Chain and transmission mechanism

Abstract

To provide a chain and a transmission mechanism that improve operation stability and smoothness of speed change.SOLUTION: A chain 3 comprises inner link units 4 and outer link units 5. Each of the inner link units 4 comprises a pair of inner link plates 41 inside which a first engagement space 44 is formed. Each of the outer link units 5 comprises a pair of outer link plates 51. In each of the pair of outer link plates 51, two second connection sections 52 and a second coupling section 53 are sectioned, and a second engagement space 54 is formed thereinside. In each of the second coupling sections 53, a concave part 57 recessed into the second engagement space 54 and a convex part 56 protruding outward are formed. The second engagement space 54 comprises a narrow opening 542 corresponding to the concave part 57 and a wide opening 541 corresponding to the convex part 56, a width T2 of the wide opening is larger than a maximum width T1 of the first engagement space, and a width T3 of the narrow opening is equal to or larger than the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmission mechanism, and more specifically, to a chain and a transmission mechanism used in, for example, a bicycle with a transmission or a motorcycle.

Background Art

[0002] A chain is generally used, for example, in a two-wheeled vehicle as one of mechanical elements for transmitting power in combination with a sprocket.

[0003] As a conventional chain, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 can be cited as an example. A conventional chain 1 described in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the conventional chain 1 described in Patent Document 1, and FIG. 11 is a side view showing the conventional chain 1.

[0004] The conventional chain 1 described in Patent Document 1 is used for a cassette sprocket composed of a plurality of sprockets having different numbers of teeth, and as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it has a plurality of inner link units 11, a plurality of outer link units 12, and a plurality of connecting posts 13 for connecting the plurality of inner link units 11 and the plurality of outer link units 12. By fitting the teeth of one sprocket in the cassette sprocket into the inner chain unit 11, the chain 1 is driven by the rotation of the cassette sprocket, and by changing the sprocket that engages with the chain 1, the speed at which the chain 1 moves can be changed according to the rotational speed of the cassette sprocket to exhibit a speed change function.

[0005] As shown in FIG. 10, each inner link unit 11 has two inner link plates 111 that are combined facing each other and define a first engagement space 14 therebetween, while each outer link unit 12 has two outer link plates 121 that are combined facing each other and define a second engagement space 15 therebetween.

[0006] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each inner link unit 11 includes two first connection ends 112 that are arc-shaped and respectively connect to the outer link plates 121 at both ends in the extending direction of the chain 1, and a first connecting portion 113 between the two first connection ends 112. On the other hand, each outer link plate 121 includes two second connection ends 124 that respectively connect to the inner link units 11 at both ends in the extending direction of the chain 1, and a second connecting portion 125 between the two second connection ends 124.

[0007] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the width of the second engagement space 15, that is, the shortest distance between the inner surfaces of the two outer link plates 121, is formed larger than the width of the first engagement space 14, that is, the shortest distance between the inner surfaces of the two inner link plates 111.

[0008] Both of the two second connection ends 124 in each outer link unit 12 have a protrusion 123 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) that protrudes beyond the arc edge of the first connection end 112 of the inner link unit 11 to be connected. Also, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second connecting portion 125 in each outer link unit 12 has a convex portion 122 formed to protrude outward from the second engagement space 15.

[0009] Therefore, in the second engagement space 15, the width of the portion corresponding to the convex portion 122 (that is, the lower portion when viewed from FIG. 10) is formed larger than the width of the other portion (that is, the upper portion when viewed from FIG. 10).

[0010] Therefore, the conventional chain 1 can not only improve the tensile strength and elasticity of the chain 1 by the protrusions 123, but also has a relatively wide opening near the center of the second engagement space 15 for receiving the teeth of the sprocket by the convex portions 122. Therefore, in addition to the teeth of the sprocket being smoothly received, when changing (shifting) the sprocket with which the chain 1 engages without increasing the thickness of the outer link unit 12, there is an advantage of suppressing noise by reducing the collision with other sprockets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] However, although the chain described in Patent Document 1 can more smoothly receive the teeth of the sprocket in the second engagement space where the teeth of the sprocket are between two outer link plates by the convex portions, generally the width of the tooth tip of the sprocket is narrower than the width of the tooth root. When the teeth of the sprocket are completely fitted into the second engagement space when the chain is operating, the tooth tip of the sprocket enters into a portion that does not correspond to the convex portion in the second engagement space, and the width of the tooth tip is smaller than the width of that portion. Therefore, at this time, the chain may swing with respect to the sprocket.

[0013] Therefore, there is a possibility that the chain may deviate to either side with respect to the sprocket during operation, resulting in the disadvantages of easy occurrence of noise or chain dropout due to friction and collision between the chain and the sprocket.

[0014] Also, for example, when attempting to shift gears in a bicycle with a transmission, it is common to move the chain by a guide pulley to one of the sprockets in a cassette sprocket attached to the rear wheel. Specifically, the guide pulley is fitted into a first engagement space between two inner link plates with teeth.

[0015] However, according to the conventional chain, since the width of the second engagement space and the width of the first engagement space are different from each other, when shifting gears, the guide pulley needs to wait for the inner link unit with the corresponding first engagement space, so there is also a drawback that the waiting time during gear shifting has an adverse effect on the smoothness of gear shifting. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the conventional chain.

[0016] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a chain and a transmission mechanism that can solve at least one of the above drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0017] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a chain comprising a plurality of inner link units and a plurality of outer link units alternately arranged along a predetermined series direction, and a connection unit for connecting each of the inner link units and each of the outer link units so as to be relatively rotatable, each of the inner link units has a pair of inner link plates that extend along the series direction and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in a parallel direction orthogonal to the series direction, in the pair of inner link plates, two first connection sections that are separated along the series direction and each have a through hole formed therein, and a first connection section that is between the two first connection sections and is continuous with the two first connection sections are defined, and the inside between the pair of first connection sections facing each other is a first engagement space, Each of the outer link units extends along the serial direction, is arranged in parallel so as to face each other with an interval in the parallel direction, and has a pair of outer link plates connected to the pair of inner link plates of the adjacent inner link units from the outside. Both of the pair of outer link plates are each divided into two second connection sections spaced apart along the serial direction and each having a through hole, and a second connection section located between the two second connection sections and continuous with the two second connection sections. And an inner side between the pair of second connection sections facing each other forms a second engagement space. Each of the second connection sections extends in the serial direction and the parallel direction and is located on one side of a virtual central plane that divides the second connection section into both sides, and is continuous with the two second connection sections and recessed toward the second engagement space. And a convex portion located on the other side of the virtual central plane, continuous with the two second connection sections, and protruding outward from the second engagement space are formed. The second engagement space has a narrow opening located on one side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the recess, and a wide opening located on the other side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the convex portion. And the width of the wide opening is formed larger than the maximum width of the first engagement space, while the width of the narrow opening is formed to be equal to or greater than the maximum width of the first engagement space. The connecting unit provides a chain characterized by having a plurality of connecting columns that penetrate through the through holes of the corresponding first connection sections and the through holes of the corresponding second connection sections at once to connect the corresponding first connection sections and the corresponding second connection sections.

[0018] Further, the present invention includes a front sprocket, a rear sprocket arranged behind the front sprocket, a tension pulley, a guide pulley, a chain that forms a closed loop and surrounds and meshes with the front sprocket, the rear sprocket, the tension pulley, and the guide pulley, and also provided is a transmission mechanism characterized in that the wide openings of the outer link units can mesh with the teeth of the front sprocket, the rear sprocket, and the tension pulley toward the inside of the closed loop, while the narrow openings of the outer link units can mesh with the teeth of the guide pulley toward the outside of the closed loop.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] With the above configuration, in the chain and the transmission mechanism of the present invention, the second engagement space between the pair of outer link plates has a wide opening and a narrow opening, and the width of the wide opening is formed to be larger than the maximum width of the first engagement space between the pair of inner link plates, while the width of the narrow opening is formed to be equal to or greater than the maximum width of the first engagement space. Thereby, the teeth of the sprocket can mesh with the chain smoothly and quickly, and the operating stability and the smoothness of shifting can be improved significantly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The chain 3 according to the present invention is used in combination with, for example, a cassette sprocket composed of a plurality of sprockets having different numbers of teeth. Further, the transmission mechanism 2 according to the present invention is used, for example, to transmit power when mounted on a variable-speed bicycle or a motorcycle.

[0022] Hereinafter, the chain 3 and the transmission mechanism 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] (First Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the first embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention and the configuration of the transmission mechanism 2 including the chain 3 of the first embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a side view showing the transmission mechanism 2 including the chain 3 of the first embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial bottom view showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the outer link unit 5 of the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer link unit 5 of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line V-V in FIG. 3.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission mechanism 2 according to the present invention includes a plurality of front sprockets 21 (only one is shown in the figure), a plurality of rear sprockets 22 (only one is shown in the figure) arranged behind the plurality of front sprockets 21, a tension pulley 23 near the plurality of rear sprockets 22, a guide pulley 24 between the rear sprocket 22 and the tension pulley 23, and a chain 3 that has a closed-loop shape and surrounds and meshes with the peripheries of the front sprocket 21, rear sprocket 22, tension pulley 23, and guide pulley 24.

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the front sprocket 21, rear sprocket 22, and tension pulley 23 are located inside the closed-loop shape, while the guide pulley 24 is located outside the closed-loop shape.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the front sprocket 21, rear sprocket 22, tension pulley 23, and guide pulley 24 are provided with teeth 25 that mesh with the chain 3 around them. Due to their rotation, the linear movement of the chain 3 can be achieved.

[0027] In this embodiment, both the plurality of front sprockets 21 and the plurality of rear sprockets 22 are cassette sprockets in which a plurality of sprockets with different diameters and numbers of teeth are arranged side by side and the chain 3 can be arbitrarily changed. More specifically, for example, when the transmission mechanism 2 according to the present invention is used in a bicycle with a transmission, the plurality of front sprockets 21 are on the pedal side, while the plurality of rear sprockets 22 are on the rear wheel side.

[0028] The tension pulley 23 is for tightening the chain 3 and maintaining a certain tension in the chain 3. And the guide pulley 24 is for setting the position where the chain 3 meshes with the rear sprocket 22.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the chain 3 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of inner link units 4 and a plurality of outer link units 5 that are alternately arranged along a predetermined series direction 31, and a connection unit 6 for connecting each inner link unit 4 and each outer link unit 5 so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0030] In this embodiment, the chain 3 includes the above-described components, but is not limited thereto. For example, the chain 3 may further include elements such as bushes and rollers. Further, since elements such as bushes and rollers are not features of the present invention, those skilled in the art can utilize them based on the content of the present invention without further detailed description.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, each inner link unit 4 has a pair of inner link plates 41 that extend along the series direction 31 and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in the parallel direction 32 orthogonal to the series direction 31.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, each inner link plate 41 is divided into two first connection sections 42 that are spaced apart along the series direction 31 and each have a through hole (not shown), and a first connection section 43 that is between the two first connection sections 42 and is continuous with the two first connection sections 42. Further, an inner side between a pair of first connection sections 43 of the pair of inner link plates 41 facing each other forms a first engagement space 44 that opens along a direction orthogonal to the series direction 31 and the parallel direction 32.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, each outer link unit 5 extends along the series direction 31, is arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in the parallel direction 32, and has a pair of outer link plates 51 that are connected to a pair of inner link plates 41 of an adjacent inner link unit 4 from the outside.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each outer link plate 51 is divided into two second connection sections 52 that are spaced apart along the series direction 31 and each have a through hole (see FIG. 3), and a second connection section 53 that is between the two second connection sections 52 and is continuous with the two second connection sections 52. And the inner side between a pair of second connection sections 53 of a pair of outer link plates 51 facing each other is a second engagement space 54 that opens along the above-mentioned orthogonal direction like the first engagement space 44.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, each second connection section 53 extends in the series direction 31 and the parallel direction 32 and is located on one side of a virtual central plane 55 that divides the second connection section 53 along both sides in the above-mentioned orthogonal direction (that is, from FIGS. 3 to 5). , Above the virtual central plane 55), continuous with the two second connection sections 52 and recessed toward the second engagement space 54, and on the other side of the virtual central plane 55 (that is, from FIGS. 3 to 5). Looking at it, it is located below the virtual central plane 55), continuous with the two second connection sections 52 and protruding outward from the second engagement space 54, and a convex portion 56 is formed.

[0036] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the second engagement space 54 has a narrow opening 542 that is located on the above-mentioned one side of the virtual central plane 55 and is formed to correspond to the recess 57, and is located on the above-mentioned other side of the virtual central plane 55. It has a wide opening 541 formed to correspond to the convex portion 56.

[0037] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the convex portion 56 has a wide inner surface 561 formed so as to be away from the second connection section 53 facing the second engagement space 54, and a wide outer surface 562 protruding facing the outside. On the other hand, the concave portion 57 has a narrow inner surface 571 formed so as to approach the second connection section 53 facing the second engagement space 54, and a narrow outer surface 572 that is recessed toward the second engagement space 54 facing the outside.

[0038] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the width T3 of the narrow opening 542 (i.e., the shortest distance between two narrow inner surfaces 571 facing each other as shown in FIG. 5) is formed to be equal to or greater than the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space 44, while the width T2 of the wide opening 541 (i.e., the shortest distance between two wide inner surfaces 561 facing each other as shown in FIG. 5) is formed to be greater than the width T3 of the narrow opening 542. Of course, the width T2 of the wide opening 541 is greater than the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space 44. In this embodiment, the width T3 of the narrow opening 542 is formed to be the same as the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space 44.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the connection unit 6 has a plurality of connection posts 61 that penetrate through the through-holes of the corresponding first connection sections 42 and the through-holes of the corresponding second connection sections 52 at the same time, connecting the corresponding first connection section 42 and the corresponding second connection section 52.

[0040] Specifically, each connection post 61 is formed in a columnar shape with a thickness corresponding to the diameters of the through-holes in the corresponding inner link unit 4 and the through-holes in the corresponding outer link unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the through-holes formed in the pair of outer link plates 51 of one outer link unit 5 (see FIG. 3) and the through-hole formed in one first connection section 42 of the inner link unit 4 sandwiched between the pair of outer link plates 51 are penetrated at the same time, so as to connect the outer link unit 5 and the two inner link units 4.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the wide opening 541 of each outer link unit 5 can mesh with the teeth 25 of the front sprocket 21, the rear sprocket 22, and the tension pulley 23 toward the inside of the closed-loop shape formed by the chain 3, while the narrow opening 542 of each outer link unit 5 can mesh with the teeth 25 of the guide pulley 24 toward the outside of the closed-loop shape.

[0042] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second engagement spaces 54 of the respective outer link units 5 and the first engagement spaces 44 of the respective inner link units 4 are alternately arranged along the above-described series direction 31, and the teeth 25 of the front sprocket 21, rear sprocket 22, tension pulley 23, and guide pulley 24 as shown in FIG. 1 can be engaged and accommodated.

[0043] More specifically, when the chain 3 of the present embodiment is operated together with the sprockets 21, 22 and the pulleys 23, 24, and any one of the outer link units 5 meshes with any one of the teeth 25 of the front sprocket 21, rear sprocket 22, and tension pulley 23, as shown in FIG. 1, the tooth 25 enters the second engagement space 54 from the wide opening 541 of the corresponding outer link unit 5, and the tip of the tooth 25 is received up to the narrow opening 542 communicating with the wide opening 541. On the other hand, the tooth 25 of the guide pulley 24 enters the second engagement space 54 from the narrow opening 542 of each outer link unit 5.

[0044] Hereinafter, the contours of the convex portions 56 and concave portions 57 in each of the second connecting sections 53 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the convex portions 56 and concave portions 57 are each provided with opening edges 564, 574 having both edge ends 565, 575 spaced apart along the series direction 31. And at least one of the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 has, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, two ridge lines 563, 573, one end of which is in contact with both edge ends 565, 575 of the opening edges 564, 574 respectively and extends from the one end toward the virtual center plane 55.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, both of the two ridge lines 563, 573 are narrowed toward the virtual center plane 55. one They are formed in a U shape.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, both the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 oneIt has two ridge lines 563 and 573 formed in a U shape. Here, the ridge lines 563 of the convex portion 56 and the ridge lines 573 of the concave portion 57 are not limited to having the same shape. In other embodiments, for example, one of the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 may be in a U shape, while the other may be in another shape (for example, the shapes shown in the second to fourth embodiments described later).

[0047] According to the configuration of the chain 3 of the present embodiment, in the early meshing stage when the outer link unit 5 starts to mesh with the teeth 25 of the sprockets 21 and 22 and the tension pulley 23, the teeth 25 can be smoothly received into the second engagement space 54 of the outer link unit 5. And in the late meshing stage when those teeth 25 are completely received into the second engagement space 54 of the outer link unit 5, it can be positioned and correctly guided by the narrow opening 542 to the sprocket.

[0048] Thereby, the chain 3 of the present embodiment can prevent noise and chain dropout due to the collision and friction, and improve the operating stability, because it does not swing with respect to the sprockets 21 and 22 and the pulleys 23 and 24, and the collision and friction with them are reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, since the width T3 of the narrow opening 542 is formed to be the same as the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space 44, when the transmission mechanism 2 of this embodiment shifts gears, the guide pulley 24 does not need to wait for the first engagement space 44 and can mesh with the narrow opening 542 of the second engagement space 54, without having the drawback due to the waiting time. For this reason, the transmission mechanism 2 provided with the chain 3 of the present embodiment can shift gears more smoothly.

[0050] (Second Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the second embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the second embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention.

[0051] The second embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention shares many configurations with the first embodiment. In the chain 3 of the present embodiment, the two ridge lines 563 and 573 on each outer link plate 51 are each formed linearly. Here, the two linearly formed ridge lines 563 and 573 may or may not be parallel to each other.

[0052] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, both of the two ridge lines 563 and 573 are formed linearly and perpendicular to the virtual central plane 55.

[0053] (Third Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the third embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer link unit 5 of the third embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention.

[0054] The third embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention shares many configurations with the second embodiment. In the chain 3 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the two ridge lines 563 and 573 on each outer link plate 51 are each formed linearly, parallel to each other and not perpendicular to the virtual central plane 55.

[0055] In the normal use state, if one of the in-series directions 31 is the operating direction (i.e., the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 7), in the present embodiment, the two ridge lines 563 and 573 extend toward the virtual central plane 55 and in the opposite direction of the operating direction.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the outer link unit 5 is in the pre-engagement stage with the teeth 25 of the sprockets 22 and 23, the teeth 25 can be more smoothly received into the second engagement space 54 of the outer link unit 5. In addition, when the teeth 25 are completely received into the second engagement space 54 of the outer link unit 5, the contact area between the outer link unit 5 and the teeth 25 can be increased due to the angle between the ridge lines 563, 573 and the virtual central plane 55, so that power can be transmitted more efficiently.

[0057] (Fourth Embodiment) With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the outer link unit 5 of the fourth embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8.

[0058] The fourth embodiment of the chain 3 according to the present invention has many configurations in common with the second and third embodiments. In the chain 3 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, at least one of the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 in any one of the outer link plates 51 of each outer link unit 5 is in the form of an inclined surface that is inclined from the virtual center plane 55 to the corresponding opening edges 564 and 574.

[0059] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the convex portion 56 is inclined outward from the virtual center plane 55 such that the inclination degrees of the wide inner surface 561 and the wide outer surface 562 are the same, or the concave portion 57 is inclined inward from the virtual center plane 55 such that the inclination degrees of the narrow inner surface 571 and the narrow outer surface 572 are the same.

[0060] With such a configuration, when manufacturing the chain 3 according to the present embodiment, the outer link unit 5 can be more easily molded.

[0061] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, both the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 are in the form of inclined surfaces, and the convex portion 56 and the concave portion 57 in the form of inclined surfaces are continuous with each other and have the same inclination rate.

[0062] In short, the transmission mechanism 2 according to the present invention is not limited to using the chain 3 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, and the chain 3 of the above-described second to fourth embodiments may also be used.

[0063] In summary, for the chain 3 and the transmission mechanism 2 of the present invention, a second engagement space 54 between a pair of outer link plates 51 has a wide opening 541 and a narrow opening 542, and the width T2 of the wide opening 541 is formed larger than the maximum width T1 of a first engagement space 44 between a pair of inner link plates 41. On the other hand, the width T3 of the narrow opening 542 is formed to be equal to or greater than the maximum width T1 of the first engagement space 44. Thereby, the teeth 25 of the sprockets 22 and 23 can smoothly and promptly engage with the chain 3, and the operating stability and the smoothness of gear shifting can be remarkably improved.

[0064] In the above, many specific details have been shown for facilitating the overall understanding of the present invention. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments can be implemented without showing specific details.

[0065] As described above, the preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been explained. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and all modifications and equivalent configurations are included as various configurations within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation.

Industrial Applicability

[0066] As described above, the chain and the transmission mechanism of the present invention have the advantage of remarkably improving the operating stability and the smoothness of gear shifting.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Conventional chain 11 Inner link unit 111 Inner link plate 112 First connection end 113 First connecting portion 12 Outer link unit 121 Outer link plate 122 Convex portion 123 Protrusion 124 Second connection end 125 Second connecting portion 13 Connection post 14 First engagement space 15 Second engagement space 2 Transmission mechanism 21 Front sprocket 22 Rear sprocket 23 Tension pulley 24 Guide pulley 25 Tooth 3 Chain 31 Series direction 32 Parallel direction 4 Inner link unit 41 Inner link plate 42 First connection section 43 First coupling section 44 First engagement space 5 Outer link unit 51 Outer link plate 52 Second connection section 53 Second coupling section 54 Second engagement space 541 Wide opening 542 Narrow opening 55 Virtual center plane 56 Protrusion 561 Wide inner surface 562 Wide outer surface 563 Ridge line 564 Opening edge 565 Both-edge ends 57 Recess 571 Narrow inner surface 572 Narrow outer surface 573 Ridge line 574 Opening edge 575 Both-edge ends 6 Connection unit 61 Connection post T1 Maximum width of the first engagement space T2 Width of the wide opening T3 Width of the narrow opening

Claims

1. A chain comprising a plurality of inner link units and a plurality of outer link units alternately arranged along a predetermined series direction, and a connection unit for rotatably connecting each of the inner link units and each of the outer link units relative to each other, Each of the inner link units has a pair of inner link plates that extend along the series direction and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in a parallel direction orthogonal to the series direction, In each of the pair of inner link plates, there are two first connection sections spaced apart along the series direction and each having a through hole formed therein, and a first connection section that is between the two first connection sections and is continuous with the two first connection sections. And the inner side between the pair of first connection sections facing each other forms a first engagement space, Each of the outer link units extends along the series direction and is arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in the parallel direction, and has a pair of outer link plates connected to the pair of inner link plates of the adjacent inner link unit from the outside, In each of the pair of outer link plates, there are two second connection sections spaced apart along the series direction and each having a through hole formed therein, and a second connection section that is between the two second connection sections and is continuous with the two second connection sections. And the inner side between the pair of second connection sections facing each other forms a second engagement space, Each of the second connection sections extends in the series direction and the parallel direction and is located on one side of a virtual central plane that divides the second connection section into both sides, and is continuous with the two second connection sections and is recessed toward the second engagement space. A concave portion is formed, and a convex portion is formed on the other side of the virtual central plane, which is continuous with the two second connection sections and protrudes outward from the second engagement space, Each of the convex portions and the concave portions in each of the second connecting sections is provided with an opening edge having both edge ends spaced apart along the series direction, Each of the convex portions and the concave portions in each of the second connecting sections has two ridge lines, one end of each of which is in contact with both edge ends of the opening edge and extends from the one end toward the virtual central plane, and the ridge line of the convex portion and the ridge line of the concave portion are not connected to each other. Each of the ridge lines is formed in a straight line perpendicular to the virtual central plane. The second engaging space has a narrow-width opening located on one side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the concave portion, and a wide-width opening located on the other side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the convex portion, and the width of the wide-width opening is formed to be larger than the maximum width of the first engaging space, while the width of the narrow-width opening is formed to be equal to or larger than the maximum width of the first engaging space. The convex portion of each of the second connecting sections has a wide inner surface formed so as to be away from the second connecting section facing the second engaging space, and the concave portion of each of the second connecting sections has a narrow inner surface formed so as to approach the second connecting section facing the second engaging space, and the wide inner surface and the narrow inner surface are formed so as not to be in the same plane. The convex portion of each of the second connecting sections has a wide outer surface protruding outward, and the concave portion of each of the second connecting sections has a narrow outer surface recessed outward into the second engaging space, and the wide outer surface and the narrow outer surface are formed so as not to be in the same plane. The connection unit has a plurality of connection posts that penetrate through the through holes of the corresponding first connection sections and the through holes of the corresponding second connection sections at the same time, and connect the corresponding first connection sections and the corresponding second connection sections. A chain characterized by the above.

2. A chain comprising a plurality of inner link units and a plurality of outer link units alternately arranged along a predetermined series direction, and a connection unit for connecting each of the inner link units and each of the outer link units so as to be relatively rotatable, Each of the inner link units has a pair of inner link plates that extend along the series direction and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in a parallel direction orthogonal to the series direction, Each of the pair of inner link plates is divided into two first connection sections that are spaced apart along the series direction and each have a through hole formed therein, and a first connection section that is between the two first connection sections and is continuous with the two first connection sections. And an inner side between a pair of the first connection sections facing each other forms a first engagement space, Each of the outer link units extends along the series direction and is arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in the parallel direction, and has a pair of outer link plates connected to the pair of inner link plates of the adjacent inner link unit from the outside. Each of the pair of outer link plates is divided into two second connection sections that are spaced apart along the series direction and each have a through hole formed therein, and a second connection section that is between the two second connection sections and is continuous with the two second connection sections. And an inner side between a pair of the second connection sections facing each other forms a second engagement space, Each of the second connection sections extends in the series direction and the parallel direction and is located on one side of a virtual central plane that divides the second connection section into both sides, and is continuous with the two second connection sections and is recessed toward the second engagement space. And a convex portion that is located on the other side of the virtual central plane, is continuous with the two second connection sections, and protrudes outward from the second engagement space are formed, In each of the second connecting sections, the convex portion and the concave portion are each provided with an opening edge having both edge portions spaced apart along the series direction, In at least one of the convex portion and the concave portion in each of the second connecting sections, one end is in contact with both edge portions of the opening edge, respectively, and has two ridge lines extending from the one end toward the virtual center plane, The two ridge lines are both formed in a U shape, The second engaging space has a narrow-width opening located on one side of the virtual center plane and formed to correspond to the concave portion, and a wide-width opening located on the other side of the virtual center plane and formed to correspond to the convex portion, and the width of the wide-width opening is formed to be larger than the maximum width of the first engaging space, while the width of the narrow-width opening is formed to be equal to or greater than the maximum width of the first engaging space, The connection unit has a plurality of connection posts that penetrate through the through holes of the corresponding first connection section and the through holes of the corresponding second connection section at the same time, and connect the corresponding first connection section and the corresponding second connection section, A chain characterized by the above.

3. A chain including a plurality of inner link units and a plurality of outer link units alternately arranged along a predetermined series direction, and a connection unit for rotatably connecting each of the inner link units and each of the outer link units relatively, Each of the inner link units has a pair of inner link plates that extend along the series direction and are arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in a parallel direction orthogonal to the series direction, Both of the pair of inner link plates are each divided into two first connection sections that are spaced apart along the serial direction and each have a through hole formed therein, and a first connection section that is between the two first connection sections and is continuous with the two first connection sections. Moreover, the inside between the pair of first connection sections facing each other forms a first engagement space. Each of the outer link units extends along the serial direction, and is arranged in parallel so as to face each other with a space therebetween in the parallel direction. Each of the outer link units has a pair of outer link plates that are connected to the pair of inner link plates of the adjacent inner link unit from the outside. Both of the pair of outer link plates are each divided into two second connection sections that are spaced apart along the serial direction and each have a through hole formed therein, and a second connection section that is between the two second connection sections and is continuous with the two second connection sections. Moreover, the inside between the pair of second connection sections facing each other forms a second engagement space. Each of the second connection sections extends in the serial direction and the parallel direction, and is located on one side of a virtual central plane that extends in the serial direction and the parallel direction and divides the second connection section into two sides. A recess that is continuous with the two second connection sections and is recessed toward the second engagement space, and a convex portion that is located on the other side of the virtual central plane, is continuous with the two second connection sections, and protrudes outward from the second engagement space are formed. The convex portion and the recess in each of the second connection sections are each provided with an opening edge having both edge ends spaced apart along the serial direction. At least one of the convex portion and the recess in each of the second connection sections has two ridge lines, one end of each of which is in contact with both edge ends of the opening edge and extends from the one end toward the virtual central plane. The two ridge lines are each formed in a linear shape that is parallel to each other and not perpendicular to the virtual central plane. In the normal use state, one of the serial directions becomes the operating direction, the two ridge lines extend toward the virtual central plane and extend in the direction opposite to the operating direction, the second engaging space has a narrow-width opening located on one side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the recess, and a wide-width opening located on the other side of the virtual central plane and formed to correspond to the protrusion, and the width of the wide-width opening is formed to be larger than the maximum width of the first engaging space, while the width of the narrow-width opening is formed to be equal to or larger than the maximum width of the first engaging space, the connecting unit has a plurality of connecting columns that penetrate through the through holes of the corresponding first connecting section and the through holes of the corresponding second connecting section at the same time, and connect the corresponding first connecting section and the corresponding second connecting section, A chain characterized by the above.

4. the protrusion of each of the second connecting sections has a wide inner surface formed to be away from the second connecting section facing the second engaging space, the recess of each of the second connecting sections has a narrow inner surface formed to approach the second connecting section facing the second engaging space, The chain according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. the protrusion of each of the second connecting sections has a wide outer surface protruding facing outward, the recess of each of the second connecting sections has a narrow outer surface recessed facing outward into the second engaging space, The chain according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. the width of the wide-width opening is formed to be larger than the width of the narrow-width opening, the width of the narrow-width opening is formed to be the same as the maximum width of the first engaging space, The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that...

7. A front sprocket, A rear sprocket disposed behind the front sprocket, A tension pulley, A guide pulley, and a chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has a closed-loop shape and surrounds and meshes with the peripheries of the front sprocket, the rear sprocket, the tension pulley, and the guide pulley. Further, the wide openings of the outer link units can mesh with the teeth of the front sprocket, the rear sprocket, and the tension pulley toward the inside of the closed-loop shape, while the narrow openings of the outer link units can mesh with the teeth of the guide pulley toward the outside of the closed-loop shape. A transmission mechanism characterized by this.

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