Toothed sprocket with elastic centering element

Abstract

A toothed sprocket hub with elastic centering element comprising an input shaft having a receiving portion and a cylindrical outer surface, a sprocket engagable with the input shaft, the sprocket comprising at least two first surfaces each disposed on a bending beam such that each first surface is elastically moveable in a radial direction, the two first surfaces bearing upon the outer surface, the two first surfaces each having a radius d that is less than a radius D of the outer surface, at least one second surface that is radially moveable to a lesser extent than a first surface, the second surface engaging the receiving portion to prevent a relative rotation of the sprocket with the input shaft, and a third surface in cooperative relation to the second surface, the third surface bearing upon the outer surface of the input shaft, the third surface having a clearance fit with the outer surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a toothed sprocket, and more particularly to a toothed sprocket with elastic centering element having a first surface disposed on a bending beam and radially moveable, a second surface radially moveable to a lesser extent that the first surface, and a third surface in cooperative relation to a second surface, the third surface bearing upon the outer surface of the input shaft, the third surface having a clearance fit with the outer surface.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Chain drives are the predominant means of power transmission on two-wheelers such as bicycles. Chains are also used for power transmission on numerous machines. Very often, the chain sprockets are connected to a shaft via a form-fitting shaft / hub connection. In general, these and other connections work with local elevations and depressions with respect to a cylinder-shaped connection surface. Some free play fit between the shaft and hub is important for the prope...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that helps keep a sprocket in the correct position when it is engaged with an input shaft. The device includes a hub with elastic centering elements that are attached to the input shaft. The sprocket has two surfaces that move elastically in a radial direction and a third surface that also moves, but to a lesser extent. These surfaces all bear upon the outer surface of the input shaft, and the third surface fits tightly with the outer surface. This design ensures that the sprocket stays in the correct position, even when it is under high pressure and in constant movement.

Problems solved by technology

However, under load and if tolerances between the shaft and hub are too large, it can lead to wobbling between the two components.

On the other hand high-quality fits are relatively expensive to manufacture using machining processes.

This is a disadvantage when one has to manufacture low-cost mass products.

Because a functioning toothed belt drive requires a defined preload on the belt, a wobbling toothed belt disk on the rear hub would not be able to maintain a constant tension.

The consequence can be squeaking and creaking noises.

This is the problem of deficient centering when using a toothed sprocket with a spline shaft profile in combination with inexpensively available hub gears.

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