Pocket sprocket for diagonally running link chain

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pocket sprocket (1) for driving and / or changing the direction of a diagonally running link chain, particularly a round steel chain. The pocket sprocket (1) comprises a grooved chain receiving section (12) having two rows (14) of pockets (16) that extend circumferentially (4) and are offset from each other in the circumferential direction. Each pocket (16) is capable of accommodating one chain link of a link chain. Two circumferentially adjacent pockets in one row (14) are separated from each other by a single tooth (18). To fix the link chain in place and create planar support for the chain links, the present invention provides a groove-shaped recess (24) at the bottom of each pocket, the recess being designed to complement an outer contour extending from one bow of one chain link to the other bow of the same chain link. Thus the recess (24) forms a support for the chain link into which the chain link can be fitted. The recess (24) stabilizes the position of the round steel chain while it is in motion. At the same time, the planar support reduces noise during operation. Finally, the bed (24) formed by the recess for the chain link prevents the chain link from riding up, thereby preventing tooth skipping that may occur as the link chain travels over the pocket sprocket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pocket sprocket for a link chain that runs obliquely, such as a round steel chain or a profile steel chain. In an obliquely running link chain, the chain links are not alternately positioned in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane, but all the chain links are inclined with respect to the vertical plane and the horizontal plane or are obliquely aligned. Regarding the pocket sprocket, this means that the chain links of the link chain are not alternately positioned parallel and perpendicular, but are inclined at an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The chain links can be aligned at an angle of about 30° to 60° with respect to this plane.

Background Art

[0002] Pocket sprockets for inclined round steel chains are shown, for example, in DE4420344 and DE102011055204.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to improve the service life and operating reliability of the pocket sprocket for an obliquely running link chain, particularly a round steel chain, described therein.

[0004] According to the present invention, this object is solved by a pocket sprocket for driving and / or changing the direction of an obliquely running link chain, such as a round steel chain or a profile steel chain, having a circumferentially extending grooved chain receiver with two rows of pockets extending in the circumferential direction, each pocket being capable of accommodating one chain link of the round steel chain, two pockets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in one row being separated from each other by one tooth, and one tooth in one row extending beyond the axial center plane of the chain receiver in the direction of one pocket in the other row.

[0005] Link chains preferably have predetermined dimensions, particularly standardized dimensions. Examples of standardized round steel chains can be found in DIN-EN818.

[0006] This design has the advantage that the chain cannot slip off or jump out of individual pockets. In this way, the chain can be held more securely. The axial center plane extends perpendicular to the axial direction along the centerline of the chain holder. The above solutions can be further improved by the following features, each of which is advantageous independently and can be combined with each other as needed.

[0007] In a favorable design, for example, a groove-like recess may exist at the bottom of one pocket, and this recess extends circumferentially along its longitudinal extension. The chain link is prevented from slipping by the recess, thus reducing wear. In particular, improved guidance in the bow region prevents the chain link from lifting up within the pocket, thereby avoiding malfunctions.

[0008] The recess or its inner contour can be designed to complement a portion of the outer contour of the chain link, extending from one bow of one chain link to the other bow of the same chain link. The design of the recess being at least partially complementary to the outer contour of the chain link allows the chain link to fit at least partially into the recess. This reduces noise and wear during operation.

[0009] The recess can be designed to accommodate at least one, preferably both, bows of the link chain. In particular, in the area of ​​these bows, i.e., where forces are primarily transmitted between the chain and the pocket sprocket, the improved guidance in this way prevents the chain links from lifting up in the pocket, which helps to avoid malfunctions.

[0010] The bottom of one pocket can extend tangentially or radially in a straight line parallel to the circumferential direction, so as not to curve circumferentially. This facilitates alignment and sliding of the chain links into the recesses as the link chain rides onto the pocket sprocket. The bottom can be curved axially.

[0011] In further embodiments, at least one bow, preferably both bows, of a chain link can be placed planarly within a recess or housed within a recess. This makes it possible to provide planar support, particularly in the circumferential direction of the chain sprocket, i.e., in the direction in which tension acts on the link chain.

[0012] In advantageous embodiments, the depth of the recess is less than the material thickness of a single chain link, and therefore a single chain link only slightly penetrates the recess. The depth of the recess may be, for example, less than one-quarter of the wire diameter of a single chain link. To ensure minimal guidance, it is preferable that the depth of the recess is greater than one-tenth of the wire diameter of a single chain link.

[0013] The pockets in the two rows are offset from each other in the circumferential direction by, for example, the pitch of the link chain. Apart from this offset, the two rows can be designed as mirror images of each other. It is preferable that all the pockets in one row be designed identically. This makes it possible to provide the same conditions for each chain link.

[0014] One tooth in one row can be positioned circumferentially in the center between two adjacent teeth in the other row. The teeth in one row may be offset from the teeth in the other row by the pitch of the link chain. This design is useful for link chains with identically designed chain links.

[0015] In a further advantageous design, the end of the tooth facing the other row may be thickened in the circumferential direction. Such a thickened portion stabilizes the tooth and prevents tooth breakage. At the same time, such a thickened portion fits well with the transition between consecutive chain links. In particular, the thickened portion can be T-shaped, resulting from two extensions of the tooth extending in opposing directions in the circumferential direction. The extensions can transition smoothly at their base to the bottom of the pocket adjacent to the extension, thereby increasing stability. The base of one tooth and / or its extension can be expanded radially inward.

[0016] If the recess extends circumferentially from one tooth in a row adjacent to one pocket in that row to the other tooth in that row adjacent to that pocket, then the largest possible area for supporting the chain link within the pocket is also secured. In such a design, the teeth can also absorb circumferential forces from the chain link or chain.

[0017] In a further design, the recess of one pocket in one row may extend along the tooth surface of one tooth in that row, which is adjacent to the pocket and whose tooth surface is circumferentially oriented. In this way, the tooth can support a portion of the outer contour of the chain. It is even more advantageous if the recess extends along the opposing tooth surfaces of two teeth that circumferentially restrict one pocket. This allows both teeth to absorb forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the chain. In this design, the pocket sprocket can withstand loads in both rotational directions. The tooth surface described herein also includes the tooth root, i.e., the transition between the bottom of the pocket and the tooth.

[0018] Further designs may specify that the recess is interrupted by a groove extending laterally and / or radially relative to the recess, particularly at the circumferential center between two teeth of the same row that are spaced apart circumferentially. A groove is also formed at the bottom of one pocket. Such a groove can accommodate lubricant, wear particles, and / or weld beads of one chain link. Preferably, the bottom of the groove is deeper than the bottom of the recess.

[0019] Good stabilization of the chain link in an inclined position can be achieved when the recess or its longitudinal direction is inclined axially and radially in the region of one tooth adjacent to the recess in the circumferential direction, for example, on the tooth surface facing circumferentially. This inclination can be 45°, for example, when the chain link of the link chain on the side beyond the pocket sprocket is inclined 45° with respect to the vertical or horizontal direction. In this recess design, the inclined position of the link chain is better fixed by the inclination of the recess. Needless to say, other angular positions can also be stabilized by other inclinations of the cam portion. Therefore, the inclination can be 30° to 60°.

[0020] In one design, the recess may have a straight section to which two curved or cam sections are connected.

[0021] In the straight section, the recess extends in a straight line. Preferably, the straight section is located at the bottom of one pocket. Preferably, the leg of one chain link can be placed and accommodated in a planar manner in the straight section of the recess. In the straight section, preferably, the recess or its longitudinal extension extends in a straight line in the radial direction parallel to the tangential or circumferential direction. In the straight section, the inner contour of the recess can form a cylindrical surface. The straight section can be positioned in the center between two teeth in the circumferential direction.

[0022] In the cam portion, the recess extends in a curved manner, for example, along a circular arc. The cam portion is designed to contact and receive the bow of one chain link in a planar manner. The cam portion can be located at the transition from the bottom of one pocket to a tooth that circumferentially restricts this pocket, or at the base of this tooth. In particular, each tooth surface of the tooth that circumferentially restricts one pocket may be provided with a curved portion. The tooth surface of one tooth may have a three-dimensional curve in one direction that extends parallel to the three-dimensional curve of the cam portion.

[0023] The cam portion may extend along the arc of a circle in its longitudinal extension, and the plane of the circle extends at an angle, particularly 45°, with respect to the axial and / or radial planes. This plane coincides with the plane in which the chain link housed in the recess is aligned within the pocket.

[0024] The recess may have an arc-shaped cross-section in the direction lateral to its longitudinal extension. The radius of this arc preferably corresponds to at least half the material thickness of a single chain link, or half its wire diameter. This correspondence includes a radius slightly larger than half the wire diameter of a single chain link, but preferably 20% or less. This ensures that a single chain link fits securely into the recess.

[0025] The chain receiving portion of the pocket sprocket can be bounded by one side in the axial direction, preferably on both sides, especially by one side wall that continues circumferentially. Each pocket can be bounded by one side wall only on one side in the axial direction. The side wall can form the axial end face of the pocket sprocket. The side wall may project beyond the teeth, i.e., may extend radially further outward than the teeth. One tooth may be materially connected to one side wall or may transition to the side wall and extend from this side wall to the opposite side wall. However, there should be a gap at least corresponding to the material thickness of one chain link or the wire diameter between the tooth and the opposite side wall. Preferably, the teeth can have a curved inclined surface outward in the radial direction so that a chain link can be easily inserted into one pocket.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, one tooth of one row may continue as a protrusion outward in the radial direction at the side wall closest to this row, and this protrusion projects less from the side wall than the tooth in the axial direction towards the other row. On the one hand, the teeth are stabilized by this means. On the other hand, this improves the guidance of the link chain when entering and leaving the pocket sprocket.

[0027] Another means for preventing tooth breakage may be that the teeth and / or the protrusions have a base that expands axially and radially towards the sprocket. In particular, the base may transition seamlessly and smoothly to one side wall and / or the bottom of one pocket. The transition portion may be, for example, curved or linear.

[0028] Finally, it is advantageous if the pocket sprocket is designed as an integral unit, i.e., a monolithic body or a single injection molded body, which results in a reduction in manufacturing costs and an improvement in stability.

[0029] The present invention may also relate to a configuration including a link chain, particularly a round steel chain, and a pocket sprocket designed for this link chain.

[0030] Hereinafter, the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings based on possible embodiments. According to the above description, if the technical effect is unnecessary for a specific application, the features of the embodiments described below may be omitted. Conversely, if the technical features of this feature are required for a specific application, the above-described features may be added to the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of structure and / or function. In different embodiments, substantially, the differences between the embodiments are discussed.

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a pocket sprocket. [Figure 2] It is a schematic top view in the radial direction of the pocket sprocket of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pocket sprocket of FIG. 2 in the line-of-sight direction III-III of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pocket sprocket with an inclined link chain. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view of a link chain using an example of a round steel chain. [Figure 6] It is a schematic top view in the radial direction of another pocket sprocket. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pocket sprocket of FIG. 6 in the line-of-sight direction VII-VII of FIG. 6.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] The pocket sprocket according to the present invention works for changing the direction and / or driving a link chain, in particular a round steel chain 100 schematically shown in Figure 5. The round steel chain 100 consists of chain links 102 that are connected to one another and arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The chain links 102 of the round steel chain 100 are made from a circular material, such as steel wire. The steel wire is bent and welded to one another at its ends. However, instead of a round steel chain, a link chain in the form of a profiled steel chain, such as a link chain having a D-shaped wire profile, can also be used. Below, the round steel chain will be described as a representative example of other forms of link chains.

[0034] For example, one chain link 102 of a round steel chain 100, as described in DIN-EN818, has two parallel, spaced-apart linear legs 104 extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and these legs 104 are connected to each other at their ends located along the longitudinal direction of the chain by a substantially circular bow 106. The legs 104 and bow 106 surround an opening 108, through which two adjacent chain links extend. One chain link 102 is located in the plane defined by the opening 108. Chain links 102 continuous in the longitudinal direction of the chain are inclined at an angle of about 90° to each other, and therefore their planes are perpendicular to each other.

[0035] Figure 4 schematically shows how an inclined round steel chain 100 travels on a pocket sprocket 1. The pocket sprocket 1 is rotatable, for example, around an axis 2. The round steel chain 100 travels inclined because the plane of the chain link 102 is inclined with respect to the axial and radial directions, particularly at angles of 30° to 60°, and especially at an angle of 45°.

[0036] The pocket sprocket 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figures 1 to 3, the round steel chain is omitted in order to clarify the structure of the pocket sprocket 1.

[0037] During operation, the pocket sprocket is rotatable around axis 2, for example, in the circumferential direction 4 relative to the machine frame. The radial direction 6 extends perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0038] The pocket sprocket may have one or two axle stubs 8 and / or a central opening 10. The stub axles 8 may act to support the pocket sprocket. The axle or shaft may be housed within the central opening 10.

[0039] The pocket sprocket 1 has a chain receiving portion 12, which runs in the circumferential direction 4 and is designed in a groove shape. Thus, the chain receiving portion 12 forms a recess into which a round steel chain can be accommodated. The chain receiving portion has two rows 14 of pockets 16 arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction 4. Each pocket 16 can accommodate one chain link of a round steel chain. Two pockets 16 in one row 14 that are adjacent or continuous in the circumferential direction 4, for example, pockets 16a and 16b in Figure 2, are separated from each other by a tooth 18. During operation, the tooth 18 protrudes at its end facing the other row into an opening 108 between two chain links 102 that pass through the opening 108. The two chain links separated by the tooth 18 are accommodated in the pocket 16 of the row in which the tooth 18 is located.

[0040] A groove-like or channel-like recess 24 is present at the bottom 22 of each pocket 16, and this recess 24 forms a bed or support for the chain links housed within each pocket 16. The recess 24 extends along the circumferential direction.

[0041] The recess 24 or the inner contour of the recess 24 can be designed to be complementary to the outer contour of a single chain link. This complementary design allows the recess 24 to secure the chain link housed within it in place. By designing the recess 24 to be complementary to at least a portion of the outer contour of a single chain link, the chain link can be made to fit tightly into or into the recess 24, thereby ensuring that the chain link is mounted planarly. If the portion of the outer contour extends from a certain point on one bow of the chain link to a certain point on the other bow of the chain link, the pocket sprocket 1 can absorb circumferential loads 4 more effectively.

[0042] The remaining area of ​​pocket 16 serves to guide the chain link into and out of recess 24.

[0043] The recess 24 may have, for example, a straight section 26 extending in the circumferential direction 4. During the operation of the sprocket 1, the straight section 26 accommodates one leg of a chain link. The straight section 26 may extend linearly in the tangential direction of the pocket sprocket 1. One or both ends of the straight section 26, located in the circumferential direction 4, may be connected to a cam section or a curved section 28 of the recess 24, which is designed to accommodate the bow of a chain link. At least a portion of the curved section 28 may extend along the tooth surface and / or root 30 of a tooth 18 that restricts the pocket 16 in the circumferential direction.

[0044] The recess 24 or its cross-section has a radius 34 in the direction laterally to its longitudinal extension 32 that is the same as, or preferably slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than, the wire diameter 36 of a single chain link. The depth 38 of the groove forming the recess 24 relative to the bottom 22 is preferably less than one-eighth of the diameter 36 and preferably greater than one-tenth of the diameter 36. Thus, the recess 24 has an arc-shaped cross-section in the direction laterally to the longitudinal extension 32.

[0045] The cam portion 28 is designed to follow the longitudinal extension 32 of the recess 24 in the shape of the bow 106, that is, like the bow 10, it is curved, for example, in an arc. In this design, the circle defined by the arc of the cam portion 24 defines a plane inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 2. The inclination angle 44 corresponds to the angle that the plane of the chain link should take when traveling on the pocket sprocket 1. Typically, this angle is between 30° and 60°, particularly 45°.

[0046] The recess 24 may be interrupted by a groove 46 that extends laterally to the longitudinal extension 32 of the recess 24. The groove 46 may be located in the center between two teeth 18 that restrict one pocket 26 in the circumferential direction. The bottom of the groove 46 is located deeper than the bottom 22 of the pocket 26 in which the groove 22 is located. The groove 46 may also have an arc-shaped cross-section.

[0047] The groove 46 preferably extends laterally to the recess 24 on both sides beyond the recess 24. The groove 46 may extend to the tooth surface of a tooth 18 of the other row 14, the tooth 18 protruding toward the pocket 26 where the groove 46 is located, and the tooth surface facing axially. The groove 46 may extend radially outward along the tooth surface 6. Alternatively or in addition to this, the groove 46 may extend radially outward along one side wall 50 that axially borders the pocket 26 where the groove 46 is located 2. In particular, the groove 46 can extend from one tooth 18 of the other row 14 to the side wall 50. The groove 46 preferably extends linearly with respect to the axial direction.

[0048] The chain receiving portion 12 may be bounded on both sides in the axial direction 2 by two parallel side walls 50.

[0049] The side walls 50 may protrude radially 6 beyond the teeth 18. Each tooth 18 is connected to the bottom 22 and one of the side walls 50. Between one tooth 18 and the side wall 50 opposite to this tooth 18, there exists a gap in the axial direction that is at least the same width as the wire diameter of the round steel chain 100.

[0050] One tooth 18 may extend radially 6 outward along one side wall 50 in the shape of a projection 52. The projection 52 protrudes less in the axial direction 2 toward the opposing side wall than the lower tooth 18. The projection 52 guides the chain link 102 into each pocket before reaching the bottom 22 or one tooth 18 when traveling quickly on the pocket sprocket 1. Here again, to achieve the lowest possible wear and noise levels, it is preferable that the inner contour of one pocket 26 is designed to be complementary to the outer contour of one chain link 102 on the side formed by one side wall 50.

[0051] The base 54 of one tooth 18 can be extended as smoothly as possible inward in the radial direction 6 and toward the nearest side wall 50 in the axial direction 2. The base 56 of one projection 52 can also be extended as smoothly as possible toward the nearest side wall. Such smooth extension is possible, for example, by a transition radius or curvature.

[0052] As can be seen in the cross-sectional view III-III of Figure 3 along the central plane 58 of the chain receiving portion 12, one tooth 18 of one row 14 extends beyond the central plane 58 to the other row 14, or into the pocket 16 of the other row 14 facing that tooth 18. One tooth 18 may be circumferentially thickened at its end 22 facing the other row 14. For example, the material thickness of the tooth 18, measured circumferentially 4, starting from the base 54 of the tooth 18 on one side wall 50, may first decrease toward the opposing side wall 50 and then increase again. The region of the tooth 18 with the thinnest material thickness may be located approximately in the center of its extension in the axial direction 2.

[0053] The thickened portion 60 can be created, for example, by two extending portions 62 that extend in opposing directions in the circumferential direction 4. Thus, the end portion 22 of one tooth 18 has a substantially T-shaped cross-section in the radial direction 6, for example, in the tangential plane to the circumferential direction.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the two rows 14 of the chain receiving section 12 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction 4 by the pitch of the round steel chain 100. This means that each tooth 18 of one row 14 is located centered between two teeth 18 of the other row. In such a design, the groove 46 of one pocket 26 of one row can extend radially outward along the teeth 18 of the other row that protrude into this pocket.

[0055] The pocket sprocket 1 is preferably manufactured by machining and designed as a single unit, i.e., made in a monolithic form. The pocket sprocket 1 can be manufactured directly by a primary forming process, such as casting, or a molding process, such as forging. Alternatively or in addition to this, machining may be performed, for example, after the primary forming process or molding process, to give the pocket sprocket 1 an operational shape. The pocket sprocket 1 may be made from composite materials, plastic materials, and / or metallic materials.

[0056] As described above, pocket sprockets are preferably designed for round steel chains, but chains with other wire cross-sections, such as profile steel chains with at least partially polygonal or non-circular cross-sections, can also be used. Chains with link shapes different from those of round steel chains can also be used. In this case, the shapes of the pockets 16, recesses 24, and / or teeth 18 only need to be adapted to the geometry of the chain links in each individual case.

[0057] Figures 6 and 7 show further embodiments of the pocket sprocket 1. This pocket sprocket 1 does not have a recess 24 and is therefore somewhat easier to manufacture.

[0058] The bottom 22 of each pocket 16 is flat and transitions with a radius 110 to the side wall 50 and the partition wall 112 between pockets 16 of different rows 14. The radius 110 is in the range of about ±50%, preferably about ±20%, of the radius of the wire of the round steel chain in which the pocket sprocket 1 is intended to be used.

[0059] Similar to the embodiments described above, the teeth 18 protrude beyond the central surface 58 and therefore extend into adjacent pockets 16 in the axial direction 2.

[0060] In the embodiments described below, the partition wall 112, which may also be present in the previously described embodiments, preferably extends seamlessly between two adjacent pockets 16 in the axial direction 2, and protrudes radially outward beyond the bottom 22. One partition wall 112 can extend from one end 20 of a tooth 18 on one side of the central surface 58 to the end 20 of an adjacent tooth 18 in the circumferential direction 4 on the other side of the central surface 58. The partition wall separates pockets 16 that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The partition wall 112 is concave in the radial direction 6 and therefore extends radially inward from each tooth 18 toward the bottom 22.

[0061] Similar to the embodiments described above, each tooth 18 of the pocket sprocket 1 may have a bevel 114 intended to guide the chain link onto the tooth. The bevel 114 extends from the outer side 116 facing outward in the radial direction 6 of one tooth to the end 20 of that tooth facing axial direction 2. The angle of inclination of the bevel 114 with respect to the radial plane perpendicular to axial direction 2 is between approximately 30° and 60°, and the end 20 of one tooth 18 extends parallel to the radial plane and then transitions to the radius 110.

[0062] The partition wall 112 can extend along the tooth surface 30 to the outer 116 of a tooth, or nearly to the outer 116, in which case the height of the partition wall 112 preferably decreases to zero toward the outer 116 of a tooth, so that at the outer 116, the partition wall 112 smoothly transitions to the tooth 18 or its side surface or pocket 16. As can be seen in Figure 6, the axially oriented side of the partition wall 112, starting from the end 20 of a tooth 18, can terminate in the region of the tooth surface 30.

[0063] The width of the partition wall 112 preferably increases towards the tooth 18 at its end.

[0064] Finally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the side wall 50 protrudes radially 6 beyond the teeth 18. There is no protrusion 52 as in the first embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1 Pocket Sprocket 2 Axial direction / Axial direction 4 Circumferential direction 6 Radial 8 stub axles 10 Central opening 12 Chain receiving section 14 columns 16 pockets 18 teeth 20. The end of the tooth 22 Bottom of pocket 24 recesses 26 Straight section of the recess 28. Curved portion or cam portion of the recess 30 Tooth surface 32. Longitudinal extension 34 radius 36 wire diameter 38 Depth of the recess 40 yen 42 circular surfaces 44 Inclination angle 46 Groove 50 side wall 52 Protrusion 54 Base 56 Base 58 Center plane 60 Thick part 62 Extension 100 round steel chain 102 Chain links 104 Legs 106 Bow 108 Opening 110 radius 112 Bulkhead 114 Slope 116. Outer surface of the tooth

Claims

1. A pocket sprocket (1) for driving and / or changing the direction of a diagonally traveling link chain (100), comprising a groove-shaped chain receiving portion (12) extending in the circumferential direction (4), having two rows (14) of pockets (16) extending in the circumferential direction (4), wherein each pocket (16) is capable of accommodating one chain link (102) of the link chain (100), and two pockets (16) in one row (14) that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (4) are separated from each other by one tooth (18), A pocket sprocket (1) in which one tooth (18) of one row (14) extends beyond the axial center plane (58) of the chain receiving portion (12) in the direction of one pocket (16) of the other row (14).

2. A pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 1, wherein a groove-shaped recess (24) is present at the bottom (22) of each pocket (16), and the recess (24) extends along the circumferential direction (4) by its longitudinally extending portion (32).

3. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the end (22) of the tooth (18) facing the direction of the other row (14) is thickened in the circumferential direction (4).

4. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 3, wherein the end portion (22) is thickened by two extending portions (62) that extend in opposing directions in the circumferential direction (4).

5. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (24) extends along the circumferential direction (4) from one tooth (18) of one row (14) to an adjacent tooth (18) of the row (14) in the circumferential direction (4).

6. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (24) of one pocket (16) of one row (14) extends along the tooth surface (30) of one tooth (18) of the row (14), the tooth (18) is adjacent to the pocket (16), and the tooth surface (30) faces the circumferential direction (4).

7. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 6, wherein the recess (24) extends on the tooth surface (24) in both the axial direction (2) and the radial direction (6).

8. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (24) is traversed by a radially extending groove (46).

9. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (24) has a straight section (26) for accommodating the leg (104) of one chain link (102), and the straight section (26) transitions into two curved sections (28) for accommodating the bow (106) of the chain link (102).

10. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the recess (24) has a circular segment-shaped cross section in the direction laterally to its longitudinally extending portion, and its radius (34) corresponds to at least half of the wire diameter (36) of one chain link.

11. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 1, wherein the chain receiving portion (12) is axially bounded by two axially opposing side walls (50), and the teeth (18) extend spaced apart from the bottoms (22) of two pockets (16) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction (4) and from the side walls (50) that restrict these two pockets (16) in the axial direction (2).

12. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 11, wherein the side wall (50) protrudes beyond the teeth (18) in the radial direction (6).

13. A pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein one tooth (18) of one row (14) continues as a projection outward in the radial direction (6) at the side wall (50) closest to the row (14), and the projection protrudes less from the side wall (50) in the axial direction (2) toward the other row (14) than the tooth (18).

14. The pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 13, wherein the teeth (18) and / or the projections extend toward one side wall in the axial direction (2) and / or inward in the radial direction (6).

15. A configuration comprising one link chain (100), and a pocket sprocket (1) according to claim 1 for changing the direction of the link chain (100) and / or driving it.

Images