JP7386296B2 - bicycle chain - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a bicycle chain. A pair of inner link plates of the chain are connected by a bush. A pin that connects the pair of outer link plates is inserted into the bush.

US Patent No. 4,642,078

By the way, there is room for improvement in the shifting performance of conventional bicycle chains. The present invention proposes a bicycle chain with excellent shifting performance.

A bicycle chain according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain that includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link end portion that extends parallel to the first inner link center axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having an inner link center axis; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; an inner link surface, and a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link center axis, the second inner link The plate includes a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. a fourth inner link end portion including an inner link opening; a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion; 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; and a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side to the third inner link surface, and the first outer link plate is configured to be connected to other inner link plates or other outer links in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening a plate, and the first outer link plate has a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis. , a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis; the first outer link end portion and the second outer link; A first outer link intermediate portion connecting the end portions, a first outer link surface, and a first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link center axis, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first outer link surface. a second outer link surface, wherein the second outer link plate is adjacent to the second inner link plate without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second outer link plate has a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link center axis, and the second outer link plate extends parallel to the third outer link center axis. a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis; a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion; a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the first outer link axial direction in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and a center of the third outer link. a fourth outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the axis, the bush having a bush opening, and the bicycle chain assembly the pin is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is configured to be inserted into the opening and pass through the bush opening, and the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is configured to be inserted into the opening and pass through the bush opening, and the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion is configured to be inserted into the opening and pass through the bush opening. In at least one of the above, the first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion. At least a portion of the first inner link intermediate portion is offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain with respect to the second inner link surface. According to the bicycle chain of the first aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the second side according to the first side, the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion is configured such that in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction, the second inner link such that a second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion; At least a portion of the fourth inner link surface of the intermediate portion is offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the second aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the third side bicycle chain according to the first or second side, the first axial gap is in the range of 0.05mm to 0.15mm.
According to the bicycle chain of the third aspect, wear resistance is improved due to the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the fourth side according to the second side, the second axial gap is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.
According to the bicycle chain of the fourth aspect, wear resistance is improved due to the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the fifth aspect according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first axial gap is arranged such that the first inner link axially, the The bicycle chain is configured to promote bending of the bicycle chain in at least one of the axial direction of the second inner link, the axial direction of the first outer link, and the axial direction of the second outer link. According to the bicycle chain of the fifth aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the sixth side according to the second or fourth side, the second axial gap is formed in the first inner link axial direction and the second inner link axis during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain is configured to promote bending of the bicycle chain in at least one of the following directions: the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the sixth aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain having a seventh aspect according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first inner link plate is arranged at a longitudinal center line of the first inner link and a longitudinal center line of the first inner link. and a first inner link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the first inner link, and a first inner link distance is a first inner link center axis in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal center line. and the second inner link center axis, and the second inner link plate has a second inner link plate extending perpendicularly to the second inner link longitudinal center line and the second inner link longitudinal center line. 2 inner links in the lateral direction center line, and the second inner link distance is between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal center line. The first inner link distance and the second inner link distance are each in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain of the seventh aspect has excellent drive efficiency and is therefore suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain having an eighth aspect according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first outer link plate is arranged between a longitudinal center line of the first outer link and a longitudinal center line of the first outer link. and a first outer link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the first outer link, the first outer link distance being a first outer link center axis in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal center line. and the second outer link center axis, and the second outer link plate is defined between the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline, and the second outer link plate is defined between the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline. 2 outer links in the lateral direction center line, and the second outer link distance is between the third outer link center axis and the fourth outer link in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line. The first outer link distance and the second outer link distance are each in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain of the eighth aspect has excellent drive efficiency and is therefore suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

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

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

In the bicycle chain having an eleventh aspect according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the axial recess is formed on the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and on the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the section. According to the bicycle chain of the eleventh aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced due to the multi-stage bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the sprocket between the inner link plates is formed with the axial recess. It allows you to get the space you need to engage your teeth.

In the bicycle chain having a twelfth aspect according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, at least one chamfer includes the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and provided on at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the twelfth aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain is improved.

A bicycle chain according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain that includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, The first inner link plate includes a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link end portion that extends parallel to the first inner link center axis. a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having an inner link center axis; a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion; an inner link surface, and a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link center axis, the second inner link The plate includes a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. a fourth inner link end portion including an inner link opening; a second inner link intermediate portion connecting the third inner link end portion and the fourth inner link end portion; 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; and a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side to the third inner link surface, and the first outer link plate is configured to be connected to other inner link plates or other outer links in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A first outer link end configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening a plate, and the first outer link plate includes a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis. a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis; the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion; A first outer link intermediate portion that connects the outer link end portions, a first outer link surface, and a first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link center axis arranged on the opposite side from the first outer link surface. a second outer link surface, wherein the second outer link plate is configured to connect to the second inner link plate without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second outer link plate includes a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link center axis, and a third outer link end portion that is parallel to the third outer link center axis. a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending in the 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 first outer link axial direction when the bicycle chain is assembled; a fourth outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the link center axis, the bush having a bush opening, and the bicycle chain The pin is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the pin is inserted into the first outer link opening and the third inner link opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The first axial gap is configured to be inserted into the outer link opening and pass through the bushing opening, and the first axial gap is configured to be inserted into the outer link opening and pass through the bush opening, and the first axial gap is configured to The first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the inner link end portion and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion, and the first axial gap is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. It is in. According to the bicycle chain of the thirteenth aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the fourteenth aspect according to the thirteenth aspect, the second axial gap is formed in the third inner link end portion in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. The second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner link surface and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion, and is in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the fourteenth aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain according to the 15th aspect according to the 13th or 14th aspect, the first axial gap is formed in the axial direction of the first inner link and the second inner link axis during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain is configured to promote bending of the bicycle chain in at least one of the following directions: the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the fifteenth aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the 16th aspect according to the 14th aspect, the second axial gap is formed in the axial direction of the first inner link, the axial direction of the second inner link, and the The bicycle chain is configured to promote bending of the bicycle chain in at least one of the axial direction of the first outer link and the axial direction of the second outer link. According to the bicycle chain of the 16th aspect, wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the bicycle chain is easily bent due to the formation of the axial gap, resulting in excellent shifting performance.

In the bicycle chain of the seventeenth aspect according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the first inner link plate is arranged between a longitudinal center line of the first inner link and a longitudinal center line of the first inner link. and a first inner link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the first inner link, and a first inner link distance is a first inner link center axis in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal center line. and the second inner link center axis, and the second inner link plate has a second inner link plate extending perpendicularly to the second inner link longitudinal center line and the second inner link longitudinal center line. 2 inner links in the lateral direction center line, and the second inner link distance is between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal center line. The first inner link distance and the second inner link distance are each in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain of the seventeenth aspect has excellent drive efficiency and is therefore suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain having an eighteenth aspect according to any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects, the first outer link plate is arranged between a longitudinal center line of the first outer link and a longitudinal center line of the first outer link. and a first outer link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the first outer link, the first outer link distance being a first outer link center axis in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal center line. and the second outer link center axis, and the second outer link plate is defined between the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline, and the second outer link plate is defined between the second outer link longitudinal centerline and the second outer link longitudinal centerline. 2 outer links in the lateral direction center line, and the second outer link distance is between the third outer link center axis and the fourth outer link in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line. The first outer link distance and the second outer link distance are each in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain of the eighteenth aspect has excellent drive efficiency and is therefore suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

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

In the bicycle chain according to the 20th aspect according to the 19th aspect, the pin outer diameter is 2.5 mm or more. According to the bicycle chain of the twentieth aspect, the rigidity of the pins can be ensured.

In the bicycle chain of the 21st aspect according to any one of the 13th to 20th aspects, the axial recess is formed on the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the section. According to the bicycle chain of the 21st aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced by increasing the number of stages of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the sprocket between the inner link plates is formed with the axial recess. It allows you to get the space you need to engage your teeth.

In the bicycle chain of the 22nd aspect according to any one of the 13th to 21st aspects, at least one chamfer includes the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and provided on at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-second aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain is improved.

A bicycle chain according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain, and includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, The first inner link plate includes a first inner link opening having a first inner link center axis, and a first inner link opening circumferentially surrounding the first inner link opening with respect to the first inner link center axis. a first inner link end portion including an annular axial protrusion, a second inner link opening having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis, and the second inner link center A second inner link end portion including a second annular axial protrusion circumferentially surrounding the second inner link opening with respect to the axis, and connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion. A first inner link intermediate portion, a first inner link surface, and a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side to the first inner link surface in the first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link center axis. The second inner link plate includes a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis, and a third inner link end portion extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening having a fourth 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 first inner link axial direction in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and a third inner link center axis. a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side from the third inner link surface in the second inner link axial direction with respect to the center, and the first outer link plate is configured to: The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate, and the first outer link plate has a first outer link center axis. a first outer link end portion including an opening; a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis; a first outer link intermediate portion connecting the outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion, a first outer link surface, and the first outer link in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link center axis; a second outer link surface disposed on the opposite side to the link surface, and the second outer link plate is configured to be connected to another inner link plate or another outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link center axis; a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis, the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion; a third outer 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 connecting second outer link intermediate portion and the bicycle chain are assembled; a link surface; and a fourth outer link surface disposed on the opposite side of the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link center axis, and the bush has a bush opening. is inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening when the bicycle chain is assembled, and is inserted into the first annular axial protrusion when the bicycle chain is assembled. The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening when the bicycle chain is in an assembled state. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-third aspect, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is improved.

In the bicycle chain according to the twenty-fourth aspect according to the twenty-third aspect, the third inner link end portion includes a third annular axial protrusion that circumferentially surrounds the third inner link opening with respect to the third inner link center axis. , the fourth inner link end portion includes a fourth annular axial protrusion that circumferentially surrounds the fourth inner link opening with respect to the fourth inner link center axis, and the bush is configured to contact the third annular axial protrusion in the assembled state. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-fourth aspect, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is further improved.

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

In the bicycle chain of the twenty-sixth aspect according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-fifth aspects, the axial recess is formed on the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the second inner link intermediate portion. provided on at least one of the third inner link surfaces of the section. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-sixth aspect, even if the width of the chain is reduced due to the multistage bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the sprocket between the inner link plates is formed with the axial recess. It allows you to get the space you need to engage your teeth.

In the bicycle chain of the twenty-seventh aspect according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-sixth aspects, at least one chamfer includes the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and provided on at least one of the second outer link plates. According to the bicycle chain of the twenty-seventh aspect, the shifting performance of the bicycle chain is improved.

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

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

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

Drive train B is a chain drive type. The drive train B includes a bicycle crank assembly C, a bicycle sprocket (hereinafter referred to as "sprocket D"), and a bicycle chain 10. Sprocket D has sprocket teeth with which the bicycle chain 10 engages. Sprocket D includes a front sprocket E and a 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 each end 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. The bicycle chain 10 is wound around a front sprocket E and a rear sprocket F. Driving force applied to the pedals by a user riding bicycle A is transmitted to the rear wheel via front sprocket E, bicycle chain 10, and rear sprocket F.

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

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 bush 20, A pin 22 is provided. More preferably, the bicycle chain 10 includes rollers 24.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner link plate 14 includes a second inner link longitudinal center line LCC and a second inner link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC. It has an LCD. The second inner link distance LGB is defined between the third inner link center axis AX3 and the fourth inner link center axis AX4 in the second inner link longitudinal direction DF with respect to the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC. . 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 center line LCC and the second inner link lateral center line LCD are defined based on the second inner link plate 14.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC is defined along the longitudinal direction of the second inner link plate 14 when the second inner link plate 14 is viewed from the direction along the second inner link axial direction DB. It is defined as a line that extends through the third inner link center axis AX3 and the fourth inner link center axis AX4. The second inner link lateral center line LCD intersects the second inner link longitudinal center line LCC perpendicularly and is between the third inner link center axis AX3 and the fourth inner link center axis AX4. is defined as the line passing through the midpoint of

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the first outer link plate 16 is adjacent to the first inner link plate 12 without any other inner link plate or other outer link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10. It is composed of The first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link end portion 52 including a first outer link opening 50 having a first outer link center axis BX1, and a second outer link end portion 52 that extends parallel to the first outer link center axis BX1. A second outer link end portion 56 that includes a second outer link opening 54 having a link center axis BX2, and a first outer link intermediate portion 58 that connects 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 disposed on the opposite side to the first outer link surface 16A in the first outer link axial direction DC with respect to the first outer link center axis BX1. surface 16B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link longitudinal center line LCE and a first outer link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE. It has LCF. The first outer link distance LGC is defined between the first outer link center axis BX1 and the second outer link center axis BX2 in the first outer link longitudinal direction DG with respect to the first outer link longitudinal center line LCE. .

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

As shown in FIG. 3, when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the second outer link plate 18 is adjacent to the second inner link plate 14 without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates. It is composed of The second outer link plate 18 includes a third outer link end portion 62 including a third outer link opening 60 having a third outer link center axis BX3, and a fourth outer link end portion 62 that extends parallel to the third outer link center axis BX3. A fourth outer link end portion 66 including a fourth outer link opening 64 having a link center axis BX4, and a second outer link intermediate portion 68 that connects 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 first outer link axial direction DC when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. 18A, and a fourth outer link surface 18B disposed on the opposite side to the third outer link surface 18A in the second outer link axial direction DD with respect to the third outer link center axis BX3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second outer link plate 18 includes a second outer link longitudinal center line LCG and a second outer link lateral center line extending perpendicularly to the second outer link longitudinal center line LCG. It has LCH. The second outer link distance LGD is defined between the third outer link center axis BX3 and the fourth outer link center axis BX4 in the second outer link longitudinal direction DH with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line LCG. . Each of the first outer link distance LGC and the second outer link distance LGD is in the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. Each of the first outer link distance LGC and the second outer link distance LGD is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

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

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

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

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

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

The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are coupled by a pin 22 and an additional pin 23. The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are coupled by a bush 20 and an additional bush 26.
The combined body of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 has a central axis of the pin 22 and the central axis of the additional pin 23 relative to the combined body of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18. Rotatably connected at the center.
The combined body consisting of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 and the combined body consisting of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are arranged alternately and connected in a loop shape. Ru.

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

The roller 24 is disposed 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 attached to the bicycle A, the roller 24 and the additional roller 28 contact the sprocket teeth.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32 is formed in the first inner link end portion in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. 32 of the second inner link surface 12B and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 such that the first axial gap SA is formed between the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 38 At least a portion of the inner link surface 12B is offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When a force is applied to the bicycle chain 10 due to a speed change operation of the bicycle A, the bicycle chain 10 is provided with at least one of the first axial gap SA and the second axial gap SB, so that the first outer The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are arranged in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, and the first outer link axial direction with respect to the link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18. It is displaced in the direction along either DC or the second outer link axial direction DD. Due to this action, the bicycle chain 10 becomes easily bent. Preferably, the bicycle chain 10 is provided with both a first axial gap SA and a second axial gap SB.

<Second embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. Components that are common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment has the structure of the first axial gap SA and the second axial gap SB shown in the first embodiment, and the structure of the first axial gap SA and the second axial gap SB shown in the first embodiment. It includes a structure other than the structure of the biaxial gap SB.

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

For example, the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52 is connected to the second inner link of the first inner link end portion 32 in at least one of the first inner link axial direction DA and the first outer link axial direction DC. The first outer link intermediate portion 58 is attached to the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link intermediate portion 58 so that a first axial gap SA is formed between the surface 12B and the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 52. , at least a portion may be offset in the direction opposite to the direction toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

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

The first axial gap SA is formed in the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link axial direction during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

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

For example, the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62 is connected to the fourth inner link of the third inner link end portion 42 in at least one of the second inner link axial direction DB and the second outer link axial direction DD. The third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link intermediate portion 68 is formed such that a second axial gap SB is formed between the surface 14B and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 62. , at least a portion may be offset in the direction opposite to the direction toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

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

The second axial gap SB allows the first inner link axial direction DA, the second inner link axial direction DB, the first outer link axial direction DC, and the second outer link axial direction to be formed during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain 10. It is configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain 10 in at least one of the directions DD.

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

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

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

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

<Third embodiment>
A bicycle chain 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Components that are common to the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment is different from the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in the connection structure between the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14, the bush 20, and the additional bush 26.

The first inner link end portion 32 has a first inner link opening 30 having a first inner link center axis AX1, and a first annular shape surrounding the first inner link opening 30 in the circumferential direction with respect to the first inner link center axis AX1. and an axial protrusion 84 . The second inner link end portion 36 has a second inner link opening 34 having a second inner link center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner link center axis AX1, and a second inner link opening 34 having a second inner link center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner link center axis AX1. and a second annular axial protrusion 86 surrounding the inner link opening 34 in the circumferential direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Modified example>
The description regarding each embodiment is an illustration of the bicycle chain 10 according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit its form. The bicycle chain 10 according to the present invention may take, for example, a modification of the embodiment shown below, or a combination of at least two mutually consistent modifications. In the following modified examples, the same parts as in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals as in the embodiment, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

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

AX1...center axis of the first inner link, AX2...center axis of the second inner link, AX3...center axis of the third inner link, AX4...center axis of the fourth inner link, BX1...center axis of the first outer link, BX2...center axis of second outer link, BX3...center axis of third outer link, BX4...center axis of fourth outer link, LCA...centerline in longitudinal direction of first inner link, LCB...center in lateral direction of first inner link line, LCC...second inner link longitudinal center line, LCD...second inner link lateral center line, LCE...first outer link longitudinal center line, LCF...first outer link lateral center line, LCG...second Outer link longitudinal center line, LCH...second outer link lateral center line, LGA...first inner link distance, LGB...second inner link distance, LGC...first outer link distance, LGD...second outer link distance, SA...first axial gap, SB...second axial gap, 10...bicycle chain, 10A...axial center surface, 12...first inner link plate, 12A...first inner link surface, 12B...second inner Link surface, 14... Second inner link plate, 14A... Third inner link surface, 14B... Fourth inner link surface, 15... Axial recess, 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 opening, 22...Pin, 26...Additional bush, 30 ...first inner link opening, 32...first inner link end part, 34...second inner link opening, 36...second inner link end part, 38...first inner link intermediate part, 40...third inner link opening, 42... Third inner link end part, 44... Fourth inner link opening, 46... Fourth inner link end part, 48... Second inner link intermediate part, 50... First outer link opening, 52... First outer link end 54...Second outer link opening, 56...Second outer link end portion, 58...First outer link intermediate portion, 60...Third outer link opening, 62...Third outer link end portion, 64...Fourth outer Link opening, 66... Fourth outer link end portion, 68... Second outer link intermediate portion, 70... Chamfered portion, 84... First annular axial protrusion, 86... Second annular axial protrusion, 88... Third Annular axial protrusion, 90... Fourth annular axial protrusion.

Claims (12)

A bicycle chain,
A first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin,
The first inner link plate is
a first inner link end portion including a first inner link opening having a first inner link center axis;
a second inner link end portion including a second inner link opening having a second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis;
a first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end portion and the second inner link end portion;
a first inner link surface;
a second inner link surface disposed on the opposite side to the first inner link surface in the first inner link axial direction with respect to the first inner link center axis,
The second inner link plate is
a third inner link end portion including a third inner link opening having a third inner link center axis;
a fourth inner link end portion including a fourth inner link opening 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 first inner link axial direction when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth inner link surface disposed on the opposite side to the third inner link surface in the second inner link axial direction with respect to the third inner link center axis,
The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The first outer link plate is
a first outer link end portion including a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis;
a second outer link end portion including a second outer link opening having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis;
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 disposed on the opposite side to the first outer link surface in the first outer link axial direction with respect to the first outer link center axis,
The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without intervening another inner link plate or another outer link plate when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The second outer link plate is
a third outer link end portion including a third outer link opening having a third outer link center axis;
a fourth outer link end portion including a fourth outer link opening having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis;
a second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion;
a third outer link surface configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the first outer link axial direction when the bicycle chain is assembled;
a fourth outer link surface disposed on the opposite side to the third outer link surface in the second outer link axial direction with respect to the third outer link center axis,
The bush has a bush opening and is configured to be inserted into the first inner link opening and the third inner link opening when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer link opening and the third outer link opening and to pass through the bush opening when the bicycle chain is assembled,
The first inner link end portion is divided into a first bush peripheral part around the bush and a first outer peripheral part around the first bush peripheral part,
The second inner link surface of the first outer circumferential portion of the first inner link end portion is arranged in the first inner link end in at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction. The second inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion is configured such that a first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion. At least a portion is offset toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain with respect to the inner link surface,
The second inner link surface of the first bushing peripheral portion is at least partially offset toward the axial center plane with respect to the second inner link surface of the first outer peripheral portion.
bicycle chain. The fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion is in contact with the fourth inner link surface of the third inner link end portion in at least one of the second inner link axial direction and the second outer link axial direction. and the third outer link surface of the third outer link end portion such that a second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion and The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bicycle chain is offset toward an axial center plane of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first axial gap is in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The bicycle chain according to claim 2, wherein the second axial gap is in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The first axial gap is formed in the first inner link axial direction, the second inner link axial direction, the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain. A bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. The second axial gap is formed in the first inner link axial direction, the second inner link axial direction, the first outer link axial direction, and the second outer link during a speed change operation of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain according to claim 2 or 4, configured to facilitate bending of the bicycle chain in at least one axial direction. The first inner link plate has a first inner link longitudinal centerline and a first inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicularly to the first inner link longitudinal centerline,
A first inner link distance is defined between the first inner link center axis and the second inner link center axis in the first inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the first inner link longitudinal center line,
The second inner link plate has a second inner link longitudinal centerline and a second inner link lateral centerline extending perpendicularly to the second inner link longitudinal centerline,
A second inner link distance is defined between the third inner link center axis and the fourth inner link center axis in the second inner link longitudinal direction with respect to the second inner link longitudinal center line,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first inner link distance and the second inner link distance is in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The first outer link plate has a first outer link longitudinal centerline and a first outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicularly to the first outer link longitudinal centerline,
A first outer link distance is defined between the first outer link center axis and the second outer link center axis in the first outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the first outer link longitudinal center line,
The second outer link plate has a second outer link longitudinal centerline and a second outer link lateral centerline extending perpendicularly to the second outer link longitudinal centerline,
A second outer link distance is defined between the third outer link center axis and the fourth outer link center axis in the second outer link longitudinal direction with respect to the second outer link longitudinal center line,
The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first outer link distance and the second outer link distance is in a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pin has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 9, wherein the pin outer diameter is 2.5 mm or more. Any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the axial recess is provided in at least one of the first inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion and the third inner link surface of the second inner link intermediate portion. The bicycle chain described in item 1. Any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one chamfer is provided on at least one of the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and the second outer link plate. The bicycle chain described in item (1) above.