TWI763855B - Bicycle sprocket - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle sprocket comprises a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth including at least one first tooth to initially disengage with the bicycle chain in a shifting operation where the bicycle chain shifts from the bicycle sprocket to an adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket. At least one second tooth is disposed adjacent to the at least one first tooth at an upstream side of the at least one first tooth in a driving rotational direction of the bicycle sprocket. The at least one second tooth has a first tooth height. At least one third tooth is disposed adjacent to the at least one second tooth at the upstream side of the at least one second tooth. The at least one third tooth has a second tooth height longer than the first tooth height.

Description

bicycle sprocket

The present invention relates to bicycle sprockets.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth. A plurality of sprocket teeth are provided on the outer circumference of the sprocket body. The plurality of sprocket teeth includes at least one first tooth, at least one second tooth, and at least one third tooth. The at least one first tooth provides first disengagement from the bicycle chain during the displacement operation of the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket to the adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket. The at least one second tooth is provided so that the at least one first tooth and the bicycle do not have any teeth in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the bicycle sprocket between the at least one first tooth and the at least one second tooth. The at least one first tooth is adjacent to the upstream side in the driving rotational direction of the sprocket. At least one second tooth has a first tooth height. The at least one third tooth is disposed adjacent to the at least one second tooth at the upstream side of the at least one second tooth without having any tooth in the circumferential direction between the at least one second tooth and the at least one third tooth . At least one third tooth has a second tooth height that is longer than the first tooth height.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the first aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the shift-out operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to the first aspect is constructed such that the first tooth height is at least 1.0 mm shorter than the second tooth height.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the second aspect, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the outward shift operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to the second aspect is constructed such that the first tooth height is 1.1 mm to 1.6 mm shorter than the second tooth height.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the third aspect, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the outward shift operation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to third aspects is constructed such that the plurality of sprocket teeth further includes at least one additional tooth for displacing the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket to the The displacement operation adjacent to the smaller bicycle sprocket first disengages from the bicycle chain. The at least one additional tooth is disposed adjacent to the at least one tooth at the downstream side of the at least one first tooth in the driving rotational direction without having any tooth in the circumferential direction between the at least one first tooth and the at least one additional tooth first tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to facilitate the outward shifting operation even in the case where the total number of teeth of the bicycle sprocket is an odd number.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed such that at least one second tooth has a drive surface, a non-drive surface circumferentially opposite the drive surface, and Tooth tips connecting the drive surface and the non-drive surface. The tooth tips have a length in the circumferential direction that is shorter than or equal to 1.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the outward shift operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle sprocket includes a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth. A plurality of sprocket teeth are provided on the outer circumference of the sprocket body. The plurality of sprocket teeth includes at least one first tooth and at least one second tooth. The at least one first tooth is configured to first disengage from the bicycle chain during the displacement operation of the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket to an adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket. The at least one second tooth is provided so that the at least one first tooth and the bicycle do not have any teeth in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotation center axis of the bicycle sprocket between the at least one first tooth and the at least one second tooth. The at least one first tooth is adjacent to the upstream side in the driving rotational direction of the sprocket. At least one second tooth has a drive surface, and a non-drive surface circumferentially opposite the drive surface. At least one second tooth has a first flange height at the drive surface and a second flange height at the non-drive surface. The first rim height is at least 0.5 mm longer than the second rim height.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the shift-out operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that at least one second tooth has a tooth tip connecting the drive surface and the non-drive surface. The tooth tips have a length in the circumferential direction that is shorter than or equal to 1.5 mm.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the outward shift operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to the sixth or seventh aspect is constructed such that at least one of the first teeth has an additional drive surface facing the non-drive surface in the circumferential direction. At least one of the first teeth has a third rim height at the additional drive surface that is longer than the first rim height.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain when the at least one first tooth is disengaged from the bicycle chain. Therefore, it is possible to further facilitate the outward shift operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle sprocket according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects is constructed such that the plurality of sprocket teeth further includes at least one additional tooth for displacing the bicycle chain from the bicycle sprocket to the The displacement operation adjacent to the smaller bicycle sprocket first disengages from the bicycle chain. The at least one additional tooth is disposed adjacent to the at least one tooth at the downstream side of the at least one first tooth in the driving rotational direction without having any tooth in the circumferential direction between the at least one first tooth and the at least one additional tooth first tooth.

With the bicycle sprocket according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to facilitate the outward shifting operation even in the case where the total number of teeth of the bicycle sprocket is an odd number.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or equivalent elements throughout the various figures. first embodiment

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 including a bicycle sprocket 10 according to a first embodiment is shown. The bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 is constructed to engage with the bicycle chain C. In this embodiment, the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 includes twelve bicycle sprockets S1 to S12. The bicycle multi-sprocket assembly 1 has a rotation center axis A1. The bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 is rotatable in the driving rotation direction D11 about the rotation center axis A1 during pedaling. The driving rotation direction D11 is defined along the circumferential direction D1 of the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 .

As seen in FIG. 1 , the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 also includes a hub engagement structure 2 configured to engage a bicycle hub assembly 4 (see FIG. 2 ). Although the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 is a bicycle rear sprocket assembly in the illustrated embodiment, the structure of the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly 1 can be applied to the front sprocket assembly if desired and/or desired to make. Each of the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12 is a bicycle rear sprocket in this embodiment, and the structure of the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12 can be applied to a bicycle front sprocket.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "transverse", "upward" and "downward", and Any other similar directional term refers to those directions based on a user (eg, a rider) sitting on the saddle (not shown) of the bicycle and facing the handlebars (not shown). Accordingly, the terms used to describe the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly 1 should be interpreted relative to a bicycle (not shown) equipped with the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly 1 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12 are arranged in the axial direction D2 parallel to the rotation center axis A1. The bicycle sprockets S1 to S12 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D2. The bicycle multi-sprocket assembly 1 includes spacers SP1 to SP11. Each of the spacers SP1 to SP11 is arranged between adjacent two of the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12. Inside such a spacer, a sprocket support 6 to which a plurality of bicycle sprockets are mounted is used. However, the sprocket support 6 can be omitted. In such a case, all of the sprockets S1 to S12 can be constructed to engage directly with the bicycle hub assembly 4 .

The bicycle sprocket S1 has the largest outer diameter among the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12. The bicycle sprocket S12 has the smallest outer diameter among the bicycle sprockets S1 to S12. The bicycle sprocket S1 is closer to the bicycle center plane CP of the bicycle frame (not shown) than the bicycle sprocket S12 when the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly 1 is mounted on the bicycle hub assembly 4 . For example, the outward displacement occurs when the bicycle chain C is displaced by the rear derailleur RD in the outward displacement direction D31 from the larger sprocket to the adjacent smaller sprocket. The inward displacement occurs when the bicycle chain C is displaced by the rear derailleur RD in the inward displacement direction D32 from the smaller sprocket to the adjacent larger sprocket. In this application, the shift-out operation and the shift-in operation can be collectively referred to as shift operations.

The bicycle sprocket S1 will be described in detail below as the bicycle sprocket 10 . The bicycle sprockets S2 to S12 have substantially the same structure as that of the bicycle sprocket 10 . Therefore, for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail here.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the bicycle sprocket 10 includes an outward facing OFS and an inward facing IFS. The outward facing side OFS faces an axial direction D2 parallel to the rotation center axis A1. The inward facing side IFS faces the axial direction D2. The inward facing side IFS is opposite to the outward facing side OFS in the axial direction D2. More precisely, the outward facing side OFS faces the outward direction D21. The inward facing side IFS faces inward direction D22. The inward direction D22 is towards the bicycle center plane CP. The outward direction D21 is the reverse direction of the inward direction D22. The axial direction D2 is a bidirectional direction including an outward direction D21 and an inward direction D22.

FIG. 3 shows the outward facing OFS of the bicycle sprocket 10 . FIG. 4 shows the inward facing side IFS of the bicycle sprocket 10 . As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bicycle sprocket 10 includes a sprocket body 12 and a plurality of sprocket teeth 14 . The sprocket body 12 includes an outer periphery 16 that is disposed around the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle sprocket 10 . The outer circumference 16 is the base circle of the bicycle sprocket 10 . A plurality of sprocket teeth 14 are provided on the outer circumference 16 of the sprocket body 12 . The plurality of sprocket teeth 14 are configured to engage with the bicycle chain C. As shown in FIG. The sprocket body 12 is constructed so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis A1. A plurality of sprocket teeth 14 extend radially outward from the outer circumference 16 of the sprocket body 12 . The bicycle sprocket 10 can also include an attachment portion 18 to which the sprocket support 6 is attached. The bicycle sprocket 10 can be mounted to the bicycle hub assembly 4 via the sprocket support 6 . However, the bicycle sprocket 10 can include a hub engagement structure 2 that directly engages the bicycle hub assembly 4 in place of the attachment portion 18 .

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the plurality of sprocket teeth 14 includes at least one first tooth 20 and at least one second tooth 22 . The at least one first tooth 20 is provided for first disengagement from the bicycle chain C during the displacement operation of the bicycle chain C from the bicycle sprocket 10 to an adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket. In the case where bicycle sprocket 10 is bicycle sprocket S1, the adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket is bicycle sprocket S2. The at least one second tooth 22 is provided so as to have no teeth in the circumferential direction D1 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 of the bicycle sprocket 10 between the at least one first tooth 20 and the at least one second tooth 22 at least One first tooth 20 is adjacent to at least one first tooth 20 at the upstream side in the driving rotational direction D11 of the bicycle sprocket 10 . The plurality of sprocket teeth 14 includes at least one third tooth 24 provided without any teeth in the circumferential direction D1 between the at least one second tooth 22 and the at least one third tooth 24 so as to be adjacent to the at least one second tooth 22 at the upstream side of the at least one second tooth 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of sprocket teeth 14 also include at least one additional tooth 26 to interact with the bicycle during the shifting operation of the bicycle chain C from the bicycle sprocket 10 to the adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket. Chain C disengages. The at least one additional tooth 26 is arranged downstream of the at least one first tooth 20 in the driving rotational direction D11 without any tooth between the at least one first tooth 20 and the at least one additional tooth 26 in the circumferential direction D1 The side is adjacent to at least one first tooth 20 . However, the at least one additional tooth 26 can be omitted, or the at least one additional tooth 26 can have substantially the same features as the at least one third tooth 24 .

FIGS. 5-7 are enlarged views illustrating at least one first tooth 20 , at least one second tooth 22 , at least one third tooth 24 , and at least one additional tooth 26 . As seen in FIGS. 5-7 , at least one second tooth 22 has a drive surface 28 , a non-drive surface 30 opposite the drive surface 28 in the circumferential direction D1 , and a tooth tip 32 connecting the drive surface 28 and the non-drive surface 30 . The drive surface 28 faces the reverse rotational direction D12, which is opposite to the drive rotational direction D11. The non-driving surface 30 faces the driving rotational direction D11. Preferably, the tooth tips 32 have a length L in the circumferential direction D1 that is shorter than or equal to 1.5 mm. However, the range of the length L is not limited to this embodiment. The length L can be longer than 1.5 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 32 is a tip surface having a length L. However, the tooth tip 32 can be the edge connecting the drive surface 28 and the non-drive surface 30 . That is, the length L can be zero.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the at least one second tooth 22 has a first tooth height H1 . The first tooth height H1 is the radial length between the tooth tips 32 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 .

Similarly, at least one third tooth 24 has a drive surface 34 , a non-drive surface 36 opposite the drive surface 34 in the circumferential direction D1 , and a tooth tip 38 connecting the drive surface 34 and the non-drive surface 36 . The drive surface 34 faces the reverse rotational direction D12. The non-drive surface 36 faces the drive rotational direction D11. In the illustrated embodiment, the tooth tips 38 are tip surfaces. However, the tooth tips 38 can be the edges connecting the drive surface 34 and the non-drive surface 36 . At least one third tooth 24 has a second tooth height H2. The second tooth height H2 is the radial length between the tooth tips 38 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . In this embodiment, the second tooth height H2 is longer than the first tooth height H1. Preferably, the first tooth height H1 is at least 1.0 mm longer than the second tooth height H2. More preferably, the first tooth height H1 is 1.1 mm to 1.6 mm longer than the second tooth height H2. However, the difference between the first tooth height H1 and the second tooth height H2 is not limited to this embodiment.

Furthermore, at least one first tooth 20 has a driving surface 40 , a non-driving surface 42 opposite to the driving surface 40 in the circumferential direction D1 , and a tooth tip 44 connecting the driving surface 40 and the non-driving surface 42 . The drive surface 40 faces the reverse rotational direction D12. The non-driving surface 42 faces the driving rotational direction D11. In the illustrated embodiment, the tooth tips 44 are tip surfaces. However, the tooth tips 44 can be the edges connecting the drive surface 40 and the non-drive surface 42 . At least one of the first teeth 20 has a third tooth height H3. The third tooth height H3 is the radial length between the tooth tips 44 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . In this embodiment, preferably, the third tooth height H3 is longer than the first tooth height H1. In the illustrated embodiment, the third tooth height H3 is substantially equal to the second tooth height H2. However, the difference between the third tooth height H3 and the second tooth height H2 is not limited to this embodiment.

Furthermore, at least one additional tooth 26 has a drive surface 46 , a non-drive surface 48 opposite the drive surface 46 in the circumferential direction D1 , and a tooth tip 50 connecting the drive surface 46 and the non-drive surface 48 . The drive surface 46 faces the reverse rotational direction D12. The non-drive surface 48 faces the drive rotational direction D11. In the illustrated embodiment, the tooth tips 50 are tip surfaces. However, the tooth tip 50 can be the edge connecting the drive surface 46 and the non-drive surface 48 . At least one additional tooth 26 has a fourth tooth height H4. The fourth tooth height H4 is the radial length between the tooth tips 50 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . In this embodiment, preferably, the fourth tooth height H4 is longer than the first tooth height H1. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth tooth height H4 is substantially equal to the second tooth height H2. However, the difference between the fourth tooth height H4 and the second tooth height H2 is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in Figures 5, 7 and 8, the at least one first tooth 20 includes a first axially outward recess 52 provided on the outwardly facing side OFS facing the axial direction D2 to facilitate outward displacement operate. As seen in Figures 5, 7 and 9, at least one of the first teeth 20 includes a second axially outward recess 54 provided on the outwardly facing side OFS facing the axial direction D2 to facilitate outward displacement operate. The second axially outward concave portion 54 is provided on the first axially outward concave portion 52 at the upstream side of the first axially outward concave portion 52 in the driving rotation direction D11. As seen in FIGS. 5 , 7 and 10 , the second axially outward recess 54 extends from the at least one first tooth 20 to the at least one second tooth 22 and the sprocket body 12 . Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 5 , 7 and 8 , the at least one first tooth 20 includes a first outward chamfer 56 disposed proximate the tooth tip 44 of the at least one first tooth 20 on the outward facing side OFS , in order to facilitate the outward shift operation.

As seen in Figures 5, 7 and 11, the at least one additional tooth 26 includes a third axially outward recess 58 provided on the outwardly facing side OFS facing the axial direction D2 to facilitate the outward displacement operation . As seen in FIGS. 6 , 7 and 11 , the at least one additional tooth 26 includes a first axially inwardly facing recess 60 provided on the inwardly facing side IFS facing the axial direction D2 to facilitate the outward displacement operation . The third axially outward recessed portion 58 and the first axially inwardly recessed portion 60 are provided proximate the tooth tip 50 of the at least one additional tooth 26 . Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 5 , 7 and 10 , the at least one second tooth 22 includes a second outward chamfer 62 in addition to the second axially outward recess 54 . The second outward chamfer 62 is provided on the outward facing side OFS facing the axial direction D2 to facilitate the outward displacement operation. The second outward chamfer 62 is provided proximate the tooth tip 32 of the at least one second tooth 22 .

With the bicycle sprocket 10, the at least one second tooth 22 has a first tooth height H1 that is shorter than the second tooth height H2. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth 22 interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain C when the at least one first tooth 20 (or at least one additional tooth 26 ) is disengaged from the bicycle chain C. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the shift-out operation. Second Embodiment

The bicycle sprocket 110 provided according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 . Bicycle sprocket 110 has substantially the same features as bicycle sprocket 10 , except for the shape of at least one second tooth 22 . Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again for the sake of brevity. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the drive surface 40 of the at least one first tooth 20 can be referred to as an additional drive surface 40 .

As seen in FIGS. 12-14 , the bicycle sprocket 110 includes at least one second tooth 122 . As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the at least one second tooth 122 has a first rim height H11 at the drive surface 28 and a second rim height H12 at the non-drive surface 30 . The first rim height H11 is the radial length between the uppermost edge P of the drive surface 28 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . The second rim height H12 is the radial length between the uppermost edge Q of the non-driving surface 30 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . In the first embodiment, the first tooth height H11 is substantially equal to the second tooth height H12 , and the first tooth height H11 and the second tooth height H12 are substantially equal to the first tooth height H1 . In the second embodiment, the first rim height H11 is at least 0.5 mm longer than the second rim height H12. Although the at least one second tooth 122 has such a shape as seen in FIGS. 12-14 , the tooth tip 32 has a length L that is shorter than or equal to 1.5 mm.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , at least one of the first teeth 20 has an additional drive surface 40 facing the non-drive surface 30 in the circumferential direction D1 . At least one of the first teeth 20 has a third rim height H13 at the additional drive surface 40 that is longer than the first rim height H11. The third rim height H13 is the radial length between the uppermost edge R of the additional drive surface 40 and the base circle 16 of the bicycle sprocket 10 with respect to the rotation center axis A1 . That is, the third tooth height H13 is substantially equal to the third tooth height H3 described in the first embodiment. In addition, the first rim height H11 is shorter than the second tooth height H2. In other words, as in the first embodiment, the second tooth height H2 is longer than the first tooth height H1 in the second embodiment. Similarly, the first rim height H11 is shorter than each of the third tooth height H3 and the fourth tooth height H4 described in the first embodiment. However, at least one of the third tooth height H13, the second tooth height H2, the third tooth height H3, and the fourth tooth height H4 can be shorter than or substantially equal to the first tooth height H11. In this case, each of the third tooth height H13, the second tooth height H2, the third tooth height H3, and the fourth tooth height H4 is preferably longer than the second tooth height H12.

With the bicycle sprocket 110, the first rim height H11 is at least 0.5 mm longer than the second rim height H12. Therefore, it is possible to provide substantially the same advantageous effects as those of the bicycle sprocket 10 . That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the at least one second tooth 122 interferes with the outward displacement movement of the bicycle chain C when the at least one first tooth 20 (or at least one additional tooth 26 ) is disengaged from the bicycle chain C. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the shift-out operation.

As used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended as open-ended terms to define the occurrence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude other unrecited features, Occurrences of elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the words "having", "including" and their derivatives.

The terms "member", "section", "portion", "part", "element", "body" and "structure" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" described in the present application are merely identification terms, and do not have any other meanings such as a specific order. Also, for example, the term "a first element" does not per se imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "a second element" does not per se imply the presence of a "first element."

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

Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of variation in the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1‧‧‧Bicycle multi-sprocket assembly2‧‧‧Hub engaging structure4‧‧‧Bicycle hub assembly6‧‧‧Sprocket support 10‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket 12‧‧‧Sprocket body 14‧‧ ‧Sprocket teeth 16‧‧‧Outer circumference, base circle 18‧‧‧Attachment 20‧‧‧First teeth 22‧‧‧Second teeth 24‧‧‧Third teeth 26‧‧‧Additional teeth 28‧‧‧ Drive surface 30‧‧‧Non-drive surface 32‧‧‧Tooth tip 34‧‧‧Drive surface 36‧‧‧Non-drive surface 38‧‧‧Tooth tip 40‧‧‧Drive surface, additional drive surface 42‧‧‧Non-drive Surface 44‧‧‧Tooth Tip 46‧‧‧Drive Surface 48‧‧‧Non-Drive Surface 50‧‧‧Tooth Tip 52‧‧‧First Axial Outward Recess 54‧‧‧Second Axial Outward Recess 56‧ ‧‧First outward chamfer 58‧‧‧Third axial outward concave 60‧‧‧First axial inward concave 62‧‧‧Second outward chamfer 110‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket 122‧‧ ‧Second tooth A1‧‧‧Central axis of rotation C‧‧‧Bicycle chain CP‧‧‧Bicycle center plane D1‧‧‧Circumferential direction D11‧‧‧Drive rotation direction D12‧‧‧Reverse rotation direction D2‧‧‧axis Toward direction D21‧‧‧Outward direction D22‧‧‧Inward direction D31‧‧‧Outward displacement direction D32‧‧‧Inward displacement direction H1‧‧‧First tooth height H11‧‧‧First tooth edge Height H12‧‧‧Second Tooth Height H13‧‧‧Third Tooth Height H2‧‧‧Second Tooth Height H3‧‧‧Third Tooth Height H4‧‧‧Fourth Tooth Height IFS‧‧‧Inward Facing Side L‧‧‧Length OFS‧‧‧Outward facing side P‧‧‧Top edge Q‧‧‧Top edge R‧‧‧Top edge RD‧‧‧Rear derailleur S1‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S2‧‧ ‧Bicycle sprocket S3‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S4‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S5‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S6‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S7‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S8‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket S9‧‧‧ Bicycle Sprocket S10‧‧‧Bicycle Sprocket S11‧‧‧Bicycle Sprocket S12‧‧‧Bicycle Sprocket SP1‧‧‧Spacer SP2‧‧‧Spacer SP3‧‧‧Spacer SP4‧‧‧Spacer SP5‧ ‧‧Spacer SP6‧‧‧Spacer SP7‧‧‧Spacer SP8‧‧‧Spacer SP9‧‧‧Spacer SP10‧‧‧Spacer SP11‧‧‧Spacer VIII‧‧‧Hatch IX‧‧‧ Hatch X‧‧‧Chat XI‧‧‧Chat

As a more complete appreciation of the invention and its many attendant advantages become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete knowledge of the invention and its many attendant advantages will be appreciated easily obtained.

1 is a perspective view of a bicycle multiple sprocket assembly including a bicycle sprocket according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 is a front view of the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bicycle sprocket of the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is another side view of the bicycle sprocket of the bicycle multiple sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a bicycle sprocket of the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is another partial side view of the bicycle sprocket of the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a bicycle sprocket of the bicycle multi-sprocket assembly shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 viewed along section line VIII-VIII of FIGS. 5 to 7 .

9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 as viewed along section line IX-IX of FIGS. 5 to 7 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 viewed along the section line X-X of FIGS. 5 to 7 .

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 as viewed along section line XI-XI of FIGS. 5 to 7 .

12 is a partial side view of a bicycle sprocket according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is another partial side view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of the bicycle sprocket shown in FIG. 12 .

12‧‧‧Sprocket body

14‧‧‧Sprocket

16‧‧‧Outer circumference, base circle

20‧‧‧First tooth

22‧‧‧Second tooth

24‧‧‧Third tooth

26‧‧‧Extra teeth

28‧‧‧Drive surface

30‧‧‧Non-driven surface

32‧‧‧Tooth tip

34‧‧‧Drive surface

36‧‧‧Non-driven surface

38‧‧‧Tooth tip

40‧‧‧Drive surface, additional drive surface

42‧‧‧Non-driven surfaces

44‧‧‧Tooth tip

46‧‧‧Drive surface

48‧‧‧Non-driven surfaces

50‧‧‧Tooth tip

52‧‧‧Outward concave part of the first axial direction

54‧‧‧Second axial outward recess

56‧‧‧First outward chamfer

58‧‧‧The third axial outward recess

62‧‧‧Second outward chamfer

D1‧‧‧Circumferential direction

D11‧‧‧Drive rotation direction

D12‧‧‧Reverse rotation direction

D2‧‧‧axial direction

D21‧‧‧Outward direction

D22‧‧‧Inward direction

H1‧‧‧First tooth height

H2‧‧‧Second tooth height

H3‧‧‧Three tooth height

H4‧‧‧4th tooth height

L‧‧‧Length

OFS‧‧‧outward facing sideways

VIII‧‧‧Hatch

IX‧‧‧Hatch

X‧‧‧Hatch

XI‧‧‧Hatch

Claims (5)

A bicycle sprocket, comprising: a sprocket body; and a plurality of sprocket teeth disposed on the outer circumference of the sprocket body, the plurality of sprocket teeth including: at least one first tooth to be used when a bicycle chain is driven from the chain wheel. The bicycle sprocket is first disengaged from the bicycle chain in the displacement operation adjacent to the smaller bicycle sprocket; at least one second tooth, between the at least one first tooth and the at least one second tooth relative to the at least one second tooth The rotation center axis of the bicycle sprocket is disposed adjacent to the at least one first tooth at the upstream side of the at least one first tooth in the driving rotational direction of the bicycle sprocket without having any teeth in the circumferential direction , the at least one second tooth has a first tooth height; and at least one third tooth, which is obtained without any tooth in the circumferential direction between the at least one second tooth and the at least one third tooth Provided adjacent to the at least one second tooth at the upstream side of the at least one second tooth, the at least one third tooth has a second tooth height that is longer than the first tooth height. The bicycle sprocket of claim 1, wherein the first tooth height is at least 1.0 mm shorter than the second tooth height. The bicycle sprocket as claimed in claim 2, wherein the height of the first tooth is shorter than that of the second tooth by 1.1 mm to 1.6 mm. The bicycle sprocket of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sprocket teeth further includes at least one additional tooth for when the bicycle chain is displaced from the bicycle sprocket to the adjacent smaller bicycle sprocket disengaged from the bicycle chain first in the shifting operation, and the at least one additional tooth is arranged to be in the at least one additional tooth without any tooth in the circumferential direction between the at least one first tooth and the at least one additional tooth A first tooth is adjacent to the at least one first tooth at the downstream side in the driving rotational direction. The bicycle sprocket of claim 1, wherein the at least one second tooth has a driving surface, a non-driving surface opposite the driving surface in the circumferential direction, and a connecting surface connecting the driving surface and the non-driving surface tooth tips, and the tooth tips have a length in the circumferential direction that is shorter than or equal to 1.5 mm.

Images