TWI767040B - 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 surface, a first inner surface, a first outer-link opening, and a first outer-link end outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion comprises a first intermediate outer surface, a first intermediate inner surface, a first outer-link intermediate outermost edge, a first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge, and a first intermediate chamfer. The first intermediate chamfer has a first minimum distance defined between the first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and the first inner edge along a reference line. A distance defined between the first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and the first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge on the reference line is minimum in the first outer-link intermediate portion. The first minimum distance is equal to or larger than 1 mm.

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 recreation and a means of transportation. Furthermore, 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 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 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 side of the first outer surface to face the additional outer link in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link and an additional outer link 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 disposed radially outward of the first outer chain opening. 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 a reverse side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link 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 disposed radially outward of the second outer chain opening. The first outer chain middle portion 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, a first outer chain middle outermost edge, a first additional outer chain middle outermost edge, and a first middle chamfer. The first intermediate inner surface is disposed on a reverse side of the first intermediate outer surface to face the additional outer link in the assembled state. The middle outermost edge of the first outer chain is disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The middle outermost edge of the 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. The first middle chamfer extends along the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain and has a first inner edge. The first middle chamfer has a first minimum distance defined along a reference line between the first outer chain middle outermost edge and the first inner edge. The reference line is perpendicular to a first outer chain longitudinal axis, and when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extends from the first outer chain central axis to the The central axis of the second outer chain. A distance defined on the reference line between the first outer chain middle outermost edge and the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge is the smallest in the first outer chain middle portion. The first minimum distance is equal to or greater than 1 mm.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer link according to the first aspect, the bicycle chain outer link can be smoothly meshed with a tooth of a sprocket.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain outer link 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 side of the first outer surface to face the additional outer link in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link and an additional outer link 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 disposed radially outward of the first outer chain opening. 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 a reverse side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link in the assembled state. The second outer chain opening has a second outer chain central axis extending from the second outer surface to the second inner surface. The outermost edge of the second outer chain end is disposed radially outward of the second outer chain opening. The first outer chain middle portion 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, a first additional outer chain middle outermost edge, and a first middle chamfer. The first intermediate inner surface is disposed on a reverse side of the first intermediate outer surface to face the additional outer link in the assembled state. The middle outermost edge of the first outer chain is disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end. The middle outermost edge of the 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. The first middle chamfer extends along the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain and has a first inner edge. The first middle chamfer has a first minimum distance defined along a reference line between the first outer chain middle outermost edge and the first inner edge. The reference line is perpendicular to a first outer chain longitudinal axis, and when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extends from the first outer chain central axis to the The central axis of the second outer chain. When viewed in the axial direction, the reference line extends from a center of curvature corresponding to a reference arc of a middle outermost edge of the first outer link. The first minimum distance is equal to or greater than 1 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the second aspect, the bicycle chain outer link can be smoothly meshed with a tooth of a sprocket.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the first minimum distance is equal to or less than 2 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the third aspect, the bicycle chain outer link and the teeth of the sprocket can be more smoothly meshed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the first outer chain middle portion includes the middlemost portion along the first additional outer chain The outer edge extends and has a first additional inner edge and a first additional intermediate chamfer. The first additional middle chamfer has a first additional minimum distance defined along the reference line between the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge and the first additional inner edge. A distance defined on the reference line between the first outer chain middle outermost edge and the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge is the smallest in the first outer chain middle portion. This first additional minimum distance is equal to or greater than 1 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the fourth aspect, the bicycle chain outer link and the teeth of the sprocket can be more smoothly meshed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the first additional minimum distance is equal to or less than 2 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the fifth aspect, the bicycle chain outer link and the teeth of the sprocket can be more smoothly meshed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configured such that the first minimum distance is different from the first minimum distance.

With regard to the bicycle chain outer link according to the sixth aspect, the bicycle chain outer link can be made to have different functions on the first additional middle chamfer and the first additional middle chamfer.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configured such that the first additional minimum distance is equal to the first minimum distance.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the seventh aspect, the bicycle chain outer link and the teeth of the sprocket can be meshed more smoothly.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the first outer chain middle portion has a width defined in the axial direction at the first A first distance on the longitudinal axis of an outer chain. The middle outermost edge 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 the bicycle chain outer link according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to make a shifting operation smooth and reduce the friction of the bicycle chain outer link in a case where a width of the bicycle chain outer link is reduced. One of the effects of strength.

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

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the ninth aspect, the shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer link can be reduced in one of the cases where a width of the bicycle chain outer link is reduced One of the effects of strength.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to the eighth or ninth aspect is configured such that the second distance is in a range from 0.79 mm to 0.83 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the tenth aspect, the shifting operation can be made smoother and the bicycle chain outer link can be reduced in one of the cases where a width of the bicycle chain outer link is reduced. One of the effects of strength.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is configured such that the third distance is in a range from 0.44 mm to 0.48 mm.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to make the shifting operation smoother and reduce the One of the effects of the strength of the film.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the outer link of the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the first outer chain middle portion has defined in the axial direction at the outer link of the bicycle chain. A first distance on the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain. The middle outermost edge 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 the bicycle chain outer link according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to make the shifting operation smoother and reduce the One of the effects of the strength of the film.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to the twelfth 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 the bicycle chain outer link according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to make the shifting operation smoother and reduce the One of the effects of the strength of the film.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect further includes a profile having relative to One of the longitudinal axes of the first outer chain is asymmetrically shaped.

With the bicycle chain outer link according to the fourteenth aspect, the asymmetric shape enables the bicycle chain outer link to have different functions on both sides.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis along the first outer chain Extends an elongated shape.

With regard to the outer link of the bicycle chain according to the fifteenth 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 sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain outer link according to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is inclined relative to the outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

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

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes the bicycle chain outer link according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects and a first chain disposed in the first outer chain opening pin. The first link pin is engaged with the additional outer link.

With the bicycle chain according to the seventeenth aspect, in a case where a width of the bicycle chain outer link is reduced, the bicycle chain outer link makes a shifting operation smooth and reduces the One of the effects of the strength of the outer chain.

Embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various figures.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , there is shown a bicycle 10 equipped with a bicycle chain 12 according to an embodiment. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handlebar B2, a saddle B3 and a drive train B4. Drivetrain B4 is configured to convert the pedaling force of the rider into drive force. Part of the bicycle chain 12 series drive train B4. The power 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 about a rotation center axis A1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a rotation center axis A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6 to extend between the front sprocket B51 and the rear sprocket B6. Front derailleur B7 and rear derailleur B8 are shaped and configured to shift by shifting bicycle chain 12 in one of the lateral directions of bicycle 10 . The front sprocket B51 may also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B51. The rear sprocket B6 may also be referred to as a bicycle sprocket B6.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "rear", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward" and "downward" and any other similar The directional term refers to the direction determined based on a rider sitting on the saddle B3 of the bicycle 10 facing, for example, the handlebars B2. Accordingly, these terms when used to describe a bicycle 10 that includes a bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted as the bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position relative to a horizontal plane, as depicted in FIG. 1 . These terms when used to describe bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted relative to bicycle chain 12 mounted on a bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal plane, as depicted in FIG. 1 .

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

In this embodiment, the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 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 18 may also be referred to as a second connector link 18 . However, the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 are not limited to be a connector link. The bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 may be one outer link.

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 chain intermediate portion 34 interconnects the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain end portion 32 . The first outer chain middle portion 34 is disposed between the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain 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 side of the first outer surface 30A to face the additional outer link 18 in an assembled state in which the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 are assembled. 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 side of the second outer surface 32A to face the additional outer link 18 in the assembled state. The first outer chain middle portion 34 includes a first middle outer surface 34A and a first middle inner surface 34B. The first intermediate inner surface 34B is disposed on an opposite side of the first intermediate outer surface 34A to face the additional outer link 18 in the assembled state.

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

The bicycle chain outer link 14 includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11, when viewed along the axial direction D1 (FIG. 2) parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA11, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 extends from the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. The chain center axis CA11 extends to the second outer chain center axis CA12. The bicycle chain outer link 14 further comprises a profile having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1 ( FIG. 2 ). However, the profile of the bicycle chain outer link 14 may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

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 first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. 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 relative to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11. However, as seen in FIG. 6 , the longitudinal axis LA12 of the second outer chain opening 32C may be parallel to the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 when viewed in the axial direction D1 .

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 center axis CA12 coincides with the attachment center axis CA13. However, the second outer chain 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 center axis CA11 . The second outer chain 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 chain middle portion 44 interconnects the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain end portion 42 . The second outer chain middle portion 44 is disposed between the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain 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 provided on a reverse side 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 link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer surface 42A and a fourth inner surface 42B. The fourth inner surface 42B is provided on a reverse side 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 intermediate inner surface 44B is provided on a reverse side of the second intermediate outer surface 44A to face the bicycle chain outer link 14 in the assembled state.

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

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

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

As seen in FIG. 8, the fourth outer chain 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 center axis CA22 coincides with the attachment center axis CA23. However, the fourth outer chain center axis CA22 may be offset from the attachment center axis CA23.

As seen in FIG. 10 , the third outer chain opening 40C extends from the third outer surface 40A to the third inner surface 40B along the third outer chain center axis CA21 . The fourth outer chain 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 link pin 16 is engaged with the additional outer link 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 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 22 and the second inner link 24 are pivotally coupled to the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 using the first link pin 16 . The first inner link 22 and the second inner link 24 are pivotally coupled to the bicycle chain outer link 14 and the additional outer link 18 using the second link pin 20 .

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 fit in the first outer chain opening 30C. The first intermediate 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 intermediate portion 16C is disposed in the fourth outer chain opening 42C.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the additional outer link piece 18 includes a guide portion 42K disposed 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 in the third outer chain opening 40C. The second intermediate portion 20C couples the second head portion 20B to the second pin body 20A. The second groove 20D is provided between the second pin body 20A and the second head portion 20B. The second intermediate portion 20C is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32C.

As seen in FIG. 11 , the bicycle chain outer link 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 the second outer chain opening 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 link end portion 30 includes a first outer link end chamfer 30F and a first additional outer link end chamfer 30G. The first outer chain end chamfer 30F is disposed 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 chain end chamfer 30G is disposed between the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain end and the first outer chain end chamfer 30F. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end chamfer 30F is adjacent to the first additional outer chain end chamfer 30G and there is no space between the first outer chain outer end chamfer 30F and the first additional 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 link end chamfer 30F includes a first radially outer edge 30F1 and a first radially inner edge 30F2. The first additional outer link 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 second outer link end outermost edge 32E. The second additional outer chain end chamfer 32G is disposed between the outermost edge 32E of the second outer chain end and the second outer chain end chamfer 32F. In this embodiment, the second outer link end chamfer 32F is adjacent to the second outer link end chamfer 32G and there is no other link between the second outer link end chamfer 32F and the second outer link 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 link end chamfer 32F includes a second radially outer edge 32F1 and a second radially inner edge 32F2. The second additional outer link end chamfer 32G includes a second additional radially outer edge 32G1 and a second additional radially 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 chain intermediate portion 34 has a first distance T11 defined on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA11 along an axial direction D1 parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA11 . The first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E has a second distance T12 defined along the axial direction D1. The outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain 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 along the axial direction D1 from the first intermediate inner surface 34B.

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 above 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 along the axial direction D1 at the first radially outer edge 30F1 of the first outer link end chamfer 30F. 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-mentioned range. The fourth distance T14 may be different from the second distance T12.

As seen in FIG. 8, the third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link end chamfer 40F and a third additional outer link 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 third outer link end outermost edge 40E. 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 link end chamfer 40F is adjacent to the third additional outer link end chamfer 40G and there is no other link between the third outer link end chamfer 40F and the third additional outer link 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 link end chamfer 40F includes a third radially outer edge 40F1 and a third radially inner edge 40F2. The third additional outer link 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 disposed 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 fourth outer link end outermost edge 42E. 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 link end chamfer 42F is adjacent to the fourth additional outer link end chamfer 42G and there is no other link between the fourth outer link end chamfer 42F and the fourth additional outer link 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 link end chamfer 42F includes a fourth radially outer edge 42F1 and a fourth radially inner edge 42F2. The fourth additional outer link 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 Figure 18, the second outer chain intermediate portion 44 has a first distance T21 defined on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA21 along an axial direction D1 parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA21. The second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E has a second distance T22 defined along the axial direction D1. The outermost edge 40E of the third outer chain 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 along the axial direction D1 from the second intermediate inner surface 44B.

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 above 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, a 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 along the axial direction D1 at the third radially outer edge 40F1 of the third outer link end chamfer 40F. 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 first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E. The first intermediate 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 first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E toward the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F. The first intermediate chamfer 34G is disposed on the first intermediate inner surface 34B and is disposed between the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain end portion 32 .

The first middle chamfer 34G has a first minimum distance MD11 defined along a reference line RL1 between the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and the first inner edge 34G1. 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 on the reference line RL1 between the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E and the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F is the smallest in the first outer chain middle portion 34 . When viewed in the axial direction D1, the reference line RL1 extends from a center of curvature CC1 corresponding to a reference circular arc RC1 of the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E. 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 chain middle portion 34 includes a first additional middle chamfer 34H extending along the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F. The first additional middle chamfer 34H has a first additional inner edge 34H1. The first additional middle chamfer 34H is disposed between the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F and the first additional inner edge 34H1. The first additional middle chamfer 34H extends from the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F toward the first outer chain middle outermost edge 34E. The first additional intermediate chamfer 34H is disposed on the first intermediate inner surface 34B and is 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 first additional outer chain middle outermost edge 34F 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 second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E. The second intermediate 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 second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E toward the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F. The second intermediate chamfer 44G is disposed on the second intermediate inner surface 44B and is disposed between the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42 .

The second middle chamfer 44G has a second minimum distance MD21 defined along a reference line RL2 between the second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E and the second inner edge 44G1. 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 on the reference line RL2 between the second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E and the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F is the smallest in the second outer chain middle portion 44 . When viewed in the axial direction D1, the reference line RL2 extends from a center of curvature CC2 corresponding to a reference circular arc RC2 of the middle outermost edge 44E of the second outer chain. 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 second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F. The second additional intermediate chamfer 44H has a second additional inner edge 44H1. The second additional middle chamfer 44H is disposed between the second additional outer chain outermost edge 44F and the second additional inner edge 44H1. The second additional middle chamfer 44H extends from the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F toward the second outer chain middle outermost edge 44E. The second additional intermediate chamfer 44H is disposed on the second intermediate inner surface 44B and is 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 along the reference line RL2 between the second additional outer chain middle outermost edge 44F and the second additional inner edge 44H1. 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 "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that specifically refer to the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unrecited Features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to terms of similar meaning, such as the terms "having", "comprising" and their derivatives.

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

Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" recited in this application are merely identifiers and do not have any other meaning, such as a particular order and the like. Also, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the term "second element" itself does not imply the presence of a "first element."

As used herein, the term "a pair..." can encompass configurations in which a pair of elements have shapes or structures different from each other and configurations 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", "about" and "approximately" mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All numerical values described in this application should be construed to include terms such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

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

10‧‧‧Bicycle 12‧‧‧Bicycle chain 14‧‧‧Bicycle chain outer link 16‧‧‧First chain pin 16A‧‧‧First pin body 16B‧‧‧First head part 16C‧‧‧Part A middle part 16D‧‧‧First groove 18‧‧‧Extra outer link piece 20‧‧‧Second link pin 20A‧‧‧Second pin body 20B‧‧‧Second head part 20C‧‧‧Second Middle part 20D‧‧‧Second groove 22‧‧‧First inner link 24‧‧‧Second inner link 28‧‧‧Roller 30‧‧‧First outer link end part 30A‧‧‧First Outer surface 30B‧‧‧First inner surface 30C‧‧‧First outer link opening 30E‧‧‧Outer edge of first outer link end 30F‧‧‧First outer link 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 link end portion 32A‧‧‧second outer surface 32B‧‧‧second inner surface 32C‧‧‧second outer link opening 32C1‧‧‧attachment opening 32C2‧‧‧insertion opening 32E‧‧‧second Outermost edge of outer link end 32F‧‧‧Second outer link end chamfer 32F1‧‧‧Second radial outer edge 32F2‧‧‧Second radial inner edge 32G‧‧‧Second additional outer link end chamfer 32G1 ‧‧‧Second additional radial outer edge 32G2‧‧‧Second additional radial inner edge 32K‧‧‧Guide portion 34‧‧‧First outer chain intermediate portion 34A‧‧‧First intermediate outer surface 34B‧‧‧ First middle inner surface 34E‧‧‧First outer link middle outermost edge 34F‧‧‧First additional outer link middle outermost edge 34G‧‧‧First middle chamfer 34G1‧‧‧First inner edge 34H‧‧ ‧First extra middle chamfer 34H1‧‧‧First extra inner edge 40‧‧‧Third outer link end portion 40A‧‧‧third outer surface 40B‧‧‧third inner surface 40C‧‧‧third outer link Opening 40E‧‧‧Outermost edge of the third outer link end 40F‧‧‧The third outer link end chamfer 40F1‧‧‧The third radial outer edge 40F2‧‧‧The third radial inner edge 40G‧‧‧The third Additional outer link end chamfer 40G1‧‧‧third additional radial outer edge 40G2‧‧‧third additional radial inner edge 42‧‧‧fourth outer link end portion 42A‧‧‧fourth outer surface 42B‧‧‧ Fourth inner surface 42C‧‧‧fourth outer link opening 42C1‧‧‧attachment opening 42C2‧‧‧insertion opening 42E‧‧‧fourth outer link end outermost edge 42F‧‧‧fourth outer link end chamfer 42F1 ‧‧‧4th radial outer edge 42F2‧‧‧4th radial inner edge 42G‧‧‧4th additional outer chain end chamfer 42G1‧‧‧4th additional radial outer edge 42G2‧‧‧4th additional diameter Inward edge 42K‧‧‧Guide portion 44‧‧‧Second outer chain intermediate portion 44A‧‧‧Second intermediate outer surface 44B‧‧‧Second intermediate inner surface 44E‧‧‧Middle outermost edge of 2nd outer chain 44F‧‧‧Middle outermost edge of 2nd extra outer chain 44G‧‧‧Second middle chamfer 44G1‧‧‧Second inner edge 44H‧‧‧Second extra middle Chamfer 44H1‧‧‧Second additional inner edge A1‧‧‧Central axis of rotation A2‧‧‧Central axis of rotation B1‧‧‧Bicycle frame B2‧‧‧Handlebar B3‧‧‧Seat B4‧‧‧Drivetrain B5 ‧‧‧Bicycle crank assembly B6‧‧‧Rear sprocket B7‧‧‧Front derailleur B8‧‧‧Rear derailleur B51‧‧‧Front sprocket CA11‧‧‧Central axis of first outer chain CA12‧‧‧Second outer chain Chain center axis CA13‧‧‧Attachment center axis CA14‧‧‧Insert center axis CA21‧‧‧Third outer chain center axis CA22‧‧‧Fourth outer chain center axis CA23‧‧‧Attachment center axis CA24‧‧‧ Insertion Center Axis CC1‧‧‧Center of Curvature CC2‧‧‧Center of Curvature D1‧‧‧Axial Direction DD‧‧‧Transmission Direction DS1‧‧‧Distance DS2‧‧‧Distance F1‧‧‧Treading Force LA11‧‧‧First Longitudinal axis of outer chain LA12‧‧‧longitudinal axis LA21‧‧‧longitudinal axis of second outer chain LA22‧‧‧longitudinal axis MD11‧‧‧first minimum distance MD12‧‧‧first additional minimum distance MD21‧‧‧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 invention and its many attendant advantages will be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of a bicycle having a drive train using a bicycle chain according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a side view of a bicycle chain outer link of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

Figure 6 is a side view of a bicycle chain outer link according to a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the outer link 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 .

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 an additional outer link taken along line X-X of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is another partially exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 1 .

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

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

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

16 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of an additional outer link taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 8 .

17 is another partial perspective cross-sectional view of the additional outer link taken along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 8 .

18 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of an additional outer link taken along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 19 is another side view of the outer link of the bicycle chain shown in FIG. 5 .

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‧‧‧Bicycle chain outer link

20‧‧‧Second chain pin

30‧‧‧First outer chain end part

30B‧‧‧First inner surface

30C‧‧‧First outer chain opening

32‧‧‧Second outer chain end part

32B‧‧‧Second inner surface

32C‧‧‧Second outer chain opening

32C1‧‧‧Attachment opening

32C2‧‧‧Insert opening

32E‧‧‧Outer edge of the second outer chain end

32K‧‧‧Guide section

34‧‧‧Middle part of the first outer chain

34B‧‧‧First middle inner surface

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

34F‧‧‧The outermost edge of the middle of the first extra outer chain

34G‧‧‧First intermediate chamfer

34G1‧‧‧First inner edge

34H1‧‧‧First extra inner edge

CA11‧‧‧Central axis of the first outer chain

CA12‧‧‧Central axis of the second outer chain

CA13‧‧‧Attach Center Axis

CA14‧‧‧Insert center axis

CC1‧‧‧Center of Curvature

DD‧‧‧drive direction

DS1‧‧‧distance

LA11‧‧‧Longitudinal axis of the first outer chain

LA21‧‧‧Longitudinal axis of the second outer chain

MD11‧‧‧First Minimum Distance

MD12‧‧‧First additional minimum distance

RC1‧‧‧Reference arc

RL1‧‧‧Reference Line

Claims (21)

A bicycle chain outer link comprising: a first outer chain end portion comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface disposed on a reverse side of the first outer surface to assemble the first outer surface therein A bicycle chain outer link and an additional outer link face the additional outer link in an assembled state; a first outer chain opening has a first outer chain central axis and extends from the outer chain along the first outer chain central axis a first outer surface extending to the first inner surface; and an outermost edge of a first outer chain end disposed radially outward of the first outer chain opening; a second outer chain end portion comprising: a first outer chain end two outer surfaces; a second inner surface disposed on a reverse side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link piece in the assembled state; a second outer link opening having a second outer link center an axis extending from the second outer surface to the second inner surface; and a second outer chain end outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer chain opening; and a first outer chain middle portion, It interconnects the first outer chain end portion and the second outer chain end portion, and the first outer chain middle portion includes: a first middle outer surface; a first middle inner surface disposed on the first middle a reverse side of one of the outer surfaces to face the additional outer link in the assembled state; a middle outermost edge of the 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; a middle outermost edge of a first additional outer chain, which is disposed in the outermost edge of the first outer chain end between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end; and a first middle chamfer extending along the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain and having a first inner edge, the The first middle chamfer has a first minimum distance defined between the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain and the first inner edge along a reference line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a first outer chain, when parallel to When viewed in an axial direction of the first outer chain central axis, the first outer chain longitudinal axis extends from the first outer chain central axis to the second outer chain central axis, and is defined on the reference line on the first outer chain A distance between the middle outermost edge of the chain and the middle outermost edge of the first additional outer chain is the smallest in the middle portion of the first outer chain, the first minimum distance being equal to or greater than 1 mm, wherein the first outer chain The end portion includes a first outer chain end chamfer and a first additional outer chain end chamfer, and the second outer chain end portion includes a second outer chain end chamfer and a second additional outer chain end chamfer. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein 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, and the second additional outer chain end chamfer The chain end chamfer is disposed between the outermost edge of the second outer chain end and the second outer chain end chamfer. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface, the first additional outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface, and the second outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. The outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface, and the second additional outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first minimum distance is equal to or less than 2mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first outer chain middle portion includes a first additional middle chamfer extending along the middle outermost edge of the first additional outer chain and having a first additional inner edge, the The first additional middle chamfer has a first additional minimum distance defined along the reference line between the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge and the first additional inner edge, on the reference line defined at the first outer A distance between the chain middle outermost edge and the first additional outer chain middle outermost edge is the smallest in the first outer chain middle portion, and the first additional minimum distance is equal to or greater than 1 mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 5, wherein the first additional minimum distance is equal to or less than 2 mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 5, wherein the first additional minimum distance is different from the first minimum distance. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 5, wherein the first additional minimum distance is equal to the first minimum distance. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first outer chain middle portion has a first distance defined along the axial direction on the first outer chain longitudinal axis, the first outer chain 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 is greater than the second distance and the third distance distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 9, wherein the first distance is within a range from 0.87mm to 0.91mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 9, wherein the second distance is within a range from 0.79mm to 0.83mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 9, wherein the third distance is in the range from 0.44mm to 0.48mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the first outer chain intermediate portion has a longitudinal axis defined in the first outer chain along the axial direction a first distance above, the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain has a second distance defined along the axial direction, and the second distance is within a range from 89% to 93% of the first distance . The bicycle chain outer link of claim 13, wherein the first distance is within a range from 0.87mm to 0.91mm, and the second distance is within a range from 0.79mm to 0.83mm. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, further comprising a profile having an asymmetric shape relative to the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain when viewed in the axial direction. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 1, wherein the second outer chain opening has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 16, wherein the second outer chain opening has a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain opening is relative to the outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction tilt. A bicycle chain, comprising: the bicycle chain outer chain piece as claimed in claim 1; and a first chain pin disposed in the opening of the first outer chain, the first chain pin and the additional outer chain Chain link engagement. A bicycle chain outer link comprising: a first outer chain end portion comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface disposed on a reverse side of the first outer surface to assemble the first outer surface therein A bicycle chain outer link and an additional outer link face the additional outer link in an assembled state; a first outer chain opening has a first outer chain central axis and extends from the outer chain along the first outer chain central axis a first outer surface extending to the first inner surface; and an outermost edge of a first outer link end disposed radially outward of the first outer link opening; and a second outer link end portion comprising: a a second outer surface; a second inner surface disposed on a reverse side of the second outer surface to face the additional outer link in the assembled state; a second outer link opening having a second outer link a central axis extending from the second outer surface to the second inner surface; and an outermost edge of a second outer chain end disposed radially outward of the second outer chain opening; and a first outer chain middle portion , which 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 on the first outer chain One of the opposite sides of the middle outer surface faces the additional outer chain piece in the assembled state; a middle outermost edge of the first outer chain is disposed on the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the first outer chain between the outermost edges of the second outer chain ends; a first additional outer chain middle outermost edge disposed between the outermost edge of the first outer chain end and the outermost edge of the second outer chain end; and a first outer chain end a middle chamfer extending along the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain and having a first inner edge, the first middle chamfer having a first middle chamfer defined on the first outer chain along a reference line perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a first outer chain A first minimum distance between the middle outermost edge of an outer chain and the first inner edge, when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the central axis of the first outer chain, the longitudinal axis of the first outer chain from the The first outer chain central axis extends to the second outer chain central axis, and when viewed along the axial direction, the reference line extends from a center of curvature corresponding to a reference arc of the middle outermost edge of the first outer chain , the first minimum distance is equal to or greater than 1 mm, wherein the first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain end chamfer and a first additional outer chain end chamfer, and the second outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain end chamfer Two outer chain end chamfers and a second additional outer chain end chamfer. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 19, wherein 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, and the second additional outer chain end chamfer The chain end chamfer is disposed between the outermost edge of the second outer chain end and the second outer chain end chamfer. The bicycle chain outer link of claim 19, wherein the first outer chain end chamfer is provided on the first outer surface, The first additional outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface, the second outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface, and the second additional outer chain end chamfer is disposed on the second outer chain external surface.

Images