Bicycle chain with bushed links

Abstract

A bicycle chain comprising inner links that are shaped to serve as both a rotational link for a pin and a support surface for a roller. Two inner links, together with a roller and a bushing, form an inner link assembly.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to bicycle chains, and more particularly to bicycle chains having bushing links (one or more).

[0002] Traditionally, bicycle chains consist of a pin, an outer link plate, an inner link plate with shaped bushings, and rollers. The shaped bushings of the inner link plate support the rollers and allow the pin to pass through with clearance. The inner link plate with shaped bushings has shaped roller contact surfaces and pin contact surfaces to support the rollers and serve as a rotating connection for the pin. The shaped roller contact surfaces and pin contact surfaces are generally formed in one operation during manufacturing and integrated into the inner link plate.

[0003] To distinguish between two identical links within a chain, "a" and "b" are used. Links marked "a" and "b" have the same characteristics.

[0004] Figures 1 to 2 A prior art bicycle chain 1 is shown, comprising four elements: an outer link plate 2, an inner link plate 7, a pin 5, and a roller 6. The outer link plate 2 has an outer link body 4 defining a pair of orifices 3 (a first outer link orifice 3a and a second outer link orifice 3b). The outer link body 4 has an outer link outer surface 11a and an inner link inner surface 11b adjacent to the inner link plate 7. The inner link plate 7 has an inner link body 12 defining a pair of orifices 8 (a first inner link orifice 8a and a second inner link orifice 8b). The inner link body 12 further defines an inner link outer surface 12a and an inner link inner surface 12b. A shaped bushing 9 surrounding each of the first and second inner link orifices 8a and 8b extends axially from the inner link inner surface 12b. A flat portion 10 on the inner link inner surface 12b concentrically surrounds each of the bushings 9. The flat portion 10 forms a roller contact surface, and the bushing 9 forms a pin contact surface.

[0005] The bicycle chain 1 is formed by pressing (PF) the second pin 5b into the second outer link hole 3b of the second outer link plate 2b and extending it into a shaped bushing 9 surrounding the first inner link hole 8a of the second inner link plate 7b. The second pin 5b further extends through the first roller 6a and then through the shaped bushing 9 surrounding the second inner link hole 8b of the first inner link plate 7a and into the second outer link hole 3b of the first outer link plate 2a.

[0006] The first pin 5a is pressed (PF) into the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a and extends into a formed bushing 9 surrounding the second inner link orifice 8b of the adjacent second inner link plate (not shown, but consistent with the second inner link plate 7b). The first pin 5a extends through the formed bushing 9 surrounding the first inner link orifice 8a of the first inner link plate 7a and extends into the first outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate adjacent to the first inner link plate. A clearance CL exists between the formed bushing 9 and the pins 5a, 5b. Rollers 6a and 6b always have a clearance fit with the formed bushing 9.

[0007] In the prior art chain shown, the shaped roller contact surface and pin contact surface on the bushing 9 exist on the inner link plate 7 to support the roller 6 and serve as a rotating connection for the pin 5. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle chain is disclosed. The bicycle chain includes: a plurality of inner link assemblies that are interlaced and connected to form a series of non-guided rows; a plurality of outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, the outer link plates being positioned outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; rollers received between a second inner link inner surface of a second inner link body and a first inner link inner surface of a first inner link body and on a first inner link plate bushing and a second inner link plate bushing; and connecting pins extending across the rows of the bicycle chain and having an end received by a pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assemblies.

[0009] Each inner link assembly includes: a first inner link plate including a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface; the first inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by an intermediate portion; the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extending from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface; wherein the first inner link orifice has a first diameter and the second inner link orifice has a second diameter, the second diameter of the second inner link orifice being larger than the first diameter of the first inner link orifice; and a first inner link plate bushing received within the second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the first inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery and a circumferential direction. An inner surface; a second inner link plate including a second inner link body having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion, the first and second inner link orifices extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, wherein the first and second inner link orifices have a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter; and a second inner link plate bushing received within the second inner link orifice in the second inner link plate, the bushing having an outer periphery and a circumferential inner surface. The first inner link body is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body. The first inner link orifices of both the first and second link plates receive pins.

[0010] At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate, such that the first connecting pin passes through the first inner link orifice of the first inner link plate with a first gap and passes through the second inner link plate bushing with a second gap.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle chain is disclosed. The bicycle chain includes: a plurality of inner link assemblies that are interlaced and connected to form a series of non-guided rows; a plurality of outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, the outer link plates being positioned outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; rollers received between a second inner link inner surface of a second inner link body and a first inner link inner surface of a first inner link body and on a first inner link plate bushing and a second inner link plate bushing; and connecting pins extending across the rows of the bicycle chain and having an end received by a pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assemblies.

[0012] Each inner link assembly includes: a first inner link plate including a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface; the first inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by an intermediate portion; the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extending from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface; wherein the first inner link orifice has a first diameter and the second inner link orifice has a second diameter, the first diameter of the first inner link orifice being larger than the second diameter of the second inner link orifice; and a first inner link plate bushing received within the second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the first inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferentially inner surface, a first end, and a second inner link plate bushing. The second inner link plate includes a second inner link body having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the second inner link, defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion, the first and second inner link orifices extending from the inner surface of the second inner link to the outer surface of the second inner link, wherein the first inner link orifice has a first diameter and the second inner link orifice has a second diameter, the first diameter of the first inner link orifice being larger than the second diameter of the second inner link orifice; and a second inner link plate bushing received within the second inner link orifice in the second inner link plate, the second inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end, and a second end. The first inner link body rotates 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the second inner link hole of the first inner link body and the second end of the first inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the second inner link body, and the first end of the second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the second inner link hole of the second inner link body and the second end of the second inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link body.

[0013] At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle chain is disclosed. The bicycle chain includes: a plurality of inner link assemblies that are interlaced and connected to form a series of non-guided rows; a plurality of outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, the outer link plates being positioned outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; rollers received between a second inner link inner surface of a second inner link body and a first inner link inner surface of a first inner link body, and on a first inner link plate bushing and a second inner link plate bushing; and connecting pins extending across the rows of the bicycle chain and having an end received by a pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assemblies.

[0015] Each inner link assembly includes: a first inner link plate comprising a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface; the first inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by an intermediate portion; the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extending from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface, wherein the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the first inner link body have a first diameter; and a second inner link plate comprising a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface; the second inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by an intermediate portion. A second inner link orifice with separate orifices; a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice extending from the inner surface of the second inner link to the outer surface of the second inner link; wherein the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice have a second diameter; the first diameter of the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the first inner link body is larger than the second diameter of the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the second inner link plate; a first inner link plate bushing received in the second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate; the first inner link plate bushing has an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end; and a second inner link plate bushing received in the first inner link orifice in the first inner link plate; the second inner link plate bushing has an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. The inner surface of the second inner link of the second inner link body is opposite to the inner surface of the second inner link of the first inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the second inner link hole in the first inner link plate, and there is a press fit between the outer periphery of the second inner link plate bushing and the first inner link hole of the second inner link body. The second inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link plate, and there is a press fit between the outer periphery of the second inner link plate bushing and the second inner link hole of the second inner link body.

[0016] At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates, passes through a second inner link plate bushing that is clearance-fitted into a first inner link plate orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate orifice of a second inner link body and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates. The second end of the second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into a first inner link plate orifice of a second inner link body. At least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a first outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates, passes through a first inner link plate bushing that is clearance-fitted into a second inner link plate orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate orifice of a second inner link body and a second orifice of a second outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates. The second end of the first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into a second inner link plate orifice of a second inner link body.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle chain is disclosed. The bicycle chain includes: a plurality of inner link assemblies that are interlaced and connected to form a series of non-guided rows; a plurality of outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, the outer link plates being positioned outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; rollers received between a second inner link inner surface of a second inner link body and a first inner link inner surface of a first inner link body and on a first inner link plate bushing and a second inner link plate bushing; and connecting pins extending across the rows of the bicycle chain and having an end received by a pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assemblies.

[0018] Each inner link assembly includes: a first inner link plate including a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface; the first inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by an intermediate portion; the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extending from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface; and a first inner link plate bushing received in the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate. Within the link orifice; a second inner link plate, comprising a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface, the second inner link body defining a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion, the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extending from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface; a second inner link plate bushing received within the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the second inner link plate.

[0019] At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates, passes through a first inner link plate bushing in a first inner link plate, passes through a second inner link plate bushing in a second inner link plate, and passes through a first orifice of a second outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates. At least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a first outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates, passes through a first inner link plate bushing in a first inner link plate, passes through a second inner link plate bushing in a second inner link plate, and passes through a second orifice of a second outer link plate among a plurality of outer link plates. A first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into a first inner link plate, and a second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into a second inner link plate. The connecting pin passes through the first and second inner link plate bushings with a gap.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a bicycle chain is disclosed. The bicycle chain includes: a plurality of inner link assemblies that are interlaced and connected to form a series of non-guided rows; a plurality of outer link plates disposed outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; rollers; and connecting pins.

[0021] Each internal link assembly includes: a first internal link plate including a first internal link body having a first internal link inner surface and a first internal link outer surface opposite to the first internal link inner surface; the first internal link body defining a first internal link opening and a second internal link opening separated from the first internal link opening by a middle portion; the first internal link opening and the second internal link opening extending from the first internal link inner surface to the first internal link outer surface; and a second internal link plate including a second internal link body having a first internal link inner surface and a second internal link outer surface. The inner surface of the second inner link and the outer surface of the second inner link opposite to the inner surface of the second inner link, the body of the second inner link defining the opening of the first inner link and the second inner link opening separated from the opening of the first inner link through the middle portion, the first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extending from the inner surface of the second inner link to the outer surface of the second inner link; the first inner link plate bushing having a first end, a second end, an outer periphery and a circumferential inner surface; and the second inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. The first inner link body rotates 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is fitted into the second inner link hole of the first inner link body with a clearance, and the second end of the first inner link plate bushing is fitted into the first inner link hole of the second inner link body with a clearance, and the first end of the second inner link plate bushing is fitted into the second inner link hole of the second inner link body with a clearance, and the second end of the second inner link plate bushing is fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link body with a clearance.

[0022] The roller is received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing.

[0023] The connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by a pair of orifices of multiple outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly.

[0024] At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 An exploded view of a portion of a standard bicycle chain is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a standard bicycle chain.

[0027] Figure 3 An exploded view of a portion of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 The inner link plate of the first embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the interwoven bicycle chain of the first embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 An exploded view of a portion of the bicycle chain according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 The inner link plate of the second embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the interwoven bicycle chain of the second embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 9 An exploded view of a portion of the bicycle chain according to the third embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 10 The inner link plate of the third embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the interwoven bicycle chain of the third embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 12 An exploded view of a portion of the bicycle chain according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 13 The inner link plate of the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the interwoven bicycle chain of the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 15 An exploded view of a portion of the bicycle chain according to the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 16 The inner link plate of the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the interwoven bicycle chain of the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0042] Figures 18a to 18b The alternative outer link plates are shown, wherein Figure 18a Show the "B-shaped" outer link and Figure 18b The “8-shaped” outer link is shown.

[0043] Figures 19a to 19b The alternative inner link sections are shown, where Figure 19a Show the "B-shaped" inner link and Figure 19b The inner link of the "8 shape" is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 3 An exploded view of the bicycle chain of the first embodiment is shown. Figure 4 An inner link is shown in a first embodiment for a bicycle chain. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0045] To distinguish between two inner link plates 105 in the inner link assembly 125, since the same inner link plate 105 exists within the inner link assembly 125 (but flipped and rotated 180 degrees), the same numbers are used to identify the inner link plate portions, with "a" or "b" indicating two different inner link plates or inner link plates 105. Note that inner link plate 105a has the same features as inner link plate 105b. Similarly, to distinguish between two identical outer links within a bicycle chain, "a" and "b" are used. Links labeled "a" and "b" but having the same numbers have the same features.

[0046] In this embodiment, inner link plates 105a and 105b each have an inner link body 106, and the inner link body 106 has an inner link inner surface 106b and an inner link outer surface 106a. In one embodiment, the inner link outer surface 106a is flat. The inner link outer surface 106a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2. The inner link plates 105a and 105b are asymmetrical about the vertical centerline.

[0047] The inner link body 106 further defines a first inner link orifice 108 having a diameter d2 and a second inner link orifice 109 having a diameter d1. The diameter d1 of the second inner link orifice 109 is larger than the diameter d2 of the first inner link orifice 108. The first inner link orifice 108 and the second inner link orifice 109 are separated by a middle portion 116 of the inner link body 106. The first inner link orifice 108 and the second inner link orifice 109 each extend from the inner surface 106b of the inner link to the outer surface 106a of the inner link. The second inner link orifice 109 receives a bushing 113, which is preferably press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 109. The bushing 113 has a circumferential inner surface 115 and an outer periphery 114. The first inner link orifice 108 is preferably sized to receive a pin 5.

[0048] The second orifice flat surface 111 supporting roller 6b surrounds the second inner link orifice 109. The first orifice flat surface 112 supporting another roller 6a surrounds the first inner link orifice 108.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The inner link assembly 125 includes a first inner link plate 105a, a second inner link plate 105b rotated 180 degrees relative to the first inner link plate 105a, a first roller 6a, a second roller 6b, a first pin 5a, a second pin 5b, a first bushing 113a, and a second bushing 113b. The inner link assembly 125 is positioned between the outer link plates 2a and 2b.

[0050] The first pin 5a passes through the circumferential inner surface 115 of the second bushing 113b and is received within the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a and the first inner link orifice 108 of the first inner link plate 105a. The second bushing 113b is press-fitted within the second inner link orifice 109. The first pin 5a further extends through the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b.

[0051] Note that the second pin 5b is described with respect to the inner link plates adjacent to the inner link plates 105a and 105b. The second pin 5b is received in the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a and the second inner link orifice 109 of the adjacent first inner link plate 105a, in which the first bushing 113a is press-fitted. The second pin 5b passes through the circumferential inner surface 115 of the first bushing 113a, through the first roller 6a, and enters the first inner link orifice 108 of the adjacent second inner link plate 105b and the second outer link orifice 3b of the second outer link plate 2b. The bushing 113 supports the roller 6.

[0052] Clearance CL2 exists between roller 6 and bushing 113. Another clearance CL3 exists between bushing 113 and pin 5. Pin 5 is clearance-fitted CL4 into the first inner link orifice 108 of inner link plate 105. Although only the first pin 5a is shown, note that the same clearance applies to the second pin 5b. Bushing 113 is press-fitted PF into the second inner link orifice 109 of each of the inner link plates 105. The end of pin 5 is press-fitted PF into the orifice of outer link plate 2.

[0053] The first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are located in the guide row 126 within the bicycle chain. The first inner link plate 105a and the second inner link plate 105b of the inner link assembly 125 are located in the non-guide row 127 within the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain has a plurality of inner link assemblies 125 that are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guide rows 127, wherein the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are positioned outside the spaced rows of the inner link assemblies 125 within the guide row 126.

[0054] Figure 6 An exploded view of the bicycle chain of the second embodiment is shown. Figure 7 An inner link is shown in a second embodiment for a bicycle chain. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0055] To distinguish between two inner link plates 155 of the inner link assembly 170, since there are identical inner link plates 155 (but flipped and rotated 180 degrees), the same numbers are used to label the portions of the inner link plates, with "a" or "b" indicating two different inner link plates 155. Note that inner link plate 155a has the same features as inner link plate 155b. Similarly, to distinguish between two identical outer links 2 within a bicycle chain, "a" and "b" are used. Links labeled "a" and "b" but with the same numbers have the same features.

[0056] In this embodiment, inner link plates 155a and 155b each have an inner link body 156, and the inner link body 156 has an inner link inner surface 156b and an inner link outer surface 156a. In one embodiment, the inner link outer surface 156a is flat. The inner link outer surface 156a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2. The inner link plates 155a and 155b are asymmetrical about the vertical centerline.

[0057] The inner link body 156 further defines a first inner link orifice 158 having a diameter d4 and a second inner link orifice 159 having a diameter d3. The diameter d3 of the second inner link orifice 159 is smaller than the diameter d4 of the first inner link orifice 158. The first inner link orifice 158 and the second inner link orifice 159 are separated by a middle portion 166 of the inner link body 156. The first inner link orifice 158 and the second inner link orifice 159 each extend from the inner surface 156b of the inner link to the outer surface 156a of the inner link. The second inner link orifice 159 receives a bushing 168, which is preferably press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 159. More specifically, a first end 169a of the bushing 168 is press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 159 of the first inner link plate 155a. The bushing 168 has a circumferential inner surface 165 and an outer periphery 164. Note that the bushing 168 is longer than the bushing 113 in the first embodiment, such that the second end 169b of the same bushing 168 is received in the second inner link orifice 159 of the second inner link plate 155b.

[0058] The second orifice flat surface 161 supporting roller 6b surrounds the second inner link orifice 159. The first orifice flat surface 162 supporting another roller 6a surrounds the first inner link orifice 158.

[0059] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The inner link assembly 170 includes a first inner link plate 155a, a second inner link plate 155b rotated 180 degrees relative to the first inner link plate 155a, a first roller 6a, a second roller 6b, a first pin 5a, a second pin 5b, a first bushing 168a, and a second bushing 168b. The inner link assembly 170 is positioned between the outer link plates 2a and 2b.

[0060] The first pin 5a is received within the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a. The inner periphery 167 of the second end 169b of the second bushing 168b is clearance-fitted into the first inner link orifice 158 of the first inner link plate 155a. The first end 169a of the second bushing 168b is press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 159 of the second inner link plate 155b. The second roller 6b surrounds the second bushing 168b. The first pin 5a further extends through the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b.

[0061] Note that the second pin 5b is described with respect to the inner link plates adjacent to the inner link plates 155a and 155b. The second pin 5b is received in the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a and the second inner link orifice 159 of the first inner link plate adjacent to the first inner link plate 155a. The first end 169a of the first bushing 168a is press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 159 of the adjacent first inner link plate. The second pin 5b passes through the inner periphery 167 of the first bushing 168a, through the second end 169b of the first bushing 168a, reaches the second inner link plate 155b, and enters the second outer link orifice 3b of the outer link plate 2b. The second end 169b of the first bushing 168a is clearance-fitted into the first inner link orifice 158 of the second inner link plate 155b. The first roller 6a surrounds the outer periphery 169 of the first bushing 168a. Bushings 168a and 168b support rollers 6a and 6b.

[0062] The bushing 168 is of such length that the first end 169a is press-fitted into the first inner link plate 155a and the second end 169b is clearance-fitted into the second inner link plate 155b, and provides a larger mating surface for the inner link plate 155 compared to the bushing 113 in the first embodiment. In one embodiment, the bushing 168 is preferably made of a different material that is harder than the inner link plate 155 and the outer link plate 2.

[0063] The gap CL5 exists between the first inner link orifice 158 of the inner link plate 155 and the second end 169b of the bushing 168. The first end 169a of the bushing 168 is press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 159 of the inner link plate 155.

[0064] The first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are located in the guide row 126 within the bicycle chain. The inner link plates 155a and 155b of the inner link assembly 170 are located in the non-guide row 128 within the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain has a plurality of inner link assemblies 170 that are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guide rows 128, wherein the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are positioned outside the spaced rows of the inner link assemblies 170 within the guide row 126.

[0065] Figure 9 An exploded view of a bicycle chain according to a third embodiment is shown. Figure 10 An inner link is shown in a third embodiment for a bicycle chain. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a bicycle chain according to a third embodiment is shown. "a" and "b" are used to distinguish between two identical links within the chain. The links labeled "a" and "b" have the same characteristics.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inner link assembly 190 has two different inner link plates 185, 191, rollers 6a, 6b, pins 5a, 5b, and bushings 168a, 168b. The inner link assembly 190 is positioned between the outer link plates 2a, 2b.

[0067] The first inner link plate 185 has a first inner link body 186, which has a first inner link inner surface 186b and a first inner link outer surface 186a. The first inner link outer surface 186a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2. In one embodiment, the first inner link outer surface 186a is flat. The first inner link body 186 further defines inner link orifices 184 and 188. The inner link orifices 184 and 188 each have the same diameter d6. The inner link orifices 184 and 188 are separated by a middle portion 198 of the first inner link body 186. The inner link orifices 184 and 188 each extend from the first inner link inner surface 186b to the first inner link outer surface 186a. A second flat surface 189 supporting a roller 6a surrounds the inner link orifice 188. A first flat surface 187 supporting another roller 6b surrounds the inner link orifice 184. Note that the diameter d6 is sized to allow for a clearance fit relative to the second end 169b of the bushing 168, which is described in more detail below.

[0068] The second inner link plate 191 has a second inner link body 192, which has a second inner link inner surface 192b and a second inner link outer surface 192a. The second inner link outer surface 192a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2. In one embodiment, the second inner link outer surface 192a is flat. The second inner link body 192 further defines two inner link orifices 193 and 194. The inner link orifices 193 and 194 of the second inner link body 192 each have the same diameter d5. The diameter d5 of the inner link orifices 193 and 194 of the second inner link plate 191 is smaller than the diameter d6 of the inner link orifices 184 and 188 of the first inner link plate 185. The diameter d5 is sized to receive the first end 169a of the bushing 168 press-fitted within the inner link orifices 193 and 194. The inner link orifices 193 and 194 are separated by the middle portion 199 of the second inner link body 192. Each of the inner link orifices 193 and 194 extends from the inner surface 192b of the inner link to the outer surface 192a of the inner link. A second orifice flat surface 196 supporting the roller 6a surrounds the inner link orifice 194, and a first orifice flat surface 197 supporting the other roller 6b surrounds the inner link orifice 193.

[0069] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 11The second pin 5b is received within the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a, passing through the inner periphery 167 of the first end 169a of the second bushing 168b. The first end 169a of the second bushing 168b is press-fitted into the inner link orifice 193 of the second inner link plate 191. The second end 169b of the second bushing 168b is clearance-fitted CL5 into the inner link orifice 184 of the first inner link plate 185. The second roller 6b surrounds the second bushing 168b. The second pin 5b further extends through the second end 169b of the second bushing 168b and extends through the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b. The end of the second pin 5b is press-fitted into the first outer link plate 2a and the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b (in... Figure 11 (Indicated as PF).

[0070] Note that the description pertains to another inner link assembly 190 adjacent to inner link plates 185, 191, with regard to the first pin 5a. The first pin 5a is received within the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a and the inner link orifice 194 of the second inner link plate 191, with the first end 169a of the first bushing 168a press-fitted into the inner link orifice 194 of the second inner link plate 191. The first pin 5a extends through the inner periphery 167 of the first bushing 168a, through the second end 169b of the first bushing 168a, and into the second outer link orifice 3b of the second adjacent outer link plate 2b, with the second end 169b of the first bushing 168a clearance-fitted into the inner link orifice 188 of the first inner link plate 185. Note that the end of the first pin 5a press-fitted into the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b (in... Figure 11 (Indicated as PF). The first roller 6a surrounds the first bushing 168a.

[0071] Bushings 168a and 168b support rollers 6a and 6b. The length of bushing 168 is such that the first end of the first bushing 168a is press-fitted PF into the second inner link plate 191, and the second end 169b is clearance-fitted CL5 into the first inner link plate 185, providing a larger mating surface for the inner link plates 185 and 191 compared to bushing 113 in the first embodiment. Bushing 168 also serves as a rotary connection for pins 5a and 5b. In one embodiment, bushing 168 is preferably made of a different material than the inner link plates 185 and 191 and the outer link plate 2.

[0072] The gap CL5 exists between the inner link orifices 184 and 188 of the first inner link plate 185 and the second end 169b of the bushing 168. The first end 169a of the bushing 168 is press-fitted into the inner link orifices 193 and 194 of the inner link plate 191.

[0073] The first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are located in the guide row 126 within the bicycle chain. The first inner link plate 185 and the second inner link plate 191 of the inner link assembly 190 are located in the non-guide row 129 within the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain has a plurality of inner link assemblies 190 that are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guide rows 129, wherein the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are positioned outside the spaced rows of the inner link assemblies 190 within the guide row 126.

[0074] Figure 12 An exploded view of the bicycle chain according to the fourth embodiment is shown. Figure 13 An inner link is shown in a fourth embodiment for a bicycle chain. Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain according to the fourth embodiment is shown. To distinguish between the two inner link plates 205 of the inner link assembly 220, since the same inner link plates 205 are used (but flipped and rotated 180 degrees), the portions of the inner link plates are labeled with the same numbers, with "a" or "b" indicating the two different inner link plates 205. Note that inner link plate 205a has the same features as inner link plate 205b. Similarly, to distinguish between the two identical outer link plates 2 within the chain, "a" and "b" are used. The links labeled "a" and "b" have the same features.

[0075] In this embodiment, inner link plates 205a and 205b each have an inner link body 206, which has an inner link inner surface 206b and an inner link outer surface 206a. In one embodiment, the inner link outer surface 206a is flat. The inner link outer surface 206a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2 within the bicycle chain. The inner links 205a and 205b are symmetrical about the centerline.

[0076] The inner link body 206 further defines a first inner link orifice 208 and a second inner link orifice 209. The diameters of the second inner link orifice 209 and the first inner link orifice 208 are sized to receive the second ends 214c of bushings 213a, 213b, the second ends 214c of bushings 213a, 213b being press-fitted into the second inner link orifice 209 and the first inner link orifice 208. The first inner link orifice 208 and the second inner link orifice 209 are separated by a middle portion 216 of the inner link body 206. The first inner link orifice 208 and the second inner link orifice 209 each extend from the inner surface 206b of the inner link to the outer surface 206a of the inner link.

[0077] Bushings 213a and 213b each have a body 214 defining a circumferential inner surface 215, an outer periphery 214a, a first end 214b, and a second end 214c. The second end 214c of bushings 213a and 213b is press-fitted into the inner link orifices 208 and 209 of inner links 205a and 205b. The circumferential inner surface 215 of bushings 213a and 213b is dimensioned to receive pins 5a and 5b with a clearance fit.

[0078] The second orifice flat surface 211 supporting roller 6b surrounds the second inner link orifice 209. The first orifice flat surface 212 supporting another roller 6a surrounds the first inner link orifice 208.

[0079] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 14 The inner link assembly 220 includes a first inner link plate 205a, a second inner link plate 205b rotated 180 degrees relative to the first inner link plate 205a, a first roller 6a, a second roller 6b, a first pin 5a, a second pin 5b, a first bushing 213a, and a second bushing 213b. The inner link assembly 220 is positioned between the outer link plates 2a and 2b.

[0080] The second pin 5b passes through the second roller 6a received on the outer periphery 214a of the bushing 213a and is received within the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a and the first inner link orifice 208 of the first inner link plate 205a, wherein the second end 214b of the bushing 213a is press-fitted in the first inner link orifice 208 of the first inner link plate 205a. From the bushing 213a, the second pin 5b is received within the circumferential inner surface 115 of another bushing 213b, which is press-fitted in the first inner link orifice 208 of the second inner link plate 205b. The second pin 5b further extends through the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b. Note that the first end 214a of the bushing 213b in each of the inner link plates 205a and 205b is adjacent to and held within the roller 6b but not in contact with it when it is in the inner link assembly 220. Figure 14 As shown in the figure.

[0081] Note that the first pin 5a is described with respect to adjacent inner link plates 205a, 205b of adjacent inner link assemblies 220. The first pin 5a is received within the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a, the second inner link orifice 209 of the first inner link plate 205a, and passes through a first roller 6a received on the outer periphery 214a of the bushing 213b, wherein the second end 214b of the bushing 213b is press-fitted in the second inner link orifice 209 of the first inner link plate 205a. The first pin 5a further extends within the circumferential inner surface 115 of another bushing 213a, which is press-fitted in the second inner link orifice 209 of the inner link plate 205b. The first pin 5a further extends through the second outer link orifice 3b of the second outer link plate 2b. Note that the first end 214a of the bushing 213b in each of the inner link plates 205a and 205b is adjacent to and held within the roller 6b but not in contact with it when it is in the inner link assembly 220. Figure 14 As shown in the diagram. Bushing 213 supports roller 6.

[0082] like Figure 14 As shown, the second end 214b of bushings 213a and 213b is press-fitted PF into the inner link holes 208 and 209 of inner link plates 205a and 205b. Additionally, a clearance CL6 exists between pins 5a and 5b and bushings 213a and 213b.

[0083] Note that the lengths of bushings 213a and 213b are less than the lengths of bushings 113 and 168 in other embodiments.

[0084] The first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are located in the guide row 126 within the bicycle chain. The first inner link plate 205a and the second inner link plate 205b of the inner link assembly 220 are located in the non-guide row 130 within the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain has a plurality of inner link assemblies 220 that are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guide rows 130, wherein the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are positioned outside the spaced rows of the inner link assemblies 220 within the guide row 126.

[0085] Figure 15 An exploded view of the bicycle chain of the fifth embodiment is shown. Figure 16 The inner link of a fifth embodiment for a bicycle chain is shown. Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the bicycle chain of the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0086] To distinguish between the two inner link plates 355 of the inner link assembly 370, since there are identical inner link plates 355 (but flipped and rotated 180 degrees), the same numbers are used to label the inner link plates, with "a" or "b" indicating two different inner link plates 155. Note that inner link plate 355a has the same features as inner link plate 355b. Similarly, to distinguish between two identical outer links 2 within a bicycle chain, "a" and "b" are used. Links labeled "a" and "b" but with the same numbers have the same features.

[0087] In this embodiment, inner link plates 355a and 355b each have an inner link body 356, and the inner link body 356 has an inner link inner surface 356b and an inner link outer surface 356a. In one embodiment, the inner link outer surface 356a is flat. The inner link outer surface 356a is adjacent to the outer link plate 2. The inner link plates 355a and 355b are asymmetrical about the vertical centerline.

[0088] The inner link body 356 further defines a first inner link orifice 358 and a second inner link orifice 359, each having a diameter d4. The first inner link orifice 358 and the second inner link orifice 359 are separated by a middle portion 366 of the inner link body 356. The first inner link orifice 358 and the second inner link orifice 359 each extend from the inner surface 356b of the inner link to the outer surface 356a of the inner link. The second inner link orifice 359 receives a bushing 368, which preferably has a clearance fit within the second inner link orifice 359. More specifically, a first end 369a of the bushing 368 has a clearance fit into the second inner link orifice 359 of the first inner link plate 355a. The bushing 368 has a circumferential inner surface 165 and an outer periphery 364. Note that the bushing 368 is longer than the bushing 113 in the first embodiment, such that the second end 369b of the same bushing 368 is received in the second inner link orifice 359 of the second inner link plate 355b with clearance fit.

[0089] The second orifice flat surface 361 supporting roller 6b surrounds the second inner link orifice 359. The first orifice flat surface 362 supporting another roller 6a surrounds the first inner link orifice 358.

[0090] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 17 The inner link assembly 370 includes a first inner link plate 355a, a second inner link plate 355b rotated 180 degrees relative to the first inner link plate 355a, a first roller 6a, a second roller 6b, a first pin 5a, a second pin 5b, a first bushing 368a, and a second bushing 368b. The inner link assembly 370 is positioned between the outer link plates 2a and 2b.

[0091] The first pin 5a is received within the first outer link orifice 3a of the first outer link plate 2a. The inner periphery 367 of the second end 369b of the second bushing 368b is clearance-fitted into the first inner link orifice 358 of the first inner link plate 355a. The first end 369a of the second bushing 368b is clearance-fitted into the second inner link orifice 359 of the second inner link plate 355b to reach the second inner link plate 355b. The second roller 6b surrounds the second bushing 368b. The first pin 5a further extends through the first outer link orifice 3a of the second outer link plate 2b.

[0092] Note that the second pin 5b is described with respect to the inner link plates adjacent to the inner link plates 355a and 355b. The second pin 5b is received in the second outer link orifice 3b of the first outer link plate 2a and the second inner link orifice 359 of the first inner link plate adjacent to the first inner link plate 355a. The first end 369a of the first bushing 368a is clearance-fitted into the second inner link orifice 359 of the first inner link plate adjacent to the first inner link plate 355a. The second pin 5b passes through the inner periphery 367 of the first bushing 368a, through the second end 369b of the first bushing 368a, and into the second outer link orifice 3b of the outer link plate 2b. The second end 369b of the first bushing 368a is clearance-fitted into the first inner link orifice 358 of the second inner link plate 355b. The first roller 6a surrounds the outer periphery 369 of the first bushing 368a. Bushings 368a and 368b support rollers 6a and 6b.

[0093] The length of bushing 368 allows the first end 369a to fit into the first inner link plate 355a and the second end 369b to fit into the second inner link plate 355b, and provides a larger mating surface for the inner link plate 355 compared to bushing 113 in the first embodiment. In one embodiment, bushing 368 is preferably made of a different material than the inner link plate 355 and the outer link plate 2.

[0094] The gap CL5 exists between the first inner link orifice 358 of the inner link plate 355 and the second end 369 of the bushing 368, and the first end 369 of the bushing 368 enters the second inner link orifice 359 of the inner link plate 355.

[0095] The first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are located in the guide row 126 within the bicycle chain. The inner link plates 355a and 355b of the inner link assembly 370 are located in the non-guide row 128 within the bicycle chain. The bicycle chain has a plurality of inner link assemblies 370 that are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guide rows 128, wherein the first outer link plate 2a and the second outer link plate 2b are positioned outside the spaced rows of the inner link assemblies 370 within the guide row 126.

[0096] Therefore, the ends of the first pin 5a and the second pin 5b are press-fitted into the outer link plates 2a and 2b, and the bushing 368 floats freely within each of the inner link plates 355a and 355b by a clearance fit. The first pin 5a and the second pin 5b are clearance-fitted relative to the bushing 368. The bushing 368 further supports the rollers 6a and 6b.

[0097] Other link shapes can be used for the inner or outer link plates in the bicycle chain of the present invention. For example, such as Figure 18a As shown, outer link plates 2a and 2b can be replaced with an outer link plate 250 having a B shape. This link shape needs to be oriented during chain assembly to ensure that the flat back 251 of the link plate 250 is at the top or outside of the bicycle chain. It can be used as... Figure 18b The outer link plate 252 with an "8-shaped" body shown is used instead of the outer link plates 2a and 2b. These outer link plates 252 do not require specific orientation during chain assembly.

[0098] Figure 19a A type B inner link plate 254 is shown, which can replace the inner link plates 105, 205, 191, 185, 155, and 355 discussed above. Note that the shape of the orifices within the inner link plates 105, 205, 191, 185, 155, and 355 will remain unchanged. This link shape needs to be oriented during chain assembly to ensure that the flat back 253 of the link plate 254 is at the top or outside of the chain. Alternatively, a type B inner link plate 254 can be used. Figure 19b The "8-shaped" main body shown is used to replace the inner link plates 105, 205, 191, 185, 155, and 355.

[0099] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. The details of the illustrated embodiments mentioned herein are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves state those features deemed essential to the invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle chain, comprising: Multiple inner link components, which are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guided rows, each inner link component including: A first inner link plate includes a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface. The first inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion. The first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface. The first inner link opening has a first diameter and the second inner link opening has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter of the second inner link opening is larger than the first diameter of the first inner link opening. A first inner link plate bushing is received in a second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the first inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery and a circumferential inner surface. A second inner link plate includes a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface. The second inner link body defines a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion. The first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extend from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface. The first inner link orifice has a first diameter and the second inner link orifice has a second diameter, wherein the second diameter of the second inner link orifice is larger than the first diameter of the first inner link orifice. A second inner link plate bushing is received in the second inner link orifice in the second inner link plate, the second inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery and a circumferential inner surface; The first inner link body is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body; Multiple outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, are positioned outside spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; Rollers, received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing; and A connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by the pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly; At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate, among the plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate, such that the first connecting pin passes through the first inner link orifice of the first inner link plate with a first gap and through the second inner link plate bushing with a second gap.

2. The bicycle chain of claim 1, further comprising a first orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the first inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate, and a second orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the second inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

3. The bicycle chain of claim 2, wherein the roller is adjacent to the first orifice flat surface and the second orifice flat surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

4. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting pin is press-fitted into the first hole of the first outer link plate and the first hole of the second outer link plate, and the second connecting pin is press-fitted into the second hole of the first outer link plate and the second hole of the second outer link plate.

5. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing each support at least one roller.

6. The bicycle chain according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first inner link of the first inner link plate and the outer surface of the first inner side of the second inner link plate are flat.

7. The bicycle chain of claim 1, further comprising a third gap defined between the roller and the first inner link plate bushing and the roller and the second inner link plate bushing.

8. A bicycle chain, comprising: Multiple inner link components, which are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guided rows, each inner link component including: A first inner link plate includes a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface. The first inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion. The first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface. The first inner link opening has a first diameter and the second inner link opening has a second diameter. The first diameter of the first inner link opening is larger than the second diameter of the second inner link opening. A first inner link plate bushing is received in a second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the first inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. A second inner link plate includes a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface. The second inner link body defines a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion. The first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extend from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface. The first inner link orifice has a first diameter and the second inner link orifice has a second diameter. The first diameter of the first inner link orifice is larger than the second diameter of the second inner link orifice. The second inner link plate bushing is received in the second inner link orifice in the second inner link plate, the second inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. The first inner link body is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the second inner link hole of the first inner link body, and the second end of the first inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the second inner link body; the first end of the second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the second inner link hole of the second inner link body, and the second end of the second inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link body. Multiple outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, are positioned outside spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; Rollers, received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing; and A connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by the pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly; At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate.

9. The bicycle chain of claim 8, further comprising a clearance fit between the first connecting pin and the second inner link plate bushing, and between the second connecting pin and the first inner link plate bushing.

10. The bicycle chain of claim 8, further comprising a first orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the first inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate, and a second orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the second inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

11. The bicycle chain of claim 10, wherein the roller is adjacent to the first orifice flat surface and the second orifice flat surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

12. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing each support at least one roller.

13. The bicycle chain of claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the first inner link of the first inner link plate and the outer surface of the first inner side of the second inner link plate are flat.

14. A bicycle chain, comprising: Multiple inner link components, which are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guided rows, each inner link component including: A first inner link plate includes a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface. The first inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion. The first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface, wherein the first inner link opening and the second inner link opening of the first inner link body have a first diameter. The second inner link plate includes a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface. The second inner link body defines a first inner link orifice and a second inner link orifice separated from the first inner link orifice by a middle portion. The first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice extend from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface. The first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice have a second diameter. The first diameter of the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the first inner link body is larger than the second diameter of the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the second inner link plate. A first inner link plate bushing is received in a second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the first inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. A second inner link plate bushing is received in the first inner link orifice in the first inner link plate, the second inner link plate bushing having an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end. The inner surface of the second inner link body of the second inner link body is opposite to the inner surface of the second inner link body of the first inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the second inner link hole in the first inner link plate, and there is a press fit between the outer periphery of the second inner link plate bushing and the first inner link hole of the second inner link body. The second inner link plate bushing is clearance-fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link plate, and there is a press fit between the outer periphery of the second inner link plate bushing and the second inner link hole of the second inner link body. Multiple outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, are positioned outside spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; Rollers, received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing; and A connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by the pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly; At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, passes through a gap into a second inner link plate bushing in the first inner link orifice of the first inner link plate, and passes through the first inner link orifice of the second inner link body and the first orifice of the second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates. The second end of the second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted in the first inner link orifice of the second inner link body. At least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a first outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, passes through a gap into a first inner link plate bushing in the second inner link orifice of the first inner link plate, and passes through the second inner link orifice of the second inner link body and the second orifice of the second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates. The second end of the first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted in the second inner link orifice of the second inner link body.

15. The bicycle chain of claim 14, further comprising another clearance fit between the first connecting pin and the second inner link plate bushing and between the second connecting pin and the first inner link plate bushing.

16. The bicycle chain of claim 14, further comprising a first orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the first inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate, and a second orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the second inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

17. The bicycle chain of claim 16, wherein the roller is adjacent to the first orifice flat surface and the second orifice flat surface of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

18. The bicycle chain of claim 14, wherein the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing each support at least one roller.

19. The bicycle chain of claim 14, wherein the outer surface of the first inner link of the first inner link plate and the outer surface of the first inner side of the second inner link plate are flat.

20. A bicycle chain, comprising: Multiple inner link assemblies and multiple outer link plates, the multiple inner link assemblies being staggered and connected to form a series of non-guided rows, each of the outer link plates having a pair of orifices, the outer link plates being placed outside the spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; Rollers are received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing. as well as A connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by the pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly; Each inner link component includes: A first inner link plate includes a first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface. The first inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion. The first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface. A first inner link plate bushing is received in the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice in the first inner link plate; The second inner link plate includes: a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface; the second inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion; the first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface. The second inner link plate bushing is received in the first inner link orifice and the second inner link orifice of the second inner link plate. At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, passes through a first inner link plate bushing in a first inner link plate, passes through a second inner link plate bushing in a second inner link plate, and passes through the first orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a first outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, passes through a first inner link plate bushing in a first inner link plate, passes through a second inner link plate bushing in a second inner link plate, and passes through the second orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates, such that the first inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate bushing is press-fitted into the second inner link plate.

21. The bicycle chain of claim 20, wherein the connecting pin passes through the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing with a gap.

22. The bicycle chain of claim 20, further comprising a first orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the first inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate, and a second orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the second inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

23. The bicycle chain of claim 20, wherein the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing each support at least one roller.

24. A bicycle chain, comprising: Multiple inner link components, which are interleaved and connected to form a series of non-guided rows, each inner link component including: A first inner link plate includes a first inner link body, the first inner link body having a first inner link inner surface and a first inner link outer surface opposite to the first inner link inner surface, the first inner link body defining a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion, the first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extending from the first inner link inner surface to the first inner link outer surface; The second inner link plate includes a second inner link body having a second inner link inner surface and a second inner link outer surface opposite to the second inner link inner surface. The second inner link body defines a first inner link opening and a second inner link opening separated from the first inner link opening by a middle portion. The first inner link opening and the second inner link opening extend from the second inner link inner surface to the second inner link outer surface. The first inner link plate bushing has a first end, a second end, an outer periphery, and a circumferential inner surface; The second inner link plate bushing has an outer periphery, a circumferential inner surface, a first end and a second end; The first inner link body is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second inner link body, such that the first end of the first inner link plate bushing is fitted into the second inner link hole of the first inner link body, and the second end of the first inner link plate bushing is fitted into the first inner link hole of the second inner link body, and the first end of the second inner link plate bushing is fitted into the second inner link hole of the second inner link body, and the second end of the second inner link plate bushing is fitted into the first inner link hole of the first inner link body. Multiple outer link plates, each of which has a pair of orifices, are positioned outside spaced rows of inner link assemblies to form guide rows; Rollers, received between the inner surface of the second inner link body and the inner surface of the first inner link body, and on the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing; and A connecting pin extends across the row of the bicycle chain and has an end that is received by the pair of orifices of the plurality of outer link plates, thereby connecting the outer link plates and the inner link assembly; At least a first connecting pin is received in a first orifice of a first outer link plate, a first inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a second inner link plate bushing, a second inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a first orifice of a second outer link plate among the plurality of outer link plates; and at least a second connecting pin is received in a second orifice of a second outer link plate, a second inner link orifice of a first inner link plate, and passes through a first inner link plate bushing, a first inner link orifice of a second inner link plate, and a second orifice of a second outer link plate.

25. The bicycle chain of claim 24, further comprising a clearance fit between the first connecting pin and the second inner link plate bushing, and between the second connecting pin and the first inner link plate bushing.

26. The bicycle chain of claim 24, further comprising a first orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the first inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate, and a second orifice flat surface surrounding the orifice of the second inner link on the inner surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

27. The bicycle chain of claim 26, wherein the roller is adjacent to the first orifice flat surface and the second orifice flat surface of each of the first inner link plate and the second inner link plate.

28. The bicycle chain of claim 24, wherein the first inner link plate bushing and the second inner link plate bushing each support at least one roller.

29. The bicycle chain of claim 24, wherein the outer surface of the first inner link of the first inner link plate and the outer surface of the first inner side of the second inner link plate are flat.

Images