Multi-piece sprocket
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorsJake A. Mohan, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Peter Hilkhuijsen, Paul A. Marsman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-piece 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 so that curved hooks enter curved channels in the first section to form a complete sprocket. A locking mechanism can secure the two sections together.
Claims18
A sprocket for a conveyor belt comprising:
- a first sprocket section having
- a curved peripheral portion for contacting a conveyor belt;
- a hub radially inward of the peripheral portion for receiving a shaft;
- a passageway extending along a radial axis from a space in the curved peripheral portion to the hub;
- a first set of curved channels extending through the first sprocket section from a first face to a second face, the first set of curved channels curving about the radial axis;
- and
- a second sprocket section inserted in the passageway to complete the peripheral portion and hub, the second sprocket section including
- a first set of curved protrusions configured to be received in the curved channels when the second sprocket section is rotated about the radial axis from a first orientation in which the second sprocket section is inserted in the passageway to a mating position completing the peripheral portion and hub.
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;
- a passageway extending along a radial axis from a space in the curved peripheral portion to the hub;
- a first set of curved channels in a peripheral surface of the peripheral portion forming curved, shaped projections between the passageway and first set of curved channels;
- a second set of curved channels adjacent to the hub, the second set of curved channels intersecting he passageway and extending through the first sprocket section from a first face to a second face;
- and
- a second sprocket section inserted in the passageway to complete the peripheral portion and hub, the second sprocket section including
- hooks at a peripheral end configured to be received in the first set of curved channels;
- and
- curved tabs at an inner end configured to be received in the second set of curved channels, wherein the second sprocket section is rotated about the radial axis from a first orientation in which the second sprocket section is inserted in the passageway to a mating position completing the peripheral portion and hub.
A sprocket assembly for a conveyor belt, comprising:
- a shaft connected to a conveyor frame, the shaft including an opening in an outer surface;
- a split sprocket mounted on the shaft, the split sprocket comprising
- a first sprocket section including an open hub for receiving the shaft, a positioning nub on a wall of the open hub configured to engage the opening in the shaft, a peripheral portion, a passageway along a radial axis between the hub and the peripheral portion, at least one curved channel extending from a first face to a second face;
- and
- a second sprocket section including at least one curved protrusion configured to be received in the curved channel, wherein the second sprocket section is rotated about the radial axis from a first orientation in which the second sprocket section is inserted in the passageway to a mating position completing the peripheral portion and hub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.