TWI821515B - bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to provide bicycle chains with excellent wear resistance. A bicycle chain is provided with a first sliding surface having a first hardness of 1000HV or more, and a second sliding surface configured to come into contact with the first sliding surface when the bicycle chain is used. The second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more, and a ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more.

Description

bicycle chain

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a bicycle chain. The chain in Patent Document 1 has alternating outer and inner links, and the outer and inner links are connected to each other by rivets at their respective connecting ends. [Prior technical literature] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-105438

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

From the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in the driving efficiency of the bicycle front sprocket and the rear sprocket, or suppressing the occurrence of slack in the bicycle chain, at least one of the parts that slide against each other when the bicycle chain is used should have high wear resistance.

One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle chain excellent in wear resistance. [Technical means to solve problems]

A bicycle chain according to a first aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain having a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. The first sliding surface has a first hardness of 1000HV or more, and the second sliding surface is composed of In order to be in contact with the first sliding surface when using the bicycle chain, the second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more, and the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more. According to the bicycle chain of the first aspect, by making the first hardness of the first sliding surface and the second hardness of the second sliding surface different, the first hardness of the first sliding surface and the second hardness of the second sliding surface are different. 2 When the hardness is equal, the wear resistance of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can be improved.

In the bicycle chain according to the second aspect of the first aspect, a ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 5 or less. According to the bicycle chain of the second aspect, the first hardness of the first sliding surface is prevented from becoming excessively larger than the second hardness of the second sliding surface, so that the wear resistance of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can be improved. Improved consumption.

In a bicycle chain according to a third aspect of the first or second aspect, the first surface treatment is performed on the first sliding surface, the second surface treatment is performed on the second sliding surface, and the first surface treatment is This is different from the second surface treatment mentioned above. According to the bicycle chain of the third aspect, the first hardness of the first sliding surface and the second hardness of the second sliding surface can be made to be 1000HV or more by the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment respectively. By making the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment different, the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can be configured so that the first hardness and the second hardness are different, and the resistance of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can be improved. Improved wear resistance.

The bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect of any one of the first to third aspects further includes a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, and a second outer link plate. , pins and rollers, The aforementioned first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link plate having a second inner link extending parallel to the first inner link center axis. The second inner link end portion of the second inner link hole at the center axis of the chain, the first inner link middle portion connecting the aforementioned first inner link end portion and the aforementioned second inner link end portion, the first inner link surface, and The second inner link surface is arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the first inner link central axis; The aforementioned second inner link plate includes: a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link plate having a fourth inner link extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. The fourth inner link end portion of the fourth inner link hole at the center axis of the chain, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned fourth inner link end portion, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain A third inner link surface facing the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate in the direction of the first inner link axis, and a second inner link axis direction with respect to the center axis of the third inner link The fourth inner link surface on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface; The aforementioned first outer link plate is adjacent to the aforementioned first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, and includes: having a first outer link center axis The first outer link end of the first outer link hole includes the second outer link end of the second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, The first outer link intermediate portion and the first outer link surface connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion are arranged in the direction of the first outer link axis with respect to the central axis of the first outer link. A second outer link surface on the opposite side to the aforementioned first outer link surface; The aforementioned second outer link plate is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, and includes: having a third outer link center axis The third outer link end of the third outer link hole includes the fourth outer link end of the fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third outer link center axis, The second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion faces the first outer link plate in the direction of the first outer link axis when the bicycle chain is assembled. a third outer link surface of the aforementioned first outer link surface, and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side to the aforementioned third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third outer link; The aforementioned pin, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is inserted into the aforementioned first outer chain hole and the aforementioned third outer chain hole and passes through the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned third inner chain hole; The roller is located between the first inner link surface in front of the first inner link plate and the third inner link surface in front of the second inner link plate in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the fourth aspect, the wear resistance of the bicycle chain including the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate, the first outer link plate, the second outer link plate, the pin and the roller can be improved improve.

In the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect of the fourth aspect, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate, and the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface The other side of the surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate, the pin, and the roller. According to the bicycle chain of the fifth aspect described above, since the wear resistance of the first inner link plate and the parts of the bicycle chain that slide with the first inner link plate is improved, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of slack in the bicycle chain or the occurrence of slack in the bicycle chain. The wear of the bicycle chain causes the driving efficiency to decrease.

The bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect of the fourth aspect further includes a sleeve having a sleeve hole, and the sleeve is inserted into the first inner chain hole when the bicycle chain is assembled. And the aforementioned third inner chain hole, the aforementioned pin passes through the aforementioned sleeve hole in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain. According to the bicycle chain of the sixth aspect, the wear resistance of the sleeve and the pin is improved, thereby suppressing the occurrence of slack in the bicycle chain.

In the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect of the sixth aspect, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate, and the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface The other side of the surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate and the roller. According to the bicycle chain of the seventh aspect described above, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving efficiency due to wear of the bicycle chain.

In the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect of the sixth aspect, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate, and the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface The other side of the surface is formed on the aforementioned sleeve. According to the bicycle chain of the above-mentioned eighth aspect, the wear resistance of the first outer link plate and the sleeve can be improved.

In the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect of the sixth aspect, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve, and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface One side is formed on at least one of the aforementioned pin and the aforementioned roller. According to the bicycle chain of the ninth aspect, since the wear resistance of at least one of the sleeve, the pin, and the roller is improved, the occurrence of slack in the bicycle chain or the reduction in driving efficiency caused by the wear of the bicycle chain can be suppressed. occurrence.

A bicycle chain according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a bicycle chain including a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a first pin, and a first inner link plate. 2 pins, 1st surface treatment and 2nd surface treatment, The aforementioned first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link plate having a second inner link extending parallel to the first inner link center axis. The second inner link end portion of the second inner link hole at the center axis of the chain, the first inner link middle portion connecting the aforementioned first inner link end portion and the aforementioned second inner link end portion, the first inner link surface, and The second inner link surface is arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the first inner link central axis; The aforementioned second inner link plate includes: a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link plate having a fourth inner link extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. The fourth inner link end portion of the fourth inner link hole at the center axis of the chain, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned fourth inner link end portion, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain A third inner link surface of the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate is disposed in the direction of the first inner link axis and in a direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the center axis of the third inner link. The fourth inner link surface on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface; The aforementioned first outer link plate is adjacent to the aforementioned first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, and includes: having a first outer link center axis The first outer link end of the first outer link hole includes the second outer link end of the second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, The first outer link intermediate portion and the first outer link surface connecting the first outer link end portion and the second outer link end portion are arranged in the direction of the first outer link axis with respect to the central axis of the first outer link. A second outer link surface on the opposite side to the aforementioned first outer link surface; The aforementioned second outer link plate is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, and includes: having a third outer link center axis The third outer link end of the third outer link hole includes the fourth outer link end of the fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third outer link center axis, The second outer link intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion faces the first outer link plate in the direction of the first outer link axis when the bicycle chain is assembled. a third outer link surface of the aforementioned first outer link surface, and a fourth outer link surface arranged on the opposite side to the aforementioned third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third outer link; The aforementioned first pin, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is inserted into the aforementioned first outer chain hole and the aforementioned third outer chain hole and passes through the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned third inner chain hole; The aforementioned second pin, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is inserted into the aforementioned second outer chain hole and the aforementioned fourth outer chain hole and passes through the aforementioned second inner chain hole and the aforementioned fourth inner chain hole; The aforementioned first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the aforementioned first pin, the aforementioned first inner chain hole, and the aforementioned third inner chain hole, or the aforementioned first surface treatment is performed on the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned second At least one of the inner chain holes is implemented, When the aforementioned first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the aforementioned first pin, the aforementioned first inner link hole, and the aforementioned third inner link hole, the aforementioned second surface treatment is performed on the aforementioned second pin, the aforementioned second inner link hole hole and the aforementioned fourth inner chain hole, or when the aforementioned first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned second inner chain hole, the aforementioned second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned second inner chain hole. At least one of the third inner sprocket hole and the fourth inner sprocket hole is implemented, and the first surface treatment is different from the second surface treatment. According to the bicycle chain of the tenth aspect described above, by making the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment different, the surface treatment with excellent wear resistance can be performed on the parts where excellent wear resistance is required, and the surface treatment with excellent wear resistance can be carried out. Implement low-cost surface treatment in areas with low sexual requirements. Therefore, bicycle chains have an excellent balance between wear resistance and cost. [Effects of the invention]

The bicycle chain according to the present invention has excellent wear resistance.

The expression "at least one" used in this manual refers to "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" used in this manual means "only one option" or "both options" if there are two options. As another example, the expression "at least one" used in this specification means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if there are three or more options.

<First Embodiment> Referring to Fig. 1, the bicycle to which the bicycle chain is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is a view of bicycle A viewed from above. Bicycle A contains drivetrain B. Transmission system B is chain drive type. The transmission system B includes a bicycle crank assembly C, a bicycle sprocket (hereinafter referred to as "sprocket D"), and a bicycle chain 10 . The sprocket D has sprocket teeth with which the bicycle chain 10 engages. Sprocket D includes front sprocket E and rear sprocket F. The bicycle crank assembly C includes a crank shaft Ca rotatably supported by the frame of the bicycle A, and a pair of crank arms Cb respectively provided at one of both ends of the crank shaft Ca. A pedal is rotatably attached to the front end of each crank arm Cb.

The front sprocket E is provided on the crankshaft Ca so as to rotate integrally with the crankshaft Ca. The rear sprocket F is arranged on the hub of the rear wheel. The bicycle chain 10 is hung around the front sprocket E and the rear sprocket F. The driving force exerted by the user riding the bicycle A on the pedals is transmitted to the rear wheel through the front sprocket E, the bicycle chain 10 and the rear sprocket F.

The detailed structure of the bicycle chain 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the bicycle chain 10 further includes a first inner link plate 12 , a second inner link plate 14 , a first outer link plate 16 , a second outer link plate 18 , a pin 20 and a roller 22 . Preferably, the bicycle chain 10 further includes a sleeve 24 having a sleeve hole 24A. More preferably, the bicycle chain 10 further includes an additional pin 26 , an additional roller 28 , and an additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first inner link plate 12, the second inner link plate 14, the first outer link plate 16, the second outer link plate 18, the pin 20, the roller 22, the sleeve 24, the additional pin 26, and the additional roller 28 and the additional sleeve 30 are made of the same material. In this embodiment, the first inner link plate 12, the second inner link plate 14, the first outer link plate 16, the second outer link plate 18, the pin 20, the roller 22, the sleeve 24, the additional pin 26, the additional roller The sub 28 and the additional sleeve 30 are made of low carbon steel.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first inner link plate 12 includes: a first inner link end portion 32 including a first inner link hole 32A having a first inner link center axis AX1 , and a first inner link plate 12 having a first inner link center axis AX1 . The second inner link end 34 of the second inner link hole 34A of the second inner link center axis AX2 extending parallel to the axis AX1 connects the first inner link end 32 and the second inner link end 34 Inner link middle part 36. The first inner link plate 12 further includes: a first inner link surface 12A, and a second inner link arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface 12A in the first inner link axis direction DA with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1 Chain surface 12B.

The first inner link end portion 32 is divided into a first peripheral portion 32B around the first inner link hole 32A and a first outer peripheral portion 32C around the first peripheral portion 32B. In this embodiment, the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C faces the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis direction DA with respect to the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 36 . The central plane 10A in the axial direction is at least partially offset. However, the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C may be configured to be flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 36 . In this embodiment, the second inner link surface 12B of the first peripheral portion 32B faces the bicycle chain 10 in the first inner chain axis direction DA with respect to the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C. The center plane 10A is offset in the axial direction. However, the second inner link surface 12B of the first peripheral portion 32B may be configured to be flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C.

The second inner link end portion 34 is divided into a second peripheral portion 34B around the second inner link hole 34A and a second outer peripheral portion 34C around the second peripheral portion 34B. In this embodiment, the second inner link surface 12B of the second outer peripheral portion 34C is located within the third inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 36 with respect to the second inner link center axis AX2. The chain axis direction DC is at least partially offset toward the axial center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . However, the second inner link surface 12B of the second outer peripheral portion 34C may be configured to be flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link intermediate portion 36 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inner link surface 12B of the second peripheral portion 34B faces the bicycle chain 10 in the third inner chain axis direction DC with respect to the second inner link surface 12B of the second outer peripheral portion 34C. The center plane 10A is offset in the axial direction. However, the second inner link surface 12B of the second peripheral portion 34B may be configured to be flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the second outer peripheral portion 34C.

One or a plurality of chamfered portions are respectively provided on the first inner link end portion 32, the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12, and the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link middle portion 36. 38. As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, two chamfered portions 38 are provided in each of the first inner link end portion 32 , the second inner link end portion 34 , and the first inner link intermediate portion 36 . The two chamfered portions 38 of the first inner link end portion 32 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first inner link end portion 32 . The two chamfered portions 38 of the second inner link end portion 34 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second inner link end portion 34 . The two chamfered portions 38 of the first inner link intermediate portion 36 are provided separately in the orthogonal direction SB, which is the traveling direction SA of the bicycle chain 10 when the bicycle A is used and the width direction of the bicycle A. Both sides are orthogonal.

As shown in Figure 3, the second inner link plate 14 includes: a third inner link end portion 40 including a third inner link hole 40A having a third inner link center axis AX3; The fourth inner link end portion 42 of the fourth inner link hole 42A of the fourth inner link center axis AX4 extending parallel to the axis AX3 connects the third inner link end portion 40 and the second inner link end portion 42 of the fourth inner link hole 42A. Inner link middle section 44. The second inner link plate 14 also includes a third inner link surface 14A facing the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link plate 12 in the first inner link axis direction DA when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The third inner link center axis AX3 is arranged on the fourth inner link surface 14B on the opposite side to the third inner link surface 14A in the second inner link axis direction DB.

The third inner link end portion 40 is divided into a third peripheral portion 40B surrounding the third inner link hole 40A and a third outer peripheral portion 40C surrounding the third peripheral portion 40B. In this embodiment, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C faces the bicycle chain 10 in the second inner chain axis direction DB with respect to the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 44 . The central plane 10A in the axial direction is at least partially offset. However, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C may be configured to be flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 44 . In this embodiment, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third peripheral portion 40B faces the bicycle chain 10 in the second inner chain axis direction DB with respect to the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C. The center plane 10A is offset in the axial direction. However, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third peripheral portion 40B may be configured to be flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C.

The fourth inner link end portion 42 is divided into a fourth peripheral portion 42B surrounding the fourth inner link hole 42A and a fourth outer peripheral portion 42C surrounding the fourth peripheral portion 42B. In this embodiment, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C is located within the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 44 with respect to the fourth inner link center axis AX4. The chain axis direction DD is at least partially offset toward the axial direction center plane 10A of the bicycle chain 10 . However, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C may be configured to be flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link intermediate portion 44 . In this embodiment, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth peripheral portion 42B faces the bicycle chain 10 in the fourth inner chain axis direction DD with respect to the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C. The center plane 10A is offset in the axial direction. However, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth peripheral portion 42B may be configured to be flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C.

One or a plurality of chamfered portions are respectively provided on the third inner link end portion 40, the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14, and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link middle portion 44. 46. As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, two chamfered portions 46 are provided in each of the third inner link end portion 40 , the fourth inner link end portion 42 , and the second inner link intermediate portion 44 . The two chamfered portions 46 of the third inner link end portion 40 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the third inner link end portion 40 . The two chamfered portions 46 of the fourth inner link end portion 42 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the fourth inner link end portion 42 . The two chamfered portions 46 of the second inner link intermediate portion 44 are provided separately in the orthogonal direction SB.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first outer link plate 16 is adjacent to the first inner link plate 12 without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The first outer link plate 16 includes: a first outer link end portion 48 including a first outer link hole 48A having a first outer link center axis BX1, and a first outer link end portion 48 having a first outer link center axis BX1 extending parallel to the first outer link center axis BX1. The second outer link end portion 50 of the second outer link hole 50A of the second outer link central axis BX2, and the first outer link intermediate portion 52 connecting the first outer link end portion 48 and the second outer link end portion 50. The first outer link plate 16 also includes: a first outer link surface 16A, and a second outer link plate arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface 16A in the first outer link axis direction DE with respect to the first outer link center axis BX1. Chain surface 16B.

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the second outer link plate 18 is adjacent to the second inner link plate 14 without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates. The second outer link plate 18 includes: a third outer link end portion 54 including a third outer link hole 54A having a third outer link central axis BX3; The fourth outer link end portion 56 of the fourth outer link hole 56A of the fourth outer link central axis BX4, and the second outer link intermediate portion 58 connecting the third outer link end portion 54 and the fourth outer link end portion 56. The second outer link plate 18 also includes a third outer link surface 18A facing the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 in the first outer link axis direction DE when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The fourth outer link surface 18B is arranged on the opposite side to the third outer link surface 18A in the second outer link axis direction DF with respect to the third outer link central axis BX3.

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the pin 20 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A and passes through the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A. Preferably, the pin 20 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the additional pin 26 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A and passes through the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A. Preferably, the additional pin 26 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The shapes of the pin 20 and the additional pin 26 are cylindrical.

The first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are coupled by pins 20 and additional pins 26 . The first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 are coupled by pins 20 and additional pins 26 . The combination of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14, and the combination of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 can be based on the central axis of the pin 20 and the central axis of the additional pin 26. The centers are connected rotationally. The combination of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 and the combination of the first outer link plate 16 and the second outer link plate 18 are alternately arranged and connected in a ring shape.

The roller 22 is located between the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link plate 14 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The roller 22 is arranged between the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 . The roller 22 has a roller hole 22A through which the sleeve 24 is inserted. The roller 22 is rotatable relative to the sleeve 24 . The additional roller 28 is located between the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link plate 14 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The additional roller 28 is arranged between the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 and the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 . The additional roller 28 has a roller hole 28A through which the additional sleeve 30 is inserted. The additional roller 28 is rotatable relative to the additional sleeve 30 . When the bicycle chain 10 is installed on the bicycle A, the roller 22 and the additional roller 28 are in contact with the sprocket teeth.

The sleeve 24 is inserted into the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The pin 20 passes through the sleeve hole 24A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The shape of the sleeve 24 is cylindrical. The sleeve 24 has a first end surface 24B, a second end surface 24C, and an outer peripheral surface 24D. The first end surface 24B is a surface facing the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 in the first inner link axis direction DA. Preferably, the first end surface 24B is flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the first peripheral portion 32B of the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 . The second end surface 24C is a surface facing the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link plate 18 in the second inner link axis direction DB. Preferably, the second end surface 24C is flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third peripheral portion 40B of the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 .

The additional sleeve 30 is inserted into the second inner chain hole 34A and the fourth inner chain hole 42A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The additional sleeve 30 has a sleeve hole 30A. The additional pin 26 passes through the sleeve hole 30A of the additional sleeve 30 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled.

The additional sleeve 30 has the same shape as the sleeve 24 . The additional sleeve 30 has a first end surface 30B, a second end surface 30C, and an outer peripheral surface 30D. The first end surface 30B is a surface facing the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 in the third inner chain axis direction DC. The second end surface 30C is a surface facing the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link plate 18 in the fourth inner chain axis direction DD. Preferably, the first end surface 30B is flush with the second inner link surface 12B of the second peripheral portion 34B of the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 . The second end surface 30C is flush with the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth peripheral portion 42B of the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 .

The bicycle chain 10 is provided with a first sliding surface having a first hardness of 1000HV or more, and a second sliding surface that comes into contact with the first sliding surface when the bicycle chain 10 is used. The second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more. The first hardness is greater than the second hardness. Specifically, the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more. Preferably, the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 5 or less. Known methods can be used for measuring the first hardness and the second hardness. In one example, the first hardness and the second hardness can be measured using the nanoindentation method of ISO14577 of the International Organization for Standardization.

When one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is designated as one of the components of the bicycle chain 10 , the other one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is designated with the bicycle chain 10 The components of the bicycle chain 10 are in contact with each other. In this embodiment, the first hardness of the first sliding surface and the second hardness of the second sliding surface are different due to surface treatment. The first surface treatment is performed on the first sliding surface. The second surface treatment is performed on the second sliding surface. The first surface treatment is different from the second surface treatment. In one example, vanadizing is used as the first surface treatment. As the second surface treatment, chromizing is used. On the first sliding surface, the first surface treatment layer is formed by the first surface treatment. On the second sliding surface, a second surface treatment layer is formed by the second surface treatment. The film thickness of the first surface treatment layer and the film thickness of the second surface treatment layer are 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, respectively, preferably 2 μm or more and 20 μm or less. When vanadium infiltration is used as the first surface treatment, the type of film used as the first surface treatment layer includes vanadium carbide (VC). When chromizing is used as the second surface treatment, the type of film as the second surface treatment layer contains chromium (Cr).

When the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are part of the components formed in the bicycle chain 10, the parts constituting the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface are shielded. The first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer cannot be formed in the shielded portion. The first surface treatment layer is formed on the unshielded portion constituting the first sliding surface. The second surface treatment layer is formed on the unshielded portion constituting the second sliding surface.

When the bicycle chain 10 is used, a description will be given of a portion where the components of the bicycle chain 10 slide against each other. The first inner link plate 12 slides with the first outer link plate 16 , the roller 22 , and the additional roller 28 . More specifically, the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 is in contact with the first outer link end portion 48 of the first outer link plate 16 The first outer link surface 16A slides. The first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 slides with the first end surface 22B of the roller 22 . The first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34 slides with the first end surface 28B of the additional roller 28 .

The second inner link plate 14 slides with the second outer link plate 18 , the roller 22 and the additional roller 28 . More specifically, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C of the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 is in contact with the third outer link end portion 54 of the second outer link plate 18 The third outer link surface 18A slides. The third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 slides with the second end surface 22C of the roller 22 . The third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42 slides with the second end surface 28C of the additional roller 28 .

The sleeve 24 slides with the pin 20 and the roller 22 . To be more specific, the sleeve hole 24A of the sleeve 24 slides with the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The outer peripheral surface 24D of the sleeve 24 slides with the roller hole 22A of the roller 22 .

The additional sleeve 30 slides with the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . To be more specific, the sleeve hole 30A of the additional sleeve 30 slides with the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The outer peripheral surface 30D of the additional sleeve 30 slides with the roller hole 28A of the additional roller 28 .

Next, the relationship between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain 10 will be described. The following is an example of a combination of the first sliding surface, the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain 10 . Examples 1 to 6 as examples of combinations can be combined with each other within the scope of not causing technical inconsistency. FIG. 6 shows a list of the relationship between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain 10 .

In the first example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12, and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the roller. At least one of 22. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate 16 and the roller 22 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate 16 and the roller 22 .

In the first example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first inner link plate 12 is the second inner link surface 12B and the second inner link formed on the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the first inner link end portion 32 At least one of the second inner link surface 12B of the second outer peripheral portion 34C of the end portion 34 and the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is formed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end 48 and the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end 50 At least one. The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the roller 22 is formed on the first end surface 22B.

In the second example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the pin 20 and the roller 22 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the pin 20 and the roller 22 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the pin 20 and the roller 22 .

In the second example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the sleeve 24 is formed on at least one of the sleeve hole 24A and the outer peripheral surface 24D of the sleeve 24 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the pin 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the roller 22 is formed in the roller hole 22A.

In the third example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 .

In the third example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first inner link plate 12 is the second inner link surface 12B formed on the second inner link end portion 34 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional roller 28 is formed on the first end surface 28B of the additional roller 28 .

In the fourth example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 .

In the fourth example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional sleeve 30 is formed on at least one of the sleeve hole 30A and the outer peripheral surface 30D of the additional sleeve 30 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional pin 26 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional roller 28 is formed in the roller hole 28A.

In the fifth example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14, and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the roller 22. At least one. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the second outer link plate 18 and the roller 22 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the second outer link plate 18 and the roller 22 .

In the fifth example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second inner link plate 14 is the fourth inner link surface 14B and the fourth inner link formed on the third outer peripheral portion 40C of the third inner link end portion 40 At least one of the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C of the end portion 42 and the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second outer link plate 18 is one of the third outer link surface 18A formed on the third outer link end 54 and the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end 56 At least one. The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the roller 22 is formed on the second end surface 22C of the roller 22 .

In the sixth example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional roller 28 .

In the sixth example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second inner link plate 14 is the third inner link surface 14A formed on the fourth inner link end portion 42 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional roller 28 is formed on the second end surface 28C of the additional roller 28 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first inner link plate 12 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the first inner link plate 12 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the first inner link plate 12 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment may be performed on the portion of the first inner link plate 12 that is in contact with at least one of the first outer link plate 16 , the roller 22 and the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link plate 12 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the first inner link end portion 32 and the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link surface 12A. In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link plate 12 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the first inner link end portion 32 and the second inner link end portion 34 of the second inner link surface 12B. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the first inner link end portion 32 and the second outer peripheral portion 34C of the second inner link end portion 34 of the second inner link surface 12B.

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link plate 14 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the second inner link plate 14 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the second inner link plate 14 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least a portion of the second inner link plate 14 that is in contact with at least one of the second outer link plate 18 , the roller 22 and the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the third inner link surface 14A of the second inner link plate 14 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the third inner link end portion 40 and the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the third inner link surface 14A. In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the fourth inner link surface 14B of the second inner link plate 14 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the third inner link end portion 40 and the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the fourth inner link surface 14B. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the third outer peripheral portion 40C of the third inner link end portion 40 and the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C of the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the fourth inner link surface 14B.

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first outer link plate 16 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the first outer link plate 16 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the first outer link plate 16 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the portion of the first outer link plate 16 that is in contact with the first inner link plate 12 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the first outer link end portion 48 and the second outer link end portion 50 of the first outer link surface 16A.

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second outer link plate 18 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the second outer link plate 18 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the second outer link plate 18 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the portion of the second outer link plate 18 that is in contact with the second inner link plate 14 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link plate 18 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the third outer link end portion 54 and the fourth outer link end portion 56 of the third outer link surface 18A.

The range in which the pin 20 is subjected to the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the pin 20 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the pin 20 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the portion of the pin 20 that is in contact with the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the entire outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the additional pin 26 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the additional pin 26 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the additional pin 26 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least the portion of the additional pin 26 that is in contact with the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the entire outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the roller 22 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the roller 22 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the roller 22 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the roller hole 22A, the first end surface 22B, and the second end surface 22C of the roller 22 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the additional roller 28 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the additional roller 28 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the additional roller 28 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the roller hole 28A, the first end surface 28B, and the second end surface 28C of the additional roller 28 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the sleeve 24 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the sleeve 24 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the sleeve hole 24A and the outer peripheral surface 24D of the sleeve 24 .

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed in the additional sleeve 30 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the additional sleeve 30 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the sleeve hole 30A and the outer peripheral surface 30D of the additional sleeve 30 .

<Second Embodiment> 7 and 8 , the bicycle chain 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment is mainly different from the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment in that the sleeve 24 is omitted. In the following description, the same components as those of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first inner link end 32 of the first inner link plate 12 includes a first annular shaft circumferentially surrounding the first inner link hole 32A with respect to the first inner link central axis AX1 Directional protrusion 60 . The second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 includes a second annular axial direction protrusion 62 circumferentially surrounding the second inner link hole 34A with respect to the second inner link central axis AX2. For example, the first annular axial direction protruding portion 60 is formed integrally with the first inner link end portion 32 by burring processing. The second annular axial direction protruding portion 62 is formed integrally with the second inner link end portion 34 by punching.

The third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 includes a third annular axial direction protrusion 64 circumferentially surrounding the third inner link hole 40A with respect to the third inner link central axis AX3. The fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 includes a fourth annular axial direction protrusion 66 circumferentially surrounding the fourth inner link hole 42A with respect to the fourth inner link central axis AX4. For example, the third annular axial direction protruding portion 64 is formed integrally with the third inner link end portion 40 by punching. The fourth annular axial direction protruding portion 66 is formed integrally with the fourth inner link end portion 42 by punching.

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the pin 20 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A and passes through the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A. Preferably, the pin 20 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The first annular axial direction protruding portion 60 and the third annular axial direction protruding portion 64 are adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The pin 20 is rotatable relative to the first annular axis direction protruding portion 60 and the third annular axis direction protruding portion 64 .

The roller 22 is arranged between the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 and the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 . The first annular axial direction protruding portion 60 and the third annular axial direction protruding portion 64 are inserted into the roller hole 22A of the roller 22 . The roller 22 is rotatable relative to the first annular axial direction protrusion 60 and the third annular axial direction protrusion 64 .

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the additional pin 26 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A and passes through the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A. Preferably, the additional pin 26 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 . The second annular axial direction protruding portion 62 and the fourth annular axial direction protruding portion 66 are adjacent to the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The additional pin 26 is rotatable relative to the second annular axis direction protruding portion 62 and the fourth annular axis direction protruding portion 66 .

The additional roller 28 is arranged between the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 and the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 . The second annular axial direction protruding portion 62 and the fourth annular axial direction protruding portion 66 are inserted into the roller hole 28A of the additional roller 28 . The additional roller 28 is rotatable relative to the second annular axis direction protruding portion 62 and the fourth annular axis direction protruding portion 66 .

When the bicycle chain 10 is used, a description will be given of a portion where the components of the bicycle chain 10 slide against each other. The first inner link plate 12 slides with the first outer link plate 16, pin 20, roller 22, additional pin 26, and additional roller 28. More specifically, the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 is in contact with the first outer link end portion 48 of the first outer link plate 16 The first outer link surface 16A slides. The first inner link hole 32A of the first inner link plate 12 slides with the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 slides with the first end surface 22B of the roller 22 . The outer peripheral surface 60A of the first annular axial direction protrusion 60 of the first inner link end portion 32 slides with the roller hole 22A of the roller 22 . The second inner link hole 34A of the first inner link plate 12 slides with the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34 slides with the first end surface 28B of the additional roller 28 . The outer peripheral surface 62A of the second annular axial direction protrusion 62 of the second inner link end portion 34 slides with the roller hole 28A of the additional roller 28 .

The second inner link plate 14 slides with the second outer link plate 18 , the pin 20 , the roller 22 , the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . More specifically, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C of the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 is in contact with the third outer link end portion 54 of the second outer link plate 18 The third outer link surface 18A slides. The third inner link hole 40A of the second inner link plate 14 slides with the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 slides with the second end surface 22C of the roller 22 . The outer peripheral surface 64A of the third annular axial direction protrusion 64 of the third inner link end portion 40 slides with the roller hole 22A of the roller 22 . The fourth inner link hole 42A of the second inner link plate 14 slides with the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42 slides with the second end surface 28C of the additional roller 28 . The outer peripheral surface 66A of the fourth annular axial direction protrusion 66 of the fourth inner link end portion 42 slides with the roller hole 28A of the additional roller 28 .

Next, the relationship between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain 10 will be described. The following is an example of a combination of the first sliding surface, the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain 10 . Examples 1 to 4 as examples of combinations can be combined with each other within the scope of not causing technical inconsistency. FIG. 8 shows a list of the relationship between the first sliding surface, the second sliding surface, and the components of the bicycle chain 10 .

In the first example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the pin 20 and at least one of the rollers 22. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate 16 , the pin 20 and the roller 22 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the first outer link plate 16 , the pin 20 and the roller 22 .

In the first example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first inner link plate 12 is formed on the first inner link hole 32A, the outer peripheral surface 60A of the first annular axial direction protrusion 60, and the first inner link At least one of the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the end portion 32 and the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is the first outer link surface 16A formed on the first outer link end portion 48 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the pin 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the roller 22 is formed in at least one of the roller hole 22A and the first end surface 22B.

In the second example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . At least one. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first inner link plate 12 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 .

In the second example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first inner link plate 12 is formed in the second inner link hole 34A, the outer peripheral surface 62A of the second annular axial direction protrusion 62, and the second inner link hole 34A. At least one of the first inner link surfaces 12A of the chain end portion 34 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional pin 26 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional roller 28 is formed in at least one of the roller hole 28A and the first end surface 28B.

In the third example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the pin 20 and at least one of the rollers 22. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the second outer link plate 18 , the pin 20 and the roller 22 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the second outer link plate 18 , the pin 20 and the roller 22 .

In the third example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second inner link plate 14 is formed in the third inner link hole 40A, the outer peripheral surface 64A of the third annular axial direction protrusion 64, and the third inner link hole 40A. At least one of the third inner link surfaces 14A of the chain end portion 40 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the pin 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 20A of the pin 20 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the roller 22 is formed in at least one of the roller hole 22A and the second end surface 22C.

In the fourth example, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14, and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28. At least one. In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second inner link plate 14 , and the first sliding surface is formed on at least one of the additional pin 26 and the additional roller 28 .

In the fourth example, the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second inner link plate 14 is formed in the fourth inner link hole 42A, the outer peripheral surface 66A of the fourth annular axial direction protrusion 66, and the fourth inner link hole 42A. At least one of the third inner link surfaces 14A of the chain end portion 42 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional pin 26 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 26A of the additional pin 26 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional roller 28 is formed in at least one of the roller hole 28A and the second end surface 28C.

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first inner link plate 12 can be arbitrarily changed like the first embodiment. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment of this embodiment can be performed on the first inner link hole 32A, the second inner link hole 34A, the outer peripheral surface 60A of the first annular axis direction protrusion 60, and the second annular shaft. At least one of the outer peripheral surfaces 62A of the directional protrusion 62 is implemented.

The range in which the first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link plate 14 can be arbitrarily changed like the first embodiment. The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment of this embodiment can be performed on the third inner link hole 40A, the fourth inner link hole 42A, the outer peripheral surface 64A of the third annular axis direction protrusion 64, and the fourth annular shaft. At least one of the outer peripheral surfaces 66A of the directional protrusion 66 is implemented.

<Third Embodiment> Referring to FIG. 9 , a bicycle chain 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment is mainly different from the bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment in that the components of the bicycle chain 10 are subjected to different surface treatments. In the following description, the same components as those of the bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of FIG. 9 has the same structure as the bicycle chain 10 of the second embodiment of FIG. 7 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , the bicycle chain 10 includes a first inner link plate 12 , a second inner link plate 14 , a first outer link plate 16 , a second outer link plate 18 , a first pin 70 , and a second pin. 72. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment. The bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment includes a first pin 70 and a second pin 72 instead of the pin 20 and the additional pin 26 . The first pin 70 is made of the same material as the pin 20 and has the same shape as the pin 20 . The first pin 70 has an outer peripheral surface 70A. The second pin 72 is made of the same material as the additional pin 26 and formed into the same shape as the additional pin 26 . The second pin 72 has an outer peripheral surface 72A.

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the first pin 70 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A and passes through the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A. Preferably, the first pin 70 is inserted into the first outer link hole 48A and the third outer link hole 54A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 .

When the bicycle chain 10 is assembled, the second pin 72 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A and passes through the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A. Preferably, the second pin 72 is inserted into the second outer link hole 50A and the fourth outer link hole 56A by press-fitting in the assembled state of the bicycle chain 10 .

In the traveling direction SA of the bicycle chain 10, the first inner link hole 32A of the first inner link plate 12 is located in front of the second inner link hole 34A. In the traveling direction SA, the third inner link hole 40A of the second inner link plate 14 is located in front of the fourth inner link hole 42A. The first pin 70 inserted into the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A is located in front of the second pin 72 inserted into the second inner chain hole 34A and the fourth inner chain hole 42A.

The bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment includes a first roller 74 and a second roller 76 instead of the roller 22 and the additional roller 28 . The first roller 74 is made of the same material as the roller 22 and formed in the same shape as the roller 22 . The first roller 74 has a roller hole 74A, a first end surface 74B, and a second end surface 74C. Roller hole 74A corresponds to roller hole 22A of roller 22 . The first end surface 74B corresponds to the first end surface 22B of the roller 22 . The second end surface 74C corresponds to the second end surface 22C of the roller 22 . The second roller 76 is made of the same material as the additional roller 28 and formed in the same shape as the additional roller 28 . The second roller 76 has a roller hole 76A, a first end surface 76B, and a second end surface 76C. The roller hole 76A corresponds to the roller hole 28A of the additional roller 28 . The first end surface 76B corresponds to the first end surface 28B of the additional roller 28 . The second end surface 76C corresponds to the second end surface 28C of the additional roller 28 .

In the bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment, the first surface treatment is performed on the portions in front of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link plate 14 in the traveling direction SA and the portions that slide with the forward portions; The rear portion and the portion sliding with the rear portion are subjected to the second surface treatment. This is an example of a combination of parts that are subjected to the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment. The following 1st to 3rd examples can be combined with each other as long as there are no technical conflicts.

In the first example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first pin 70, the first inner chain hole 32A, and the third inner chain hole 40A, or the first surface treatment is performed on the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A. At least one of the second inner chain holes 34A is implemented. When the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A, a surface treatment different from the first surface treatment may be performed on the first pin 70 .

When the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first pin 70, the first inner chain hole 32A, and the third inner chain hole 40A, the second surface treatment is performed on the second pin 72, the second inner chain hole 34A, and When the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the fourth inner chain holes 42A, or when the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first inner chain holes 32A and the second inner chain holes 34A, the second surface treatment is performed on the third inner chain hole. At least one of the hole 40A and the fourth inner link hole 42A is implemented. When the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the third inner chain hole 40A and the fourth inner chain hole 42A, a surface treatment different from the second surface treatment may be performed on the second pin 72 .

In the second example, the first surface treatment is performed on the first roller 74, the first annular axial direction protrusion 60 of the first inner link end portion 32, and the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32. , the third annular axial direction protruding portion 64 of the third inner link end portion 40, and the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 are implemented. The second surface treatment is performed on the second roller 76, the second annular axial direction protrusion 62 of the second inner link end 34, the second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end 34, and the fourth inner link. At least one of the fourth annular axial direction protrusion 66 of the end portion 42 and the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth inner link end portion 42 is implemented.

The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 that is in contact with the first roller 74 . The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 that is in contact with the first roller 74 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end portion 34 that is in contact with the second roller 76 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42 that is in contact with the second roller 76 .

In the third example, the first surface treatment is performed on the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end 32, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end 40, and the first outer link end 48. At least one of the first outer link surface 16A and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54 is implemented. The second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end 34 , the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth inner link end 42 , and the first outer link surface of the second outer link end 50 16A, and at least one of the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56.

The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end portion 32, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end 32 that is in contact with the first outer link end 48 . The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end portion 40, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end 40 that is in contact with the third outer link end 54 . The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 48, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end 48 that is in contact with the first inner link end 32 . The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end 54 that is in contact with the third inner link end 40 .

The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end portion 34, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end 34 that is in contact with the second outer link end 50 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth inner link end portion 42, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth inner link end 42 that is in contact with the fourth outer link end 56 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end portion 50 or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end 50 that is in contact with the second inner link end 34 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end 56 that is in contact with the fourth inner link end 42 .

When the first surface treatment is performed on the first pin 70 and the second surface treatment is performed on the second pin 72, the surface of the first pin 70 has a first hardness of 1000HV or more, and the surface of the second pin 72 has a first hardness of 1000HV or more. 2 hardness. The first hardness of the first pin 70 is greater than the second hardness of the second pin 72 . Specifically, the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more. Preferably, the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 5 or less.

When the first surface treatment is performed on the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A, the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A each have a third hardness of 1000HV or more. When the second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A, the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A each have a fourth hardness of 1000HV or more. The third hardness of the first inner link hole 32A and the third inner link hole 40A is greater than the fourth hardness of the second inner link hole 34A and the fourth inner link hole 42A. Specifically, the ratio of the third hardness to the fourth hardness is 1.2 or more. Preferably, the ratio of the third hardness to the fourth hardness is 5 or less.

When the first surface treatment is performed on the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 and the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40, the first inner link surface of the first inner link end portion 32 The link surface 12A and the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 have a fifth hardness of 1000HV or more. When the second surface treatment is performed on the first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34 and the third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42, the first inner link surface of the second inner link end portion 34 The link surface 12A and the third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42 have a sixth hardness of 1000HV or more. The fifth hardness of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end 32 and the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end 40 is greater than that of the first inner link surface 12A and the second inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end 34 . 4. The third inner link surface 14A of the inner link end portion 42 has a high sixth hardness. Specifically, the ratio of the fifth hardness to the sixth hardness is 1.2 or more. Preferably, the ratio of the fifth hardness to the sixth hardness is 5 or less.

When the first surface treatment is performed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end 48 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end 54, the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end 48 The link surface 16A and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54 have a seventh hardness of 1000HV or more. When the second surface treatment is performed on the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end 50 and the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end 56, the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end 50 The link surface 16A and the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56 have an eighth hardness of 1000HV or more. The first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end 48 and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end 54 have a 7th harderness than the first outer link surface 16A and the second outer link end 50 of the second outer link end 50 . 4. The third outer link surface 18A of the outer link end portion 56 has a high eighth hardness. Specifically, the ratio of the 7th hardness to the 8th hardness is 1.2 or more. Preferably, the ratio of the 7th hardness to the 8th hardness is 5 or less.

The first surface treatment is different from the second surface treatment. In this embodiment, vanadium infiltration is used as the first surface treatment. As the second surface treatment, chromizing is used. On the surface subjected to the first surface treatment, the first surface treatment layer is formed by the first surface treatment. On the surface subjected to the second surface treatment, a second surface treatment layer is formed by the second surface treatment. The film thickness of the first surface treatment layer and the film thickness of the second surface treatment layer are 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, respectively, preferably 2 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

The range in which the first surface treatment is performed on the first pin 70 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the first pin 70 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the first pin 70 . The first surface treatment may be performed on at least one of the portion in contact with the first inner link hole 32A and the portion in contact with the third inner link hole 40A in the first pin 70 . In one example, the first surface treatment is performed on the entire outer peripheral surface 70A of the first pin 70 .

The range in which the second surface treatment is performed on the second pin 72 can be arbitrarily changed. The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the second pin 72 or on a part of the surface of the second pin 72 . The second surface treatment may be performed on at least one of the portion in contact with the second inner link hole 34A and the portion in contact with the fourth inner link hole 42A in the second pin 72 . In one example, the second surface treatment is performed on the entire outer peripheral surface 70A of the second pin 72 .

The range in which the first surface treatment is performed on the first roller 74 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the first roller 74 or on a part of the surface of the first roller 74 . The first surface treatment only needs to be performed on the portion of the first roller 74 that is in contact with the first pin 70, the portion that is in contact with the first inner link end 32 of the first inner link plate 12, and the portion that is in contact with the second inner link. It suffices to implement at least one of the parts where the third inner link end 40 of the plate 14 contacts. In one example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the roller hole 74A, the first end surface 74B, and the second end surface 74C of the first roller 74 .

The range in which the second surface treatment is performed on the second roller 76 can be arbitrarily changed. The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the second roller 76 or on a part of the surface of the second roller 76 . The second surface treatment only needs to be performed on the portion of the second roller 76 that contacts the second pin 72, the portion that contacts the second inner link end 34 of the first inner link plate 12, and the portion that contacts the second inner link plate 12. It suffices to implement at least one of the parts where the fourth inner link end 42 of 14 comes into contact. In one example, the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the roller hole 76A, the first end surface 76B, and the second end surface 76C of the second roller 76 .

<Fourth Embodiment> Referring to Fig. 10, a bicycle chain 10 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The bicycle chain 10 of this embodiment is mainly different from the bicycle chain 10 of the third embodiment in that a first sleeve 78 and a second sleeve 80 are added. In the following description, the same components as those of the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The bicycle chain 10 of FIG. 10 has the same structure as the bicycle chain 10 of the first embodiment of FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , in the first inner link plate 12 of this embodiment, the first annular axial direction protruding portion 60 is omitted from the first inner link end portion 32 and the second inner link plate 12 is omitted from the second inner link end portion 34 . Annular axial direction protrusion 62 . The second inner link plate 14 has the third annular axial direction protrusion 64 omitted from the third inner link end 40 and the fourth annular axial direction protrusion 66 omitted from the fourth inner link end 42 .

The first sleeve 78 is inserted into the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Preferably, the first sleeve 78 is inserted into the first inner chain hole 32A and the third inner chain hole 40A by press-fitting. The first sleeve 78 has a sleeve hole 78A, a first end surface 78B, a second end surface 78C, and an outer peripheral surface 78D. The first end surface 78B is a surface facing the first outer link plate 16 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The second end surface 78C is a surface facing the second outer link plate 18 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled.

The second sleeve 80 is inserted into the second inner chain hole 34A and the fourth inner chain hole 42A when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. Preferably, the second sleeve 80 is inserted into the second inner chain hole 34A and the fourth inner chain hole 42A by press-fitting. The second sleeve 80 has a sleeve hole 80A, a first end surface 80B, a second end surface 80C, and an outer peripheral surface 80D. The first end surface 80B is a surface facing the first outer link plate 16 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled. The second end surface 80C is a surface facing the second outer link plate 18 when the bicycle chain 10 is assembled.

Next, examples of combinations of members subjected to the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment will be described. The following examples 1 to 4 can be combined with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

In the first example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first pin 70 and the first sleeve 78 . The second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the second pin 72 and the second sleeve 80 .

In the second example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first roller 74 and the first sleeve 78 . The second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the second roller 76 and the second sleeve 80 .

In the third example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32, the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40, and the first roller 74. One is implemented. The second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end 34 , the third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end 42 , and the second roller 76 .

The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the first inner link surface 12A of the first inner link end portion 32 that is in contact with the first roller 74 . The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40, or may be performed partially. The first surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third inner link surface 14A of the third inner link end portion 40 that is in contact with the first roller 74 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the first inner link surface 12A of the second inner link end portion 34 that is in contact with the second roller 76 . The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire third inner link surface 14A of the inner link end portion 42, or may be performed partially. The second surface treatment may be performed on at least the portion of the third inner link surface 14A of the fourth inner link end portion 42 that is in contact with the second roller 76 .

In the fourth example, the first surface treatment is performed on the second inner link surface 12B of the first inner link end 32, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third inner link end 40, and the first outer link end 48. At least one of the first outer link surface 16A and the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54 is implemented. The second surface treatment is performed on the second inner link surface 12B of the second inner link end 34 , the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth inner link end 42 , and the first outer link surface of the second outer link end 50 16A, and at least one of the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56.

In the first and second examples, the range of the first surface treatment of the first sleeve 78 can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the first sleeve 78 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the first sleeve 78 . In the first sleeve 78 of the first example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least the sleeve hole 78A. In the first sleeve 78 of the second example, the first surface treatment is performed on at least the outer peripheral surface 78D. In the first sleeve 78 of the first and second examples, the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the sleeve hole 78A, the first end surface 78B, the second end surface 78C, and the outer peripheral surface 78D.

In the first and second examples, the range of the second surface treatment of the second sleeve 80 can be arbitrarily changed. The second surface treatment may be performed on the entire surface of the second sleeve 80 , or may be performed on a part of the surface of the second sleeve 80 . In the second sleeve 80 of the first example, the second surface treatment is performed on the sleeve hole 80A. In the second sleeve 80 of the second example, the second surface treatment is performed on the outer peripheral surface 80D. In the second sleeve 80 of the first and second examples, the second surface treatment is performed on at least one of the sleeve hole 80A, the first end surface 80B, the second end surface 80C, and the outer peripheral surface 80D.

＜Example of change＞ The above-described embodiments are examples of possible forms of the bicycle chain of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the forms. The bicycle chain of the present invention can adopt a different form from the forms illustrated in each of the above embodiments. One example is a form in which a part of the configuration of each of the above-described embodiments is replaced, changed, or omitted, or a form in which a new configuration is added to each of the above-described embodiments. In the following modified examples, the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments are assigned to portions that are common to the above-described embodiments, and description thereof will be omitted.

•In each embodiment, the combination of the first surface treatment and the second surface treatment can be arbitrarily changed. The first surface treatment may be chromium infiltration and the second surface treatment may be vanadium infiltration. The first surface treatment and the second surface treatment may be vanadiumizing and chromizing, and may also be nitriding, sulfur-nitriding, boronizing, etc. In this case, the first surface treatment layer and the second surface treatment layer are made of iron nitride (Fe-N), chromium (Cr), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium carbide (TiC ), titanium carbonitride (TiCN), etc.

•In the first embodiment, the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 may protrude toward the first outer link plate 16 than the first peripheral portion 32B of the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 . In one example, the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 is configured to contact the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 . In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the first sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is formed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 48 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the sleeve 24 is formed on the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 .

•In the first embodiment, the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 may protrude toward the second outer link plate 18 rather than the third peripheral portion 40B of the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 . In one example, the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 is configured to contact the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link plate 18 . In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the first sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second outer link plate 18 is formed on the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the sleeve 24 is formed on the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 .

•In the first embodiment, the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 protrudes toward the first outer link plate 16 than the second peripheral portion 34B of the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 Can. In one example, the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 is configured to contact the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link plate 16 . In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is formed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 48 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional sleeve 30 is formed on the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 .

•In the first embodiment, the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 protrudes toward the second outer link plate 18 than the fourth peripheral portion 42B of the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 Can. In one example, the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 is configured to contact the third outer link surface 18A of the second outer link plate 18 . In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second outer link plate 18 is formed on the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional sleeve 30 is formed on the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 .

•In each embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the second inner link surface 12B of the first peripheral portion 32B of the first inner link end portion 32 of the first inner link plate 12 and the second inner link surface 12B of the first outer peripheral portion 32C of the first inner link plate 12 The inner link surface 12B may be formed flush. In the first embodiment, when the second inner link surface 12B of the first peripheral portion 32B is flush with the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24, the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 is flush with the first outer link plate. 16 for sliding. In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate, and the first sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is formed on the first outer link surface 16A of the first outer link end portion 48 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the sleeve 24 is formed on the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first end surface 24B of the sleeve 24 .

•In each embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the second inner link surface 12B of the second peripheral portion 34B of the second inner link end portion 34 of the first inner link plate 12 and the second outer peripheral portion 34C of the first inner link plate 12 The inner link surface 12B may be formed flush. In the first embodiment, when the second inner link surface 12B of the second peripheral portion 34B is flush with the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30, the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 is flush with the first outer surface. The chain plate 16 slides. In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the first outer link plate 16 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the first outer link plate 16 is formed on the first outer link surface 16A of the second outer link end portion 50 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional sleeve 30 is formed on the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the first end surface 30B of the additional sleeve 30 .

•In each embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third peripheral portion 40B of the third inner link end portion 40 of the second inner link plate 14 and the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third outer peripheral portion 40C of the second inner link plate 14 The inner link surface 14B may be formed flush. In the first embodiment, when the fourth inner link surface 14B of the third peripheral portion 40B is flush with the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24, the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 is flush with the second outer link plate. 18 for sliding. In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the second sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the first sliding surface is formed on the sleeve 24 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second outer link plate 18 is formed on the third outer link surface 18A of the third outer link end portion 54 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the sleeve 24 is formed on the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second end surface 24C of the sleeve 24 .

•In each embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth peripheral portion 42B of the fourth inner link end portion 42 of the second inner link plate 14 and the fourth outer peripheral portion 42C of the second inner link plate 14 The inner link surface 14B may be formed flush. In the first embodiment, when the fourth inner link surface 14B of the fourth peripheral portion 42B is flush with the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30, the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 is flush with the second outer surface. The chain plate 18 slides. In this case, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 , and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In one example, the first sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the second sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . In another example, the second sliding surface is formed on the second outer link plate 18 and the first sliding surface is formed on the additional sleeve 30 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the second outer link plate 18 is formed on the third outer link surface 18A of the fourth outer link end portion 56 . The first sliding surface or the second sliding surface of the additional sleeve 30 is formed on the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 . The first surface treatment or the second surface treatment is performed on the second end surface 30C of the additional sleeve 30 .

10:Bicycle chain 12: 1st inner link plate 12A: 1st inner link surface 12B: The second inner link surface 14: 2nd inner link plate 14A: The third inner link surface 14B: The 4th inner link surface 16: 1st outer link plate 16A: 1st outer link surface 16B: The second external link surface 18: 2nd outer link plate 18A: The third outer link surface 18B: The 4th outer link surface 20:pin 22:Roller 24:Sleeve 24A:Sleeve hole 32: 1st inner link end 32A: 1st inner chain hole 34: 2nd inner link end 34A: 2nd inner chain hole 36: 1st inner link middle part 40: The end of the third inner link 40A: 3rd inner chain hole 42: The end of the fourth inner link 42A: 4th inner chain hole 44: 2nd inner link middle part 48: The end of the first external link 48A: 1st outer chain hole 50: The end of the second outer link 50A: 2nd outer chain hole 52: The middle part of the first external link 54: The end of the third outer link 54A: 3rd outer chain hole 56:End of the 4th external link 56A: 4th outer chain hole 58: The middle part of the second external link 70: 1st pin 72: 2nd pin AX1: The first inner chain center axis AX2: The second inner chain center axis AX3: The third inner chain center axis AX4: The fourth inner chain center axis BX1: The first outer chain center axis BX2: The second outer chain center axis BX3: The third external link center axis BX4: The fourth outer chain center axis DA: 1st inner chain axis direction DB: 2nd inner chain axis direction DE: 1st outer chain axis direction DF: 2nd outer chain axis direction

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a bicycle viewed from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment along line III-III of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the first embodiment along line V-V in FIG. 3 . FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the relationship between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface and the components of the bicycle chain. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of the relationship between the first sliding surface, the second sliding surface, and the components of the bicycle chain. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modified bicycle chain.

10:Bicycle chain

10A: Center plane in axial direction

12: 1st inner link plate

12A: 1st inner link surface

12B: The second inner link surface

14: 2nd inner link plate

14A: The third inner link surface

14B: The 4th inner link surface

16: 1st outer link plate

16A: 1st outer link surface

16B: The second external link surface

18: 2nd outer link plate

18A: The third outer link surface

18B: The 4th outer link surface

20:pin

20A:Outer peripheral surface

22:Roller

22A:Roller hole

22B: 1st end face

22C: 2nd end face

24:Sleeve

24A:Sleeve hole

24B: 1st end face

24C: 2nd end face

24D: Outer peripheral surface

26:Additional sales

26A: Outer peripheral surface

28:Additional roller

28A:Roller hole

28B: 1st end face

28C: 2nd end face

30:Additional sleeve

30A: sleeve hole

30B: 1st end face

30C: 2nd end face

30D: Outer peripheral surface

32: 1st inner link end

32A: 1st inner chain hole

32B: 1st peripheral part

32C: 1st peripheral part

34: 2nd inner link end

34A: 2nd inner chain hole

34B: 2nd peripheral part

34C: 2nd peripheral part

36: 1st inner link middle part

40: The end of the third inner link

40A: 3rd inner chain hole

40B: 3rd peripheral part

40C: 3rd peripheral part

42: The end of the fourth inner link

42A: 4th inner chain hole

42B: 4th peripheral part

42C: 4th peripheral part

44: 2nd inner link middle part

48: The end of the first external link

48A: 1st outer chain hole

50: The end of the second outer link

50A: 2nd outer chain hole

52: The middle part of the first external link

54: The end of the third outer link

54A: 3rd outer chain hole

56:End of the 4th external link

56A: 4th outer chain hole

58: The middle part of the second external link

AX1: The first inner chain center axis

AX2: The second inner chain center axis

AX3: The third inner chain center axis

AX4: The fourth inner chain center axis

BX1: The first outer chain center axis

BX2: The second outer chain center axis

BX3: The third external link center axis

BX4: The fourth outer chain center axis

DA: 1st inner chain axis direction

DB: 2nd inner chain axis direction

DC: 3rd inner chain axis direction

DD: 4th inner chain axis direction

DE: 1st outer chain axis direction

DF: 2nd outer chain axis direction

Claims (13)

A bicycle chain is provided with a pin and a sleeve having a sleeve hole. When the bicycle chain is assembled, the pin is inserted into the sleeve. The bicycle chain has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. surface, the first sliding surface has a first hardness of 1000HV or more, the second sliding surface is configured to contact the first sliding surface when the bicycle chain is used, and the second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more, The ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more, the first sliding surface is formed on at least a surface of the sleeve that slides with the pin, and the second sliding surface is formed on at least the pin. A bicycle chain is provided with a pin and an inner link plate. When the bicycle chain is assembled, the pin is inserted into the inner link plate. The bicycle chain has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. The bicycle chain has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface. 1. The sliding surface has a first hardness of 1000HV or more. The second sliding surface is configured to contact the first sliding surface when the bicycle chain is used. The second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more. The first hardness is The ratio of the second hardness is 1.2 or more, The first sliding surface is formed on at least a surface of the inner link plate that slides with the pin, and the second sliding surface is formed on at least the pin. A bicycle chain is provided with an inner link plate, an outer link plate adjacent to the inner link plate, and rollers. The bicycle chain has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface, and the first sliding surface has a first sliding surface of 1000HV or more. 1 hardness, the second sliding surface is configured to contact the first sliding surface when using the bicycle chain, the second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more, and the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is: 1.2 and above, one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on the inner link plate, and the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the outer link plate and the roller. By. A bicycle chain is provided with a pin, a sleeve having a sleeve hole, an inner link plate, an outer link plate adjacent to the inner link plate, and a roller. When the bicycle chain is assembled, the pin is inserted through The sleeve is inserted into the inner link plate when the bicycle chain is assembled, the bicycle chain has a first sliding surface and a second sliding surface, and the first sliding surface has a first sliding surface of 1000HV or more. hardness, the second sliding surface is configured to be in contact with the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain is used The first sliding surface contacts, the second sliding surface has a second hardness of 1000HV or more, the ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 1.2 or more, and one of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on In the sleeve, the other of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface is formed on at least one of the outer link plate, the pin, and the roller. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, further comprising: an inner link plate, an outer link plate and rollers. The inner link plate includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate. The outer link plate includes The first outer link plate and the second outer link plate, the aforementioned first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a first inner link plate having a first inner link center axis The second inner link end of the second inner link hole of the second inner link center axis extending parallel to the inner link center axis, the first inner link end connecting the aforementioned first inner link end and the aforementioned second inner link end. The chain intermediate portion, the first inner link surface, and the second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the central axis of the first inner link; the aforementioned second The inner link plate includes: a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the third inner link center axis. The fourth inner link end portion of the fourth inner link hole in the center, the second inner link intermediate portion connecting the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned fourth inner link end portion, and the aforementioned third inner link end portion in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. 1 The third inner side of the first inner link surface facing the first inner link plate in the direction of the inner chain axis The link surface, and the fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner chain axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third inner link; the aforementioned first outer link plate, on the aforementioned bicycle In the assembled state of the chain, it is adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: a first outer link plate including a first outer link hole with a central axis of the first outer link. A chain end, a second outer link end including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, connecting the first outer link end and the aforementioned The first outer link middle portion of the second outer link end portion, the first outer link surface, and the first outer link axis direction with respect to the first outer link center axis are arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface. The second outer link surface; the aforementioned second outer link plate, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: including having The end of the third outer link hole of the third outer link center axis includes the fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third outer link center axis. The fourth outer link end portion and the second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion face in the direction of the first outer chain axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A third outer link surface of the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate, and a second outer link axis direction with respect to the center axis of the third outer link are arranged on the opposite side to the third outer link surface. The fourth outer link surface; when the bicycle chain is assembled, the sleeve is inserted into the first inner chain hole and the third inner chain hole; the roller, when the bicycle chain is assembled, It is located in front of the aforementioned first inner link plate and in front of the aforementioned second inner link plate. Between the 3rd inner link. The bicycle chain according to claim 2, further comprising: an outer link plate and a roller, the inner link plate includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate, and the outer link plate includes a first outer link plate. plate and a second outer link plate. The aforementioned first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a first inner link plate having a first inner link center axis. The second inner link end portion of the second inner link hole of the second inner link center axis extending parallel to the center, the first inner link middle portion connecting the aforementioned first inner link end portion and the aforementioned second inner link end portion, The first inner link surface and the second inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the direction of the first inner link axis with respect to the first inner link center axis; the aforementioned second inner link plate is Includes: a third inner link end portion including a third inner link hole having a third inner link center axis, and a fourth inner link end portion having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third inner link center axis. The fourth inner chain end portion of the inner chain hole, the second inner chain intermediate portion connecting the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned fourth inner chain end portion, are connected to the aforementioned first inner chain shaft in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The third inner link surface is directed toward the first inner link surface of the first inner link plate, and is disposed on the third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the center axis of the third inner link. The fourth inner link surface on the opposite side; the first outer link plate is adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, and includes : Including the 1st outer link hole with the 1st outer link center axis 1 outer link end, a second outer link end including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, connecting the first outer link end and the first outer link intermediate portion of the second outer link end portion, the first outer link surface, and the first outer link surface arranged in the first outer link axis direction with respect to the first outer link center axis. The second outer link surface on the opposite side; the aforementioned second outer link plate, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: A third outer link end including a third outer link hole having a third outer link center axis, and a fourth outer link having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the third outer link center axis. The fourth outer link end portion of the hole, the second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion, are in the direction of the first outer chain axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. a third outer link surface facing above the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate, and a third outer link surface arranged on the third outer link surface in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the third outer link The fourth outer link surface on the opposite side; the aforementioned pin, when the aforementioned bicycle chain is assembled, is inserted into the aforementioned first outer link hole and the aforementioned third outer link hole and passes through the aforementioned first inner link hole and the aforementioned third outer link hole. 3. Inner chain hole; the roller, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, is located between the first inner link surface in front of the first inner link plate and the third inner link surface in front of the second inner link plate. . The bicycle chain described in claim 3, further equipped with a pin, The aforementioned inner link plate includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate, the aforementioned outer link plate includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate, and the aforementioned first inner link plate includes: a first inner link plate. The first inner link end of the first inner link hole with the chain center axis, including the second inner link hole with the second inner link center axis extending parallel to the first inner link center axis The chain end, the first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end and the second inner link end, the first inner link surface, and the first inner link about the central axis of the first inner link A second inner link surface is arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the axial direction; the aforementioned second inner link plate includes: a third inner link including a third inner link hole having a central axis of the third inner link The end portion includes a fourth inner link end portion having a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third inner link center axis, and connects the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned third inner link end portion. 4. The second inner link intermediate portion of the inner link end, and the third inner link surface of the first inner link surface facing the first inner link plate in the direction of the first inner link axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. , and a fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third inner link; the aforementioned first outer link plate is in the aforementioned bicycle chain. In the assembled state, it is adjacent to the aforementioned first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: the first outer link end including the first outer link hole with the central axis of the first outer link The second outer link end includes a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, and connects the first outer link end and the second outer link end. The first outer link middle part of the outer link end, the first outer link surface, and the first outer link axis direction with respect to the aforementioned first outer link center axis The second outer link surface is disposed on the second outer link surface on the opposite side of the first outer link surface; the second outer link plate is not separated from the other inner link plates or other outer link plates when the bicycle chain is assembled. The second inner link plate is adjacent and includes: a third outer link end portion including a third outer link hole having a third outer link center axis, and a fourth outer link plate having a fourth outer link extending parallel to the third outer link center axis. The fourth outer link end portion of the fourth outer link hole at the center axis of the outer chain, the second outer link intermediate portion connecting the aforementioned third outer link end portion and the aforementioned fourth outer link end portion, in the assembly of the aforementioned bicycle chain In this state, the third outer link surface faces the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the direction of the first outer link axis, and in the direction of the second outer link axis with respect to the center axis of the third outer link. The pin is inserted into the first outer link hole and the third outer link hole when the bicycle chain is assembled. Passing through the first inner chain hole and the third inner chain hole; the roller, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, is located on the first inner link surface in front of the first inner link plate and the second inner link Between the 3rd inner link surface mentioned above. The bicycle chain according to claim 4, wherein the inner link plate includes a first inner link plate and a second inner link plate, and the outer link plate includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link having a second inner link extending parallel to the first inner link center axis. The second inner chain hole of the center axis The chain end, the first inner link intermediate portion connecting the first inner link end and the second inner link end, the first inner link surface, and the first inner link about the central axis of the first inner link A second inner link surface is arranged on the opposite side of the first inner link surface in the axial direction; the aforementioned second inner link plate includes: a third inner link including a third inner link hole having a central axis of the third inner link The end portion includes a fourth inner link end portion having a fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third inner link center axis, and connects the aforementioned third inner link end portion and the aforementioned third inner link end portion. 4. The second inner link intermediate portion of the inner link end, and the third inner link surface of the first inner link surface facing the first inner link plate in the direction of the first inner link axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. , and a fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner link axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third inner link; the aforementioned first outer link plate is in the aforementioned bicycle chain. In the assembled state, it is adjacent to the aforementioned first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: the first outer link end including the first outer link hole with the central axis of the first outer link The second outer link end includes a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, and connects the first outer link end and the second outer link end. The first outer link middle portion of the outer link end, the first outer link surface, and the first outer link axis direction with respect to the first outer link central axis are arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface. 2 outer link surface; the aforementioned second outer link plate is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, and includes: including a third The third outer link end of the third outer link hole at the center axis of the outer link includes a structure extending parallel to the aforementioned third outer link center axis. The 4th outer link end of the 4th outer link hole at the center axis of the 4th outer link, the 2nd outer link middle portion connecting the 3rd outer link end and the 4th outer link end, are used in the aforementioned bicycle. In the assembled state of the chain, the third outer link surface faces the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate in the direction of the first outer link axis, and the second outer link surface with respect to the center axis of the third outer link. A fourth outer link surface is arranged on the opposite side of the aforementioned third outer link surface in the direction of the chain axis; in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, the aforementioned sleeve is inserted into the aforementioned first inner chain hole and the aforementioned third inner chain hole. ; The roller, in the assembled state of the bicycle chain, is located between the first inner link surface in front of the first inner link plate and the third inner link surface in front of the second inner link plate. The bicycle chain according to claim 3, further comprising a sleeve having a sleeve hole. The bicycle chain according to claim 7, further comprising a sleeve having a sleeve hole, and the sleeve is inserted into the first inner chain hole and the third inner chain when the bicycle chain is assembled. The hole, the pin, passes through the sleeve hole in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The ratio of the first hardness to the second hardness is 5 or less. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first sliding surface is subjected to a first surface treatment, and the second sliding surface is subjected to a second surface treatment, and the first surface treatment is the same as The aforementioned second surface treatment is different. A bicycle chain is provided with a first inner link plate, a second inner link plate, a first outer link plate, a second outer link plate, a first pin, a second pin, a first surface treatment, and a second surface treatment, the aforementioned The first inner link plate includes: a first inner link end portion including a first inner link hole having a first inner link center axis, and a second inner link having a second inner link extending parallel to the first inner link center axis. The second inner link end portion of the second inner link hole of the central axis, the first inner link middle portion connecting the aforementioned first inner link end portion and the aforementioned second inner link end portion, the first inner link surface, and the The first inner link axis of the first inner link center axis is disposed on the second inner link surface on the opposite side of the first inner link surface; the second inner link plate includes: a third inner link center The third inner link end of the third inner link hole of the axis includes the fourth inner link end of the fourth inner link hole having a fourth inner link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third inner link center axis. part, the second inner link intermediate part connecting the third inner link end and the fourth inner link end, facing the first inner link plate in the direction of the first inner link axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain The aforementioned 1st internal link page 3rd internal link The link surface, and the fourth inner link surface arranged on the opposite side of the aforementioned third inner link surface in the direction of the second inner chain axis with respect to the center axis of the aforementioned third inner link; the aforementioned first outer link plate, on the aforementioned bicycle In the assembled state of the chain, it is adjacent to the first inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: a first outer link plate including a first outer link hole with a central axis of the first outer link. A chain end, a second outer link end including a second outer link hole having a second outer link center axis extending parallel to the first outer link center axis, connecting the first outer link end and the aforementioned The first outer link middle portion of the second outer link end portion, the first outer link surface, and the first outer link axis direction with respect to the first outer link center axis are arranged on the opposite side of the first outer link surface The second outer link surface; the aforementioned second outer link plate, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is adjacent to the aforementioned second inner link plate without intervening other inner link plates or other outer link plates, and includes: including having The end of the third outer link hole of the third outer link center axis includes the fourth outer link hole having a fourth outer link center axis extending parallel to the aforementioned third outer link center axis. The fourth outer link end portion and the second outer chain intermediate portion connecting the third outer link end portion and the fourth outer link end portion face in the direction of the first outer chain axis in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. A third outer link surface of the first outer link surface of the first outer link plate, and a second outer link axis direction with respect to the center axis of the third outer link are arranged on the opposite side to the third outer link surface. The fourth outer link surface; the aforementioned first pin, when the aforementioned bicycle chain is assembled, is inserted into the aforementioned first outer link hole and the aforementioned third outer link hole and passes through the aforementioned first inner link hole and the aforementioned third 3 inner chain hole; the aforementioned second pin, in the assembled state of the aforementioned bicycle chain, is Insert into the aforementioned second outer chain hole and the aforementioned fourth outer chain hole and pass through the aforementioned second inner chain hole and the aforementioned fourth inner chain hole; the aforementioned first surface treatment is to treat the aforementioned first pin and the aforementioned first inner link hole and the aforementioned third inner sprocket hole, or the aforementioned first surface treatment is applied to at least one of the aforementioned first inner sprocket hole and the aforementioned second inner sprocket hole, when the aforementioned first surface treatment is applied to the aforementioned first inner sprocket hole. When at least one of the 1 pin, the aforementioned 1st inner chain hole and the aforementioned 3rd inner chain hole is implemented, the aforementioned 2nd surface treatment is performed on the aforementioned 2nd pin, the aforementioned 2nd inner chain hole and the aforementioned 4th inner chain hole. At least one of them is performed. When the first surface treatment is performed on at least one of the first inner chain hole and the second inner chain hole, the second surface treatment is performed on the third inner chain hole and the fourth inner chain hole. At least one of the inner chain holes is implemented, and the aforementioned first surface treatment is different from the aforementioned second surface treatment.

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