TW201910664A - Bicycle chain - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. A first outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a first outer-link center axis and a second outer-link center axis to divide a first outer surface into a first side and a second side when viewed in an axial direction. A second outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a third outer-link center axis and a fourth outer-link center axis to divide a second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side when viewed in the axial direction. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first chamfer free area. The first circumferential area has a first angle equal to or larger than 20 degrees. The first chamfer free area is adjacent to the first circumferential area. At least one second chamfer is provided outside the first chamfer free area.

Description

Bicycle chain

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface, a first outer chain end portion, a second outer chain end portion, at least a first chamfer and a first outer chain longitudinal direction Axis. The first inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface in an axial direction. The first outer chain end portion includes a first outer chain central axis and a first outer outermost outer edge disposed radially outward of the first outer chain central axis. The second outer chain end portion includes a second outer chain center axis and a second outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer chain center axis. The at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. The first outer chain longitudinal axis extends through the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis when viewed in the axial direction to divide the first outer surface into a first side and a second side. The at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first side and the second side. The second outer link plate includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, a third outer chain end portion, a fourth outer chain end portion, at least one second chamfer and a second outer chain longitudinal Axis. The second inner surface is disposed on a reverse side of the second outer surface in the axial direction. The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction. The third outer chain end portion includes a third outer chain central axis and a third outer chain outermost edge. The third outer chain center axis corresponds to the first outer chain center axis. The outermost edge of the third outer chain is disposed radially outward of the central axis of the third outer chain. The fourth outer chain end portion includes a fourth outer chain central axis and a fourth outer chain outermost edge. The fourth outer chain center axis corresponds to the second outer chain center axis. The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain is disposed radially outward of the central axis of the fourth outer chain. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. The second outer chain longitudinal axis extends through the third outer chain central axis and the fourth outer chain central axis to form the second outer surface into a third side and a fourth when viewed in the axial direction side. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the third side. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first chamferless area. The first circumferential region is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis and a first radial reference line, the first radial reference line extending radially from the third outer chain central axis through the at least one second One of the circumferential ends of the chamfer. The first circumferential region has a first angle defined about a central axis of the third outer chain. The first angle is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. The first chamfer free region is adjacent to the first circumferential region. The at least one second chamfer is disposed outside the first chamfer-free region. The first circumferential region is disposed between the second outer chain longitudinal axis and the first chamfer free region.

According to the bicycle chain according to the first aspect, the high shifting performance and the noise reduction can be made compatible with each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect is configured such that the at least one second chamfer is positioned in the first circumferential region.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the second aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first aspect or the second aspect is configured such that the first chamfer-free region is defined by the first radial reference line and from the third outer chain The central axis extends radially between one of the second radial reference lines. The first chamfer free region has a second corner defined about the central axis of the third outer chain. The first radial reference line is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis and the second radial reference line in a circumferential direction relative to one of the third outer chain central axes.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the third aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the third aspect is configured such that the second angle is equal to or greater than 53 degrees.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that the first side overlaps the third side when viewed in the axial direction . The second side overlaps the fourth side when viewed in the axial direction.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect is configured such that in the state in which the bicycle chain is assembled to one of the bicycles, the second outer chain The plate is positioned closer to one of the bicycle frames of the bicycle than the first outer link plate.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect, the noise reduction can be improved when the bicycle chain is activated in an inward shifting operation toward one of the bicycle frame shifting.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect is configured such that in a state in which the bicycle chain is engaged with a bicycle sprocket of one bicycle, The fourth side is positioned radially closer to a rotational center axis of the bicycle sprocket than the third side.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect, the noise reduction can be improved when the bicycle chain is activated in an inward shifting operation toward one of the bicycle frame shifting.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first outer link plate includes a first outer surface, a first inner surface and at least one first chamfer. The first inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface in an axial direction. The at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. The second outer link plate includes a second outer surface, a second inner surface, and at least a second chamfer. The second inner surface is disposed on a reverse side of the second outer surface in the axial direction. The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. The total number of the at least one second chamfer is different from the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

According to the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect, the high shifting performance and the noise reduction can be made compatible with each other.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least one second chamfer is less than the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least one second chamfer is one of the total of the at least one first chamfer divisor.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect, it can be determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the eighth aspect to the tenth aspect is configured such that the total number of the at least one first chamfer and the at least one second chamfer At least one of the totals is a multiple of two.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect, it is determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the eighth aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the at least one first chamfer comprises the first outer surface. A plurality of first chamfers. The at least one second chamfer includes a plurality of second chamfers disposed on the second outer surface. The total number of one of the plurality of second chamfers is less than the total number of the plurality of first chamfers.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect, it is determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the second outer link plate includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect, it is determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the first outer link plate includes one of the first ones defined when viewed in the axial direction. The longitudinal axis of the outer chain. The at least one first chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers disposed on the first outer surface. The first outer chain longitudinal axis is disposed between one of the plurality of first chamfers and another chamfer of the plurality of first chamfers when viewed in the axial direction.

In the case of the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect, it is determined that the high shifting performance and the noise reduction are compatible with each other.

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same element symbol

Referring first to Figure 1, a bicycle 10 equipped with a bicycle chain 12 in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handle B2, a seat B3, and a drive train B4. The drive train B4 is configured to convert the rider's pedaling force into a transmission force. The bicycle chain 12 is part of the drive train B4. The drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, a bicycle sprocket B6, a front derailleur B7, and a rear derailleur B8. The bicycle crank assembly B5 includes a bicycle sprocket B51. The bicycle crank assembly B5 is rotatably mounted on a bottom bracket of one of the bicycle frames B1 about a central axis of rotation A1. The bicycle sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a central axis of rotation A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle sprocket B6 to extend between them. Front derailleur B7 and rear derailleur B8 are configured and configured to shift speed by shifting bicycle chain 12 in one of the lateral directions of bicycle 10. The bicycle sprocket B51 can also be referred to as a front sprocket B51. The bicycle sprocket B6 can also be referred to as a rear sprocket B6.

In this application, the following directional terms "before", "after", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "upward" and "down" and any other The term directional term refers to the direction determined by the rider who is seated on the seat B3 of the bicycle 10 facing the handlebar B2. Accordingly, these terms, when used to describe a bicycle 10 that includes a bicycle chain 12, should be interpreted as being used with respect to a bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface, as depicted in FIG. These terms, when used to describe the bicycle chain 12, should be interpreted as a bicycle chain 12 on a bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position mounted on a horizontal surface, as depicted in FIG.

As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the bicycle chain 12 includes a first outer link plate 14 and a second outer link plate 16. The bicycle chain 12 further includes a first inner chain plate 18, a second inner chain plate 20, a first chain pin 22, a second chain pin 24, a first roller 26 and a second roller 28. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 12 includes a plurality of first outer chain plates 14, a plurality of second outer chain plates 16, a plurality of first chain pins 22, a plurality of second chain pins 24, and a plurality of first rollers. 26 and a plurality of second rollers 28. The bicycle chain 12 has a transmission direction DD along which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force F1 during pedaling.

As seen in Figure 4, the first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer surface 14A and a first inner surface 14B. The first inner surface 14B is disposed on a reverse side of the first outer surface 14A in an axial direction D1. The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer surface 16A and a second inner surface 16B. The second inner surface 16B is disposed on one of the reverse faces of the second outer surface 16A in the axial direction D1. The second inner surface 16B faces the first inner surface 14B in the axial direction D1. The first inner link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 20 are disposed between the first outer link plate 14 and the second outer link plate 16 in the axial direction D1. The first roller 26 and the second roller 28 are disposed between the first inner link plate 18 and the second inner link plate 20 in the axial direction D1.

In this embodiment, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is assembled to one of the bicycles 10, the second outer link plate 16 is positioned closer to the bicycle frame B1 of the bicycle 10 than the first outer link plate 14. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is assembled to the bicycle 10, the first outer link plate 14 may be positioned closer to the bicycle frame B1 of the bicycle 10 than the second outer link plate 16.

As seen in Figure 5, the first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer chain end portion 30 and a second outer chain end portion 32. The first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer chain intermediate portion 34 disposed between the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain end portion 32. The first outer chain intermediate portion 34 interconnects the first outer chain end portion 30 and the second outer chain end portion 32.

The first outer chain end portion 30 includes a first outer chain central axis CA1 and a first outer chain outermost edge 30E. The first outer chain outermost edge 30E is disposed radially outward of the first outer chain central axis CA1. In this embodiment, the first outer chain end portion 30 includes a first outer chain opening 30A. The first outer chain opening 30A has a first outer chain central axis CA1. In this embodiment, the axial direction D1 is parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA1. However, the axial direction D1 may not be parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA1. As seen in Figure 2, the first chain pin 22 is disposed in the first outer chain opening 30A.

As seen in Figure 6, the second outer chain end portion 32 includes a second outer chain central axis CA2 and a second outer chain outermost edge 32E. The second outer chain outermost edge 32E is disposed radially outward of the second outer chain center axis CA2. In this embodiment, the second outer chain end portion 32 includes a second outer chain opening 32A. The second outer chain opening 32A has a second outer chain central axis CA2. The second outer chain central axis CA2 is spaced apart from the first outer chain central axis CA1. The second outer chain central axis CA2 is parallel to the first outer chain central axis CA1. However, the second outer chain center axis CA2 may not be parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA1. As seen in Figure 2, the second chain pin 24 is disposed in the second outer chain opening 32A.

As seen in Figures 5 and 6, the first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a pair of first outer chain intermediate edges 34E and 34F. The first outer chain intermediate edge pairs 34E and 34F are disposed between the first outer chain outermost edge 30E and the second outer chain outermost edge 32E.

As seen in Figure 7, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least one first chamfer 36. At least one first chamfer 36 is disposed on the first outer surface 14A. In this embodiment, the at least one first chamfer 36 includes a plurality of first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D disposed on the first outer surface 14A. However, the total number of one of the first chamfers 36 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first chamfer 36A extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain. The first chamfer 36B extends along the outermost edge 30E of the first outer chain. The first chamfer 36C extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer chain. The first chamfer 36D extends along the outermost edge 32E of the second outer chain. The first chamfers 36A and 36B are disposed between the first outermost chain outer edge 30E and the first outer chain central axis CA1. The first chamfers 36C and 36D are disposed between the second outermost chain outer edge 32E and the second outer chain central axis CA2.

The first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1. The first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is defined when viewed in the axial direction D1. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 extends through the first outer chain central axis CA1 and the second outer chain central axis CA2 to divide the first outer surface 14A into a first side S1 and a first Two sides S2. At least one first chamfer 36 is disposed on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, the first chamfers 36A and 36C are disposed on the first side S1. The first chamfers 36B and 36D are disposed on the second side S2.

The first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is disposed between one of the plurality of first chamfers 36 and another chamfer of the plurality of first chamfers 36 when viewed in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is disposed between one of the first chamfers 36A and 36C and one of the first chamfers 36B and 36D when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the positional relationship between the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 and the plurality of first chamfers 36A to 36D is not limited to this embodiment. At least one of the first chamfers 36A to 36D may be disposed on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As seen in Figure 8, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least a first additional chamfer 38. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is disposed on the first inner surface 14B. In this embodiment, the at least one first additional chamfer 38 includes a plurality of first additional chamfers 38A and 38B disposed on the first inner surface 14B. However, the total number of one of the first additional chamfers 38 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first additional chamfer 38A extends along the first outer chain intermediate edge 34E. The first additional chamfer 38B extends along the first outer chain intermediate edge 34F. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is disposed on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, the first additional chamfer 38A is disposed on the first side S1. The first additional chamfer 38B is disposed on the second side S2.

The first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is disposed between one of the plurality of first additional chamfers 38 and another chamfer of the plurality of first additional chamfers 38 when viewed in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 is disposed between the first additional chamfers 38A and 38B when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the positional relationship between the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 and the plurality of first additional chamfers 38A and 38B is not limited to this embodiment. At least one of the first additional chamfers 38A and 38B may be disposed on the first outer chain longitudinal axis LA1 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As seen in Figure 9, the second outer link plate 16 includes a third outer chain end portion 40 and a fourth outer chain end portion 42. The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer chain intermediate portion 44 disposed between the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain end portion 42. The second outer chain intermediate portion 44 interconnects the third outer chain end portion 40 and the fourth outer chain end portion 42.

The third outer chain end portion 40 includes a third outer chain central axis CA3 and a third outer chain outermost edge 40E. The third outer chain outermost edge 40E is disposed radially outward of the third outer chain center axis CA3. In this embodiment, the third outer chain end portion 40 includes a third outer chain opening 40A. The third outer chain opening 40A has a third outer chain central axis CA3.

As seen in Figure 3, the first chain pin 22 is disposed in the third outer chain opening 40A. The third outer chain central axis CA3 corresponds to the first outer chain central axis CA1. The first outer chain central axis CA1 extends through the third outer chain opening 40A. As seen in Figure 2, the third outer chain central axis CA3 extends through the first outer chain opening 30A.

As seen in Figure 10, the fourth outer chain end portion 42 includes a fourth outer chain central axis CA4 and a fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E. The fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E is disposed radially outward of the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. In this embodiment, the fourth outer chain end portion 42 includes a fourth outer chain opening 42A. The fourth outer chain opening 42A has a fourth outer chain central axis CA4. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 is spaced apart from the third outer chain central axis CA3. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 is parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA3. However, the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 may not be parallel to the third outer chain central axis CA3.

As seen in Figure 3, the second chain pin 24 is disposed in the fourth outer chain opening 42A. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 corresponds to the second outer chain central axis CA2. The second outer chain central axis CA2 extends through the fourth outer chain opening 42A. As seen in Figure 2, the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 extends through the second outer chain opening 32A.

As seen in Figures 9 and 10, the second outer chain intermediate portion 44 includes a pair of second outer chain intermediate edges 44E and 44F. The second outer chain intermediate edge pairs 44E and 44F are disposed between the third outer chain outermost edge 40E and the fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E.

As seen in Figure 11, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least a second chamfer 46. At least one second chamfer 46 is disposed on the second outer surface 16A. In this embodiment, the at least one second chamfer 46 includes a plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B disposed on the second outer surface 16A. However, the total number of one of the second chamfers 46 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second chamfer 46A extends along the outermost edge 40E of the third outer chain. The second chamfer 46B extends along the outermost edge 42E of the fourth outer chain. The second chamfer 46A is disposed between the third outermost chain outer edge 40E and the third outer chain central axis CA3. The second chamfer 46B is disposed between the fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E and the fourth outer chain central axis CA4.

The second chamfer 46A includes circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A2. The second chamfer 46A extends between the circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A2. The second chamfer 46B includes circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B2. The second chamfer 46B extends between the circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B2.

The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2. The second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is defined when viewed in the axial direction D1. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 extends through the third outer chain central axis CA3 and the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 to divide the second outer surface 16A into a third side S3 and a first Four sides S4. At least one second chamfer 46 is disposed on the third side S3. In this embodiment, the second chamfers 46A and 46B are disposed on the third side S3.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1. When viewed in the axial direction D1, a plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B are disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2. However, at least one of the second chamfers 46A and 46B may be disposed to not overlap the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

The circumferential end 46A2 of the second chamfer 46A is disposed on the third side S3. The circumferential end 46A1 of the second chamfer 46A is disposed on the fourth side S4. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second chamfer 46A extends from the circumferential end 46A1 through the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 to the circumferential end 46A2.

The circumferential end 46B1 of the second chamfer 46B is disposed on the third side S3. The circumferential end 46B2 of the second chamfer 46B is disposed on the fourth side S4. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second chamfer 46B extends from the circumferential end 46B1 through the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 to the circumferential end 46B2.

The fourth side S4 includes a first circumferential area AR11. The first circumferential area AR11 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and a first radial reference line RL1. The first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the third outer chain central axis CA3 through one of the circumferential ends of the at least one second chamfer 46. The first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the third outer chain central axis CA3 through the circumferential end 46A1 of the second chamfer 46A. At least one second chamfer 46 is positioned in the first circumferential area AR11. The second chamfer 46A is positioned in the first circumferential area AR11.

The first circumferential area AR11 has a first angle AG1 defined around a third outer chain central axis CA3. The first angle AG1 is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. In this embodiment, the first angle AG1 is 20 degrees. However, the first angle AG1 is not limited to this embodiment.

The fourth side S4 includes a first chamfer-free area AR12. The first chamfer-free area AR12 is adjacent to the first circumferential area AR11. The first circumferential area AR11 is disposed between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the first chamfer free area AR12. The first chamfer free area AR12 is defined between the first radial reference line RL1 and one of the second radial reference lines RL2 extending radially from the third outer chain central axis CA3. The first radial reference line RL1 is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the second radial reference line RL2 in a circumferential direction D2 with respect to the third outer chain central axis CA3. In this embodiment, the second radial reference line RL2 extends from the third outer chain central axis CA3 through the circumferential end 46B2 of the second chamfer 46B.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside the first chamfer free area AR12. The second chamfer 46A is disposed outside the first chamfer free area AR12. The second chamfer 46B is disposed outside the first chamfer-free area AR12.

The first chamfer free area AR12 has a second angle AG2 defined around a third outer chain central axis CA3. The second angle AG2 is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. However, the second angle AG2 is not limited to the above range.

The third side S3 includes a second circumferential area AR21. The second circumferential area AR21 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and a third radial reference line RL3. The third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through one of the circumferential ends of the at least one second chamfer 46. The third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through the circumferential end 46B1 of the second chamfer 46B. At least one second chamfer 46 is positioned in the second circumferential area AR21. The second chamfer 46B is positioned in the second circumferential area AR21.

The second circumferential area AR21 has a third angle AG3 defined around the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. The third triangle AG3 is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. In this embodiment, the third angle AG3 is 20 degrees. However, the third angle AG3 is not limited to this embodiment and the above range.

The third side S3 includes a second chamfer-free area AR22. The second chamfer-free area AR22 is adjacent to the second circumferential area AR21. The second circumferential area AR21 is disposed between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the second chamfer free area AR22. The second chamfer free area AR22 is defined between the third radial reference line RL3 and one of the fourth radial reference lines RL4 extending radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. The third radial reference line RL3 is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the fourth radial reference line RL4 in a circumferential direction D3 with respect to the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. In this embodiment, the fourth radial reference line RL4 extends from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through the circumferential end 46A2 of the second chamfer 46A.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside the second chamfer free area AR22. The second chamfer 46A is disposed outside the second chamfer free area AR22. The second chamfer 46B is disposed outside the second chamfer free area AR22.

The second chamfer free area AR22 has a fourth angle AG4 defined around the fourth outer chain central axis CA4. The fourth angle AG4 is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. However, the fourth angle AG4 is not limited to the above range.

As seen in Figure 12, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least a second additional chamfer 48. At least one second additional chamfer 48 is disposed on the second inner surface 16B. In this embodiment, the at least one second additional chamfer 48 includes a plurality of second additional chamfers 48A and 48B disposed on the second inner surface 16B. However, the total number of one of the second additional chamfers 48 is not limited to this embodiment.

The second additional chamfer 48A extends along the second outer chain intermediate edge 44E. The second additional chamfer 48B extends along the second outer chain intermediate edge 44F. At least one second additional chamfer 48 is disposed on the third side S3 and the fourth side S4. In this embodiment, the second additional chamfer 48A is disposed on the third side S3. The second additional chamfer 48B is disposed on the fourth side S4.

The second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is disposed between one of the plurality of second additional chamfers 48 and another chamfer of the plurality of second additional chamfers 48 when viewed in the axial direction D1. In this embodiment, the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 is disposed between the second additional chamfers 48A and 48B when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the positional relationship between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the plurality of second additional chamfers 48A and 48B is not limited to this embodiment. At least one of the second additional chamfers 48A and 48B may be disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As seen in Figures 7 and 11, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is different from the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of the plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B is different from the total number of the plurality of first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. In this embodiment, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is less than the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of the plurality of second chamfers 46A and 46B is less than the total number of the plurality of first chamfers 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. However, the total number of the plurality of second chamfers 46 may be greater than the total number of the plurality of first chamfers 36.

In this embodiment, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is a divisor of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. At least one of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36 and the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is a multiple of one of two. In this embodiment, the total number of first chamfers 36 is four. The total number of second chamfers 46 is 2. The total number of first chamfers 36 is a multiple of two. The total number of second chamfers 46 is 2. However, the total number of at least one second chamfer 46 is not limited to a divisor of the total number of at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of first chamfers 36 is not limited to a multiple of two. The total number of second chamfers 46 is not limited to a multiple of two.

As seen in FIG. 13, the first side S1 overlaps with the third side S3 when viewed in the axial direction D1. When viewed in the axial direction D1, the second side S2 overlaps with the fourth side S4. However, when viewed in the axial direction D1, the first side S1 may overlap with the fourth side S4. The second side S2 may overlap the third side S3 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

In a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the second side S2 is positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the first side S1. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the first side S1 may be positioned closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 in the radial direction than the second side S2.

In a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the fourth side S4 is positioned radially closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 than the third side S3. However, in a state in which the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10, the third side S3 may be positioned to be closer to the rotation center axis A2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 in the radial direction than the fourth side S4.

The term "comprise" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be an open-ended term that specifically refers to the presence of the recited features, components, components, groups, and/or steps, but does not exclude other features that are not stated. , components, components, groups, entities, and/or steps. This concept also applies to terms that have similar meanings, such as the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

The terms "component", "section", "part", "part", "component", "body" and "structure" used in the singular can have the meaning of a single component or a plurality of components.

The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" described in this application are merely identifiers and do not have any other meanings (such as a particular order and the like). Further, for example, the term "first element" itself does not implicitly have a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not implicitly have a "first element."

As used herein, the term "a pair" encompasses, in addition to a configuration in which a pair of elements have the same shape or configuration as one another, a configuration in which the pair of elements have shapes or structures different from each other.

In this document, the terms "a", "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably.

Finally, as used herein, terms such as "substantially", "about" and "substantially" mean a reasonable amount of deviation of one of the modified terms that does not cause a significant change in the final result. All numerical values described in this application are to be interpreted as including terms such as "substantially", "about" and "substantially".

It will be apparent that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

10‧‧‧Bicycle

12‧‧‧Bicycle chain

14‧‧‧First outer chain plate

14A‧‧‧First outer surface

14B‧‧‧First inner surface

16‧‧‧Second outer chain plate

16A‧‧‧Second outer surface

16B‧‧‧Second inner surface

18‧‧‧First inner chain plate

20‧‧‧Second inner chain plate

22‧‧‧First chain

24‧‧‧Second chain

26‧‧‧First Roller

28‧‧‧Second roller

30‧‧‧First outer chain end section

30A‧‧‧First outer chain opening

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

32‧‧‧Second outer chain end section

32A‧‧‧Second outer chain opening

32E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the second outer chain

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

34E‧‧‧ the first outer chain intermediate edge

34F‧‧‧ the first outer chain middle edge

36‧‧‧First chamfer

36A‧‧‧First chamfer

36B‧‧‧First chamfer

36C‧‧‧First chamfer

36D‧‧‧First chamfer

38‧‧‧First extra chamfer

38A‧‧‧First extra chamfer

38B‧‧‧First extra chamfer

40‧‧‧ Third outer chain end section

40A‧‧‧Third outer chain opening

40E‧‧‧ the outermost edge of the third outer chain

42‧‧‧Four outer chain end section

42A‧‧‧Four outer chain opening

42E‧‧‧The outermost edge of the fourth outer chain

44‧‧‧The middle part of the second outer chain

44E‧‧‧second outer chain intermediate edge

44F‧‧‧ the middle edge of the second outer chain

46‧‧‧second chamfer

46A‧‧‧second chamfer

46A1‧‧‧ circumferential end

46A2‧‧‧ circumferential end

46B‧‧‧second chamfer

46B1‧‧‧ circumferential end

46B2‧‧‧ circumferential end

48‧‧‧Second additional chamfer

48A‧‧‧Second additional chamfer

48B‧‧‧Second additional chamfer

A1‧‧‧Rotation center axis

A2‧‧‧Rotation center axis

AG1‧‧‧ first corner

AG2‧‧‧second corner

AG3‧‧‧ third corner

AG4‧‧‧fourth corner

AR11‧‧‧First circumferential area

AR12‧‧‧First chamfered area

AR21‧‧‧Second circumferential area

AR22‧‧‧Second no chamfering area

B1‧‧‧Bicycle frame

B2‧‧‧handle

B3‧‧‧ seat

B4‧‧‧ drive train

B5‧‧‧Bicycle crank assembly

B6‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket/rear sprocket

B7‧‧‧Front transmission

B8‧‧‧ Rear derailleur

B51‧‧‧Bicycle sprocket/front sprocket

CA1‧‧‧first outer chain central axis

CA2‧‧‧Second outer chain central axis

CA3‧‧‧ third outer chain central axis

CA4‧‧‧fourth outer chain center axis

D1‧‧‧ axial direction

D2‧‧‧ circumferential direction

D3‧‧‧ circumferential direction

DD‧‧‧Drive direction

F1‧‧‧ pedaling force

LA1‧‧‧first outer chain longitudinal axis

LA2‧‧‧Second outer chain longitudinal axis

RL1‧‧‧ first radial reference line

RL2‧‧‧second radial reference line

RL3‧‧‧ third radial reference line

RL4‧‧‧ fourth radial reference line

S1‧‧‧ first side

S2‧‧‧ second side

S3‧‧‧ third side

S4‧‧‧ fourth side

The invention and its many attendant advantages will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the appended claims.

1 is a side view of a bicycle having a drive train using one of the bicycle chains in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of another portion of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partial plan view of a portion of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the first outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is another perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the first outer link of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is another side view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of one of the second outer link plates of one of the bicycle chains illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 10 is another perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the second outer link of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 12 is another side view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the first outer link plate (upper half) and the second outer link plate (lower half) of the bicycle chain illustrated in Figure 1, wherein a bicycle sprocket is engaged with the bicycle chain.

Claims (14)

A bicycle chain comprising: a first outer link plate comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface in an axial direction; An outer chain end portion comprising: a first outer chain central axis; and a first outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the first outer chain central axis; a second outer chain end a portion comprising: a second outer chain central axis; and a second outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer chain central axis; at least a first chamfer disposed on the first And a first outer chain longitudinal axis extending through the first outer chain central axis and the second outer chain central axis when viewed in the axial direction to The first outer surface is divided into a first side and a second side, the at least one first chamfer is disposed on the first side and the second side; and a second outer link plate comprises: a second outer a second inner surface disposed on the opposite side of the second outer surface in the axial direction The second inner surface faces the first inner surface in the axial direction; a third outer chain end portion, comprising: a third outer chain central axis corresponding to the first outer chain central axis; a third outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the third outer chain central axis; and a fourth outer chain end portion comprising: a fourth outer chain central axis corresponding to the first a second outer chain central axis; and a fourth outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the fourth outer chain central axis; at least a second chamfer disposed on the second outer surface; and a a second outer chain longitudinal axis extending through the third outer chain central axis and the fourth outer chain central axis to form the second outer surface into one when viewed in the axial direction a third side and a fourth side, the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the third side, the fourth side comprises: a first circumferential area defined by the second outer chain longitudinal axis and a first Between the radial reference lines, the first radial reference line extends from the central axis of the third outer chain a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer, the first circumferential region having a first angle defined around the third outer chain central axis, the first angle being equal to or greater than 20 degrees; and a first chamferless a region adjacent to the first circumferential region, the at least one second chamfer being disposed outside the first chamferless region, the first circumferential region being disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis and the first endless Between corner areas. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the at least one second chamfer is positioned in the first circumferential region. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein the first chamfer-free region is defined between the first radial reference line and a second radial reference line extending radially from the third outer chain central axis, the first a chamfer-free region having a second angle defined about a central axis of the third outer chain, and the first radial reference line is positioned at the second outer circumference in a circumferential direction relative to a central axis of the third outer chain Between the longitudinal axis of the chain and the second radial reference line. The bicycle chain of claim 3, wherein the second angle is equal to or greater than 53 degrees. A bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the first side overlaps the third side when viewed in the axial direction, and the second side overlaps the fourth side when viewed in the axial direction. A bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein in the state in which the bicycle chain is assembled to one of the bicycles, the second outer link plate is positioned closer to one of the bicycle frames of the bicycle than the first outer link plate. The bicycle chain of claim 1, wherein in a state in which the bicycle chain is engaged with a bicycle sprocket of a bicycle, the fourth side is positioned to be radially closer to one of the bicycle sprocket than the third side Central axis. A bicycle chain comprising: a first outer link plate comprising: a first outer surface; a first inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface in an axial direction; and at least a first chamfered surface disposed on the first outer surface; and a second outer link plate comprising: a second outer surface; a second inner surface disposed in the axial direction a second inner surface facing the first inner surface in the axial direction; and at least a second chamfer disposed on the second outer surface, the at least one second inverted surface The total number of corners is different from the total number of the at least one first chamfer. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the total number of the at least one second chamfer is less than the total of the at least one first chamfer. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the total number of the at least one second chamfer is a divisor of the total of the at least one first chamfer. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the total number of the at least one first chamfer and the total number of the at least one second chamfer are at least one of two. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the at least one first chamfer comprises a plurality of first chamfers disposed on the first outer surface, and the at least one second chamfer comprises a second outer surface disposed on the second outer surface a plurality of second chamfers, and the total number of one of the plurality of second chamfers is less than a total number of the plurality of first chamfers. The bicycle chain of claim 12, wherein the second outer link plate includes a second outer chain longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction, and the at least one second inverted when viewed in the axial direction The angle is disposed on the longitudinal axis of the second outer chain. The bicycle chain of claim 12, wherein the first outer link plate includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction, the at least one first chamfer comprising being disposed on the first outer surface a plurality of first chamfers, and when viewed in the axial direction, the first outer chain longitudinal axis is disposed at one of the plurality of first chamfers and the other of the plurality of first chamfers Between the corners.