Scrap detachable chain wheel with flange

Abstract

A sprocket with a side flange for a toothed belt system, such as for mobile applications such as bicycles, electric bicycles or electric bicycles, electric wheelchairs, scooters, and the like, has a bi-directional debris removal element that directs debris (e.g., soil, dust, water, and the like) laterally outward from the sprocket. The sprocket has at least one side flange that is discontinuous along its length. For some sprockets having flanges on each side, the flanges alternate between two sides; the alternating side flanges may be in a symmetric arrangement or an asymmetric arrangement.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 578,321, filed August 23, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to sprockets for use with toothed belt systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to flanged sprockets. Background Technology

[0004] In mobile applications (such as electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, and scooters), toothed belts that engage with sprockets for power transmission typically require some type of belt tracking mechanism to prevent belt-sprocket misalignment, which can adversely affect system performance. Typically, this belt tracking mechanism includes side flanges on the sprocket, oriented orthogonally to the belt teeth and the tooth-engaging protrusions on the sprocket. Such side flanges laterally restrain the belt. Another belt tracking mechanism is a center flange on the sprocket and a longitudinal cut along the belt's centerline. Such a center flange also laterally restrains the belt.

[0005] Sprockets can be manufactured using a variety of known methods and techniques. In one example, a sprocket is formed using injection molding and / or overmolding methods. In such methods, a mold is used to form the specific shape and size of the sprocket, including the tooth profile and flanges. Injection molding is cost-effective and can produce very precise tooth engagement profiles. However, sprockets with side flanges are often difficult to remove from the mold, especially those with side flange features on both lateral sides. Such sprockets require careful consideration of tooling design to achieve a manufacturable geometry without causing premature tool wear and / or damage.

[0006] Other methods for forming flanged sprockets are also possible, such as permanent molding / cladding casting, metal injection molding, powder metallurgy, and CNC machining. However, these techniques can be expensive, time-consuming, require secondary operations, and often necessitate additional assembly to obtain the finished part. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure relates to a sprocket with side flanges, the sprocket having shedding elements between adjacent engaging teeth, the sprocket being capable of being formed by die casting, injection molding and other techniques.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described below in the detailed description. The summary and the foregoing background are not intended to identify key or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, this summary is not intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] In some embodiments, a sprocket with side flanges is described, the sprocket comprising a plurality of equally spaced parallel rungs, each rung having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rung being located on a first side of the sprocket and the second end of the rung being located on a second side of the sprocket; a land between each pair of rungs, wherein a channel in the land extends from the first side to the second side; a discontinuous first circumferential flange on the first side; and a second circumferential flange on the second side. Each of the first flange and the second flange has a plurality of debris discharge holes passing through it, the debris discharge holes being located between each pair of rungs and adjacent to the channel.

[0010] In other embodiments, a sprocket is described comprising a plurality of equally spaced parallel protrusions extending from a first side of the sprocket to a second side, wherein toothed grooves exist between the protrusions; a first circumferential flange at the first side; and a second circumferential flange at the second side, wherein two adjacent protrusions, the toothed grooves between the two adjacent protrusions, the first side, and the second side define a volume. A first debris removal element is located at the first side, and a second debris removal element is located at the second side, the debris removal elements providing bidirectional lateral fluid communication from the volume to the outside of the sprocket. In some embodiments, there is no radially inward fluid communication or discharge from the volume.

[0011] The second flange on the second side can be continuous or discontinuous and is integrally formed with the rest of the sprocket (e.g., molded, cast). At least the second flange protrudes above the top of the post, typically at least 10 mm above the top of the post, and its geometry is optimized to laterally guide the engaged belt inward in order to reduce the occurrence of belt slippage events.

[0012] The sprocket may be part of a belt drive system that includes a belt (e.g., an annular belt) and the sprocket. Some belt drive systems have a first sprocket disposed on a crank and a second sprocket disposed on a driven shaft, wherein one or both of the sprockets have the features described herein.

[0013] These and other aspects of the technology described herein will become apparent upon consideration of the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the scope of the claimed subject matter should be determined by the granted claims, and not by whether the given subject matter solves any or all of the problems mentioned in the background art or whether it includes any features or aspects listed in the summary of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the sprocket.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Along the sprocket Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line 2-2.

[0016] Figure 3A for Figure 1 Side view of the sprocket; Figure 3B for Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the flange.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flange of the sprocket, showing the debris path.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an enlarged perspective view of the second embodiment of the sprocket.

[0019] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the sprocket; Figure 6B for Figure 6A A schematic diagram of a sprocket.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the sprocket; Figure 7B for Figure 7A A partial cross-sectional view of the sprocket.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the sprocket.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the sprocket. Detailed Implementation

[0023] As described above, this disclosure relates to a flanged sprocket for toothed belt systems, such as those for mobility applications (e.g., bicycles, e-bikes, e-cyclists, e-wheelchairs, scooters, etc.), the sprocket having a bidirectional debris removal element that guides debris (e.g., dirt, dust, water, etc.) outward from the sprocket side. The sprocket has at least one side flange, which is discontinuous along its length. For some sprockets with flanges on each side, the flanges alternate between the two sides; these alternating side flanges can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically. Other sprockets may have a discontinuous flange on one side and a continuous flange on the other side.

[0024] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description and illustrate at least one specific embodiment by way of example. Additional specific embodiments are provided in the following description. It should be understood that other embodiments may be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting. While this disclosure is not limited thereto, an understanding of various aspects of this disclosure will be obtained through the discussion of the examples provided below, including the accompanying drawings. In some cases, reference numerals may have associated sublabels consisting of lowercase letters to indicate one of a plurality of similar components. When reference numerals are used without sublabels, the reference is intended to refer to all such plurality of similar components.

[0025] Figures 1 to 4 Various features of the sprocket 100 are shown, such as those used in a mobile power system with a toothed belt (typically an "annular" belt). Figure 1 A sprocket 100 is shown, the sprocket having an annular body 102 with a width between a first side 104 and a second side 106 and having a plurality of parallel protrusions 110 surrounding the periphery or periphery of the body 102, each protrusion 110 having a first end 111 and a second end 112. The first end 111 of the protrusion 110 is located at the first side 104 of the body 102, and the second end 112 of the protrusion 110 is located at the second side 106 of the body 102, such that the protrusion 110 extends from the first side 104 to the second side 106. The protrusions 110 define the outer circumferential and radial edges of the sprocket 100.

[0026] The position, size, and shape of the protrusion 110 are configured to engage with the teeth on the toothed band, particularly between adjacent teeth. There are toothed grooves 118 between adjacent protrusions 110 (in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 (It is most clearly seen in the enlarged view), the groove is the groove between the side walls of adjacent protrusions 110.

[0027] The distance between adjacent protrusions 110, which is typically the length of the tooth groove 118 (the width of the tooth groove 118 measured from side 104 to side 106), is equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., slightly less, e.g., slightly greater) the pitch length of the belt that will engage with the sprocket (approximately the length of the teeth). The protrusions 110 are evenly spaced around the periphery of the sprocket 100. The distance between the protrusions 110 can be adjusted based on the sprocket diameter, the width of the protrusions 110 (measured orthogonally to the direction between the first end 111 and the second end 112), and the wrap angle of the belt around the sprocket 100.

[0028] The width of the sprocket 100 (from the first side 104 to the second side 106) is configured for the toothed belt and the belt system in which the sprocket will be mounted. The width of the sprocket is not less than the width of the belt, but may be greater than the width of the belt.

[0029] The sprocket 100 includes at least one side flange, in this example, a first side flange 114 on a first side 104 and a second side flange 116 on a second side 106. Each side flange 114, 116 is discontinuous around the circumferential and radial edges of the sprocket 100.

[0030] like Figure 2 As seen in the diagram, flange 116 is discontinuous; that is, a section of flange 116 extends between a pair of protrusions 110, but not between adjacent pairs of protrusions 110. Specifically, protrusions 110a and 110b are connected by a section 116a of flange 116. The next adjacent protrusion 110, shown as protrusion 110c, is not connected to protrusion 110b by flange 116. Instead, protrusion 110c is connected to the adjacent protrusion 110d by another section 116b of flange 116. In this way, flange 116 is discontinuous around the periphery of sprocket 100, but has gaps, voids, or spans between pairs of protrusions 110.

[0031] Back Figure 1 Either or both of the flanges 114 and 116 may have the same height as the post 110, or may be higher, for example, extending above the level of the post 110, for example, by at least about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the flanges 114 and 116 extend above the height of the belt that engages with the sprocket 100. In some embodiments, the flanges 114 and 116 may be less than the height of the post 110, for example, extending below the level of the post.

[0032] exist Figure 3AAs can be clearly seen, flanges 114 and 116 are discontinuous around the periphery of sprocket 100, and both have gaps, voids, or spans between pairs of protrusions 110. In this embodiment, the gaps, voids, etc., between the two flanges 114 and 116 alternate between sides 104 and 106; that is, if a first flange 114 exists between two protrusions 110, then a gap exists between these two protrusions 110 in the second flange 116, and vice versa. Figure 3B Only schematic diagrams of the protrusions 110 and flanges 114, 116 are shown, illustrating an alternating relative pattern.

[0033] In order to make the flanges 114 and 116 repeatedly alternate relative to each other around the circumferential edge of the sprocket 100, there is an even number of protrusions 110. For example, a sprocket 100 with forty protrusions 110 will have twenty flange 114 sections on the first side 104 and twenty flange 116 sections on the second side 106.

[0034] Flanges 114 and 116, during operation, facilitate belt alignment on sprocket 100 and inhibit lateral belt movement relative to sprocket 100. Flanges 114 and 116 can abut against the side edges of the belt according to the width of sprocket 100 from side 104 to side 106 and the width of the belt, thus improving engagement between sprocket 100 and belt and reducing belt slippage. In some designs, one or both of flanges 114 and 116 have a tapered portion with a bend point or bend area at or near tooth groove 118.

[0035] A pair of adjacent protrusions 110, and the toothed grooves 118 between these protrusions 110 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The toothed belt and flange 114 or flange 116 together form a volume that receives teeth from the toothed belt when the toothed belt engages with the sprocket 100 at this location. When the teeth engage the volume, a lateral passage to the volume is achieved via side 104 or side 106 (the side without a flange) opposite the flange. This lateral passage also provides the additional benefit of removing debris (e.g., dirt, dust, moisture, etc.) from the volume. In addition to the lateral passage formed due to the absence of a flange enclosing the volume, the sprocket 100 also includes a second lateral passage containing a debris removal element to facilitate the removal of debris from the volume.

[0036] In flanges 114 and 116, near the tooth groove 118, there are debris removal holes or passages passing through flanges 114 and 116, for example... Figure 1The bore 120 provides lateral fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 110 to the outside of the sprocket 100. On the other side where the flange is absent, there is also fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 110 to the outside of the sprocket 100, thus providing bidirectional, lateral debris discharge.

[0037] Similar to Figure 3B , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of protrusions (not shown) and flanges 114, 116 is shown, illustrating an alternating pattern, and a debris hole 120 is also shown, wherein (by arrow) a bidirectional lateral path for removing debris from the volume between the protrusions is shown.

[0038] In some designs, not every flange 114, 116 has a chip hole 120.

[0039] Go to Figure 5 Another sprocket 200 is shown, similar to sprocket 100 and having a body 202, a first side 204 and an opposing second side 206, having protrusions 210 extending from the first side 204 to the second side 206, and having a first flange 214 and a second flange 216, both flanges 214 and 216 being discontinuous. Gear slots 218 exist between the paired protrusions 210.

[0040] In flanges 214 and 216, near tooth groove 218, there are debris discharge holes or passages 220 passing through flanges 214 and 216, providing fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 210 to the outside of sprocket 200. On the opposite side where no flange is present, there is also fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 210 to the outside of sprocket 200. Figure 5 The arrows indicate the direction in which debris is discharged from the volume, specifically through the hole 220 in flange 216 in one direction and through the notch in flange 214 in another direction. This discharge of debris is lateral and bidirectional, exiting outward from sides 204, 206 of sprocket 200. No debris is discharged from sprocket 200 in a radially inward direction.

[0041] The toothed groove 218 may be relatively flat or may include a channel 219, for example, at the lowest part of the volume (e.g., in the region furthest from the top of the protrusion 210), to facilitate the collection of debris and the lateral discharge of debris through the hole 220 and the other side (the side without flanges). The channel 219 (if present) is present on at least one of the first side 204 and the second side 206 of the sprocket 200, and in some embodiments on the side opposite to the sides 204, 206 having flanges 214, 216; in some embodiments, the channel 219 may extend continuously from the first side 204 to the second side 206. The channel 219 does not provide radially inward fluid communication from the volume, but rather provides laterally outward fluid communication. When the toothed groove is present in the volume between the protrusions 210, the toothed groove typically does not occupy the entire volume between the protrusions 210, nor does it occupy the channel 219, thus allowing debris to exit the volume through the hole 220 and the other side. In some sprocket designs, a channel 219 may not exist in every tooth groove 218.

[0042] Figure 6A and 6B Another embodiment of a chip removal sprocket with alternating side flanges is shown.

[0043] Figure 6A A sprocket 300 is shown, for example, used in a mobile power system with a toothed belt. The sprocket 300 has an annular body 302 with a thickness between a first and a second side and a plurality of parallel protrusions 310 extending around the periphery of the body 302, each protrusion 310 extending from the first side to the second side. The position, size, and shape of the protrusions 310 are configured to engage with teeth on the toothed belt. Grooves exist between adjacent protrusions 310 (in... Figure 6A (Not shown in the figure). The main body 302 includes a center hole 305 for mounting the sprocket 300 to a shaft, axle, etc.

[0044] The sprocket 300 includes at least one side flange, in this example including a first side flange 314 on a first side and a second side flange 316 on a second side. Each side flange 314, 316 is discontinuous around the circumferential and radial edges of the sprocket 300.

[0045] A portion of flanges 314, 316 extends between at least one pair of protrusions 310. In some embodiments, flanges 314, 316 extend across and connect three or more protrusions 310. In this way, flanges 314, 316 are discontinuous around the periphery of sprocket 300, instead having gaps, voids, or spans between pairs of protrusions 310. Unlike the sprocket 100 in the previous figures (where each flange 114, 116 connects two protrusions 110 and the flanges 114, 116 are symmetrical), sprocket 300 connects at least two protrusions 310, and connects more than two protrusions 310 at some locations on sprocket 300. Such a flange pattern can be used for an even number or an odd number of protrusions 310 on sprocket 300. Figure 6B Only schematic diagrams of the protrusions 310 and flanges 314, 316 are shown, illustrating an alternating, opposite, asymmetrical pattern.

[0046] Figure 6B The outer section shown in the figure indicates ten protrusions 310. From left to right in the figure, the first four protrusions 310 are connected via a section of flange 314; the fourth, fifth and sixth protrusions 310 are connected via a section of flange 316; and the sixth to tenth protrusions 310 are connected via another section of flange 314.

[0047] A pair of adjacent protrusions 310, the toothed groove between these protrusions 310, and a flange 314 or flange 316 together form a volume that receives teeth from the toothed belt when the toothed belt engages with the sprocket 300. The sprocket 300 includes a debris removal element to facilitate the removal of debris from the volume.

[0048] Debris discharge holes or passages 320 are provided in flanges 314 and 316, providing fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 310 to the outside of the sprocket 300. For sections of the flange spanning more than two protrusions 310, there may be one hole 320 between each pair of protrusions 310, or one hole 320 may span multiple volumes formed by multiple pairs of protrusions 310. Fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 310 to the outside of the sprocket 300 is also provided on the opposite side where no flange is present. The holes in the flanges on the open side of the volume (the side of the volume without flanges) and on the other side of the volume allow debris to be discharged laterally and bidirectionally from the volume to both sides of the sprocket 300.

[0049] The previously described sprockets 100, 200, and 300 are hubless sprockets. In other words, sprockets 100, 200, and 300 are connected or secured to a crank assembly or motor shaft, for example, via multiple bolts passing through holes in bodies 102, 202, and 302. Alternatively, sprockets 100, 200, and 300 may be fastened to a hub. Two sprockets 100 and 200 contain five holes for receiving fasteners (e.g., bolts) passing through them. These hubless sprockets 100, 200, and 300 are typically formed by a single process (e.g., machining, molding, casting, etc.). Figure 7A and 7B This illustrates an alternative hub sprocket formed through a two-step process.

[0050] exist Figure 7A The image shows a sprocket 400 similar to sprocket 100, the sprocket 400 having a body 402 with sides 404, 406, peripheral protrusions 410, and symmetrical alternating flanges 414, 416. Debris discharge holes 420 are located in each flange 414, 416 to laterally discharge debris from between adjacent protrusions 410. In this sprocket 400, the inner surface 405 is formed by a previously formed core, insert, or hub 408 mating with the body 402, such as... Figure 7B As seen in the image. The body 402 can be formed on the hub 408 by overmolding, or the hub 408 can be formed simultaneously with or after the body 402. The hub 408 can be formed of metal (e.g., steel, powder metal) or polymer composite material, having sufficient application-specific strength and hardness to nominally transmit torque from the body 402 through the hub 408 to the inner surface 405. The inner surface 405 of the hub 408 can be, for example, three-lobed, six-lobed, nine-spline, ISO threaded, etc., and can be used, for example, to mount the sprocket 400 to various shafts or axles via bushings.

[0051] Figure 8 An embodiment of a chip-removing sprocket with at least one discontinuous side flange is shown. The sprocket 500 (e.g., for use in a mobile power system with a toothed belt) has an annular body 502 with a thickness between a first side 504 and a second side 506 and has a plurality of parallel protrusions 510 extending around the periphery of the body 502, wherein each protrusion 510 extends from the first side 504 to the second side 506. The position, size, and shape of the protrusions 510 are configured to engage with teeth on the toothed belt. Grooves exist between adjacent protrusions 510. Figure 8 (Not marked in the text).

[0052] The sprocket 500 includes at least one side flange, in this example including a first side flange 514 on a first side and a second side flange 516 on a second side. The side flange 514 is continuous around the circumferential and radial edges of the sprocket 500, while the side flange 516 is discontinuous. For the continuous flange 514, the flange 514 extends between and connects all the protrusions 510, while for the discontinuous flange 516, sections of the flange 516 extend between pairs of protrusions 510. In this particular embodiment, the continuous flange 514 has a greater height and extends further above the protrusions 510 compared to the discontinuous flange 516.

[0053] The sprocket 500 includes a debris removal element to facilitate the removal of debris from the volume formed by the protrusions 510 and flanges 514, 516.

[0054] Debris discharge holes or passages 520 are provided in flanges 514 and 516, providing fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 510 to the outside of the sprocket 500. Fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 510 to the outside of the sprocket 500 is also provided on the opposite side where no flange is present. Holes in the flanges on the open side of the volume (the flangeless side of the volume) and on the other side of the volume allow debris to be discharged laterally and bidirectionally from the volume to both sides of the sprocket 500.

[0055] Because flange 514 is continuous, unlike the discontinuous flange 516, flange 514 has larger debris discharge holes 520a for those volumes defined by flange 516, and smaller debris discharge holes 520b for those volumes that are open at side 506 (i.e., without flange 516). Of course, other designs are possible and suitable.

[0056] Figure 9 Another sprocket, sprocket 600, is shown. Similar to the other sprockets discussed above, sprocket 600 has an annular body 602 with a width between a first side 604 and a second side 606, and has a plurality of parallel protrusions 610 surrounding the periphery of the body 602, each protrusion 610 having a first end 611 and a second end 612. Sprocket 600 includes a first side flange 614 on the first side 604 and a second side flange 616 on the second side 606. Each side flange 614, 616 is discontinuous around the circumferential and radial edges of sprocket 600.

[0057] A pair of adjacent protrusions 610 and flanges 614 or 616 together form a volume that receives teeth from the toothed belt when it engages with the sprocket 600 at this location. Lateral access to this volume is achieved via a side 604 or 606 opposite the flange (the side without a flange) and additionally via a debris discharge hole or passage 620 passing through flanges 614, 616. The hole 620 and the flangeless design provide bidirectional lateral fluid communication from the volume between the protrusions 610 to the outside of the sprocket 600. Furthermore, in this design, radially inward fluid communication from the volume is also provided by, for example, chamfered toothed grooves between the protrusions 610 and the hole 620 surrounding flanges 614, 616 and having a radially inward portion.

[0058] The sprockets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and their variations described herein can generally be manufactured using any known and suitable technology. For example, sprockets can be manufactured by machining, molding (e.g., injection molding), die casting or 3D printing.

[0059] Examples of suitable materials for sprockets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and their variations include thermoplastic and / or thermosetting polymers (e.g., polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethylene, polyphthalamide), fiber-reinforced polymers; metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, nickel, iron, aluminum, alloys); and composite materials. Sprockets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and their variations can be formed by molding, casting, 3D printing or other methods.

[0060] Therefore, at least one specific example of a sprocket is described herein, the sprocket having at least one discontinuous flange in which a debris removal element is present.

[0061] The foregoing description and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be considered limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments can be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. For example, Figure 1 , 8 The embodiment shown in Figure 9 has five holes for engaging sprockets 100, 500, and 600 with a crank assembly or motor shaft; other numbers of holes may be used, such as three (3), four (4), six (6), etc. As another example, Figure 1 The embodiments have relatively alternating flanges 114, 116, each flange segment spanning two protrusions 110; other numbers of protrusions may also span in a relatively alternating manner. Furthermore, Figure 6A and 6BThe embodiments have a specific, relatively asymmetrical flange configuration; other configurations may be used. Furthermore, as a variation, any sprocket may include a pair of protrusions without a flange between them; conversely, the volume between the protrusions is unrestricted in the lateral direction. As another example, any of sprockets 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and their variations may include reinforcing ribs, for example, to increase the stiffness of the flanges or the sprocket as a whole.

[0062] Furthermore, elements or features of one example, embodiment, or implementation may be applied to any other example, embodiment, or implementation described herein without conflict. Therefore, the detailed description above should not be considered limiting.

[0063] While this disclosure is not limited thereto, an understanding of various aspects of this disclosure will be gained through the discussion of the provided examples.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified, all figures representing characteristic dimensions, quantities, and physical properties should be understood to be modified by the term "approximately," whether or not the term "approximately" is directly present. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the numerical parameters described are approximations that can vary according to the desired properties sought by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0065] As used herein, the singular form “a” and “described” cover embodiments having plural referents, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in its meaning including “and / or”, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein.

[0066] The spatial relative terms used herein (including, but not limited to, “bottom,” “lower,” “top,” “upper,” “below,” “below,” “above,” “on top of,” “on top of,” etc.) are used to facilitate the description of the spatial relationship between one or more elements and another element. In addition to the specific orientations depicted in the figures and described herein, such spatial relative terms also encompass different orientations of the apparatus. For example, if the structure depicted in the figures is flipped or inverted, portions previously described as being below or beneath other elements will be above or on top of those other elements.

Claims

1. A sprocket, comprising: Multiple protrusions, each protrusion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the protrusion being located on a first side of the sprocket and the second end of the protrusion being located on a second side of the sprocket; The toothed groove between each pair of protrusions; The discontinuous first circumferential flange on the first side, and The second circumferential flange on the second side Each of the first flange and the second flange has a plurality of debris discharge holes passing through it, the debris discharge holes being located between each pair of protrusions.

2. The sprocket of claim 1, further comprising a channel in the tooth groove present on at least one of the first side and the second side, wherein the debris removal hole is located near the channel.

3. The sprocket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second flange is continuous.

4. The sprocket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second flange is discontinuous.

5. The sprocket according to claim 4, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are symmetrically discontinuous.

6. The sprocket according to claim 4, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are asymmetrically and relatively discontinuous.

7. The sprocket according to claim 1, wherein, The first flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment extending between a pair of protrusions.

8. The sprocket according to claim 7, wherein, The second flange is discontinuous and includes multiple flange segments, each flange segment extending between a pair of protrusions, wherein the first flange and the second flange are alternately opposite each other.

9. The sprocket according to claim 8, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are symmetrically alternately opposite each other.

10. The sprocket according to claim 1, wherein: The first flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment of the first flange extending between a plurality of pairs of protrusions; The second flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment extending between a plurality of pairs of protrusions, and The first flange and the second flange are asymmetrically alternately opposite each other.

11. The sprocket according to claim 2, wherein, The channel in the tooth groove extends from the first side to the second side.

12. A sprocket, comprising: A plurality of protrusions extending from a first side of the sprocket to a second side of the sprocket, wherein there are tooth grooves between the protrusions; The first circumferential flange at the first side; The second circumferential flange on the second side; The volume defined by two adjacent protrusions, the groove between the two adjacent protrusions, the first side, and the second side, and A first debris removal element at a first side of the volume and a second debris removal element at a second side of the volume, the first debris removal element and the second debris removal element providing bidirectional lateral fluid communication from the volume to the outside of the sprocket, wherein there is no radially inward fluid communication from the volume to the outside of the sprocket.

13. The sprocket according to claim 12, wherein, The first circumferential flange has a gap such that the volume is defined by two adjacent protrusions, a groove between the two adjacent protrusions, a gap on the first side, and a flange on the second side, the flange on the second side having a through hole therethrough, the hole providing the second debris removal element, and the gap on the first side providing the first debris removal element.

14. The sprocket of claim 12, wherein the tooth groove further comprises a lateral channel extending from the first chip removal element to the second chip removal element.

15. A drive system, comprising: A belt having a plurality of longitudinally spaced teeth; as well as A sprocket, the sprocket including a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the protrusion being located on a first side of the sprocket and the second end of the protrusion being located on a second side of the sprocket; The toothed groove between each pair of protrusions; The discontinuous first circumferential flange on the first side, and The second circumferential flange on the second side Each of the first flange and the second flange has a plurality of debris discharge holes passing through it, the debris discharge holes being located between each pair of protrusions.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a channel extending from at least one of the first side and the second side in the tooth groove, wherein the debris removal hole is located near the channel.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The second flange is discontinuous.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are symmetrically discontinuous.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are asymmetrically and relatively discontinuous.

20. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The first flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment extending between a pair of protrusions.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The second flange is discontinuous and includes multiple flange segments, each of which extends between a pair of protrusions, wherein the first flange and the second flange are alternately opposite each other.

22. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The first flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment extending between a plurality of pairs of protrusions; and The second flange includes a plurality of flange segments, each flange segment extending between a plurality of pairs of protrusions.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The first flange and the second flange are asymmetrically alternately opposite each other.

24. A drive system, comprising: A belt having a plurality of longitudinally spaced teeth; A first sprocket disposed on a crank includes a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the protrusion being located on a first side of the sprocket and the second end of the protrusion being located on a second side of the sprocket; a discontinuous first circumferential flange on the first side and a second circumferential flange on the second side, each of the first flange and the second flange having a plurality of debris discharge holes passing through it, the debris discharge holes being located between each pair of protrusions; as well as The second sprocket is mounted on the driven shaft.

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