Split sprocket
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorsMichael Hendrik DeGroot, Peter Hilkhuijsen, Martin Sprenkeler, Gerko Hulshof
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A split sprocket for conveyor belts or chains comprises a first section and a second section that mates with the first section to form a sprocket with drive teeth distributed about the periphery and a central hub for retaining a shaft. The second section is inserted into a space in the first section and rotated into an engaged position to form a complete sprocket.
Claims16
A sprocket for a conveyor belt comprising:
- a first sprocket section having
- a curved peripheral portion defining driving elements;
- a hub radially inward of the peripheral portion for receiving a shaft;
- and
- a shaped passageway extending from a space in the curved peripheral portion to the hub,
- wherein the shaped passageway comprises
- a first curved, concave surface extending inwards from the curved peripheral portion;
- a second curved, concave surface opposing the first curved, concave surface extending inwards from the curved peripheral portion;
- a first recess extending tangentially in a central portion of the shaped passageway;
- a second recess opposing the first recess and extending tangentially in the central portion of the shaped passageway;
- a third curved, concave surface inwards of the first recess parallel to the first curved, concave surface;
- and
- a fourth curved, concave surface opposing the third curved, concave surface and parallel to the second curved, concave surface;
- and
- a second sprocket section inserted in the shaped passageway to complete the peripheral portion and hub,
- wherein the second sprocket section is configured to be inserted in the shaped passageway in a first orientation, then rotated to a locked position completing the peripheral portion and hub.
The sprocket of claimed 6, wherein the shaped body further includes projections having curved outer surfaces and arcuate flat surfaces extending tangentially and configured to be received in the first and second recesses of the shaped passageway.
A sprocket assembly, comprising:
- a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including notches in a mounting region;
- a sprocket mounted on the shaft in the mounting region, the sprocket comprising,
- a first sprocket section having a curved peripheral portion defining driving elements, a hub radially inward of the peripheral portion for receiving the shaft and including bearing surfaces that interface with the notches and a shaped passageway extending from a space in the curved peripheral portion to the hub;
- a second sprocket section inserted in the shaped passageway to complete the peripheral portion and hub, and
- a tool for inserting the second sprocket section in the shaped passageway in a first orientation and rotating the second sprocket section to a locked position completing the peripheral portion and hub, wherein the tool comprises a handle and a seating portion comprising a base and spaced apart legs for holding the second sprocket section.
A section of a sprocket for a conveyor belt comprising:
- a curved peripheral portion defining driving elements;
- a hub radially inward of the peripheral portion for receiving a shaft;
- and
- a shaped passageway extending from a space in the curved peripheral portion to the hub, wherein the shaped passageway comprises
- a first curved, concave surface extending inwards from the curved peripheral portion;
- a second curved, concave surface opposing the first curved, concave surface extending inwards from the curved peripheral portion;
- a first recess extending tangentially in a central portion of the shaped passageway;
- a second recess opposing the first recess and extending tangentially in the central portion of the shaped passageway;
- a third curved, concave surface inwards of the first recess parallel to the first curved, concave surface;
- and
- a fourth curved, concave surface opposing the third curved, concave surface and parallel to the second curved, concave surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.