TWM526540U - Bike chains - Google Patents

Description

Bicycle chain

This creation relates to a chain, in particular a bicycle chain that can be mounted on a bicycle.

The bicycle chain is erected on the front sprocket and the rear sprocket. The bicycle chain has an outer chain plate, a pair of inner chain plates, a chain pin, and a chain roller. The chain pin connects an outer link plate to a pair of inner link plates. The chain roller is disposed on the radially outer side of the chain pin (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The bicycle chain is standardized in accordance with JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) D9417. The diameter of the chain pin is standardized to be 3.66 mm or less. The chain pitch was standardized to 12.70 mm, and the outer diameter of the chain roller was standardized to be 7.8 mm or less.

The chain pin of the bicycle chain of Patent Document 1 has a diameter of, for example, 3.63 mm. The chain pin is pressed into the outer link plate. The inner side of the inner link plate has a cylindrical portion that protrudes in a cylindrical shape. The chain pin penetrates the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion, and the chain roller is rotatably supported by the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion.

[Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-343254

The bicycle chain has a portion where the tension is greater than the other portions and the chain is bent at a plurality of portions. For example, the chain is a portion that engages the teeth of the front sprocket, a portion that engages with the tooth portion of the rear sprocket, and a portion that is disengaged, and a portion that engages the tension wheel and the guide wheel of the rear derailleur. Bit and so on. In these parts, if the sprocket or the tooth of the pulley pushes the chain roller, and the chain roller pushes the tubular portion of the inner chain plate, the tension acting on the chain becomes large. Thereby, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the chain pin. In this state, when the chain pin and the outer link plate are relatively rotated with respect to the inner link plate, the chain pin and the tubular portion are relatively slid while rotating. As a result, there is a case where energy loss due to sliding occurs, and the driving efficiency of the bicycle chain is lowered, so that the user's physical strength is consumed.

The object of this creation is to provide a bicycle chain with excellent driving efficiency.

The bicycle chain of the present invention has an outer chain plate, a pair of inner chain plates, a chain pin and a chain roller. The chain pin connects an outer link plate to a pair of inner link plates. The chain roller is disposed on the radially outer side of the chain pin. The diameter of the chain pin is 3.4 mm or less.

In the bicycle chain, the diameter of the chain pin is smaller than the diameter of the previous bicycle chain (for example, 3.63 mm). Therefore, even if the chain slides at the same angle while the tension is generated, the sliding distance in the circumferential direction is shorter than that of the previous bicycle chain. Thereby, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having reduced energy loss and excellent driving efficiency.

The diameter of the chain pin can also be 3.2 mm or less. In this case, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having sufficient rigidity and driving efficiency.

The diameter of the chain pin can also be 3.0 mm or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The diameter of the chain pin can also be 2.7 mm or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having excellent balance of driving efficiency and required rigidity can be provided.

The diameter of the chain pin can also be 1.5 mm or more. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The outer link plate may have a center line in the longitudinal direction of the outer link, a first outer link hole having a central axis of the first outer link, and a second outer link hole having a central axis of the second outer link. The inner link plate may have a center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link and a first inner link having the central axis of the first inner link a hole and a second inner link hole having a central axis of the second inner link. The distance between the diameter of the chain pin and the center line along the longitudinal direction of the outer link between the central axis of the first outer link and the central axis of the second outer link, and the central axis of the first inner link and the central axis of the second inner link The ratio of the chain pitch defined by any one of the distances along the center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link may be 27% or less.

In this case, the ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch is smaller than the ratio of the previous bicycle chain (for example, 3.63/12.7 = 28.5%). Therefore, even if the chain slides at the same angle while the tension is generated, the sliding distance in the circumferential direction is shorter than that of the previous bicycle chain. Thereby, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having reduced energy loss and excellent driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 26% or less. In this case, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having sufficient rigidity and driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 24% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 21% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having excellent balance of driving efficiency and required rigidity can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch can also be 11% or more. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 45% or less. In this case, the ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller is smaller than the ratio of the previous bicycle chain (for example, 3.63/7.8 = 46.5%). Therefore, even if the chain slides at the same angle while the tension is generated, the sliding distance in the circumferential direction is shorter than that of the previous bicycle chain. Thereby, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having reduced energy loss and excellent driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 42% or less. In this case, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having sufficient rigidity and driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 40% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 35% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having excellent balance of driving efficiency and required rigidity can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 19% or more. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

Another creation of the bicycle chain of this creation has an outer chain plate, an inner chain plate, a chain pin and a chain roller. The outer link plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the outer link, a first outer link hole having a central axis of the first outer link, and a second outer link hole having a central axis of the second outer link. The inner link plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link, a first inner link hole having a central axis of the first inner link, and a second inner link hole having a central axis of the second inner link. The chain pin is inserted into one of the first outer link hole and the second outer link hole, and one of the first inner link hole and the second inner link hole, and the outer link plate and the inner link plate are connected . The chain roller is disposed on the radially outer side of the chain pin. The distance between the diameter of the chain pin and the center line along the longitudinal direction of the outer link between the central axis of the first outer link and the central axis of the second outer link, and the central axis of the first inner link and the central axis of the second inner link The ratio of the chain pitch defined by any one of the distances along the center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link is 27% or less.

In the bicycle chain, the ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch is smaller than the ratio of the previous bicycle chain (for example, 3.63/12.7 = 28.5%). Therefore, even if the chain slides at the same angle while the tension is generated, the sliding distance in the circumferential direction is shorter than that of the previous bicycle chain. Thereby, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having reduced energy loss and excellent driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 26% or less. In this case, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having sufficient rigidity and driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 24% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch may also be 21% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having excellent balance of driving efficiency and required rigidity can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch can also be 11% or more. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The chain roller may have a roller hole, an outer peripheral surface, a pair of side surfaces extending between the roller hole and the outer peripheral surface, and a recess formed in at least one of the pair of side faces. In this case, since at least one of the pair of side faces forms a concave portion, the weight of the chain roller can be suppressed from increasing even if the chain pin is reduced in diameter.

The recess may also be formed in a ring shape. In this case, the weight of the chain roller can be reduced without loss of strength and rotational balance.

Another creation of the bicycle chain of this creation has an outer chain plate, an inner chain plate, a chain pin and a chain roller. The chain pin connects an outer link plate to a pair of inner link plates. The chain roller is disposed on the radially outer side of the chain pin. The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller is 45% or less.

In the bicycle chain, the ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller is smaller than the ratio of the previous bicycle chain (for example, 3.63/7.8 = 46.5%). Therefore, even if the chain slides at the same angle while the tension is generated, the sliding distance in the circumferential direction is shorter than that of the previous bicycle chain. Thereby, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having reduced energy loss and excellent driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 42% or less. In this case, it is possible to provide a bicycle chain having sufficient rigidity and driving efficiency.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 40% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 35% or less. In this case, a bicycle chain having excellent balance of driving efficiency and required rigidity can be provided.

The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller may also be 19% or more. In this case, a bicycle chain having the required rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

The chain pin may have a central axis, a first end face in the axial direction parallel to the central axis, and a second end face on the opposite side to the first end face in the axial direction. A funnel-shaped recess may be formed in at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface. The funnel-shaped recess may have a bottom portion and an opening portion, and the diameter of the bottom portion is 1.0 mm or less, and the diameter of the opening portion is 1.7 mm or less.

In this case, since the diameter of the opening portion and the bottom portion of the funnel-shaped recess portion is small, even if the chain pin has a small diameter, the distance between the funnel-shaped recess portion and the outer peripheral portion of the chain pin can be suppressed. Thereby, even if the end surface in which the funnel-shaped recessed part is formed is plastically deformed and expanded, the chain pin is connected to the outer link plate, and the end surface of the chain pin is not easily deformed.

The length of the funnel-shaped recess in the axial direction may be 0.4 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. In this case, since the axial length of the funnel-shaped recess is one-half or less of the diameter of the bottom portion, the end surface of the chain pin is less likely to be deformed.

The funnel-shaped recess may be provided on the first end surface and the second end surface. In this case, since the funnel-shaped recesses are provided at both ends of the chain pin, the both ends are not easily deformed.

The bicycle chain can further have a connecting link structure that connects one of the two ends of the bicycle chain to the inner link plate. The connecting link structure comprises a pair of connecting links and a connecting pin having a fixed end and an engaging end opposite to the fixed end. One of the pair of connecting pins is fixedly coupled to one of the pair of connecting links, and one of the pair of connecting pins is detachably engaged with the other of the pair of connecting links, in a pair One of the engaging ends of the connecting pin forms a pair of engaging grooves, and the pair of engaging grooves extend parallel to each other. In this case, the engaging grooves of the connecting pins are not formed in a ring shape but are formed to extend in parallel with each other. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the portion where the engaging groove is formed becomes larger than that of the engaging groove formed by the annular groove. Thereby, the strength of the connecting pin forming the portion of the engaging groove can be increased.

One of the fixed ends of the pair of connecting pins may have a pair of positioning faces extending in parallel with the pair of engaging grooves. In this case, the engagement groove is disposed in parallel with the positioning surface. Therefore, if it will be solid When the fixed end is fixedly coupled to a connecting link plate, the connecting pin can be configured such that the pair of engaging grooves can be engaged with the other connecting link. Thereby, even if a pair of engagement grooves are arranged in parallel, the connection link structure of the both ends of a bicycle chain can be connected easily.

The bicycle chain can also be a shifting bicycle chain that can be used in a bicycle shifting device. In this case, a shifting bicycle chain having excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

According to this creation, a bicycle chain with excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

1‧‧‧Bicycle

2‧‧‧ Front sprocket assembly

2a‧‧‧Front sprocket

4‧‧‧ Rear sprocket assembly

4a‧‧‧After sprocket

4b‧‧‧ teeth

6‧‧‧Front transmission

8‧‧‧ Rear derailleur

8a‧‧‧Chain guides

8b‧‧‧Tension wheel

8c‧‧·guide wheel

10‧‧‧Chain

12‧‧‧Outer chain board

12a‧‧‧1st outer link hole

12b‧‧‧2nd outer link hole

12c‧‧‧Protection

14‧‧‧ Inner chain board

14a‧‧‧1st inner link hole

14b‧‧‧2nd inner link hole

14c‧‧‧1st tubular

14d‧‧‧2nd tubular

16‧‧‧Chain

16'‧‧‧Chain

16a‧‧‧Bulging

18‧‧‧Chain Roller

18a‧‧‧Support hole

110‧‧‧Chain

116‧‧‧Chain

116a‧‧‧Bulging Department

118‧‧‧Chain Roller

210‧‧‧Chales

216‧‧‧Chain

216a‧‧‧Bulging

218‧‧‧Chain Roller

310‧‧‧Chain

316‧‧‧Chain

316a‧‧‧Bulging

318‧‧‧Chain Roller

410‧‧‧Chain

416‧‧‧Chain

416a‧‧‧Bulging

418‧‧‧chain roller

510‧‧‧Chain

516‧‧‧Chain

516a‧‧‧1st end

516b‧‧‧2nd end

516c‧‧‧Fountained recess

516d‧‧‧ bottom

516e‧‧‧ openings

516f‧‧‧ riveting part

516g‧‧‧ outer peripheral surfaces at both ends

516h‧‧‧ both ends of the outer perimeter

518‧‧‧Chain Roller

518a‧‧‧Roller hole

518b‧‧‧ outer perimeter

518c‧‧‧ a pair of sides

518d‧‧‧ recess

610‧‧‧Chain

620‧‧‧Connected link structure

622‧‧‧Connecting chain plate

622a‧‧‧Fixed holes

622b‧‧‧Snap long hole

622c‧‧‧ Straight line

622d‧‧‧Arc Department

622e‧‧‧1st circular engagement

622f‧‧‧2nd circular engagement

622g‧‧‧ snap protrusion

622h‧‧‧1st Mobile Restriction Department

622i‧‧‧2nd Mobile Restriction Department

624‧‧‧Connection pin

624a‧‧‧Fixed end

624b‧‧‧Card end

624c‧‧‧ snap groove

624d‧‧‧ positioning surface

A‧‧‧Part 1

B‧‧‧Part 2

C‧‧‧Part 3

C1‧‧‧1st outer chain center axis

C2‧‧‧2nd outer chain center axis

C3‧‧‧1st inner link central axis

C4‧‧‧2nd inner chain center axis

C5‧‧‧ center axis

CL1‧‧‧outer link length direction centerline

CL2‧‧‧ inner link length direction center line

D‧‧‧Part 4

D1‧‧‧ diameter of the chain pin

D1'‧‧‧ diameter of the chain pin

D2‧‧‧1st outer link hole and 2nd outer link hole inner diameter

D3‧‧‧1st inner link hole and inner diameter of 2nd inner link hole

D4‧‧‧The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion

D5‧‧‧ Support hole diameter

D6‧‧‧The outer diameter of the chain roller

D7‧‧‧ diameter of the bottom

D8‧‧‧Diameter diameter

DD‧‧‧ drive direction

E‧‧‧Part 5

F‧‧‧ arrow

L‧‧‧Sliding distance

L'‧‧‧Sliding distance

L1‧‧‧ distance

L2‧‧‧ distance

N‧‧‧Resistance

P‧‧‧ chain pitch

RD‧‧‧ drive rotation direction

Fig. 1 is a side view showing a state in which a bicycle chain according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a bicycle.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bicycle chain.

Figure 3 is a top partial fracture view of the bicycle chain.

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain.

Fig. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the bicycle chain is released from the rear sprocket.

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 when the bicycle chain generates energy loss.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the sliding length of the bicycle chain to produce energy loss.

Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 of the bicycle chain of the second embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 of the bicycle chain of the third embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 of the bicycle chain of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 of the bicycle chain of the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4 of the bicycle chain of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 before the first end face has been riveted and the second end face has been riveted.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the chain pin before the staking of the sixth embodiment.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a chain roller according to a sixth embodiment.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the chain roller.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the bicycle chain of the seventh embodiment.

Figure 18 is a side view of the outer link plate.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the chain pin.

<First embodiment>

In FIG. 1, a bicycle chain (hereinafter simply referred to as a chain) 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is placed on the front sprocket assembly 2 and the rear sprocket assembly 4 of the bicycle 1. In FIG. 1, the bicycle 1 has a front derailleur 6 and a rear derailleur 8. The front derailleur 6 and the rear derailleur 8 are examples of bicycle shifting devices. The front sprocket assembly 2 has a plurality of (for example, 2 or 3) front sprockets 2a having different numbers of teeth. The rear sprocket assembly 4 has a plurality of pieces (for example, 6 to 11 pieces) of the rear sprocket 4a having different numbers of teeth. The chain 10 is preferably a shifting bicycle chain that can be used for a bicycle shifting device.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the chain 10 is provided with an outer link plate 12, a pair of inner link plates 14, a chain pin 16, and a chain roller 18.

The outer link plate 12 is a metal plate member having a circular shape at both ends. The outer link plate 12 has an outer link longitudinal direction center line CL1, a first outer link hole 12a including a first outer link center axis C1, and a second outer link hole 12b including a second outer link center axis C2. . The outer peripheral portion of the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b are respectively provided with a retaining portion 12c which is slightly disk-shaped and looped from the outer side surface toward the inner side surface by press working. Formed in a concave shape. Therefore, on the inner side surface, the outer peripheral portions of the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b slightly protrude in the axial direction. The inner diameter D2 of the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b is smaller than the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16. For example, the inner diameter D2 of the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b is smaller than the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 by about 0.02 to 0.08 mm. Therefore, the chain pin 16 is fixed to the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b by press fitting.

In the present embodiment, the inner link plate 14 is a metal plate member having a circular shape at both ends of the outer shape of the outer link plate 12. A pair of inner link plates 14 and one outer link plate 12 are alternately arranged (refer to FIG. 2). The inner link plate 14 is disposed such that both ends thereof overlap the inner side of the outer link plate 12. Inner chain The plate 14 has a center line CL2 in the inner link length direction, a first inner link hole 14a including the first inner link center axis C3, and a second inner link hole 14b including the second inner link center axis C4. Further, the inner link plate 14 has a first cylindrical portion 14c that forms the first inner link hole 14a and a second cylindrical portion 14d that forms the second inner link hole 14b. The axial length of the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d is slightly smaller than the inner half of the chain 10 by a half length. The inner diameter D3 of the first inner link hole 14a and the second inner link hole 14b is slightly larger than the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16. For example, the inner diameter D3 of the first inner link hole 14a and the second inner link hole 14b is larger by about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm than the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16. Therefore, a gap is formed between the first inner link hole 14a and the second inner link hole 14b and the chain pin 16. Thereby, the assembly operator can easily attach the chain pin 16 to the first inner link hole 14a and the second inner link hole 14b.

The chain pin 16 is a metal tubular member. The chain pin 16 connects an outer link plate 12 with a pair of inner link plates 14. In a state in which the chain 10 is assembled as shown in FIG. 4, bulging portions 16a formed to have a larger diameter than the intermediate portion are formed at both end portions of the chain pin 16. The bulging portion 16a is formed by plastically deforming both end portions using a jig when assembling the chain 10. The chain pin 16 is prevented from being fixed to the outer link plate 12 by the bulging portion 16a. The diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 16 excluding the bulging portion 16a is, for example, 3.4 mm or less. In the first embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 is 3.4 mm.

The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 to the link pitch P is 27% or less. The chain pitch P is a distance L1 between the first outer link center axis C1 and the second outer link center axis C2 along the outer link longitudinal direction center line CL1, and the first inner link center axis C3 and the second The distance between the inner link center axis C4 and the distance L2 along the inner link length direction center line CL2 is defined. Further, in general, the distance L1, the distance L2, and the chain pitch P are the same value. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 to the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 18 is 45% or less.

The chain roller 18 is attached to a metal annular member having a support hole 18a in the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d. The chain roller 18 is disposed on the radially outer side of the chain pin 16. The chain roller 18 is rotatably mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d. 1st tube The outer diameter D4 of the shape portion 14c and the second cylindrical portion 14d is smaller than the inner diameter D5 of the support hole 18a. Therefore, a gap is formed between the chain roller 18 and the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d. Thereby, the assembly operator can easily attach the chain roller 18 to the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d.

When the chain 10 thus configured is assembled, the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d of the pair of inner link plates 14 are opposed to each other, and the chain roller 18 is disposed on the outer peripheral side thereof. Then, the outer link plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are alternately arranged in a state in which the first inner link hole 14a and the second inner link hole 14b of the pair of inner link plates 14 are opposed to each other. In this state, the chain pin 16 passes through the first outer link hole 12a and the first inner link hole 14a, and is pressed into the first outer link hole 12a, so that both ends protrude from the outer link plate 12. Thereby, the chain pin 16 is press-fitted and fixed to the outer link plate 12. Then, the bulging portion 16a is formed by, for example, pressing the both ends of the chain pin 16 by a flat rivet using a flat jig. Thereby, the bulging portion 16a is engaged with the concave portion on the outer side surface of the outer link plate 12 to prevent the chain pin 16 from falling off, and the outer link plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are connected in a state in which the chain roller 18 is mounted. .

When the chain 10 is attached to the bicycle 1 as shown in FIG. 1, when the pedal is stepped on and the front sprocket 2a is rotated in the driving rotational direction RD, the chain 10 moves in the driving direction DD. If the chain 10 moves in the driving direction DD, the first part A, the second part B, the third part C, the fourth part D, and the fifth part E surrounded by the circle of the single-point chain line of Fig. 1 At 5, the tension becomes large and the chain 10 rotates. In the first portion A, the chain 10 engaged with the rear sprocket 4a is disengaged and pulled by the front sprocket 2a to generate tension and rotation of the chain 10. In the second portion B, the chain 10 is engaged with the front sprocket 2a to generate tension and rotation of the chain 10. In the third portion C, the chain 10 is engaged with the tension wheel 8b of the chain guide 8a of the rear derailleur 8 to generate tension and rotation of the chain 10. In the fourth portion D, the chain 10 is engaged with the guide wheel 8c of the chain guide 8a of the rear derailleur 8 to generate tension and rotation of the chain 10. In the fifth part E, the chain 10 is engaged with the rear sprocket 4a to generate tension and rotation of the chain 10. In the first portion A, the outer chain plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are rotated in a straight state from the curved state. In the second portion B to the fifth portion E, the outer chain plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are rotated in a straight state from the straight state, and the chain 10 is rotated.

In the first portion A, as shown in Fig. 5, when the front sprocket 2a is rotated in the driving rotational direction RD by the pedal, the front sprocket 2a pulls the chain 10. As a result, the chain 10 moves in the driving direction DD. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the first portion A, the chain roller 18 of the chain 10 presses the teeth 4b of the rear sprocket 4a in the direction of the arrow F. Thereby, the chain roller 18 moves in the opposite direction to the pressing direction with respect to the chain pin 16, and the support hole 18a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the 1st cylindrical part 14c. When the support hole 18a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first tubular portion 14c, the inner link plate 14 is pressed by the teeth 4b via the chain roller 18, and the first inner link hole 14a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the chain pin 16. In this state, when the outer link plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are relatively rotated, the outer circumferential surface of the chain pin 16 and the first inner link hole 14a (or the second inner link hole 14b) of the inner link plate 14 are circumferentially The direction is relatively slid, resulting in an energy loss EL caused by friction. The frictional force M at this time is μ‧N (μ: the coefficient of friction between the chain pin 16 and the first cylindrical portion 14c of the inner link plate 14 or the first tubular portion 14c of the inner link plate 14 and the chain roller The coefficient of friction between the sub-18, N: the pressing force from the inner link plate 14 acting on the chain pin 16, or the pressing force from the chain roller 18 acting on the first cylindrical portion 14c of the inner link plate 14. ) indicates (M = μ‧N). Therefore, the energy loss EL is expressed by M‧L (L: the sliding distance of the inner link plate 14 and the chain pin 16 or the sliding distance of the inner link plate 14 from the chain roller 18 (distance in the circumferential direction of the chain pin 16)) (EL=M‧L). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 of the present invention is smaller than the diameter D1' of the previous chain pin 16'. Therefore, even if the outer link plate 12 and the inner link plate 14 are relatively rotated at the same angle, the sliding distance L of the chain 10 of the present embodiment is shorter than the sliding distance L' of the previous chain. Thereby, the chain 10 in which the energy loss EL is reduced and the driving efficiency is excellent can be provided. In the first portion A, the second portion B, the third portion C, the fourth portion D, and the fifth portion E, the portion where the energy loss EL is the largest is the first portion A. Therefore, according to the chain 10 of the present creation, the loss of the driving energy can be most suppressed in the first portion A.

<Second embodiment>

In the following description of the second embodiment, the description of the configuration other than the chain pin will be omitted. The gap between the components other than the chain pin and the degree of fitting of the first and second outer link holes for press-fitting to the chain pin are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 116 of the chain 110 excluding the bulging portion 116a is, for example, 3.2 mm or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 116 to the chain pitch P is 26% or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 16 to the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 118 is 42% or less. In the second embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 116 is 3.2 mm. In the second embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 116 is smaller than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the chain 110 having the energy loss EL and further reduced rigidity and having excellent rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

<Third embodiment>

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 216 of the chain 210 excluding the bulging portion 216a is, for example, 3.0 mm or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 216 to the link pitch P is 24% or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 216 to the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 218 is 40% or less. In the third embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 216 is 3.0 mm. In the third embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 316 is further reduced as compared with the second embodiment. Therefore, the chain 210 having excellent energy loss and further rigidity and having excellent driving efficiency can be provided.

<Fourth embodiment>

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 316 of the chain 310 excluding the bulging portion 316a is, for example, 2.7 mm or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 316 to the chain pitch P is 21% or less. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 316 to the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 318 is 35% or less. In the fourth embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 316 is 2.7 mm. In the fourth embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 316 is further reduced than that of the third embodiment. Therefore, the chain 310 having an excellent energy loss and a desired balance of rigidity can be provided.

<Fifth Embodiment>

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, the diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 416 of the chain 410 excluding the bulging portion 416a is, for example, 1.5 mm or more. The diameter of the chain pin 416 D1 The ratio with respect to the chain pitch P is 11% or more. The ratio of the diameter D1 of the chain pin 416 to the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 418 is 19% or more. In the fourth embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 416 is 1.5 mm. In the fifth embodiment, the diameter D1 of the chain pin 416 is further reduced than that of the forty-fourth embodiment. Therefore, the chain 410 having the required energy rigidity and excellent driving efficiency can be provided. Further, in the first to fifth embodiments, the outer diameter D6 of the chain roller 18 to the chain roller 418 is preferably the same value.

<Sixth embodiment>

In the bicycle chain according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the chain pin 516 and the chain roller 518 of the bicycle chain 510 are different from those of the above embodiment. Therefore, the configuration other than the chain pin 516 and the chain roller 518 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The components other than the chain pin 516 and the chain roller 518 are denoted by the reference numerals in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The diameter D1 of the chain pin 516 is, for example, in the range of 1.5 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less, preferably 2.615 mm. As shown in FIG. 12, the chain pin 516 has a central axis C5, a first end surface 516a in the axial direction parallel to the central axis C5, and an opposite side to the first end surface 516a in the axial direction parallel to the central axis C5. The second end surface 516b. The chain pin 516 which is plastically deformed and has a caulking process in which both ends are expanded in diameter forms a funnel-shaped recess 516c in at least one of the first end surface 516a and the second end surface 516b. In the sixth embodiment, the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c is formed in both the first end surface 516a and the second end surface 516b. As shown in Fig. 13, the diameter D7 of the bottom portion 516d of the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c is 1.0 mm or less. It is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.75 mm. The diameter D8 of the opening 516e is 1.7 mm or less. It is preferably 1.2 mm or more and 1.7 mm or less, and more preferably 1.496 mm. In this manner, the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c including the tapered surface is provided on the first end surface 516a, and the diameter D8 of the opening portion 516e of the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c and the diameter D7 of the bottom portion 516d are small, so that even the small-diameter chain pin 516 can be used. The decrease in the distance between the funnel-shaped recess 516c and the outer peripheral portion of the chain pin 516 is suppressed. Thereby, even if the end surface on which the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c is formed is plastically deformed and expanded, and the chain pin 516 is coupled to the outer link plate 12, the chain pin 516 which has undergone plastic deformation in the use of the bicycle chain 510 can be prevented. The end face is easily deformed.

As shown in the lower part of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the chain pin 516 before the caulking has an annular riveting portion 516f which is subjected to caulking treatment on both outer sides in the axial direction of the funnel-shaped recessed portion 516c. The caulking portion 516f is formed to protrude in a ring shape from the first end surface 516a and the second end surface 516b. The rivet portion 516f is formed on both outer sides of the funnel-shaped recess 516c in the axial direction. When the caulking portion 516f is caulked by the caulking jig, it is narrowed inward in the axial direction and bulged outward in the radial direction. Thereby, after the caulking process, the caulking portion 516f constitutes the first end surface 516a and the second end surface 516b, and is fixed to the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b of the outer link plate 12.

In the chain pin 516 of such a configuration, by forming the caulking portion 516f, it is possible to suppress an increase in the diameter D1 of the intermediate portion of the chain pin 516 at the time of the caulking step. Further, when the caulking portion 516f is plastically deformed by the caulking step, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface 516g of the both ends of the chain pin 516 and the retaining portion 12c of the first outer link hole 12a and the second outer link hole 12b are provided. There is no gap between them. Thereby, after the caulking step, the outer peripheral portions 516h of both ends of the chain pin 516 are less likely to be deformed toward the outer side in the axial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the chain roller 518 has a roller hole 518a, an outer peripheral surface 518b, one side surface 518c extending between the roller hole and the outer peripheral surface, and at least one of the pair of side surfaces 518c. Concave portion 518d. In the sixth embodiment, the concave portion 518d is provided on both sides of one side surface 518c. The concave portion 518d has a semicircular depression in the cross-sectional shape, and is preferably formed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction. The recessed portion 518d is provided to suppress an increase in the weight of the chain roller 518 which is reduced in diameter by the chain pin 516.

<Seventh embodiment>

In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the chain 610 further includes a connecting link structure 620 that connects one of the two ends to the inner link plate 14.

The connecting link structure 620 includes one of the pair of connecting link plates 622 shown in FIG. 18, and one of the engaging ends 624b having the fixed end 624a and the engaging end 624b opposite to the fixed end 624a shown in FIG. One of the pair of link links 622 shown in FIG. 18 has a center line of the outer link length direction. CL1. The connecting link plate 622 has a fixing hole 622a for fixing the fixed end 624a of the connecting pin 624, and a engaging long hole 622b which is disposed apart from the fixing hole 622a along the center line CL1 of the outer link length direction, and is connected The engaging end 624b of the pin 624 is detachably engaged.

The fixing hole 622a is engaged with a non-circular hole of the following positioning surface 624d of the connecting pin 624. The fixing hole 622a has one of the linear portions 622c that are engaged with the positioning surface 624d and one of the two ends of the connecting straight portion 622c.

The engagement long hole 622b has a first circular engagement portion 622e and a second circular engagement portion 622f that are engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the connection pin 624, a pair of engagement projections 622g, and a pair of first movement restriction portions 622h, And a pair of second movement restricting portions 622i. The pair of engaging projections 622g are engaged with the pair of engaging grooves 624c of the connecting pin 624. The pair of first movement restricting portions 622h and the pair of second movement restricting portions 622i restrict the movement of the joint pin 624 in the direction of the outer link longitudinal direction center line CL1. The pair of first movement restricting portions 622h are arranged to face each other at a narrower interval than the first circular engaging portion 622e and the second circular engaging portion 622f. The pair of second movement restricting portions 622i are arranged to face each other at a narrower interval than the pair of engaging projections 622g. One of the pair of first movement restricting portions 622h and the pair of second movement restricting portions 622i may be omitted.

One of the pair of connecting pins 624 is fixedly coupled to one of the fixing holes 622a of the pair of connecting links 622. One of the pair of connecting pins 624 is detachably engaged with the other engaging long hole 622b of the pair of connecting link plates 622. A pair of engaging grooves 624c are formed in one of the pair of connecting pins 624, and the pair of engaging grooves 624c extend in parallel with each other. One of the fixed ends 624a of the pair of coupling pins 624 has a pair of positioning faces 624d extending in parallel with the pair of engaging grooves 624c. Therefore, when the fixed end 624a is fixedly coupled to the fixing hole 622a of the connecting link plate 622, the pair of engaging grooves 624c are positioned to be engaged with the direction of the engaging long hole 622b of the other connecting link plate 622.

Hereinafter, the operation sequence of connecting the inner link plates 14 at both ends of the chain 610 by connecting the link structure 620 will be described. The first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d of the inner link plate 14 are inserted into one of the two ends of the chain roller 518, and each of the pair of connecting pins 624 is inserted, and then the connecting pin is connected. The engaging end 624b of the 624 is engaged with the first circular engaging portion 622e of the engaging long hole 622b. In this state, the pair of connecting link plates 622 are moved from the side of the fixing hole 622a to the side of the engaging long hole 622b so that the engaging end 624b moves to the second circular engaging portion 622f. The gap between the opposing portions of the second movement restricting portion 622i is smaller than the gap between one of the connecting pins 624 and the engaging groove 624c. Therefore, the engaging long hole 622b is elastically deformed and expanded, and the engaging groove 624c is engaged with the engaging projection 622g. Further, when the engaging long hole 622b is expanded, the engaging end 624b can pass through the first movement restricting portion 622h. When the connecting pin 624 is engaged with the second circular engaging portion 622f, the inner link plates 14 at both ends of the chain 610 are coupled. When the connecting pin 624 is engaged with the second circular engaging portion 622f, the engaging long hole 622b is restored to its original state by elasticity. As a result, the connecting pin 624 is fixed to the second circular engaging portion 622f.

Here, the engagement grooves 624c of the joint pin 624 are not annular but extend in parallel to each other to form a pair. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the portion where the engaging groove 624c is formed becomes larger than the engaging groove 624c formed by the annular groove. Thereby, the strength of the connecting pin 624 forming the portion of the engaging groove 624c can be increased.

<Other Embodiments>

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and variations described in the present specification may be arbitrarily combined as needed.

(a) In the above embodiment, the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d are formed in the inner link plate 14, and the chain roller 18 is disposed in the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d. The chain roller 18 may be disposed directly or with a bushing around the chain pin 16 without forming the first tubular portion 14c and the second tubular portion 14d.

(b) In the above embodiment, the shifting configuration is not disclosed in the outer link plate 12 and the inner link plate 14, but a shifting configuration such as a recessed portion and a chamfered portion may be provided.

(c) In the above embodiment, the action of the first portion A is disclosed. However, the same effects can be obtained for the second portion B, the third portion C, the fourth portion D, and the fifth portion E.

10‧‧‧Chain

12‧‧‧Outer chain board

12a‧‧‧1st outer link hole

12b‧‧‧2nd outer link hole

14‧‧‧ Inner chain board

14a‧‧‧1st inner link hole

14b‧‧‧2nd inner link hole

14c‧‧‧1st tubular

14d‧‧‧2nd tubular

16‧‧‧Chain

18‧‧‧Chain Roller

18a‧‧‧Support hole

C1‧‧‧1st outer chain center axis

C2‧‧‧2nd outer chain center axis

C3‧‧‧1st inner link central axis

C4‧‧‧2nd inner chain center axis

CL1‧‧‧outer link length direction centerline

CL2‧‧‧ inner link length direction center line

D1‧‧‧ diameter of the chain pin

D2‧‧‧1st outer link hole and 2nd outer link hole inner diameter

D3‧‧‧1st inner link hole and inner diameter of 2nd inner link hole

D4‧‧‧The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion

D5‧‧‧ Support hole diameter

D6‧‧‧The outer diameter of the chain roller

L1‧‧‧ distance

L2‧‧‧ distance

P‧‧‧ chain pitch

Claims (37)

A bicycle chain comprising: an outer chain plate; a pair of inner chain plates; a chain pin connecting the outer chain plate and the pair of inner chain plates; and a chain roller disposed on the chain pin The outer side; and the diameter of the chain pin is 3.4 mm or less. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the chain pin has a diameter of 3.2 mm or less. The bicycle chain of claim 2, wherein the chain pin has a diameter of 3.0 mm or less. The bicycle chain of claim 3, wherein the chain pin has a diameter of 2.7 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chain pin has a diameter of 1.5 mm or more. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer link plate has a center line in the longitudinal direction of the outer link, a first outer link hole having a central axis of the first outer link, and a second outer chain. a second outer link hole of the central axis, the inner link plate having a center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link, a first inner link hole having a central axis of the first inner link, and a central axis of the second inner link a second inner link hole, a diameter of the chain pin with respect to a center line between the first outer link center axis and the second outer link center axis along a longitudinal center line of the outer link, and the first inner The ratio of the chain pitch defined by any one of the distance between the central axis of the link and the central axis of the second inner link along the center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link is 27% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 26% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 7, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 24% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 8, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 21% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 11% or more. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to an outer diameter of the chain roller is 45% or less. The bicycle chain of claim 11, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to an outer diameter of the chain roller is 42% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 12, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to an outer diameter of said chain roller is 40% or less. The bicycle chain of claim 13, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to an outer diameter of the chain roller is 35% or less. The bicycle chain of claim 11, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to an outer diameter of the chain roller is 19% or more. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a connecting link structure connecting one of the two ends of the bicycle chain to the inner link plate, wherein the connecting link structure comprises a pair of connecting links and having a fixing And a pair of engaging ends of the engaging end opposite to the fixed end, wherein the fixed end of the pair of connecting pins is fixedly coupled to one of the pair of connecting links, and the pair of connecting pins The one engaging end is detachably engaged with the other of the pair of connecting link plates, and a pair of engaging grooves are formed at the one engaging end of the pair of connecting pins, and the pair of engaging grooves are parallel to each other extend. A bicycle chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said bicycle chain is a bicycle chain for shifting for a bicycle shifting device. A bicycle chain comprising: an outer link plate having a center line of an outer link length direction and having a first outer link center a first outer link hole of the shaft and a second outer link hole having a central axis of the second outer link; and an inner link plate having a center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link and having a central axis of the first inner link a inner link hole and a second inner link hole having a central axis of the second inner link; and a chain pin inserted into one of the first outer link hole and the second outer link hole; And one of the first inner link hole and the second inner link hole, wherein the outer link plate is coupled to the inner link plate; and the chain roller is disposed radially outward of the chain pin; a diameter of the chain pin with respect to a center line along a longitudinal direction of the outer link in relation to a central axis of the first outer link and a center axis of the second outer link, and a center axis of the first inner link and the first The ratio of the chain pitch defined by any one of the distances between the central axes of the inner links and the center line in the longitudinal direction of the inner link is 27% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 18, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 26% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 19, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 24% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 20, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to said chain pitch is 21% or less. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to the chain pitch is 11% or more. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the chain roller has a roller hole, an outer peripheral surface, a pair of side surfaces extending between the roller hole and the outer peripheral surface, and a pair of sides formed on the side surface At least one of the recesses. The bicycle chain of claim 23, wherein the recess is formed in a ring shape. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a connecting link structure connecting one of the pair of inner chain plates at both ends of the bicycle chain, the connecting link structure comprising a pair of connecting links and having a fixing End and above The fixed end is a pair of engaging ends on the opposite side, and the fixed end of the pair of connecting pins is fixedly coupled to one of the pair of connecting links, and the one of the pair of connecting pins is engaged The other end of the pair of connecting links is detachably engaged with the other of the pair of connecting links, and the pair of engaging grooves form a pair of engaging grooves, and the pair of engaging grooves extend parallel to each other. A bicycle chain according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein said bicycle chain is a bicycle chain for shifting for a bicycle shifting device. A bicycle chain comprising: an outer chain plate; a pair of inner chain plates; a chain pin connecting the outer chain plate and the pair of inner chain plates; and a chain roller disposed on the chain pin The ratio of the diameter of the chain pin to the outer diameter of the chain roller is 45% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 27, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to an outer diameter of said chain roller is 42% or less. A bicycle chain according to claim 28, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to an outer diameter of said chain roller is 40% or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 29, wherein a ratio of a diameter of said chain pin to an outer diameter of said chain roller is 35% or less. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the chain pin to an outer diameter of the chain roller is 19% or more. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the chain pin has a central axis, a first end face in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, and an opposite side of the first end face in the axial direction The second end surface forms a funnel-shaped recess in at least one of the first end surface and the second end surface, and the funnel-shaped recess has a bottom portion and an opening portion. The diameter of the bottom portion is 1.0 mm or less, and the diameter of the opening portion is 1.7 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 32, wherein the length of the funnel-shaped recess in the axial direction is 0.4 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The bicycle chain according to claim 32, wherein the funnel-shaped recess is provided on the first end surface and the second end surface. The bicycle chain according to any one of claims 27 to 30, further comprising a connecting link structure connecting one of the two ends of the bicycle chain to the inner link plate, the connecting link structure comprising a pair of connecting links and having a fixing And a pair of engaging ends of the engaging end opposite to the fixed end, wherein the fixed end of the pair of connecting pins is fixedly coupled to one of the pair of connecting links, and the pair of connecting pins The one engaging end is detachably engaged with the other of the pair of connecting link plates, and a pair of engaging grooves are formed at the one engaging end of the pair of connecting pins, and the pair of engaging grooves are parallel to each other extend. The bicycle chain of claim 35, wherein said one of said fixed ends of said pair of connecting pins has a pair of positioning faces extending in parallel with said pair of engaging grooves. A bicycle chain according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein said bicycle chain is a bicycle chain for shifting for a bicycle shifting device.