Title of Invention	A GEAR ASSEMBLY WITH A LUBRICATING DEVICE FOR A GEAR WHEEL
Abstract	Abstract LUBRICATING DEVICE WITH LUBRICATING PINION Described is a lubricating device with at least one lubricating pinion (1) for applying a lubricant, in particular grease, which is for example fed through a lubricant line by a lubricant pump from a reservoir, to at feast one gearwheel (2) or the like, wherein the lubricating pinion (1) has an outer toothing into which at least one lubricant outlet (8) opens out. The teeth (7) of the outer toothing of the lubricating pinion (1) have a shortened tooth flank profile in relation to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum (hk) and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the peripheral direction are reduced m a tooth flank section which is situated radially outside the reference circle.

Title of Invention

A GEAR ASSEMBLY WITH A LUBRICATING DEVICE FOR A GEAR WHEEL

Abstract

Abstract LUBRICATING DEVICE WITH LUBRICATING PINION Described is a lubricating device with at least one lubricating pinion (1) for applying a lubricant, in particular grease, which is for example fed through a lubricant line by a lubricant pump from a reservoir, to at feast one gearwheel (2) or the like, wherein the lubricating pinion (1) has an outer toothing into which at least one lubricant outlet (8) opens out. The teeth (7) of the outer toothing of the lubricating pinion (1) have a shortened tooth flank profile in relation to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum (hk) and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the peripheral direction are reduced m a tooth flank section which is situated radially outside the reference circle.

Full Text	ff'nrr^Trrr nnrirr-rrnii 11 i i w n 11 in i 'c^" "i^'^' The invention pertains to a lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion for applying onto at least one gearwheel a lubricant, particularly grease that is transported, for example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion features external teeth with at least one lubricant outlet. A device of this type for lubricating gearwheels is known, for example, from DE 201 21 923 U1. The lubricant transfer pinion that is referred to as a crown gear module m this publication has the external contour of a conventional gearwheel with involute toothing. When this known lubricant transfer pinion meshes with a gearwheel to be lubricated- the tip area of the teeth of the lubricant transter pinion that lies radially outside the reference circle engages into the base area of the teeth of the gearwheel to be lubricated that lies radially inside the reference circle. Consequently, the lubricant is irregularly and unevenly applied onto the gearwheel to be lubricated and. in particular, accumulates in the base area of the teeth of the gearwheel to be imbricated. In addition, the lubricant supply is sometimes insufficient in the area of the contacting tooth flanks that is subjected to high tribological stresses. The present invention, in contrast, is based on the problem of making a\ ailable a lubricating device of the above type that has a very simple design and make^ it possible to achieve an improved distribution of the lubricant on a gearwheel to be lubi ^.ned. According to the invention, this problem is essentially solved in thai ihe teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion have a tooth flank profile thai is shortened in comparison to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. In order to reduce the addendum, it is proposed to reduce, in particular, the thus tar existing tip of the tooth. In this cose, the addendum is defined as half the difference between the outside diameter of the lubricant transfer pinion and the reference diameter of the lubricant transfer pinion, hi other words, the addendum refers to the height of the area of each tooth that protrudes radially outward over the reference circle. In an involute toothing, this is usually a pointed tooth area. If this addendum is reduced in comparison to the addendum of an involute toothing, the depth of penetration of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion into the base area of the gearwheel to be lubricated is reduced. It was surprisingly determined that this results m a significantly improved distribution of the lubricant in the areas that are subjected to higher tribological stresses and prevents the undesirable accumulation of the lubricay-' n the base area of the gearwheel to be lubricated. This applies analogously to a reduction of the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle, and therefore also makes it possible to prevent an irregular and uneven application of the lubricant onto the gearwheel to be lubricated and. in particular, the accumulation thereof in the base area of the teeth of gearwheel to be lubricated. The addendum of the teeth preferably is reduced m comparison to an nmilute toothing hy about 25% to about 90%. particularly by about 50% to about 80%. Il was deiermined that It is particularly advantageous if the teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion have an addendum that is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 75%. In other words, the addendum now amounts to only about 25% of the theoretical profile of m involute toothing. In this case, the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion are only shortened in the area that 1 ies radially outside the reference circle, because a shortening of the teeth to a \ alue that lies below the reference circle would result in the lubricant transfer pinion no longer being driven by the gearwheel to be lubricated. However, it is also possible that the teeth of the external toothing of the iubricant transfer pinion have a toorb height that is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 25% to 50%, wherein the external toothing may have an addendum that is reduced, in particular, by about 25%. The inventively corrected profile with a reduced addendum may also be altered in comparison to an involute toothing with respect to the contour of the external toothing. For example, the teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion ma\ have a rounded contour. This may be realized, for example, with a larger radius in the area of the tip of the tooth that respectively transforms laterally into smaller radii. The teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion may have such a rounded contour that the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside trie reference circlr is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing. Alternatively, it would also be possible, however, to realize the tip contour of the teeth t the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion in any desired other way. For example, it may also have a pointed contour and be realized, in particular, similar to the tip contour of an involute toothing. In order to evenly and adequately supply the gearwheel to be lubricated with lubricant, the lubricant transfer pinion preferably features several lubricant conduits that originate at a lubricant supply line and respectively lead into at least one lubricant outlet in one of the teeth. The lubricant supply line may he connected to a reservoir via a lubricant pump and. according to one preferred embodiment of ihe invention, arranged in the area of the-axis of the lubricant transfer pinion or an area near the axis of the lubricant transfer pinion. According to a refinement of this embodiment, it is proposed that at le:'s? two lubricant outlets are arranged in each tooth of the lubricant transfer pinion. This makes it possible to supply lubricant to each tooth of the gearwheel to be lubricated. in order to supply lubricant to both tooth flanks of each tooth of the sen wheel to he lubricated, at least one lubricant outlet is provided m each tooth flank of the lubricant transfer pinion in another embodiment of the invention. The lubricant transfer pinion may at (east partially consist of metal or be at least partially manufactured of plastic. The lubricant transfer pinion and the gearwheel to be lubricated may also consist of different materials. If the outlet openings of the lubricant transfer pinion are arranged in the tooth flanks in the area of die reference circle and/or in an area between the reference circle and the dedendum circle, it is ensured that The locations of the gearwheel to be lubricated that are suh^aed 10 the highest tribological stresses are lubricated. The outlet openings in the tooth flanks preferably lead into transverse grooves or channels that extend in the axial direction of the lubricant transfer pinion and o<. er almost entire axial width of the tooth flanks. this results in lubricant being distributed over essentially transfer pinion and gearwheel to be lubricated.> The invention further pertains to a gear assembly with at least one gearwheel to be lubricated, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion of the lubricating system me>hes with at least one gearwheel. In this case, the present invention is not limiled to the lubrication of a gearwheel that is realized in the form of a cylindrical gear, but may also be used for bevel gears, helical gearwheels, crown wheels, endless screws, toothed racks or elliptical gearwheels that respectively mesh with the lubrican! transfer pinion. One embodiment of the invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. In this respect, all described and/or graphically illustrated characteristics form the object of the invention individually or in any combination, regardless of their combination in the claims or their reference to other claims. In the schematic drawings: Figure 1 shows a part of an inventive lubricant transfer pinion that meshes with a gearwheel to be lubricated; Figure 2 shows the lubricant transfer pinion that meshes with the gearwheel to be lubricated, in a position in which it is additionally turned in comparison to Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of the lubricant transfer pinion according to Figure 1. and Figure 4 shows a section of an inventive lubricant transfer pinion. The figures show parts of a lubricant transfer pinion 1 of a lubricating device that has a reference diameter d. The lubricant transfer pinion 1 meshes with a gearwheel 2 to he lubricated that features an involute toothing and also is only illustrated in part in the figures. A lubricant supply line 4 is arranged in the area of the axis 3 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1. wherein lubricant conduits 5 that extend substantially in the radial direction originate at said lubricant supply line and each lead into a respective lubricant outlet 8 in the tooth flanks 6 of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1. According to Figure 1. the lubricant (unlets 8 lie substantially in the area of the reference circle. In Figure 1. the lubricant outlet of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 arranged in the right tooth flank contacts the gearwheel 2 to he lubricated, whereas the lubricant transfer pinion 1 in Figure 2 was additional!)' turned in the clockwise direction such that the lubricant outlet X of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 arranged in the left tooth flank contacts the gean. heel 2 to be lubricated. The tip contour of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion I is illustnned with continuous lines in the figures. The central tooth of the lubricant transfer pinion I in the ifgures shows the tip contour of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion for a theoretical profile ot an involute toothing with a broken line. A comparison of the continuous line to the broken line clearly shows that the tip contour of the teeth and the tooth height of the lubricant transfer pinion I are altered in comparison to the theoretical profile of an involute toothing. The addendum hk of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 is reduced in comparison to the theoretical profile of an involute toothing, hi this case, the addendum is defined as half the difference between the outside diameter dk of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 and the reference diameter d of the htbricant transfer pinion 1. In the embodiment shown, the addendum of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 only corresponds to a value of about 0.2 to about 0.7 of the addendum of the theoretical profile of an involute toothing. The teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 penetrate into the base area between the teeth of the gearwheel 2 to be lubricated to a significantly reduced depth. In addition, the tip contour of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion I is altered in comparison to the usual pointed involute toothing, namely to a rounded tip contour in the embodiment shown. This also causes lubricant to be discharged substantially on the tooth flanks of the gearwheel 2 to be lubricated in the area of the reference circle, namel\ without accumulating in the base area of the gearwheel 2 to be lub icated. The lubricant is discharged from the lubricant outlets 8 into axial channels 9 or transverse grooves illustrated in Figure 3 in order to distribute the lubricant over the width of the lubricant transfer pinion 1. Figure 4. in particular, shows that the tip contour of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 is defined by a larger centra! radius n that transforms into a smaller radius n on each side in the embodiment shown. The width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction is reduced only in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. Due to this profile of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 that is corrected in comparison to the theoretical profile illustrated with broken lines with respect to the addendum, a-, \\ ell as with respect to the width of the tooth Hanks in the circumferential direction, the lubricant si^h as lubricating grease is prevented from being carried away such that parncularh --h? rootb flanks of The gearwheel 2 to be lubricated are supplied with lubricant. List of Reference Symbols: 1 Lubricant 'ransfer pinion 2 Gearwheel ro be lubricated 3 Axis 4 Lubricant supply line 5 Lubricant conduit 6 Tooth flank 7 Tooth 8 Lubricant outlet 9 Channel d Reference diameter dk Outside diameter hk Addendum i"i Smaller radiu-. i": Larger radius Claims 1. A lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion (1) for applying onto at least one gearwheel (2) or the like a lubricant, particularly grease, that is transported, for example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion (1) features externa! toothing with at least one lubricant outlet (8). characterized by the fact the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (I i have a tooth flank profile that is shortened in comparison to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum (hk) and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. 2. The lubricating device according to Claim 1. characterized by the fact that the addendum (hk)of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of trie.lubricant transfer pinion d i is reduced in comparison (o an involute toothing by about 25% to about 90%. particularly by about 50% to about 80%. Revised Claims for National Phase: 1. A gear assembly with at least one gearwheel (2) or the like that features an involute toothing, and with a lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion (1 i for applying onto at least one gearwheel (2) or the like a lubricant, particularly grease, thai is transported, example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the transfer pinion (1} features an external toothing, in which at least one arranged, and wherein the lubricant transfer pinion (1) of the lubricating system meshes with the at least one gearwheel (2), characterized by the fact the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion 11) have a tooth flank profile that is shortened in comparison to the involute toothing of the pairing, wherein the addendum (hkl and.'or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. 2. The gear assembly according to Claim 1. characterized by the fact that the addendum thk) of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1 i is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 25% to about 90%, particularly by about 50 to about 80%. 3. The gear assembly according to Claim 2, characterized by the fact that the addendum (hk) of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1 \ is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 75%. 4. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1 -3. characterized 1"K : he fact that the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (!} have a rounded tip contour, particularly a tip contour that is rounded with three radii (n. r;). 5. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-4, characterized by the fact That the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1) have a rounded tip contour such that the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. 6. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1 -5, characterized by the tact that the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1) have a pointed tip contour, particularly a tip contour similar to an involute toothing. 7. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-6. characterized by the fact that the lubricant transfer pinion (1) features several lubricant conduits (5) that originate at a lubricant supply line {4) arranged in the axis (3) of the lubricant transfer pinion or in an area near this axis and respectively lead into at least one lubricant outlet (8) in one of the teeth t7h 8. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-7. characterized by the fact that at least two lubricant outlets (8) are arranged in each tooth (7) of the lubricant transfer pinion (1). 9. The gear assembly according to Claim 8. charactered b\ the fact the lubricant outlets (8) are connected by a transverse groove or a channel (9i that extends, in particular, over almost the entire width of the tooth flanks (61 in the axial direction of the lubricant transfer pinion 111. 10. The gear assembly according to Claim 8 or 9. characterized by the fact that at least one lubricant outlet (8) leads into each tooth flank (6t and/or a transverse groove or channel (')) of the lubricant transfer pinion 11 j. 11. The lubricating device according to one of Claims 1-10. characterized by the fuct that at least some of the lubricant outlets (8i in the area of the "itch circle (8l. and/oi in an are.i between the pitch circle and the dedendum circle, lead into the tooth flanks (6) of the lubricant transfer pinion (1).

Full Text

ff'nrr^Trrr nnrirr-rrnii 11 i i w n 11 in i 'c^" "i^'^'
The invention pertains to a lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion for applying onto at least one gearwheel a lubricant, particularly grease that is transported, for example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion features external teeth with at least one lubricant outlet.
A device of this type for lubricating gearwheels is known, for example, from DE 201 21 923 U1. The lubricant transfer pinion that is referred to as a crown gear module m this publication has the external contour of a conventional gearwheel with involute toothing. When this known lubricant transfer pinion meshes with a gearwheel to be lubricated- the tip area of the teeth of the lubricant transter pinion that lies radially outside the reference circle engages into the base area of the teeth of the gearwheel to be lubricated that lies radially inside the reference circle. Consequently, the lubricant is irregularly and unevenly applied onto the gearwheel to be lubricated and. in particular, accumulates in the base area of the teeth of the gearwheel to be imbricated. In addition, the lubricant supply is sometimes insufficient in the area of the contacting tooth flanks that is subjected to high tribological stresses.
The present invention, in contrast, is based on the problem of making a\ ailable a lubricating device of the above type that has a very simple design and make^ it possible to achieve an improved distribution of the lubricant on a gearwheel to be lubi ^.ned.
According to the invention, this problem is essentially solved in thai ihe teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion have a tooth flank profile thai is shortened in comparison to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. In order to reduce the addendum, it is proposed to reduce, in particular, the thus tar existing tip of the tooth. In this cose, the addendum is defined as half the difference between the outside diameter of the lubricant transfer pinion and the reference diameter of the lubricant transfer pinion, hi other words, the addendum refers to the height of the area of each tooth that protrudes radially outward over the reference circle. In an involute toothing, this is usually a pointed tooth area. If this addendum is reduced in comparison to the addendum of an involute toothing, the depth of penetration of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion into the base area of the gearwheel to be lubricated is reduced. It was surprisingly determined that this results m a significantly improved distribution of the lubricant in the areas that are subjected to higher tribological stresses and prevents the undesirable accumulation of the lubricay-' n the base area of the gearwheel to be lubricated. This applies analogously to a reduction of the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle, and therefore also makes it possible to prevent an irregular and uneven

application of the lubricant onto the gearwheel to be lubricated and. in particular, the accumulation thereof in the base area of the teeth of gearwheel to be lubricated.
The addendum of the teeth preferably is reduced m comparison to an nmilute toothing hy about 25% to about 90%. particularly by about 50% to about 80%. Il was deiermined that It is particularly advantageous if the teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion have an addendum that is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 75%. In other words, the addendum now amounts to only about 25% of the theoretical profile of m involute toothing. In this case, the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion are only shortened in the area that 1 ies radially outside the reference circle, because a shortening of the teeth to a \ alue that lies below the reference circle would result in the lubricant transfer pinion no longer being driven by the gearwheel to be lubricated.
However, it is also possible that the teeth of the external toothing of the iubricant transfer pinion have a toorb height that is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 25% to 50%, wherein the external toothing may have an addendum that is reduced, in particular, by about 25%.
The inventively corrected profile with a reduced addendum may also be altered in comparison to an involute toothing with respect to the contour of the external toothing. For example, the teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion ma\ have a rounded contour. This may be realized, for example, with a larger radius in the area of the tip of the tooth that respectively transforms laterally into smaller radii. The teeth of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion may have such a rounded contour that the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside trie reference circlr is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing.
Alternatively, it would also be possible, however, to realize the tip contour of the teeth t the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion in any desired other way. For example, it may also have a pointed contour and be realized, in particular, similar to the tip contour of an involute toothing.
In order to evenly and adequately supply the gearwheel to be lubricated with lubricant, the lubricant transfer pinion preferably features several lubricant conduits that originate at a lubricant supply line and respectively lead into at least one lubricant outlet in one of the teeth. The lubricant supply line may he connected to a reservoir via a lubricant pump and. according to one preferred embodiment of ihe invention, arranged in the area of the-axis of the lubricant transfer pinion or an area near the axis of the lubricant transfer pinion.
According to a refinement of this embodiment, it is proposed that at le:'s? two lubricant outlets are arranged in each tooth of the lubricant transfer pinion. This makes it possible to supply lubricant to each tooth of the gearwheel to be lubricated.

in order to supply lubricant to both tooth flanks of each tooth of the sen wheel to he lubricated, at least one lubricant outlet is provided m each tooth flank of the lubricant transfer pinion in another embodiment of the invention.
The lubricant transfer pinion may at (east partially consist of metal or be at least partially manufactured of plastic. The lubricant transfer pinion and the gearwheel to be lubricated may also consist of different materials.
If the outlet openings of the lubricant transfer pinion are arranged in the tooth flanks in the area of die reference circle and/or in an area between the reference circle and the dedendum circle, it is ensured that The locations of the gearwheel to be lubricated that are suh^aed 10 the highest tribological stresses are lubricated.
The outlet openings in the tooth flanks preferably lead into transverse grooves or channels that extend in the axial direction of the lubricant transfer pinion and o<. er almost entire axial width of the tooth flanks. this results in lubricant being distributed over essentially transfer pinion and gearwheel to be lubricated.> The invention further pertains to a gear assembly with at least one gearwheel to be lubricated, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion of the lubricating system me>hes with at least one gearwheel. In this case, the present invention is not limiled to the lubrication of a gearwheel that is realized in the form of a cylindrical gear, but may also be used for bevel gears, helical gearwheels, crown wheels, endless screws, toothed racks or elliptical gearwheels that respectively mesh with the lubrican! transfer pinion.
One embodiment of the invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. In this respect, all described and/or graphically illustrated characteristics form the object of the invention individually or in any combination, regardless of their combination in the claims or their reference to other claims.
In the schematic drawings:
Figure 1 shows a part of an inventive lubricant transfer pinion that meshes with a gearwheel to be lubricated;
Figure 2 shows the lubricant transfer pinion that meshes with the gearwheel to be lubricated, in a position in which it is additionally turned in comparison to Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of the lubricant transfer pinion according to Figure 1. and
Figure 4 shows a section of an inventive lubricant transfer pinion.
The figures show parts of a lubricant transfer pinion 1 of a lubricating device that has a reference diameter d. The lubricant transfer pinion 1 meshes with a gearwheel 2 to he lubricated that features an involute toothing and also is only illustrated in part in the figures.

A lubricant supply line 4 is arranged in the area of the axis 3 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1. wherein lubricant conduits 5 that extend substantially in the radial direction originate at said lubricant supply line and each lead into a respective lubricant outlet 8 in the tooth flanks 6 of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1. According to Figure 1. the lubricant (unlets 8 lie substantially in the area of the reference circle. In Figure 1. the lubricant outlet of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 arranged in the right tooth flank contacts the gearwheel 2 to he lubricated, whereas the lubricant transfer pinion 1 in Figure 2 was additional!)' turned in the clockwise direction such that the lubricant outlet X of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 arranged in the left tooth flank contacts the gean. heel 2 to be lubricated.
The tip contour of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion I is illustnned with continuous lines in the figures. The central tooth of the lubricant transfer pinion I in the ifgures shows the tip contour of the teeth of the lubricant transfer pinion for a theoretical profile ot an involute toothing with a broken line. A comparison of the continuous line to the broken line clearly shows that the tip contour of the teeth and the tooth height of the lubricant transfer pinion I are altered in comparison to the theoretical profile of an involute toothing.
The addendum hk of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 is reduced in comparison to the theoretical profile of an involute toothing, hi this case, the addendum is defined as half the difference between the outside diameter dk of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 and the reference diameter d of the htbricant transfer pinion 1. In the embodiment shown, the addendum of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 only corresponds to a value of about 0.2 to about 0.7 of the addendum of the theoretical profile of an involute toothing. The teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 penetrate into the base area between the teeth of the gearwheel 2 to be lubricated to a significantly reduced depth.
In addition, the tip contour of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion I is altered in comparison to the usual pointed involute toothing, namely to a rounded tip contour in the embodiment shown. This also causes lubricant to be discharged substantially on the tooth flanks of the gearwheel 2 to be lubricated in the area of the reference circle, namel\ without accumulating in the base area of the gearwheel 2 to be lub icated. The lubricant is discharged from the lubricant outlets 8 into axial channels 9 or transverse grooves illustrated in Figure 3 in order to distribute the lubricant over the width of the lubricant transfer pinion 1.
Figure 4. in particular, shows that the tip contour of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 is defined by a larger centra! radius n that transforms into a smaller radius n on each side in the embodiment shown. The width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction is reduced only in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle. Due to this profile of the teeth 7 of the lubricant transfer pinion 1 that is corrected in comparison to the theoretical profile illustrated with broken lines with respect to the addendum, a-, \\ ell as with

respect to the width of the tooth Hanks in the circumferential direction, the lubricant si^h as lubricating grease is prevented from being carried away such that parncularh --h? rootb flanks of The gearwheel 2 to be lubricated are supplied with lubricant.
List of Reference Symbols:
1 Lubricant 'ransfer pinion
2 Gearwheel ro be lubricated
3 Axis
4 Lubricant supply line
5 Lubricant conduit
6 Tooth flank
7 Tooth
8 Lubricant outlet
9 Channel
d Reference diameter
dk Outside diameter
hk Addendum
i"i Smaller radiu-.
i": Larger radius
Claims
1. A lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion (1) for applying onto at least one gearwheel (2) or the like a lubricant, particularly grease, that is transported, for example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the lubricant transfer pinion (1) features externa! toothing with at least one lubricant outlet (8). characterized by the fact the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (I i have a tooth flank profile that is shortened in comparison to an involute toothing, wherein the addendum (hk) and/or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle.
2. The lubricating device according to Claim 1. characterized by the fact that the addendum (hk)of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of trie.lubricant transfer pinion d i is reduced in comparison (o an involute toothing by about 25% to about 90%. particularly by about 50% to about 80%.

Revised Claims for National Phase:
1. A gear assembly with at least one gearwheel (2) or the like that features an involute toothing, and with a lubricating device with at least one lubricant transfer pinion (1 i for applying onto at least one gearwheel (2) or the like a lubricant, particularly grease, thai is transported, example, from a reservoir through a lubricant conduit by a lubricant pump, wherein the transfer pinion (1} features an external toothing, in which at least one arranged, and wherein the lubricant transfer pinion (1) of the lubricating system meshes with the at least one gearwheel (2), characterized by the fact the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion 11) have a tooth flank profile that is shortened in comparison to the involute toothing of the pairing, wherein the addendum (hkl and.'or the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction are reduced in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle.
2. The gear assembly according to Claim 1. characterized by the fact that the addendum thk) of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1 i is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 25% to about 90%, particularly by about 50 to about 80%.
3. The gear assembly according to Claim 2, characterized by the fact that the addendum (hk) of the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1 \ is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing by about 75%.
4. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1 -3. characterized 1"K : he fact that the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (!} have a rounded tip contour, particularly a tip contour that is rounded with three radii (n. r;).
5. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-4, characterized by the fact That the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1) have a rounded tip contour such that the width of the tooth flanks in the circumferential direction is reduced in comparison to an involute toothing in a tooth flank section that lies radially outside the reference circle.
6. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1 -5, characterized by the tact that the teeth (7) of the external toothing of the lubricant transfer pinion (1) have a pointed tip contour, particularly a tip contour similar to an involute toothing.
7. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-6. characterized by the fact that the lubricant transfer pinion (1) features several lubricant conduits (5) that originate at a lubricant supply line {4) arranged in the axis (3) of the lubricant transfer pinion or in an area near this axis and respectively lead into at least one lubricant outlet (8) in one of the teeth t7h
8. The gear assembly according to one of Claims 1-7. characterized by the fact that at least two lubricant outlets (8) are arranged in each tooth (7) of the lubricant transfer pinion (1).

9. The gear assembly according to Claim 8. charactered b\ the fact the lubricant
outlets (8) are connected by a transverse groove or a channel (9i that extends, in particular, over
almost the entire width of the tooth flanks (61 in the axial direction of the lubricant transfer
pinion 111.
10. The gear assembly according to Claim 8 or 9. characterized by the fact that at least
one lubricant outlet (8) leads into each tooth flank (6t and/or a transverse groove or channel ('))
of the lubricant transfer pinion 11 j.
11. The lubricating device according to one of Claims 1-10. characterized by the fuct that
at least some of the lubricant outlets (8i in the area of the "itch circle (8l. and/oi in an are.i
between the pitch circle and the dedendum circle, lead into the tooth flanks (6) of the lubricant
transfer pinion (1).

Documents:

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Patent Number

269563

Indian Patent Application Number

6910/CHENP/2008

PG Journal Number

44/2015

Publication Date

30-Oct-2015

Grant Date

28-Oct-2015

Date of Filing

16-Dec-2008

Name of Patentee

Lincoln GmbH

Applicant Address

HEINRICH-HERTZ-STRASSE 2-8, 69190 WALLDORF

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	PALUNCIC, ZDRAVKO	BUCHENSTRASSE 44, D-67067 LUDWIGSHAFEN
2	SCHONFELD, ANDREAS	ESCHENWEG 5, 68789 ST. LEON-ROT,

PCT International Classification Number

F16H57/04

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP07/03666

PCT International Filing date

2007-04-26

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	202006011330.4	2006-07-20	Germany
2	202006007831.2	2006-05-16	Germany