrusion in an assembled state of the bicycle chain;
The bicycle chain according to claim 24, wherein said second annular axial protrusion and said fourth annular axial protrusion are passed through additional rollers having additional roller openings. 26. An axial recess is provided in at least one of the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the third inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion. 1. Bicycle chain according to item 1. 27. Any of claims 23 to 26, wherein at least one chamfer is provided on at least one of said first inner link plate, said second inner link plate, said first outer link plate and said second outer link plate. or a bicycle chain according to any one of the above items.

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