TWI749254B - Bicycle-chain outer link plate and bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle-chain outer link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion, and a first outer-link intermediate portion. The first outer-link end portion comprises a first outer-link opening and a first outer-link end outermost edge. The second outer-link end portion comprises a second outer-link opening and a second outer-link end outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion comprises a first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and a first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion has a first distance defined in an axial direction on a first outer-link longitudinal axis. The first outer-link intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined in the axial direction. The first outer-link end outermost edge has a third distance defined in the axial direction. The first distance is larger than the second distance and the third distance. The second distance is larger than the third distance.

Description

Chains other than bicycle chains and bicycle chains

The invention relates to an outer chain piece of a bicycle chain and a bicycle chain.

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of entertainment and a means of transportation. Furthermore, 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 outer link piece includes a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, and a first outer chain middle portion. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer chain opening, and an outermost edge of the first outer chain end. The first inner surface is disposed on a reverse surface of the first outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in an assembled state where the bicycle chain outer chain piece and an additional outer chain piece are assembled. The first outer chain opening has a first outer chain central axis and extends from the first outer surface to the first inner surface along the first outer chain central axis. The outermost edge of the first outer chain end is arranged radially outward of the opening of the first outer chain. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a second outer chain opening, and an outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The second inner surface is disposed on an opposite surface of the second outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state. The second outer chain opening has a second outer chain central axis and extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface. The outermost edge of the second outer chain end is arranged radially outward of the second outer chain opening. The first outer chain middle part interconnects the first outer chain end part and the second outer chain end part. The middle part of the first outer chain includes a first middle outer surface, a first middle inner surface, a middle outermost edge of a first outer chain, and a middle outermost edge of a first additional outer chain. The first middle inner surface is disposed on a reverse surface of the first middle outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state. The middle outermost edge of the first outer chain is arranged between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The outermost edge of the middle of the first additional outer chain is arranged between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The middle portion of the first outer chain has a first distance defined on the longitudinal axis of a first outer chain along an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the first outer chain. When viewed along the axial direction, the first distance A longitudinal axis of an outer chain extends from the central axis of the first outer chain to the central axis of the second outer chain. The outermost edge of the middle of the first outer chain has a second distance defined along the axial direction. The outermost edge of the first outer chain end has a third distance defined along the axial direction. The first distance is greater than the second distance and the third distance. The second distance is greater than the third distance.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the first aspect, it is possible to make a shift operation smooth and reduce the width of the bicycle chain outer chain piece in one of the cases in which the width of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced. One of the intensity effects.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the first distance is in a range from 0.87 mm to 0.91 mm.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the second aspect, the gear shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer chain piece can be reduced in one of the cases in which the width of one of the bicycle chain outer chain pieces is reduced One of its strengths.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the outer links of the bicycle chain according to the first aspect or the second aspect are configured such that the second distance is in a range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the third aspect, the gear shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer chain piece can be reduced in one of the cases in which one of the widths of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced One of its strengths.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the outer links of the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect are configured such that the third distance is in a range from 0.44 mm to 0.48 mm.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the fourth aspect, the gear shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer chain piece can be reduced in one of the cases in which the width of one of the bicycle chain outer chain pieces is reduced One of its strengths.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain outer link piece includes a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, and a first outer chain middle portion. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer chain opening, and an outermost edge of the first outer chain end. The first inner surface is disposed on a reverse surface of the first outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in an assembled state where the bicycle chain outer chain piece and an additional outer chain piece are assembled. The first outer chain opening has a first outer chain central axis and extends from the first outer surface to the first inner surface along the first outer chain central axis. The outermost edge of the first outer chain end is arranged radially outward of the opening of the first outer chain. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a second outer chain opening, and an outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The second inner surface is disposed on an opposite surface of the second outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state. The second outer chain opening has a second outer chain central axis and extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface. The outermost edge of the second outer chain end is arranged radially outward of the second outer chain opening. The first outer chain middle part interconnects the first outer chain end part and the second outer chain end part. The middle part of the first outer chain includes a first middle outer surface, a first middle inner surface, a middle outermost edge of a first outer chain, and a middle outermost edge of a first additional outer chain. The first middle inner surface is disposed on a reverse surface of the first middle outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state. The middle outermost edge of the first outer chain is arranged between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The outermost edge of the middle of the first additional outer chain is arranged between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The middle portion of the first outer chain has a first distance defined on the longitudinal axis of a first outer chain along an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the first outer chain. When viewed along the axial direction, the first distance A longitudinal axis of an outer chain extends from the central axis of the first outer chain to the central axis of the second outer chain. The outermost edge of the middle of the first outer chain has a second distance defined along the axial direction. The second distance is within a range from 89% to 93% of the first distance.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer link according to the fifth aspect, the gear shift operation can be smoothed and the strength of the bicycle chain outer link can be reduced in one of the cases in which the width of one of the bicycle chain outer links is reduced One influence.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the first distance is in a range from 0.87 mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the sixth aspect, the gear shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer chain piece can be reduced in one of the cases in which the width of one of the bicycle chain outer chain pieces is reduced One of its strengths.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain end chamfer and A first additional outer chain end is chamfered. The first outer chain end is chamfered on the first outer surface. The first additional outer chain end is chamfered on the first outer surface. The chamfer of the first outer chain end extends along the outermost edge of the first outer chain end. The first additional outer chain end chamfer extends along the outermost edge of the first outer chain end. The first additional outer chain end chamfer is disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the first outer chain end chamfer.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the seventh aspect, the change can be made in one of the cases in which the width of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer chain end portion The gear operation is smoother and one of the influences on the strength of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain is reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end chamfer is adjacent to the first additional outer chain end chamfer and the first outer chain end chamfer There is no other chamfer between the chain end chamfer and the first additional outer chain end chamfer.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the eighth aspect, the change can be made in a case in which a width of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer chain end portion The gear operation is smoother and one of the influences on the strength of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain is reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end chamfer includes a first radial outer edge and a first Radial inner edge. The first additional outer chain end chamfer includes a first additional radially outer edge and a first additional radially inner edge. The first radially inner edge coincides with the first additional radially outer edge.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the ninth aspect, the change can be made in a case in which one of the widths of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer chain end portion The gear operation is smoother and one of the influences on the strength of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain is reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the first outer chain end portion has the chamfer defined at the first outer chain end along the axial direction A fourth distance at the first radially outer edge. The fourth distance is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm.

Regarding the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the tenth aspect, the change can be made in a case in which one of the widths of the bicycle chain outer chain piece is reduced by gradually changing the width of the first outer chain end portion The gear operation is smoother and one of the influences on the strength of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain is reduced.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the outer link piece of the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect is configured such that the second distance corresponds to the fourth distance.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the eleventh aspect, the The shifting operation is smoother and one of the influences on the strength of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain is reduced.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect further includes a contour, and when viewed in the axial direction, the contour has a relative One of the longitudinal axes of the first outer chain has an asymmetric shape.

Regarding the bicycle chain outer link piece according to the twelfth aspect, the asymmetrical shape enables the bicycle chain outer link piece to have different functions on both sides.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis along the first outer chain Extend a long shape.

With regard to the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the first aspect can be obtained.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link piece according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis. When viewed in the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer chain piece according to the fourteenth aspect, a degree of freedom in designing a shape of the second outer chain opening can be improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect and a first chain pin. The first chain pin is arranged in the first outer chain opening. The first chain pin is engaged with the additional outer chain piece.

With regard to the bicycle chain according to the fifteenth aspect, in one of the cases where the width of one of the outer links of the bicycle chain is reduced, the outer link of the bicycle chain makes a shifting operation smooth and reduces the width of the bicycle chain. One of the effects of the strength of the outer chain.

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

First, refer to FIG. 1, which 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 rear sprocket B6, a front derailleur B7, and a rear derailleur B8. The bicycle crank assembly B5 includes a front sprocket B51. The bicycle crank assembly B5 is rotatably mounted on a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame B1 around a rotation center axis A1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 around a rotation center axis A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6 so as to extend between the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6. The front derailleur B7 and the rear derailleur B8 are configured and arranged to shift gears by shifting the bicycle chain 12 in a lateral direction of the bicycle 10. The front sprocket B51 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B51. The rear sprocket B6 can also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B6.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "upward" and "downward" and any other similar The direction term refers to a direction determined based on a rider facing (for example) the handle B2 sitting on the seat B3 of the bicycle 10. Correspondingly, 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 plane, 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 in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface, as shown in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle chain 12 includes a bicycle chain outer link 14 and a first chain pin 16. The bicycle chain 12 includes an additional outer link piece 18, a second link pin 20, a first inner link piece 22 and a second inner link piece 24, and a roller 28. The bicycle chain outer link 14 is separated from the additional outer link 18. The first inner link piece 22 and the second inner link piece 24 are disposed between the bicycle chain outer link piece 14 and the additional outer link piece 18. The roller 28 is disposed between the first inner link piece 22 and the second inner link piece 24. The bicycle chain 12 has a transmission direction DD along which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force F1 during pedaling. The outer chain piece 14 of the bicycle chain can also be referred to as a first outer chain piece 14. The additional outer link piece 18 may also be referred to as a second outer link piece 18.

In this embodiment, the bicycle chain outer link piece 14 and the additional outer link piece 18 are connector links used to connect one end of a chain to the other end of the chain. Therefore, the outer link 14 of the bicycle chain can also be referred to as a first connector link 14. The additional outer link piece 18 can also be referred to as a second connector link piece 18. However, the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 are not limited to a connector link. The bicycle chain outer chain piece 14 and the additional outer chain piece 18 may be an outer chain piece.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bicycle chain outer link 14 includes a first outer chain end portion 30, a second outer chain end portion 32 and a first outer chain middle portion 34. 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 link middle portion 34 is disposed between the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first outer link end portion 30 includes a first outer surface 30A and a first inner surface 30B. The first inner surface 30B is disposed on a reverse surface of the first outer surface 30A to face the additional outer chain piece 18 in an assembled state of one of the bicycle chain outer chain piece 14 and the additional outer chain piece 18 assembled therein. The second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer surface 32A and a second inner surface 32B. The second inner surface 32B is disposed on an opposite surface of the second outer surface 32A to face the additional outer link piece 18 in the assembled state. The first outer link middle portion 34 includes a first middle outer surface 34A and a first middle inner surface 34B. The first middle inner surface 34B is disposed on an opposite surface of the first middle outer surface 34A to face the additional outer link piece 18 in the assembled state.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first outer link end portion 30 includes a first outer link opening 30C having a first outer link center axis CA11. The first outer link end portion 30 includes an outermost edge 30E of a first outer link end disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening 30C. The second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer link opening 32C having a second outer link center axis CA12. The second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer link end outermost edge 32E disposed radially outward of the second outer link opening 32C. The first outer chain middle portion 34 includes a first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and a first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F. The middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer link is disposed between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end and the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link end. The middle outermost edge 34F of the first additional outer link is disposed between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end and the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link end.

The bicycle chain outer link 14 includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. When viewed along the axial direction D1 (Figure 2) parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA11, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the first outer chain The chain center axis CA11 extends to the second outer chain center axis CA12. The bicycle chain outer link 14 further includes a contour, which has an asymmetric shape with respect to one of the longitudinal axis LA11 of the first outer chain when viewed in the axial direction D1 (FIG. 2). However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the outline of the outer link piece 14 of the bicycle chain may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the longitudinal axis LA11 of the first outer chain.

In this embodiment, the first outer chain opening 30C has a circular shape. The second outer chain opening 32C has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis LA11 of the first outer chain. The second outer chain opening 32C has a longitudinal axis LA12. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C is inclined with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. However, as seen in FIG. 6, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C may be parallel to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first outer chain opening 32C includes an attachment opening 32C1 and an insertion opening 32C2. The attachment opening 32C1 is connected to the insertion opening 32C2. The attachment opening 32C1 has an attachment center axis CA13. The insertion opening 32C2 has an insertion center axis CA14. When viewed in the axial direction D1 (FIG. 2), the longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C extends from the attachment center axis CA13 to the insertion center axis CA14. In this embodiment, the second outer chain central axis CA12 coincides with the attachment central axis CA13. However, the second outer link center axis CA12 may be offset from the attachment center axis CA13.

As seen in FIG. 7, the first outer chain opening 30C extends from the first outer surface 30A to the first inner surface 30B along the first outer chain central axis CA11. The second outer link opening 32C extends from the second outer surface 32A to the second inner surface 32B.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the additional outer link piece 18 includes a third outer link end portion 40, a fourth outer link end portion 42 and a second outer link middle portion 44. The second outer link middle portion 44 interconnects the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42. The second outer link middle portion 44 is disposed between the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42.

As seen in FIG. 2, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer surface 40A and a third inner surface 40B. The third inner surface 40B is disposed on a reverse surface of the third outer surface 40A to face the bicycle chain outer link 14 in the assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 are assembled. The fourth outer chain end portion 42 includes a fourth outer surface 42A and a fourth inner surface 42B. The fourth inner surface 42B is provided on an opposite surface of the fourth outer surface 42A to face the bicycle chain outer link 14 in the assembled state. The second outer chain middle portion 44 includes a second middle outer surface 44A and a second middle inner surface 44B. The second middle inner surface 44B is provided on a reverse surface of the second middle outer surface 44A to face the bicycle chain outer link 14 in the assembled state.

As seen in FIG. 8, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link opening 40C having a third outer link center axis CA21. The third outer link end portion 40 includes an outermost edge 40E of a third outer link end disposed radially outward of the third outer link opening 40C. The fourth outer link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer link opening 42C having a fourth outer link center axis CA22. The fourth outer link end portion 42 includes one of the outermost edges 42E of the fourth outer link end disposed radially outward of the fourth outer link opening 42C. The second outer chain middle part 44 includes a second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E and a second extra outer chain middle outermost edge 44F. The middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer link is disposed between the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end and the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link end. The middle outermost edge 44F of the second additional outer link is disposed between the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end and the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link end.

The additional outer link piece 18 includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21, when viewed along the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21 extends from the third outer chain central axis CA21 to the fourth outer chain central axis CA22. The additional outer link piece 18 further includes a profile which, when viewed in the axial direction D1, has an asymmetrical shape with respect to one of the longitudinal axis LA21 of the second outer link. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the profile of the additional outer link piece 18 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the second outer link longitudinal axis LA21.

In this embodiment, the third outer chain opening 40C has a circular shape. The fourth outer link opening 42C has an elongated shape extending along the second outer link longitudinal axis LA21. The fourth outer chain opening 42C has a longitudinal axis LA22. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C is inclined with respect to the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21. However, as seen in FIG. 9, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C may be parallel to the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21.

As seen in FIG. 8, the fourth outer link opening 42C includes an attachment opening 42C1 and an insertion opening 42C2. The attachment opening 42C1 is connected to the insertion opening 42C2. The attachment opening 42C1 has an attachment center axis CA23. The insertion opening 42C2 has an insertion center axis CA24. The longitudinal axis LA22 of the fourth outer chain opening 42C extends from the attachment center axis CA23 to the insertion center axis CA24. In this embodiment, the fourth outer chain central axis CA22 coincides with the attachment central axis CA23. However, the fourth outer link center axis CA22 may be offset from the attachment center axis CA23.

As seen in FIG. 10, the third outer link opening 40C extends from the third outer surface 40A to the third inner surface 40B along the third outer link central axis CA21. The fourth outer link opening 42C extends from the fourth outer surface 42A to the fourth inner surface 42B.

As seen in Fig. 3, the first chain pin 16 is disposed in the first outer chain opening 30C. The first chain pin 16 is engaged with the additional outer chain piece 18. The second chain pin 20 is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32C. The second link pin 20 is engaged with the additional outer link piece 18. As seen in Fig. 4, the first chain pin 16 is disposed in the fourth outer chain opening 42C. The second chain pin 20 is disposed in the third outer chain opening 40C.

As seen in FIG. 2, the first inner link piece 22 and the second inner link piece 24 use the first link pin 16 to be pivotally coupled to the bicycle chain outer link piece 14 and the additional outer link piece 18. The first inner link 22 and the second inner link 24 use the second link pin 20 to pivotally couple to the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18.

As seen in FIG. 11, the first chain pin 16 includes a first pin body 16A, a first head portion 16B, a first middle portion 16C, and a first groove 16D. The first pin body 16A is disposed in the first outer chain opening 30C. In this embodiment, for example, the first pin body 16A is press-fitted in the first outer chain opening 30C. The first middle portion 16C couples the first head portion 16B to the first pin body 16A. The first groove 16D is provided between the first pin body 16A and the first head portion 16B. The first middle portion 16C is disposed in the fourth outer link opening 42C.

As seen in FIG. 12, the additional outer link piece 18 includes a guide portion 42K provided in the fourth outer link opening 42C. The guide portion 42K extends from an inner peripheral surface of the fourth outer chain opening 42C. As seen in FIG. 4, in the assembled state, the guide portion 42K is disposed in the first groove 16D of the first chain pin 16.

As seen in FIG. 12, the second chain pin 20 includes a second pin body 20A, a second head portion 20B, a second middle portion 20C, and a second groove 20D. The second pin body 20A is disposed in the third outer chain opening 40C. In this embodiment, for example, the second pin body 20A is press-fitted into the third outer chain opening 40C. The second middle portion 20C couples the second head portion 20B to the second pin body 20A. The second groove 20D is disposed between the second pin body 20A and the second head portion 20B. The second middle portion 20C is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32C.

As seen in FIG. 11, the bicycle chain outer link piece 14 includes a guide portion 32K provided in the second outer chain opening 32C. The guide portion 32K extends from an inner peripheral surface of one of the second outer chain openings 32C. As seen in FIG. 3, in the assembled state, the guide portion 32K is disposed in the second groove 20D of the second chain pin 20.

As seen in FIG. 5, the first outer chain end portion 30 includes a first outer chain end chamfer 30F and a first additional outer chain end chamfer 30G. The first outer chain end chamfer 30F is provided on the first outer surface 30A. The first additional outer chain end chamfer 30G is disposed on the first outer surface 30A. The first outer link end chamfer 30F extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end. The first additional outer link end chamfer 30G extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end. The first additional outer link end chamfer 30G is disposed between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end and the first outer link end chamfer 30F. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end chamfer 30F is adjacent to the first outer chain end chamfer 30G, and there is no gap between the first outer chain outer chain end chamfer 30F and the first outer chain end chamfer 30G Another chamfer. However, another chamfer may be provided between the first outer link end chamfer 30F and the first additional outer link end chamfer 30G.

As seen in FIG. 13, the first outer chain end chamfer 30F includes a first radially outer edge 30F1 and a first radially inner edge 30F2. The first additional outer chain end chamfer 30G includes a first additional radially outer edge 30G1 and a first additional radially inner edge 30G2. The first radially inner edge 30F2 coincides with the first additional radially outer edge 30G1. However, the first radially inner edge 30F2 may be offset from the first additional radially outer edge 30G1.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer link end chamfer 32F and a second additional outer link end chamfer 32G. The second outer chain end chamfer 32F is disposed on the second outer surface 32A. The second additional outer chain end chamfer 32G is disposed on the second outer surface 32A. The second outer link end chamfer 32F extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link end. The second additional outer link end chamfer 32G extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link end. The second additional outer link end chamfer 32G is disposed between the outermost edge 32E of the second outer link end and the second outer link end chamfer 32F. In this embodiment, the second outer chain end chamfer 32F is adjacent to the second outer chain end chamfer 32G, and there is no other side between the second outer chain end chamfer 32F and the second outer chain end chamfer 32G Chamfer. However, another chamfer may be provided between the second outer link end chamfer 32F and the second additional outer link end chamfer 32G.

As seen in FIG. 14, the second outer chain end chamfer 32F includes a second radially outer edge 32F1 and a second radially inner edge 32F2. The second extra outer chain end chamfer 32G includes a second extra radial outer edge 32G1 and a second extra radial inner edge 32G2. The second radially inner edge 32F2 coincides with the second additional radially outer edge 32G1. However, the second radially inner edge 32F2 may be offset from the second additional radially outer edge 32G1.

As seen in FIG. 15, the first outer link middle portion 34 has a first distance T11 defined on the first outer link longitudinal axis LA11 along an axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer link central axis CA11. The middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer link has a second distance T12 defined along the axial direction D1. The outermost edge 30E of the first outer link end has a third distance T13 defined along the axial direction D1. The first distance T11 is greater than the second distance T12 and the third distance T13. The second distance T12 is greater than the third distance T13. In this embodiment, each of the first distance T11, the second distance T12, the third distance T13, and the fourth distance T14 is defined from the first intermediate inner surface 34B along the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, the first distance T11 is in the range from 0.87 mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance T12 is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm. The third distance T13 is in the range from 0.44 mm to 0.48 mm. In this embodiment, the first distance T11 is 0.89 mm. The second distance T12 is 0.81 mm. The third distance T13 is 0.46 mm. However, each of the first distance T11, the second distance T12, and the third distance T13 is not limited to this embodiment and the aforementioned range. The second distance T12 is within a range from 89% to 93% of the first distance T11. In this embodiment, the second distance T12 is about 91% of the first distance T11. However, a ratio of the second distance T12 to the first distance T11 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first outer link end portion 30 has a fourth distance T14 defined at the first radial outer edge 30F1 of the first outer link end chamfer 30F along the axial direction D1. The fourth distance T14 is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm. In this embodiment, the fourth distance T14 is 0.81 mm. That is, the second distance T12 corresponds to the fourth distance T14. The second distance T12 is equal to the fourth distance T14. However, the fourth distance T14 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range. The fourth distance T14 may be different from the second distance T12.

As seen in FIG. 8, the third outer chain end portion 40 includes a third outer chain end chamfer 40F and a third additional outer chain end chamfer 40G. The third outer chain end chamfer 40F is disposed on the third outer surface 40A. The third additional outer chain end chamfer 40G is disposed on the third outer surface 40A. The third outer link end chamfer 40F extends along the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end. The third additional outer link end chamfer 40G extends along the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end. The third additional outer link end chamfer 40G is disposed between the outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end and the third outer link end chamfer 40F. In this embodiment, the third outer chain end chamfer 40F is adjacent to the third outer chain end chamfer 40G, and there is no other chamfer between the third outer chain end chamfer 40F and the third outer chain end chamfer 40G Chamfer. However, another chamfer may be provided between the third outer link end chamfer 40F and the third additional outer link end chamfer 40G.

As seen in FIG. 16, the third outer chain end chamfer 40F includes a third radially outer edge 40F1 and a third radially inner edge 40F2. The third additional outer chain end chamfer 40G includes a third additional radially outer edge 40G1 and a third additional radially inner edge 40G2. The third radially inner edge 40F2 coincides with the third additional radially outer edge 40G1. However, the third radially inner edge 40F2 may be offset from the third additional radially outer edge 40G1.

As seen in FIG. 8, the fourth outer link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer link end chamfer 42F and a fourth additional outer link end chamfer 42G. The fourth outer chain end chamfer 42F is provided on the fourth outer surface 42A. The fourth additional outer chain end chamfer 42G is disposed on the fourth outer surface 42A. The fourth outer link end chamfer 42F extends along the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link end. The fourth additional outer link end chamfer 42G extends along the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link end. The fourth additional outer link end chamfer 42G is disposed between the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer link end and the fourth outer link end chamfer 42F. In this embodiment, the fourth outer chain end chamfer 42F is adjacent to the fourth outer chain end chamfer 42G, and there is no other chamfer between the fourth outer chain end chamfer 42F and the fourth outer chain end chamfer 42G Chamfer. However, another chamfer may be provided between the fourth outer link end chamfer 42F and the fourth additional outer link end chamfer 42G.

As seen in FIG. 17, the fourth outer chain end chamfer 42F includes a fourth radial outer edge 42F1 and a fourth radial inner edge 42F2. The fourth additional outer chain end chamfer 42G includes a fourth additional radially outer edge 42G1 and a fourth additional radially inner edge 42G2. The fourth radially inner edge 42F2 coincides with the fourth additional radially outer edge 42G1. However, the fourth radially inner edge 42F2 may be offset from the fourth additional radially outer edge 42G1.

As seen in FIG. 18, the second outer chain middle portion 44 has a first distance T21 defined on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21 along the axial direction D1 parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA21. The middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer link has a second distance T22 defined along the axial direction D1. The outermost edge 40E of the third outer link end has a third distance T23 defined along the axial direction D1. The first distance T21 is greater than the second distance T22 and the third distance T23. The second distance T22 is greater than the third distance T23. In this embodiment, each of the first distance T21, the second distance T22, the third distance T23, and the fourth distance T24 is defined from the second intermediate inner surface 44B along the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, the first distance T21 is in the range from 0.87 mm to 0.91 mm. The second distance T22 is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm. The third distance T23 is in the range from 0.44 mm to 0.48 mm. In this embodiment, the first distance T21 is 0.89 mm. The second distance T22 is 0.81 mm. The third distance T23 is 0.46 mm. However, each of the first distance T21, the second distance T22, and the third distance T23 is not limited to this embodiment and the aforementioned range. The second distance T22 is within a range from 89% to 93% of the first distance T21. In this embodiment, the second distance T22 is about 91% of the first distance T21. However, the ratio of the second distance T22 to the first distance T21 is not limited to this embodiment.

The third outer link end portion 40 has a fourth distance T24 defined at the third radial outer edge 40F1 of the third outer link end chamfer 40F along the axial direction D1. The fourth distance T24 is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm. In this embodiment, the fourth distance T24 is 0.81 mm. That is, the second distance T22 corresponds to the fourth distance T24. The second distance T22 is equal to the fourth distance T24. However, the fourth distance T24 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range. The fourth distance T24 may be different from the second distance T22.

As seen in Fig. 19, the first outer chain middle portion 34 includes a first middle chamfer 34G extending along the middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer chain. The first middle chamfer 34G has a first inner edge 34G1. The first middle chamfer 34G is disposed between the middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer chain and the first inner edge 34G1. The first middle chamfer 34G extends from the middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer chain toward the middle outermost edge 34F of the first additional outer chain. The first middle chamfer 34G is disposed on the first middle inner surface 34B and disposed between the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

The first middle chamfer 34G has a first minimum distance MD11 defined between the outermost edge 34E and the first inner edge 34G1 of the first outer link along a reference line RL1. The reference line RL1 is perpendicular to a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. When viewed along the axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA11, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the first outer chain central axis CA11 to the second outer chain central axis CA12. A distance DS1 defined between the middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer link and the middle outermost edge 34F of the first additional outer link on the reference line RL1 is the smallest in the middle portion of the first outer link 34. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the reference line RL1 extends from the center of curvature CC1 of one of the reference arcs RC1 corresponding to the outermost edge 34E in the middle of the first outer link. The first minimum distance MD11 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The first minimum distance MD11 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the first minimum distance MD11 is 1.5 mm. However, the first minimum distance MD11 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The first outer link middle portion 34 includes a first additional middle chamfer 34H extending along the middle outermost edge 34F of the first outer link. The first additional middle chamfer 34H has a first additional inner edge 34H1. The first additional middle chamfer 34H is disposed between the middle outermost edge 34F of the first additional outer chain and the first additional inner edge 34H1. The first additional middle chamfer 34H extends from the middle outermost edge 34F of the first outer chain toward the middle outermost edge 34E of the first outer chain. The first additional middle chamfer 34H is disposed on the first middle inner surface 34B and disposed between the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

The first additional middle chamfer 34H has a first additional minimum distance MD12 defined along the reference line RL1 between the middle outermost edge 34F of the first additional outer link and the first additional inner edge 34H1. The first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the first additional minimum distance MD12 is 1.5 mm. That is, the first additional minimum distance MD12 is equal to the first minimum distance MD11. However, as seen in FIG. 20, the first additional minimum distance MD12 may be different from the first minimum distance MD11. However, as seen in FIG. 17, the first additional minimum distance MD12 may be different from the first minimum distance MD11.

As seen in FIG. 21, the second outer chain middle portion 44 includes a second middle chamfer 44G extending along the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer chain. The second middle chamfer 44G has a second inner edge 44G1. The second middle chamfer 44G is disposed between the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer chain and the second inner edge 44G1. The second middle chamfer 44G extends from the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer chain toward the middle outermost edge 44F of the second additional outer chain. The second middle chamfer 44G is disposed on the second middle inner surface 44B and disposed between the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain end portion 42.

The second middle chamfer 44G has a second minimum distance MD21 defined between the outermost edge 44E and the second inner edge 44G1 of the second outer chain along a reference line RL2. The reference line RL2 is perpendicular to a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. When viewed along the axial direction D1 parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA21, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the third outer chain central axis CA21 to the fourth outer chain central axis CA22. A distance DS2 defined between the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer link and the middle outermost edge 44F of the second additional outer link on the reference line RL2 is the smallest in the middle portion 44 of the second outer link. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the reference line RL2 extends from the center of curvature CC2 of one of the reference arcs RC2 corresponding to the outermost edge 44E in the middle of the second outer link. The second minimum distance MD21 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The second minimum distance MD21 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the second minimum distance MD21 is 1.5 mm. However, the second minimum distance MD21 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The second outer chain middle portion 44 includes a second additional middle chamfer 44H extending along the middle outermost edge 44F of the second outer chain. The second additional middle chamfer 44H has a second additional inner edge 44H1. The second additional middle chamfer 44H is disposed between the outermost edge 44F of the second additional outer link and the second additional inner edge 44H1. The second additional middle chamfer 44H extends from the middle outermost edge 44F of the second outer chain toward the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer chain. The second additional middle chamfer 44H is disposed on the second middle inner surface 44B and disposed between the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42.

The second additional middle chamfer 44H has a second additional minimum distance MD22 defined between the outermost edge 44F and the second additional inner edge 44H1 of the second additional outer link along the reference line RL2. The second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to or less than 2 mm. In this embodiment, the second additional minimum distance MD22 is 1.5 mm. That is, the second additional minimum distance MD22 is equal to the second minimum distance MD21. However, similar to the bicycle chain outer link 14 shown in FIG. 20, the second additional minimum distance MD22 may be different from the second minimum distance MD21.

As used herein, the term "including" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms, which 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, elements, components, groups, wholes and/or steps. 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" listed in this application are only identifiers, and do not have any other meanings such as a specific order or the like. Furthermore, for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply the existence of “second element”, and the term “second element” does not imply the existence of “first element”.

As used herein, the term "a pair..." can encompass a configuration in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other and a configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other.

The terms "a", "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

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

Obviously, many modifications and changes 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 other ways than those specifically described herein within the scope of the attached patent application.

10‧‧‧Bicycle 12‧‧‧Bicycle chain 14‧‧‧Bicycle chain outer chain piece 16‧‧‧First chain pin 16A‧‧‧First pin body 16B‧‧‧First head part 16C‧‧‧Section A middle part 16D‧‧‧first groove 18‧‧‧extra outer chain piece 20‧‧‧second chain pin 20A‧‧‧second pin body 20B‧‧‧second head part 20C‧‧‧second Middle part 20D‧‧‧Second groove 22‧‧‧First inner chain piece 24‧‧‧Second inner chain piece 28‧‧‧Roller 30‧‧‧First outer chain end part 30A‧‧‧First Outer surface 30B‧‧‧First inner surface 30C‧‧‧First outer chain opening 30E‧‧‧First outer chain end outermost edge 30F‧‧‧First outer chain end chamfer 30F1‧‧‧First radial Outer edge 30F2‧‧‧First radial inner edge 30G‧‧‧First additional outer chain end chamfer 30G1‧‧‧First additional radial outer edge 30G2‧‧‧First additional radial inner edge 32‧‧‧ Second outer chain end portion 32A‧‧‧Second outer surface 32B‧‧‧Second inner surface 32C‧‧‧Second outer chain opening 32C1‧‧‧Attach opening 32C2‧‧‧Insert opening 32E‧‧‧Second Outer chain end outermost edge 32F‧‧‧Second outer chain end chamfer 32F1‧‧‧Second radial outer edge 32F2‧‧‧Second radial inner edge 32G‧‧‧Second additional outer chain end chamfer 32G1 ‧‧‧Second additional radial outer edge 32G2‧‧‧Second additional radial inner edge 32K‧‧‧Guiding part 34‧‧‧First outer chain middle part 34A‧‧‧First middle outer surface 34B‧‧‧ The first middle inner surface 34E‧‧‧The middle outermost edge of the first outer chain 34F‧‧‧The middle outermost edge of the first additional outer chain 34G‧‧‧The first middle chamfer 34G1‧‧‧The first inner edge 34H‧‧ ‧The first additional middle chamfer 34H1‧‧‧The first additional inner edge 40‧‧‧The third outer chain end part 40A‧‧‧The third outer surface 40B‧‧‧The third inner surface 40C‧‧‧The third outer chain Opening 40E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the third outer chain end 40F‧‧‧The third outer chain end chamfer 40F1‧‧‧The third radial outer edge 40F2‧‧‧The third radial inner edge 40G‧‧‧The third Extra outer chain end chamfer 40G1‧‧‧ Third extra radial outer edge 40G2‧‧‧ Third extra radial inner edge 42‧‧‧ Fourth outer chain end portion 42A‧‧‧ Fourth outer surface 42B‧‧‧ The fourth inner surface 42C‧‧‧The fourth outer chain opening 42C1‧‧‧The attachment opening 42C2‧‧‧The insertion opening 42E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain end 42F‧‧‧The fourth outer chain end chamfer 42F1 ‧‧‧The fourth radial outer edge 42F2‧‧‧The fourth radial inner edge 42G‧‧‧The fourth additional outer chain end chamfer 42G1‧‧‧The fourth additional radial outer edge 42G2‧‧‧The fourth additional diameter Inward edge 42K‧‧‧Guiding part 44‧‧‧Second outer chain middle part 44A‧‧‧Second middle outer surface 44B‧‧‧Second middle inner surface 44E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the second outer chain 44F Chamfer 44H1‧‧‧Second additional inner edge A1‧‧‧Central axis of rotation A2‧‧‧Central axis of rotation B1‧‧‧Bicycle frame B2‧‧‧Handlebar B3 ‧‧‧Bike crank assembly B6‧‧‧Rear sprocket B7‧‧‧Front derailleur B8‧‧‧Rear derailleur B51 Chain central axis CA13‧‧‧Attach central axis CA14‧‧‧Insert central axis CA21‧‧‧ Third outer chain central axis CA22‧‧‧ Fourth outer chain central axis CA23‧‧‧Attach central axis CA24‧‧‧ Insert the central axis CC1‧‧‧Curvature center CC2‧‧‧Curvature center D1‧‧Axial direction DD‧‧‧Transmission direction DS1‧‧‧Distance DS2‧‧‧Distance F1‧‧‧Stepping force LA11‧‧‧First Outer chain longitudinal axis LA12‧‧‧Longitudinal axis LA21‧‧‧Second outer chain longitudinal axis LA22‧‧‧Longitudinal axis MD11‧‧‧The first minimum distance MD12‧‧‧The first additional minimum distance MD21‧‧‧The second minimum Distance MD22‧‧‧Second additional minimum distance RC1‧‧‧Reference arc RC2‧‧‧Reference arc RL1‧‧‧Reference line RL2‧‧‧Reference line T11‧‧‧First distance T12‧‧‧Second distance T13‧‧‧Third distance T14‧‧‧Fourth distance T21‧‧‧First distance T22‧‧‧Second distance T23‧‧‧Third distance T24‧‧‧Fourth distance

A more complete understanding 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 conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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

Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain depicted in Figure 1.

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

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another part of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a side view of one of the bicycle chain outer links of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a side view of an outer chain piece of a bicycle chain according to a modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain taken along the line XII-XII of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a side view of an additional outer link of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a side view of an additional outer link according to a modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one of the additional outer links taken along the line X-X in Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another part of the bicycle chain depicted in Fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the outer link of the bicycle chain taken along the line XIII-XIII of Fig. 5.

Fig. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another part of the outer link of the bicycle chain taken along the line XIV-XIV of Fig. 5.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the outer chain of the bicycle chain taken along the line XV-XV of Figure 5.

Fig. 16 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the additional outer link taken along the line XVI-XVI of Fig. 8.

Fig. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of another part of the additional outer link taken along the line XVII-XVII of Fig. 8.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of the additional outer link piece taken on the line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 8.

Fig. 19 is another side view of the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 20 is another side view of a bicycle chain outer link according to a modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 21 is another side view of the additional outer link shown in Fig. 8.

14‧‧‧Outer chain piece of bicycle chain

30‧‧‧First outer chain end part

30A‧‧‧First outer surface

30B‧‧‧First inner surface

30C‧‧‧The first outer chain opening

30E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the first outer chain end

30F‧‧‧The first outer chain end chamfer

30F1‧‧‧The first radial outer edge

30F2‧‧‧First radial inner edge

30G‧‧‧The first additional outer chain end chamfer

30G1‧‧‧First additional radial outer edge

30G2‧‧‧First additional radial inner edge

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

34A‧‧‧The first middle outer surface

34B‧‧‧The first middle inner surface

34E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the middle of the first outer chain

34G‧‧‧The first middle chamfer

34G1‧‧‧First inner edge

CA11‧‧‧The central axis of the first outer chain

D1‧‧‧Axial direction

MD11‧‧‧The first minimum distance

T11‧‧‧First distance

T12‧‧‧Second distance

T13‧‧‧third distance

T14‧‧‧Fourth distance

Claims (15)

An outer chain piece of a bicycle chain, comprising: a first outer chain end part, comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface, which is arranged on a reverse surface of the first outer surface to assemble the One of the bicycle chain outer chain piece and an additional outer chain piece faces the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis and extending from the first outer chain central axis along the first outer chain central axis The first outer surface extends to the first inner surface; and the outermost edge of a first outer chain end, which is disposed radially outward of the first outer chain opening; and a second outer chain end portion, which includes: a first outer chain end portion Two outer surfaces; a second inner surface, which is disposed on a reverse surface of the second outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; a second outer chain opening, which has a second outer chain center The axis extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface; and the outermost edge of a second outer chain end, which is disposed radially outward of the opening of the second outer chain; and a middle portion of the first outer chain, It interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion. The first outer chain middle portion includes: a first middle outer surface; a first middle inner surface, which is arranged in the first middle One opposite side of the outer surface faces the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; The middle outermost edge of a first outer chain, which is disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end; and the middle outermost edge of a first additional outer chain, which is disposed on Between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end, the middle portion of the first outer chain has a first outer chain defined along an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the first outer chain. A first distance on the longitudinal axis of the outer chain, when viewed along the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain extends from the central axis of the first outer chain to the central axis of the second outer chain, the first outer chain The middle outermost edge has a second distance defined along the axial direction, the outermost edge of the first outer chain end has a third distance defined along the axial direction, the first distance and the second distance Each of and the third distance is defined from the first intermediate inner surface along the axial direction, and the first distance is greater than the second distance and the third distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance. Such as the bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first distance is in the range from 0.87mm to 0.91mm. Such as the bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the second distance is in the range from 0.79mm to 0.83mm. Such as the bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the third distance is in the range from 0.44mm to 0.48mm. An outer chain piece of a bicycle chain, comprising: a first outer chain end part, comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface, which is arranged on a reverse surface of the first outer surface to assemble the One of the bicycle chain outer chain piece and an additional outer chain piece faces the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; a first outer chain opening having a first outer chain central axis and extending from the first outer chain central axis along the first outer chain central axis The first outer surface extends to the first inner surface; and the outermost edge of a first outer chain end, which is disposed radially outward of the first outer chain opening; and a second outer chain end portion, which includes: a first outer chain end portion Two outer surfaces; a second inner surface, which is disposed on a reverse surface of the second outer surface to face the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; a second outer chain opening, which has a second outer chain center The axis extends from the second outer surface to the second inner surface; and the outermost edge of a second outer chain end, which is disposed radially outward of the opening of the second outer chain; and a middle portion of the first outer chain, It interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion. The first outer chain middle portion includes: a first middle outer surface; a first middle inner surface, which is arranged in the first middle One opposite side of the outer surface faces the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; the middle outermost edge of a first outer chain, which is arranged at the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end Between the edges; and The middle outermost edge of a first additional outer chain is disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end, and the middle portion of the first outer chain has an edge parallel to the first outer chain end. An axial direction of the central axis of the outer chain is defined by a first distance on the longitudinal axis of a first outer chain. When viewed along the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain extends from the central axis of the first outer chain To the center axis of the second outer chain, the outermost edge of the middle of the first outer chain has a second distance defined along the axial direction, and each of the first distance and the second distance is from the center along the axial direction The first intermediate inner surface is defined, and the second distance is within a range from 89% to 93% of the first distance. Such as the bicycle chain outer link of claim 5, wherein the first distance is in the range from 0.87 mm to 0.91 mm, and the second distance is in the range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm. For example, the bicycle chain outer link piece of claim 1, wherein the first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain end chamfer, which is disposed on the first outer surface, and a first additional outer chain end chamfer, It is arranged on the first outer surface, the first outer chain end chamfer extends along the outermost edge of the first outer chain end, and the first additional outer chain end chamfer extends along the outermost edge of the first outer chain end , And the first additional outer chain end chamfer is arranged between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the first outer chain end chamfer. For example, the bicycle chain outer chain piece of claim 7, wherein the first outer chain end chamfer is adjacent to the first additional outer chain end chamfer, and the first outer chain end chamfer is inverted from the first additional outer chain end There is no other chamfer between the corners. For example, the bicycle chain outer link of claim 7, wherein the first outer chain end chamfer includes a first radial outer edge and a first radial inner edge, and the first additional outer chain end chamfer includes a first The extra radially outer edge and a first extra radially inner edge, and the first radially inner edge coincides with the first extra radially outer edge. For example, the bicycle chain outer link piece of claim 9, wherein the first outer chain end portion has a fourth distance along the axial direction defined at the first radial outer edge of the first outer chain end chamfer, And the fourth distance is in the range from 0.79mm to 0.83mm. For example, the bicycle chain outer link of claim 10, wherein the second distance corresponds to the fourth distance. For example, the bicycle chain outer link piece of claim 1, which further includes a contour, when viewed along the axial direction, the contour has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain. Such as the outer chain piece of the bicycle chain of claim 1, where The second outer chain opening has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain. For example, the bicycle chain outer link of claim 13, wherein the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis, and when viewed along the axial direction, the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is relative to the first outer chain The longitudinal axis is inclined. A bicycle chain, comprising: the bicycle chain outer chain piece of claim 1; and a first chain pin arranged in the first outer chain opening, and the first chain pin is engaged with the additional outer chain piece.

Images