Spring retaining device and spring retaining system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a spring retaining device and a spring retaining system, in particular to a spring retaining device (12) and a spring retaining system with the spring retaining device (12). The spring retaining device (12) includes a retainer attachment portion (16) and a spring support portion (14). The spring support (14) is configured for holding a coil spring (10) seated on the spring support (14), and the spring support (14) includes a post (20) configured to limit a maximum compression of the seated coil spring (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a spring retaining device for retaining a coil spring and a spring retaining system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Transport and secure retention of coil springs can be difficult. For example, very small coil springs can be easily permanently buckled during transport. Furthermore, over-compression of coil springs is also possible, resulting in permanent deformation. Additionally, coil springs can be slightly compressed during installation, which causes the spring to jump open when it is released in its intended position. This makes it difficult to install coil springs, such that they are often not used in places that are difficult to reach, even though it would prove beneficial to do so. Similarly, coil springs can suffer permanent deformation in use due to buckling and over-compression.

[0003] CN 217682969 U describes a spring lower pad structure of an automobile shock absorber. The lower pad structure has a raised spring inner ring positioning portion arranged in the middle of the upper surface of the spring lower pad body. Further, the lower pad structure has a raised spring starting point limiting portion also arranged on the upper surface of the spring lower pad body and a convex spring outer ring positioning portion arranged at the position of the lower pad body outer ring on the upper surface of the spring lower pad body. Thus, the lowest turn of the coil spring can be retained between the outer ring and the inner ring. SUMMARY

[0004] A first aspect of the present utility model relates to a spring retaining device. The spring retaining device can be configured to retain a coil spring to another device, such as a shaft or a clamp. The coil spring can be a spring made of a long piece of elastic material, such as metal, which is wound around itself, for example in a helical manner. For example, the coil spring can be a steel spring having several windings. The diameter of each winding can be constant or can vary along the axial length of the coil spring. For example, the coil spring can be a compression spring. The windings of the coil spring can be a full turn of material. A winding is an extension of material along an arc of 360°. The windings can be wound along a longitudinal extension of the coil spring. The longitudinal extension can correspond to the compression and tension direction of the spring when used as intended.

[0005] The spring retainer includes a retainer attachment. The retainer attachment can be configured to attach the spring retainer to other devices, such as clamps, receptacles, etc. For example, the retainer attachment can be configured as a flat plate. The retainer attachment can also be configured as a clamp or other device for securing the spring retainer to other components. For example, the retainer attachment can be held in a clamp that holds the spring retainer to the shift shaft of a vehicle transmission. The coil spring can hold a magnet or sensor at an end opposite to the end adjacent to the retainer attachment. This allows for the positioning of the measuring shaft. Unlike other magnet or sensor mounts, this configuration allows for easy installation and offers very high resistance to shock and vibration.

[0006] The spring retaining device includes a spring support. The spring support is configured to retain a coil spring disposed on the spring support. The spring support may optionally form a mounting seat for the coil spring together with a retainer attachment. The spring support may, for example, be configured to clamp or form-fit the coil spring disposed thereon. The mounting seat may be a portion of the spring retaining device on which the coil spring (e.g., using the adjacent outermost winding of the coil spring) rests. During the intended use of the device in which the coil spring is mounted with the spring retaining device, the coil spring can be compressed against the mounting seat. The coil spring can be held in the mounting seat during tension during the intended use of the device in which the coil spring is mounted with the spring retaining device.

[0007] The spring support includes a post configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring. For example, the post may extend away from the coil spring's mounting seat, such as toward the free end of the coil spring. For example, the post may extend parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal extension of the coil spring. For example, the post may extend along 10%, 20%, 50%, or even 75% of the longitudinal length of the uncompressed coil spring. The post may extend axially along several windings of the coil spring (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or even more windings). The post may contact the spring at one end (e.g., the end facing the attachment), but may be spaced apart at other portions (e.g., the opposite end). For example, a radial gap may exist between the post and the coil spring. At least the post, or even the entire spring support, may protrude from the attachment, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the coil spring held by the spring retainer. The post may have a central hole extending longitudinally through the post, for example, to reduce weight. The post may have a circular wall. The post may be segmented to have recesses or notches between the different segments. A post can be configured to limit the maximum compression of a coil spring by stopping the compression of the coil spring before the windings rest against each other. A post can be configured to limit the maximum compression of a coil spring by stopping the compression before the coil spring is fully compressed. A post can be configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring to a level lower than the compression that would cause permanent deformation of the coil spring. A post can prevent damage to the coil spring during transport and, alternatively or additionally, during use. Furthermore, a post can allow the use of coil springs that would normally allow excessive travel or compression. A post can act as a form of end stop. The post limits maximum compression because the element acting on the end of the coil spring opposite to the retainer attachment contacts the post.

[0008] The post may have a base attached to the retainer attachment and a free tip at the opposite end. The spring support may have a round or recessed bottom for resting the coil spring thereon. The bottom may also be flat. The round, flat, or recessed bottom may face the coil spring and be parallel to the longitudinal axis. The retainer attachment may, for example, be constructed as a substantially flat plate or have another shape. The retainer attachment may include a recess for resting the coil spring, such as a round recess. The recess may also be considered part of the spring support. The recess may form a round bottom. The spring support may include a base on which the coil spring is rested. The base may form a round bottom. The post may extend from the base. The base may have a diameter equal to or greater than that of the coil spring. The base may protrude from the retainer attachment toward the coil spring. The post may have an axial extension shorter than the coil spring in its uncompressed state.

[0009] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the post is configured to limit buckling of the coil spring in which it is housed. For example, the radial clearance between the top of the post and an adjacent portion of the coil spring in which it is housed can limit lateral movement, and thus limit buckling of the coil spring lateral to its lateral extension. For example, buckling of at least some portions of the coil spring can be stopped by contact with the post. Even in the absence of buckling, multiple portions or even the entire post can contact the radially facing surface of the post, thereby completely preventing any buckling in those areas. Buckling limitation also prevents undesirable deformation of the coil spring during use or transport.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the spring retaining device, the post is radially arranged within the coil spring. This configuration is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, such a configuration can provide guidance during the placement of the coil spring, thereby facilitating its installation. For example, the post can be formed as a central axis within the coil spring. The coil spring can be arranged radially outside the post. The coil spring can radially surround the post.

[0011] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the posts are arranged radially around the coiled spring. This configuration provides excellent protection for the coiled spring, for example, preventing radial forces from acting on it in the region of the posts. For example, the coiled spring can be surrounded by a wall, which may include several spaced-apart wall segments. The radial arrangement of the posts around the coiled spring can also be understood as the coiled spring being arranged in a hole or recess.

[0012] The spring support portion of the spring retaining device may also have a first post and a second post, wherein the first post is radially arranged within the coil spring in which it is housed, and the second post is radially arranged around the coil spring in which it is housed. This combines the advantages of the coil spring installation guidance and protection described in detail above. Any features, constructions, and details described herein with respect to one post are equally applicable to both the first post and the second post.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the spring retaining device, the post tapers from a wide base adjacent to the attachment towards a smaller tip. This configuration is easy to manufacture. For example, with this configuration, the tools used in the injection molding process can be easily removed after injection molding. Furthermore, this facilitates mounting the coil spring onto the spring support. For example, the coil spring can be easily screwed onto the small-diameter tip and then securely and firmly placed on the wider base. The base can have a slightly wider or slightly smaller diameter to form a press fit with the coil spring. If the post is radially arranged inside the coil spring, the diameter can be wider; or if the post is radially arranged outside the coil spring, the diameter can be smaller. The tip can be the free end of the post. The tip can terminate, for example, below the adjacent end of the coil spring in the longitudinal direction. The base can be connected to the attachment. The base can terminate in a base.

[0014] Alternatively, the column may not taper. For example, the column may have a basic cylindrical shape.

[0015] A column can have a circular cross-section, such as a circular cross-section. A column can also have an angled cross-section, such as a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of a column can correspond to the base region of a coiled spring. The general shape of the column's cross-section along its longitudinal extension can be constant or variable. For example, in the case of a tapered column, the general shape of the column's cross-section can be constant along its longitudinal extension while the diameter changes. The column can have different segments, each with a cross-section corresponding to the above. The segments can also form a cross-sectional shape together.

[0016] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the base can be a longitudinal section with a constant diameter. For example, the base can have a constant cross-section along its longitudinal extension. For example, the post can have a cylindrical base section and another section that tapers towards its apex. A bottom section of the post adjacent to the attachment can exist that does not taper, for example, having the height of one, two, three, or more windings of a coil spring. Such a configuration can provide better retention of the coil spring. Alternatively, the base can be only one end of the post adjacent to the attachment, and the entire post can taper towards its apex.

[0017] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the post is segmented in the circumferential direction. For example, the post may have three pyramidal or wedge-shaped segments that form a tapered, circular radially outer mounting surface for the coil spring. Each segment may taper. The post may include two, three, four, five, or more segments. Segmentation facilitates the manufacture of the post. Furthermore, it reduces the weight of the post. Additionally, segmentation allows for greater flexibility within the post, such as greater flexibility in the walls of the contact coil spring. This allows for better coil spring retention and easier installation.

[0018] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the post is configured for a form-locking engagement with the mounted coil spring. This configuration prevents the coil spring from slipping off the spring support, even under strong impacts and very frequent vibrations. For example, protrusions, hook-shaped sections, or other sections of the post, optionally together with other sections of the spring support, can engage the mounted coil spring using a form-locking engagement. The spring coil can be screwed onto the post using its helical winding. The spring coil can also be deformed to form a form-interlocking engagement with the post, similar to a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the column may also be configured for (e.g., due to a wider diameter) frictional engagement to retain the mounted coil spring.

[0020] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the post includes radially projecting protrusions facing the coil spring, which are configured to engage the gap between the windings of the coil spring. For example, the protrusions may extend radially through two adjacent windings of the coil spring. The post may include a plurality of such protrusions, spaced apart, for example in a circumferential direction and alternatively or additionally in a longitudinal direction. For example, each segment of the post may have a protrusion extending radially from it. For example, each protrusion may extend substantially circumferentially. Alternatively or additionally, protrusions forming longitudinally extending ridges may be present. Such ridges can save material, strengthen the post, and also improve guidance during coil spring installation. Such ridges may not engage with the gap between the windings of the coil spring. The gap in the coil spring may extend parallel to the windings of the coil spring, and thus have a helical shape. Thus, the gap in the coil spring can be understood as a continuous gap. Each gap can be understood as one winding of a continuous gap. The protrusions engaging the gap may not be in continuous contact with the material of the coil spring. For example, the protrusion may have a shorter longitudinal extension than the gap and may only contact the material of the coil spring when the coil spring is tensioned or compressed.

[0021] Some or all of the windings of a coil spring engaged by a spring support (such as a protrusion extending radially through the gap between adjacent windings) may not be included in the axial compressible length of the coil spring. For example, even when the coil spring is subjected to compressive force, the lower section of the coil spring engaged by the protrusion can be substantially fixed. Therefore, the limitation of compression by the post can involve other windings not fixed in this way. The effective compressible length of the coil spring can begin after any form of locking fit with the post.

[0022] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the protrusion is formed in a helical shape. For example, there may be a continuous protrusion forming one or more windings. The protrusion may have several segments arranged helically to form a helical shape. The helical shape may correspond to the helical shape of a coil spring in an uncompressed state. The helical protrusion may engage along the gap between one or more windings of the coil spring. The protrusion may have one or more windings or even only half or a quarter of a winding. The helical protrusion can well retain the coil spring in place. For example, the coil spring can be screwed onto the protrusion or post without being deformed due to the helical shape.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the spring retaining device, the spring support includes at least one retaining protrusion arranged to engage a circumferential side of the housed coil spring opposite to the side facing the post. For example, the retaining protrusion may be shaped like a finger or hook. The retaining protrusion may be spaced apart from the post. The retaining protrusion may extend from a section of the attachment that is different from the post. The retaining protrusion may extend from the base. The retaining protrusion may extend generally parallel to the post. For example, if the post is radially arranged inside the housed coil spring, the retaining protrusion may be radially arranged outside the housed coil spring. For example, if the post is radially arranged outside the housed coil spring, the retaining protrusion may be radially arranged inside the housed coil spring. The retaining protrusion may be arranged radially opposite to the post relative to the housed coil spring. The housed coil spring may be held between the retaining protrusion and the post, for example, by wedging or clamping. The retaining protrusion may snap onto the winding of the coil spring. For example, the retaining protrusion may extend longitudinally to the same height as the base of the post. The retaining protrusion may have recesses or teeth to partially grip the winding of the coiled spring. The support portion may clamp or hold the coiled spring between the retaining protrusion and the post.

[0024] The spring support may include one, two, three, four, five, or more retaining protrusions, which are arranged equidistantly along a circumferential direction, for example, on a common radius. The spring support may include one retaining protrusion or a different number of retaining protrusions on each segment of the column. The retaining protrusions may be located at the same circumferential position as a segment of the column, or they may be located at circumferential positions at intervals between two segments of the column. For example, a coil support having a column and any retaining protrusions may be configured to form a snap-fit ​​connection with the coil spring to which it is mounted.

[0025] According to embodiments of the spring retaining device, the spring support and the retainer attachment are formed as a single piece. Other sections may also be part of this single-piece device. For example, the spring retaining device is formed as a single piece. For example, the spring retaining device can be an integral, one-piece element. The spring retaining device can be manufactured as a single element in an injection molding process.

[0026] The second aspect may relate to a spring retaining system. The spring retaining system includes a spring retaining device according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples, and features of the first aspect constitute embodiments, examples, and features of the second aspect, and vice versa. The spring retaining system includes a coil spring. The coil spring can be retained by a retaining device. The coil spring can be mounted on a spring support. The coil spring can be a metal spring. The coil spring can retain a magnet, a part of the system, or another element at its end opposite the retaining device. The spring retaining device can be retained by another element, such as one used for attaching the spring to a receiving portion of a shift shaft of a vehicle transmission using a retainer attachment. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view illustrates a spring retaining system having a coil spring and a spring retaining device according to a first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic 3D diagram is shown. Figure 1 Spring retaining device.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 1 Spring retaining system.

[0030] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the spring retaining device is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0031] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the spring retaining device is shown in a schematic perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 3 A spring retaining system with a coil spring 10 and a spring retaining device 12 is shown. The coil spring 10 is mounted on the spring support 14 of the spring retaining device 12 and held in place by the spring retaining device 12. The coil spring 10 is shown in its uncompressed state. The coil spring 10 is formed of metal wire wound in a helical manner along the longitudinal length of the coil spring 10. When compressed, the windings of the coil spring 10 move closer together, and the longitudinal gap between the different windings decreases. In its maximum compression state, the windings of the metal wire rest against each other in the longitudinal direction. This compression may damage the coil spring 10 and is considered overcompression.

[0033] The spring retaining device 12 includes a retainer attachment 16. The retainer attachment 16 is a flat plate that can be inserted into a corresponding recess of another element to attach the spring retaining device 12 thereto. A spring support 14 extends from the main side of the retainer attachment 16. This allows for... Figure 2 As best seen in the image, it shows a spring retaining device 12 without the coiled spring 10 mounted thereon. The spring retaining device 12 is formed of plastic in an injection molding process and is a one-piece integral element.

[0034] The spring support 14 includes a circular base 18 protruding from the flat side of the retainer attachment 16. The diameter of the circular base 18 is larger than the diameter of the coil spring 10. The coil spring 10, with its winding arranged beside the retainer attachment 16, rests on the base 18; this winding may also be referred to as the bottommost winding. A post 20 protrudes coaxially with the coil spring 10 away from the base 18. Thus, the post 20 is radially arranged within the coil spring 10, but in different embodiments, this configuration may be substantially radially inverted, with the post 20 radially arranged outside the coil spring 10. The radial extension of the post 20 limits the maximum compression of the coil spring 10 because the element pressing against the free end of the coil spring 10 opposite to the retainer attachment 16 or the base 18 abuts the free tip of the post 20. This thus prevents excessive compression of the coil spring 10. The post 20 also limits the buckling of the coil spring 10 transversely to its longitudinal extension, because the inner circumference of the coil spring 10 will buckle to a certain extent abut against the post 20. Therefore, the spring retaining device 12 also helps to prevent damage to the coil spring 10 due to buckling.

[0035] The column 20 is formed by two column segments 22, although the number of segments may vary in other embodiments. The column 20 is recessed at the center. The column 20 can also be understood as forming a generally circular wall with interruptions. Thus, the column 20 is segmented in the circumferential direction by two gaps 30 between the segments 22. Each segment 22 has a base body 24 with two radially projecting ridges 26 extending longitudinally along the circumferential and radial outer edges of the base body 24. Therefore, each column segment 22 defines the outer diameter of the column 20. The two ridges 26 of each segment 22 and the base body 24 taper to a smaller diameter in the direction from the base 18 toward the free tip of the column 20. This facilitates the manufacture of the column 20 in an injection molding process. Furthermore, the taper of the column 20's diameter facilitates the sliding of the coil spring 10 onto the column 20. The base 28 of the column 20, formed by the longitudinal segments adjacent to each ridge 26 of the base 18, has a constant and therefore unchanging diameter. The base 28, i.e. the section with a constant diameter, is adjacent to the inner circumferential side of the coil spring 10 to provide some frictional retention of the coil spring 10.

[0036] The spring support 14 also includes two retaining protrusions 32 arranged circumferentially at the location of the gap 30. The two retaining protrusions 32 are positioned on the side of the coil spring 10 opposite to the radial direction of the post 20. The retaining protrusions 32 are configured to engage the circumferential side of the coil spring 10 opposite to the side facing the post 20. The retaining protrusions 32 are hook-shaped with radially inwardly projecting protrusions 34 that partially hook onto the lower winding of the coil spring 10. The retaining protrusions 32, together with the post 20, provide a snap-fit ​​connection with the coil spring 10. The retaining protrusions 32 are formed together with the rest of the spring retaining device 12 during the injection molding process.

[0037] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the spring retaining device 12 is shown, which is generally similar in form and function to the first embodiment. However, the column segment 22 is formed in a different manner. Furthermore, the spring retaining device 12 according to the second embodiment does not retain the protrusion 32.

[0038] The post 20 is formed by three segments 22 instead of two, although the number may vary in other embodiments. The segments 22 in the second embodiment do not have ridges 26 arranged at the circumferential and radially outer edges of the body 24. Instead, the segments 22 in the second embodiment have radially outwardly extending protrusions 40 arranged on the circumferential side of the body 24 radially facing the mounted coil spring 10. The protrusions 40 extend further radially outward toward the base 18 and the retainer attachment 16, thus flaring outward. When the coil spring 10 is slid onto the post 20, the ridges 26 cause the windings of the coil spring 10 to gradually elastically deform until they slide past the protrusions 40. Any winding that slides past the protrusions 40 will thus form a form-locked engagement with the protrusions 40 and therefore with the post 20. In one embodiment, the protrusions 40 will each engage in the gap between the windings of the mounted coil spring 10. In one embodiment, the protrusions 40 may be arranged at the same level on each segment 22. In another embodiment, the protrusions 40 are longitudinally spaced to follow the helical shape of the coil spring 10 winding, thereby forming a helical shape of integrally segmented protrusions formed by three individual protrusions 40 on each segment. This system allows for good fit and interlocking with the coil spring 10. Furthermore, it allows the coil spring 10 to be screwed onto the post 20, thereby preventing radial deformation during installation of the coil spring 10.

[0039] Figure 5A third embodiment of the spring retaining device 12 is shown, which is generally similar in form and function to the second embodiment. However, the protrusion 40 of the column segment 22 is formed differently. Instead of having a radially outward extension that increases with decreasing distance toward the base 18 and attachment 16, the protrusion 40 of the third embodiment has a generally raised radial extension with a peak protrusion approximately at the center of the longitudinal extension. Furthermore, the protrusion 40 extends in the circumferential direction along the entire circumferential extension of each body 24 of each segment 22. The protrusion 40 also follows a helical form and thus follows the circumferential winding of the coil spring 10. The third embodiment is primarily configured for screw-on mounting of the coil spring 10. Compared to the second embodiment, the protrusion 40 engages a larger section of the winding of the coil spring 10 and protrudes in a larger section in the gap between adjacent windings of the coil spring 10. Therefore, the third embodiment provides a very robust form-locking fit with the coil spring 10.

[0040] List of reference numerals

[0041] 10-turn spring

[0042] 12 Spring retaining device

[0043] 14 Spring Support

[0044] 16 Retainer Attachment

[0045] 18 bases

[0046] 20 columns

[0047] 22 column segments

[0048] 24Basic body

[0049] 26 ridges

[0050] 28 bases

[0051] 30 gap

[0052] 32. Maintain protrusion

[0053] 34 Inwardly protruding protrusions

[0054] 40 protrusions

Claims

1. A spring retaining device (12), characterized in that, The spring retaining device (12) includes a retainer attachment (16) and a spring support (14). The spring support (14) is configured to hold the coil spring (10) mounted on the spring support (14), and The spring support (14) includes a post (20) configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring (10) in which it is mounted.

2. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column (20) is configured to limit the buckling of the coil spring (10) on which it is placed.

3. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The column (20) is arranged radially within the coil spring (10) in which it is placed.

4. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The column (20) is arranged radially around the coil spring (10) on which it is placed.

5. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The post (20) tapers from the wide base (28) adjacent to the attachment towards the smaller tip.

6. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base (28) can be a longitudinal section with an invariable diameter.

7. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The column (20) is segmented in the circumferential direction.

8. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The post (20) is configured to engage in a shape-locking fit with the coil spring (10) in which it is placed.

9. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The post (20) includes a radial protrusion facing the coil spring (10), the radial protrusion being configured to engage the gap between the windings of the coil spring (10) in which it is mounted.

10. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The protrusions form a spiral shape.

11. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring support (14) includes at least one retaining protrusion arranged to engage the circumferential side of the coil spring (10) opposite to the side facing the post (20).

12. The spring retaining device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring retaining device (12) is formed as a one-piece device.

13. A spring retaining system, characterized in that, The spring retaining system has: The spring retaining device (12) according to any one of claims 1-12, and The coil spring (10) held by the spring holding device (12) The coil spring (10) is mounted on the spring support (14).

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