AXIALLY-ENGAGED, ABRASION-RESISTANT SPLIT SPROCKET ASSEMBLY

摘要

Split sprocket wheels having interlocking tabs for forming a sprocket wheel assembly that is easy to install on and remove from a drive or idler shaft of a belt or chain conveyor. The invention provides thin, durable sprocket wheels split into at least two sectorial sections along seams extending from a central bore to an outer engagement surface. Mating tabs and receptacles at the edges of adjacent sectorial sections interlock the adjace nt sections radially and circumferentially. Holes in the vicinity of the mating tabs and receptacles of adjacent interlocked sections admit locking means for holding the sectorial sections together in axial compression. The sprocket wheels can be ganged together at selected position s along a shaft with their bores in coaxial alignment by means of spacers interconnecting consecutive sprocket wheels along the shaft. Sprocket wheels can be disengaged for removal from t he shaft by loosening the locking means and sliding one section axially with respect to the other section by a distance as little as the thickness of the thin sprocket wheel. Then each section can be removed from the shaft without the need for dismounting the shaft from the conveyor system.