TW202335900A - Bicycle chainring, bicycle crankset and bicycle drivetrain - Google Patents

Abstract

A solitary chainring of a bicycle front crankset for engaging a drive chain, including a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring, the plurality of teeth consisting of an even number. The plurality of teeth includes a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth arranged alternatingly between the first group of teeth. The first group of teeth and the second group of teeth are equal in number. Each of the first and second group of teeth include an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side and each tooth of the first group of teeth includes at least a first protrusion on the outboard side thereof and each tooth of the second group of teeth are free of the first protrusions on the outboard side and the inboard side.

Description

Bicycle chain rings, bicycle crankshafts and bicycle transmission systems

The present invention relates to a chain link and, more particularly, to a separate chain link for use with a conventional chain in a bicycle drive system including a bicycle crank.

Bicycles and other chain-driven vehicles generally use one or more chain rings and a set of sprockets mounted on the rear hub connected to a chain. A variety of different mechanisms are used to maintain the chain and sprockets on the links. These mechanisms include chain guards, zippers, chain stops, derailleur combinations, etc.

When riding a vehicle with a chain-driven transmission system, the arrangement of the connection between the chain and the link is particularly important for the safety and efficient propulsion of the bicycle. It is difficult for the chain to stay connected to the chainrings, especially on geared bicycles where the chain tension may undergo drastic changes and strong chain movement, especially when riding over rough terrain.

In addition, in any kind of bicycle, when the crank is in a position where a high load-bearing force is exerted by the rider, the chain ring may potentially contact the chainstay of the bicycle frame, causing elastic deformation of the bicycle frame and crank chainring. Doing so may cause damage to the frame and chainrings and cause other problems.

The present invention provides a reinforced drive chain arrangement, particularly for bicycles, that can be successfully and reliably ridden over rough and challenging terrain.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a separate chain ring of a front crank gear of a bicycle for connecting a transmission chain. The single link, where "single" means only one, includes a number of latching teeth formed around the circumference of the link, and the number of the latching teeth is an even number. The plurality of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth and a second set of latching teeth staggered between the first set of latching teeth. The number of the first group of latching teeth and the second group of latching teeth are the same. Each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side. Each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth includes at least a first convex portion on the outer plate side thereof, while each latching tooth of the second set of latching teeth has no convex portion.

The present invention also provides a separate chain link of a bicycle front crank gear plate for connecting a transmission chain. The transmission chain includes interleaved inner and outer chain links. The chain link includes several teeth formed around the circumference of the chain link. , the number of stuck teeth is an even number. The plurality of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth and a second set of latching teeth staggered between the first set of latching teeth. The number of the first group of latching teeth and the second group of latching teeth are the same. Each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side. The outer plate side and the inner plate side of each latch tooth of the second group of latch teeth respectively define a recess formed on the link along each second group of latch teeth.

The present invention also contemplates a bicycle crank chain including a bicycle crank arm and a separate link attached to the bicycle crank arm and connectable to a drive chain. The individual chain link includes a plurality of latching teeth formed around the circumference of the chain link. The number of the latching teeth is an even number. The plurality of latching teeth includes a first group of latching teeth and staggeredly arranged between the first group of latching teeth. A second set of jammed teeth. The number of the first group of latching teeth and the second group of latching teeth are the same. Each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side. Each latch tooth of the first group of latch teeth includes at least one first protrusion on its outer plate side, and each latch tooth of the second group of latch teeth has no first protrusion on its outer plate side and inner plate side. department.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description of one or more embodiments of the invention, taken together with the accompanying drawings.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It will be understood that the drawings and descriptions set forth herein are intended to illustrate and not limit the invention, which is defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. For example, the terms "first" and "second" or "left" and "right" are used for convenience of understanding and are not intended to be limiting.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a roller drive chain of a conventional bicycle or any similar chain drive device. The transmission chain 10 generally includes outer links 12 and inner links 14 pivotally mounted on and connected to the outer links 16, 18 with pins 16, 18. The outer link links 12 and the inner link links 14 are arranged in a staggered manner.

The outer links 12 have pairs of outer link plates 20 and the inner links have pairs of inner link plates 22 . Generally, rollers 24 are positioned around the pins 16,18. The link plates 20, 22 are provided with holes 30 at their ends 32. The pins 16, 18 generally pass through and protrude out of the holes 30, but it is generally considered best not to protrude at all. When assembling the roller chain 10, the pins 16, 18 are externally riveted at their ends 34, 36. Although the pin 16 may be formed as a round rod, the pin 18 may be formed as a tubular rod, such as in the roller chain 10 of Figure 2. A narrow middle portion 38 that aids in determining the positioning of the roller chain 10 extends between the two rounded ends 32 of each outer link plate 20 and inner link plate 22 .

As shown in Figure 1, and viewed from above (or below) of the chain, the interleaving of the outer links 12 and the inner links 14 generates corresponding staggered outer link spaces 40 and inner link spaces 42. The outer link spaces 40 are generally openings defined by the outer link plates 20 and rollers 24 . The inner link spaces 42 are generally openings defined by the inner link plates 22 and rollers 24 .

The inner link spaces 42 are generally rectangular, with the long axis of the rectangle aligned with the long axis (A) of the chain 10 (as seen in Figure 1). The axial length of the inner link spaces 42 is determined by the distance between the rollers 24 , and the distance between the inner link plates 22 determines the lateral spacing of the inner link spaces.

As seen in Figure 1, the external link spaces 40 are generally in the shape of a "cross" or other words such as "plus sign". The axial length of the outer link spaces 40 is determined by the distance between the rollers 24 , and the distance between the outer link plates 20 determines the lateral spacing of the outer link spaces.

We can see that the lateral spacing between the outer link plates 20 is larger than the spacing between the inner link plates 22 . Therefore, since the lateral width of the rollers 24 determines the spacing of the inner link plates 22 , the rollers 24 will dominate the lateral spacing D1 of the inner link spaces 42 . Similarly, since the outer link plates 20 are positioned on the pins 16 (or 18) on the outer side of the inner link plates 22, the lateral spacing D2 of the outer link spaces 40 will be affected by the rollers. 24 is governed by the sum of the lateral width and the thickness of the two inner link plates.

As shown in Figure 3, a link 50 according to the invention is used with a conventional chain 10. Chain rings generally have a larger number of latching teeth than cassettes, for example, about 20 or more latching teeth. A crank or crank arm 48 is attached to the link 50 at a specific location and in a conventional manner. The crank side of the link 50 is shown in Figure 3 and is the outer plate side 54 of the link. The side of the outer panel also faces away from the vehicle to which it is attached. The side opposite to the outer plate side 54 of the link 50 is the inner plate side 56 . The inner panel side 56 faces the vehicle.

Generally speaking, force applied to the crank arm 48 (eg, typically in a downward direction) causes the link 50 to rotate in a uniform direction (clockwise). The rotation of the link 50 causes the chain 10 to be pulled and advanced around the link.

The chain link 50 has a plurality of latching teeth 52 formed around a circumference 51 of the chain link, and the total number of the latching teeth is an even number. The number of latching teeth 52 includes a first set of latching teeth 58 and a second set of latching teeth 60 arranged in a staggered manner, and the number of the first set of latching teeth is equal to the number of the second set of latching teeth. In the most general form of the present invention, the first set of latching teeth 58 is configured to be received and matched in the outer link spaces 40 , and the second set of latching teeth 60 is configured to be received and matched in the outer link spaces 40 . Within these internal link spaces 42.

The overall shape of the circumference 51 of the link may be generally circular or non-circular, such as elliptical, oval, polygonal or parabolic. All examples of chain links provided herein are shown with a circular circumference 51 .

Each first set of teeth 58 is configured to be connected to the chain 10 via an outer link space 40 . Each second set of teeth 60 is configured to connect with the chain 10 through an inner chain space 42 .

Turning to Figure 12, the shape of each second set of latching teeth 60 is generally rectangular in cross-section, especially at or near the bottom or root of the latching teeth. This cross-sectional view is taken through a plane parallel to the top surface 80 of the latch and passing through the base circle position of the latch, that is, approximately between the tooth root circle and the tooth tip circle.

The rectangular cross-section and overall width WO ₁ of each second set of teeth 60 need to closely match the configuration of each inner link space 42 (Fig. 1). The cross-section of each second set of teeth 60 shows that the outer plate side 54 is generally planar and the inner plate side 56 is also generally planar. Each second set of teeth 60 may occupy approximately 75% of the axial distance D ₁ of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . Preferably, each second set of teeth 60 can occupy approximately 80% of a corresponding space D ₁ in the chain 10 . More preferably, each second group of locking teeth 60 can occupy approximately 85% of a corresponding space D ₁ in the chain 10 .

Turning to Figures 13-15, the shapes of the alternative latching teeth 58a, 58b, 58c of the first set of latching teeth 58 (see Figure 3) are as shown in Figure 12 through the cross section of the latching teeth. Figure 1, has a longitudinal length _LT equal to that of the second set of teeth 60 (Figure 12). Each first set of teeth 58 can occupy approximately 75% of the distance D ₂ of a corresponding space in the chain 10 . Preferably, each first group of teeth 58 can occupy approximately 80% of a corresponding space _D2 in the chain 10 . More preferably, each first group of teeth 58 can occupy approximately 85% of a corresponding space D ₂ in the chain 10 .

Each first set of teeth 58 has the additional feature of an outer plate side or first protrusion 62 on the outer plate side 54 of each additional latch 58a, 58b, 58c. In one embodiment, the first protrusion is asymmetrically disposed on one side of the first set of teeth along the circumferential direction of the link. Figure 13 also shows that the inner plate side 56 of the latch teeth 58a can be the same as the inner plate side 56 of each second set of latch teeth 60 (ie, there is no protrusion). The first protrusion 62 is configured to fit into the corresponding portion of the outer link space 40 of the chain 10 (see Figure 1 ) and has a width W ₁ . The function of the protrusion 62 is to help maintain the chain 10 on the link 50 (Fig. 3). The convex portion 62 makes the total width WO ₂ of each latch tooth 58 a larger than the total width WO ₁ of each latch tooth 60 , which is different from the width of the convex portion 62 .

Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the first set of latching teeth 58, latching teeth 58b. Specifically, the latch 58b is similar to the latch of FIG. 13 but has the additional feature of an inner or second protrusion 64 on the inner plate side 56 of the latch. The width W ₂ of the protrusion 64 is smaller than the width W ₁ of the protrusion 62 of the latch 58 a, or may be greater than W ₁ . These convex portions 62 and 64 make the total width WO ₃ of each latch tooth 58 b larger than the total width WO ₁ of each latch tooth 60 , which is different from the width of the convex portions 62 and 64 . Furthermore, WO ₃ is larger than WO ₂ .

Figure 15 shows the latch teeth 58c of another embodiment of the first set of latch teeth 58. Specifically, the latch 58c is similar to the latch in FIG. 14 but has an inner or second protrusion 66 on the inner plate side 56 of the latch. The width W ₁ of the convex portion 66 is equal to the width W ₁ of the convex portion 62 of the latch 58 a. These convex portions 62 and 66 make the total width WO ₄ of each latch tooth 58 c larger than the total width WO ₁ of each latch tooth 60 , which is different from the width of the convex portions 62 and 66 . Furthermore, WO ₄ is larger than WO ₃ .

It will be appreciated that various configurations of the latches 58 may include protrusions positioned along one or both sides of each latching tooth in positions that are effective in assisting in positioning the chain on the link 50 , which includes a position adjacent to or at the base of each latching tooth or higher on each latching tooth.

Figures 4 and 6 show the outer plate side 54 of the link 50 and the transmission direction DD. The first set of latching teeth 58 is arranged staggered with the second set of latching teeth 60 .

The configuration of the second set of latching teeth 60 can be formed by removing material from the outer plate side 54 and the inner plate side 56 of each latching tooth 60 by the chain link 50 from the sides of the latching teeth 60 to form a link. It is defined by a recess 72. The link receiving recess 72 is also used to define the cross-sectional shape of each set of latching teeth 58 . The link receiving recess 72 defines the outer plate side 54 and the inner plate side 56 of each latch tooth and extends from the front tooth flank 68 of one of the group of latch teeth 58 to behind the adjacent group of latch teeth in the transmission direction DD. Teeth belly 70. Each link receiving recess 72 is configured to accommodate a length L _P of an inner link plate 22 of the chain (Fig. 6). Each recess 72 has a base surface 72a extending in the axial direction and a wall portion 72b extending in the radial direction (Fig. 7). The base surface 72a may form a smooth curved profile and may be generally U-shaped.

Figure 5 is a more detailed outline of each clamping tooth 58,60. The link receiving recess 72 is formed in the link 50 and can be seen extending along the side of each second set of teeth 60 and from the load side of one of the set of teeth 58 in the transmission direction DD, that is, the front or The preceding tooth flank 68 extends to the rear tooth flank 70 of the adjacent set of teeth 58 . In one embodiment, the front tooth flank and the rear tooth flank are asymmetrical relative to each other along the circumferential direction of the link. The recess 72 is configured to accommodate a length L _P of an inner link plate 22 (Fig. 6). Each latch may have a top surface 80 . The base surface 72 a can extend to the top surface 80 of each latch 58 . The front tooth flank 68 of each latch includes a contact area 74 where a roller 24 (Fig. 1) contacts the latch.

Above the contact area 74 is a selective tip 76 . The roller 24 will not contact the tip 76 under normal transmission conditions. The tip 76 may project forward a distance T from a line drawn along the contact area 74 . The protruding pointed top 76 has the function of connecting the chain earlier than a link without a pointed top and provides a better chain guiding effect. In one embodiment, the front tooth flank includes a radially outwardly facing portion radially outwardly from the contact zone, wherein the contact zone has a slope along the circumferential direction of the link, and the radially outwardly facing portion Have a different slope along the circumferential direction of the link.

An optional hook 78 is a feature that may be formed on the rear flank 70 of each latch 58, 60. The hook portion 78 is positioned along the rear tooth flank 70 and can cooperate with the tip portion 76 to provide a better guiding effect of the chain. In one embodiment, the hook portion includes a radial portion. For example, the hook portion 78 may include a portion of the rear tooth flank 70 aligned in the radial direction R.

Turning to Figure 7, the first set of teeth 58 and the second set of teeth 60 of the chain link 50 are arranged in a staggered manner. An optional feature of each of the first set of latching teeth 58 and the second set of latching teeth 60 is a respective outer leading angle 82a, 82b. Each of the first set of latching teeth 58 has an outer leading angle 82a, which may be an arcuate surface formed on the outer plate side 54 or shoulder of each latching tooth. Each of the second set of latching teeth 60 has an outer leading angle 82b, which may be an arcuate surface formed on the outer plate side 54 or shoulder of each latching tooth. The length C ₁ of the outer leading angle 82 b of each latch tooth 60 may be greater than the length C ₂ of the outer leading angle 82 a of each latch tooth 58 .

Turning to Figures 8 and 9, the chain 10 is positioned and connected to the link 50. The outer link 12 is positioned on the first set of teeth 58 . The inner link 14 is positioned on the second set of teeth 60 .

Figures 10 and 11 are respectively the front views of the link 50 without the chain 10 and with the chain. In one embodiment, a plane bisects the link into an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side, wherein the tips of at least some of the teeth of the first group of teeth are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The tips of at least some of the teeth of the second set of teeth are offset upward. For example, all latches 58, 60 of the link 50 may be selectively characterized by a deviation of the center of the cusp or top surface 80 of the latches from the center line CL in a direction toward the inner plate side 56 of the link. OS. This offset feature can provide a better guiding effect of the chain 10 on one side of the link.

Turning to Figure 16, a chain ring 50 includes several teeth 58, 60. The link 1 of a chain connected to the link 50 is represented by the line L ₁ , and the links 2 and 3 are represented by the lines L ₂ and L ₃ respectively. The lines L _{1 - 3} are each drawn between the axis centers of the chain rollers 24 .

The hook portion 78 is shown as being provided on the rear tooth flank 70 of each latch tooth 58, 60. The hook portion 78 is positioned along the rear tooth flank 70 and can cooperate with the pointed top 76 of the front tooth flank 68 to provide a better guiding effect of the chain. The hook portion 78 may include a portion of the rear tooth flank 70 aligned in the radial direction R. The hook portion 78 has a radially outermost extension 78a where the hook portion intersects the link centerline L _1-3 . Alternatively, the outermost extension 78a can be higher than the center line L _1-3 to provide more space for the roller to engage the teeth in the transmission direction. The curve 90 is the path of the roller 24 when the roller 24 disengages the teeth.

In use, the chain 10 is installed such that each outer link 12 is disposed on one of the first set of teeth 58 and each inner link 14 is disposed on one of the second set of teeth 60 . When the chain link 50 is rotated by the crank 48, the chain 10 will be pulled around the chain link, and the outer link 12 and the inner link 14 will sequentially engage with the corresponding first and second sets of teeth 58, 60 connection. As detailed above, various features of the link 50 serve to guide and maintain the chain 10 thereon.

From the above discussion, it will be understood that the present invention can be embodied in various embodiments, including but not limited to the following: Example 1: A separate chain link for the front crank gear of a bicycle, used to connect a transmission chain, including: A plurality of latching teeth are formed around the chain ring, and the plurality of latching teeth are composed of an even number; The plurality of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth and a second set of latching teeth staggered between the first set of latching teeth; The first group of latching teeth and the second group of latching teeth have the same number; The first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth each include an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side; Each latch tooth of the first group of latch teeth includes at least one first protrusion on the outer plate side, and each latch tooth of the second group of latch teeth does not have the first protrusion on the outer plate side and the inner plate side. The first convex part. Embodiment 2: The link of Embodiment 1 further includes a second protrusion on the inner plate side of each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth. Embodiment 3: The link of Embodiment 2, wherein the first convex portion has a first width and the second convex portion has a second width, wherein the first width is equal to the second width. Embodiment 4: The link of Embodiment 2, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. Embodiment 5: The link of Embodiment 1, wherein each of the first set of teeth has a cross-shaped cross section adjacent one of its bases. Embodiment 6: The link of Embodiment 1, wherein each of the second set of teeth has a rectangular cross-section adjacent one of its bases. Embodiment 7: The chain link of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a front tooth flank, and wherein the front tooth flank includes a structure to guide the chain. It protrudes from the pointed top. Embodiment 8: The chain link of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a rear tooth flank, and wherein the rear and front tooth flank includes a structure to guide the chain The hook part. Embodiment 9: The chain link of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a front tooth flank and a rear tooth flank, wherein the front tooth flank of each latching tooth includes a Protruding pointed top. Embodiment 10: As in the link of Embodiment 9, the rear tooth flank of each latching tooth includes a hook. Embodiment 11: The link of Embodiment 10, wherein the hook portion includes a substantially radial direction portion. Embodiment 12: The chain link of Embodiment 10, wherein the top of the protruding tip cooperates with the hook portion of the adjacent teeth to guide the chain. Embodiment 13: The link of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth includes a radially outer leading angle, and the radial outer leading angle has a first latching tooth along the outer plate side of each latching tooth. Scope. Embodiment 14: The link of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the second set of latching teeth includes a radially outer leading angle, and the radial outer leading angle has a second outer plate side along the outer plate side of each latching tooth. Scope. Embodiment 15: The chain ring of Embodiment 1, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth includes an outer chamfer with a first range, and each latching tooth of the second set of latching teeth includes an outer chamfer with a second range. The outer lead angle of the range, and the first range is smaller than the second range. Embodiment 16: The chain link of Embodiment 1, wherein the inner plate side and the outer plate side of each latching tooth of the second group of latching teeth each define a recess formed in the chain link. Embodiment 17: As in the link of Embodiment 16, each recess is defined by an axially extending base surface and a radially extending wall. Embodiment 18: A separate chain link of the front crank gear of a bicycle is used to connect a transmission chain. The transmission chain includes interleaved inner and outer chain links. The chain link includes: A plurality of latching teeth are formed around the chain ring, and the plurality of latching teeth are composed of an even number; The plurality of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth and a second set of latching teeth staggered between the first set of latching teeth; The first group of latching teeth and the second group of latching teeth have the same number; Each of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side; The outer plate side and the inner plate side of each latch tooth of the second group of latch teeth respectively define a recess formed in the link along each latch tooth of the second group of latch teeth. Embodiment 19: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each recess extends from the front tooth flank of a first latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth to the rear tooth flank of a second latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth, The first latching tooth and the second latching tooth are adjacent ones in the first group of latching teeth in a transmission direction. Embodiment 20: The chain link of Embodiment 18 further includes a first protrusion on the outer plate side of each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth, and a first convex portion on each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth. There is a second convex portion on the inner panel side, and at least part of the first convex portion and the second convex portion are defined by the concave portion. Embodiment 21: The link of Embodiment 20, wherein the first convex portion has a first width and the second convex portion has a second width, wherein the first width is equal to the second width. Embodiment 22: The link of Embodiment 20, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. Embodiment 23: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each of the first set of teeth has a cross-shaped cross section adjacent its base defined by the recess. Embodiment 24: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein the second set of teeth each has a rectangular cross-section adjacent its base defined by the recess. Embodiment 25: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a front tooth flank, and wherein the front tooth flank includes a structure to guide the The protruding pointed top of the chain. Embodiment 26: The chain link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a rear tooth flank, and wherein the rear tooth flank includes a structure to guide the chain The hook part. Embodiment 27: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a front tooth flank and a rear tooth flank, wherein the front tooth flank of each latching tooth Includes a raised pointed top. Embodiment 28: As in the link of Embodiment 27, the rear tooth flank of each latching tooth includes a hook. Embodiment 29: The link of Embodiment 28, wherein the hook portion includes a substantially radial direction portion. Embodiment 30: The link of embodiment 28, wherein the protruding tip cooperates with the neighbor of the hook to guide the chain. Embodiment 31: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth includes a radially outer leading angle, which has a first range along the outer plate side of each latching tooth. Embodiment 32: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the second set of latching teeth includes a radially outer leading angle, which has a second range along the outer plate side of each latching tooth. Embodiment 33: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth includes an outer chamfer with a first range, and each latching tooth of the second set of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth. There are two ranges of external lead angles, and the first range is smaller than the second range. Embodiment 34: The link of Embodiment 18, wherein the recess is formed by an axially extending base surface and a radially extending wall. Embodiment 35: A bicycle crank gear plate, including: A bicycle crank arm; and A separate link attached to the bicycle crank arm and connectable to a transmission chain, the separate link comprising: A plurality of latching teeth are formed around the chain ring. The plurality of latching teeth are composed of an even number. The plurality of latching teeth include a first group of latching teeth and a second group staggered between the first group of latching teeth. Locking teeth, wherein the first set of locking teeth and the second set of locking teeth have the same number; Each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes an outer plate side and an inner plate side opposite to the outer plate side, wherein each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth is included in its outer plate. At least one first protrusion on the side, and each latch tooth of the second set of latch teeth has no first protrusion on the outer plate side and the inner plate side. Embodiment 36: The bicycle crank gear plate of Embodiment 35 further includes a second convex portion on the inner plate side of each latching tooth of the first set of latching teeth. Embodiment 37: The bicycle crank gear of Embodiment 36, wherein the first convex portion has a first width and the second convex portion has a second width, wherein the first width is equal to the second width. Embodiment 38: The bicycle crank gear of Embodiment 36, wherein the first width is greater than the second width. Embodiment 39: The bicycle crank gear of Embodiment 35, wherein each of the first set of teeth has a cross-shaped cross section adjacent to its base. Embodiment 40: The bicycle crank chainring of Embodiment 35, wherein each of the second set of teeth has a rectangular cross-section adjacent its base. Embodiment 41: The bicycle crank sprocket of Embodiment 35, wherein each of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a front tooth flank, and wherein the front tooth flank includes a structure to guide The chain has a protruding pointed top. Embodiment 42: The bicycle crank sprocket of Embodiment 35, wherein each of the first set of latching teeth and the second set of latching teeth includes a rear tooth flank, and wherein the rear tooth flank includes a structure to guide The hook part of the chain. Embodiment 43: The bicycle crank sprocket of Embodiment 35, wherein each of the first and second sets of teeth includes a front tooth flank and a rear tooth flank, wherein the front tooth of each latch tooth The abdomen includes a protruding pointed top. Embodiment 44: As in the bicycle crank gear plate of Embodiment 43, the rear tooth flank of each latching tooth includes a hook portion. Embodiment 45: The bicycle crank gear of Embodiment 44, wherein the hook portion includes a substantially radial direction portion. Embodiment 46: The bicycle crank gear of Embodiment 45, wherein the protruding tip top cooperates with the hook portion of an adjacent tooth to guide the chain.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that numerous changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the concepts described herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but has the full scope permitted by the terms of the following patent claims.

10: Transmission chain, roller chain, chain, roller transmission chain 12:Outer link 14:Inner link 16,18:pin 20:Outer chain plate, chain plate 22: Inner chain plate, chain plate 24:Roller 30:hole 32,34,36:end 38: Narrow middle 40: External link space 42:Inner link space 48: Crank arm, crank 50: chain link 51:circle 54: Outer panel side 56:Inner panel side 58: The first set of stuck teeth and stuck teeth 58a,58b,58c: stuck teeth 60: The second set of stuck teeth and stuck teeth 62: First convex part, convex part 64,66: Second convex part, convex part 68: Front tooth belly, tooth belly 70: Rear tooth flank 72: Link accommodation recess, recess 72a:Base plane 72b: wall 74:Contact area 76: pointed top 78:Hook 78a: most extensional 82a,82b:Outer lead angle 80:Top surface

In the diagram:

Figure 1 is a top view of a conventional transmission chain;

Figure 2 is a side view of the conventional transmission chain in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the combined transmission chain and chain links connected in a transmission system according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a link according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the link in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a side view of the combined transmission chain and chain links connected by a transmission system according to the present invention but with the outer link plate removed;

Figure 7 is a front isometric view of the link according to the present invention;

Figure 8 is a front isometric view of the connection between the link and a transmission chain based on Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a rear isometric view of the connection between the link and a transmission chain based on Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a front view of the link according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is a front view of the link connecting with a transmission chain according to the present invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view through line B-B in Figure 5 of a gear tooth according to one of the configurations of a set of tooth;

Figures 13-15 are cross-sectional views through line A-A of Figure 5 of gear teeth of an alternative form to those of Figure 12 and based on another set of teeth; and

Figure 16 is a partial side view of the link and a roller of the chain engaged with the teeth of the link according to the present invention.

50: chain link

51:circle

54: Outer panel side

56:Inner panel side

58: The first set of stuck teeth and stuck teeth

60: The second set of stuck teeth and stuck teeth

68: Front tooth flank

70: Rear tooth flank

72: Link receiving recess

Claims (16)

A bicycle chain ring used to connect a transmission chain, including: A plurality of latching teeth extending from a circumference of the chain link, wherein the roots of the plurality of latching teeth are arranged adjacent to the circumference of the chain link; The plurality of latching teeth includes a first set of latching teeth and a second set of latching teeth, each latching tooth in the first set of latching teeth being wider than each latching tooth in the second set of latching teeth; At least some of the second set of latching teeth are staggered between and adjacent to the first set of latching teeth; and The first set of teeth includes a tooth flank whose profile extends to a radial extension in one direction and extends beyond the radial extension in a different direction. The bicycle chain ring of claim 1, wherein the tooth flank includes a hook portion. The bicycle chain ring of claim 2, wherein the radial extension is an outermost extension of the hook portion. The bicycle chain ring of claim 3, wherein the hook portion is formed in a part of the latching teeth in the tooth flank, and the part is narrower than a widest part of the first set of latching teeth. For example, the bicycle chain ring of claim 4, wherein the tooth flank is a rear tooth flank. The bicycle chain link of claim 4, wherein the hook part is assembled to connect a roller of the transmission chain. The bicycle chain ring of claim 1, wherein a portion of the second set of latching teeth that is wider than the first set of latching teeth is formed into at least one convex portion. The bicycle link of claim 7, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a first protrusion on a first side of the link. The bicycle link of claim 8, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a second protrusion on a second side of the link. The bicycle link of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion has a first width, and the second protrusion has a second width, and the first width is greater than the second width. The bicycle link of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion has a first width, and the second protrusion has a second width, and the first width is equal to the second width. The bicycle link of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion is asymmetrically disposed on the first side of the link along the peripheral direction of the link. The bicycle chain ring of claim 1, wherein the tooth flank is a first tooth flank, and the first set of teeth further includes a second tooth flank, and the first tooth flank and the second tooth flank should be from an axis. Systems have different shapes when viewed upward. For example, the bicycle chain ring of claim 1, in which most of the teeth are composed of even numbers. For example, the bicycle chain ring of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are adapted to be connected with a bicycle roller transmission chain having staggered outer links and inner link spaces respectively defining outer link spaces and inner link spaces. An inner link, wherein each tooth in the first set of teeth is sized and shaped such that it is adapted to fit within one of the outer link spaces, and wherein each tooth in the second set of teeth is sized and shaped so as to fit within one of the outer link spaces. Each tooth is sized and shaped such that it is adapted to fit within one of the inner link spaces. The bicycle chain ring of claim 1, wherein a front tooth flank of each of the plurality of latching teeth includes a contact area in which one of the rollers of the transmission chain contacts the front tooth flank.