JP7210660B2 - bicycle chain - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to bicycle chains.

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

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

By the way, the conventional bicycle chain has room for improvement in the operation of the bicycle chain during shifting. The present disclosure proposes a bicycle chain that facilitates smooth operation of the bicycle chain during shifting.

A bicycle chain according to a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing and a pin, wherein the first The inner link plate has a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis, and a second inner link central axis extending parallel to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; a first inner link surface; a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis, wherein the second inner link plate is positioned at the third inner link center; A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having an axis; and a fourth inner link hole including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis. In the assembled state of the link end portion, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and the bicycle chain, the second inner link end portion is positioned in the axial direction of the first inner link. a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of one inner link plate; and a side opposite to the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction about the third inner link central axis and a fourth inner link surface disposed on the second outer link plate such that the first outer link plate does not sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A first outer link end portion configured to be adjacent to one inner link plate and including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis; and a second outer link end portion extending parallel to the first outer link central axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having an outer link central axis; a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion; 1 outer link surface and the first outer with respect to the center axis of the first outer link a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the link axial direction, the second outer link plate being, in the assembled state, another inner link plate or another outer link plate; a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to sandwich the second inner link plate and having a third outer link central axis; and the third outer link A fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the central axis, and connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion. a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the second outer link intermediate portion and the bicycle chain are assembled; and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link center axis, wherein the bush has a bush hole, The bushing is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole in an assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the bushing has a first bushing outer link intersection point and a second bushing outer link intersection point. The outer peripheral surface of the bush and the longitudinal centerline of the first outer link plate of the first outer link plate are the intersection of the first bush outer link and the second bush outer link when viewed from the axial direction of the first outer link. The first bushing outer link intersection is located closer to the first outer link transverse direction center line of the first outer link plate than the second bushing outer link intersection, and the first outer link A link lateral centerline is a line perpendicularly crossing the first outer link longitudinal centerline. The first outer link reference line extends parallel to the first outer link transverse direction center line and passes through the first bush outer link intersection point. defined as a line, and the second outer link reference line defined as a line extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the tar link and passing through a first outer link edge intersection point, said first outer link edge intersection point being located on said first outer link when viewed from said first outer link axial direction. At least one first outer link chamfer at a point where the first outer link longitudinal centerline of the plate and the first outer link edge of the first outer link end portion of the first outer link plate intersect each other is at least partially between the first outer link reference line and the second outer link reference line in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal centerline of the first outer link plate disposed on the first outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the first aspect, since it has a structure in which the pin is inserted through the bush, the bicycle chain has high rigidity, suppresses wear of the bicycle chain, and has at least one first The chamfered portion of the outer link facilitates smooth movement of the bicycle chain during shifting. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of the second side following the first side, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided on the second outer link surface. According to the second side bicycle chain, the first outer link chamfered portion facilitates the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the third side bicycle chain following the first or second side, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided at the second outer link end. According to the bicycle chain of the third side, the chamfered portion of the first outer link facilitates the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting.

In the bicycle chain of the fourth side following the third side, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided on the second outer link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the fourth side, the chamfered portion of the first outer link facilitates the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of a fifth side according to any one of the first to fourth sides, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided at the first outer link intermediate portion. According to the bicycle chain of the fifth side, the first outer link chamfered portion facilitates the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting.

In the bicycle chain of the sixth side following the fifth side, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided on the first outer link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the sixth aspect, the sprocket teeth can be easily inserted between the outer link plates, so that the bicycle chain can operate smoothly during shifting.

In the bicycle chain of the seventh side following the fifth side, the at least one first outer link chamfer is provided on the second outer link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the seventh aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the eighth side bicycle chain according to any one of the first to seventh sides, at least one first inner link chamfer is provided on the first inner link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the eighth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the bicycle chain of the ninth side following the eighth side, the bushing has a first bushing inner link intersection point and a second bushing inner link intersection point, and an outer peripheral surface of the bushing and a first bushing inner link plate intersection point. One inner link longitudinal center line intersects with the first bush inner link intersection point and the second bush inner link intersection point when viewed from the axial direction of the first inner link, and the first bush inner link intersection point is: The first inner link transverse centerline of the first inner link plate is located closer to the first inner link transverse centerline than the second bushing inner link intersection point, and the first inner link transverse centerline is the first inner link longitudinal centerline. The first inner link reference line is defined as a line extending parallel to the first inner link lateral center line and passing through the first bushing inner link intersection point. A link reference line is defined as a line extending parallel to the first inner link transverse centerline and passing through a first inner link edge intersection, wherein the first inner link edge intersection is aligned in the first inner link axial direction. viewed from above, the first inner link longitudinal centerline of the first inner link plate and the first inner link edge of the first inner link end portion of the first inner link plate intersect each other; The at least one first inner link chamfer is aligned with the first inner link reference line and the second inner link reference line in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline of the first inner link plate. on the first inner link plate so as to be positioned at least partially between the line.
According to the bicycle chain of the ninth aspect, at least one of the contact between the inner link plate and the roller and the contact between the inner link plate and the outer link plate is suppressed from contacting when the bicycle chain is bent. To smoothen the operation of a bicycle chain during shifting.

In the tenth side bicycle chain according to any one of the first to ninth sides, at least one second outer link chamfer is provided on the second outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the tenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of the eleventh side according to any one of the first to tenth sides, at least one second inner link chamfer is provided on the second inner link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the eleventh aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

A bicycle chain according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing and a pin, wherein the first The inner link plate has a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis, and a second inner link central axis extending parallel to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; a first inner link surface; a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis, wherein the second inner link plate is positioned at the third inner link center; A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having an axis; and a fourth inner link hole including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis. In the assembled state of the link end portion, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and the bicycle chain, the second inner link end portion is positioned in the axial direction of the first inner link. a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of one inner link plate; and a side opposite to the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction about the third inner link central axis and a fourth inner link surface disposed on the second outer link plate such that the first outer link plate does not sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A first outer link end portion configured to be adjacent to one inner link plate and including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis; and a second outer link end portion extending parallel to the first outer link central axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having an outer link central axis; a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion; 1 outer link surface and the 1st out about the 1st outer link central axis and a second outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the axial direction of the ring, wherein the second outer link plate, in the assembled state, is attached to the other inner link plate or the other outer link. a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing a plate therebetween and having a third outer link central axis; A fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the link central axis, and connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion. and a third outer link configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled. and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis, and the bush has a bush hole. and the bush is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole in an assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the bush extends between the first bush inner link intersection point and the second bush inner link intersection point. and the outer peripheral surface of the bush and the first inner link longitudinal centerline of the first inner link plate are located at the intersection of the first bush inner link and the second bush inner link when viewed from the axial direction of the first inner link. The first bushing inner link intersection is located closer to the first inner link lateral centerline of the first inner link plate than the second bushing inner link intersection, and the first bushing inner link intersection The inner link lateral centerline is a line that perpendicularly intersects the first inner link longitudinal centerline. 3. The first inner link reference line extends parallel to the first inner link transverse direction center line and crosses the first bush inner link intersection point. The second inner link reference line is defined as a line through which the first defined as a line extending parallel to the inner link lateral centerline and passing through a first inner link edge intersection, said first inner link edge intersection being located on said first inner link when viewed from said first inner link axial direction. at least one first inner link chamfer at a point where the first inner link longitudinal centerline of the plate and the first inner link edge of the first inner link end portion of the first inner link plate intersect each other; is at least partially between said first inner link reference line and said second inner link reference line in a first inner link longitudinal direction relative to said first inner link longitudinal centerline of said first inner link plate; disposed on the first inner link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the twelfth aspect, since it has a structure in which the pin is inserted through the bush, the bicycle chain has high rigidity, suppresses wear of the bicycle chain, and chamfers the first inner link. The portion facilitates the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of the thirteenth side following the twelfth side, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided on the first inner link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the thirteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the fourteenth side bicycle chain following the twelfth or thirteenth side, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided at the second inner link end. According to the bicycle chain of the fourteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the bicycle chain of the fifteenth side following the fourteenth side, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided on the first inner link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the fifteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the bicycle chain of a sixteenth side according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth sides, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided at the first inner link intermediate portion. According to the bicycle chain of the sixteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the bicycle chain of the seventeenth side following the sixteenth side, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided on the first inner link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the seventeenth aspect, the sprocket teeth can be easily inserted between the inner link plates, so that the bicycle chain can operate smoothly during shifting.

In the bicycle chain of the eighteenth side following the sixteenth side, the at least one first inner link chamfer is provided on the second inner link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the eighteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

In the nineteenth side bicycle chain according to any one of the twelfth to eighteenth sides, at least one first outer link chamfer is provided on the first outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the nineteenth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of the twentieth side according to any one of the twelfth to nineteenth sides, at least one second outer link chamfer is provided on the second outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the twentieth aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth. Furthermore, the driving noise is reduced when the bicycle chain is driven.

In the bicycle chain of the 21st side according to any one of the 12th to 20th sides, at least one second inner link chamfer is provided on the second inner link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the 21st aspect, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

A bicycle chain according to the twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing, a pin, a metal retaining member; 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 extending parallel to the first inner link center axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link central axis; and a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion. , a first inner link surface, and a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link center axis; The link plate has a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. In an assembled state of a fourth inner link end portion including four inner link holes, a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and a bicycle chain, A third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the first inner link axial direction, and a second inner link axial direction about the third inner link center axis. and a fourth inner link surface disposed opposite to the third inner link surface, wherein the first outer link plate is, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, another inner link plate or another outer link plate. a first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a center axis of the first outer link, the first outer link end portion configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich the A second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link central axis extending parallel to the central axis, and the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion are connected to each other. A first outer link intermediate portion, a first outer link surface, and the first outer link a second outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the axial direction of the first outer link with respect to the central axis of the link, wherein the second outer link plate, in the assembled state, is the other inner link plate; a third outer link end configured adjacent to said second inner link plate with no link plate or other outer link plate therebetween and including a third outer link hole having a third outer link central axis; a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis; the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion; When the second outer link intermediate portion connecting the outer link end portion and the bicycle chain are assembled, the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate faces the first outer link surface in the axial direction of the first outer link. and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis, and the bushing has an inner peripheral surface forming a bush hole, the bush is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the pin has an outer peripheral surface, and is configured to be inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole and to pass through the bush hole when the bicycle chain is assembled; is disposed on one of the inner peripheral surface of the bush and the outer peripheral surface of the pin, the metal holding member includes a plurality of holding holes, and the resin member is arranged in the plurality of holding holes. According to the bicycle chain of the 22nd aspect, the friction between the bush and the pin can be reduced, and the driving efficiency when driving the bicycle chain is improved.

In the bicycle chain of the 23rd side following the 22nd side, the metal retaining member is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the bush. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-third aspect, the friction between the bush and the pin can be reduced.

In the bicycle chain of the 24th side according to the 22nd or 23rd side, the bushing is made of a first material and the metal retaining member is made of the first material. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-fourth aspect, since the bush and the metal holding member are made of the same material, the bush and the metal holding member can be strongly coupled.

In the bicycle chain of the 25th side according to the 22nd or 23rd side, the bushing is made of a first material and the metal retaining member is made of a second material different from the first material. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in combining the material of the bush and the material of the metal holding member.

A bicycle chain according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing and a pin, wherein the first The inner link plate has a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis, and a second inner link central axis extending parallel to the first inner link central axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; a first inner link surface; a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis, wherein the second inner link plate is positioned at the third inner link center; A third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having an axis; and a fourth inner link hole including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link central axis extending parallel to the third inner link central axis. In the assembled state of the link end portion, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion, and the bicycle chain, the second inner link end portion is positioned in the axial direction of the first inner link. a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of one inner link plate; and a side opposite to the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction about the third inner link central axis and a fourth inner link surface disposed on the second outer link plate such that the first outer link plate does not sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A first outer link end portion configured to be adjacent to one inner link plate and including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis; and a second outer link end portion extending parallel to the first outer link central axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having an outer link central axis; a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion; 1 outer link surface and the 1st out about the 1st outer link central axis and a second outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in the axial direction of the ring, wherein the second outer link plate, in the assembled state, is attached to the other inner link plate or the other outer link. a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing a plate therebetween and having a third outer link central axis; A fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the link central axis, and connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion. and a third outer link configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled. and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link center axis, and the bush includes a bush hole and a third outer link surface. and a second bush end portion disposed on the opposite side of the first bush end portion in the axial direction of the bush about the bush center axis of the bush, wherein the bush is the bicycle chain. The bush extends radially outward from the first bush end portion relative to the central axis of the bush. The pin includes at least one of a first radial protrusion and a second radial protrusion extending radially outwardly from the second bushing end with respect to the bushing central axis, the pin being positioned in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. In the above, it is configured to be inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole and to pass through the bush hole. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-sixth aspect, the bush can be firmly fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of the twenty-seventh side following the twenty-sixth side, the bushing includes the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-seventh aspect, the bush can be firmly fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of the 28th side following the 26th or 27th side, the first radial projection has an annular shape. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-eighth aspect, the bush can be more firmly fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of a twenty-ninth side according to any one of the twenty-sixth to twenty-eighth sides, the second radial projection has an annular shape. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-ninth aspect, the bush can be more firmly fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of a thirtieth side according to any one of the twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth sides, the first radial protrusion is formed by crimping. According to the bicycle chain of the thirtieth aspect, the bush can be efficiently fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of the 31st side according to any one of the 26th to 30th sides, the second radial protrusion is formed by crimping. According to the bicycle chain of the 31st aspect, the bush can be efficiently fixed to the inner link plate.

In the bicycle chain of the 32nd side according to any one of the 26th to 31st sides, the pin is inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole by press fitting. According to the bicycle chain of the 32nd aspect, the pin can be efficiently fixed to the outer link plate.

According to the bicycle chain of the present disclosure, the movement of the bicycle chain during shifting is smooth.

A schematic diagram of a bicycle viewed from above. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line III-III in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a side view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment as seen from the VA direction of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a side view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment viewed from the direction VB of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3; FIG. 3 is a side view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment as seen from the VA direction of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 3; FIG. 10 is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view of a bush cut along a plane including the central axis of the bush in the bicycle chain of the third embodiment; Sectional drawing of the bush cut|disconnected by the plane perpendicular|vertical to a bush central axis. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of a pin; FIG. Sectional drawing of the pin cut|disconnected by the plane perpendicular|vertical to a pin central axis. Sectional drawing of the bicycle chain about the bicycle chain of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bush cut along a plane including the central axis of the bush in the bicycle chain of the fourth embodiment; Sectional drawing of the chain for bicycles about other embodiment.

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

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

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

The bicycle chain 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9. FIG. In FIG. 3, the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 connected to the right, and the additional roller 28 are indicated by phantom lines. Further, in FIG. 3, the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 connected to the left, and the additional pin 23 are indicated by phantom lines. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bicycle chain 10 including the first inner link plate 12 and the first outer link plate 16 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. The description of the roller 24 and the additional roller 28 is omitted. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the bicycle chain 10 including the second inner link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 18 taken along line VII-VII in FIG. The description of the roller 24 and the additional roller 28 is omitted. FIG. 8 is the same diagram as FIG. FIG. 9 is the same diagram as FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, the bushing 20 has a first bushing outer link intersection point SA1 and a second bushing outer link intersection point SA2. The outer peripheral surface 20B of the bush 20 and the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE of the first outer link plate 16 are defined by a first bush outer link intersection point SA1 and a second bush outer link intersection point SA1 when viewed from the first outer link axial direction DC. cross each other at SA2. The first bushing outer link intersection point SA1 is located closer to the first outer link lateral centerline LCF of the first outer link plate 16 than the second bushing outer link intersection point SA2. The first outer link lateral centerline LCF is a line that perpendicularly intersects the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bushing 20 has a first bushing inner link intersection point SB1 and a second bushing inner link intersection point SB2. The outer peripheral surface 20B of the bush 20 and the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA of the first inner link plate 12 are defined by a first bush inner link intersection point SB1 and a second bush inner link intersection point SB1 when viewed from the first inner link axial direction DA. SB2, and the first bushing inner link intersection point SB1 is located closer to the first inner link lateral centerline LCB of the first inner link plate 12 than the second bushing inner link intersection point SB2. The first inner link lateral centerline LCB is a line that perpendicularly intersects the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA.

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

The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are connected by pins 22 and additional pins 23 . First inner link plate 12 and second inner link plate 14 are joined by bushing 20 and additional bushing 26 .
The assembly of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 is arranged such that the pin center axis CY1 of the pin 22 and the additional pin 23 are aligned with respect to the assembly of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18. They are connected so as to be rotatable around the pin center axis CY2.
A combined body composed of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 and a combined body composed of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are alternately arranged and connected in a loop shape. be.

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

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

The first outer link plate 16 is provided with at least one first outer link chamfer 70 .
A location where the first outer link chamfered portion 70 is provided will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

The first outer link reference line RA1 is defined as a line extending parallel to the first outer link lateral centerline LCF and passing through the first bushing outer link intersection point SA1. The second outer link reference line RA2 is defined as a line extending parallel to the first outer link transverse centerline LCF and passing through the first outer link edge intersection point SC1. The first outer link edge intersection point SC1 is defined by the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE of the first outer link plate 16 and the first outer link end portion of the first outer link plate 16 when viewed from the first outer link axial direction DC. 52 and the first outer link edge 52A intersect each other.

The at least one first outer link chamfered portion 70 is aligned with the first outer link reference line RA1 and the second outer link in the first outer link longitudinal direction DG with respect to the first outer link longitudinal centerline LCE of the first outer link plate 16. It is provided on the first outer link plate 16 so as to be positioned at least partially between the reference line RA2.

As shown in FIG. 8, at least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the second outer link surface 16B. The second outer link surface 16B of the first outer link plate 16 between the first outer link reference line RA1 and the second outer link reference line RA2 contacts the sprocket D of the bicycle A with high frequency. Since the first outer link chamfered portion 70 is provided between the first outer link reference line RA1 and the second outer link reference line RA2, the interference between the sprocket D and the first outer link plate 16 during shifting is reduced. Therefore, the operation of the bicycle chain 10 is smooth during shifting.

At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the second outer link end portion 56 . At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the second outer link face 16B at the second outer link end 56 . With this configuration, interference between the sprocket D and the first outer link plate 16 is reduced, so that the bicycle chain 10 can operate smoothly during shifting.

As shown in FIG. 6 , at least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the first outer link intermediate section 58 . At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the first outer link face 16A at the first outer link intermediate portion 58 . This configuration makes it easier for the sprocket teeth to get between the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 . At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the second outer link face 16B at the first outer link intermediate portion 58 .

At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the first inner link plate 12 as shown in FIG. A location where the first inner link chamfered portion 72 is provided will be described.

The first inner link reference line RB1 is defined as a line extending parallel to the first inner link lateral centerline LCB and passing through the first bushing inner link intersection point SB1. The second inner link reference line RB2 is defined as a line extending parallel to the first inner link lateral centerline LCB and passing through the first inner link edge intersection point SD1. The first inner link edge intersection point SD1 is defined by the first inner link longitudinal center line LCA of the first inner link plate 12 and the first inner link end portion of the first inner link plate 12 when viewed from the first inner link axial direction DA. 32 and the first inner link edge 32A intersect each other.

The at least one first inner link chamfered portion 72 is aligned with the first inner link reference line RB1 and the second inner link in the first inner link longitudinal direction DE with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA of the first inner link plate 12. It may be provided on the first inner link plate 12 so as to be positioned at least partially between the reference line RB2.

For example, the first inner link chamfered portion 72 is provided on the first inner link surface 12A at the first inner link end portion 32 . The first inner link chamfered portion 72 is provided on the first inner link surface 12A at the second inner link end portion 36 . When the bicycle chain 10 is bent during gear shifting, the provision of the first inner link chamfered portion 72 on the first inner link surface 12A at the first inner link end portion 32 allows the bicycle chain 10 to bend the bicycle A at an undesirable timing. deviating from the sprocket D can be reduced. Similarly, when the bicycle chain 10 bends during shifting, the provision of the first inner link chamfered portion 72 on the first inner link surface 12A at the second inner link end portion 36 may cause the bicycle chain 10 to bend at an undesirable timing. detachment from the sprocket D of the bicycle A can be reduced. In this way, the movement of the bicycle chain 10 is smoothed during shifting.

At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be provided on the second outer link plate 18, as shown in FIG. At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be located on the fourth outer link face 18B at the third outer link end 62 . At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be located on the fourth outer link face 18B at the fourth outer link end 66 . With this configuration, interference between the sprocket D and the second outer link plate 18 is reduced during gear shifting, so that the bicycle chain 10 operates smoothly during gear shifting.

At least one second inner link chamfer 76 may be provided on the second inner link plate 14, as shown in FIG. At least one second inner link chamfer 76 is provided on the third inner link face 14A at the third inner link end portion 42 . A second inner link chamfered portion 76 is provided on the third inner link surface 14A at the fourth inner link end portion 46 . It is possible to reduce the possibility that the bicycle chain 10 comes off from the sprocket D of the bicycle A at an undesirable timing. In this way, the movement of the bicycle chain 10 is smoothed during shifting.

<Second embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 of a second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the configurations that are common to the first embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment has at least a first inner link chamfer 72 and preferably a first outer link chamfer 70 .

At least one first inner link chamfer 72 is provided on the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , at least one first inner link chamfered portion 72 is formed in the first inner link longitudinal direction DE with respect to the first inner link longitudinal centerline LCA of the first inner link plate 12 . , are provided on the first inner link plate 12 so as to be at least partially disposed between the first inner link reference line RB1 and the second inner link reference line RB2.

As shown in FIG. 6, at least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the first inner link surface 12A. At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the second inner link end 36 . At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the first inner link face 12A at the second inner link end 36 . By providing the first inner link chamfered portion 72 on the first inner link surface 12A, the engagement between the bicycle chain 10 and the sprocket D is easily maintained during shifting of the bicycle chain 10 . This allows the bicycle chain 10 to operate smoothly during shifting.

At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the first inner link intermediate portion 38 . At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the first inner link face 12A at the first inner link intermediate portion 38 . This configuration makes it easier for the sprocket teeth to get between the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 . At least one first inner link chamfer 72 may be provided on the second inner link face 12B at the first inner link intermediate portion 38 .

At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be provided on the first outer link plate 16, as shown in FIG. At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be located on the second outer link surface 16B at the first outer link end 52 . At least one first outer link chamfer 70 may be located on the second outer link surface 16B at the second outer link end 56 . With this configuration, the interference between the sprocket D and the first outer link plate 16 is reduced during gear shifting, so that the bicycle chain 10 operates smoothly during gear shifting.

At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be provided on the second outer link plate 18, as shown in FIG. At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be located on the fourth outer link face 18B at the third outer link end 62 . At least one second outer link chamfer 74 may be located on the fourth outer link face 18B at the fourth outer link end 66 . With this configuration, interference between the sprocket D and the second outer link plate 18 is reduced during gear shifting, so that the bicycle chain 10 operates smoothly during gear shifting.

At least one second inner link chamfer 76 may be provided on the second inner link plate 14, as shown in FIG. A second inner link chamfered portion 76 is provided on the third inner link surface 14A at the third inner link end portion 42 . A second inner link chamfered portion 76 is provided on the third inner link surface 14A at the fourth inner link end portion 46 . By providing the second inner link chamfered portion 76 on the third inner link surface 14A, the engagement between the bicycle chain 10 and the sprocket D is easily maintained when the bicycle chain 10 shifts gears. In this way, the movement of the bicycle chain 10 is smoothed during shifting.

<Third Embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are assigned to the configurations that are common to the third embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. The structure of the bush 20 in the bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment is different from that of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment. In the bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment, the first outer link chamfered portion 70, the first inner link chamfered portion 72, the second outer link chamfered portion 74, and the second inner link chamfered portion 76 shown in the first embodiment. may be omitted.

The bush 20 has an inner peripheral surface 20C forming a bush hole 20A. The bushing 20 is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole 30 and the third inner link hole 40 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled.

The pin 22 has an outer peripheral surface 22A and is configured to be inserted through the first outer link hole 50 and the third outer link hole 60 and through the bush hole 20A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled.

In this embodiment, a metal holding member 80 is provided between bushing 20 and pin 22 . Metal holding member 80 is arranged on one of inner peripheral surface 20C of bush 20 and outer peripheral surface 22A of pin 22 . Metal holding member 80 includes a plurality of holding holes 80A. The resin member 82 is arranged in the plurality of holding holes 80A. Resin member 82 is arranged to be exposed on at least one of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of metal holding member 80 . The holding holes 80A include through holes, depressions and grooves. When the holding holes 80A are configured as grooves, the holding holes 80A may have a mesh shape, a linear structure, or a spiral shape.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, metal holding member 80 is arranged on inner peripheral surface 20C of bushing 20 . The metal holding member 80 has a cylindrical shape whose center axis is the bush center axis CX of the bush 20 . Preferably, the inner peripheral surface of the metal holding member 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the resin member 82 are configured to be flush with each other. The resin member 82 is arranged so as to be exposed on the inner peripheral surface of the metal holding member 80 . The resin member 82 may be wear-resistant resin. Examples of the resin member 82 include phenol resin and polyacetal resin.

Bushing 20 may be formed from a first material and metal retaining member 80 may be formed from a first material. Bushing 20 may be made of a first material and metal retaining member 80 may be made of a second material different from the first material. The first material includes metal. Examples of the first material include iron, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and titanium alloys. The second material includes metal.

The additional bushing 26 is configured to be inserted through the second inner link hole 34 and the fourth inner link hole 44 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Additional bushing 26 may have the same structure as bushing 20 or may have a different structure from bushing 20 .

Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the metal holding member 84 may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface 22A of the pin 22 . The metal holding member 84 has a cylindrical shape with the pin central axis CY1 of the pin 22 as the central axis. Metal holding member 84 includes a plurality of holding holes 84A. The resin member 86 is arranged in the plurality of holding holes 84A. The resin member 86 is arranged so as to be exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the metal holding member 80 .

Pins 22 may be formed from a third material and metal retaining member 84 may be formed from a third material. The pin 22 may be made of a third material and the metal retaining member 84 may be made of a fourth material different from the third material. The third material includes metal. Examples of the third material include iron, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and titanium alloys. The fourth material includes metal. Preferably, additional pin 23 has a structure similar to pin 22 .

<Fourth Embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. The same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are given to the configurations that are common to the fourth embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. The shape of the bicycle chain 10 of the fourth embodiment differs from the shape of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in some parts, but the description thereof will be omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the fourth embodiment differs from the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in the structure of the bushing 20 . In the bicycle chain 10 of the fourth embodiment, the first outer link chamfered portion 70, the first inner link chamfered portion 72, the second outer link chamfered portion 74, and the second inner link chamfered portion 76 shown in the first embodiment. may be omitted.

The bush 20 includes a bush hole 20A, a first bush end portion 90, and a second bush end portion 92 arranged on the opposite side of the first bush end portion 90 in the bush axial direction DJ with respect to the bush center axis CX of the bush 20. and The bushing 20 is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole 30 and the third inner link hole 40 by press fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The first bush end portion 90 is inserted into the first inner link hole 30 by press fitting. The second bush end portion 92 is inserted into the third inner link hole 40 by press fitting.

The bushing 20 has a first radial protrusion 94 extending radially outwardly DR from a first bushing end portion 90 with respect to the bushing center axis CX and a second bushing end portion 92 extending radially outwardly DR from a second bushing end portion 92 with respect to the bushing centerline axis CX. and at least one of the second radial projections 96 extending to.

Preferably, bushing 20 includes a first radial protrusion 94 and a second radial protrusion 96, as shown in FIG. The first radial protrusion 94 has an annular shape. The second radial protrusion 96 has an annular shape. The first radial protrusion 94 is formed by caulking. The second radial protrusion 96 is formed by caulking.

The first radial projecting portion 94 is formed by crimping the outer peripheral edge of the first bushing end portion 90 in a state where the first bushing end portion 90 is inserted into the first inner link hole 30 . It is formed at the boundary with the second inner link surface 12B. The second radial projecting portion 96 is formed by crimping the outer peripheral edge of the second bushing end portion 92 in a state where the second bushing end portion 92 is inserted into the third inner link hole 40 . It is formed at the boundary with the fourth inner link surface 14B.

By inserting the bush 20 into the first inner link hole 30 and the third inner link hole 40, crimping the first bush end portion 90, and crimping the second bush end portion 92, the first inner link plate 12 and the second 2 and the inner link plate 14 are firmly connected via the bush 20 .

The pin 22 is inserted through the first outer link hole 50 and the third outer link hole 60 by press fitting. The pin 22 has a first pin end portion 100 and a second pin end portion 102 arranged on the opposite side of the first pin end portion 100 in the pin axial direction DK with respect to the pin center axis CY1. The first pin end portion 100 is formed around the first outer link hole 50 by being press-fitted into the first outer link hole 50 and crimped. The second pin end portion 102 is formed around the third outer link hole 60 by being press-fitted into the third outer link hole 60 and crimped.

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

- A modification of the bicycle chain 10 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The first inner link end portion 32 includes a first annular axial protrusion 104 that circumferentially surrounds the first inner link hole 30 with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1. The first annular axial protrusion 104 protrudes toward the second inner link plate 14 in the direction along the first inner link axial direction DA in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The third inner link end portion 42 includes a second annular axial protrusion 106 that circumferentially surrounds the third inner link hole 40 with respect to the third inner link central axis AX3. The second annular axial projection 106 projects toward the first inner link plate 12 in the direction along the second inner link axial direction DB in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 .

The bushing 20 is inserted into the first inner link hole 30 and the third inner link hole 40 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Also, the first bushing end portion 90 of the bushing 20 is configured to enter and contact the first annular axial protrusion 104 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . . Additionally, the second bushing end portion 92 of the bushing 20 is configured to enter and contact the second annular axial protrusion 106 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . .

The bushing 20 has a first radial protrusion 94 extending radially outwardly DR from a first bushing end portion 90 with respect to the bushing center axis CX and a second bushing end portion 92 extending radially outwardly DR from a second bushing end portion 92 with respect to the bushing centerline axis CX. and at least one of the second radial projections 96 extending to.

The first radial protrusion 94 is formed by crimping the outer peripheral edge of the first bush end 90 in a state where the first bush end 90 is inserted into the first annular axial protrusion 104, thereby forming the first inner link hole. It is formed at the boundary between 30 and the second inner link surface 12B. The second radial protrusion 96 is formed by crimping the outer peripheral edge of the second bush end 92 in a state where the second bush end 92 is inserted into the second annular axial protrusion 106, thereby forming the third inner link hole. It is formed at the boundary between 40 and the fourth inner link surface 14B.

Insertion of bushing 20 into first annular axial projection 104 and second annular axial projection 106, crimping of first bushing end 90, and crimping of second bushing end 92 causes the first inner link to The plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are strongly connected via bushings 20 .

At least one of the following items may be applied to each of the above embodiments and modifications.
At least one first outer link chamfered portion 70 formed on the first outer link plate 16 extends from the first outer link end portion 52 to the first outer link end portion 52 on at least one of the first outer link surface 16A and the second outer link surface 16B. It may be formed so as to extend continuously from the outer link intermediate portion 58 to the second outer link end portion 56 .
At least one second outer link chamfered portion 74 formed on the second outer link plate 18 extends from the third outer link end portion 62 to the second chamfered portion 74 on at least one of the third outer link surface 18A and the fourth outer link surface 18B. It may be formed so as to extend continuously from the outer link intermediate portion 68 to the fourth outer link end portion 66 .
At least one first inner link chamfered portion 72 formed on the first inner link plate 12 has a first chamfer from the first inner link end portion 32 on at least one of the first inner link surface 12A and the second inner link surface 12B. It may be formed so as to extend continuously from the inner link intermediate portion 38 to the second inner link end portion 36 .
At least one second inner link chamfered portion 76 formed on the second inner link plate 14 extends from the third inner link end portion 42 to the second inner link end portion 42 on at least one of the third inner link surface 14A and the fourth inner link surface 14B. It may be formed so as to extend continuously from the inner link intermediate portion 48 to the fourth inner link end portion 46 .
At least one first outer link chamfered portion 70 formed on the first outer link plate 16 extends along the entire circumference of the first outer link plate 16 on at least one of the first outer link surface 16A and the second outer link surface 16B. It may be formed to extend continuously along.
At least one second outer link chamfered portion 74 formed on the second outer link plate 18 extends along the entire circumference of the second outer link plate 18 on at least one of the third outer link surface 18A and the fourth outer link surface 18B. It may be formed to extend continuously along.
At least one first inner link chamfered portion 72 formed on the first inner link plate 12 extends along the entire circumference of the first inner link plate 12 on at least one of the first inner link surface 12A and the second inner link surface 12B. It may be formed to extend continuously along.
At least one second inner link chamfered portion 76 formed on the second inner link plate 14 extends along the entire circumference of the second inner link plate 14 on at least one of the third inner link surface 14A and the fourth inner link surface 14B. It may be formed to extend continuously along.

AX1... First inner link center axis, AX2... Second inner link center axis, AX3... Third inner link center axis, AX4... Fourth inner link center axis, BX1... First outer link center axis, BX2...Second outer link center axis BX3...Third outer link center axis BX4...Fourth outer link center axis CX...Bush center axis LCA...Longitudinal center line of first inner link LCB... First inner link lateral center line LCE... First outer link longitudinal center line LCF... First outer link lateral center line RA1... First outer link reference line RA2... Second outer link reference line RB1 1st inner link reference line RB2 2nd inner link reference line SA1 1st bushing outer link intersection SA2 2nd bushing outer link intersection SB1 1st bushing inner link intersection SB2 2nd bushing inner Link intersection SC1 First outer link edge intersection SD1 First inner link edge intersection 10 Bicycle chain 12 First inner link plate 12A First inner link surface 12B Second inner Link surface 14 Second inner link plate 14A Third inner link surface 14B Fourth inner link surface 16 First outer link plate 16A First outer link surface 16B Second outer link surface , 18... Second outer link plate, 18A... Third outer link surface, 18B... Fourth outer link surface, 20... Bush, 20A... Bush hole, 20B... Outer peripheral surface, 20C... Inner peripheral surface, 22... Pin, 22A Outer peripheral surface 26 Additional bush 26A Additional bush hole 30 First inner link hole 32 First inner link end 34 Second inner link hole 36 Second inner link end 38 First inner link intermediate portion 40 Third inner link hole 42 Third inner link end portion 44 Fourth inner link hole 46 Fourth inner link end portion 48 Second inner link intermediate portion , 50... First outer link hole 52... First outer link end part 54... Second outer link hole 56... Second outer link end part 58... First outer link intermediate part 60... Third outer link Hole 62... 3rd outer link end portion 64... 4th outer link hole 66... 4th outer link end portion 68... 2nd outer link Ink intermediate portion 70 First outer link chamfered portion 72 First inner link chamfered portion 74 Second outer link chamfered portion 76 Second inner link chamfered portion 80 Metal holding member 80A Holding hole , 82... Resin member 84... Metal holding member 84A... Holding hole 86... Resin member 90... First bush end portion 92... Second bush end portion 94... First radial projection 96... Second 2 radial protrusions.

Claims (11)

A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, a pin, a metal holding member, and a resin member;
The first inner link plate,
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is
configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in a first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is
In the assembled state of the bicycle chain, it is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate,
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the third outer link central axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
The bush has an inner peripheral surface forming a bush hole, and the bush is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The pin has an outer peripheral surface, is inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole, and is configured to pass through the bush hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
the metal holding member is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the pin, and the metal holding member includes a plurality of holding holes;
The bicycle chain, wherein the resin member is arranged in the plurality of holding holes. A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, a pin, a metal holding member, and a resin member;
The first inner link plate,
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is
configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in a first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is
In the assembled state of the bicycle chain, it is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate,
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the third outer link central axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
The bush has an inner peripheral surface forming a bush hole, and the bush is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The pin has an outer peripheral surface, is inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole, and is configured to pass through the bush hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The metal holding member is arranged on one of the inner peripheral surface of the bush and the outer peripheral surface of the pin, and the metal holding member includes a plurality of holding holes,
The resin member is arranged in the plurality of holding holes,
The resin member is a phenol resin or a polyacetal resin,
bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the metal holding member is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the bush. the bushing is formed of a first material;
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said metal retaining member is formed from said first material. A bicycle chain,
a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, a pin, a metal holding member, and a resin member;
The first inner link plate,
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link central axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link hole having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in a first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link central axis;
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link central axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis;
a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion;
a third inner link surface configured to face the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the axial direction of the first inner link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third inner link surface in a second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link central axis;
The first outer link plate is
configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain,
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link hole having a first outer link central axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion;
a first outer link surface;
a second outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface in a first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link central axis,
The second outer link plate is
In the assembled state of the bicycle chain, it is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate so as not to sandwich another inner link plate or another outer link plate,
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a third outer link central axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link central axis extending parallel to the third outer link central axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the axial direction of the first outer link when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in a second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link central axis,
The bush has an inner peripheral surface forming a bush hole, and the bush is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The pin has an outer peripheral surface, is inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole, and is configured to pass through the bush hole when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The metal holding member is arranged on one of the inner peripheral surface of the bush and the outer peripheral surface of the pin, and the metal holding member includes a plurality of holding holes,
The resin member is arranged in the plurality of holding holes,
the bushing is formed of a first material;
The metal retaining member is formed from the first material
bicycle chain. the bushing is formed of a first material;
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said metal retaining member is formed from a second material different from said first material. The bushing has the bushing hole, a first bushing end portion, and a second bushing end portion arranged on the opposite side of the first bushing end portion in the bushing axial direction about the bush center axis of the bushing. The bushing is configured to be inserted through the first inner link hole and the third inner link hole by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the bushing is arranged in the third direction with respect to the center axis of the bushing. at least one of a first radial projection extending radially outward from one bushing end and a second radial projection extending radially outward from the second bushing end with respect to the bushing central axis ,
A bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1-6 . The bicycle chain according to claim 7 , wherein said bushing includes said first radial protrusion and said second radial protrusion. The bicycle chain according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein at least one of the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion has an annular shape. 10. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 7-9 , wherein at least one of the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion is formed by crimping. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the pin is inserted through the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole by press fitting.

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