JP6913651B2 - Bicycle chain - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a silent chain. The silent chain includes a plate with teeth.
Patent Document 2 discloses a chain including a plate having teeth. The teeth are provided with a guide surface.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0100946 German Patented Invention No. 19629604C1

By the way, the conventional bicycle chain may come off from the sprocket of the conventional structure. The present invention proposes a bicycle chain having an improved holding force against a sprocket.

A bicycle chain according to the first aspect of the present invention has a first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line. The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link center parallel to the first inner link center axis. A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having an axial center, a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link. A surface and a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link, the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion. At least one of the inner link end portions extends so as to be separated from at least one of the first inner link central axis and the second inner link central axis in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The at least one sprocket support protrusion includes one sprocket support protrusion, which supports the sole of the sprocket tooth in the direction of the first inner link axis in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages with the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured as such.
According to the bicycle chain on the first side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing the sprocket teeth is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the second side surface according to the first side surface, the first inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational driving direction with respect to the second inner link end portion, and the at least one sprocket support protruding portion is provided. including.
According to the bicycle chain on the second side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the third side surface that follows the first side surface, the at least one sprocket support protrusion extends away from the center axis of the first inner link in the first lateral hand direction in the lateral direction of the first inner link. The first sprocket support protrusion and the second sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the second inner link in the first lateral direction are included, and the first inner link end portion is the second inner. The second inner link end portion is arranged downstream of the link end portion in the rotational driving direction and includes the first sprocket support protruding portion, and the second inner link end portion includes the second sprocket support protruding portion.
According to the bicycle chain on the third side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the fourth side surface according to the third side surface, the first length is the first sprocket support of the first inner link end portion from the center axis of the first inner link in the first lateral hand direction. The length is defined as the length to the first distal end of the protrusion, and the second length is the second length of the second inner link end portion from the center axis of the second inner link in the first lateral direction. Defined as the length to the second distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the first length is longer than the second length.
According to the bicycle chain on the fourth side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is further improved.

In the bicycle chain on the fifth side according to the first or second side surface, the at least one sprocket support protrusion has a chamfer provided at least at the distal end of the at least one sprocket support protrusion.
According to the bicycle chain on the fifth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the sixth side surface according to the fifth side surface, the axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface, and the chamfered portion is provided on the first inner link surface.
According to the bicycle chain on the sixth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the seventh side surface according to the third or fourth side surface, the first sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the first sprocket support protrusion. It has one chamfered portion.
According to the bicycle chain on the seventh side surface, the first sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the eighth side surface according to the seventh side surface, the second sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the second sprocket support protrusion. Has.
According to the bicycle chain on the eighth side surface, the second sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the ninth side surface according to the eighth side surface, the axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface, and the first chamfered portion and the second chamfered portion are the first inner link surface. It is provided in.
According to the bicycle chain on the ninth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the tenth side according to any one of the third, fourth, seventh, eighth and ninth sides, the at least one sprocket support protrusion is the first in the lateral direction of the first inner link. 2 A third sprocket support projecting portion extending away from the first inner link central axis in the lateral hand direction, and a fourth sprocket support projecting portion extending away from the second inner link central axis in the second lateral hand direction. The second lateral hand direction is the opposite direction of the first lateral hand direction in the first inner link lateral hand direction, and the first inner link end portion includes the third sprocket support projecting portion, and the first 2 The inner link end portion includes the fourth sprocket support protruding portion.
According to the bicycle chain on the tenth side surface, the assembling property of the bicycle chain is improved, and the holding force of the bicycle chain with respect to the guide pulley of the rear derailleur is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the eleventh side surface according to the tenth side surface, the third length is the third sprocket support of the first inner link end portion from the first inner link central axis in the second lateral hand direction. It is defined as the length to the third distal end of the protruding portion, and the fourth length is the fourth length of the second inner link end portion from the center axis of the second inner link in the second lateral hand direction. Defined as the length to the fourth distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the fourth length is longer than the third length.
According to the bicycle chain on the eleventh side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is further improved.

In the bicycle chain on the twelfth side surface according to the eleventh side surface, the first length is the first sprocket support of the first inner link end portion from the center axis of the first inner link in the first lateral hand direction. The length is defined as the length to the first distal end of the protrusion, and the second length is the second length of the second inner link end portion from the center axis of the second inner link in the first lateral direction. Defined as the length to the second distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the third length is equal to the second length and the fourth length is equal to the first length.
According to the bicycle chain on the twelfth side surface, the assembling property of the bicycle chain is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the thirteenth side according to any one of the tenth to twelfth sides, the third sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion is at least distal to the third sprocket support protrusion. It has a third chamfer provided at the end.
According to the bicycle chain on the thirteenth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 14th side surface according to the 13th side surface, the 4th sprocket support protrusion of the 2nd inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the 4th sprocket support protrusion. Has.
According to the bicycle chain on the 14th side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the fifteenth side surface according to the fourteenth side surface, the axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface, and the third chamfered portion and the fourth chamfered portion are the first inner link surface. It is provided in.
According to the bicycle chain on the fifteenth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 16th side surface according to any one of the 1st to 15th side surfaces, the first inner link plate is the first inner link longitudinal center line and the first inner link plate in the first inner link plate. It is formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center point of the first inner link, which is the intersection with the center line in the lateral direction of the inner link.
According to the bicycle chain on the 16th side surface, the assemblability of the bicycle chain is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 17th side surface according to any one of the 1st to 16th side surfaces, a second inner link plate is further provided, and the second inner link plate has a third inner link central axis. A third inner link end portion including an inner link hole, a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis parallel to the third inner link central axis, and the first inner link end portion. In the assembled state in which the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion and the bicycle chain are assembled, the second inner link shaft relating to the third inner link central axis A third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction, and a fourth facing the side opposite to the third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner link axis. Including the inner link surface.
According to the bicycle chain on the 17th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 18th side surface according to the 17th side surface, at least one of the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion is in the second inner link lateral direction with respect to the second inner link lateral direction center line. Includes at least one additional sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the third inner link central axis and the fourth inner link central axis, wherein the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion is in the engaged state. Includes an additional axial support surface configured to support the bottom of the sprocket tooth in the second inner link axial direction.
According to the bicycle chain on the 18th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is further improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 19th side surface according to the 18th side surface, the third inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational driving direction with respect to the fourth inner link end portion, and the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion. Including part.
According to the bicycle chain on the 19th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 20th side according to the 18th side surface, the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion is separated from the center axis of the third inner link in the third lateral direction in the lateral direction of the second inner link. The third inner link end portion includes the fifth sprocket support protrusion extending and the sixth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the fourth inner link in the third lateral direction, and the third inner link end portion is the fourth. The fourth inner link end portion is arranged downstream of the inner link end portion in the rotational drive direction and includes the fifth sprocket support protrusion, and the fourth inner link end portion includes the sixth sprocket support protrusion.
According to the bicycle chain on the 20th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 21st side surface according to the 20th side surface, the 5th length supports the 5th sprocket of the 3rd inner link end portion from the center axis of the 3rd inner link in the 3rd lateral hand direction. The sixth length is defined as the length to the fifth distal end of the protruding portion, and the sixth length is the sixth length of the fourth inner link end portion from the fourth inner link central axis in the third lateral hand direction. Defined as the length to the sixth distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the fifth length is longer than the sixth length.
According to the bicycle chain on the 21st side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is further improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 22nd side according to the 18th or 19th side surface, the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion has an additional chamfer provided at least at the distal end of the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion.
According to the bicycle chain on the 22nd side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 23rd side surface according to the 22nd side surface, the additional axial support surface is formed on the third inner link surface, and the additional chamfered portion is provided on the third inner link surface.
According to the bicycle chain on the 23rd side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 24th side according to the 20th or 21st side surface, the 5th sprocket support protrusion of the 3rd inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the 5th sprocket support protrusion. It has 5 chamfers.
According to the bicycle chain on the 24th side surface, the fifth sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 25th side surface according to the 24th side surface, the 6th sprocket support protrusion of the 4th inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the 6th sprocket support protrusion. Has.
According to the bicycle chain on the 25th side surface, the sixth sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 26th side surface according to the 25th side surface, the additional axial support surface is formed on the third inner link surface, and the fifth chamfered portion and the sixth chamfered portion are the third inner link. Provided on the surface.
According to the bicycle chain on the 26th side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 27th side according to any one of the 20, 21, 24, 25 and 26 sides, the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion is in the lateral direction of the second inner link. A seventh sprocket support protrusion extending away from the third inner link central axis in the fourth lateral hand direction, and an eighth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the fourth inner link central axis in the fourth lateral hand direction. The fourth lateral hand direction is the opposite direction of the third lateral hand direction in the second inner link lateral hand direction, and the third inner link end portion includes the seventh sprocket support protruding portion, and the said The fourth inner link end portion includes the eighth sprocket support protruding portion.
According to the bicycle chain on the 27th side surface, the assemblability of the bicycle chain is improved, and the holding force of the bicycle chain with respect to the guide pulley of the rear derailleur is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 28th side surface according to the 27th side surface, the 7th length supports the 7th sprocket of the 3rd inner link end portion from the center axis of the 3rd inner link in the 4th lateral direction. The eighth length is defined as the length to the seventh distal end of the protruding portion, and the eighth length is from the fourth inner link central axis to the eighth of the fourth inner link end portion in the fourth lateral hand direction. Defined as the length to the eighth distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the eighth length is longer than the seventh length.
According to the bicycle chain on the 28th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is further improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 29th side surface according to the 28th side surface, the fifth length is the fifth sprocket support of the third inner link end portion from the third inner link central axis in the third lateral hand direction. The sixth length is defined as the length to the fifth distal end of the protruding portion, and the sixth length is the sixth length of the fourth inner link end portion from the fourth inner link central axis in the third lateral hand direction. Defined as the length to the sixth distal end of the sprocket support protrusion, the seventh length is equal to the sixth length and the eighth length is equal to the fifth length.
According to the bicycle chain on the 29th side surface, the assemblability of the bicycle chain is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 30th side according to any one of the 27th to 29th sides, the 7th sprocket support protrusion of the 3rd inner link end portion is at least distal to the 7th sprocket support protrusion. It has a seventh chamfer provided at the end.
According to the bicycle chain on the thirtieth side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 31st side surface according to the 30th side surface, the 8th sprocket support protrusion of the 4th inner link end portion is provided at least at the distal end of the 8th sprocket support protrusion. Has.
According to the bicycle chain on the 31st side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 32nd side surface according to the 31st side surface, the additional axial support surface is formed on the 3rd inner link surface, and the 7th chamfered portion and the 8th chamfered portion are the 3rd inner link. Provided on the surface.
According to the bicycle chain on the 32nd side surface, the sprocket support protrusion is smoothly arranged at a position supported by the sprocket.

In the bicycle chain on the 33rd side surface according to any one of the 17th to 32nd side surfaces, the second inner link plate is the second inner link longitudinal center line and the second inner link plate in the second inner link plate. It is formed point-symmetrically with respect to the center point of the second inner link, which is the intersection with the center line in the lateral direction of the inner link.
According to the bicycle chain on the 33rd side surface, the assemblability of the bicycle chain is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 34th side according to any one of the 17th to 33rd sides, the first inner link plate is from the second inner link plate in a state where the bicycle chain is attached to the frame of the bicycle. Is also placed near the center of the bicycle frame.
According to the bicycle chain on the 34th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved.

In the bicycle chain on the 35th side according to the 17th side, the second inner link plate does not have a sprocket support protrusion.
According to the bicycle chain on the 35th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved without impairing the speed changeability of the front sprocket.

The bicycle chain on the 36th side surface according to any one of the 17th to 35th side surfaces further includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate, and the first outer link plate is for a bicycle. In the assembled state in which the chain is assembled, the chain is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate, and the first outer link. A first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a central axis and a second outer including a second outer link hole having a second outer link central axis parallel to the first outer link central axis. A first regarding a link end portion, 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, and a central axis of the first outer link. The second outer link plate includes another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state, including a second outer link surface facing away from the first outer link surface in the outer link axial direction. A third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a third outer link central axis, which is arranged so as to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to be sandwiched between them, and the said The fourth outer link end portion including the fourth outer link hole having the fourth outer link central axis parallel to the third outer link central axis, the third outer link end portion, and the fourth outer link end portion. The second outer link intermediate portion, the third outer link surface, and the fourth outer link surface facing the side opposite to the third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the third outer link. And include.
According to the bicycle chain on the 36th side surface, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain that does not easily fall off the sprocket.

A bicycle chain according to the 37th aspect of the present invention includes a first outer link plate having a first outer link longitudinal centerline and a first outer link lateral centerline perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal centerline. The first outer link plate includes a second outer link plate having a second outer link longitudinal center line and a second outer link lateral center line perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal center line. A first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis and a second outer link hole having a second outer link central axis parallel to the first outer link central axis are formed. A second outer link end portion including, 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, and the first outer link central axis. The second outer link plate includes a second outer link surface facing opposite to the first outer link surface in the direction of the first outer link axis with respect to the center, and the second outer link plate has a third outer link having a third outer link central axis. A third outer link end portion including a hole, a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis parallel to the third outer link central axis, and the third outer link. The third outer in the second outer link intermediate portion connecting the link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion, the third outer link surface, and the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis. At least one of the first outer link end portion, the second outer link end portion, the third outer link end portion, and the fourth outer link end portion, including a fourth outer link surface facing the opposite side of the link surface. One is the center axis of the first outer link and the second outer link in the lateral direction of the first outer link with respect to the center line in the lateral direction of the first outer link or in the lateral direction of the second outer link with respect to the center line in the lateral direction of the second outer link. The central axis, the third outer link central axis, and at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the fourth outer link central axis are included, and the at least one sprocket support protrusion is said to be said. In the engaged state where the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of a sprocket tooth in at least one of the first outer link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction.
According to the bicycle chain on the 37th side surface, the holding force of the bicycle chain against the sprocket is improved. In addition, the degree of freedom in designing the sprocket teeth is improved.

According to the bicycle chain of the present invention, the holding force against the sprocket can be improved.

Schematic diagram of a bicycle as seen from above. The perspective view of the bicycle chain of 1st Embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment. The plan view of the bicycle chain of 1st Embodiment. Side view of the first inner link plate. A perspective view of the first inner link plate as viewed from a viewpoint opposite to the viewpoint of FIG. A perspective view of a bicycle chain that meshes with a rear sprocket. A side view of the bicycle chain that meshes with the rear sprocket, as viewed from the viewpoint opposite to the viewpoint of FIG. Side view of the bicycle chain when shifting. Side view of the gear shifting region of the rear sprocket. The side view which shows the 1st state in the shifting | shifting of a bicycle chain in a rear sprocket. The side view which shows the 2nd state in the gear shifting of a bicycle chain in a rear sprocket. The side view which shows the 3rd state in the shifting | shifting of a bicycle chain in a rear sprocket. The side view which shows the 4th state in the gear shifting of a bicycle chain in a rear sprocket. The perspective view of the 1st inner link plate about the bicycle chain of 2nd Embodiment. A side view of the first inner link plate of the bicycle chain of the second embodiment as viewed from the viewpoint opposite to the viewpoint of FIG. The perspective view of the bicycle chain of 3rd Embodiment. A side view of the second inner link plate for the bicycle chain of the third embodiment. The perspective view of the 2nd inner link plate about the bicycle chain of 4th Embodiment. A side view of the second inner link plate of the bicycle chain of the fourth embodiment as viewed from the viewpoint opposite to the viewpoint of FIG. The perspective view of the bicycle chain which concerns on other embodiments. Side view of a tension pulley suitable for a bicycle chain.

(First Embodiment)
A human-powered vehicle to which a bicycle chain is applied will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a bicycle A, which is an example of a human-powered vehicle. Here, the human-powered vehicle means a vehicle that uses human power at least partially with respect to a driving force for traveling, and includes a vehicle that electrically assists human power. Vehicles that use only driving force other than human power are not included in human-powered vehicles. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as a driving force are not included in human-powered vehicles. Normally, a small light vehicle is assumed as a human-powered vehicle, and a vehicle that does not require a license to drive on a public road is assumed. The human-powered vehicle shown includes a bicycle. Specifically, the human-powered vehicle is a bicycle. Bicycle A includes drive train B.

The drive train B is a chain drive type. The drive train B includes a bicycle crank assembly C, a bicycle sprocket (hereinafter referred to as “sprocket D”), and a bicycle chain 10. The sprocket D has sprocket teeth Da to which the bicycle chain 10 engages. The sprocket D includes a front sprocket E and a rear sprocket F. The bicycle crank assembly C includes a crankshaft Ca rotatably supported by a bicycle frame (not shown) and a pair of crankarms Cb provided at both ends of the crankshaft Ca. A pedal (not shown) 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 integrally with the crankshaft Ca. The rear sprocket F is provided on the hub of the rear wheel. The bicycle chain 10 is wound around the front sprocket E and the rear sprocket F. The driving force applied to the pedals by the user riding the bicycle A is transmitted to the rear wheels via the front sprocket E, the bicycle chain 10, and the rear sprocket F.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front sprocket E and the rear sprocket F are arranged on the right side with respect to the central surface G passing through the center in the width direction of the bicycle frame. Bicycle A is provided with one or more front sprockets E. Further, the bicycle A is provided with one or more rear sprockets F. The plurality of front sprockets E are arranged in ascending order toward the direction away from the central surface G. The plurality of rear sprockets F are arranged in descending order toward the direction away from the central surface G.

The bicycle chain 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.
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, and a second outer link plate 18.

The first inner link plate 12 is arranged closer to the central surface G of the frame of the bicycle A than the second inner link plate 14 in a state where the bicycle chain 10 is attached to the frame of the bicycle A.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first inner link plate 12 has a first inner link longitudinal center line LCA and a first inner link lateral center line LCB perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA. Have. In the present embodiment, the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA and the first inner link lateral center line LCB are defined based on the first inner link plate 12. The first inner link longitudinal center line LCA is a line extending along the longitudinal direction of the first inner link plate 12 in the side view of the first inner link plate 12, and is the same as the first inner link central axis AX1. It is defined as a line passing through the center axis AX2 of the second inner link. The first inner link lateral center line LCB intersects the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA perpendicularly, and is intermediate between the first inner link central axis AX1 and the second inner link central axis AX2. It is defined as a line passing through a point (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 3, the first inner link plate 12 has a first inner link end portion 22 including a first inner link hole 20 having a first inner link central axis AX1 and a first inner link central axis. The second inner link end portion 26 including the second inner link hole 24 having the second inner link central axis AX2 parallel to the AX1 is connected to the first inner link end portion 22 and the second inner link end portion 26. Includes the first inner link intermediate portion 28. The first inner link plate 12 further faces the first inner link surface 30 and the second inner link facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface 30 in the first inner link axial direction DA with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1. Includes surface 32. The second inner link surface 32 faces the central surface G of the frame of the bicycle A when the bicycle chain 10 is attached to the bicycle A, and the first inner link surface 30 faces the direction opposite to the second inner link surface 32. Suitable for.

At least one of the first inner link end portion 22 and the second inner link end portion 26 has a first inner link center axis AX1 and a second inner in the first inner link lateral direction DT1 regarding the first inner link lateral center line LCB. Includes at least one sprocket support protrusion 34 extending away from at least one of the link central axes AX2. Then, at least one sprocket support protrusion 34 is configured to support the bottom Db of the sprocket tooth Da in the first inner link axial direction DA in the engaged state in which the bicycle chain 10 engages with the sprocket D. Includes the axial support surface 36 (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

As shown in FIG. 18, the second inner link plate 14 has a second inner link longitudinal center line LCC and a second inner link lateral center line LCD perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC. Have.
In the present 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. The second inner link longitudinal center line LCC is a line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second inner link plate 14 in the side view of the second inner link plate 14, and is the same as the third inner link central axis AX3. It is defined as a line passing through the central axis AX4 of the fourth inner link (see FIG. 18). The second inner link lateral center line LCD intersects the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC perpendicularly, and is intermediate between the third inner link central axis AX3 and the fourth inner link central axis AX4. It is defined as a line passing through a point (see FIG. 18).
The second inner link plate 14 has a third inner link end portion 42 including a third inner link hole 40 having a third inner link central axis AX3, and a fourth inner link parallel to the third inner link central axis AX3. A fourth inner link end portion 46 including a fourth inner link hole 44 having a central axis AX4, and a second inner link intermediate portion 48 connecting the third inner link end portion 42 and the fourth inner link end portion 46. including. Further, in the assembled state in which the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the second inner link plate 14 is the first inner link of the first inner link plate 12 in the second inner link axial direction DB relating to the third inner link central axis AX3. A third inner link surface 50 configured to face the surface 30 and a fourth inner link surface facing the opposite side of the third inner link surface 50 in the second inner link axial direction DB relating to the third inner link central axis AX3. Including 52 and. In this embodiment, the second inner link plate 14 does not have a sprocket support protrusion 34.

The bicycle chain 10 includes a first roller 54 and a second roller 56 arranged between the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14.
The first roller 54 includes a first roller hole 54A. The first roller 54 is arranged between the first inner link end portion 22 of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14.
The second roller 56 includes a second roller hole 56A. The second roller 56 is arranged between the second inner link end portion 26 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 attached to the bicycle A, the first roller 54 and the second roller 56 come into contact with the sprocket teeth Da.

The first outer link plate 16 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first inner link plate 12 so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state in which the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Will be done. The first outer link plate 16 has a first outer link end portion 62 including a first outer link hole 60 having a first outer link central axis BX1 and a second outer link parallel to the first outer link central axis BX1. A second outer link end portion 66 including a second outer link hole 64 having a central axis BX2, and a first outer link intermediate portion 68 connecting the first outer link end portion 62 and the second outer link end portion 66. including. The first outer link plate 16 faces the first outer link surface 70 and the second outer link surface 72 facing the opposite side of the first outer link surface 70 in the first outer link axial direction DC with respect to the first outer link central axis BX1. And include.

The second outer link plate 18 is adjacent to the second inner link plate 14 so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the above-mentioned assembled state in which the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The third outer link end portion 82 including the third outer link hole 80 having the third outer link central axis BX3 and the fourth outer parallel to the third outer link central axis BX3. A second outer link intermediate portion 88 that connects a fourth outer link end portion 86 including a fourth outer link hole 84 having a link central axis BX4, a third outer link end portion 82, and a fourth outer link end portion 86. And include. The second outer link plate 18 faces the third outer link surface 90 and the fourth outer link surface 92 facing the opposite side of the third outer link surface 90 in the second outer link axial direction DD with respect to the third outer link central axis BX3. And include.

The bicycle chain 10 includes a first connecting pin 94 and a second connecting pin 96.
The first connecting pin 94 includes a first outer link hole 60 of the first outer link plate 16, a first inner link hole 20 of the first inner link plate 12, a first roller hole 54A of the first roller 54, and a second inner link. It is inserted into the third inner link hole 40 of the plate 14 and the third outer link hole 80 of the second outer link plate 18.

The second connecting pin 96 includes a second outer link hole 64 of the first outer link plate 16, a second inner link hole 24 of the first inner link plate 12, a second roller hole 56A of the second roller 56, and a second inner link. It is inserted into the fourth inner link hole 44 of the plate 14 and the fourth outer link hole 84 of the second outer link plate 18.

The first roller 54 is rotatable with respect to the first connecting pin 94. The second roller 56 is rotatable with respect to the second connecting pin 96. The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 refer to the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 adjacent to the downstream side with the rotation center axis of the first connecting pin 94 as the center of rotation. And can rotate integrally. The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 have the rotation center axis of the second connecting pin 96 as the center of rotation with respect to the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 adjacent to the upstream side. And can rotate integrally.

The distance between the first inner link central axis AX1 and the second inner link central axis AX2 of the first inner link plate 12 is defined as the distance L1. The distance between the third inner link central axis AX3 and the fourth inner link central axis AX4 of the second inner link plate 14 is defined as the distance L2. The distance between the first outer link central axis BX1 and the second outer link central axis BX2 of the first outer link plate 16 is defined as the distance L3. The distance between the third outer link central axis BX3 and the fourth outer link central axis BX4 of the second outer link plate 18 is defined as the distance L4. The distance L1 and the distance L2 are equal, and the distance L3 and the distance L4 are equal. Further, the distance L1 and the distance L3 are equal to each other.

As shown in FIG. 4, the bicycle chain 10 includes a pair of plates including a first inner link plate 12 and a second inner link plate 14, and a first outer link plate 16 and a second outer link plate 18. The pair of plates are arranged alternately.

Next, the above-mentioned sprocket support protrusion 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The sprocket support protrusion 34 projects toward the center of rotation of the bicycle sprocket in a state where the bicycle chain 10 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket. In the bicycle chain 10, the sprocket support protrusion 34 may be provided on all the first inner link plates 12 constituting the bicycle chain 10, or may be provided on some of the first inner link plates 12. ..
The sprocket support projecting portion 34 projects in a direction away from the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA, and is configured to have a tapered shape as the distance from the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA increases in side view. The distal end 34A of the sprocket support protrusion 34 includes the tip farthest from the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA in the first inner link lateral DT1. In lateral view, the edge of the distal end 34A may be configured as either an arc, a curve, or a straight line.

The first inner link end portion 22 is arranged on the downstream side of the rotational drive direction DR with respect to the second inner link end portion 26, and includes at least one sprocket support protrusion 34. At least one sprocket support protrusion 34 has a distal end 34A. Preferably, the at least one sprocket-supporting protrusion 34 has a chamfered portion 100 provided at least at the distal end 34A of the at least one sprocket-supporting protrusion 34. At least one sprocket support protrusion 34 is an upstream side chamfer portion 100A provided on the upstream side and a downstream side surface provided on the downstream side with respect to the chamfer portion 100 provided at the distal end 34A in the sprocket support protrusion 34. It may include a sprocket 100B. The chamfered portion 100 provided at the distal end 34A of at least one sprocket support protrusion 34 may be provided so as to extend to a portion other than the distal end 34A. If the chamfered portion is provided at the portion of the bicycle sprocket that comes into contact with the distal end 34A, the area of the chamfered portion 100 may be reduced, or the chamfered portion 100 may be omitted.

The axial support surface 36 described above is formed on the first inner link surface 30. The chamfered portion 100 is provided on the first inner link surface 30. The chamfered portion 100 is preferably provided on at least the first inner link surface 30. The chamfered portion 100 may be provided so as to extend from the first inner link surface 30 to the second inner link surface 32.

In the present embodiment, at least one sprocket support protrusion 34 is a first sprocket support protrusion 102 extending away from the first inner link central axis AX1 in the first lateral DTA of the first inner link lateral DT1. Includes a second sprocket support protrusion 104 extending away from the second inner link central axis AX2 in the first lateral DTA. The first inner link end portion 22 is arranged on the downstream side of the rotation drive direction DR with respect to the second inner link end portion 26, and includes the first sprocket support protrusion 102. The second inner link end portion 26 includes a second sprocket support protruding portion 104.

The first length LA is the length from the first inner link central axis AX1 to the first distal end 102A of the first sprocket support protrusion 102 of the first inner link end portion 22 in the first lateral DTA. Is defined as. The second length LB is the length from the second inner link central axis AX2 to the second distal end 104A of the second sprocket support protrusion 104 of the second inner link end portion 26 in the first lateral DTA. Defined as. The first length LA is longer than the second length LB.

The first sprocket support protrusion 102 of the first inner link end portion 22 has a first chamfer portion 106 provided at least at the first distal end 102A of the first sprocket support protrusion 102. Further, the first sprocket support projecting portion 102 has an upstream side chamfering portion 106A provided on the upstream side with respect to the first chamfering portion 106. The first sprocket support protrusion 102 has a downstream side chamfering portion 106B provided on the downstream side with respect to the first chamfering portion 106.
The second sprocket support protrusion 104 of the second inner link end 26 has a second chamfer 108 provided at least at the second distal end 104A of the second sprocket support protrusion 104. Further, the second sprocket support projecting portion 104 has an upstream side chamfering portion 108A provided on the upstream side with respect to the second chamfering portion 108. The second sprocket support projecting portion 104 has a downstream side chamfering portion 108B provided on the downstream side with respect to the second chamfering portion 108.

As shown in FIG. 6, the above-mentioned axial support surface 36 is formed on the first inner link surface 30. The first chamfered portion 106 and the second chamfered portion 108 are provided on the first inner link surface 30. The first chamfered portion 106 and the second chamfered portion 108 are preferably provided on at least the first inner link surface 30. The first chamfered portion 106 and the second chamfered portion 108 may be provided so as to extend from the first inner link surface 30 to the second inner link surface 32. If the chamfered portion is provided at the portion of the bicycle sprocket that comes into contact with the first distal end 102A and the second distal end 104A, the areas of the first chamfered portion 106 and the second chamfered portion 108 may be reduced. Alternatively, the first chamfered portion 106 and the second chamfered portion 108 may be omitted.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. When the bicycle chain 10 vibrates due to an impact or vibration during running of the bicycle, the sprocket support protrusion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 comes into contact with the tooth bottom Fb of the rear sprocket F. As a result, the vibration of the bicycle chain 10 is reduced, and the chain drop, which means that the bicycle chain is detached from the sprocket, is suppressed.

FIG. 8 is a view seen from the opposite side of FIG. 7. According to the configuration in which the sprocket support protrusion 34 on the downstream side is longer than the sprocket support protrusion 34 on the upstream side, the following effects are obtained. In the present embodiment, the first sprocket support protrusion 102 corresponds to the downstream sprocket support protrusion 34, and the second sprocket support protrusion 104 corresponds to the upstream sprocket support protrusion 34. When the bicycle chain 10 rotates, the downstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (first sprocket support protrusion 102) precedes the upstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (second sprocket support protrusion 104) to the rear sprocket. Approach F. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the downstream sprocket support projecting portion 34 comes into contact with the tooth bottom Fb of the rear sprocket F before the roller comes into contact with the sprocket teeth Fa, thereby causing the rear sprocket F to come into contact with the rear sprocket F. On the other hand, the first inner link plate 12 of the bicycle chain 10 is positioned with respect to the rear sprocket F. Therefore, even when the bicycle chain 10 vibrates, it smoothly engages with the rear sprocket F, and the bicycle chain 10 is held on the rear sprocket F.

In the rotation of the bicycle chain 10, before the sprocket tooth Fa is inserted between the first inner link intermediate portion 28 of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link intermediate portion 48 of the second inner link plate 14. , The downstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (first sprocket support protrusion 102) so that the downstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (first sprocket support protrusion 102) comes into contact with the tooth bottom Fb of the rear sprocket F. The length in the protruding direction of is set. As a result, in driving the bicycle chain 10, when the bicycle chain 10 starts to engage with the rear sprocket F, the bicycle chain 10 is guided to the engagement position with the rear sprocket F, so that the bicycle The chain 10 rotates smoothly. The length of the downstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (first sprocket support protrusion 102) in the protrusion direction also affects the relationship between the sprocket support protrusion 34 (first sprocket support protrusion 102) and the front sprocket E. Applies.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state of the bicycle chain 10 when the bicycle chain 10 is displaced from the adjacent small sprocket toward the rear sprocket F which is a large sprocket. In FIG. 9, one second outer link plate 18 and a second inner link plate 14 are removed so that the first inner link plate 12 can be seen. As shown in FIG. 9, the length of the upstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (second sprocket support protrusion 104) is such that the bicycle chain 10 is from an adjacent small sprocket in the shifting region AC of the rear sprocket F. When displaced toward the rear sprocket F, the length is set so that the upstream sprocket support protrusion 34 (second sprocket support protrusion 104) does not interfere with the tooth bottom of the shifting region AC of the sprocket. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the tooth bottom Fb located in the shifting region AC of the rear sprocket F does not interfere with the upstream sprocket support protrusion 34 so as to prevent the above-mentioned interference from occurring. It may be cut out. The tooth bottom Fx shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 10 indicates the tooth bottom of the rear sprocket F for a conventional bicycle chain without the sprocket support protrusion 34 on the upstream side.

The operation of the present embodiment when the bicycle chain 10 is displaced from the large sprocket F1 toward the adjacent small sprocket F2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. 11 to 13 show a state in which the bicycle chain 10 is engaged with the large sprocket F1. 12 and 13 show a state when the first sprocket support protrusion 102 of the first inner link plate 12 comes into contact with the tooth bottom Fb of the large sprocket F1. At this time, the first inner link plate 12 rotates while the first sprocket support protrusion 102 slides on the tooth bottom Fb. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first sprocket support projecting portion 102 reaches the downstream end of the rotation drive direction DR in the tooth bottom Fb, the rotation of the first inner link plate 12 is restricted, and the rotation of the first inner link plate 12 is restricted. 1 The angle RX between the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA of the inner link plate 12 and the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE of the first outer link plate 16 is defined. In this state, the phase distance of the bicycle chain 10 from the large sprocket F1 to the small sprocket F2 becomes an appropriate distance, and as shown in FIG. 14, the bicycle chain 10 moves from the large sprocket F1 to the small sprocket F2. Displace smoothly.

(Second Embodiment)
A bicycle chain (not shown) according to the second embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain according to the present embodiment is a modification of the bicycle chain 10 according to the first embodiment. The configurations common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The bicycle chain according to the present embodiment further includes the following configuration in the bicycle chain 10 shown in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the present embodiment, at least one sprocket support protrusion 34 is separated from the first inner link central axis AX1 in the second lateral DTB of the first inner link lateral DT1. A third sprocket support protrusion 110 extending in this way and a fourth sprocket support protrusion 112 extending away from the second inner link central axis AX2 in the second lateral DTB are included. The second lateral hand direction DTB is the opposite direction of the first lateral hand direction DTA in the first inner link lateral hand direction DT1. The first inner link end portion 22 includes a third sprocket support protruding portion 110. The second inner link end portion 26 includes a fourth sprocket support protruding portion 112.

The third length LC is the length from the first inner link central axis AX1 to the third distal end 110A of the third sprocket support protrusion 110 of the first inner link end portion 22 in the second lateral DTB. Is defined as.
The fourth length LD is the length from the second inner link central axis AX2 to the fourth distal end 112A of the fourth sprocket support protrusion 112 of the second inner link end portion 26 in the second lateral DTB. Is defined as. The fourth length LD is longer than the third length LC. More preferably, the third length LC is equal to the second length LB and the fourth length LD is equal to the first length LA.

Preferably, the third sprocket support protrusion 110 of the first inner link end 22 has a third chamfer 114 provided at least at the third distal end 110A of the third sprocket support protrusion 110.

Preferably, the fourth sprocket support protrusion 112 of the second inner link end portion 26 has a fourth chamfer 116 provided at least at the fourth distal end 112A of the fourth sprocket support protrusion 112.

The axial support surface 118 described above is formed on the first inner link surface 30. The third chamfered portion 114 and the fourth chamfered portion 116 are provided on the first inner link surface 30.

Preferably, the first inner link plate 12 is located at the first inner link center point PC1 which is the intersection of the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA and the first inner link lateral center line LCB in the first inner link plate 12. On the other hand, it is formed point-symmetrically.

When the first inner link plate 12 is point-symmetrical in this way, when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the first inner link plate 12 is oriented in a predetermined direction and in a direction rotated by 180 degrees in a predetermined direction. Since the bicycle chain 10 can be assembled in any of the two directions, the bicycle chain 10 is excellent in assembling property.

(Third Embodiment)
The bicycle chain 10A according to the third embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain 10A according to the present embodiment is a modification of the bicycle chain 10 according to the first embodiment. The configurations common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The bicycle chain 10A according to the present embodiment further includes the following configuration in the bicycle chain 10 shown in the first embodiment.
As described above, the second inner link plate 14 has a second inner link longitudinal center line LCC and a second inner link lateral center line LCD. The second inner link longitudinal center line LCC is a line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second inner link plate 14 in the side view of the second inner link plate 14, and is the same as the third inner link central axis AX3. It is defined as a line passing through the central axis AX4 of the fourth inner link. The second inner link lateral center line LCD intersects the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC perpendicularly, and is intermediate between the third inner link central axis AX3 and the fourth inner link central axis AX4. Defined as a line passing through a point.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the present embodiment, at least one of the third inner link end portion 42 and the fourth inner link end portion 46 is a second inner link relating to the second inner link lateral centerline LCD. Includes at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120 extending away from at least one of the third inner link central axis AX3 and the fourth inner link central axis AX4 in the lateral direction DT2. The at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120 includes an additional axial support surface 122 configured to support the root Db of the sprocket tooth Da in the second inner link axial DB in the engaged state.

The third inner link end portion 42 is arranged on the downstream side of the rotation drive direction DR with respect to the fourth inner link end portion 46, and includes at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120.

At least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120 includes a fifth sprocket support protrusion 124 extending away from the third inner link central axis AX3 in the third lateral DTC of the second inner link lateral DT2, and a third lateral hand. The directional DTC includes a sixth sprocket support protrusion 126 extending away from the fourth inner link central axis AX4. The third inner link end portion 42 is arranged on the downstream side of the rotation drive direction DR with respect to the fourth inner link end portion 46, and includes the fifth sprocket support protrusion 124. The fourth inner link end portion 46 includes a sixth sprocket support protrusion 126.

As shown in FIG. 18, the fifth length LE is the fifth of the fifth sprocket support protrusion 124 of the third inner link end portion 42 from the third inner link central axis AX3 in the third lateral DTC. It is defined as the length up to the distal end 124A. The sixth length LF is the length from the fourth inner link central axis AX4 to the sixth distal end 126A of the sixth sprocket support protrusion 126 of the fourth inner link end portion 46 in the third lateral DTC. Is defined as. The fifth length LE is longer than the sixth length LF.

As shown in FIG. 17, the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120 has an additional chamfer 130 provided at least at the distal end 120A of the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120.

The additional axial support surface 122 is formed on the third inner link surface 50, and the additional chamfer portion 130 is provided on the third inner link surface 50.

In the present embodiment, the fifth sprocket support protrusion 124 of the third inner link end 42 has a fifth chamfer 132 provided at least at the fifth distal end 124A of the fifth sprocket support protrusion 124. The sixth sprocket support protrusion 126 of the fourth inner link end 46 has a sixth chamfer 134 provided at least at the sixth distal end 126A of the sixth sprocket support protrusion 126. The additional axial support surface 122 is formed on the third inner link surface 50. The fifth chamfered portion 132 and the sixth chamfered portion 134 are provided on the third inner link surface 50.

(Fourth Embodiment)
A bicycle chain (not shown) according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain according to the present embodiment is a modification of the bicycle chain 10A according to the third embodiment. The configurations common to the first embodiment and the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and the third embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

The bicycle chain (not shown) according to the present embodiment further includes the following configuration in the bicycle chain 10A shown in the third embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, in the present embodiment, at least one additional sprocket support protrusion 120 is provided from the third inner link central axis AX3 in the fourth lateral DTD of the second inner link lateral DT2. It includes a seventh sprocket support protrusion 140 extending away from it and an eighth sprocket support protrusion 142 extending away from the fourth inner link central axis AX4 in the fourth lateral DTD. The fourth lateral hand direction DTD is the opposite direction of the third lateral hand direction DTC in the second inner link lateral hand direction DT2. The third inner link end portion 42 includes a seventh sprocket support protruding portion 140. The fourth inner link end portion 46 includes an eighth sprocket support protruding portion 142.

The seventh length LG is the length from the third inner link central axis AX3 to the seventh distal end 140A of the seventh sprocket support protrusion 140 of the third inner link end portion 42 in the fourth lateral hand direction DTD. Defined as. The eighth length LH is the length from the fourth inner link central axis AX4 to the eighth distal end 142A of the eighth sprocket support protrusion 142 of the fourth inner link end portion 46 in the fourth lateral hand direction DTD. Defined as. The eighth length LH is longer than the seventh length LG. The 7th length LG is equal to the 6th length LF and the 8th length LH is equal to the 5th length LE.

The seventh sprocket support protrusion 140 of the third inner link end portion 42 has a seventh chamfer portion 144 provided at least at the seventh distal end 140A of the seventh sprocket support protrusion 140. The eighth sprocket support protrusion 142 of the fourth inner link end 46 has an eighth chamfer 146 provided at least at the eighth distal end 142A of the eighth sprocket support protrusion 142.

The additional axial support surface 148 is formed on the third inner link surface 50, and the seventh chamfered portion 144 and the eighth chamfered portion 146 are provided on the third inner link surface 50.

The second inner link plate 14 is a point with respect to the second inner link center point PC2 which is an intersection of the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC and the second inner link lateral center line LCD in the second inner link plate 14. It is formed symmetrically.

When the second inner link plate 14 is point-symmetrical in this way, when assembling the bicycle chain, the second inner link plate 14 has a predetermined direction and a direction in which the second inner link plate 14 is rotated by 180 degrees in a predetermined direction. Since the bicycle chain 10 can be assembled regardless of the direction of the street, the bicycle chain 10 is excellent in assembling property.

<Example of modification>
The description of each of the above embodiments is an example of the bicycle chains 10, 10A according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the embodiment. The bicycle chains 10 and 10A according to the present invention may take, for example, a modification of the above embodiment shown below and a combination of at least two modifications that do not contradict each other. In the following modification, the parts common to the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The bicycle chain 10 includes a first outer link plate 16 and a second outer link plate 18. The first outer link plate 16 has a first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE and a first outer link lateral centerline LCF perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE. The second outer link plate 18 has a second outer link longitudinal center line LCG and a second outer link lateral center line LCH perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal center line LCG.

In the present embodiment, the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE and the first outer link lateral centerline LCF are defined based on the first outer link plate 16.
The first outer link longitudinal center line LCE is a line extending along the longitudinal direction of the first outer link plate 16 in the side view of the first outer link plate 16, and is the same as the first outer link central axis BX1. It is defined as a line passing through the center axis BX2 of the second outer link (see FIG. 3). The first outer link lateral center line LCF intersects the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE perpendicularly, and is intermediate between the first outer link central axis BX1 and the second outer link central axis BX2. It is defined as a line passing through a point (see FIG. 3).
The second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG and the second outer link lateral centerline LCH are defined based on the second outer link plate 18. The second outer link longitudinal center line LCG is a line extending along the longitudinal direction of the second outer link plate 18 in the side view of the second outer link plate 18, and is the same as the third outer link central axis BX3. It is defined as a line passing through the center axis BX4 of the fourth outer link (see FIG. 3).
The second outer link lateral center line LCH intersects the second outer link longitudinal center line LCG perpendicularly, and is intermediate between the third outer link central axis BX3 and the fourth outer link central axis BX4. It is defined as a line passing through a point (see FIG. 3).

The bicycle chain 10 includes a first inner link plate 12, a second inner link plate 14, a first outer link plate 16, and a second outer link plate 18. The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 include the following configurations in addition to the configurations described in the first embodiment.

At least one of the first outer link end portion 62, the second outer link end portion 66, the third outer link end portion 82, and the fourth outer link end portion 86 is the first outer with respect to the first outer link lateral center line LCF. In the second outer link lateral direction DT4 regarding the link lateral direction DT3 or the second outer link lateral center line LCH, the first outer link central axis BX1, the second outer link central axis BX2, and the third outer link central axis BX3. , And at least one sprocket support protrusion (not shown) extending away from at least one of the fourth outer link central axis BX4. At least one sprocket support protrusion includes an axial support surface (not shown). The axial support surface supports the bottom Db of the sprocket tooth Da in at least one of the first outer link axial DC and the second outer link axial DD in the engaged state in which the bicycle chain 10 engages with the sprocket D. It is configured to do.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the bicycle chain 10 according to the first embodiment or the bicycle chain 10A according to the third embodiment, the first outer link intermediate portion 68 and the second outer of the first outer link plate 16. At least one of the second outer link intermediate portions 88 of the link plate 18 may be provided with a protruding portion 152 projecting in the first outer link axial direction DC or the second outer link axial direction DD.
When the protrusion 152 is provided on the first outer link intermediate portion 68 of the first outer link plate 16, the protrusion 152 is the sprocket support protrusion 34 or the additional sprocket support protrusion 34 with respect to the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE. It is provided on the opposite side of the arrangement side where the 120 is arranged. When the protrusion 152 is provided on the second outer link intermediate portion 88 of the second outer link plate 18, the protrusion 152 is the sprocket support protrusion 34 or the additional sprocket support protrusion 34 with respect to the second outer link longitudinal centerline LCG. It is provided on the opposite side of the arrangement side where the 120 is arranged. The protrusion 152 narrows the gap between the first outer link intermediate portion 68 and the second outer link intermediate portion 88. Thereby, the meshing between the pair of link plates composed of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 and the teeth of the guide pulley (not shown) of the rear derailleur can be improved.

In each of the above embodiments, the sprocket D is chamfered to the tooth bottom Db so that the sprocket support protrusion 34 and the additional sprocket support protrusion 120 of the bicycle chain 10 are smoothly arranged at positions supported by the sprocket D. It may be provided. When the chamfer is provided on the tooth bottom Db, the chamfer provided on the sprocket support protrusion 34 and the additional sprocket support protrusion 120 of the bicycle chain 10 may be omitted, or depending on the angle of the chamfer provided on the tooth bottom Db. Alternatively, the chamfer angle provided on the sprocket support protrusion 34 and the additional sprocket support protrusion 120 may be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 22, in the tension pulley 154 of the rear derailleur, the first sprocket support protrusion 102, the second sprocket support protrusion 104, the third sprocket support protrusion 110, and the fourth of the first inner link plate 12. A recess 156 that reduces these interferences may be provided at positions where the sprocket support protrusions 112 interfere with each other. In this case, the first sprocket support protrusion 102, the second sprocket support protrusion 104, the third sprocket support protrusion 110, and the fourth sprocket support protrusion 112 of the first inner link plate 12 are attached to the side surface of the tension pulley 154. You may make appropriate contact. By this contact, the wear of the teeth 154a of the tension pulley 154 can be alleviated.

A ... Bicycle, G ... Central surface, Da ... Sprocket teeth, Db ... Bottom of teeth, Fa ... Sprocket teeth, Fb ... Bottom of teeth, Fx ... Bottom of teeth, LA ... 1st length, LB ... 2nd length, LC ... 3rd length, LD ... 4th length, LE ... 5th length, LF ... 6th length, LG ... 7th length, LH ... 8th length, AX1 ... 1st inner link central axis, AX2 ... 2nd inner link central axis, AX3 ... 3rd inner link central axis, AX4 ... 4th inner link central axis, BX1 ... 1st outer link central axis, BX2 ... 2nd outer link central axis, BX3 ... 3rd outer link central axis, BX4 ... 4th outer link central axis, LCA ... 1st inner link longitudinal centerline, LCB ... 1st inner link lateral centerline, LCC ... 2nd inner link longitudinal direction Center line, LCD ... 2nd inner link lateral center line, LCE ... 1st outer link longitudinal center line, LCF ... 1st outer link lateral center line, LCG ... 2nd outer link longitudinal center line, LCH ... 2 Outer link horizontal center line, PC1 ... 1st inner link center point, PC2 ... 2nd inner link center point, 10 ... Bicycle chain, 10A ... Bicycle chain, 12 ... 1st inner link plate, 14 ... 2nd Inner link plate, 16 ... 1st outer link plate, 18 ... 2nd outer link plate, 20 ... 1st inner link hole, 24 ... 2nd inner link hole, 28 ... 1st inner link intermediate part, 30 ... 1st inner Link surface, 32 ... 2nd inner link surface, 34 ... Sprocket support protrusion, 34A ... Distal end, 36 ... Axial support surface, 40 ... 3rd inner link hole, 44 ... 4th inner link hole, 48 ... 2 Inner link intermediate part, 50 ... 3rd inner link surface, 52 ... 4th inner link surface, 60 ... 1st outer link hole, 64 ... 2nd outer link hole, 68 ... 1st outer link intermediate part, 70 ... 1 outer link surface, 72 ... second outer link surface, 80 ... third outer link hole, 84 ... fourth outer link hole, 88 ... second outer link intermediate portion, 90 ... third outer link surface, 92 ... fourth Outer link surface, 100 ... chamfered portion, 102 ... first sprocket support protruding portion, 102A ... first distal end, 104 ... second sprocket supporting protruding portion, 104A ... second distal end, 106 ... first chamfered portion, 108 ... 2nd chamfer, 110 ... 3rd sprocket support protrusion, 110A ... 3rd distal end, 112 ... 4th Sprocket support protrusion, 112A ... 4th distal end, 114 ... 3rd chamfer, 116 ... 4th chamfer, 118 ... Axial support surface, 120 ... Additional sprocket support protrusion, 120A ... Distal end, 122 ... Additional axial support surface, 124 ... 5th sprocket support protrusion, 124A ... 5th distal end, 126 ... 6th sprocket support protrusion, 126A ... 6th distal end, 130 ... additional chamfer, 132 ... 5th Chamfering part, 134 ... 6th chamfered part, 140 ... 7th sprocket support protruding part, 140A ... 7th distal end, 142 ... 8th sprocket supporting protruding part, 142A ... 8th distal end, 144 ... 7th chamfered part 146 ... 8th chamfered portion, 148 ... Additional axial support surface.

Claims (42)

A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
Wherein at least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, said first inner link transverse said in the first inner link transversely with respect to the direction centerline first inner link central axis and the second inner The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. the axial support surface configured to support the tooth bottom of the sprocket teeth in the inner link axis direction seen including,
The maximum distance from the longitudinal centerline of the first inner link in the middle portion of the first inner link is shorter than the maximum distance from the longitudinal centerline of the first inner link in the at least one sprocket support protrusion. For chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the first inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational driving direction with respect to the second inner link end portion, and includes the at least one sprocket support protrusion. The at least one sprocket support protrusion is a first sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the first inner link in the first lateral direction in the lateral direction of the first inner link, and in the first lateral direction. Including a second sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the second inner link.
The first inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational drive direction with respect to the second inner link end portion, and includes the first sprocket support protrusion.
The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the second inner link end portion includes the second sprocket support protruding portion. A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
At least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion is the first inner link center axis and the second inner in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the inner link axial direction.
The at least one sprocket support protrusion is a first sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the first inner link in the first lateral direction in the lateral direction of the first inner link, and in the first lateral direction. Including a second sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the second inner link.
The first inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational drive direction with respect to the second inner link end portion, and includes the first sprocket support protrusion.
The second inner link end portion is a bicycle chain including the second sprocket support protruding portion. The first length is defined as the length from the center axis of the first inner link to the first distal end of the first sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion in the first lateral direction. Being done
The second length is defined as the length from the center axis of the second inner link to the second distal end of the second sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end portion in the first lateral direction. Being done
The bicycle chain according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the first length is longer than the second length. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1, 2 , and 4, wherein the at least one sprocket support protrusion has a chamfered portion provided at least at the distal end of the at least one sprocket support protrusion. The axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 6 , wherein the chamfered portion is provided on the first inner link surface. The first sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion has a first chamfered portion provided at least at the distal end of the first sprocket support protrusion , according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The described bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 8 , wherein the second sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end portion has a second chamfer portion provided at least at the distal end of the second sprocket support protrusion. The axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 9 , wherein the first chamfered portion and the second chamfered portion are provided on the first inner link surface. The at least one sprocket support protrusion is a third sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the first inner link in the second lateral direction in the lateral direction of the first inner link, and in the second lateral direction. Including a fourth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the second inner link.
The second horizontal hand direction is the opposite direction of the first horizontal hand direction in the first horizontal hand direction.
The first inner link end portion includes the third sprocket support protruding portion.
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and 8 to 10 , wherein the second inner link end portion includes the fourth sprocket support protrusion. The third length is defined as the length from the center axis of the first inner link to the third distal end of the third sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion in the second lateral hand direction. Being done
The fourth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the second inner link to the fourth distal end of the fourth sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end portion in the second lateral hand direction. Being done
The bicycle chain according to claim 11 , wherein the fourth length is longer than the third length. The first length is defined as the length from the center axis of the first inner link to the first distal end of the first sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion in the first lateral direction. Being done
The second length is defined as the length from the center axis of the second inner link to the second distal end of the second sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end portion in the first lateral direction. Being done
The third length is equal to the second length,
The bicycle chain according to claim 12 , wherein the fourth length is equal to the first length. The third sprocket support protrusion of the first inner link end portion has a third chamfer portion provided at least at the distal end of the third sprocket support protrusion, according to any one of claims 11 to 13. The described bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 14 , wherein the fourth sprocket support protrusion of the second inner link end has a fourth chamfer provided at least at the distal end of the fourth sprocket support protrusion. The axial support surface is formed on the first inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 15 , wherein the third chamfered portion and the fourth chamfered portion are provided on the first inner link surface. The first inner link plate is point-symmetric with respect to the first inner link center point which is the intersection of the first inner link longitudinal center line and the first inner link lateral center line in the first inner link plate. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , which is formed in 1. A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
At least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion is the first inner link center axis and the second inner in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the inner link axial direction.
The first inner link plate is point-symmetric with respect to the first inner link center point which is the intersection of the first inner link longitudinal center line and the first inner link lateral center line in the first inner link plate. A chain for bicycles formed in. A second inner link plate having a second inner link longitudinal center line and a second inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal center line is further provided.
The second inner link plate is
A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis, and a third inner link end portion.
A fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis parallel to the third inner link central axis, and a fourth inner link end portion.
A second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion,
In the assembled state in which the bicycle chain is assembled, the third inner is configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the third inner link. Link surface and
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , which includes a fourth inner link surface facing away from the third inner link surface in the second inner link axial direction. At least one of the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion is
At least one additional sprocket support protrusions extending away from at least one of the second said the second inner link transverse relates to an inner link transverse centerline third inner link central axis and the fourth inner link central axis Including
Wherein the at least one additional sprocket support protrusions in the engaged state, in the second inner link axis including the configured added axial support surface to support the tooth bottom of the sprocket tooth, in claim 19 The described bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 20 , wherein the third inner link end portion is arranged downstream of the fourth inner link end portion in the rotational driving direction and includes the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion. The at least one additional sprocket support protrusion includes a fifth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the third inner link in the third lateral direction in the lateral direction of the second inner link, and the third lateral direction. Includes a sixth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the fourth inner link in the above.
The third inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational drive direction with respect to the fourth inner link end portion, and includes the fifth sprocket support protrusion.
The bicycle chain according to claim 20 , wherein the fourth inner link end portion includes the sixth sprocket support protrusion. A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
At least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion is the first inner link center axis and the second inner in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the inner link axial direction.
A second inner link plate having a second inner link longitudinal center line and a second inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal center line is further provided.
The second inner link plate is
A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis, and a third inner link end portion.
A fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis parallel to the third inner link central axis, and a fourth inner link end portion.
A second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion,
In the assembled state in which the bicycle chain is assembled, the third inner is configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the third inner link. Link surface and
Including the third inner link surface and the fourth inner link surface facing the opposite side in the second inner link axial direction.
At least one of the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion is
At least one additional sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link center axis in the second inner link lateral direction with respect to the second inner link lateral center line. Including
The at least one additional sprocket support protrusion comprises an additional axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the second inner link axial direction in the engaged state.
The at least one additional sprocket support protrusion includes a fifth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the third inner link in the third lateral direction in the lateral direction of the second inner link, and the third lateral direction. Includes a sixth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the fourth inner link in the above.
The third inner link end portion is arranged on the downstream side in the rotational drive direction with respect to the fourth inner link end portion, and includes the fifth sprocket support protrusion.
The fourth inner link end portion is a bicycle chain including the sixth sprocket support protrusion. The fifth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the third inner link to the fifth distal end of the fifth sprocket support protrusion of the third inner link end portion in the third lateral direction. Being done
The sixth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the fourth inner link to the sixth distal end of the sixth sprocket support protrusion of the fourth inner link end portion in the third lateral direction. Being done
The bicycle chain according to claim 22 or 23 , wherein the fifth length is longer than the sixth length. The bicycle chain according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion has an additional chamfer provided at least at the distal end of the at least one additional sprocket support protrusion. The additional axial support surface is formed on the third inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 25 , wherein the additional chamfering portion is provided on the third inner link surface. The fifth sprocket support protrusion of the third inner link end portion has a fifth chamfer portion provided at least at the distal end of the fifth sprocket support protrusion , according to any one of claims 22 to 24. The described bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 27 , wherein the sixth sprocket support protrusion of the fourth inner link end portion has a sixth chamfered portion provided at least at the distal end of the sixth sprocket support protrusion. The additional axial support surface is formed on the third inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 28 , wherein the fifth chamfered portion and the sixth chamfered portion are provided on the third inner link surface. The at least one additional sprocket support protrusion includes a seventh sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the third inner link in the fourth lateral direction in the lateral direction of the second inner link, and the fourth lateral direction. Includes an eighth sprocket support protrusion extending away from the center axis of the fourth inner link in the above.
The fourth horizontal hand direction is the opposite direction of the third horizontal hand direction in the second inner link horizontal hand direction.
The third inner link end portion includes the seventh sprocket support protrusion.
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 22 to 24 and 27 to 29 , wherein the fourth inner link end portion includes the eighth sprocket support protrusion. The seventh length is defined as the length from the center axis of the third inner link to the seventh distal end of the seventh sprocket support protrusion of the third inner link end portion in the fourth lateral hand direction. Being done
The eighth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the fourth inner link to the eighth distal end of the eighth sprocket support protrusion of the fourth inner link end portion in the fourth lateral hand direction. Being done
The bicycle chain according to claim 30 , wherein the eighth length is longer than the seventh length. The fifth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the third inner link to the fifth distal end of the fifth sprocket support protrusion of the third inner link end portion in the third lateral direction. Being done
The sixth length is defined as the length from the center axis of the fourth inner link to the sixth distal end of the sixth sprocket support protrusion of the fourth inner link end portion in the third lateral direction. Being done
The 7th length is equal to the 6th length,
The bicycle chain according to claim 31 , wherein the eighth length is equal to the fifth length. The seventh sprocket support protrusion of the third inner link end portion has a seventh chamfer portion provided at least at the distal end of the seventh sprocket support protrusion, according to any one of claims 30 to 32. The described bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 33 , wherein the eighth sprocket support protrusion of the fourth inner link end has an eighth chamfer provided at least at the distal end of the eighth sprocket support protrusion. The additional axial support surface is formed on the third inner link surface.
The bicycle chain according to claim 34 , wherein the seventh chamfered portion and the eighth chamfered portion are provided on the third inner link surface. The second inner link plate is point-symmetric with respect to the second inner link center point, which is the intersection of the second inner link longitudinal center line and the second inner link lateral center line in the second inner link plate. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 19 to 35 , which is formed in 1. A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
At least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion is the first inner link center axis and the second inner in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the inner link axial direction.
A second inner link plate having a second inner link longitudinal center line and a second inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal center line is further provided.
The second inner link plate is
A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis, and a third inner link end portion.
A fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis parallel to the third inner link central axis, and a fourth inner link end portion.
A second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion,
In the assembled state in which the bicycle chain is assembled, the third inner is configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the third inner link. Link surface and
Including the third inner link surface and the fourth inner link surface facing the opposite side in the second inner link axial direction.
The second inner link plate is point-symmetric with respect to the second inner link center point, which is the intersection of the second inner link longitudinal center line and the second inner link lateral center line in the second inner link plate. A chain for bicycles formed in. Wherein the first inner link plates, in a state where the bicycle chain is attached to the bicycle frame than said second inner link plates is located near the center plane of the bicycle frame, one of claims 19 37 The bicycle chain described in item 1. The bicycle chain according to claim 19 , wherein the second inner link plate does not have a sprocket support protrusion. A first inner link plate having a first inner link longitudinal center line and a first inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the first inner link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first inner link plate is
The first inner link end portion including the first inner link hole having the central axis of the first inner link, and
A second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis parallel to the first inner link central axis, and a second inner link end portion.
A first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion, and a first inner link intermediate portion.
The first inner link surface and
Includes a second inner link surface facing the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link.
At least one of the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion is the first inner link center axis and the second inner in the first inner link lateral direction with respect to the first inner link lateral center line. The first sprocket support protrusion comprises at least one sprocket support protrusion extending away from at least one of the link central axes, wherein the first sprocket support protrusion is in an engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket. Includes an axial support surface configured to support the sole of the sprocket tooth in the inner link axial direction.
A second inner link plate having a second inner link longitudinal center line and a second inner link lateral center line perpendicular to the second inner link longitudinal center line is further provided.
The second inner link plate is
A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis, and a third inner link end portion.
A fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis parallel to the third inner link central axis, and a fourth inner link end portion.
A second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion,
In the assembled state in which the bicycle chain is assembled, the third inner is configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the third inner link. Link surface and
Including the third inner link surface and the fourth inner link surface facing the opposite side in the second inner link axial direction.
The second inner link plate is a bicycle chain that does not have a sprocket support protrusion. Further, a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate are provided.
The first outer link plate is
In the assembled state in which the bicycle chain is assembled, the bicycle chain is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate.
The first outer link end portion including the first outer link hole having the central axis of the first outer link, and the first outer link end portion.
A second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link central axis parallel to the first outer link central axis, and a second outer link end portion.
A first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion, and a first outer link intermediate portion.
The first outer link surface and
Includes a second outer link surface facing the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the direction of the first outer link axis with respect to the central axis of the first outer link.
The second outer link plate is
In the assembled state, the inner link plate or the other outer link plate is arranged so as to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to be sandwiched between them.
A third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a central axis of the third outer link, and a third outer link end portion.
A fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis parallel to the third outer link central axis, and a fourth outer link end portion.
A second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion, and a second outer link intermediate portion.
3rd outer link surface and
The bicycle according to any one of claims 19 to 40 , which includes a fourth outer link surface facing the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the central axis of the third outer link. chain. A first outer link plate having a first outer link longitudinal center line and a first outer link lateral center line perpendicular to the first outer link longitudinal center line, a second outer link longitudinal center line, and the first 2 A second outer link plate having a second outer link lateral center line perpendicular to the outer link longitudinal center line is provided.
The first outer link plate is
The first outer link end portion including the first outer link hole having the central axis of the first outer link, and the first outer link end portion.
A second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link central axis parallel to the first outer link central axis, and a second outer link end portion.
A first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion, and a first outer link intermediate portion.
The first outer link surface and
Includes a second outer link surface facing the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the direction of the first outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the first outer link.
The second outer link plate is
A third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a central axis of the third outer link, and a third outer link end portion.
A fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis parallel to the third outer link central axis, and a fourth outer link end portion.
A second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion, and a second outer link intermediate portion.
3rd outer link surface and
Including the fourth outer link surface facing the side opposite to the third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the third outer link.
At least one of the first outer link end portion, the second outer link end portion, the third outer link end portion, and the fourth outer link end portion is a first outer having a center line in the lateral direction of the first outer link. in the second outer link transverse links transverse direction or the second outer link transverse centerline, said first outer link central axis, said second outer link central axis, said third outer link central axis, and the fourth includes at least one sprocket support protrusions extending away from at least one outer link central axis, said at least one sprocket support protrusions engaged state in which the bicycle chain engages the bicycle sprocket A bicycle chain comprising an axial support surface configured to support the sole of a sprocket tooth in at least one of the first outer link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction.

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