Wire diameter variable spring

Abstract

The utility model provides a spring with a variable wire diameter. The spring with the variable wire diameter is formed by winding a spring steel wire or a steel bar with the continuously-changing wire diameter, and the wire diameter of one end is thick and the wire diameter of the other end is thin. The shape of the spring can be a cylindrical spiral spring with the same coiling diameter, a conical spring with the same coiling diameter and a flat clockwork spring. When the wire diameters of all parts along the spring are different, different elastic coefficients can be obtained at different parts, springs with specific application purposes can be conveniently designed and manufactured, and the spring with one thick end and one thin end can be adopted to provide the effect of more stable damping or softer touch feeling when being used for automobile damping or electronic instruments.

Description

[0001] The application claims priority, which is a patent application filed on October 15, 2024, with application number 2024114336878 and the same title as this application. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the structural shape of a spring and its forming technology. Background Technology

[0003] A spring is a mechanical part made of an elastic material (such as spring steel) that works by utilizing elasticity. A spring deforms under the action of an external force and returns to its original shape after the force is removed. Springs come in a wide variety of types; according to shape, they mainly include helical springs, spiral springs, leaf springs, and irregularly shaped springs.

[0004] Application No. 2023227796832 discloses a variable diameter spring in the field of springs, including a spring body and a base. The base is fixedly disposed on both sides of the spring body. The base is provided with symmetrical T-shaped grooves, which are composed of a fastening part and a recessed part. The outer surface of the spring body is plated with an electroplated layer. This utility model is a spring with a variable diameter coil. The change in the coil diameter is not a change in the diameter of the steel wire.

[0005] The invention with application number 2024104749056 relates to the field of spring machine technology and discloses a spring machine for producing variable diameter springs. The machine includes a main body, on which a straightening mechanism, a diameter changing mechanism, a pitch changing mechanism, and a cutting mechanism are installed. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting tool, a mounting base, a pressure head, and a drive assembly. The spring's diameter is changed, not the wire diameter. This spring machine is for producing variable diameter springs as shown in ZL2023227796832 and cannot produce the variable wire diameter springs involved in this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose of the utility model:

[0007] This invention provides a variable diameter spring with different wire thicknesses and spring elastic coefficients in different parts, and its application in automotive shock absorption.

[0008] Technical solution:

[0009] The variable diameter spring of this utility model is made by winding spring steel wire (circular cross-section) or steel bar (elliptical, square, or flat cross-section, with rounded corners allowed for square or flat cross-sections) with continuously varying wire diameter. The cross-sectional area of ​​the spring steel wire or the spring steel bar can be continuously varied (the cross-sectional area can be the same at both ends, with equal diameter thick end or equal diameter thin end), forming a spring that is thick at one end and thin at the other, or does not change near both ends, and the elastic coefficient decreases accordingly, or does not change near both ends; the elastic coefficient is large at the thick end and small at the thin end.

[0010] Its shape can be a cylindrical helical spring with the same diameter, a conical spring with varying diameters, or a flat clockwork spring with varying diameters. There may be variations in the coil diameter; or variations in the bend or twist of the wire with different local angles; or variations in the grinding of the ends.

[0011] When it is a helical spring, the wire diameter or cross-sectional area at the upper end is smaller than that at the lower end, or the wire diameter or cross-sectional area at the lower end is smaller than that at the upper end, so as to meet the assembly requirements of different applications.

[0012] Coil springs are used as shock absorbers in automobile tires. When installed on a car (between the frame and axle), the upper end of the spring has a thinner wire diameter or cross-sectional area, while the lower end has a thicker wire diameter or cross-sectional area. The upper part experiences a larger amplitude of vibration, while the lower part experiences a smaller amplitude. This ensures that the lower part remains relatively stable during vehicle starts and stops, or in the event of a turn or even a rollover, improving safety. If the lower end has a thinner wire diameter, or both ends have thinner wire diameters, while the upper end or middle section is thicker, the spring itself is unstable during use. This makes the connected upper equipment even more unstable, potentially leading to a rollover hazard when the upper part is heavy (e.g., with many passengers).

[0013] The spring can also be fitted onto the piston rod or cylinder of the cylinder piston damping device, or used in combination with an air spring as a spring for a combined shock absorber (suspension springs in mid-to-high-end cars). This allows the car to achieve better or even better shock absorption. When encountering large potholes or gravel roads, although the tires undulate significantly, the seat undulation is not excessive, resulting in a more stable ride. When encountering minor uneven roads, although the tires undulate less, the seat undulation is gentler.

[0014] The upper and lower ends of the spring can be partially bent to be horizontal (perpendicular to the central axis), forming bends or turns with varying local angles (the angle between the tangent and the central axis), or partially ground. This allows the coil spring to be tightly connected to other metal parts such as nuts or washers.

[0015] When it is a conical spring, the wire diameter or cross-sectional area at its lower end (the end with the larger coil diameter) is larger than that at the upper end, which allows it to maintain better stability when placed in machinery. For the same compression distance, a light press at the upper end produces a smaller elastic force, while a larger pressing force is required at the lower end to produce a larger elastic force.

[0016] When it is a clock spring (or spiral spring), its outer end wire diameter or cross-sectional area is smaller than the inner end wire diameter or cross-sectional area, or the inner end wire diameter or cross-sectional area is smaller than the outer end wire diameter or cross-sectional area, so as to meet the different elastic requirements of the inner and outer ends.

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] The manufacturing process and machinery of this invention differ from those of traditional spring production processes and machinery, but can be achieved with minor modifications to traditional machinery, resulting in low production costs.

[0019] Of course, the length of the spring steel wire in this invention is shorter than that of traditional continuous steel wire; however, it can reduce the cutting and shortening process during the later production of springs.

[0020] The spring of this invention has different elastic coefficients at different parts along its length, which allows for different elastic coefficients at different parts, making it easier to design and manufacture springs for specific applications and achieve specific application effects.

[0021] This utility model has a wide range of applications. In addition to its use in automotive shock absorption as mentioned above, it can also be used for the following purposes:

[0022] In the mechanical field, springs used as cushioning devices can have their thicker end mounted in a fixed position, while the thinner end connects to a moving part. When the moving part is subjected to an impact, the spring initially provides cushioning through the thinner end. As the degree of compression increases, the thicker end gradually exerts greater elastic force, providing a more stable cushioning effect and reducing damage to the equipment from the impact.

[0023] In the field of electronic devices, springs with one thicker end and one thinner end can be used to provide tactile feedback in the buttons of mobile phones, keyboards, and other electronic devices. The thinner end is connected to the keycap. When the key is pressed, the thinner end compresses first, providing a gentler tactile feel. As the key is pressed further, the thicker end begins to compress, providing a stronger feedback force, allowing the user to clearly feel that the key operation has been completed. This design can improve the tactile feel of the keys and reduce the rate of accidental key presses.

[0024] In the field of medical equipment, some rehabilitation devices, such as leg rehabilitation devices and arm rehabilitation devices, use springs with one thicker end and one thinner end to provide different levels of resistance. The thicker end can provide greater resistance, suitable for patients in the later stages of rehabilitation to perform high-intensity training; while the thinner end can provide less resistance, suitable for patients in the early stages of rehabilitation to perform low-intensity training.

[0025] In the field of industrial automation, this special spring can be used in the joints of industrial robots. The thicker end connects to the main structure of the robot, providing greater support and stability; the thinner end connects to the moving parts of the joint, providing elastic cushioning during robot movement, reducing impact and vibration during joint movement, and improving the robot's motion accuracy and lifespan.

[0026] In the aerospace field, the springs in the landing gear damping system of an aircraft bear the huge impact force of the landing gear at the moment of landing and provide a strong damping effect through gradual compression; while the thin end provides a certain elastic assistance during the landing gear retraction and extension process, making the landing gear movement more stable. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a helical spring with a continuously varying cross-sectional area and the same coiled diameter, according to this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a conical spring with a continuously varying cross-sectional area and different coiled diameter according to this utility model.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a spring with a continuously varying coiled wire diameter according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a conical spring with a locally continuously varying but locally constant wire diameter according to this utility model.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a perspective structural diagram of the helical spring of this utility model used as a spring in an automobile shock absorber.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a spring used as a combined shock absorber in an automobile.

[0033] In the diagram: 1-coil spring; 2-spring; 3-thick end; 4-thin end; 5-variable diameter wire A; 6-variable diameter wire B; 7-conical spring; 8-variable diameter wire C; 9-variable diameter wire D; 10-uniform diameter thick end; 13-automotive shock absorber spring; 14-piston rod; 15-cylinder; 16-frame; 17-tire; 18-axle; 20-uniform diameter thin end. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] like Figure 1The variable-diameter spring shown is made by winding spring steel wire or bar, with the wire diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the spring steel wire or bar continuously varying to form a spring that is thicker at one end and thinner at the other. Its shape is a coiled helical spring 1 with the same diameter. Its upper and lower ends may have partial bends to create horizontal ends, allowing the helical spring 1 to be tightly connected to a nut or washer, etc.

[0036] The manufacturing process of the helical spring 1 is as follows:

[0037] 1) Take a large diameter coarse steel wire and use a wire drawing process with different drawing speeds to make round spring steel wires of different thicknesses with a length equal to the unfolded length of a spring;

[0038] 2) The springs are made by winding the wire on a special spring machine and mold, with a circular cross-section and a trapezoidal longitudinal section.

[0039] The helical spring 1 is used as follows: Figure 4 or Figure 5 The automotive shock absorber spring 13 shown (or can be used in conjunction with a shock absorber device consisting of cylinder 15, piston, and piston rod 14) has its thin end 4 positioned at the top and its thick end 3 positioned at the bottom. When the car is driving on relatively flat roads and uneven roads, although the amplitude of the bumps on the tires 17 varies considerably, the frame 16 is buffered by this automotive shock absorber spring 13, so the amplitude of the bump changes is not significant, and the occupants do not feel much difference, making the ride more comfortable.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] like Figure 2 The variable-diameter spring shown is made by winding spring steel wire with a continuously varying cross-sectional area, forming a conical spring 7 with a thicker lower end and a thinner upper end. Moreover, its lower winding diameter is larger than its upper winding diameter. When such a conical spring 7 is placed in mechanical equipment or electronic instruments, the lower end deforms less and is more stable, while the upper end has less resistance and moves more flexibly.

[0042] Example 3:

[0043] like Figure 3 The variable diameter spring shown is made by winding spring steel wire. The diameter of the spring steel wire changes continuously, forming a clock spring 2 with a thicker outer diameter and a thinner inner diameter.

Claims

1. A variable diameter spring, made by winding spring steel wire or steel bar, characterized in that: The diameter of the spring steel wire or the cross-sectional area of ​​the spring steel bar varies continuously or does not change near both ends, forming a spring with a diameter or cross-sectional area that is thicker at one end and thinner at the other, or the same near both ends.

2. The variable wire diameter spring as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Its shape is a cylindrical helical spring (1), a conical spring (7), or a flat clock spring (2).

3. The variable wire diameter spring as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The spring may have variations in coil diameter; or the steel wire may have variations in bends or turns at different angles; or the ends may have variations due to grinding.

4. The variable wire diameter spring as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When it is a conical spring (7), the wire diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the end with the larger coil diameter is greater than that of the other end.

5. The variable wire diameter spring as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When it is a clock spring (2), the outer end wire diameter or cross-sectional area is smaller than the inner end.

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