TWI749244B - Bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. A first outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a first outer-link center axis and a second outer-link center axis to divide a first outer surface into a first side and a second side when viewed in an axial direction. A second outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a third outer-link center axis and a fourth outer-link center axis to divide a second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side when viewed in the axial direction. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first chamfer free area. The first circumferential area has a first angle equal to or larger than 20 degrees. The first chamfer free area is adjacent to the first circumferential area. At least one second chamfer is provided outside the first chamfer free area.

Description

Bicycle chain

The invention relates to a bicycle chain.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first outer chain plate includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, at least one first chamfer, and a first outer chain longitudinal direction Axis. The first inner surface is arranged on an opposite surface of the first outer surface in an axial direction. The end portion of the first outer chain includes a first outer chain central axis and an outermost edge of the first outer chain disposed radially outward of the first outer chain central axis. The end portion of the second outer chain includes a second outer chain central axis and an outermost edge of the second outer chain disposed radially outward of the second outer chain central axis. The at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. When viewed in the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain extends through the central axis of the first outer chain and the central axis of the second outer chain to divide the first outer surface into a first side and a second side. The at least one first chamfer is set on the On the first side and the second side. The second outer chain plate includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a third outer chain end portion, a fourth outer chain end portion, at least one second chamfer, and a second outer chain longitudinal direction Axis. The second inner surface is arranged on an opposite surface of the second outer surface in the axial direction. The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction. The end portion of the third outer chain includes a central axis of the third outer chain and an outermost edge of the third outer chain. The central axis of the third outer chain corresponds to the central axis of the first outer chain. The outermost edge of the third outer chain is arranged radially outward of the central axis of the third outer chain. The end portion of the fourth outer chain includes a central axis of the fourth outer chain and the outermost edge of the fourth outer chain. The central axis of the fourth outer chain corresponds to the central axis of the second outer chain. The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain is arranged radially outward of the central axis of the fourth outer chain. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. When viewed in the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain extends through the central axis of the third outer chain and the central axis of the fourth outer chain to divide the second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side. side. The at least one second chamfer is arranged on the third side. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first non-chamfered area. The first circumferential area is defined between the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain and a first radial reference line that extends radially from the central axis of the third outer chain through the at least one second One of the circumferential ends of the chamfer. The first circumferential area has a first corner defined around the center axis of the third outer chain. The first angle is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. The first non-chamfered area is adjacent to the first circumferential area. The at least one second chamfer is arranged outside the first chamfer-free area. The first circumferential area is disposed between the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain and the first non-chamfered area.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is concerned, high shifting efficiency and noise reduction can be compatible with each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the at least one second chamfer is positioned in the first circumferential area.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the second aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high gear shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the first non-chamfered area is defined between the first radial reference line and the third outer chain The central axis extends radially between one of the second radial reference lines. The first non-chamfered area has a second corner defined around the center axis of the third outer chain. The first radial reference line is positioned between the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain and the second radial reference line in a circumferential direction relative to the central axis of the third outer chain.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the third aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the third aspect is configured such that the second angle is equal to or greater than 53 degrees.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that when viewed in the axial direction, the first side and the third side overlap . When viewed in the axial direction, the second side overlaps the fourth side.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is configured such that in a state in which the bicycle chain is assembled to a bicycle, the second outer chain The plate is positioned closer to a bicycle frame of the bicycle than the first outer link plate.

Regarding the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect, the noise reduction can be improved when an inward shift operation in which the bicycle chain is shifted toward the bicycle frame is started.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is configured such that in a state in which the bicycle chain is engaged with a bicycle sprocket of a bicycle, The fourth side is positioned radially closer to a rotation center axis of the bicycle sprocket than the third side.

Regarding the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect, the noise reduction can be improved when an inward shift operation in which the bicycle chain is shifted toward the bicycle frame is started.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface and at least one first chamfer. The first inner surface is arranged on an opposite surface of the first outer surface in an axial direction. The at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. The second outer link plate includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and at least one second chamfer. The second inner surface is arranged on an opposite surface of the second outer surface in the axial direction. The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. A total of the at least one second chamfer is different from the total of the at least one first chamfer.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect is concerned, high shifting efficiency and noise reduction can be compatible with each other.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least one second chamfer is smaller than the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect The driving chain is configured such that the total number of the at least one second chamfer is a factor of the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the eighth aspect to the tenth aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least one first chamfer and the at least one second chamfer At least one of the total is a multiple of 2.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the eighth aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the at least one first chamfer includes a first outer surface Multiple first chamfers. The at least one second chamfer includes a plurality of second chamfers arranged on the second outer surface. The total number of one of the plurality of second chamfers is less than the total number of one of the plurality of first chamfers.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the second outer link plate includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis that is defined when viewed along the axial direction. When viewed along the axial direction, the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect Such a bicycle chain is configured such that the first outer chain plate includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis that is defined when viewed along the axial direction. The at least one first chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers arranged on the first outer surface. When viewed along the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain is arranged between one of the first chamfers and the other of the plurality of first chamfers.

As far as the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect is concerned, it can be determined that high shifting efficiency and noise reduction are compatible with each other.

10: Bicycle

12: Bicycle chain

14: The first outer chain plate

14A: First outer surface

14B: First inner surface

16: The second outer chain plate

16A: Second outer surface

16B: second inner surface

18: The first inner chain plate

20: The second inner chain plate

22: The first chain pin

24: second chain pin

26: The first roller

28: The second roller

30: The end part of the first outer chain

30A: The first outer chain opening

30E: The outermost edge of the first outer chain

32: The end part of the second outer chain

32A: The second outer chain opening

32E: The outermost edge of the second outer chain

34: The middle part of the first outer chain

34E: The middle edge of the first outer chain

34F: The middle edge of the first outer chain

36: first chamfer

36A: first chamfer

36B: first chamfer

36C: first chamfer

36D: first chamfer

38: The first additional chamfer

38A: First additional chamfer

38B: First additional chamfer

40: The end part of the third outer chain

40A: Third outer chain opening

40E: The outermost edge of the third outer chain

42: The end part of the fourth outer chain

42A: The fourth outer chain opening

42E: The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain

44: The middle part of the second outer chain

44E: The middle edge of the second outer chain

44F: The middle edge of the second outer chain

46: second chamfer

46A: second chamfer

46A1: Circle end

46A2: Circle end

46B: second chamfer

46B1: Circle end

46B2: Circle end

48: second additional chamfer

48A: second additional chamfer

48B: Second additional chamfer

A1: Rotation center axis

A2: Rotation center axis

AG1: the first corner

AG2: second corner

AG3: third corner

AG4: Fourth corner

AR11: first circle area

AR12: The first area without chamfering

AR21: second circumferential area

AR22: The second area without chamfering

B1: Bicycle frame

B2: Handle

B3: Car seat

B4: drive train

B5: Bicycle crank assembly

B6: Bicycle sprocket/rear sprocket

B7: Front derailleur

B8: rear derailleur

B51: Bicycle sprocket/front sprocket

CA1: Central axis of the first outer chain

CA2: Central axis of the second outer chain

CA3: Central axis of the third outer chain

CA4: Central axis of the fourth outer chain

D1: Axial direction

D2: circumferential direction

D3: circumferential direction

DD: Transmission direction

F1: pedaling force

LA1: Longitudinal axis of the first outer chain

LA2: the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain

RL1: The first radial reference line

RL2: Second radial reference line

RL3: Third radial reference line

RL4: Fourth radial reference line

S1: First side

S2: second side

S3: Third side

S4: Fourth side

A more comprehensive and better understanding of the present invention and one of its many accompanying advantages will be easily obtained by referring to the following detailed description in consideration of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view of a bicycle with a bicycle chain and a drive train according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another part of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a first outer chain plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the first outer chain plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is another side view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second outer link plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is another side view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a side view of the first outer chain plate (upper half) and the second outer chain plate (lower half) of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1, in which a bicycle sprocket meshes with the bicycle chain.

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same element symbols denote corresponding or identical elements in all the various drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, it illustrates a bicycle 10 equipped with a bicycle chain 12 according to an embodiment. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handle B2, a seat B3, and a drive train B4. The drive train B4 is configured to convert the pedaling force of the rider into transmission force. The bicycle chain 12 is part of the drive train B4. The drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, a bicycle sprocket B6, a front derailleur B7, and a rear derailleur B8. The bicycle crank assembly B5 includes a bicycle sprocket B51. The bicycle crank assembly B5 is rotatably mounted on a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame B1 around a rotation center axis A1. The bicycle sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 around a rotation center axis A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle sprocket B6 so as to extend between them. The front derailleur B7 and the rear derailleur B8 are configured and configured to shift gears in a lateral direction of the bicycle 10 by shifting the bicycle chain 12 Come to shift. The bicycle sprocket B51 can also be referred to as a front sprocket B51. Bicycle sprocket B6 can also be referred to as a rear sprocket B6.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "up" and "down" and any other The similar directional term refers to the direction determined based on the rider sitting on the seat B3 of the bicycle 10 facing the handle B2. Accordingly, these terms when used to describe the bicycle 10 including the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted as the bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position relative to a horizontal surface, as shown in FIG. 1. These terms when used to describe the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted as relative to the bicycle chain 12 used on the bicycle 10 installed on a horizontal surface in an upright riding position, as shown in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bicycle chain 12 includes a first outer link plate 14 and a second outer link plate 16. The bicycle chain 12 further includes a first inner link plate 18, a second inner link plate 20, a first link pin 22, a second link pin 24, a first roller 26 and a second roller 28. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 12 includes a plurality of first outer chain plates 14, a plurality of second outer chain plates 16, a plurality of first chain pins 22, a plurality of second chain pins 24, and a plurality of first rollers. 26 and a plurality of second rollers 28. The bicycle chain 12 has a transmission direction DD along which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force F1 during pedaling.

As seen in FIG. 4, the first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer surface 14A and a first inner surface 14B. The first inner surface 14B is disposed on an opposite surface of the first outer surface 14A in an axial direction D1. The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer surface 16A and a second inner surface 16B. The second inner surface 16B is disposed on an opposite surface of the second outer surface 16A in the axial direction D1. The second inner surface 16B faces the first inner surface 14B in the axial direction D1. The first inner link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 20 are disposed between the first outer link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 16 in the axial direction D1. First The roller 26 and the second roller 28 are arranged between the first inner link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 20 in the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is assembled to the bicycle 10, the second outer link plate 16 is positioned closer to the bicycle frame B1 of the bicycle 10 than the first outer link plate 14 is. However, in the state in which the bicycle chain 12 is assembled to the bicycle 10, the first outer link plate 14 may be positioned closer to the bicycle frame B1 of the bicycle 10 than the second outer link plate 16 is.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first outer chain plate 14 includes a first outer chain end portion 30 and a second outer chain end portion 32. The first outer chain plate 14 includes a first outer chain middle portion 34 disposed between the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain end portion 32. The first outer link middle portion 34 interconnects the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

The first outer chain end portion 30 includes a first outer chain central axis CA1 and an outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain. The outermost edge 30E of the first outer link is arranged radially outward of the central axis CA1 of the first outer link. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end portion 30 includes a first outer chain opening 30A. The first outer link opening 30A has a first outer link center axis CA1. In this embodiment, the axial direction D1 is parallel to the central axis CA1 of the first outer chain. However, the axial direction D1 may not be parallel to the central axis CA1 of the first outer link. As seen in FIG. 2, the first chain pin 22 is disposed in the first outer chain opening 30A.

As seen in FIG. 6, the second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer link central axis CA2 and an outermost edge 32E of the second outer link. The outermost edge 32E of the second outer link is disposed radially outward of the central axis CA2 of the second outer link. In this embodiment, the second outer chain end portion 32 includes a second outer chain opening 32A. The second outer chain opening 32A has a second outer chain center axis CA2. The second outer link center axis CA2 is spaced apart from the first outer link center axis CA1. The second outer chain central axis CA2 is parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA1. However, the central axis CA2 of the second outer chain may be uneven Line on the central axis CA1 of the first outer chain. As seen in FIG. 2, the second chain pin 24 is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32A.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first outer link middle portion 34 includes a pair of first outer link middle edges 34E and 34F. The pair of middle edges of the first outer link 34E and 34F are arranged between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link and the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link.

As seen in FIG. 7, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least one first chamfer 36. At least one first chamfer 36 is provided on the first outer surface 14A. In this embodiment, the at least one first chamfer 36 includes a plurality of first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D disposed on the first outer surface 14A. However, the total number of one of the first chamfers 36 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first chamfer 36A extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain. The first chamfer 36B extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain. The first chamfer 36C extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link. The first chamfer 36D extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link. The first chamfers 36A and 36B are arranged between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain and the central axis CA1 of the first outer chain. The first chamfers 36C and 36D are arranged between the outermost edge 32E of the second outer chain and the central axis CA2 of the second outer chain.

The first outer chain plate 14 includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is defined. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 extends through the first outer chain central axis CA1 and the second outer chain central axis CA2 to divide the first outer surface 14A into a first side S1 and a first side S1. S2 on both sides. At least one first chamfer 36 is provided on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, the first chamfers 36A and 36C are provided on the first side S1. The first chamfers 36B and 36D are provided on the second side S2.

When viewed in the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA1 of the first outer chain is disposed between one of the first chamfers 36 and the other chamfer of the plurality of first chamfers 36. In this embodiment, when viewed along the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA1 of the first outer chain is set at the first inverted Between one of the corners 36A and 36C and one of the first chamfers 36B and 36D. However, the positional relationship between the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 and the plurality of first chamfers 36A to 36D is not limited to this embodiment. When viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one of the first chamfers 36A to 36D may be disposed on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1.

As seen in FIG. 8, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least one first additional chamfer 38. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is provided on the first inner surface 14B. In this embodiment, the at least one first additional chamfer 38 includes a plurality of first additional chamfers 38A and 38B disposed on the first inner surface 14B. However, the total number of one of the first additional chamfers 38 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first additional chamfer 38A extends along the middle edge 34E of the first outer chain. The first additional chamfer 38B extends along the middle edge 34F of the first outer chain. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is provided on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, the first additional chamfer 38A is provided on the first side S1. The first additional chamfer 38B is provided on the second side S2.

When viewed along the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA1 of the first outer chain is disposed between one of the first additional chamfers 38 and another chamfer of the first additional chamfers 38. In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is disposed between the first additional chamfers 38A and 38B. However, the positional relationship between the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 and the plurality of first additional chamfers 38A and 38B is not limited to this embodiment. When viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one of the first additional chamfers 38A and 38B may be disposed on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1.

As seen in FIG. 9, the second outer chain plate 16 includes a third outer chain end portion 40 and a fourth outer chain end portion 42. The second outer chain plate 16 includes a second outer chain middle portion 44 disposed between the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain end portion 42. The second outer link middle portion 44 interconnects the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42.

The third outer chain end portion 40 includes a third outer chain central axis CA3 and an outermost edge 40E of the third outer chain. The outermost edge 40E of the third outer link is arranged radially outward of the central axis CA3 of the third outer link. In this embodiment, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link opening 40A. The third outer link opening 40A has a third outer link center axis CA3.

As seen in Fig. 3, the first chain pin 22 is disposed in the third outer chain opening 40A. The third outer link center axis CA3 corresponds to the first outer link center axis CA1. The first outer chain center axis CA1 extends through the third outer chain opening 40A. As seen in Figure 2, the third outer chain central axis CA3 extends through the first outer chain opening 30A.

As seen in Fig. 10, the fourth outer link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer link central axis CA4 and a fourth outer link outermost edge 42E. The outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link is arranged radially outward of the central axis CA4 of the fourth outer link. In this embodiment, the fourth outer link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer link opening 42A. The fourth outer link opening 42A has a fourth outer link center axis CA4. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 is spaced apart from the third outer chain central axis CA3. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 is parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA3. However, the fourth outer link central axis CA4 may not be parallel to the third outer link central axis CA3.

As seen in FIG. 3, the second chain pin 24 is disposed in the fourth outer chain opening 42A. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 corresponds to the second outer chain central axis CA2. The second outer chain center axis CA2 extends through the fourth outer chain opening 42A. As seen in Fig. 2, the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 extends through the second outer chain opening 32A.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second outer chain middle portion 44 includes a pair of second outer chain middle edges 44E and 44F. The middle edge pair 44E and 44F of the second outer link are arranged between the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link and the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link.

As seen in FIG. 11, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least one second chamfer 46. to One less second chamfer 46 is provided on the second outer surface 16A. In this embodiment, the at least one second chamfer 46 includes a plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B provided on the second outer surface 16A. However, the total number of the second chamfer 46 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second chamfer 46A extends along the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link. The second chamfer 46B extends along the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link. The second chamfer 46A is arranged between the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link and the central axis CA3 of the third outer link. The second chamfer 46B is disposed between the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link and the central axis CA4 of the fourth outer link.

The second chamfer 46A includes circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A2. The second chamfer 46A extends between the circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A2. The second chamfer 46B includes circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B2. The second chamfer 46B extends between the circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B2.

The second outer chain plate 16 includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is defined. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 extends through the third outer chain central axis CA3 and the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 to divide the second outer surface 16A into a third side S3 and a first side S4 on four sides. At least one second chamfer 46 is provided on the third side S3. In this embodiment, the second chamfers 46A and 46B are provided on the third side S3.

In this embodiment, when viewed along the axial direction D1, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed on the longitudinal axis LA2 of the second outer chain. When viewed along the axial direction D1, a plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B are arranged on the longitudinal axis LA2 of the second outer chain. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one of the second chamfers 46A and 46B may be set so as not to overlap the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2. In addition, at least one second chamfer 46 may be set to be asymmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the second outer chain.

The circumferential end 46A2 of the second chamfer 46A is arranged on the third side S3. The circumferential end 46A1 of the second chamfer 46A is arranged on the fourth side S4. When viewed along the axial direction D1, the second inverted The angle 46A extends from the circumferential end 46A1 through the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 to the circumferential end 46A2.

The circumferential end 46B1 of the second chamfer 46B is arranged on the third side S3. The circumferential end 46B2 of the second chamfer 46B is arranged on the fourth side S4. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second chamfer 46B extends from the circumferential end 46B1 through the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 to the circumferential end 46B2.

The fourth side S4 includes a first circumferential area AR11. The first circumferential area AR11 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and a first radial reference line RL1. The first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the center axis CA3 of the third outer chain and passes through a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer 46. The first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the third outer chain center axis CA3 through the circumferential end 46A1 of the second chamfer 46A. At least one second chamfer 46 is positioned in the first circumferential area AR11. The second chamfer 46A is positioned in the first circumferential area AR11.

The first circumferential area AR11 has a first angle AG1 defined around the third outer link center axis CA3. The first angle AG1 is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. In this embodiment, the first angle AG1 is 20 degrees. However, the first angle AG1 is not limited to this embodiment.

The fourth side S4 includes a first non-chamfered area AR12. The first non-chamfered area AR12 is adjacent to the first circumferential area AR11. The first circumferential area AR11 is arranged between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the first non-chamfered area AR12. The first non-chamfered area AR12 is defined between the first radial reference line RL1 and a second radial reference line RL2 that radially extends from the third outer chain central axis CA3. The first radial reference line RL1 is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the second radial reference line RL2 in a circumferential direction D2 relative to the third outer chain central axis CA3. In this embodiment, the second radial reference line RL2 extends from the third outer chain central axis CA3 through the circumferential end 46B2 of the second chamfer 46B.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside the first non-chamfer area AR12. The second chamfer 46A is arranged outside the first non-chamfer area AR12. The second chamfer 46B is set It is placed outside the first non-chamfered area AR12.

The first non-chamfered area AR12 has a second angle AG2 defined around the third outer link center axis CA3. The second angle AG2 is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. However, the second angle AG2 is not limited to the above range.

The third side S3 includes a second circumferential area AR21. The second circumferential area AR21 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and a third radial reference line RL3. The third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the central axis CA4 of the fourth outer chain through a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer 46. The third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through the circumferential end 46B1 of the second chamfer 46B. At least one second chamfer 46 is positioned in the second circumferential area AR21. The second chamfer 46B is positioned in the second circumferential area AR21.

The second circumferential area AR21 has a third angle AG3 defined around the fourth outer link center axis CA4. The third triangle AG3 is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. In this embodiment, the third angle AG3 is 20 degrees. However, the third angle AG3 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The third side S3 includes a second non-chamfered area AR22. The second non-chamfered area AR22 is adjacent to the second circumferential area AR21. The second circumferential area AR21 is disposed between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the second non-chamfered area AR22. The second non-chamfered area AR22 is defined between the third radial reference line RL3 and a fourth radial reference line RL4 radially extending from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. The third radial reference line RL3 is positioned between the second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 and the fourth radial reference line RL4 in a circumferential direction D3 relative to the fourth outer link central axis CA4. In this embodiment, the fourth radial reference line RL4 extends from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through the circumferential end 46A2 of the second chamfer 46A.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside the second non-chamfer area AR22. The second chamfer 46A is arranged outside the second non-chamfer area AR22. The second chamfer 46B is set It is placed outside the second non-chamfered area AR22.

The second non-chamfered area AR22 has a fourth corner AG4 defined around the fourth outer link central axis CA4. The fourth angle AG4 is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. However, the fourth angle AG4 is not limited to the above range.

As seen in FIG. 12, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least one second additional chamfer 48. At least one second additional chamfer 48 is provided on the second inner surface 16B. In this embodiment, the at least one second additional chamfer 48 includes a plurality of second additional chamfers 48A and 48B provided on the second inner surface 16B. However, the total number of one of the second additional chamfers 48 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second additional chamfer 48A extends along the middle edge 44E of the second outer chain. The second additional chamfer 48B extends along the middle edge 44F of the second outer chain. At least one second additional chamfer 48 is provided on the third side S3 and the fourth side S4. In this embodiment, the second additional chamfer 48A is provided on the third side S3. The second additional chamfer 48B is provided on the fourth side S4.

When viewed along the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is set between one chamfer of the second additional chamfers 48 and another chamfer of the second additional chamfers 48. In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is disposed between the second additional chamfers 48A and 48B. However, the positional relationship between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the plurality of second additional chamfers 48A and 48B is not limited to this embodiment. When viewed in the axial direction D1, at least one of the second additional chamfers 48A and 48B may be disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 11, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is different from one of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of the plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B is different from the total number of the plurality of first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. In this embodiment, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is less than the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. Of a plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B The total is less than the total of the first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. However, the total number of the plurality of second chamfers 46 may be greater than the total number of the plurality of first chamfers 36.

In this embodiment, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is a factor of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. At least one of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36 and the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is a multiple of 2. In this embodiment, the total number of the first chamfer 36 is 4. The total number of the second chamfer 46 is 2. The total number of the first chamfer 36 is a multiple of 2. The total number of the second chamfer 46 is 2. However, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is not limited to a factor of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of the first chamfer 36 is not limited to a multiple of 2. The total number of the second chamfer 46 is not limited to a multiple of 2.

As seen in Fig. 13, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the first side S1 overlaps the third side S3. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second side S2 overlaps the fourth side S4. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the first side S1 may overlap the fourth side S4. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second side S2 may overlap the third side S3.

In the state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the second side S2 is positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the first side S1. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the first side S1 may be positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the second side S2.

In the state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the fourth side S4 is positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the third side S3. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the third side S3 may be positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the fourth side S4.

As used herein, the term "including" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that specifically refer to the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, wholes and/or steps, but does not exclude the presence of other unstated features , Element, component, group, whole and/or step. This concept also applies to terms with similar meanings, such as the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

The terms "component", "section", "part", "part", "component", "body" and "structure" used in the singular form can have the dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" described in this application are only identifiers and do not have any other meanings (for example, a specific order and the like). In addition, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not imply the existence of a "first element".

As used herein, the term "a pair..." not only covers a configuration in which a pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other, but can also cover a configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other.

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

Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" mean a reasonable amount of deviation from a modified term that does not significantly change the final result. All numerical values described in this application can be interpreted as including terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately".

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention can be made in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention can be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein within the scope of the attached patent application.

16‧‧‧Second outer chain plate

16A‧‧‧Second outer surface

40‧‧‧The end part of the third outer chain

40A‧‧‧The third outer chain opening

40E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the third outer chain

42‧‧‧The end part of the fourth outer chain

42A‧‧‧The fourth outer chain opening

42E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain

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

44E‧‧‧The middle edge of the second outer chain

44F‧‧‧The middle edge of the second outer chain

46‧‧‧Second Chamfer

46A‧‧‧Second Chamfer

46A1‧‧‧Circumference end

46A2‧‧‧Circumference end

46B‧‧‧Second Chamfer

46B1‧‧‧Circumference end

46B2‧‧‧Circumference end

AG1‧‧‧First corner

AG2‧‧‧Second corner

AG3‧‧‧The third corner

AG4‧‧‧Fourth corner

AR11‧‧‧First circle area

AR12‧‧‧The first area without chamfer

AR21‧‧‧Second Circle Area

AR22‧‧‧Second area without chamfer

CA3‧‧‧The third outer chain central axis

CA4‧‧‧The central axis of the fourth outer chain

D2‧‧‧Circumference direction

D3‧‧‧Circumference direction

DD‧‧‧Transmission direction

LA2‧‧‧The longitudinal axis of the second outer chain

RL1‧‧‧First radial reference line

RL2‧‧‧Second radial reference line

S3‧‧‧The third side

S4‧‧‧Fourth side

Claims (14)

A bicycle chain, comprising: a first outer chain plate, comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface, which is arranged on an opposite surface of the first outer surface in an axial direction; An end portion of an outer chain, comprising: a first outer chain central axis; and an outermost edge of a first outer chain disposed radially outward of the first outer chain central axis; and a second outer chain end Part, which includes: a second outer chain central axis; and an outermost edge of a second outer chain arranged radially outward of the second outer chain central axis; at least one first chamfer arranged on the first On an outer surface; and a first outer chain longitudinal axis, when viewed in the axial direction, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extends through the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis to align The first outer surface is divided into a first side and a second side, and the at least one first chamfer is provided on the first side and the second side; a second outer link plate includes: a second outer Surface; a second inner surface, which is arranged on the opposite side of the second outer surface in the axial direction , The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction; a third outer chain end portion, which includes: a third outer chain central axis, which corresponds to the first outer chain central axis ; The outermost edge of a third outer chain, which is arranged radially outward of the central axis of the third outer chain; and a fourth outer chain end portion, which includes: a fourth outer chain central axis, which corresponds to the The central axis of the second outer chain; and the outermost edge of a fourth outer chain, which is arranged radially outward of the central axis of the fourth outer chain; at least one second chamfer, which is arranged on the second outer surface; and A second outer chain longitudinal axis, when viewed in the axial direction, the second outer chain longitudinal axis extends through the third outer chain central axis and the fourth outer chain central axis to divide the second outer surface A third side and a fourth side, the at least one second chamfer is provided on the third side, and the fourth side includes: a first circumferential area defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis and a first Between a radial reference line, the first radial reference line extends from the center axis of the third outer chain through a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer, and the first circumferential area has a circumference surrounding the third outer chain The central axis defines a first angle, the first angle is equal to or greater than 20 degrees; and a first non-chamfered area, which is adjacent to the first circumferential area, and the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the first Outside of the non-chamfered area, the first circumferential area is disposed between the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain and the first non-chamfered area; when viewed along the axial direction, the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the Second outer link On the longitudinal axis; and the at least one second chamfer is asymmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the at least one second chamfer is positioned in the first circumferential area. For example, the bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the first non-chamfered area is defined between the first radial reference line and a second radial reference line extending radially from the center axis of the third outer chain, the first A non-chamfered area has a second angle defined around the center axis of the third outer chain, and the first radial reference line is positioned on the second outer chain in a circumferential direction relative to the center axis of the third outer chain Between the chain longitudinal axis and the second radial reference line. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 3, wherein the second angle is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein when viewed in the axial direction, the first side overlaps the third side, and when viewed in the axial direction, the second side overlaps the fourth side. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein in a state where the bicycle chain is assembled to a bicycle, the second outer chain plate is fixed It is positioned closer to a bicycle frame of the bicycle than the first outer link plate. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein in a state in which the bicycle chain is engaged with a bicycle sprocket of a bicycle, the fourth side is positioned to rotate radially closer to one of the bicycle sprocket than the third side Central axis. A bicycle chain, comprising: a first outer chain plate, comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface arranged on an opposite surface of the first outer surface in an axial direction; and at least A first chamfer, which is arranged on the first outer surface; and a second outer link plate, which comprises: a second outer surface; a second inner surface, which is arranged on the first outer surface in the axial direction On the opposite side of one of the two outer surfaces, the second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction; and at least one second chamfer disposed on the second outer surface, the at least one second inverted The total number of corners is different from the total number of the at least one first chamfer. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the total number of the at least one second chamfer is less than the total number of the at least one first chamfer. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the total number of the at least one second chamfer is a factor of the total number of the at least one first chamfer. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein at least one of the total number of the at least one first chamfer and the total number of the at least one second chamfer is a multiple of 2. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the at least one first chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers arranged on the first outer surface, and the at least one second chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers arranged on the second outer surface A plurality of second chamfers, and the total number of one of the plurality of second chamfers is less than the total number of one of the plurality of first chamfers. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 12, wherein the second outer chain plate includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction, and when viewed in the axial direction, the at least one second inverted The angle is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain. Such as the bicycle chain of claim 12, wherein the first outer chain plate includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis defined when viewed along the axial direction, and the at least one first chamfer includes being provided on the first outer surface The plural first chamfers, and When viewed along the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain is arranged between one of the first chamfers and the other of the plurality of first chamfers.

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