TW201910198A - Bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion, a first outer-link intermediate portion, and a first outer-link longitudinal centerline. The first outer-link end portion, the second outer-link end portion and the first outer-link intermediate portion define a first outer-link outer peripheral edge. The first outer-link outer peripheral edge comprises a first outer-link end edge, a second outer-link end edge, and a pair of first outer-link intermediate edges. A first radial distance is defined from a first outer-link center axis to the first outer-link end edge in a perpendicular direction. A minimum distance is defined between the pair of first outer-link intermediate edges in the perpendicular direction. The minimum distance is smaller than 200 % of the first radial distance and is equal to or larger than 5 mm.

Description

Bicycle chain

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of entertainment and a means of transportation. In addition, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One of the bicycle components has been extensively redesigned as a chain.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, a first outer chain intermediate portion and a first outer chain longitudinal center line. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain circular opening having a first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer chain circular opening having one of a second outer chain central axis parallel to the first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain central axis is spaced apart from the first outer chain central axis in a longitudinal direction of the first outer chain. The first outer chain intermediate portion interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion. The first outer chain end portion, the second outer chain end portion, and the first outer chain intermediate portion define a first outer chain outer peripheral edge. The first outer chain outer peripheral edge includes a first outer chain end edge, a second outer chain end edge, and a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges. The first outer chain end edge extends around the first outer chain end portion. The second outer chain end edge extends around the second outer chain end portion. The pair of first outer chain intermediate edges extend along the first outer chain intermediate portion between the first outer chain end edge and the second outer chain end edge. The first outer chain longitudinal centerline is perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis. A first radial distance is defined as being perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the first outer chain from the first outer chain center when viewed in an axial direction parallel to one of the first outer chain central axes An axis to the edge of the first outer chain end. A minimum distance is defined between the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges in the vertical direction. The minimum distance is less than 200% of the first radial distance. This minimum distance is equal to or greater than 5 mm.

In terms of the bicycle chain according to the first aspect, the minimum distance of the first outer link plate increases the chain retention performance. Furthermore, even when the thickness of one of the first outer link plates decreases as the total number of sprockets of one of the sprockets increases, the minimum distance of the first outer link plate maintains the first outer link plate Strength.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the minimum distance is equal to or less than 8 mm.

According to the bicycle chain according to the second aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the minimum distance is equal to or greater than 121% of the first radial distance.

According to the bicycle chain according to the third aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the minimum distance is equal to or less than 190% of the first radial distance.

According to the bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that at least one of the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges has a height equal to or greater than 8.2 mm. A radius of curvature.

According to the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the radius of curvature is equal to or smaller than 12 mm.

According to the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end edge includes at least one first outer chain straight edge portion and at least one first The outer chain bends the edge portion. The second outer chain end edge includes at least one second outer chain straight edge portion and at least one second outer chain curved edge portion. The at least one first outer chain straight edge portion and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion are tangent to an imaginary circle when viewed in the axial direction, the imaginary circle having an intermediate edge of the pair of outer outer links a radius of the radius of curvature of the at least one of the ones.

According to the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first outer chain longitudinal center line divides the first outer link plate pair into a first side and is opposite to the first outer A longitudinal centerline of the chain is opposite the first side of the first side. The at least one first outer chain straight edge portion of the first side and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion of the first side are tangent to the imaginary circle when viewed in the axial direction, the imaginary circle The radius having the radius of curvature of the at least one of the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges of the first side.

According to the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect, even when the thickness of the first outer link plate decreases as the total number of sprocket wheels of the sprocket increases, the chain retaining performance can be further improved and the first The strength of an outer chain plate.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, a first outer chain intermediate portion and a first outer chain longitudinal center line. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer chain opening having one of a second outer chain central axis parallel to the first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain central axis is spaced apart from the first outer chain central axis in a longitudinal direction of the first outer chain. The first outer chain intermediate portion interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion. The first outer chain longitudinal centerline is perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis. The first radial distance is defined as being perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the first outer chain from the first outer chain central axis when viewed in an axial direction parallel to one of the first outer chain central axes To the edge of the first outer chain end. The first outer chain intermediate portion has a recess. A second radial distance is defined between the first outer chain central axis and one of the grooves when viewed in an axial direction parallel to one of the first outer chain central axes. The second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect, the strength of the first outer link plate can be increased.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the second radial distance is greater than 4.2 mm.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect, the strength of the first outer link plate can be further improved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect is configured such that the second radial distance is equal to or smaller than 4.75 mm.

According to the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect, the strength of the first outer link plate can be further improved.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end edge and the second outer chain end edge And at least one of the pair of intermediate edges of the first outer chain has a chamfer.

According to the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect, one of the bicycle chains can be shifted smoothly.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion and a first outer chain intermediate portion. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer chain opening having one of a second outer chain central axis parallel to the first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain central axis is spaced apart from the first outer chain central axis in a longitudinal direction of the first outer chain. The first outer chain intermediate portion interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion. The first outer chain end portion, the second outer chain end portion, and the first outer chain intermediate portion define a first outer chain outer peripheral edge. The first outer chain outer peripheral edge includes a first outer chain end edge, a second outer chain end edge, and a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges. The first outer chain end edge extends around the first outer chain end portion. The second outer chain end edge extends around the second outer chain end portion. The pair of first outer chain intermediate edges extend along the first outer chain intermediate portion between the first outer chain end edge and the second outer chain end edge. The first outer chain end edge has a first chamfer extending around the central axis of the first outer chain such that one of the first chamfers is disposed in a circumferential region along the central axis of the first outer chain When viewed in an axial direction, the circumferential region is defined as from a first outer chain longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis to outward from the first outer chain central axis One of the first reference lines extends radially, the circumferential area being less than 90 degrees.

According to the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect, one of the bicycle chains can be shifted smoothly.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the circumferential area is equal to or smaller than 45 degrees.

According to the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect, one of the bicycle chains can be shifted smoothly.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the circumferential area is larger than 0 degrees.

According to the bicycle chain according to the fifteenth aspect, one of the bicycle chains can be shifted smoothly.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that a maximum axial width of one of the first outer link plates is equal to or less than 1 mm .

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the sixteenth aspect, the bicycle chain can be applied to a sprocket having a larger total number of sprocket wheels.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the maximum axial width of the first outer link plate is equal to or greater than 0.7 mm.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect, it is determined that the bicycle chain is applied to one of the total number of sprocket wheels having a larger number of sprocket wheels.

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same element symbol First embodiment

Referring first to Figure 1, a bicycle 10 equipped with a bicycle chain 12 in accordance with a first embodiment is illustrated. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handle B2, a seat B3, and a drive train B4. The drive train B4 is configured to convert the rider's pedaling force into a transmission force. The bicycle chain 12 is part of the drive train B4. The drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, a rear sprocket B6, a front derailleur B7, and a rear derailleur B8. The bicycle crank assembly B5 includes a front sprocket B51. The bicycle crank assembly B5 is rotatably mounted on a bottom bracket of one of the bicycle frames B1 about a central axis of rotation A1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a central axis of rotation A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6 to extend between the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6. Front derailleur B7 and rear derailleur B8 are configured and configured to shift gears by shifting bicycle chain 12 in one of the lateral directions of bicycle 10. The front sprocket B51 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B51. The rear sprocket B6 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B6.

In this application, the following directional terms "before", "after", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "upward" and "down" and any other The term directional term refers to the direction determined by the rider who sits on the seat B3 of the bicycle 10, for example, facing the handlebar B2. Accordingly, such terms are to be interpreted as referring to bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface when used to describe bicycle 10 including bicycle chain 12, as depicted in FIG. These terms, when used to describe bicycle chain 12, should be interpreted as bicycle chain 12 on bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position mounted on a horizontal surface, as depicted in FIG.

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

As seen in FIG. 3, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to one of the bicycle frames B1, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second inner link plate 16. That is, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B51, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second inner link plate 16. In a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1, the first outer link plate 18 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the second outer link plate 20. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1, the second inner link plate 16 may be disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the first inner link plate 14. In a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is mounted to the bicycle frame B1, the second outer link plate 20 is disposed between the bicycle frame B1 and the first outer link plate 18.

As seen in FIG. 3, the first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the first outer link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 16 in the axial direction D1 of the first inner chain center axis CA11. The second inner link plate 16 is disposed between the first inner link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 20 in the axial direction D1. However, the second inner link plate 16 may be disposed between the first outer link plate 18 and the first inner link plate 14 in the axial direction D1. The first inner link plate 14 is disposed between the second outer link plate 20 and the second inner link plate 16 in the axial direction D1.

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

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

The first outer link plate 18 includes a third inner surface 18A and a third outer surface 18B. The third inner surface 18A faces the second outer link plate 20. The third outer surface 18B is disposed on one of the reverse faces of the third inner surface 18A in the axial direction D1.

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

The bicycle chain 12 further includes a first chain pin 22, a second chain pin 24, a first chain roller 26 and a second chain roller 28. An opposite pair of the first inner link plate 14 and the second inner link plate 16 is pivotally coupled to the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer link around the first pivot axis PA1 by the first chain pin 22 One of the plates 20 is opposed to each other. The opposing pairs of the inner link plates 14 and 16 are pivotally coupled to the other pair of the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer link plate 20 by a second chain pin 24 about a second pivot axis PA2. . The first chain pin 22 defines a first pivot axis PA1. The second chain pin 24 defines a second pivot axis PA2. The first chain roller 26 is rotatably mounted to the opposite pair of inner chain plates 14 and 16 about a first pivot axis PA1. The second chain roller 28 is rotatably mounted to the opposite pair of inner chain plates 14 and 16 about a second pivot axis PA2.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle sprocket B51 includes a plurality of first teeth TH1 and a plurality of second teeth TH2. The first tooth TH1 is engaged in an inner chain interval SP1 disposed between the first inner link plate 14 and the second inner link plate 16. The second tooth TH2 is engaged in an outer chain interval SP2 disposed between the first outer link plate 18 and the second outer link plate 20.

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

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

As seen in Figure 6, the first tubular portion 30A encloses the first inner chain opening 36 when viewed along the first inner chain central axis CA11. The second tubular portion 32A surrounds the second inner chain opening 38 when viewed along the second inner chain central axis CA12. The first tubular portion 30A includes a first inner chain opening 36. The second tubular portion 32A includes a second inner chain opening 38.

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

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

As seen in FIG. 3, the third inner chain central axis CA13 extends through the first inner chain opening 36. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 extends through the second inner chain opening 38. The third inner chain center axis CA13 substantially coincides with the first inner chain center axis CA11. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 substantially coincides with the second inner chain central axis CA12. However, the third inner chain center axis CA13 may be offset from the first inner chain center axis CA11. The fourth inner chain central axis CA14 is offset from the second inner chain central axis CA12. The third inner chain end portion 40 is disposed on the downstream side of one of the fourth inner chain end portions 42 in the transmission direction DD.

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

As seen in FIG. 13, the third tubular portion 40A surrounds the third inner chain opening 46 when viewed along the third inner chain central axis CA13. The fourth tubular portion 42A surrounds the fourth inner chain opening 48 when viewed along the fourth inner chain central axis CA14. The third tubular portion 40A includes a third inner chain opening 46. The fourth tubular portion 42A includes a fourth inner chain opening 48.

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

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

As seen in Figure 15, the third inner chain end portion 40, the fourth inner chain end portion 42 and the second inner chain intermediate portion 44 define a second inner chain outer peripheral edge 52. The second inner chain outer peripheral edge 52 includes a third inner chain end edge 52A, a fourth inner chain end edge 52B and a pair of second inner chain intermediate edges 52C. The third inner chain end edge 52A extends around the third inner chain end portion 40. The fourth inner chain end edge 52B extends around the fourth inner chain end portion 42. The second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C extends along the second inner chain intermediate portion 44 between the third inner chain end edge 52A and the fourth inner chain end edge 52B.

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

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

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

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

As seen in Fig. 14, the first inner chain end edge 50A has a first chamfer 50A1 extending around the first inner chain central axis CA11 such that one of the first chamfers 50A1 is partially disposed in a first circumferential area AR11. The first inner link plate 14 includes a first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11. The first circumferential area AR11 is defined from a first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11 to a first reference line RL11 when viewed along the axial direction D1 of the first inner chain central axis CA11. The first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11 is perpendicular to the first inner chain central axis CA11 and the second inner chain central axis CA12. The first reference line RL11 extends radially outward from the first inner chain central axis CA11. The first circumferential area AR11 is less than 14 degrees.

The first chamfer 50A1 overlaps the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The first chamfer 50A1 extends from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C to the other of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C about the first inner chain central axis CA11. The first chamfer 50A1 has a first radial width RW1 defined in a radial direction relative to one of the first inner chain central axes CA11. The first radial width RW1 is substantially constant from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the first radial width RW1 may be non-constant from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11.

The first inner chain end portion 30 has a first minimum radial distance MR11 and a first maximum radial distance MR12. The first minimum radial distance MR11 is defined as a first vertical direction D31 perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21 and the first inner chain central axis CA11 from the first inner chain central axis CA11 to the first inner chain end Edge 50A. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is defined as being from the first inner chain central axis CA11 to the first inner chain end edge 50A in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is equal to or greater than the first minimum radial distance MR11. The first minimum radial distance MR11 is equal to or greater than 4.36 mm. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is preferably 4.75 mm. The first maximum radial distance MR12 is equal to the first maximum distance MD11. However, the dimensional relationship between the first minimum radial distance MR11, the first maximum radial distance MR12, and the first maximum distance MD11 is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in Figure 14, the second inner chain end edge 50B has a second chamfer 50B1 extending around the second inner chain central axis CA12 such that one of the second chamfers 50B1 is partially disposed in a second circumferential area AR12. When viewed along the axial direction D1 of the second inner chain central axis CA12, the second circumferential area AR12 is defined as being from the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11 to a second reference line RL12, and the second reference line RL12 is from the second inner The chain center axis CA12 extends radially outward. The second circumferential area AR12 is less than 14 degrees.

The second chamfer 50B1 overlaps the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second chamfer 50B1 extends from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C to the other of the first inner chain intermediate edge pair 50C about the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second chamfer 50B1 has a second radial width RW2 defined in a radial direction relative to the second inner chain central axis CA12. The second radial width RW2 is substantially constant from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the second radial width RW2 may be non-constant from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal centerline CL11.

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

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

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

The third chamfer 52A1 overlaps the second inner chain longitudinal center line CL12 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The third chamfer 52A1 extends from one of the second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C to the other of the second inner chain intermediate edge pair 52C about the third inner chain central axis CA13. The third chamfer 52A1 has a third radial width RW3 defined in a radial direction relative to the third inner chain central axis CA13. The third radial width RW3 is substantially constant from one of the second inner chain intermediate edge pairs 52C toward the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the third radial width RW3 may be non-constant from one of the second inner chain intermediate edge pairs 52C toward the second inner chain longitudinal centerline CL12.

The third inner chain end portion 40 has a third minimum radial distance MR31 and a third maximum radial distance MR32. The third minimum radial distance MR31 is defined as being from the third inner chain central axis CA13 to the third inner chain end in a third vertical direction D33 perpendicular to the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22 and the third inner chain central axis CA13 Edge 52A. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is defined as from the third inner chain central axis CA13 to the third inner chain end edge 52A in the second inner chain longitudinal direction D22. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is equal to or greater than the third minimum radial distance MR31. The third minimum radial distance MR31 is equal to or greater than 4.36 mm. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is preferably 4.75 mm. The third maximum radial distance MR32 is equal to the third maximum distance MD13. However, the dimensional relationship between the third minimum radial distance MR31, the third maximum radial distance MR32, and the third maximum distance MD13 is not limited to this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

As seen in Figure 16, the second surface 54B is inclined relative to the first surface 54A and the fourth chamfer 52B1. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B are inclined with respect to the second inner surface 16A. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B are disposed between the second inner surface 16A and the second outer surface 16B in the axial direction D1. The first surface 54A and the second surface 54B provide one of the fourth chamfers 52B1.

As seen in Fig. 14, the first chain roller 26 includes a first radially outer circumferential surface 26A and a first radially inner circumferential surface 26B disposed in the radial direction of the first radially outer circumferential surface 26A. When the first chain roller 26 moves toward the first inner chain end portion 30 in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21 until the first radially inner circumferential surface 26B of the first chain roller 26 contacts the first tubular portion 30A, A first extension distance ED11 is defined between the edge of one of the first chamfers 50A1 and a portion of the first radially outer circumferential surface 26A of the first chain roller 26 in the first inner chain longitudinal direction D21. The first extension distance ED11 is in the range from 0.95 mm to 1.1 mm.

As seen in Fig. 3, the first chamfer 50A1 is tilted to fit the first inner chain end portion 30 of the first inner link plate 14 to the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. a silhouette. The second chamfer 50B1 is tilted to fit the second inner chain end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 14 to the contour of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. In addition, since the first maximum distance MD11 is greater than the third maximum distance MD13, the first inner chain end portion 30 of the first inner link plate 14 can be made more suitable when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain interval SP2. One of the two teeth TH2 contours. The above features improve the chain retention performance between the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle chain 12.

As seen in Figures 17-21, the first outer link plate 18 includes a first outer chain end portion 60, a second outer chain end portion 62, and a first outer chain intermediate portion 64. The first outer chain end portion 60 includes a first outer chain opening (a first outer chain circular opening) 66 having a first outer chain central axis CA21. The second outer chain end portion 62 includes a second outer chain opening (a second outer chain circular opening) 68 having a second outer chain central axis CA22. The second outer chain central axis CA22 extends along the first outer chain central axis CA21. In this embodiment, the first outer chain opening 66 is a circular opening and the second outer chain opening 68 is a circular opening. Thus, the first outer chain opening 66 can also refer to a first outer chain circular opening 66. The second outer chain opening 68 can also refer to a second outer chain circular opening 68. The second outer chain central axis CA22 is spaced apart from the first outer chain central axis CA21 in a first outer chain longitudinal direction D41. The first outer chain intermediate portion 64 interconnects the first outer chain end portion 60 and the second outer chain end portion 62. As seen in FIG. 3, the first chain pin 22 extends through the first outer chain opening 66. The second chain pin 24 extends through the second outer chain opening 68. The first outer chain end portion 60 is disposed on the upstream side of one of the second outer chain end portions 62 in the transmission direction DD.

As seen in Figures 22-26, the second outer link plate 20 includes a third outer chain end portion 70, a fourth outer chain end portion 72, and a second outer chain intermediate portion 74. The third outer chain end portion 70 includes a third outer chain opening 76 having a third outer chain central axis CA23. The fourth outer chain end portion 72 includes a fourth outer chain opening 78 having a fourth outer chain central axis CA24. The fourth outer chain central axis CA24 is spaced apart from the third outer chain central axis CA23 in a second outer chain longitudinal direction D42. The second outer chain intermediate portion 74 interconnects the third outer chain end portion 70 and the fourth outer chain end portion 72.

As seen in FIG. 3, the third outer chain central axis CA23 extends through the first outer chain opening 66. The fourth outer chain central axis CA24 extends through the second outer chain opening 68. The third outer chain central axis CA23 substantially coincides with the first outer chain central axis CA21. The fourth outer chain central axis CA24 substantially coincides with the second outer chain central axis CA22. However, the third outer chain central axis CA23 may be offset from the first outer chain central axis CA21. The fourth outer chain central axis CA24 is offset from the second outer chain central axis CA22. The third outer chain end portion 70 is disposed on the upstream side of one of the fourth outer chain end portions 72 in the transmission direction DD.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second outer link plate 20 includes a raised portion 80 extending from the second outer chain intermediate portion 74 toward the first outer chain intermediate portion 64. The convex portion 80 extends from the fourth inner surface 20A toward the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 in the axial direction D1. The first outer chain intermediate portion 64 includes a first outer chain intermediate surface 64A that faces one of the second outer chain intermediate portions 74 in the axial direction D1. The third inner surface 18A includes a first outer chain intermediate surface 64A. The second outer chain intermediate portion 74 includes a second outer chain intermediate surface 74A that faces one of the first outer chain intermediate portions 64 in the axial direction D1. The fourth inner surface 20A includes a second outer chain intermediate surface 74A. The convex portion 80 extends from the second outer chain intermediate surface 74A toward the first outer chain intermediate surface 64A in the axial direction D1.

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

As seen in FIG. 3, the first outer link plate 18 does not have a convex portion extending from the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 toward the second outer chain intermediate portion 74 in the axial direction D1. However, the first outer link plate 18 may include a convex portion 80 like the second outer link plate 20.

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

As seen in FIG. 3, an additional axial distance AD2 is defined from the third inner surface 18A of the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 to the raised portion 80. The additional axial distance AD2 is a maximum axial distance between the third inner surface 18A of the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 and the convex portion 80 in the axial direction D1. The axial distance AD1 is less than the additional axial distance AD2.

The first tooth TH1 has a first axial width TH11 defined in the axial direction D1. The second tooth TH2 has a second axial width TH21 defined in the axial direction D1. The first teeth TH1 and the second teeth TH2 are alternately arranged in the transmission direction DD. The first axial width TH11 is smaller than the axial distance AD1 of the inner chain interval SP1. The second axial width TH21 is greater than the axial distance AD1 of the inner chain spacing SP1 and less than the additional axial distance AD2 of the outer chain spacing SP2.

As seen in Figure 27, the first outer chain end portion 60, the second outer chain end portion 62, and the first outer chain intermediate portion 64 define a first outer outer chain peripheral edge 82. The first outer outer peripheral edge 82 includes a first outer chain end edge 82A, a second outer chain end edge 82B, and a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges 82C. The first outer chain end edge 82A extends around the first outer chain end portion 60. The second outer chain end edge 82B extends around the second outer chain end portion 62. The first outer chain intermediate edge pair 82C extends along a first outer chain intermediate portion 64 between the first outer chain end edge 82A and the second outer chain end edge 82B.

The first outer link plate 18 includes a first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 that is perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis CA21 and the second outer chain central axis CA22. The first outer chain end edge 82A has a first chamfer 82A1 extending around the first outer chain central axis CA21 such that one of the first chamfers 82A1 is partially disposed in a circumferential area AR21 along the first outer chain central axis When viewed in the axial direction D1 of the CA 21, the circumferential area AR21 is defined as a first reference line RL21 extending radially outward from the first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 to the first outer chain center axis CA21. The circumferential area AR21 is less than 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the circumferential area AR21 is equal to or smaller than 45 degrees. The circumferential area AR21 is larger than 0 degrees. However, the circumferential area AR21 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first outer chain end edge 82A has a first additional chamfer 82A2. The first additional chamfer 82A2 is chamfered from the first chamfer 82A1. The first chamfer 82A1 includes a first circumferential end 82A11 and a first additional circumferential end 82A12. The first chamfer 82A1 extends from the first circumferential end 82A11 across the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 to the first additional circumferential end 82A12. The first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 is disposed between the first circumferential end 82A11 and the first additional circumferential end 82A12 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

The first chamfer 82A1 has a first circumferential angle AG21 defined between the first circumferential end 82A11 and the first additional circumferential end 82A12 about the first outer chain central axis CA21. The first additional chamfer 82A2 has a first additional circumferential angle AG22 defined between the opposite ends of the first additional chamfer 82A2 about the first outer chain central axis CA21. The first circumferential angle AG21 is greater than the first additional circumferential angle AG22. However, the first circumferential angle AG21 may be equal to or smaller than the first additional circumferential angle AG22. Both the first chamfer 82A1 and the first additional chamfer 82A2 are disposed on the third outer surface 18B. At least one of the first chamfer 82A1 and the first additional chamfer 82A2 may be omitted from the first outer chain end edge 82A.

The second outer chain end edge 82B has a second chamfer 82B1 extending around the second outer chain central axis CA22 such that one of the second chamfers 82B1 is partially disposed in a circumferential area AR22 when viewed in the axial direction D1 The circumferential area AR22 is defined as a second reference line RL22 extending radially outward from the first outer chain longitudinal centerline CL21 to the second outer chain central axis CA22. The circumferential area AR22 is less than 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the circumferential area AR22 is equal to or smaller than 45 degrees. The circumferential area AR22 is greater than 0 degrees. However, the circumferential area AR22 is not limited to this embodiment.

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

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

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

The second outer link plate 20 includes a second outer chain longitudinal center line CL22 that is perpendicular to the third outer chain central axis CA23 and the fourth outer chain central axis CA24. The third outer chain end edge 84A has a third chamfer 84A1 extending around the third outer chain central axis CA23. The third outer chain end edge 84A has a third additional chamfer 84A2. The third additional chamfer 84A2 is chamfered from the third chamfer 84A1. The third chamfer 84A1 has a third circumferential angle AG31 defined between the opposite ends of the third chamfer 84A1 about the third outer chain central axis CA23. The third additional chamfer 84A2 has a third additional circumferential angle AG32 defined between the opposite ends of the third additional chamfer 84A2 about the third outer chain central axis CA23. The third circumferential angle AG31 is greater than the third additional circumferential angle AG32. However, the third circumferential angle AG31 may be equal to or smaller than the third additional circumferential angle AG32. Both the third chamfer 84A1 and the third additional chamfer 84A2 are disposed on the fourth outer surface 20B. At least one of the third chamfer 84A1 and the third additional chamfer 84A2 may be omitted from the third outer chain end edge 84A.

The fourth outer chain end edge 84B has a fourth chamfer 84B1 extending around the fourth outer chain central axis CA24. The fourth outer chain end edge 84B has a fourth additional chamfer 84B2. The fourth additional chamfer 84B2 is chamfered from the fourth chamfer 84B1. The fourth chamfer 84B1 has a fourth circumferential angle AG33 defined between the opposite ends of the fourth chamfer 84B1 about the fourth outer chain central axis CA24. The fourth additional chamfer 84B2 has a fourth additional circumferential angle AG34 defined between the opposite ends of the fourth additional chamfer 84B2 about the fourth outer chain central axis CA24. The fourth circumferential angle AG33 is greater than the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. However, the fourth circumferential angle AG33 may be equal to or smaller than the fourth additional circumferential angle AG34. Both the fourth chamfer 84B1 and the fourth additional chamfer 84B2 are disposed on the fourth outer surface 20B. At least one of the fourth chamfer 84B1 and the fourth additional chamfer 84B2 may be omitted from the fourth outer chain end edge 84B.

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

As seen in Fig. 29, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the front sprocket B51, the first outer chain end portion 30 overlaps with the second tooth TH2 of the front sprocket B51 when viewed in the axial direction D1. To provide an overlapping area OA1. The overlap area OA1 has a maximum circumferential length OA1A equal to or greater than 0.45 mm. The maximum circumferential length OA1A is equal to or less than 3 mm.

In a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the sprocket (for example, the front sprocket B51), when viewed in the axial direction D1, the second outer chain end portion 32 and the sprocket (for example, the front sprocket B51) A tooth TH1 overlaps to provide an overlap area OA2. The overlap area OA2 has a maximum circumferential length OA2A equal to or greater than 0.45 mm. The maximum circumferential length OA2A is equal to or less than 3 mm.

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

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

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

As seen in FIGS. 32 and 33, the first inner link plate 214 has a structure substantially the same as that of the first inner link plate 14 of the first embodiment. As seen in Fig. 34, the first inner chain end edge 50A has a first chamfer 250A1 extending around the first inner chain central axis CA11 such that one of the first chamfers 250A1 is partially disposed in the first circumferential area AR11. The first chamfer 250A1 has a first radial width RW21 defined in a radial direction relative to one of the first inner chain central axes CA11. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the first radial width RW21 increases from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11.

As seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, the second inner link plate 216 has a structure substantially the same as that of the first inner link plate 214. As seen in Fig. 32, the second inner chain end edge 50B has a second chamfer 250B1 extending around the first inner chain central axis CA11 such that one of the second chamfers 250B1 is partially disposed in the first circumferential area AR11. The second chamfer 250B1 has a second radial width RW22 defined in a radial direction relative to the second inner chain central axis CA12. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second chamfer 250B1 increases from one of the first inner chain intermediate edge pairs 50C toward the first inner chain longitudinal center line CL11.

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

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

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

The second outer chain end edge 282B has a second chamfer 82B1 extending around the second outer chain central axis CA22 such that one of the second chamfers 82B1 is partially disposed in the circumferential area AR22, as viewed in the axial direction D1, the circumference The area AR22 is defined from the first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 to the second reference line RL22. In this embodiment, the second additional chamfer 82B2 is omitted from the second outer chain end edge 282B.

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

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

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

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

As seen in FIG. 40, when viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one first outer chain straight edge portion 282A1 and at least one second outer chain straight edge portion 282B1 are tangent to a virtual circle VC1, and the virtual circle VC1 has the same A radius of the radius of curvature CR21 of at least one of the outer chain intermediate edge pair 282C. The first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21 divides the first outer link plate 218 into a first side SD1 and a first side SD2 opposite to the first side SD1 with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal center line CL21. When viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one first outer chain straight edge portion 282A1 of the first side SD1 and at least one second outer chain straight edge portion 282B1 of the first side SD1 are tangent to the virtual circle VC1, and the virtual circle VC1 A radius having a radius of curvature CR21 equal to at least one of the first outer chain intermediate edge pair 282C of the first side SD1.

As seen in Figure 41, a first outer chain intermediate portion 264 has a recess 264R. The groove 264R is disposed on the third inner surface 18A. A second radial distance MR222 is defined between one of the first outer chain central axis CA21 and one of the grooves 264R when viewed in an axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA21. The second radial distance MR222 is greater than the first radial distance MR221. The second radial distance MR222 is greater than 4.2 mm. The second radial distance MR222 is equal to or less than 4.75 mm. In this embodiment, the second radial distance MR222 is 4.71 mm. However, the second radial distance MR222 may be equal to or smaller than the first radial distance MR221. The second radial distance MR222 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

A second additional radial distance MR224 is defined between the boundary of the second outer chain central axis CA22 and the groove 264R when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second additional radial distance MR 224 is greater than the first additional radial distance MR 223 . The second additional radial distance MR224 is greater than 4.2 mm. The second additional radial distance MR224 is equal to or less than 4.75 mm. In this embodiment, the second additional radial distance MR224 is 4.71 mm. However, the second additional radial distance MR 224 may be equal to or less than the first additional radial distance MR 223. The second additional radial distance MR224 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

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

As seen in FIGS. 43 and 44, the second outer link plate 220 has a structure substantially the same as that of the first outer link plate 218. The second outer link plate 220 includes a third outer chain end portion 270, a fourth outer chain end portion 272, and a second outer chain intermediate portion 274. The third outer chain end portion 270 has a structure that is substantially identical to the structure of the first outer chain end portion 260. The fourth outer chain end portion 272 has a structure substantially the same as the structure of the second outer chain end portion 262. The second outer chain intermediate portion 274 has a structure that is substantially identical to the structure of the first outer chain intermediate portion 264. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the second outer link plate 220 will not be described in detail herein.

As seen in Fig. 31, the first chamfer 250A1 is tilted to fit the first inner chain end portion 30 of the first inner link plate 214 to the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. a silhouette. The second chamfer 250B1 is tilted to fit the second inner chain end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 214 to the contour of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. The third chamfer 252A1 is tilted to fit the third inner chain end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 216 to the contour of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. The fourth chamfer 252B1 is tilted to fit the fourth inner chain end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 216 to the contour of the second tooth TH2 when the second tooth TH2 is engaged in the outer chain spacing SP2. The above features improve the chain retention performance between the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle chain 212. Third embodiment

A bicycle chain 312 according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 45 to 47. In addition to the first inner link plate 214, the bicycle chain 312 has the same structure as the structure of the bicycle chain 212. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same element symbols, and the elements will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

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

As seen in Fig. 46, the first inner link plate 314 has a structure substantially the same as that of the first inner link plate 214 of the second embodiment. The first inner chain end edge 50A has a first chamfer 50A1 extending around the first inner chain central axis CA11 such that one of the first chamfers 50A1 is partially disposed in the first circumferential area AR11.

As seen in Figure 47, the first inner chain end portion 30 can have a portion having a circular shape. In this embodiment, the first inner chain end portion 30 has a first radial distance MR311 defined from a first inner chain central axis CA11 to a first inner chain end edge 50A. The first radial distance MR311 is equal to or greater than 4.36 mm. Fourth embodiment

A bicycle chain 412 according to a fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 48 and 49. In addition to the second inner link plate 216, the bicycle chain 412 has the same structure as the structure of the bicycle chain 212. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same element symbols, and the elements will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

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

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

The term "comprise" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be an open-ended term that specifically refers to the presence of the recited features, components, components, groups, and/or steps, but does not exclude other features that are not stated. , components, components, groups, entities, and/or steps. This concept also applies to terms that have similar meanings, such as the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

The terms "component", "section", "part", "part", "component", "body" and "structure" used in the singular can have the meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" described in this application are merely identifiers and do not have any other meanings (such as a particular order and the like). Further, for example, the term "first element" itself does not implicitly have a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not implicitly have a "first element."

As used herein, the term "a pair" encompasses, in addition to a configuration in which a pair of elements have the same shape or configuration as one another, a configuration in which the pair of elements have shapes or structures different from each other.

In this document, the terms "a", "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably.

Finally, as used herein, terms such as "substantially", "about" and "substantially" mean a reasonable amount of deviation of one of the modified terms that does not cause a significant change in the final result. All numerical values described in this application are to be interpreted as including terms such as "substantially", "about" and "substantially".

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

10‧‧‧Bicycle

12‧‧‧Bicycle chain

14‧‧‧First inner chain plate

14A‧‧‧First inner surface

14B‧‧‧First outer surface

16‧‧‧Second inner chain plate

16A‧‧‧Second inner surface

16B‧‧‧Second outer surface

18‧‧‧First outer chain plate

18A‧‧‧ Third inner surface

18B‧‧‧ third outer surface

20‧‧‧Second outer chain plate

20A‧‧‧4th inner surface

20B‧‧‧Four outer surface

22‧‧‧First chain

24‧‧‧Second chain

26‧‧‧First chain roller

26A‧‧‧First radial outer circumferential surface

26B‧‧‧First radial inner circumferential surface

28‧‧‧Second chain roller

30‧‧‧First inner chain end section

30A‧‧‧First tubular part

32‧‧‧Second inner chain end section

32A‧‧‧Second tubular part

34‧‧‧The middle part of the first inner chain

34A‧‧‧ recessed part

36‧‧‧First inner chain opening

38‧‧‧Second inner chain opening

40‧‧‧ Third inner chain end section

40A‧‧‧The third tubular part

42‧‧‧4nd inner chain end section

42A‧‧‧fourth tubular part

44‧‧‧The middle part of the second inner chain

44A‧‧‧ recessed part

46‧‧‧ Third internal chain opening

48‧‧‧4th inner chain opening

50‧‧‧First inner chain outer peripheral edge

50A‧‧‧First inner chain end edge

50A1‧‧‧First chamfer

50B‧‧‧Second inner chain end edge

50B1‧‧‧second chamfer

50C‧‧‧The middle edge of the first inner chain

52‧‧‧Second inner outer peripheral edge

52A‧‧‧3rd inner chain end edge

52A1‧‧‧third chamfer

52B‧‧‧4th inner chain end edge

52B1‧‧‧fourth chamfer

52C‧‧‧The middle edge of the second inner chain

54‧‧‧stepped part

54A‧‧‧ first surface

54B‧‧‧ second surface

60‧‧‧First outer chain end section

62‧‧‧Second outer chain end section

64‧‧‧The middle part of the first outer chain

64A‧‧‧First outer chain intermediate surface

66‧‧‧First outer chain opening

68‧‧‧Second outer chain opening

70‧‧‧ Third outer chain end section

72‧‧‧Four outer chain end section

74‧‧‧The middle part of the second outer chain

74A‧‧‧Second outer chain intermediate surface

76‧‧‧ Third outer chain opening

78‧‧‧Four outer chain opening

80‧‧‧ protruding parts

82‧‧‧The outer outer edge of the first outer chain

82A‧‧‧First outer chain end edge

82A1‧‧‧First chamfer

82A2‧‧‧First extra chamfer

82A11‧‧‧First circumferential end

82A12‧‧‧First extra circumferential end

82B‧‧‧Second outer chain end edge

82B1‧‧‧second chamfer

82B2‧‧‧Second additional chamfer

82B11‧‧‧second circumferential end

82B12‧‧‧Second additional circumferential end

82C‧‧‧ the middle edge of the first outer chain

84‧‧‧The outer outer edge of the second outer chain

84A‧‧‧3rd outer chain end edge

84A1‧‧‧third chamfer

84A2‧‧‧ third extra chamfer

84B‧‧‧Four outer chain end edge

84B1‧‧‧fourth chamfer

84B2‧‧‧fourth additional chamfer

84C‧‧‧ the middle edge of the second outer chain

212‧‧‧Bicycle chain

214‧‧‧First inner chain plate

216‧‧‧Second inner chain plate

218‧‧‧First outer chain plate

220‧‧‧Second outer chain plate

250A1‧‧‧First chamfer

250B1‧‧‧second chamfer

252A1‧‧‧third chamfer

252B1‧‧‧ fourth chamfer

260‧‧‧First outer chain end section

262‧‧‧Second outer chain end section

264‧‧‧The middle part of the first outer chain

264R‧‧‧ Groove

270‧‧‧ Third outer chain end section

272‧‧‧Four outer chain end section

274‧‧‧The middle part of the second outer chain

282‧‧‧The outer outer edge of the first outer chain

282A‧‧‧First outer chain end edge

282A1‧‧‧The first outer chain straight edge part

282A2‧‧‧The first outer chain curved edge part

282B‧‧‧Second outer chain end edge

282B1‧‧‧Second outer chain straight edge part

282B2‧‧‧The second outer chain curved edge part

282C‧‧‧ the middle edge of the first outer chain

312‧‧‧Bicycle chain

314‧‧‧First inner chain plate

412‧‧‧Bicycle chain

416‧‧‧Second inner chain plate

A1‧‧‧Rotation center axis

A2‧‧‧Rotation center axis

AD1‧‧‧ axial distance

AD2‧‧‧ additional axial distance

AG21‧‧‧first circumferential angle

AG22‧‧‧First extra circumferential angle

AG23‧‧‧second circumference angle

AG24‧‧‧Second extra circumference

AG31‧‧‧ Third circumferential angle

AG32‧‧‧3rd additional circumferential angle

AG33‧‧‧4th circumference angle

AG34‧‧‧4th additional circumferential angle

AP1‧‧‧ outstanding amount

AR11‧‧‧First circumferential area

AR12‧‧‧Second circumference area

AR13‧‧‧ third circumferential area

AR14‧‧‧ fourth circumferential area

AR21‧‧‧circular area

AR22‧‧‧circular area

B1‧‧‧Bicycle frame

B2‧‧‧handle

B3‧‧‧ seat

B4‧‧‧ drive train

B5‧‧‧Bicycle crank assembly

B6‧‧‧After sprocket/bicycle sprocket

B7‧‧‧Front transmission

B8‧‧‧ Rear derailleur

B51‧‧‧Front sprocket/bicycle sprocket

CA11‧‧‧First inner chain central axis

CA12‧‧‧Second inner chain central axis

CA13‧‧‧ third inner chain central axis

CA14‧‧‧4th inner chain center axis

CA21‧‧‧first outer chain central axis

CA22‧‧‧Second outer chain central axis

CA23‧‧‧ third outer chain central axis

CA24‧‧‧fourth outer chain center axis

CL11‧‧‧First inner chain longitudinal centerline

CL12‧‧‧Second inner chain longitudinal centerline

CL21‧‧‧First outer chain longitudinal centerline

CL22‧‧‧Second outer chain longitudinal centerline

CR21‧‧‧ radius of curvature

D1‧‧‧ axial direction

D21‧‧‧First inner chain longitudinal direction

D22‧‧‧Second inner chain longitudinal direction

D31‧‧‧First vertical direction

D32‧‧‧second vertical direction

D33‧‧‧ third vertical direction

D34‧‧‧ fourth vertical direction

D41‧‧‧First outer chain longitudinal direction

D42‧‧‧Second outer chain longitudinal direction

D51‧‧‧Vertical direction

DD‧‧‧Drive direction

ED11‧‧‧First extension distance

MAW1‧‧‧Maximum axial width

MD11‧‧‧first maximum distance

MD12‧‧‧ second maximum distance

MD13‧‧‧ third maximum distance

MD14‧‧‧ fourth maximum distance

MD221‧‧‧Minimum distance

ML11‧‧‧ first maximum length

ML12‧‧‧ second maximum length

MR11‧‧‧First minimum radial distance

MR12‧‧‧first maximum radial distance

MR21‧‧‧Second minimum radial distance

MR22‧‧‧ second maximum radial distance

MR31‧‧‧ third minimum radial distance

MR32‧‧‧ third maximum radial distance

MR41‧‧‧ fourth minimum radial distance

MR42‧‧‧ fourth maximum radial distance

MR221‧‧‧First radial distance

MR222‧‧‧second radial distance

MR223‧‧‧First extra radial distance

MR224‧‧‧Second additional radial distance

MR311‧‧‧First radial distance

OA1‧‧‧ overlapping area

OA1A‧‧‧Maximum circumferential length

OA2‧‧‧ overlapping area

OA2A‧‧‧Maximum circumferential length

PA1‧‧‧ first pivot axis

PA2‧‧‧second pivot axis

RL11‧‧‧ first reference line

RL12‧‧‧second reference line

RL13‧‧‧ third reference line

RL14‧‧‧ fourth reference line

RL21‧‧‧ first reference line

RL22‧‧‧second reference line

RW1‧‧‧first radial width

RW2‧‧‧second radial width

RW3‧‧‧ third radial width

RW4‧‧‧4th radial width

RW21‧‧‧First radial width

RW22‧‧‧second radial width

SD1‧‧‧ first side

SD2‧‧‧ second side

SP1‧‧‧Internal chain spacing

SP2‧‧‧ outer chain spacing

T11‧‧‧First axial thickness

T12‧‧‧second axial thickness

T21‧‧‧ Third axial thickness

T22‧‧‧4th axial thickness

TH1‧‧‧first tooth

TH2‧‧‧second tooth

TH11‧‧‧First axial width

TH21‧‧‧Second axial width

VC1‧‧‧ imaginary circle

The invention and its many attendant advantages will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the appended claims.

1 is a side view of a bicycle having a drive train using one of the bicycle chains according to a first embodiment.

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

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

4 is a perspective view of one of the first inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in FIG. 1.

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

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

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

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

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one of the second inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

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

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

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

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

Figure 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the first inner link plates of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 15 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the second inner link plates of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of one of the inner link plates taken along line XVI-XVI of Figure 13.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of one of the first outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

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

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

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

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

Figure 22 is a perspective view of one of the second outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

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

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

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

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

Figure 27 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the first outer link plates of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

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

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

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

Figure 31 is a partial plan view of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 30.

32 is a perspective view of one of the first inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in FIG.

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

Figure 34 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the first inner link plates of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 31.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of one of the second inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 31.

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

37 is a perspective view of one of the first outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 43 is a perspective view of one of the second outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 31.

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

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

Figure 46 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the first inner link plates of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 45.

Figure 47 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the first inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains in accordance with one of the modifications of the third embodiment.

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

Figure 49 is an enlarged side elevational view of one of the second inner link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 48.

Claims (17)

A bicycle chain comprising: a first outer chain plate comprising: a first outer chain end portion comprising a first outer chain circular opening having a first outer chain central axis; a second outer a chain end portion comprising a second outer chain circular opening having a second outer chain central axis parallel to one of the first outer chain central axes, the second outer chain central axis being in a first outer chain longitudinal direction Upper spaced apart from the central axis of the first outer chain; a first outer chain intermediate portion interconnecting the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion, the first outer chain end portion The second outer chain end portion and the first outer chain intermediate portion define a first outer chain outer peripheral edge, the first outer chain outer peripheral edge comprising: a first outer chain end edge surrounding the first An outer chain end portion extends; a second outer chain end edge extending around the second outer chain end portion; and a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges along the edge of the first outer chain end The first outer chain intermediate portion between the second outer chain end edges extends; and a first An outer longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis, a first radial distance when viewed in an axial direction parallel to one of the first outer chain central axes Defining a vertical distance from the first outer chain central axis to the first outer chain end edge in a direction perpendicular to one of the longitudinal centerlines of the first outer chain, a minimum distance defined as being in the pair in the vertical direction Between the intermediate edges of the first outer chain, the minimum distance is less than 200% of the first radial distance, the minimum distance being equal to or greater than 5 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the minimum distance is equal to or less than 8 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the minimum distance is equal to or greater than 121% of the first radial distance. The bicycle chain of claim 3, wherein the minimum distance is equal to or less than 190% of the first radial distance. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges has a radius of curvature equal to or greater than 8.2 mm. A bicycle chain according to claim 5, wherein the radius of curvature is equal to or smaller than 12 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 5, wherein the first outer chain end edge comprises at least one first outer chain straight edge portion and at least one first outer chain curved edge portion, the second outer chain end edge comprising at least one a second outer chain straight edge portion and at least one second outer chain curved edge portion, and when viewed in the axial direction, the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion and one The imaginary circle is tangent, the imaginary circle having a radius equal to the radius of curvature of the at least one of the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges. The bicycle chain of claim 7, wherein the first outer chain longitudinal center line divides the first outer link plate pair into a first side and is opposite to the first side with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal center line a second side, and the at least one first outer chain straight edge portion of the first side and the at least one second outer chain straight edge portion of the first side and the imaginary circle phase when viewed in the axial direction And the imaginary circle has the radius equal to the radius of curvature of the at least one of the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges of the first side. A bicycle chain comprising: a first outer chain plate comprising: a first outer chain end portion comprising a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis; a second outer chain end a portion including a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain central axis parallel to a central axis of the first outer chain, the second outer chain central axis being in a first outer chain longitudinal direction and the first An outer chain central axis is spaced apart; a first outer chain intermediate portion interconnecting the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion; and a first outer chain longitudinal centerline, vertical a first radial distance defined perpendicular to the first when viewed along an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the first outer chain, the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis One of the longitudinal centerlines of the outer chain is perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis to the first outer chain end edge, and the first outer chain intermediate portion has a groove when parallel to the first outer chain center When one of the axes is viewed in the axial direction, a second radial distance is defined Between the first outer chain to the central axis of one of the recess boundary, the second radial distance greater than the first radial distance. The bicycle chain of claim 9, wherein the second radial distance is greater than 4.2 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 9, wherein the second radial distance is equal to or less than 4.75 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first outer chain end edge, the second outer chain end edge, and the pair of first outer chain intermediate edges have a chamfer. A bicycle chain comprising: a first outer chain plate comprising: a first outer chain end portion comprising a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis; a second outer chain end a portion including a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain central axis parallel to a central axis of the first outer chain, the second outer chain central axis being in a first outer chain longitudinal direction and the first An outer chain central axis is spaced apart; and a first outer chain intermediate portion interconnecting the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion, the first outer chain end portion, the first The second outer chain end portion and the first outer chain intermediate portion define a first outer chain outer peripheral edge, the first outer chain outer peripheral edge comprising: a first outer chain end edge surrounding the first outer chain An end portion extending; a second outer chain end edge extending around the second outer chain end portion; a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges along the first outer chain end edge and the second outer The first outer chain intermediate portion between the end edges of the chain extends, and the first outer chain end The rim has a first chamfer extending around the central axis of the first outer chain such that one of the first chamfers is disposed in a circumferential region when viewed along an axial direction of one of the central axes of the first outer chain The circumferential region is defined as one from a first outer chain longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis to a radially outward direction from the first outer chain central axis. The reference line has a circumferential area of less than 90 degrees. The bicycle chain of claim 13, wherein the circumferential area is equal to or less than 45 degrees. The bicycle chain of claim 13, wherein the circumferential area is greater than 0 degrees. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein one of the first outer link plates has a maximum axial width equal to or less than 1 mm. The bicycle chain of claim 16, wherein the maximum axial width of the first outer link plate is equal to or greater than 0.7 mm.