Spring holding device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spring retaining device (12). The spring retaining device (12) comprises a bracket attachment portion (16) and a spring support portion (14). The spring support portion (14) is configured to hold a coil spring (10) placed on the spring support portion (14), and the spring support portion (14) comprises a column (20) configured to limit maximum compression of the placed coil spring (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a spring retaining assembly having a spring retaining device (12).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring holding device for holding a coil spring. State of the art

[0002] Transporting and securely holding coil springs can be difficult. For example, very small coil springs can easily bend and become permanently deformed during transport. Furthermore, over-compression of coil springs is also possible, leading to permanent deformation. Furthermore, a coil spring can easily compress during mounting, causing the spring to spring out of its intended position when released. This makes mounting coil springs difficult, so coil springs are often not used in hard-to-reach places, even when their use would otherwise be advantageous. Likewise, the coil spring can become permanently deformed during use due to bending and over-compression.

[0003] CN 217682969 U describes a lower spring support structure of an automotive shock absorber. The lower support structure includes a raised spring inner ring positioning portion located at the center of an upper surface of a lower spring support body. Furthermore, the lower support structure includes a raised spring starting point limiting portion also located on the upper surface of the lower spring support body, and a convex spring outer ring positioning portion located at the position of an outer ring of the lower support body on the upper surface of a lower spring support body. Thus, a lowermost coil of a coil spring can be held between the outer ring and the inner ring. Brief description of the invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a spring retaining device. A spring retaining device may be configured to retain a coil spring to another device, such as a shaft or a clamp. A coil spring may be a spring made from a long piece of resilient material, such as metal, that is wound around itself, for example, helically. For example, a coil spring may be a steel spring with multiple coils. A diameter of each coil may be constant or may vary along an axial length of the coil spring. For example, the coil spring may be a compression spring. A coil of the coil spring may be a complete coil of material. A coil may be an extension of material along a 360° arc. The coils may coil in a longitudinal extension of the coil spring.The longitudinal extension can correspond to a compression and tension direction of the spring when used as intended.

[0005] The spring retainer includes a bracket mounting portion. The bracket mounting portion may be configured for attaching the spring retainer to other devices, such as a clamp, a receptacle, or the like. For example, the bracket mounting portion may be configured as a flat plate. The bracket mounting portion may also be configured as a clamp or other device for securing the spring retainer to other components. For example, the bracket mounting portion may be held in a clamp that holds the spring retainer to a gearshift shaft of a vehicle transmission. The positioned coil spring may hold a magnet or transducer at an end opposite an end adjacent to the bracket mounting portion. This may allow shaft position measurement.Unlike other magnetic or transducer mounts, such a configuration can be easy to mount and highly resistant to shock and vibration.

[0006] The spring retaining device comprises a spring support region. The spring support region is configured to hold a coil spring placed on the spring support region. The spring support region can form a seat for the coil spring, optionally together with the bracket fastening region. The spring support region can be configured, for example, to clamp or positively fix the coil spring placed therein. The seat can be a region of the spring retaining device against which the coil spring rests, for example, with an adjacent outermost turn of the coil spring. The coil spring can be compressed against the seat during proper use of a device in which the coil spring is fastened with the spring retaining device.The coil spring can be held on the seat when tensioned during proper use of the device in which the coil spring is attached with the spring holding device.

[0007] The spring support region comprises a column configured to limit maximum compression of the placed coil spring. For example, the column may extend away from the seat of the coil spring, such as to a free end of the coil spring. For example, the column may extend parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal extent of the coil spring. For example, the column may extend 10%, 20%, 50%, or even 75% along the longitudinal length of the uncompressed coil spring. The column may extend axially along some turns of the coil spring, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or even more turns. The column may be in contact with the spring at one end, such as an end facing the attachment region, but may be spaced apart at other areas, such as an opposite end. For example, there may be a radial gap between the column and the coil spring.At least the column or even the entire spring support region may protrude from the attachment region, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the coil spring held by the spring retaining device. The column may have a central bore extending longitudinally through the column, for example, to save weight. The column may be a circular wall. The column may be segmented with recesses or notches between different segments. The column may be configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring by stopping compression of the coil spring before the coil spring coils abut each other. The column may be configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring by stopping compression before the coil spring is fully compressed.The column may be configured to limit the maximum compression of the coil spring to a maximum compression that is below a compression that would result in permanent deformation of the coil spring. The column may prevent damage to the coil spring during transport and, alternatively or additionally, during use. Furthermore, the column may permit the use of coil springs that would normally allow excessive travel or compression. The column may act as a type of end stop. The column may limit the maximum compression due to an element acting on the end of the coil spring that is opposite the bracket attachment area and comes into contact with the column.

[0008] The column may have a base attached to the bracket mounting portion and a free tip at an opposite end. The spring support portion may have a rounded or recessed bottom on which the coil spring may rest. The bottom may also be flat. The rounded, flat, or recessed bottom may face the placed coil spring and be parallel to the longitudinal axis. The bracket mounting portion may, for example, be configured as a substantially flat plate or have another shape. The bracket mounting portion may include a recess, such as a circular recess, for placing the coil spring. The recess may also be considered part of the spring support portion. The recess may form the rounded bottom. The spring support portion may include a pedestal on which the placed coil spring rests. The pedestal may form the rounded bottom.The column may extend from the base. The base may have a diameter equal to or wider than the coil spring. The base may protrude from the support attachment to the installed coil spring. The column may have a shorter axial extension than the installed coil spring in its uncompressed state.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column is configured to limit bending of the placed coil spring. For example, a radial gap between the tip of the column and an adjacent region of the placed coil spring can limit lateral movement and thus bending of the coil spring transverse to its lateral extent. For example, bending of at least portions of the coil spring can be stopped by contact with the column. Portions of the column or even the entire column can be in contact with radially facing surfaces of the column itself without bending, thereby completely preventing any bending in these portions. By limiting bending, undesirable deformation of the coil spring during use or transport can also be prevented.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column is arranged radially within the placed coil spring. Such a configuration can be easy to manufacture. Furthermore, such a configuration can provide guidance during the placement of the coil spring, thereby facilitating the fastening of the coil spring. For example, the column can be formed as a central shaft within the coil spring. The placed coil spring can be arranged radially outside the column. The coil spring can radially surround the column.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column is arranged radially around the positioned coil spring. Such a configuration can provide very good protection for the positioned coil spring, for example, preventing radial forces from acting on the coil spring in the region of the column. For example, the positioned coil spring can be surrounded by a wall that can comprise several spaced-apart wall segments. The arrangement of the column radially around the coil spring can also be understood as arranging the coil spring in an opening or recess.

[0012] The spring support portion of the spring retainer may also include a first column and a second column, with the first column positioned radially within the positioned coil spring and the second column positioned radially around the positioned coil spring. This allows the benefits of mounting guidance and coil spring protection, described in more detail above, to be combined. Any features, configurations, and details described herein for one column may equally apply to both the first and second columns.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column tapers from a wide base adjacent the attachment area to a narrower tip. Such a configuration can be easy to manufacture. For example, with such a configuration, a tool from an injection molding manufacturing process can be easily removed after injection molding. Furthermore, it can facilitate the attachment of the coil spring to the spring support area. For example, the coil spring can be easily slid over the small-diameter tip and then securely and firmly placed on the wider base. The base can have a slightly wider diameter or a slightly smaller diameter for a type of press fit with the placed coil spring.The diameter can be wider if the column is positioned radially inside the coil spring, or smaller if the column is positioned radially outside the coil spring. The tip can be the free end of the column. The tip can end below the adjacent end of the coil spring, for example, in a longitudinal direction. The base can be connected to the mounting area. The base can end in the socket.

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

[0015] The column may have a round cross-section, such as a circular cross-section. The column may also have an angular cross-section, such as a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section of the column may correspond to a cross-sectional base area of the coil spring. The general cross-sectional shape of the column may be constant or may vary along its longitudinal extent. The general cross-sectional shape of the column may be constant along its longitudinal extent while the diameter varies, for example, as in the case of a tapered column. The cross-section of the column may be constant along its longitudinal extent. The column may have various segments, each having a cross-section corresponding to the above. The segments may also together form a cross-sectional shape.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the base can be a longitudinal portion with a fixed diameter. For example, the base can have a constant cross-section along its longitudinal extent. For example, the column can have a cylindrical base portion and another portion that tapers towards its tip. There can be a bottom portion of the column adjacent to the attachment portion that does not taper and has, for example, a height of one, two, three, or more turns of the coil spring. Such a configuration can provide better retention of the placed coil spring. Alternatively, the base can be merely the end of the column adjacent to the attachment portion, and the entire column can taper towards its tip.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column is segmented in a circumferential direction. For example, the column may have three pyramid-base-shaped or wedge-shaped segments that form a tapered circular radial outer seating surface for the coil spring. Each segment may be tapered. The column may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, or more segments. The segmentation may facilitate the manufacturing of the column. Furthermore, it may reduce the weight of the column. Furthermore, the segmentation allows for greater flexibility in the column, such as in walls that contact the coil spring. This may allow for better retention of the coil spring and easier fastening.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column is configured for a positive fit with the placed coil spring. Such a configuration can prevent the coil spring from slipping from the spring support area, even when subjected to strong shocks and very frequent vibrations. For example, a projection, a hook-shaped area, or another area of the column, optionally together with other areas of the spring support area, can engage the placed coil spring via a positive fit. The coil spring can be screwed onto the column with its spiral coils. The coil spring can also be brought into a positive fit with the column by deformation, similar to a snap connection.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the column may also be configured for frictional engagement to hold the placed coil spring, for example due to a wider diameter.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the column comprises a radial projection facing the coil spring and configured to engage a gap between coils of the deployed coil spring. For example, the projection may extend radially through the two adjacent coils of the deployed coil spring. The column may comprise a plurality of such projections, spaced apart from one another, for example, in a circumferential direction and alternatively or additionally in a longitudinal direction. For example, each segment of the column may have a projection extending radially therefrom. For example, each projection may extend substantially circumferentially. Alternatively or additionally, there may be projections forming a longitudinally extending web. Such webs can save material, strengthen the column, and also improve guidance during attachment of the coil spring.Such webs cannot engage gaps between coils of the coil spring. The gap in the coil spring may extend parallel to the coils of the coil spring and thus have a spiral shape. Thus, the gaps in the coil spring can be considered a continuous gap. Each gap can be considered a turn of the continuous gap. The projections engaging the gap may not be in constant contact with the coil spring material. For example, the projections may have a longitudinal extension that is shorter than the gap and may only contact the coil spring material when the coil spring is tensioned or compressed.

[0021] Some or all of the coils of the deployed coil spring that are engaged by the spring support region, such as by projections extending radially through gaps of adjacent coils, may not count toward an axially compressible length of the deployed coil spring. For example, a lower portion of the coil spring engaged by the projections may be essentially immobile, even when the coil spring is subjected to compression forces. Thus, the compression limitation by the column may apply to other coils that are not so immobile. An effectively compressible length of the deployed coil spring may begin after a positive engagement with the column.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the projection forms a spiral shape. For example, there may be a continuous projection forming one or more turns. The projection may have multiple segments arranged spirally to form the spiral shape. The spiral shape may correspond to the spiral shape of the coil spring in the uncompressed state. The spiral projection can engage along gaps between one or more turns of the coil spring. The projection may have one or more turns or even only half or a quarter of a turn. The spiral projection can hold the placed coil spring very well. For example, due to the spiral shape, the coil spring can be screwed onto the projection or column without deformation.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the spring retaining device, the spring support portion comprises at least one retaining projection arranged for engagement with a peripheral side of the deployed coil spring opposite a side facing the column. For example, the retaining projection may be shaped like a finger or a hook. The retaining projection may be spaced from the column. The retaining projection may extend from a region of the mounting portion other than the column. The retaining projection may extend from the base. The retaining projection may extend generally parallel to the column. For example, if the column is arranged radially inward of the deployed coil spring, the retaining projection may be arranged radially outward of the deployed coil spring. For example, if the column is arranged radially outward of the deployed coil spring, the retaining projection may be arranged radially inward of the deployed coil spring.The retaining projection may be arranged radially opposite the column with respect to the placed coil spring. The placed coil spring may be held between the retaining projection and the column, for example by wedging or clamping. The retaining projection may snap onto a coil of the coil spring. For example, the retaining projection may extend longitudinally as high as the base of the column. The retaining projection may have a recess or tooth for partially encompassing a coil of the placed coil spring. The support region may clamp or clamp the placed coil spring between the retaining projection and the column.

[0024] The spring support portion may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more retaining projections, for example, evenly spaced in a circumferential direction on a common radius. The spring support portion may comprise one retaining projection per segment of the column or a different number. The retaining projections may be arranged at the same circumferential position as the segment of the column, or they may be arranged at the circumferential position of a gap between two segments of the column. The spring support portion, for example, with the column and any retaining projections, may be configured to form a snap-in coupling with the placed coil spring.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the spring retainer, the spring support region and the bracket fastening region are formed as a one-piece device. Other regions can also be part of this one-piece device. For example, the spring retainer is formed as a one-piece device. For example, the spring retainer can be a monolithic, one-piece element. The spring retainer can be manufactured as a single element in an injection molding process.

[0026] A second aspect may relate to a spring retaining assembly. The spring retaining assembly comprises the spring retaining device according to the first aspect. Embodiments, examples, and features of the first aspect form embodiments, examples, and features of the second aspect, and vice versa. The spring retaining assembly comprises a coil spring. The coil spring may be retained by the retaining device. The coil spring may be placed on the spring support portion. The coil spring may be a metal spring. The coil spring may hold a magnet, part of the assembly, or another element at its end facing away from the retaining device. The spring retaining device may be retained by another element, such as a receptacle for attaching the spring to a gearshift shaft of a vehicle transmission, with the retainer attachment portion. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a spring retaining arrangement with a coil spring and a spring retaining device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows in a schematic perspective view the spring holding device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows in a schematic perspective sectional view the spring retaining arrangement of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the spring holding device. Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the spring holding device. Detailed description of embodiments

[0027] Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show a spring retainer assembly comprising a coil spring 10 and a spring retainer 12. The coil spring 10 is placed on a spring support portion 14 of the spring retainer 12 and is held in position by the spring retainer 12. The coil spring 10 is shown in its uncompressed state. The coil spring 10 is formed by a metal wire that spirals along a longitudinal length of the coil spring 10. Upon compression, the coils of the coil spring 10 move closer together, and a longitudinal gap between the various coils is reduced. In their most compressed state, the coils of the metal wire rest on one another longitudinally. Such compression can damage the coil spring 10 and is considered overcompression.

[0028] The spring retaining device 12 comprises a bracket mounting portion 16. The bracket mounting portion 16 is a flat plate that can be inserted into a corresponding recess of another element to secure the spring retaining device 12 thereto. The spring support portion 14 extends from a main side of the bracket mounting portion 16. This is best illustrated in Fig. 2, which shows the spring retainer 12 without the coil spring 10 placed thereon. The spring retainer 12 is formed from plastic in an injection molding process and is a monolithic, one-piece element.

[0029] The spring support portion 14 includes a circular base 18 protruding from the flat side of the bracket attachment portion 16. A diameter of the circular base 18 is wider than a diameter of the coil spring 10. The deployed coil spring 10 rests on the base 18 with a coil disposed adjacent to the bracket attachment portion 16, which may also be referred to as a lowermost coil. A column 20 extends from the base 18 coaxial with the deployed coil spring 10. The column 20 is thus disposed radially inward of the deployed coil spring 10, although in another embodiment, the configuration may be generally radially reversed, with the column 20 disposed radially outward of the deployed coil spring 10.A radial extension of the column 20 limits maximum compression of the placed coil spring 10 by the element pressing on the free end of the coil spring 10 opposite the bracket attachment area 16 or the base 18, which comes into contact with a free tip of the column 20. Excessive compression of the coil spring 10 is thus avoided. The column 20 also limits bending of the coil spring 10 transverse to its longitudinal extent, since an inner circumference of the coil spring 10 comes into contact with the column 20 at a certain degree of bending. The spring retaining device 12 thus helps prevent damage to the coil spring 10 due to bending.

[0030] 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 in the center. The column 20 can also be understood as forming an approximately circular wall with interruptions. The column 20 is thus 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 webs 26 that extend longitudinally along a circumferential and radial outer edge of the base body 24. Each column segment 22 thus defines an outer diameter of the column 20. Both webs 26 and the base body 24 of the segment 22 taper to a smaller diameter in a direction running from the base 18 to a free tip of the column 20. This simplifies the manufacture of the column 20 during the injection molding process.Furthermore, the tapered diameter of column 20 facilitates sliding the coil spring 10 onto the column 20. A base 28 of the column 20, formed by a longitudinal portion of each web 26 adjacent to the base 18, has a constant and thus unchanging diameter. The base 28, i.e., the portion with the unchanging diameter, bears against an inner peripheral side of the positioned coil spring 10 to ensure a certain frictional hold of the coil spring 10.

[0031] The spring support portion 14 also includes two retaining projections 32 arranged in a circumferential direction at the position of the gaps 30. The two retaining projections 32 are arranged on the side of the deployed coil spring 10 radially opposite the column 20. The retaining projections 32 are configured to engage a circumferential side of the deployed coil spring 10 opposite a side facing the column 20. The retaining projections 32 are hook-shaped with a radially inwardly projecting projection 34 that partially hooks a lower coil of the coil spring 10. The retaining projections 32 provide a snap-fit connection with the deployed coil spring 10 along with the column 20. The retaining projections 32 are formed together with the rest of the spring retainer 12 during the injection molding process.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the spring retaining device 12, which is generally similar in shape and function to the first embodiment. However, the column segments 22 are designed differently. Furthermore, the spring retaining device 12 according to the second embodiment does not have retaining projections 32.

[0033] The column 20 is formed by three segments 22 instead of two, although the number may be different in other embodiments. The segments 22 in the second embodiment do not have the webs 26 arranged on the circumferential and radially outer edges of the body 24. Instead, the segments 22 of the second embodiment have radially outwardly extending projections 40 arranged on a circumferential side of the body 24 radially toward the placed coil spring 10. The projections 40 extend radially further outward toward the base 18 and the bracket attachment area 16, i.e., are widened outward. When the coil spring 10 is slid onto the column 20, the webs 26 gradually elastically deform the coils of the coil spring 10 until they slide over the projections 40. Each turn pushed over the projections 40 in this way forms a positive connection with the projections 40 and thus with the column 20.In one embodiment, the projections 40 each engage a gap between the turns of the placed coil spring 10. In one embodiment, the projections 40 can be arranged at the same height on each segment 20. In another embodiment, the projections 40 are spaced apart longitudinally so that they follow a spiral shape of the turns of the coil spring 10, thus forming a spiral shape of a segmented overall projection formed by the three individual projections 40 on each segment. Such an arrangement allows for a good fit and mesh with the coil spring 10. Furthermore, it allows the coil spring 10 to be screwed onto the column 20, thereby avoiding radial deformation during attachment of the coil spring 10.

[0034] Fig.5 shows a third embodiment of the spring retainer 12, which is generally similar in form and function to the second embodiment. However, the projections 40 of the column segments 22 are configured differently. Instead of having a larger radially outward extension with a reduced distance toward the base 18 and the mounting portion 16, the projections 40 of the third embodiment have a generally arcuate radial extension with a highest projection generally at the center of the longitudinal extension. Furthermore, the projections 40 extend in a circumferential direction along the complete circumferential extension of each body 24 of each segment 22. The projections 40 also follow a spiral shape and thus follow the turns of the placed coil spring 10 in the circumferential direction. The third embodiment is primarily configured for a screw attachment of the coil spring 10.The projections 40 engage with a larger area of the coils of the installed coil spring 10 and protrude into the gap between adjacent coils of the coil spring 10 over a larger area than in the second embodiment. The third embodiment thus ensures a very secure positive connection with the installed coil spring 10. Reference symbol 10 coil springs 12 Spring retaining device 14 Spring support area 16 Bracket mounting area 18 bases 20 column 22 column segment 24 base bodies 26 jetty 28 Base 30 columns 32 retaining projections 34 inwardly projecting projection 40 projections QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 217682969 U

[0003]

Claims

[1] Spring holding device (12), wherein the spring holding device (12) comprises a bracket attachment portion (16) and a spring support portion (14), wherein the spring support portion (14) is configured to hold a coil spring (10) placed on the spring support portion (14), and wherein the spring support portion (14) comprises a column (20) configured to limit maximum compression of the placed coil spring (10). [2] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by that the column (20) is configured to limit bending of the placed coil spring (10). [3] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the column (20) is arranged radially in the placed coil spring (10). [4] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the column (20) is arranged radially around the placed coil spring (10). [5] Spring holding device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the column (20) tapers from a wide base (28) adjacent to the fastening area to a narrower tip. [6] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 5, characterized by that the base (28) can be a longitudinal region with a constant diameter. [7] Spring holding device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the column (20) is segmented in a circumferential direction. [8] Spring holding device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the column (20) is configured for a positive connection with the placed coil spring (10). [9] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 8, characterized bythat the column (20) comprises a radial projection facing the coil spring (10) and configured to engage a gap between turns of the placed coil spring (10). [10] Spring holding device (12) according to claim 9, characterized by that the projection forms a spiral shape. [11] Spring holding device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the spring support region (14) comprises at least one retaining projection arranged to engage with a peripheral side of the placed coil spring (10) opposite a side facing the column (20). [12] Spring holding device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spring holding device (12) is designed as a one-piece device. [13] Spring holding arrangement comprising a spring holding device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and a coil spring (10) held by the spring holding device (12), wherein the coil spring (12) is placed on the spring support region (14).

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