Segmented Lubricating Pinion with Radial Parting Plane Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubricating pinion designs for gears are costly and difficult to produce due to complex channel formations, particularly for radially running channels that supply lubricant to external teeth, which complicates manufacturing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating pinion composed of two identical parts connected along a radial parting plane with lubricant channels, allowing for simplified production and distribution of lubricant through central and axial channels, with reduced tooth flank dimensions to prevent lubricant accumulation and ensure uniform distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If many bores and channels are formed in the lubricating pinion to distribute lubricant radially and axially, then lubricant distribution is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating pinion is divided into two identical half-shells that can be connected along a parting plane. The lubricant channels are formed in the parting plane itself, allowing the channels to be created as simple grooves on the mating surfaces of the two halves rather than complex internal bores. This segmentation transforms a difficult manufacturing problem into a simple surface finishing operation.
2Strength
If the pinion is made from a single piece with all channels formed internally, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pinion is segmented into two identical half-shells connected by a screw connection or other fastening means. This segmentation allows the channels to be formed in the parting plane as simple grooves rather than complex internal passages, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity while the connection mechanism maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two half-shells are merged together along the parting plane where the lubricant channels are formed. The channels in the parting plane become continuous pathways when the halves are connected, providing the necessary lubricant distribution while keeping the overall structure intact through the connection mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If identical pinion parts are used, then manufacturing cost and storage cost are reduced, but the ability to provide complex internal channels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pinion into two identical halves, the complex internal channel problem is transformed into a surface groove problem on the parting plane. Each half-Shell requires the same simple channel grooves, allowing identical parts to be manufactured using the same tools and processes, thereby reducing both manufacturing and storage costs while still achieving the necessary channel configuration.
4Strength
If standard involute toothing with full addendum is used, then gear strength is maximized, but lubricant accumulates in the foot area of the gear wheel causing uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth profile is modified locally in the addendum region (radially outside the pitch circle) by reducing the head height or rounding the tooth tips. This local modification changes the engagement characteristics in the root area of the gear wheel, preventing lubricant accumulation there, while the rest of the tooth profile maintains its load-bearing capacity. The modification is applied only where needed for lubricant distribution without compromising overall gear strength.
Data Source
Figure 1a~9
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a lubricating pinion, particularly for a lubricating device, for the application of a lubricant pumped, for example, through a lubricant pipeline by a lubricating pump from a reservoir onto at least one gear wheel or the like. The lubricant pinion (1) has an external tooth system onto which at least one lubricant outlet (8) discharges. The lubricant pinion (1) is constructed from at least two lubricant pinion parts (1 a, 1 b) which can be connected to one another along a preferably radial parting plane. At least one lubricant channel (6), which can be connected to the at least one lubricant outlet (8), extends in the parting plane.