CN109383703B

CN109383703B - Bicycle chain

Info

Publication number: CN109383703B
Application number: CN201810733630.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 福森毅; 江村笃裕
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2017-08-08
Filing date: 2018-07-06
Publication date: 2021-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-06
Also published as: TWI744538B; CN115503866A; DE102018116402A1; CN113650719B; DE102018116403A1; CN109383704A; CN115503866B; TWI752245B; TW201910663A; CN109383702B; CN109383704B; CN109383702A; CN113650719A; TWI749244B; TW202212710A; CN109383703A; TW201910198A; TW201910664A; DE102018116401A1; TWI814164B

Abstract

A bicycle chain includes a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. The first outer link longitudinal axis extends through the first outer link central axis and the second outer link central axis when viewed in the axial direction to divide the first outer surface into a first side and a second side. The second outer link longitudinal axis extends through the third outer link central axis and the fourth outer link central axis when viewed in the axial direction to divide the second outer surface into third and fourth sides. The fourth side includes a first circumferential region and a first non-chamfered region. The first circumferential region has a first angle equal to or greater than 20 degrees. The first non-chamfered region is adjacent to the first circumferential region. At least one second chamfer is disposed outboard of the first non-chamfered region.

Description

Bicycle chain

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a bicycle chain.

Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling 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 bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is a chain.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with 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 link end, a second outer link end, at least one first chamfer, and a first outer link longitudinal axis. The first inner surface is disposed on an opposite side of the first outer surface in the axial direction. The first outer link end includes a first outer link central axis and a first outer link outermost edge disposed radially outward of the first outer link central axis. The second outer link end includes a second outer link central axis and a second outer link outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer link central axis. The first chamfer is disposed on the first outer surface. The first outer link longitudinal axis extends through the first outer link central axis and the second outer link 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 link end, a fourth outer link end, at least one second chamfer, and a second outer link longitudinal axis. The second inner surface is provided on an opposite 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 link end includes a third outer link central axis and a third outer link outermost edge. The third outer chain center axis corresponds to the first outer chain center axis. The third outer chain outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the third outer chain center axis. The fourth outer link end includes a fourth outer link central axis and a fourth outer link outermost edge. The fourth outer link central axis corresponds to the second outer link central axis. The fourth outer chain outermost edge is disposed radially outward of the fourth outer chain center axis. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer surface. The second outer link longitudinal axis extends through the third outer link central axis and the fourth outer link central axis when viewed in the axial direction to divide the second outer surface into third and fourth sides. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the third side. The fourth side includes a first circumferential region and a first non-chamfered region. The first circumferential region is defined between the second outer link longitudinal axis and a first radial reference line extending radially from the third outer link central axis through the circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer. The first circumferential region has a first angle defined about the third outer chain central axis. The first angle is equal to or greater than 20 degrees. The first non-chamfered region is adjacent to the first circumferential region. The at least one second chamfer is disposed outboard of the first non-chamfered region. The first circumferential region is disposed between the second outer link longitudinal axis and the first non-chamfered region.

With the bicycle chain according to the first aspect, high shifting performance and 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.

With the bicycle chain according to the second aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the first non-chamfered area is defined between the first radial reference line and a second radial reference line extending radially from the third outer chain center axis. The first non-chamfered region has a second angle defined about the third outer chain center axis. 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 the third outer chain central axis.

With the bicycle chain according to the third aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction 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.

With the bicycle chain according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to fourth aspects 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.

With the bicycle chain according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the second outer link plate is located closer to a bicycle frame of the bicycle than the first outer link plate in a state where the bicycle chain is assembled to the bicycle.

With the bicycle chain according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to improve noise reduction and to allow an inward shift operation of the bicycle chain to shift toward the bicycle frame.

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

With the bicycle chain according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to improve noise reduction and to allow an inward shift operation of the bicycle chain toward the bicycle frame.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle chain comprises 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 the 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 one second chamfer. The second inner surface is provided on an opposite 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. A total number of the at least one second chamfer is different from a total number of the at least one first chamfer.

With the bicycle chain according to the eighth aspect, high shifting performance and 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 smaller than the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

With the bicycle chain according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

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

With the bicycle chain according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

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

With the bicycle chain according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

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

With the bicycle chain according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

In accordance with 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 that is defined when viewed in the axial direction. The at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer link longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle chain according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is configured such that the first outer link plate includes a first outer chain longitudinal axis that is defined when viewed in the axial direction. 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 one of the plurality of first chamfers when viewed in the axial direction.

With the bicycle chain according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to surely make high shifting performance and noise reduction compatible with each other.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle having a drive train that uses a bicycle chain in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another partial perspective view of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 2.

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

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

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

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second outer link plate of the bicycle chain illustrated in FIG. 1.

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

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

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

FIG. 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 FIG. 1, with the bicycle sprocket engaged with the bicycle chain.

Detailed Description

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements in the various drawings.

First embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated that is equipped with a bicycle chain 12 in accordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle 10 includes a bicycle frame B1, a handlebar B2, a saddle B3, and a drive train B4. The drive train B4 is configured to convert the pedaling force of the rider into a driving force. The bicycle chain 12 is part of a drive train B4. Drive train B4 also includes a bicycle crank assembly B5, bicycle sprockets 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 the bicycle frame B1 about a center axis of rotation a 1. The rear sprocket B6 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B1 about a center axis of rotation A2. The bicycle chain 12 is disposed on the bicycle sprocket B51 and the bicycle sprocket B6 to extend therebetween. The front derailleur B7 and the rear derailleur B8 are configured and arranged to change gear positions by shifting the bicycle chain 12 in a lateral direction of the 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.

For example, in the present application, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "upward" and "downward" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions determined based on a rider sitting on saddle B3 of bicycle 10 and facing handlebar B2. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle 10 including the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle 10 as shown in FIG. 1 as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. These terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle including the bicycle chain 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle chain 12 of the bicycle 10 mounted for use in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface as illustrated in fig. 1.

As seen in fig. 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 link plate 18, a second inner link plate 20, a first link pin 22, a second link pin 24, a first roller ring 26 and a second roller ring 28. In this embodiment, the bicycle chain 12 includes a plurality of first outer link plates 14, a plurality of second outer link plates 16, a plurality of first link pins 22, a plurality of second link pins 24, a plurality of first rolling rings 26 and a plurality of second rolling rings 28. The bicycle chain 12 has a drive direction DD in which the bicycle chain 12 transmits a pedaling force F1 during pedaling.

As shown in fig. 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 the opposite side of the first outer surface 14A in the 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 the opposite side 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 and second

inner link plates

18 and 20 are disposed between the first and second

outer link plates

14 and 16 in the axial direction D1. The first and second rolling rings 26, 28 are disposed between the first and second

inner link plates

18, 20 in the axial direction D1.

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

As shown in fig. 5, the first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer link end 30 and a second outer link end 32. The first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer link middle portion 34 disposed between the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32. The first outer link middle portion 34 interconnects the first outer link end portion 30 and the second outer link end portion 32.

The first outer link end portion 30 includes a first outer link central axis CA1 and a first outer link outermost edge 30E. The first outer chain outermost edge 30E is disposed radially outward of the first outer chain center axis CA 1. In this embodiment, the first outer link end 30 includes a first outer link opening 30A. The first outer chain opening 30A has a first outer chain central axis CA 1. In this embodiment, the axial direction D1 is parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA 1. However, the axial direction D1 may not be parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA 1. As shown in fig. 2, the first link pin 22 is disposed in the first outer link opening 30A.

As shown in fig. 6, the second outer link end portion 32 includes a second outer link central axis CA2 and a second outer link outermost edge 32E. The second outer link outermost edge 32E is disposed radially outward of the second outer link central axis CA 2. In this embodiment, the second outer link end 32 includes a second outer link opening 32A. The second outer link opening 32A has a second outer link central axis CA 2. The second outer chain center axis CA2 is spaced apart from the first outer chain center axis CA 1. The second outer chain center axis CA2 is parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA 1. However, the second outer chain center axis CA2 may not be parallel to the first outer chain center axis CA 1. As shown in fig. 2, the second link pin 24 is disposed in the second outer link opening 32A.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the first outer chain intermediate portion 34 includes a first outer chain

intermediate edge pair

34E and 34F. The first outer chain

intermediate edge pair

34E and 34F is disposed between the first outer chain outermost edge 30E and the second outer chain outermost edge 32E.

As shown in fig. 7, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least one first chamfer 36. At least one first chamfer 36 is provided 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 the first chamfers 36 is not limited to this embodiment.

The first chamfer 36A extends along the first outer chain outermost edge 30E. The first chamfer 36B extends along the first outer chain outermost edge 30E. The first chamfer 36C extends along the second outer chain outermost edge 32E. The first chamfer 36D extends along the second outer chain outermost edge 32E. The

first chamfers

36A and 36B are disposed between the first outer chain outermost edge 30E and the first outer chain central axis CA 1. The

first chamfers

36C and 36D are disposed between the second outer chain outermost edge 32E and the second outer chain central axis CA 2.

The first outer link plate 14 includes a first outer link longitudinal axis LA 1. A first outer link 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 and second outer chain center axes CA1 and CA2 to divide the first outer surface 14A into a first side S1 and a second side S2. At least one first chamfer 36 is provided on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, the

first chamfers

36A and 36C are provided 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 one 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 link 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-36D may be disposed on the first outer link longitudinal axis LA1 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 8, the first outer link plate 14 includes at least one first additional chamfer 38. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is provided 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 the first additional chamfers 38 is not limited to this embodiment.

A first additional chamfer 38A extends along the first outer chain intermediate edge 34E. A first additional chamfer 38B extends along the first outer chain intermediate edge 34F. At least one first additional chamfer 38 is provided on the first side S1 and the second side S2. In this embodiment, a first additional chamfer 38A is provided on the first side S1. A first additional chamfer 38B is provided 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 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 link 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 link longitudinal axis LA1 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 9, the second outer link plate 16 includes a third outer link end 40 and a fourth outer link end 42. The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer link middle portion 44 disposed between the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42. The second outer link middle portion 44 interconnects the third outer link end portion 40 and the fourth outer link end portion 42.

The third outer link end portion 40 includes a third outer link central axis CA3 and a third outer link outermost edge 40E. The third outer chain outermost edge 40E is disposed radially outward of the third outer chain center axis CA 3. In this embodiment, the third outer link end 40 includes a third outer link opening 40A. The third outer chain opening 40A has a third outer chain central axis CA 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the first link pin 22 is disposed in the third outer link opening 40A. The third outer chain center axis CA3 corresponds to the first outer chain center axis CA 1. The first outer chain central axis CA1 extends through the third outer chain opening 40A. As shown in fig. 2, the third outer chain central axis CA3 extends through the first outer chain opening 30A.

As shown in fig. 10, the fourth outer link end portion 42 includes a fourth outer link central axis CA4 and a fourth outer link outermost edge 42E. The fourth outer-chain outermost edge 42E is disposed radially outward of the fourth outer-chain central axis CA 4. In this embodiment, the fourth outer link end 42 includes a fourth outer link opening 42A. The fourth outer link opening 42A has a fourth outer link central axis CA 4. The fourth outer chain central axis CA4 is spaced apart from the third outer chain central axis CA 3. The fourth outer chain center axis CA4 is parallel to the third outer chain center axis CA 3. However, the fourth outer link central axis CA4 may not be parallel to the third outer link central axis CA 3.

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

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the second outer link middle portion 44 includes a second outer link

middle edge pair

44E and 44F. Second outer chain

intermediate edge pair

44E and 44F is disposed between third outer chain outermost edge 40E and fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E.

As shown in fig. 11, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least one second chamfer 46. At least one second chamfer 46 is provided 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 second chamfers 46 is not limited to this embodiment.

Second chamfer 46A extends along third outer chain outermost edge 40E. The second chamfer 46B extends along the fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E. The second chamfer 46A is disposed between the third outer chain outermost edge 40E and the third outer chain central axis CA 3. The second chamfer 46B is disposed between the fourth outer chain outermost edge 42E and the fourth outer chain central axis CA 4.

The second chamfer 46A includes circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A 2. The second chamfer 46A extends between the circumferential ends 46A1 and 46A 2. The second chamfer 46B includes circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B 2. The second chamfer 46B extends between the circumferential ends 46B1 and 46B 2.

The second outer link plate 16 includes a second outer link longitudinal axis LA 2. A second outer link 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 and fourth outer chain central axes CA3 and CA4 to divide the second outer surface 16A into third and fourth sides S3 and S4. At least one second chamfer 46 is provided on the third side S3. In this embodiment, the

second chamfers

46A and 46B are provided on the third side S3.

In this embodiment, the at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed on the second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The plurality of

second chamfers

46A and 46B are disposed on the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, at least one of the

second chamfers

46A and 46B may be disposed so as not to overlap the second outer link 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. A circumferential end 46A1 of the second chamfer 46A is disposed on the fourth side S4. The second chamfer 46A extends through the second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 from the circumferential end 46A1 to the circumferential end 46A2 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

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

The fourth side S4 includes a first circumferential region AR 11. A first circumferential area AR11 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the first radial reference line RL 1. The first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the third outer chain center axis CA3 through a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer 46. A first radial reference line RL1 extends radially from the third outer chain center 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 AR 11. The second chamfer 46A is positioned in the first circumferential area AR 11.

The first circumferential region AR11 has a first angle AG1 defined about a third outer chain central axis CA 3. 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 no-chamfer area AR 12. The first no-chamfer area AR12 is adjacent to the first circumferential area AR 11. The first circumferential area AR11 is disposed between the second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 and the first no-chamfer area AR 12. The first no-chamfer area AR12 is defined between a first radial reference line RL1 and a second radial reference line RL2 extending radially from the third outer chain center axis CA 3. The first radial reference line RL1 is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the second radial reference line RL2 in the circumferential direction D2 relative to the third outer chain central axis CA 3. In this embodiment, a second radial reference line RL2 extends from the third outer chain center axis CA3 through the circumferential end 46B2 of the second chamfer 46B.

In this embodiment, at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside of the first no-chamfer area AR 12. The second chamfer 46A is disposed outside the first no-chamfer area AR 12. The second chamfer 46B is disposed outside the first no-chamfer area AR 12.

The first no-chamfer area AR12 has a second angle AG2 defined about a third outer chain central axis CA 3. 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 region AR 21. A second circumferential area AR21 is defined between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the third radial reference line RL 3. The third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA4 through a circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer 46. A third radial reference line RL3 extends radially from the fourth outer chain center axis CA4 through the circumferential end 46B1 of the second chamfer 46B. At least one second chamfer 46 is positioned in a second circumferential area AR 21. The second chamfer 46B is positioned in the second circumferential area AR 21.

The second circumferential area AR21 has a third angle AG3 defined about a fourth outer chain central axis CA 4. The third angle 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 no-chamfer area AR 22. The second no-chamfer area AR22 is adjacent to the second circumferential area AR 21. The second circumferential area AR21 is disposed between the second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 and the second non-chamfered area AR 22. A second fillet-free area AR22 is defined between the third radial reference line RL3 and a fourth radial reference line RL4 that extends radially from the fourth outer chain central axis CA 4. The third radial reference line RL3 is positioned between the second outer chain longitudinal axis LA2 and the fourth radial reference line RL4 in the circumferential direction D3 relative to the fourth outer chain central axis CA 4. In this embodiment, a 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, the at least one second chamfer 46 is disposed outside of the second non-chamfered area AR 22. The second chamfer 46A is disposed outside the second no-chamfer area AR 22. The second chamfer 46B is disposed outside the second no-chamfer area AR 22.

The second no-chamfer area AR22 has a fourth angle AG4 defined about a fourth outer chain central axis CA 4. 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 shown in fig. 12, the second outer link plate 16 includes at least one second additional chamfer 48. At least one second additional chamfer 48 is provided 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 the second additional chamfers 48 is not limited to this embodiment.

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

The second outer link longitudinal axis LA2 is disposed between one of the second plurality of additional chamfers 48 and another of the second plurality of 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 link 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 link longitudinal axis LA2 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

As shown in fig. 7 and 11, the total number of the at least one second chamfer 46 is different from the total number of the at least one first chamfer 36. A total number of the plurality of

second chamfers

46A and 46B is different from a total number of the plurality of

first chamfers

36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. In this embodiment, the total number of the at least one second chamfer 46 is less than the total number of the at least one first chamfer 36. A total number of the plurality of

second chamfers

46A and 46B is less than a total number of the plurality of

first chamfers

36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D. However, the total number of second plurality of fillets 46 may be greater than the total number of first plurality of fillets 36.

In this embodiment, the total number of the at least one second chamfer 46 is a divisor of the total number of the at least one first chamfer 36. The total number of the at least one first chamfer 36 and the total number of the at least one second chamfer 46 is a multiple of two. In this embodiment, the total number of first chamfers 36 is four. The total number of second chamfers 46 is two. The total number of first chamfers 36 is a multiple of two. The total number of second chamfers 46 is two. However, the total number of the at least one second chamfer 46 is not limited to being a submultiple of the total number of the 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 shown in fig. 13, the first side S1 overlaps the third side S3 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second side S2 overlaps the fourth side S4 when viewed in the axial direction D1. However, the first side S1 may overlap the fourth side S4 when viewed in the axial direction D1. The second side S2 may overlap the third side S3 when viewed in the axial direction D1.

In the state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6, the second side S2 is positioned radially closer to the rotational center axis a2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10 than the first side S1. However, in the state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6, the first side S1 can be positioned radially closer to the rotational center axis a2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10 than the second side S2.

The fourth side S4 is positioned radially closer to the rotational center axis a2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10 than the third side S3 in a state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6. However, in the state where the bicycle chain 12 is engaged with the bicycle sprocket B6, the third side S3 can be positioned radially closer to the rotational center axis a2 of the bicycle sprocket B6 of the bicycle 10 than the fourth side S4.

The term "comprises/comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, e.g., the terms "having," "including," and their derivatives.

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

Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" recited in this application are merely labels, but do not have other meanings, e.g., a particular order, etc. Further, for example, the term "first element" does not itself imply the presence of "second element", and the term "second element" does not itself imply the presence of "first element".

The term "pair" as used herein may include configurations in which a pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other, except for configurations in which a pair of elements have the same shape or structure as each other.

The terms "a", "an", "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. All numerical values described in this application may be construed to include terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately".

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

Claims

1. 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;

a first outer link end portion, the first outer link 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 link end, said second outer link end comprising:

a second outer link central axis; and

a second outer link outermost edge disposed radially outward of the second outer link central axis;

at least one first chamfer disposed on the first outer surface; and

a first outer chain longitudinal axis extending through the first and second outer chain central axes when viewed in the axial direction to divide the first outer surface into first and second sides, the at least one first chamfer being disposed on the first and second sides;

a second outer link plate comprising:

a second outer surface;

a second inner surface provided on an opposite side of the second outer surface in the axial direction, the second inner surface facing the first inner surface in the axial direction;

a third outer link end portion, the third outer link 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 link end, said fourth outer link end comprising:

a fourth outer chain central axis corresponding to the second outer chain central axis; and

a fourth outer chain outermost edge disposed radially outward of the fourth outer chain central axis;

at least one second chamfer disposed on the second outer surface; and

a second outer link longitudinal axis extending through the third outer link central axis and the fourth outer link central axis when viewed in the axial direction to divide the second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side, the at least one second chamfer being disposed on the third side,

the fourth side comprises:

a first circumferential region defined between the second outer link longitudinal axis and a first radial reference line extending radially from the third outer link central axis through the circumferential end of the at least one second chamfer, the first circumferential region having a first angle defined about the third outer link central axis that is equal to or greater than 20 degrees; and

a first non-chamfered region adjacent to the first circumferential region, the at least one second chamfer disposed outboard of the first non-chamfered region, the first circumferential region disposed between the second outer chain longitudinal axis and the first non-chamfered region,

wherein the first non-chamfered area is defined between the first radial reference line and a second radial reference line extending radially from the third outer chain center axis,

the first non-chamfered region has a second angle defined about the third outer chain center axis, the second angle being equal to or greater than 53 degrees, and

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 the third outer chain central axis,

the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer link longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction, and the at least one second chamfer is disposed asymmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal axis.

2. The bicycle chain of claim 1,

the at least one second chamfer is positioned in the first circumferential region.

3. The bicycle chain of claim 1,

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.

4. The bicycle chain of claim 1,

the second outer link plate is positioned closer to a bicycle frame of the bicycle than the first outer link plate in a state where the bicycle chain is assembled to the bicycle.

5. The bicycle chain of claim 1,

the fourth side is positioned radially closer to a rotational center axis of a bicycle sprocket than the third side in a state where the bicycle chain is engaged with the bicycle sprocket of a bicycle.

6. 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 one first chamfer disposed on the first outer surface; and

a second outer link plate comprising:

a second outer surface;

a second inner surface provided on an opposite side of the second outer surface in the axial direction, the second inner surface facing the first inner surface in the axial direction; and

at least one second chamfer disposed on the second outer surface, a total number of the at least one second chamfer being different from a total number of the at least one first chamfer,

wherein the at least one second chamfer is disposed on a second outer link longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction and the at least one second chamfer is disposed asymmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second outer link longitudinal axis.

7. The bicycle chain of claim 6,

the total number of the at least one second chamfer is less than the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

8. The bicycle chain of claim 6,

the total number of the at least one second chamfer is a divisor of the total number of the at least one first chamfer.

9. The bicycle chain of claim 6,

at least one of a total number of the at least one first chamfer and a total number of the at least one second chamfer is a multiple of two.

10. The bicycle chain of claim 6,

the at least one first chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers disposed on the first outer surface,

the at least one second chamfer includes a plurality of second chamfers disposed on the second outer surface, an

A total number of the plurality of second chamfers is less than a total number of the plurality of first chamfers.

11. The bicycle chain of claim 10,

the second outer link plate includes a second outer link longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction, and

the at least one second chamfer is disposed on the second outer link longitudinal axis when viewed in the axial direction.

12. The bicycle chain of claim 10,

the first outer link plate includes a first outer link longitudinal axis defined when viewed in the axial direction,

the at least one first chamfer includes a plurality of first chamfers disposed on the first outer surface, an

The first outer chain longitudinal axis is disposed between one of the plurality of first chamfers and another one of the plurality of first chamfers when viewed in the axial direction.