Split sprocket and retainer assembly
AssigneeAmerican Longwall Face Conveyors, Inc.
InventorsClarence L. Bandy, Jr., Gregory W. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A split sprocket and retainer assembly are provided for mounting on the drive shaft of a chain drive system, such as a conveyor drive system. The sprocket is split diametrically into two sections and includes a hub. Cross fixing bolts across the hub secure the two sprocket sections together on the drive shaft. A one-piece retaining ring is positioned over the sprocket hub in snug engagement, and overlying the bolts. The retaining ring absorbs the thrust force generated by the driving torque tending to radially separate the sprocket sections during operation of the drive system. A split outer retainer collar is mounted so as to abut the retaining ring and to secure it in position against axial shifting and backing off the hub.
Claims16
A split driving member and retainer assembly for mounting on a drive shaft of a rotary drive unit, comprising:
- a driving member including a hub and being split substantially diametrically into two sections;
- means for cross-fixing said sections together;
- means for connecting said hub of the driving member to said shaft;
- a one-piece retaining ring positioned over the end of said hub to join said sections when mounted on said shaft, said one-piece retaining ring absorbing thrust forces tending to radially separate said sections during operation of said drive unit, said one-piece retaining ring being operative to retain said cross-fixing means in a plane substantially transverse to the axis of said drive shaft;
- an outer retainer collar mounted on said shaft so as to axially abut said one-piece retaining ring to prevent said ring from shifting axially along said hub and said drive shaft;
- and
- releasable means for connecting said retainer collar to said shaft,
- whereby said split driving member is securely retained and connected to said shaft during operation, but easily removable for replacement.
A driving sprocket and retainer assembly for mounting on a drive shaft of a heavy duty rotary drive unit including a drive chain, for an armored face conveyor or the like, comprising:
- a driving sprocket including a hub and being split substantially diametrically into two sections;
- means for cross-fixing said sections together;
- means for connecting said hub of the driving sprocket to said shaft;
- a one-piece retaining ring positioned over the end of said hub to join said sections when mounted on said shaft, said one-piece retaining ring absorbing thrust forces tending to radially separate said sections during operation of said conveyor, said one-piece retaining ring being operative to retain said cross fixing means in a plane substantially transverse to the axis of said drive shaft;
- an outer retainer collar mounted on said shaft so as to axially abut said one-piece retaining ring to prevent said ring from shifting axially along said hub and said drive shaft;
- and
- releasable means for connecting said retainer collar to said shaft,
- whereby said split driving sprocket is securely retained and connected to said shaft during operation but easily removable for replacement.
A split driving ember and retainer assembly for mounting on a drive shaft of a rotary drive unit, comprising:
- a driving member including a hub and being split substantially diametrically into two sections;
- means for connecting said hub of the driving member to said shaft;
- a one-piece retaining ring positioned over the end of said hub to join said sections when mounted on said shaft, said one-piece retaining ring absorbing thrust forces tending to radially separate said sections during operation of said drive unit;
- an outer retainer collar mounted on said shaft so as to axially abut said one-piece retaining ring to prevent said ring from shifting axially along said hub and said drive shaft;
- said outer retainer collar being split substantially diametrically into two segments and releasable means for connecting said retainer collar to said shaft and including at least one cross bolt on each side of said collar,
- whereby, said split driving member is securely retained and connected to said shaft during operation, but easily removable for replacement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.