A sprocket and drive assembly that self-adapts to chain elongation

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of sprocket and driving assembly that are adapted to chain stretching, sprocket includes two opposite fixed plate, tooth structure, adjusting plate and mounting shaft, tooth structure includes tooth tip part, tooth body part connected with tooth tip part and the connecting shaft that passes through tooth body part, connecting shaft is fixedly connected with fixed plate, connecting shaft and tooth body part interference fit;Tooth tip part protrudes from the circumference of fixed plate, and a plurality of tooth structures are arranged in a circle along the circumference of fixed plate.Adjusting plate is located between two fixed plates, adjusting plate is located at the end of tooth body part away from tooth tip part, adjusting plate has protrusion, and the end portion of tooth body part of tooth structure position is smoothly contacted with protrusion.Installing shaft passes through two fixed plates and adjusting plate between fixed plate, adjusting plate is fixedly set relative to mounting shaft, and fixed plate can rotate around mounting shaft.Tooth body part is radially inclined relative to fixed plate, and the hardness of tooth structure is greater than the hardness of adjusting plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chain drive technology, and in particular to a sprocket and drive assembly that adapts to chain elongation. Background Technology

[0002] Chain drive is a transmission method that transmits the motion and power of a driving sprocket with a special tooth profile to a driven sprocket with a special tooth profile via a chain. It features accurate average transmission ratio, reliable operation, high efficiency, high power transmission, and strong overload capacity, and is widely used in industrial machinery, transportation vehicles, and automated equipment. During long-term operation, due to material fatigue and plastic deformation, dimensional changes caused by wear, corrosion, and oxidation, the chain gradually elongates. As the chain lengthens, the pitch (the distance between the centers of adjacent rollers) exceeds the allowable range of the sprocket's fixed tooth pitch, preventing precise meshing between the chain and sprocket teeth, leading to tooth skipping or chain derailment.

[0003] There are two common solutions in the industry to address the problem of chain elongation. One is to replace the entire sprocket and chain: although this can completely restore transmission accuracy, it is costly, especially in high-power or large equipment where maintenance costs are significant. The other is to add a tensioner: this compensates for chain elongation by adjusting the position of the tensioner, but it requires additional space for installation and regular manual adjustment, resulting in insufficient automation.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a sprocket that can adapt to chain elongation in order to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide an adaptive chain elongation sprocket and drive assembly. When the chain elongates, the sprocket adaptively unfolds, ultimately increasing the sprocket radius and circumference. This compensates for the chain elongation without requiring replacement of the sprocket and chain or additional manual adjustment of the tensioner, thus solving the problems of skipped teeth and chain slippage.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A sprocket that adapts to chain elongation, characterized in that it comprises:

[0008] Two fixing plates are arranged opposite each other.

[0009] The tooth structure includes a tooth tip, a tooth body connected to the tooth tip, and a connecting shaft penetrating the tooth body. The connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed plate, and the connecting shaft is interference-fitted with the tooth body. The tooth tip protrudes from the periphery of the fixed plate, and a plurality of the tooth structures are arranged in a circle around the periphery of the fixed plate.

[0010] An adjusting plate is located between the two fixed plates. The adjusting plate is located at the end of the tooth body that is away from the tooth tip. The adjusting plate has a protrusion that is in smooth contact with the end of the tooth body at the tooth removal position.

[0011] The mounting shaft passes through two fixed plates and an adjusting plate located between the fixed plates. The adjusting plate is fixedly set relative to the mounting shaft, and the fixed plates are rotatable around the mounting shaft.

[0012] The tooth body is radially inclined relative to the fixed plate, and the hardness of the tooth structure is greater than that of the adjusting plate.

[0013] Furthermore, the protrusion is an arc-shaped structure facing the end of the tooth body.

[0014] Furthermore, the adjusting plate includes a circular adjusting plate body and the protrusion, and the ends of the toothed parts are arc-shaped. In the initial state, the ends of each toothed part are joined together to form a circle.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the tooth structures includes a tooth tip with a convex tooth, the distance between the two sides of the convex tooth and the fixing plate gradually decreasing; adjacent tooth tips form tooth grooves.

[0016] Furthermore, each tooth tip of the tooth structure includes at least two protruding teeth, a first tooth groove is provided between the protruding teeth on the same tooth structure, and a second tooth groove is formed between the tooth tips of adjacent tooth structures. In the initial state, the first tooth groove and the second tooth groove have the same groove width and groove depth.

[0017] Furthermore, the central angle corresponding to the tooth body portion of the same tooth structure is 2-4 times the central angle corresponding to the tooth tip portion of the same tooth structure.

[0018] Furthermore, the adjusting plate is a copper plate.

[0019] A drive assembly, characterized in that it includes the aforementioned adaptive chain elongation sprocket, and further includes a drive wheel and an annular chain, wherein the annular chain is sleeved on the drive wheel and the sprocket, and the tooth body of the tooth structure is inclined in the same direction as the chain rotation direction.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model and its beneficial effects are as follows:

[0021] (1) In this invention, the tooth body is radially inclined relative to the fixed plate, and the protrusion of the adjusting plate makes smooth contact with the end of the tooth body at the tooth removal position. When the chain elongates due to long-term operation, causing the tooth tip at the tooth removal position to experience increased force, exceeding the interference fit friction between the connecting shaft and the tooth body, the tooth body can rotate around the connecting shaft, squeezing and rubbing the protrusion of the adjusting plate. Furthermore, because the hardness of the tooth structure is greater than that of the adjusting plate, the radial dimension of the protrusion of the adjusting plate gradually decreases, causing all tooth structures to rotate slightly around their own connecting shaft. Ultimately, the radius and circumference of the sprocket increase, eliminating the need to replace the sprocket and chain or manually adjust the tension wheel, thus compensating for the chain elongation and solving the problems of skipped teeth and chain derailment. At the same time, the connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed plate and has an interference fit with the tooth body, ensuring the stability of the tooth structure position in the initial state and after the radius increases due to adaptive chain elongation, enabling normal transmission of motion and power.

[0022] (2) The adjustment plate of this utility model is made of copper plate, which has good plasticity and wear resistance. When the tooth body squeezes and rubs the adjustment plate protrusion, the copper plate can gradually reduce the radial dimension of the protrusion through appropriate plastic deformation, which meets the requirements of sprocket radius compensation. In addition, the wear resistance of the copper plate can prevent the protrusion from wearing out too quickly and extend the service life of the adjustment plate.

[0023] (3) The central angle of the tooth body of the same tooth structure of this utility model is 2-4 times that of the central angle of the tooth tip. A reasonable central angle ratio can ensure that when the tooth body rotates around the connecting shaft, there is enough adjustment stroke to realize the compensation of the sprocket radius and circumference, which not only meets the structural strength requirements, but also does not affect the realization of the adaptive adjustment function. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of the adaptive chain elongation sprocket provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view (with hidden fixing plate) of the adaptive chain elongation sprocket provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the tooth structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state of the sprocket after the adaptive chain elongation provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model has spread out.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the drive structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model (the fixing plate of the sprocket that adapts to chain elongation is hidden).

[0030] Illustration:

[0031] Sprocket-100; Fixing plate-10; Tooth structure-20; Tooth tip-21; Protruding tooth-211; First tooth groove-212; Second tooth groove-213; Tooth body-22; Connecting shaft-23; Adjusting plate-30; Protrusion-31; Through hole-301; Mounting shaft-40;

[0032] Drive wheel -200;

[0033] Chain-300. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] See Figures 1 to 5 An adaptive chain elongation sprocket 100 includes two opposing fixed plates 10, a tooth structure 20, an adjusting plate 30, and a mounting shaft 40. The tooth structure 20 includes a tooth tip 21, a tooth body 22 connected to the tooth tip 21, and a connecting shaft 23 penetrating the tooth body. The connecting shaft 23 is fixedly connected to the fixed plates 10, and the connecting shaft 23 and the tooth body 22 are interference-fitted. The tooth tip 21 protrudes from the periphery of the fixed plate 10 and meshes with the chain during subsequent assembly. Several tooth structures are arranged in a circle around the circumference of the fixed plates. The adjusting plate 30 is located between the two fixed plates, at the end of the tooth body away from the tooth tip. The adjusting plate 30 has a protrusion 31 that smoothly contacts the end of the tooth body 22. The mounting shaft 40 passes through the two fixed plates 10 and the adjusting plate 30 located between the fixed plates 10. The adjusting plate 30 is fixed relative to the mounting shaft 40. The fixed plates 10 can rotate around the mounting shaft 40, thereby driving the gear structure 20 to rotate around the adjusting plate 30.

[0037] In this embodiment, the explanation will be based on the example where the tooth structure of the sprocket is tilted counterclockwise.

[0038] like Figure 2When in use, the sprocket 100 rotates counterclockwise in conjunction with the chain, and the tooth structure 20 tends to rotate around its mounting shaft 23. When the chain is tensioned, each tooth structure is subjected to relatively uniform tension from the chain, and the end of the tooth body makes smooth contact with the protrusion 31 of the adjusting plate. During long-term counterclockwise rotation, the chain gradually elongates, and the descending chain becomes detached. The force on the tooth tip at the detached position gradually increases, and the continuous strong pulling on the tooth tip gradually exceeds the frictional force of the interference fit between the connecting shaft and the tooth body. The tooth body rotates counterclockwise relative to the mounting shaft, causing the end of the tooth body to press and rub against the protrusion 31 of the adjusting plate. Since the hardness of the tooth body is greater than that of the adjusting plate, the distance between the protrusion 31 of the adjusting plate and the mounting shaft gradually decreases (under the pressing and friction action of the tooth body, the radial dimension of the protrusion of the adjusting plate gradually decreases, manifested as moderate plastic deformation or surface wear in the thickness direction of the adjusting plate). All the tooth structures of the sprocket rotate slightly counterclockwise around their connecting shaft, thereby increasing the radius and circumference of the sprocket. Figure 4 .

[0039] The tooth body 22 is radially inclined relative to the fixed plate 10, and the adjusting plate protrusion 31 makes smooth contact with the end of the tooth body at the de-tooth position. When the chain elongates due to long-term operation, causing the force on the tip of the de-tooth position to increase and exceed the friction force of the interference fit between the connecting shaft and the tooth body, the tooth body can rotate around the connecting shaft, squeezing and rubbing against the adjusting plate protrusion. Furthermore, because the tooth structure is harder than the adjusting plate, the radial dimension of the adjusting plate protrusion 31 gradually decreases, causing all tooth structures 20 to rotate slightly around their own connecting shaft. Ultimately, the sprocket radius and circumference increase, compensating for chain elongation and solving the problems of skipped teeth and chain derailment without replacing the sprocket and chain or manually adjusting the tensioner. Simultaneously, the connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed plate and has an interference fit with the tooth body, ensuring the stability of the tooth structure position in the initial state and after the radius increases due to adaptive chain elongation, allowing for normal transmission of motion and power.

[0040] In this embodiment, the adjusting plate 30 is made of copper, which has good plasticity and wear resistance. When the toothed part squeezes and rubs against the protrusion of the adjusting plate, the copper plate can gradually reduce the radial dimension of the protrusion through appropriate plastic deformation, meeting the requirements of sprocket radius compensation. Furthermore, the wear resistance of the copper plate can prevent the protrusion from wearing out too quickly, extending the service life of the adjusting plate. In addition, copper plates are relatively easy to process, making it easy to manufacture protrusion structures that meet the requirements, reducing production costs. At the same time, copper plates have good chemical stability, and their performance is not easily affected by corrosion during long-term use, making them suitable for various working environments.

[0041] In this embodiment, the protrusion 31 of the adjustment plate is an arc-shaped structure. The smooth transition of the arc-shaped structure can reduce the frictional resistance between the end of the tooth body and the protrusion, allowing the tooth body to rotate more smoothly while rubbing against the protrusion 31.

[0042] The adjusting plate 30 includes a circular adjusting plate body and a protrusion 31. The ends of the toothed parts are arc-shaped. In the initial state, the ends of each toothed part are joined together to form a circle. When the toothed parts rotate around the connecting shaft, the squeezing effect on the adjusting plate protrusion is more uniform in the circumferential direction, and the amplitude of the slight rotation of all toothed structures around their own connecting shaft tends to be consistent.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tip 21 of each tooth structure 20 includes a protruding tooth 211, the distance between the two sides of the protruding tooth 211 and the fixed plate gradually decreases, and the tips of adjacent tooth structures form tooth grooves. This ensures that after the tooth structure rotates around the connecting shaft, the tooth grooves of the sprocket increase synchronously and the groove width remains consistent, which can be adapted to the extended chain pitch.

[0044] In another embodiment, the tip of each tooth structure includes at least two protruding teeth 211. A first tooth groove 212 is provided between the protruding teeth on the same tooth structure, and the tips of adjacent tooth structures form a second tooth groove 213. The width and depth of the first tooth groove 212 and the second tooth groove 213 are the same. As the chain elongates and the sprocket spreads out, the width of the second tooth groove 213 gradually increases. Because its change is within a limited range, the original first tooth groove and the changed second tooth groove can also be used for the chain pitch. At the same time, since the first tooth groove and the second tooth groove are regularly arranged, a small deviation in the fit at a certain point will be corrected at the next node, thereby making the sprocket and the chain run smoothly as a whole. The tooth structure with only a single protruding tooth and the tooth structure with at least two protruding teeth have different tooth widths (different strengths). Therefore, during manufacturing, it is necessary to set the number of teeth according to the usage scenario to achieve a balance between strength and precision.

[0045] The central angle β corresponding to the tooth body 22 of the same tooth structure is 2-4 times the central angle α corresponding to the tooth tip 21 of the same tooth structure. This ensures that the tooth body has sufficient structural length and strength to better withstand the power transmitted by the chain and the load on the tooth tip, preventing the tooth body from breaking or deforming due to insufficient strength. Simultaneously, a reasonable central angle ratio ensures sufficient adjustment stroke when the tooth body rotates around the connecting shaft to compensate for the sprocket radius and circumference, meeting structural strength requirements without affecting the adaptive adjustment function. Preferably, β is three times α.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment provides a drive assembly, including a sprocket 100, a drive wheel 200, and an annular chain 300. The annular chain 300 is sleeved on the drive wheel 200 and the sprocket 100, and the tooth structure's tooth body inclination direction is the same as the chain's rotation direction. It utilizes the core advantage of the sprocket's "adaptive chain elongation" capability, and together with the drive wheel and annular chain, forms a complete chain drive system that can be directly applied to actual equipment without requiring additional components, reducing the difficulty of equipment assembly.

[0048] The foregoing description illustrates and describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the present invention through the foregoing teachings or related technical or knowledge. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sprocket that adapts to chain elongation, characterized in that, include: Two fixing plates are arranged opposite each other. The tooth structure includes a tooth tip, a tooth body connected to the tooth tip, and a connecting shaft penetrating the tooth body. The connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the fixed plate, and the connecting shaft is interference-fitted with the tooth body. The tooth tip protrudes from the periphery of the fixed plate, and a plurality of the tooth structures are arranged in a circle around the periphery of the fixed plate. An adjusting plate is located between the two fixed plates. The adjusting plate is located at the end of the tooth body that is away from the tooth tip. The adjusting plate has a protrusion that is in smooth contact with the end of the tooth body at the tooth removal position. The mounting shaft passes through two fixed plates and an adjusting plate located between the fixed plates. The adjusting plate is fixedly set relative to the mounting shaft, and the fixed plates are rotatable around the mounting shaft. The tooth body is radially inclined relative to the fixed plate, and the hardness of the tooth structure is greater than that of the adjusting plate.

2. The adaptive chain elongation sprocket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion is an arc-shaped structure facing the end of the tooth body.

3. The adaptive chain elongation sprocket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting plate includes a circular adjusting plate body and the protrusion. The ends of the toothed parts are arc-shaped. In the initial state, the ends of each toothed part are joined together to form a circle.

4. The adaptive chain elongation sprocket according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the tooth structures includes a tooth tip with a convex tooth, the distance from the two sides of the convex tooth to the fixing plate gradually decreasing; adjacent tooth tips form a tooth groove.

5. A sprocket for adaptive chain elongation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each tooth structure has at least two protruding teeth at its tip. A first tooth groove is provided between the protruding teeth on the same tooth structure. The tooth tips of adjacent tooth structures form a second tooth groove. In the initial state, the width and depth of the first tooth groove and the second tooth groove are the same.

6. A sprocket for adaptive chain elongation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central angle corresponding to the tooth body portion of the same tooth structure is 2-4 times the central angle corresponding to the tooth tip portion of the same tooth structure.

7. A sprocket for adaptive chain elongation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting plate is a copper plate.

8. A driving component, characterized in that, The sprocket for adaptive chain elongation as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is further comprising a drive wheel and an annular chain, wherein the annular chain is sleeved on the drive wheel and the sprocket, and the tooth body of the tooth structure is inclined in the same direction as the chain rotation direction.

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