TW202007585A - Bicycle chain providing a bicycle chain having excellent shifting performance - Google Patents

Abstract

A subject of the present invention is that there is room for improvement in shifting performance. The present invention provides a bicycle chain having excellent shifting performance. The bicycle chain of this invention includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bushing, and a pin. The second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion offsets, at least in part, toward the axial center plane of the bicycle chain with respect to the second inner link surface of the first inner link intermediate portion in a way that a first axial gap is formed between the second inner link surface of the first inner link end portion and the first outer link surface of the first outer link end portion on at least one of the first inner link axial direction and the first outer link axial direction.

Description

Bicycle chain

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to bicycle chains. A pair of inner chain plates of the chain is combined by a bush. Insert and combine a pin of the outer chain plate into the bushing. [Prior Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Literature 1] Specification of US Patent No. 4642078

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, the previous bicycle chain still has room for improvement in shifting performance. The invention proposes a bicycle chain with excellent shifting performance. [Technical means to solve the problem]

The first aspect according to the present invention is a bicycle chain including a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin, and the above-mentioned first 1 The inner chain plate includes: the first inner chain end including the first inner chain opening having the first inner chain center axis; the second inner chain end including the first inner chain center axis parallel The second inner chain opening of the center axis of the extended second inner chain; the first inner chain intermediate portion connecting the first inner chain end and the second inner chain end; the first inner chain surface; and the second An inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; and the second inner chain plate includes: a third inner chain end, It includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain center axis; a fourth inner chain end portion including a fourth inner chain center axis extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis Chain opening; the second inner chain middle portion connecting the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; the third inner chain surface, which is configured in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 1 The inner chain axially faces the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate; and the fourth inner chain surface, which is disposed on the second inner chain axially related to the center axis of the third inner chain in the axial direction of the second inner chain 3 The opposite side of the inner chain surface; and the first outer chain plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner chain plate without interposing other inner chain plates or other outer chain plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain The first outer chain plate includes: a first outer chain end including a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain center axis; a second outer chain end including a first outer chain center axis The second outer chain opening of the center axis of the second outer chain extending parallel; the first outer chain intermediate portion connecting the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end; the first outer chain surface; and the first 2 The outer chain surface, which is disposed on the opposite side to the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain relative to the center axis of the first outer chain; and the second outer chain plate is configured to be In the assembled state, it is adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates. The second outer link plate includes: a third outer link end, which includes a third outer link center The third outer chain opening of the axis; the fourth outer chain end, which includes a fourth outer chain opening having a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis; the second outer chain middle Part, which connects the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; the third outer chain surface is configured to face the first outer chain in the axial direction of the first outer chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 1 the first outer chain surface of the outer chain plate; and the fourth outer chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third outer chain surface in the axial direction of the second outer chain related to the center axis of the third outer chain; and The bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the pin is configured in the assembled state of the bicycle chain , Inserted into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening, and through Through the bushing opening, the second inner chain surface of the first inner chain end is on at least one of the first inner chain axial direction and the first outer chain axial direction, on the first inner chain A first axial gap is formed between the second inner chain surface at the end and the first outer chain surface at the end of the first outer chain, relative to the second inner chain at the middle portion of the first inner chain At least a part of the surface is offset toward the axial center surface of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the first aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the axial gap is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the second aspect of the first aspect, the fourth inner chain surface of the third inner chain end is between the second inner chain axial direction and the second outer chain axial direction In at least one, a second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner chain surface of the third inner chain end and the third outer chain surface of the third outer chain end, relative to the first 2 At least a part of the fourth inner chain surface at the middle portion of the inner chain is shifted toward the axial center surface of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the second aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bushing structure, and the axial chain is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the third aspect of the first or second aspect, the first axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the third aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and by forming the axial gap, the bicycle chain is easily flexed, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the fourth aspect of the second aspect, the second axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the fourth aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bushing structure, and the formation of the axial gap facilitates the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the fifth aspect of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain to the above during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain Buckling in at least one of the first inner chain axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the second outer chain axial direction. According to the fifth aspect of the bicycle chain described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the axial gap is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the sixth aspect of the second or fourth aspect, the second axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the second outer chain axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the sixth aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the axial chain is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first inner chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain, and is relative to the first inner chain The longitudinal centerline of the first inner chain extending vertically in the longitudinal centerline, the first inner chain distance is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain relative to the centerline of the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain, the first The distance between the center axis of the inner chain and the center axis of the second inner chain, the second inner chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain, and extends perpendicular to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain The center line of the second inner chain in the horizontal direction, the second inner chain distance is defined as the second inner chain longitudinal direction related to the center line of the second inner chain longitudinal direction, the center axis of the third inner chain is the same as the above The distance between the center axis of the fourth inner chain, each of the first inner chain distance and the second inner chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. According to the seventh aspect of the bicycle chain described above, since it has excellent driving efficiency, it is more suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the eighth aspect of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first outer link plate has a longitudinal centerline of the first outer link, and is relative to the first outer link The longitudinal centerline of the first outer chain extending vertically in the longitudinal centerline, the first outer chain distance is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain relative to the centerline of the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain, the first The distance between the center axis of the outer chain and the center axis of the second outer chain, the second outer chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain, and extends perpendicular to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain The center line of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction, the second outer chain distance is defined as the second outer chain longitudinal direction related to the center line of the second outer chain longitudinal direction, the center axis of the third outer chain is the same as the above The distance between the center axes of the fourth outer chain, each of the first outer chain distance and the second outer chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. According to the eighth aspect of the bicycle chain described above, since it has excellent driving efficiency, it is more suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain complying with the ninth aspect of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the pin has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. According to the ninth aspect of the bicycle chain described above, since the pin hole can be reduced, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the outer chain plate and the inner chain plate.

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

In the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect of any one of the first to tenth aspects, the axial concave portion is provided in the first inner chain surface of the middle portion of the first inner chain and the second inner portion At least one of the third inner chain faces in the middle of the chain. According to the eleventh aspect of the bicycle chain described above, even if the width of the chain is reduced due to the multi-stage bicycle rear sprocket assembly, the axial link can be formed to engage the sprocket teeth between the inner chain plates The space needed.

In the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, at least one chamfered portion is provided on the first inner chain plate, the second inner chain plate, the first At least one of the outer link plate and the second outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the twelfth aspect described above, the shiftability of the bicycle chain is improved.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain including a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin, the first The inner chain plate includes: a first inner chain end including a first inner chain opening having a first inner chain center axis; a second inner chain end including a first inner chain center axis extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis The second inner chain opening of the center axis of the second inner chain; the middle part of the first inner chain connecting the end of the first inner chain and the end of the second inner chain; the first inner chain surface; and the second inner A chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; and the second inner chain plate includes: a third inner chain end, which Contains a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain center axis; a fourth inner chain end, which includes a fourth inner chain having a fourth inner chain center axis extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis Opening; the second inner chain intermediate portion, which connects the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; the third inner chain surface, which is configured in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, in the first The inner chain axially faces the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate; and the fourth inner chain surface, which is disposed on the second inner chain axis related to the center axis of the third inner chain in the axial direction of the second inner chain The opposite side of the inner chain surface; and the first outer chain plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner chain plate without interposing other inner chain plates or other outer chain plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 1 The outer link plate includes: a first outer link end including a first outer link opening having a first outer link center axis; a second outer link end including a parallel to the above first link center axis The second outer chain opening of the extended second outer chain center axis; the first outer chain intermediate portion connecting the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end; the first outer chain surface; and the second The outer chain surface is disposed on the opposite side of the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain relative to the center axis of the first outer chain; and the second outer chain plate is configured to be assembled with the bicycle chain In the state, it is adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates. The second outer link plate includes: a third outer link end, which includes a third outer link center axis The third outer chain opening of the core; the fourth outer chain end, which includes the fourth outer chain opening having a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis; the second outer chain middle portion , Which connects the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; the third outer chain surface is configured to face the first axial direction of the first outer chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain The first outer chain surface of the outer chain plate; and the fourth outer chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third outer chain surface in the axial direction of the second outer chain related to the center axis of the third outer chain; and The bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and the pin is configured in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, Insert into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening, and pass Through the bushing opening, a first axial gap is formed in the second inner chain surface and the first inner chain end of the first inner chain end at least one of the first inner chain axial direction and the first outer chain axial direction. 1 Between the first outer chain surfaces at the end of the outer chain, the first axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the thirteenth aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and by forming the axial gap, the bicycle chain is easily flexed and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the fourteenth aspect of the thirteenth aspect, the second axial gap is formed on the third inner chain of at least one of the second inner chain axial direction and the second outer chain axial direction Between the fourth inner chain surface at the end and the third outer chain surface at the third outer chain end, the second axial gap falls within a range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the 14th aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the axial chain is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the fifteenth aspect of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the first axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the second outer chain axial direction. According to the bicycle chain of the fifteenth aspect described above, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and the axial chain is formed to facilitate the deflection of the bicycle chain, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the sixteenth aspect of the fourteenth aspect, the second axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the axial direction of the first inner chain during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain, Buckling on at least one of the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the second outer chain axial direction. According to the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect of the bicycle chain, the wear resistance is improved by the bush structure, and by forming the axial gap, the bicycle chain is easily flexed, and the transmission performance is excellent.

In the bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect of any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the first inner chain plate has a longitudinal centerline of the first inner chain, and is relative to the first inner chain The longitudinal centerline of the first inner chain extending vertically in the longitudinal centerline, the first inner chain distance is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain relative to the centerline of the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain, the first The distance between the center axis of the inner chain and the center axis of the second inner chain, the second inner chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain, and extends perpendicular to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain The center line of the second inner chain in the horizontal direction, the second inner chain distance is defined as the second inner chain longitudinal direction related to the center line of the second inner chain longitudinal direction, the center axis of the third inner chain is the same as the above The distance between the center axis of the fourth inner chain, each of the first inner chain distance and the second inner chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. According to the bicycle chain of the 17th aspect described above, since it has excellent driving efficiency, it is more suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain according to the eighteenth aspect of any one of the thirteenth to seventeenth aspects, the first outer link plate has a longitudinal centerline of the first outer link, and is opposite to the first outer link The longitudinal centerline of the first outer chain extending vertically in the longitudinal centerline, the first outer chain distance is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain relative to the centerline of the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain, the first The distance between the center axis of the outer chain and the center axis of the second outer chain, the second outer chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain, and extends perpendicular to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain The center line of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction, the second outer chain distance is defined as the second outer chain longitudinal direction related to the center line of the second outer chain longitudinal direction, the center axis of the third outer chain is the same as the above The distance between the center axes of the fourth outer chain, each of the first outer chain distance and the second outer chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. According to the above-mentioned eighteenth aspect of the bicycle chain, since it has excellent driving efficiency, it is more suitable for a chain for power transmission between sprockets of a bicycle.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the 19th aspect of any of the 13th to 18th aspects, the pin has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. According to the bicycle chain of the 19th aspect described above, since the pin hole can be reduced, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the outer chain plate and the inner chain plate.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the 20th aspect of the 19th aspect, the outer diameter of the pin is 2.5 mm or more. According to the bicycle chain of the 20th aspect described above, the rigidity of the pin can be ensured.

In the bicycle chain according to the 21st aspect of any one of the 13th to 20th aspects, the axial concave portion is provided in the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion and the second inner portion At least one of the third inner chain faces in the middle of the chain. According to the bicycle chain of the 21st aspect described above, even if the width of the chain is reduced due to the multi-stage bicycle rear sprocket assembly, it is possible to obtain meshing between the inner chain plates and the sprocket teeth by forming an axial recess The space needed.

In the bicycle chain according to the 22nd aspect of any one of the 13th to 21st aspects, at least one chamfered portion is provided on the first inner chain plate, the second inner chain plate, the first At least one of the outer link plate and the second outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the 22nd aspect described above, the shiftability of the bicycle chain is improved.

A 23rd aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain including a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a bush, and a pin, and 1 The inner chain plate includes: a first inner chain end portion including a first inner chain opening having a first inner chain center axis, and the first inner chain center axis surrounding the first inner chain opening in the circumferential direction The first annular axial protrusion; the second inner chain end, which includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain center axis extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis, and 2 The center axis of the inner chain surrounds the second annular axial protruding portion of the opening of the second inner chain in the circumferential direction; the middle portion of the first inner chain connects the end of the first inner chain and the end of the second inner chain ; The first inner chain surface; and the second inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; the second inner chain plate Contains: a third inner chain end, which includes a third inner chain opening having a third inner chain center axis; a fourth inner chain end, which includes a fourth inner chain center extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis The fourth inner chain opening of the inner axis of the inner chain; the second inner chain middle portion connecting the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; the third inner chain surface, which is configured for the bicycle In the assembled state of the chain, in the axial direction of the first inner chain toward the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate; and the fourth inner chain surface, which is related to the second inner chain center axis of the third inner chain The inner chain is arranged axially on the side opposite to the third inner chain surface; and the first outer chain plate is configured to be in the assembled state of the bicycle chain without intervening other inner chain plates or other outer chain plates. The first inner link plate is adjacent, and the first outer link plate includes: a first outer link end including a first outer link opening having a center axis of the first outer link; a second outer link end including The second outer chain opening of the second outer chain center axis extending parallel to the first outer chain center axis; the first outer chain intermediate portion connecting the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end ; The first outer chain surface; and the second outer chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain related to the center axis of the first outer chain; and the second outer chain The plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, the second outer link plate including: a third outer link end , Which includes a third outer chain opening having a third outer chain center axis; a fourth outer chain end, which includes a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis The outer chain opening; the second outer chain intermediate portion, which connects the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; the third outer chain surface, which is configured in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, in the above The first outer chain is oriented axially toward the first outer chain surface of the first outer chain plate; and the fourth outer chain surface is disposed on the second outer chain axis related to the center axis of the third outer chain in the axial direction of the second outer chain The third outer chain surface is opposite to the side; and the bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to the bicycle chain In the assembled state of the bar, inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening, and in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, in contact with the first annular axial protrusion, the pin is configured to In the assembled state of the bicycle chain, the bicycle chain is inserted into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening. According to the bicycle chain of the 23rd aspect described above, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is improved.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the 24th aspect of the 23rd aspect, the third inner chain end includes a third ring that circumferentially surrounds the opening of the third inner chain about the center axis of the third inner chain An axial protrusion, the end of the fourth inner chain includes a fourth annular axial protrusion that circumferentially surrounds the opening of the fourth inner chain with respect to the center axis of the fourth inner chain, and the bush is configured for the bicycle In the assembled state of the chain, it comes into contact with the third annular axial protrusion. According to the bicycle chain of the 24th aspect described above, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is further improved.

In the bicycle chain that complies with the 25th aspect of the 24th aspect, an additional bushing is configured to be inserted into the second inner chain opening and the fourth inner chain opening when the bicycle chain is assembled. The additional bushing is configured to be in contact with the second annular axial protrusion and the fourth annular axial protrusion in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. According to the above-mentioned 25th aspect of the bicycle chain, the strength of the bicycle chain in the assembled state is further improved.

In the bicycle chain according to the twenty-sixth aspect of any one of the twenty-third to the twenty-fifth aspects, the axial concave portion is provided in the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion and the second inner portion At least one of the third inner chain faces in the middle of the chain. According to the bicycle chain of the 26th aspect described above, even if the width of the chain is reduced due to the multi-segmentation of the bicycle rear sprocket assembly, it is possible to obtain the engagement between the inner chain plates and the chain teeth by forming an axial recess The space needed.

In the bicycle chain according to the 27th aspect of any of the 23rd to 26th aspects, at least one chamfered portion is provided on the first inner chain plate, the second inner chain plate, the first At least one of the outer link plate and the second outer link plate. According to the bicycle chain of the 27th aspect described above, the shiftability of the bicycle chain is improved. [Effect of invention]

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

<First Embodiment> With reference to Fig. 1, a description will be given of a human-powered vehicle using a bicycle chain. In Fig. 1, a view of the bicycle A, which is an example of a human-powered vehicle, is shown from above. Here, a human-powered vehicle means a vehicle that uses human power at least in part with respect to the motive power for driving, and includes a vehicle that assists human power with electric power. Vehicles using only motive power other than manpower are not included in man-powered vehicles. In particular, vehicles that only use internal combustion engines as motive power are not included in human-powered vehicles. Generally, human-powered vehicles are assumed to be small and light vehicles, and vehicles that do not require permission when driving on highways. The human-powered vehicle shown in the picture includes bicycle A Specifically, the human-powered vehicle is bicycle A. Bicycle A contains drive chain B.

Drive chain B is a chain drive type. The transmission chain B includes a bicycle crank assembly C, a bicycle sprocket (hereinafter referred to as "sprocket D"), and a bicycle chain 10. The sprocket D has sprocket teeth for the bicycle chain 10 to engage. The sprocket D includes a front sprocket E and a rear sprocket F. The bicycle crank assembly C includes a crank shaft Ca rotatably supported by the frame of the bicycle A, and a pair of crank arms Cb provided at both ends of the crank shaft Ca. A pedal is rotatably attached to the front end of each crank arm Cb.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the bicycle chain 10 includes a first inner link plate 12, a second inner link plate 14, a first outer link plate 16, a second outer link plate 18, a bush 20, and a pin 22. Further preferably, the bicycle chain 10 includes a roller 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first inner chain plate 12 includes: a first inner chain end 32, which includes a first inner chain opening 30 having a first inner chain center axis AX1; and a second inner chain end 36, which Contains a second inner chain opening 34 having a second inner chain center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis AX1; and a first inner chain intermediate portion 38, which connects the first inner chain end 32 and the first 2内链端部36。 2 inner chain end 36. The first inner chain plate 12 further includes a first inner chain surface 12A, and a first inner chain axis DA related to the first inner chain center axis AX1 is disposed in a second inner side opposite to the first inner chain surface 12A Chain face 12B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first inner chain plate 12 has a first inner chain longitudinal center line LCA, and a first inner chain horizontal longitudinal center line LCB extending perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal center line LCA . The first inner chain distance LGA is defined as the distance between the first inner chain center axis AX1 and the second inner chain center axis AX2 in the first inner chain length direction DE related to the first inner chain lengthwise center line LCA. distance.

In the present embodiment, the first inner chain longitudinal center line LCA and the first inner chain horizontal longitudinal center line LCB are defined based on the first inner chain plate 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the centerline LCA of the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain plate 12 when viewed from the direction of the first inner chain axis DA. A line extending in the long direction and passing through the line of the first inner chain center axis AX1 and the second inner chain center axis AX2. The centerline LCB of the first inner chain in the longitudinal direction is defined to be perpendicular to the centerline LCA of the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain, and passes through the intermediate point between the center axis AX1 of the first inner chain and the center axis AX2 of the second inner chain Line.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second inner chain plate 14 includes: a third inner chain end 42 including a third inner chain opening 40 having a third inner chain center axis AX3; and a fourth inner chain end 46, which Contains a fourth inner chain opening 44 having a fourth inner chain center axis AX4 extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis AX3; and a second inner chain intermediate portion 48 that connects the third inner chain end 42 and the third 4内链端端46。 4 inner chain end 46. The second inner chain plate 14 includes a third inner chain surface 14A, which is configured to face the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate 12 in the first inner chain axis DA in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 12A; and the fourth inner chain surface 14B, which is arranged on the side opposite to the third inner chain surface 14A on the second inner chain axis DB related to the third inner chain center axis AX3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second inner chain plate 14 has a second inner chain longitudinal centerline LCC, and a second inner chain longitudinal centerline LCD extending perpendicularly to the second inner chain longitudinal centerline LCC . The second inner chain distance LGB is defined as the distance between the third inner chain center axis AX3 and the fourth inner chain center axis AX4 in the second inner chain length direction DF related to the second inner chain longitudinal direction center line LCC. distance. The first inner chain distance LGA and the second inner chain distance LGB each fall within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. For example, each of the first inner chain distance LGA and the second inner chain distance LGB is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

In the present embodiment, the second inner chain longitudinal center line LCC and the second inner chain horizontal longitudinal center line LCD are defined based on the second inner chain plate 14. As shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal center line LCC of the second inner chain is defined as the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain plate 14 when the second inner chain plate 14 is viewed along the direction of the second inner chain axis DB. A line extending in the long direction and passing through the line of the third inner chain center axis AX3 and the fourth inner chain center axis AX4. The centerline LCD of the second inner chain in the longitudinal direction is defined as perpendicularly crossing the centerline LCC of the second inner chain in the longitudinal direction, and passes through the intermediate point between the center axis AX3 of the third inner chain and the center axis AX4 of the fourth inner chain Line.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the first outer link plate 16 is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate 12 without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10. The first outer link plate 16 includes: a first outer link end 52, which includes a first outer link opening 50 having a first outer link center axis BX1; and a second outer link end 56, which includes a first link The second outer chain opening 54 of the second outer chain center axis BX2 extending parallel to the chain center axis BX1; and the first outer chain intermediate portion 58 connecting the first outer chain end 52 and the second outer chain end 56 . The first outer link plate 16 includes a first outer link surface 16A, and a second outer link disposed on the opposite side to the first outer link surface 16A in the first outer link axis DC related to the first outer link center axis BX1.面16B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first outer chain plate 16 has a first outer chain longitudinal center line LCE, and a first outer chain longitudinal center line LCF that extends perpendicularly to the first outer chain longitudinal center line LCE . The first outer chain distance LGC is defined as the distance between the first outer chain center axis BX1 and the second outer chain center axis BX2 in the first outer chain length direction DG related to the first outer chain longitudinal direction center line LCE distance.

In the present embodiment, the first outer chain longitudinal center line LCE and the first outer chain horizontal longitudinal center line LCF are defined based on the first outer chain plate 16. As shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal center line LCE of the first outer chain is defined as the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain plate 16 when the first outer chain plate 16 is viewed from the direction of the first outer chain axis DC. The line extending in the longitudinal direction passes through the line of the first outer chain center axis BX1 and the second outer chain center axis BX2. The center line LCF of the first outer chain in the longitudinal direction is defined to be perpendicular to the center line LCE of the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain, and passes through the intermediate point between the center axis of the first outer chain BX1 and the center axis of the second outer chain BX2 Line.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second outer link plate 18 is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate 14 without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10. The second outer link plate 18 includes: a third outer link end 62, which includes a third outer link opening 60 having a third outer link center axis BX3; and a fourth outer link end 66, which includes a third link outer end The fourth outer chain opening 64 of the fourth outer chain center axis BX4 extending parallel to the chain center axis BX3; and the second outer chain intermediate portion 68, which connects the third outer chain end 62 and the fourth outer chain end 66 . The second outer link plate 18 includes a third outer link surface 18A, which is configured to face the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate 16 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 in the first outer link axis direction DC 16A; and the fourth outer chain surface 18B, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third outer chain surface 18A on the second outer chain axis DD related to the third outer chain center axis BX3.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second outer chain plate 18 has a second outer chain longitudinal centerline LCG, and a second outer chain longitudinal centerline LCH extending perpendicularly to the second outer chain longitudinal centerline LCG . The second outer chain distance LGD is defined as the distance between the third outer chain center axis BX3 and the fourth outer chain center axis BX4 in the second outer chain length direction DH related to the second outer chain longitudinal center line LCG distance. The first outer chain distance LGC and the second outer chain distance LGD each fall within the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. The first outer chain distance LGC and the second outer chain distance LGD are each set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

In the present embodiment, the center line LCG of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction and the center line LCH of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction are defined based on the second outer link plate 18. As shown in FIG. 5, the centerline LCG in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain is defined as the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain plate 18 when the second outer chain plate 18 is viewed along the direction of the second outer chain axis DD The line extending in the longitudinal direction passes through the line of the third outer chain center axis BX3 and the fourth outer chain center axis BX4. The center line LCH of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction is defined as a point perpendicular to the center line LCG of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction, and passes through the intermediate point between the center axis of the third outer chain BX3 and the center axis of the fourth outer chain BX4 Line.

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

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

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

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

The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are connected by pins 22 and additional pins 23. The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are coupled by a bush 20 and an additional bush 26. The combination of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 to the combination of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 is rotatable about the center axis of the pin 22 and the center axis of the additional pin 23 To connect. The combination including the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 and the combination including the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are alternately arranged and connected in a ring shape.

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

The roller 24 is disposed between the first inner chain end 32 of the first inner chain plate 12 and the third inner chain end 42 of the second inner chain plate 14. The additional roller 28 is disposed between the second inner chain end 36 of the first inner chain plate 12 and the fourth inner chain end 46 of the second inner chain plate 14. When the bicycle chain 10 is attached to the bicycle A, the roller 24 and the additional roller 28 are in contact with the sprocket teeth.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 is oriented on at least one of the first inner chain axis DA and the first outer chain axis DC at the first inner chain end 32 The second inner chain surface 12B and the first outer chain end portion 52 between the first outer chain surface 16A form a first axial gap SA, relative to the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain intermediate portion 38 , At least a part is offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

The first axial clearance SA falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The first axial clearance SA is defined as the distance between the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 and the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain end 52 in the first inner chain axial direction DA . The first axial clearance SA is configured to promote the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis DA, the second inner chain axis DB, the first outer chain axis DC during the shift operation of the bicycle chain 10, and Buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axis DD.

A portion of the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 that is offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10 is provided with a first outer chain end 52 of the first outer chain plate 16.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 is on at least one of the second inner chain axis DB and the second outer chain axis DD on the third inner chain end The second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the portion 42 and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62 with respect to the fourth inner chain of the second inner chain intermediate portion 48 The surface 14B is at least partially offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

The second axial clearance SB falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. The second axial gap SB is defined as the distance between the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62 in the second inner chain axial direction DB . The second axial gap SB is configured to promote the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis DA, the second inner chain axis DB, and the first outer chain axis DC during the shift operation of the bicycle chain 10 And buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axis DD.

A portion of the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 that is offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10 is provided with a third outer chain end 62 of the second outer chain plate 18.

The third inner chain end 42 is divided into a second bush surrounding portion 42A around the bush 20 and a second outer peripheral portion 42B around the second bush surrounding portion 42A. The fourth inner chain surface 14B of the second outer circumferential portion 42B is on at least one of the first inner chain axial direction DA and the first outer chain axial direction DC, relative to the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the second inner chain intermediate portion 48 , At least partially offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10. The fourth inner chain surface 14B of the second bush surrounding portion 42A is on at least one of the first inner chain axial direction DA and the first outer chain axial direction DC, and is relative to the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the second outer peripheral portion 42B , Offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10. Preferably, the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the second bush surrounding portion 42A and the second bush end surface 20C disposed on the second inner chain plate 14 side of the bush 20 are the same surface. A gap is provided between the second bush end surface 20C of the bush 20 and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62 of the second outer chain plate 18.

When a force is applied to the bicycle chain 10 by the shifting operation of the bicycle A, since the bicycle chain 10 is provided with at least one of the first axial clearance SA and the second axial clearance SB, the first The inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are located along the first inner link axis DA, the second inner link axis DB, and the first outer link axis relative to the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 Displace in the direction of either DC or the second outer chain axis DD. With this function, the bicycle chain 10 is easily flexed. It is preferable to provide both the first axial gap SA and the second axial gap SB in the bicycle chain 10.

<Second Embodiment> The bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration common to the first embodiment, the same symbols as those of the first embodiment are denoted, and repeated explanations are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment includes the structure of the first axial gap SA and the second axial gap SB shown in the first embodiment, and the first axial gap SA and the second axis shown in the first embodiment Structure other than the structure of the axial gap SB.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first axial gap SA is formed in the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 and the second inner chain surface 32 of at least one of the first inner chain axis DA and the first outer chain axis DC. 1 between the first outer chain surfaces 16A of the outer chain ends 52. The first axial clearance SA falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm.

For example, the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain end 52 may be on the at least one of the first inner chain axis DA and the first outer chain axis DC at the first inner chain end 32 of the first 2 The first axial gap SA is formed between the inner chain surface 12B and the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain end 52. Compared to the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain intermediate portion 58, at least A part is offset in a direction opposite to the direction leading to the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

Furthermore, as shown in the first embodiment, the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 may be on at least one of the first inner chain axis DA and the first outer chain axis DC. The first axial gap SA is formed between the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 and the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain end 52 with respect to the first inner chain intermediate portion 38 At least a part of the second inner chain surface 12B is offset toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10. If a first axial gap SA is formed between the second inner chain surface 12B of the first inner chain end 32 and the first outer chain surface 16A of the first outer chain end 52, the first inner chain plate 12 The 2 inner chain surface 12B may be formed flatly from the first inner chain end 32 through the first inner chain intermediate portion 38 to the second inner chain end 36.

The first axial clearance SA is configured to promote the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis DA, the second inner chain axis DB, and the first outer chain axis DC during the shift operation of the bicycle chain 10. And buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axis DD.

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

For example, the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62 may be on the third inner chain end 42 on the at least one of the second inner chain axis DB and the second outer chain axis DD. 4 The second axial gap SB is formed between the inner chain surface 14B and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62. With respect to the third outer chain surface 18A of the second outer chain intermediate portion 68, at least A part is offset in a direction opposite to the direction leading to the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10.

Furthermore, as shown in the first embodiment, the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 may be on at least one of the second inner chain axis DB and the second outer chain axis DD, at The second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62 with respect to the second inner chain intermediate portion 48 At least a part of the fourth inner chain surface 14B is shifted toward the axial center surface 10A of the bicycle chain 10. If a second axial gap SB is formed between the fourth inner chain surface 14B of the third inner chain end 42 and the third outer chain surface 18A of the third outer chain end 62, the second inner chain plate 14 4 The inner chain surface 14B may be formed flatly from the third inner chain end 42 to the fourth inner chain end 46 through the second inner chain intermediate portion 48.

The second axial gap SB is configured to promote the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis DA, the second inner chain axis DB, and the first outer chain axis DC during the shift operation of the bicycle chain 10 And buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axis DD.

Furthermore, each of the first inner chain distance LGA and the second inner chain distance LGB may also fall within the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. Each of the first outer chain distance LGC and the second outer chain distance LGD can also fall within the range of 9 mm to 13 mm. For example, each of the first inner chain distance LGA, the second inner chain distance LGB, the first outer chain distance LGC, and the second outer chain distance LGD is set to 12.7 mm or 10 mm.

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

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

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

<Third Embodiment> 8 and 9, the bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration common to the third embodiment, the same symbols as those of the first embodiment are denoted, and repeated explanations are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment differs from the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in the coupling structure of the first inner chain plate 12 and the second inner chain plate 14 with the bush 20 and the additional bush 26.

The first inner chain end 32 includes: a first inner chain opening 30 having a first inner chain center axis AX1; and a first ring-shaped axial protrusion 84 extending around the first inner chain center axis AX1 The first inner chain opening 30 is surrounded upward. The second inner chain end 36 includes: a second inner chain opening 34 having a second inner chain center axis AX2 extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis AX1; and a second annular axial protrusion 86, It surrounds the second inner chain opening 34 in the circumferential direction with respect to the second inner chain center axis AX2.

The bush 20 has a bush opening 20A. The bush 20 is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening 30 and the third inner chain opening 40 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 and to be aligned with the first annular axial direction in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 The protrusion 84 contacts. The pin 22 is configured to be inserted into the first outer chain opening 50 and the third outer chain opening 60 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10. The additional pin 23 is configured to be inserted into the second outer chain opening 54 and the fourth outer chain opening 64 in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10. The pin 22 is configured to pass through the bush opening 20A. The additional pin 23 is configured to pass through the additional bush opening 26A.

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

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

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

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

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

<Examples of changes> The description of each embodiment is an example of the bicycle chain 10 according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit its form. The bicycle chain 10 according to the present invention can take a combination of, for example, the following variations of the embodiment and at least two variations that do not contradict each other. In the following modified examples, the same symbols as those in the embodiment will be given to the parts that are common to the embodiments, and the description will be omitted.

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

10‧‧‧ bicycle chain 10A‧‧‧axial center plane 12‧‧‧The first inner chain board 12A‧‧‧The first inner chain surface 12B‧‧‧The second inner chain surface 14‧‧‧Second Inner Chain Plate 14A‧‧‧The third inner chain surface 14B‧‧‧The fourth inner chain surface 15‧‧‧Axial recess 16‧‧‧The first outer chain plate 16A‧‧‧The first outer chain surface 16B‧‧‧The second outer chain surface 18‧‧‧The second outer chain plate 18A‧‧‧The third chain surface 18B‧‧‧The fourth outer chain surface 20‧‧‧ Bush 20A‧‧‧ Bushing opening 20B‧‧‧End face of the first bush 20C‧‧‧2nd bushing end face 22‧‧‧pin 23‧‧‧ additional sales 24‧‧‧roll 24A‧‧‧Roll opening 26‧‧‧Add bush 26A‧‧‧Add bushing opening 28‧‧‧Add roll 28A‧‧‧Add roll opening 30‧‧‧The first inner chain opening 32‧‧‧The first inner chain end 32A‧‧‧The first bushing around 32B‧‧‧1st outer periphery 34‧‧‧Second inner chain opening 36‧‧‧2nd inner chain end 38‧‧‧The first middle part of the inner chain 40‧‧‧The third inner chain opening 42‧‧‧The third inner chain end 42A‧‧‧The second bushing around 42B‧‧‧The second outer periphery 44‧‧‧The fourth inner chain opening 46‧‧‧4th inner chain end 48‧‧‧The second middle part of the inner chain 50‧‧‧The first outer chain opening 52‧‧‧The first outer chain end 52A‧‧‧1st end face 54‧‧‧The second outer chain opening 56‧‧‧The second outer chain end 56A‧‧‧2nd end face 58‧‧‧1st middle part of outer chain 60‧‧‧The third outer chain opening 62‧‧‧The third outer chain end 62A‧‧‧3rd end face 64‧‧‧The fourth outer chain opening 66‧‧‧The fourth outer chain end 66A‧‧‧Fourth end face 68‧‧‧The second middle part of the outer chain 70‧‧‧Chamfer 84‧‧‧The first annular axial protrusion 86‧‧‧The second annular axial protrusion 88‧‧‧The third annular axial protrusion 90‧‧‧4th annular axial protrusion 92‧‧‧First chamfer 94‧‧‧Chamfer 2 96‧‧‧The third chamfer 98‧‧‧The 4th chamfer A‧‧‧Bicycle AX1‧‧‧The first inner chain center axis AX2‧‧‧The second inner chain center axis AX3‧‧‧The third inner chain center axis AX4‧‧‧The 4th inner chain center axis B‧‧‧Drive chain BX1‧‧‧The first outer chain center axis BX2‧‧‧The second shaft center axis BX3‧‧‧The third outer chain center axis BX4‧‧‧The 4th outer chain center axis C‧‧‧Crank assembly for bicycle Ca‧‧‧Crankshaft Cb‧‧‧Crank arm D‧‧‧Bike sprocket DA‧‧‧ 1st inner chain axial DB‧‧‧ 2nd inner chain axial DC‧‧‧1st outer chain axis DD‧‧‧The second outer chain axis DE‧‧‧ 1st inner chain lengthwise direction DF‧‧‧Second inner chain lengthwise direction DG‧‧‧The length direction of the first outer chain DH‧‧‧The 2nd outer chain longitudinal direction E‧‧‧Front sprocket F‧‧‧rear sprocket III-III‧‧‧ line IX-IX‧‧‧line LCA‧‧‧The centerline of the 1st inner chain in the longitudinal direction LCB‧‧‧The center line of the first inner chain in the horizontal direction LCC‧‧‧Second inner chain longitudinal centerline LCD‧‧‧Second Inner Chain Horizontal Centerline LCE‧‧‧The center line of the first outer chain in the longitudinal direction LCF‧‧‧The center line of the first outer chain in the horizontal direction LCG‧‧‧The center line of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction LCH‧‧‧The center line of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction LGA‧‧‧1st Inner Chain Distance LGB‧‧‧ 2nd Inner Chain Distance LGC‧‧‧The first chain distance LGD‧‧‧The second link distance SA‧‧‧1st axial clearance SB‧‧‧Second axial clearance VA‧‧‧ direction VB‧‧‧ direction VI-VI‧‧‧line VII-VII‧‧‧ line

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a bicycle viewed from above. 2 is a perspective view of a bicycle chain according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2. 4 is a side view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment viewed from the VA direction of FIG. 2. 5 is a side view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment viewed from the VB direction of FIG. 2. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 3. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain according to a third embodiment. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the third embodiment along the line IX-IX of FIG. 8. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain according to another embodiment.

10‧‧‧ bicycle chain

10A‧‧‧axial center plane

12‧‧‧The first inner chain board

12A‧‧‧The first inner chain surface

12B‧‧‧The second inner chain surface

14‧‧‧Second Inner Chain Plate

14A‧‧‧The third inner chain surface

14B‧‧‧The fourth inner chain surface

15‧‧‧Axial recess

16‧‧‧The first outer chain plate

16A‧‧‧The first outer chain surface

16B‧‧‧The second outer chain surface

18‧‧‧The second outer chain plate

18A‧‧‧The third chain surface

18B‧‧‧The fourth outer chain surface

20‧‧‧ Bush

20A‧‧‧ Bushing opening

20B‧‧‧End face of the first bush

20C‧‧‧2nd bushing end face

22‧‧‧pin

23‧‧‧ additional sales

24‧‧‧roll

24A‧‧‧Roll opening

26‧‧‧Add bush

26A‧‧‧Add bushing opening

28‧‧‧Add roll

28A‧‧‧Add roll opening

30‧‧‧The first inner chain opening

32‧‧‧The first inner chain end

32A‧‧‧The first bushing around

32B‧‧‧1st outer periphery

34‧‧‧Second inner chain opening

36‧‧‧2nd inner chain end

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

40‧‧‧The third inner chain opening

42‧‧‧The third inner chain end

42A‧‧‧The second bushing around

42B‧‧‧The second outer periphery

44‧‧‧The fourth inner chain opening

46‧‧‧4th inner chain end

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

50‧‧‧The first outer chain opening

52‧‧‧The first outer chain end

54‧‧‧The second outer chain opening

56‧‧‧The second outer chain end

58‧‧‧1st middle part of outer chain

60‧‧‧The third outer chain opening

62‧‧‧The third outer chain end

64‧‧‧The fourth outer chain opening

66‧‧‧The fourth outer chain end

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

AX1‧‧‧The first inner chain center axis

AX2‧‧‧The second inner chain center axis

AX3‧‧‧The third inner chain center axis

AX4‧‧‧The 4th inner chain center axis

BX1‧‧‧The first outer chain center axis

BX2‧‧‧The second shaft center axis

BX3‧‧‧The third outer chain center axis

BX4‧‧‧The 4th outer chain center axis

DA‧‧‧ 1st inner chain axial

DB‧‧‧ 2nd inner chain axial

DC‧‧‧1st outer chain axis

DD‧‧‧The second outer chain axis

SA‧‧‧1st axial clearance

SB‧‧‧Second axial clearance

VI‧‧‧line

VII‧‧‧ line

Claims (27)

A bicycle chain comprising a first inner chain plate, a second inner chain plate, a first outer chain plate, a second outer chain plate, a bush, and a pin; and The above-mentioned first inner chain plate includes: The end of the first inner chain, which includes the first inner chain opening having the center axis of the first inner chain; The second inner chain end portion includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain center axis extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis; A first inner chain intermediate portion that connects the first inner chain end and the second inner chain end; The first inner chain surface; and A second inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; and The above second inner chain plate includes: The third inner chain end, which includes the third inner chain opening having the center axis of the third inner chain; The fourth inner chain end, which includes a fourth inner chain opening having a fourth inner chain center axis extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis; A second inner chain intermediate portion connecting the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; A third inner chain surface configured to face the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate in the axial direction of the first inner chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third inner chain surface in the axial direction of the second inner chain relative to the center axis of the third inner chain; and The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The first outer link plate includes: The first outer chain end, which includes the first outer chain opening having the center axis of the first outer chain; A second outer chain end portion, which includes a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain center axis extending parallel to the first outer chain center axis; A first outer chain intermediate portion, which connects the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end; The first outer chain surface; and A second outer chain surface, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain relative to the center axis of the first outer chain; and The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The above-mentioned second outer link plate includes: The third outer chain end, which includes the third outer chain opening having the center axis of the third outer chain; A fourth outer chain end, which includes a fourth outer chain opening having a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis; A second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; A third outer chain surface configured to face the first outer chain surface of the first outer chain plate in the axial direction of the first outer chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth outer chain surface, which is arranged on the side opposite to the third outer chain surface in the axial direction of the second outer chain related to the center axis of the third outer chain; and The bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain and pass through the bushing opening; The second inner chain surface of the first inner chain end is formed on at least one of the first inner chain axial direction and the first outer chain axial direction, and the second inner chain end on the first inner chain end A first axial gap is formed between the inner chain surface and the first outer chain surface of the first outer chain end, and at least a portion of the second inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion faces the above The axial center plane of the bicycle chain is offset. As in the bicycle chain of claim 1, where The fourth inner chain surface of the third inner chain end is on at least one of the second inner chain axial direction and the second outer chain axial direction, in the fourth inner chain end of the third inner chain end A second axial gap is formed between the chain surface and the third outer chain surface of the third outer chain end, at least a portion of the fourth inner chain surface of the second inner chain intermediate portion faces the bicycle Use the axial center plane of the chain to offset. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The first axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. As in the bicycle chain of claim 2, where The above-mentioned second axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The first axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the above during the shift operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axes. If the bicycle chain of claim 2 or 4, wherein The second axial clearance is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the above during the shift operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axes. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The first inner chain plate has a first inner chain longitudinal centerline, and a first inner chain horizontal longitudinal centerline extending perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal centerline; The first inner chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the first inner chain and the center axis of the second inner chain in the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain relative to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain; The second inner chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain and a center line in the lateral direction of the second inner chain extending perpendicularly to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain; The second inner chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the third inner chain and the center axis of the fourth inner chain in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain relative to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain; Each of the first inner chain distance and the second inner chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The first outer chain plate has a first outer chain longitudinal centerline, and a first outer chain horizontal longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline; The first outer chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the first outer chain and the center axis of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain relative to the center line of the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain; The second outer link plate has a second outer chain longitudinal centerline, and a second outer chain longitudinal centerline extending perpendicular to the second outer chain longitudinal centerline; The second outer chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the third outer chain and the center axis of the fourth outer chain in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain relative to the center line of the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain; Each of the first outer chain distance and the second outer chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The above pin has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. If the chain for bicycles of claim 9, The outer diameter of the above pin is 2.5 mm or more. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where The axial recess is provided on at least one of the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion and the third inner chain surface of the second inner chain intermediate portion. For the bicycle chain of claim 1 or 2, where At least one chamfered portion is provided in at least one of the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and the second outer link plate. A bicycle chain comprising a first inner chain plate, a second inner chain plate, a first outer chain plate, a second outer chain plate, a bush, and a pin; and The above-mentioned first inner chain plate includes: The end of the first inner chain, which includes the first inner chain opening having the center axis of the first inner chain; The second inner chain end portion includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain center axis extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis; A first inner chain intermediate portion that connects the first inner chain end and the second inner chain end; The first inner chain surface; and A second inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; and The above second inner chain plate includes: The third inner chain end, which includes the third inner chain opening having the center axis of the third inner chain; The fourth inner chain end, which includes a fourth inner chain opening having a fourth inner chain center axis extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis; A second inner chain intermediate portion connecting the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; A third inner chain surface configured to face the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate in the axial direction of the first inner chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third inner chain surface in the axial direction of the second inner chain relative to the center axis of the third inner chain; and The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The first outer link plate includes: The first outer chain end, which includes the first outer chain opening having the center axis of the first outer chain; A second outer chain end portion, which includes a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain center axis extending parallel to the first outer chain center axis; A first outer chain intermediate portion, which connects the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end; The first outer chain surface; and A second outer chain surface, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain relative to the center axis of the first outer chain; and The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The above-mentioned second outer link plate includes: The third outer chain end, which includes the third outer chain opening having the center axis of the third outer chain; A fourth outer chain end, which includes a fourth outer chain opening having a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis; A second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; A third outer chain surface configured to face the first outer chain surface of the first outer chain plate in the axial direction of the first outer chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth outer chain surface, which is arranged on the side opposite to the third outer chain surface in the axial direction of the second outer chain related to the center axis of the third outer chain; and The bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain and pass through the bushing opening; A first axial gap is formed between the second inner chain surface of the first inner chain end and the first outer chain end of at least one of the first inner chain axial direction and the first outer chain axial direction Between the first outer chain surface mentioned above; The first axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13, where A second axial gap is formed between the fourth inner chain surface of the third inner chain end and the third outer chain end of at least one of the second inner chain axial direction and the second outer chain axial direction Between the 3rd outer chain surface mentioned above; The above-mentioned second axial gap falls within the range of 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where The first axial gap is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the above during the shift operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axes. As in the bicycle chain of claim 14, where The second axial clearance is configured to promote the bicycle chain in the first inner chain axial direction, the second inner chain axial direction, the first outer chain axial direction, and the above during the shift operation of the bicycle chain Buckling on at least one of the second outer chain axes. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where The first inner chain plate has a first inner chain longitudinal centerline, and a first inner chain horizontal longitudinal centerline extending perpendicular to the first inner chain longitudinal centerline; The first inner chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the first inner chain and the center axis of the second inner chain in the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain relative to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the first inner chain; The second inner chain plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain and a center line in the lateral direction of the second inner chain extending perpendicularly to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain; The second inner chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the third inner chain and the center axis of the fourth inner chain in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain relative to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the second inner chain; Each of the first inner chain distance and the second inner chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where The first outer chain plate has a first outer chain longitudinal centerline, and a first outer chain horizontal longitudinal centerline perpendicular to the first outer chain longitudinal centerline; The first outer chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the first outer chain and the center axis of the second outer chain in the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain relative to the center line of the longitudinal direction of the first outer chain; The second outer link plate has a second outer chain longitudinal centerline, and a second outer chain longitudinal centerline extending perpendicular to the second outer chain longitudinal centerline; The second outer chain distance is defined as the distance between the center axis of the third outer chain and the center axis of the fourth outer chain in the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain relative to the center line of the longitudinal direction of the second outer chain; Each of the first outer chain distance and the second outer chain distance falls within a range of 9 mm to 13 mm. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where The above pin has a pin outer diameter of 3.6 mm or less. As in the chain for bicycles of claim 19, where The outer diameter of the above pin is 2.5 mm or more. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where The axial recess is provided on at least one of the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion and the third inner chain surface of the second inner chain intermediate portion. As in the bicycle chain of claim 13 or 14, where At least one chamfered portion is provided in at least one of the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and the second outer link plate. A bicycle chain comprising a first inner chain plate, a second inner chain plate, a first outer chain plate, a second outer chain plate, a bush, and a pin; and The above-mentioned first inner chain plate includes: The first inner chain end portion includes a first inner chain opening having a first inner chain center axis, and a first annular shaft surrounding the first inner chain opening in the circumferential direction with respect to the first inner chain center axis Toward the protrusion The second inner chain end portion includes a second inner chain opening having a second inner chain center axis extending parallel to the first inner chain center axis, and circumferentially surrounding the second inner chain center axis The second annular axial protrusion of the opening of the second inner chain; A first inner chain intermediate portion that connects the first inner chain end and the second inner chain end; The first inner chain surface; and A second inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the first inner chain surface in the axial direction of the first inner chain relative to the center axis of the first inner chain; and The above second inner chain plate includes: The third inner chain end, which includes the third inner chain opening having the center axis of the third inner chain; The fourth inner chain end, which includes a fourth inner chain opening having a fourth inner chain center axis extending parallel to the third inner chain center axis; A second inner chain intermediate portion connecting the third inner chain end and the fourth inner chain end; A third inner chain surface configured to face the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain plate in the axial direction of the first inner chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth inner chain surface, which is arranged on the opposite side to the third inner chain surface in the axial direction of the second inner chain relative to the center axis of the third inner chain; and The first outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the first inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The first outer link plate includes: The first outer chain end, which includes the first outer chain opening having the center axis of the first outer chain; A second outer chain end portion, which includes a second outer chain opening having a second outer chain center axis extending parallel to the first outer chain center axis; A first outer chain intermediate portion, which connects the first outer chain end and the second outer chain end; The first outer chain surface; and A second outer chain surface, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first outer chain surface in the axial direction of the first outer chain relative to the center axis of the first outer chain; and The second outer link plate is configured to be adjacent to the second inner link plate without interposing other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The above-mentioned second outer link plate includes: The third outer chain end, which includes the third outer chain opening having the center axis of the third outer chain; A fourth outer chain end, which includes a fourth outer chain opening having a fourth outer chain center axis extending parallel to the third outer chain center axis; A second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer chain end and the fourth outer chain end; A third outer chain surface configured to face the first outer chain surface of the first outer chain plate in the axial direction of the first outer chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; and A fourth outer chain surface, which is arranged on the side opposite to the third outer chain surface in the axial direction of the second outer chain related to the center axis of the third outer chain; and The bushing has a bushing opening, and is configured to be inserted into the first inner chain opening and the third inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, to The first annular axial protrusion contacts; The pin is configured to be inserted into the first outer chain opening and the third outer chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. As in the chain for bicycles of claim 23, where The end of the third inner chain includes a third annular axial protruding portion surrounding the opening of the third inner chain in the circumferential direction with respect to the center axis of the third inner chain; The end portion of the fourth inner chain includes a fourth annular axial protrusion that circumferentially surrounds the opening of the fourth inner chain about the center axis of the fourth inner chain; The bushing is configured to contact the third annular axial protrusion in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. For the chain for bicycles of claim 24, where The additional bushing is configured to be inserted into the second inner chain opening and the fourth inner chain opening in the assembled state of the bicycle chain; The additional bushing is configured to be in contact with the second annular axial protrusion and the fourth annular axial protrusion in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The chain for bicycles according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein The axial recess is provided on at least one of the first inner chain surface of the first inner chain intermediate portion and the third inner chain surface of the second inner chain intermediate portion. The chain for bicycles according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein At least one chamfered portion is provided in at least one of the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, and the second outer link plate.

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