plastic spring

Abstract

A plastic spring (8) with a lower spring ring (9) and an upper spring ring (10) arranged substantially coaxially to each other, wherein a plane (E) spanned by the spring rings (9, 10) extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8), and wherein several intermediate rings (39, 39') extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8) are formed over the height (h) of the plastic spring (8), and wherein the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39') are further connected to each other by spring legs (11) extending between the intermediate rings (39, 39') and between the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39'), characterized in that two successive intermediate rings (39, 39') in the direction (r) of the longitudinal axis (y) are curved in opposite directions, wherein the spring legs (11) have opposing, circular segment-shaped side contours.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic spring according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] A plastic spring of the type in question is known, for example, from JP 4759432 B2. This spring has, in addition to the upper and lower spring rings, an intermediate ring aligned coaxially to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the upper and lower spring rings. Between the lower spring ring and the intermediate ring, as well as between the intermediate ring and the upper spring ring, extend spring legs, which, viewed circumferentially, each extend by 90 degrees to approximately 180 degrees. An end of a spring leg extending between the lower spring ring and the intermediate ring that enters the intermediate ring corresponds to an end extending between the intermediate ring and the upper spring ring that terminates.

[0003] Such a plastic spring can, preferably, be manufactured in one piece and of uniform material, for example using plastic injection molding. Summary of the invention

[0004] With regard to the prior art described above, the invention aims to provide a plastic spring of the type in question which is particularly advantageous with regard to force development during compression.

[0005] The above problem is solved by a plastic spring having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention relates to a plastic spring with a lower spring ring and an upper spring ring, which are arranged essentially coaxially to each other, wherein a plane spanned by the spring rings extends essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plastic spring, and wherein several intermediate rings extending essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the plastic spring are formed over the height of the plastic spring, and wherein the spring rings and the intermediate rings are further connected to each other by spring legs extending between the intermediate rings and between the spring rings and the intermediate rings.

[0007] In order to specify a plastic spring which exhibits particularly favorable behavior with regard to force development, it is proposed in connection with the invention that two successive intermediate rings in the direction of the longitudinal axis are curved in opposite directions.

[0008] This oppositely curved course of two intermediate rings, which follow each other directly when viewed along or in the direction of the longitudinal axis, results, for example, when the intermediate rings are projected into a plane in which the longitudinal axis is represented as a line.

[0009] Viewed along the longitudinal axis, a (first) intermediate ring may exhibit a convex curvature with respect to the viewing direction, while the (second) intermediate ring following in the same viewing direction may exhibit a concave curvature. Similarly, referring to the example described above, the first intermediate ring may be concavely curved, while the subsequent second intermediate ring may exhibit a convex curvature.

[0010] The curvature of successive intermediate rings can be uniform around the circumference, or alternatively, non-uniform, whereby the slope or gradient of the successive intermediate rings can be the same, taking into account their opposing curvature. Alternatively, different gradients are also possible.

[0011] Viewed along the longitudinal axis, the plastic spring can also have several pairs of successive intermediate rings with oppositely curved paths.

[0012] Furthermore, an intermediate ring can exhibit a concave or convex curvature in one possible projection onto the previously described plane, while in another projection onto a plane rotated 90 degrees around its longitudinal axis, this intermediate ring can be curved in the opposite direction, thus exhibiting a convex or concave shape. Thus, when viewed along its circumference, an intermediate ring can have a wave-like shape.

[0013] In a preferably identical configuration of the longitudinally successive intermediate rings, the aforementioned opposing curvature can be achieved by a relative displacement of one intermediate ring to the other intermediate ring in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis, for example, and preferably, by a circumferential displacement of 90 degrees.

[0014] Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred relation to the subject matter of claim 1 or to features of further claims. However, they may also be related to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim, or be significant independently.

[0015] Particularly in connection with curved intermediate rings, it can further be provided that the intermediate rings, viewed from a median plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between two intermediate rings, are each concavely or each convexly curved. The longitudinal axis is represented as a point in the aforementioned median plane. Viewed from this median plane in both directions along the longitudinal axis, concave or convex curvatures of both successive intermediate rings or circumferential sections of the intermediate rings are observed.

[0016] In this case, the intermediate rings can each have a maximum distance to each other in the direction of the axis in the area of ​​their inflection points (zenith) if the curvature is convex, and a minimum distance in the direction of the axis in the area of ​​their inflection points if the curvature is concave.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one possible embodiment, the width of an intermediate ring, specified in the direction of the longitudinal axis, can be 10 percent or more, for example up to 25 or 50 percent or more, greater than the width of the lower and / or upper spring ring specified in the same direction. The aforementioned width of an intermediate ring can also correspond, for example, to 1.1 to approximately 2 times the width of a spring ring.

[0018] Regarding the plastic used, a polyolefin is preferred, in particular PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or COC (cycloolefin copolymer). Polypropylene with fillers can also be used. The modulus of elasticity is preferably between 1900 and 3000 MPa.

[0019] The plastic spring has an optimal spring characteristic, in which, after an initial increase in spring force during a downward pressure, a constant force can then be maintained with regard to further downward pressure.

[0020] The ranges or value ranges or multiple ranges specified above and below also include, with regard to disclosure, all intermediate values, in particular in 1 / 10 steps of the respective dimension, and possibly also dimensionless. For example, the specification 1.5 to 5 times also includes the disclosure of 1.6 to 5 times, 1.5 to 4.9 times, 1.6 to 4.9 times, etc.; the disclosure of 0.1 to 10 degrees, also the disclosure of 0.2 to 10 degrees, 0.1 to 9.9 degrees, 0.2 to 9.9 degrees, etc.; the disclosure of 10 to 15 mm, also the disclosure of 10.1 to 15 mm, 10 to 14.9 mm, 10.1 to 14.9 mm, etc. This disclosure can serve, on the one hand, to delimit a specified range boundary from below and / or above, or alternatively or additionally, to disclose one or more singular values ​​from a respective specified range. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, only depicts exemplary embodiments. A part that is explained only in relation to one of the exemplary embodiments and is not replaced by another part in a further exemplary embodiment due to the special feature highlighted therein, is thus also described for this further exemplary embodiment as a possible existing part. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a dispenser with a plastic spring, relating to a basic position; Fig. 2 a sectional view according to Fig. 1, however, concerning an issue; Fig. 2a a section view according to section IIa in Fig. 2, rotated 90 degrees around a longitudinal spring axis; Fig. 3 in a perspective view of a plastic spring in an embodiment as also used in the dispenser according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is used; Fig. 4 the plastic spring according to Fig. 3 in another perspective view; Fig. 5 the plastic spring of the first embodiment in top view; Fig. 6 the side view against the plastic spring according to arrow VI in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 the side view according to arrow VII in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 the cut according to line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6; Fig. 9 the cut according to line IX-IX in Fig. 6; Fig. 10 the cut according to line XX in Fig. 7; Fig. 11. A development of a strut with sections of spring rings into which the strut enters is shown in dashed line style, and reduction sections of the strut are shown in solid line style; Fig. 12 in perspective view a plastic spring in one embodiment; Fig. 13 the top view here; Fig. 14 the side view according to arrow XIV in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 in an enlarged single view a strut in side view with sections of spring rings and intermediate rings connected to the strut; Fig. 16 a section view of a side view against a plastic spring in one embodiment; Fig. 17 the cut according to line XVII-XVII in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 the enlargement of area XVIII in Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a sectional view according to Fig. 17, however, concerning the compression position of the plastic spring; Fig. 20 in perspective view a plastic spring in an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 21 the top view of the plastic spring according to Fig. 20; Fig. 22 the view against the plastic spring according to arrow XXII in Fig. 21; Fig. 23 the view against the plastic spring according to arrow XXIII in Fig. 21; Fig. 24 the enlargement of area XXIV in Fig. 23. Description of the embodiments

[0022] The presentation and description, initially with reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7, a plastic spring 8 with a lower spring ring 9 and an upper spring ring 10, which are connected to each other via spring legs 11 in a way that allows springs to move, wherein the spring legs 11 run into a transition section into the respective spring ring 9, 10.

[0023] For example, in Fig. The dispenser 1 shown can have a hollow cylindrical reservoir 6. The dispenser pump 3 is mounted on this reservoir, for example by screwing or snapping it into place. In the non-use position according to Fig. 1. The dispenser pump 3 may be covered by a cap not shown.

[0024] The molded parts of the dispenser 1 are preferably made of a plastic material, such as polyethylene, and are preferably manufactured by injection molding. In the illustrated embodiment, the valves are a significant exception; they may be made of a rubber-like material, which, although it can be a TPE (and therefore also suitable for injection molding), is preferably vulcanized in this embodiment.

[0025] A follower piston 13 can be positioned in the reservoir 6, via which the mass 2 to be dispensed is transported towards the dispenser pump 3.

[0026] The dispenser pump 3 essentially consists of a pot-shaped lower part 14, which forms a partition to the reservoir 6, a pump chamber 4 with an inlet valve 15 and an outlet valve 16 and a head piece 5 which rests on a return device 7 in the form of a plastic spring 8.

[0027] The lower part 14, pump chamber 4, the return device 7 in the form of a plastic spring 8 and an outer wall 17 of the head piece 5 can be arranged rotationally symmetrically on a common axis x, which axis x can also form the body axis of the storage container 6.

[0028] The base 18 of the lower part 14 has a central opening 19, from which, for example, star-shaped, slot-like inlet openings extend. The latter are covered by a flexible sealing plate that forms the inlet valve 15.

[0029] Radially outside the inlet valve 15, a cylinder wall 20 grows out of the pot base 18 to form the pump chamber 4. In this pump chamber 4, a pump piston 21 is held movable in the axial direction.

[0030] Preferably, the pump piston 21 is provided with through-holes 22 distributed evenly around the axis x, which together with a further flexible sealing plate covering these on the side facing away from the inlet valve 15 form the outlet valve 16. This outlet valve 16 is enclosed by a hollow cylindrical pump piston part 23 forming a neck, which connects to the head piece 5.

[0031] The head piece 5 engages with the pump piston part 23 via a central cylindrical hollow body 24. In this overlapping area, the head piece 5 and the pump piston 21 are firmly connected to each other.

[0032] In the end region facing the outlet valve 16, the hollow body 24 transitions into a central retainer 25 directed towards the flexible sealing plate of the outlet valve 16, which acts on the associated sealing plate.

[0033] The hollow body 24 forms a dispensing channel 26. This initially extends axially from the end region of the hollow body 24 facing the outlet valve 16 and finally transitions into a laterally extending region with a dispensing opening 42 at the end. This region is located directly below an actuating surface of the head piece 5 which is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis x.

[0034] The head piece 5 and the associated pump piston 21 are spring-loaded towards the upper stop position. This load is acted upon by the return device 7 in the form of a plastic spring 8.

[0035] The plastic spring 8 is supported at the foot end in the area of ​​the pot base 18 of the lower part 14. At the head end, the plastic spring 8 loads the head piece 5 by means of an underside pressure on a collar 28 formed on the hollow body 24 and projecting radially outwards.

[0036] This collar 28 has along its circumferential edge a radially outer support form 29 directed from the collar 28 towards the lower part 14.

[0037] The support shape 29 and the collar 28 are designed in an approximately pot-like shape, with a pot opening that points downwards towards the lower part 14.

[0038] The support form 29 has an increased diameter compared to the cylinder wall 20, which also forms a radially inner support form 30, wherein a radial distance dimension between an inner wall surface of the radially outer support form 29 and an opposing outer wall of the radially inner support form 30 can preferably be adapted to a maximum radial thickness dimension d of the plastic spring 8 in the area of ​​an upper spring ring 10 and / or a lower spring ring 9 and / or a strut 11.

[0039] This results in an annular space extending coaxially around the axis x, in which the plastic spring 8 is preferably received.

[0040] The radially outer support shape 29 can, as also shown, be encompassed radially on the outside by a guide wall 31 extending from the bottom of the pot 18 in the axial direction onto the head piece 5.

[0041] The operation of the dispenser 1 is known insofar as a portioned quantity of pasty mass 2 is dispensed by pumping the head 5 and the associated alternation of negative and positive pressure. By applying pressure to the head 5 and thereby displacing it downwards, positive pressure is generated in the pump chamber 4, as a result of which the portion stored in this pump chamber 4 can exit through the open outlet valve 16 and the dispensing channel 26. The inlet valve 15 is closed due to the positive pressure.

[0042] The downward displacement of the head piece 5 with the pump piston 21 occurs against the spring return force of the plastic spring 8.

[0043] After the force acting on the headpiece 5 is lifted, it automatically returns to its starting position due to the spring action.

[0044] The plastic spring 8 of the first illustrated embodiment according to the drawings in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. The 11 initially and essentially comprises a lower spring ring 9 and an upper spring ring 10, which are aligned coaxially to a longitudinal axis y. In the installed state, the longitudinal axis y coincides with the axis x of the donor 1.

[0045] The spring rings 9 and 10 are aligned such that a plane E spanned by a spring ring 9 or 10 respectively extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y.

[0046] The spring rings 9, 10 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and are connected to each other via spring struts 11 so that they can spring back.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the plastic spring 8 has two such spring legs 11. Each spring leg 11 extends, viewed in the circumferential direction of the plastic spring 8, over more than 90 degrees, preferably up to about 180 degrees, in the course of its extension from the lower spring ring 9 to the upper spring ring 10.

[0048] Each strut 11 can have a geometric longitudinal axis z following the curved course, for example from the transition section 12 into the lower spring ring 9 to the transition section 12 into the upper spring ring 10.

[0049] With reference to this central longitudinal axis z, each strut 11 can form an acute angle α of approximately 15 to 45 degrees, and further approximately 30 to 45 degrees, with respect to the respective spring ring 9 or 10 or to the plane E spanned by the spring rings in a side view in which the planes E as well as the central longitudinal axis z are represented as lines.

[0050] In particular, the strut 11 of the plastic spring 8 is supported radially in the annular space between the cylinder wall 20 and the guide wall 31, especially radially outwards by the guide wall 31. Accordingly, and preferably, the strut 11 or both struts 11 can be supported by a radial deflection during spring compression, as exemplified in the Fig. 2, is prevented, in particular from a radial displacement outwards. Such a theoretical radial displacement outwards is shown in the illustration in Fig. 2a is indicated in a dash-dotted line style.

[0051] In the case of particularly radially guided spring struts 11 on both sides and the associated hindrance of radial deflection of the spring struts 11, a rotation of one or both spring rings 9, 10 in their seats may occur.

[0052] Each shock absorber 11 of the ones in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 first embodiment, and possibly also with regard to the embodiment shown in the Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 to Fig. In 18 further embodiments, the device can have at least one reducing section 32 with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis z. This reducing section 32 can have a radial thickness d', considered with respect to the longitudinal axis y, which can correspond to 0.3 to 0.95 times, and further approximately to 0.6 to 0.9 times, the thickness d of the unreduced section of the strut 11.

[0053] Furthermore, the reduction section 32 can preferably be assigned to the wedge area of ​​the respective strut 11 having the acute angle α, wherein preferably two such reduction sections 32 can be provided on a strut 11, which overlap approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the strut 11 when viewed in the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis y.

[0054] With reference to a cross-section through a strut 11 in the central region of the longitudinal extent of the strut 11 according to the illustration in Fig. 10, a vertical opposite orientation of the reduction sections 32 can preferably result.

[0055] Each reduction section 32 can, as also shown, be composed, with reference to a radially external view, of a triangular section 33 filling the wedge area between strut 11 and the respective spring ring 9 or 10 and a branch 34 adjoining this, extending essentially in the longitudinal extent of the strut 11.

[0056] Each triangular area 33 can form opposite rounded contours when viewed in the circumferential direction, namely a rounded contour 35 directly in the wedge-shaped transition from the unreduced section of the strut 11 into the respective spring ring 9 or 10 and a free rounded contour 36 viewed in the circumferential direction, which forms a second entry radius 37 for the strut 11 as a whole, whereby the radius dimension in this respect can be larger, for example 1.5 to 3 times, or even approximately 2 times the radius dimension in the area of ​​the first rounded contour 35.

[0057] Each strut 11 also has a first running radius 38, which corresponds to the obtuse angle between strut 11 and the respective spring ring 9, 10. This is dimensionally larger than the second running radius 37, for example, corresponding to approximately 1.5 to 5 times, and furthermore approximately 2 to 3 times, the second running radius 37.

[0058] The branch 34 extending longitudinally along the strut 11 to the triangular area 33 can be – with respect to a cross-section perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis z (compare, for example, Fig. 9) - have a width b' that is at least approximately constant over the longitudinal extent of the rest 34, which may correspond to approximately 0.1 to 0.5 times, and further approximately 0.15 to 0.25 times, the total width b" of the strut 11 including the reduction section 32 in this area when viewed in the same direction.

[0059] The branches 34 of the reduction sections 32 can, as shown, extend beyond a median plane E' that crosses the longitudinal axis y midway between the planes E. The resulting overlap u can correspond approximately to the width b', or possibly approximately 3 to 10 times this width b' of a branch 34.

[0060] The enlarged transition section 12 between a strut 11 and a spring ring 9, 10, which provides favorable force development during the compression and / or rebound of the plastic spring 8, exhibits a width b that is 30 percent or more greater in an entry plane A, viewed perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis z and preferably parallel to the plane E, than in a cross-sectional area of ​​the strut 11 approximately in the middle of its longitudinal extent, for example as shown in the illustration in the Fig. 9. This greatest width b in the area of ​​this inlet plane A can, correspondingly when cutting the rounded contours 35 and 36 and thus cutting both the reduced and the non-reduced area through the inlet plane A, have a dimension that can be 1.3 to 5 times, further for example about 1.5 to 2.5 times the width b'' of the corresponding strut 11 in a central area, preferably outside the overlap area of ​​the reduction sections 32.

[0061] As can be further seen from the illustrations, a second reducing section 43 can also be formed in the obtuse-angled transition from the spring ring 9, 10 to the strut 11, which has the first entry radius 38. This reduction section can have a thickness ratio equal to or approximately equal to that of the unreduced area of ​​the strut 11 within the specified ranges of values ​​of the previously described reducing section 32.

[0062] The reduction section 43 can extend from the transition section 12 approximately over the distance along the strut 11, which can correspond to approximately 0.1 to 0.7 times, and further approximately 0.2 to 0.3 times, the extension length of the first reduction section 32.

[0063] The Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of the return device 7. Here too, it is preferably a plastic spring 8 with an upper spring ring 10 and a lower spring ring 9, which preferably run parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis y.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, intermediate rings 39 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y are provided along the height h of the plastic spring 8, corresponding to the length of the longitudinal axis y. According to the illustrated embodiment, three such intermediate rings 39 can be provided. Alternatively, however, only two or more than three, up to five or six such intermediate rings 39 are also possible.

[0065] With regard to the outer and / or inner diameters, the spring washers 9, 10 and the intermediate rings 39 can be designed the same.

[0066] The spring rings 9 and 10 and the intermediate rings 39 are preferably spaced evenly apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis y and are connected to each other via spring struts 11.

[0067] Thus, eight such shock absorbers 11 can be provided, evenly distributed around the circumference, as also shown.

[0068] Each strut 11 is connected to each spring ring 9, 10 and each intermediate ring 39, in particular in a single piece and of uniform material.

[0069] Each strut 11 can, viewed in the circumferential direction, extend over a circumferential angle range of about 15 to 20 degrees or more up to, for example, 45 or 60 degrees.

[0070] Each strut 11 can, with reference to a radially external view, run in a zigzag or wave-like pattern, and may optionally be assigned a half-wave to a free area between two rings, for example between a spring ring 9 or 10 and an intermediate ring 39 or between two intermediate rings 39.

[0071] With respect to the circumferential extent of a strut 11, a strut longitudinal axis w can result between the upper spring ring 10 and the lower spring ring 9, which can be crossed multiple times by the strut 11 over the height h of the plastic spring 8, four times according to the illustrated embodiment. Such crossing is preferably achieved over half the extent of a strut section between two rings (compare in particular Fig. 15).

[0072] In each area of ​​a wave crest and / or a wave trough, a connection to an intermediate ring 39 may be provided.

[0073] The two ends 40 of a strut 11 designed in this way can, as also shown, enter the lower and / or upper spring ring 9, 10 on the same circumferential side to the strut longitudinal axis w.

[0074] As can be seen from the depictions in the Fig. 17, Fig. 18 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 19, the spaces between the spring rings 9, 10 and the struts 11, and also including the intermediate rings 39, can be closed by wall sections 41 connecting the struts 11 and the rings. These wall sections 41 can, preferably, be formed integrally with the struts 11 and the rings and can also be skin-like. Accordingly, the wall sections 41 can have a radial thickness d'' which may be, for example, one-fifth to one-twentieth or less, or, for example, one-tenth of the radial thickness d of a strut 11 and / or a spring ring 9, 10 and / or an intermediate ring 39 (see in particular Figure 19). Fig. 18).

[0075] Such a comparatively thin, even skin-like wall area 41 can occur when the plastic spring 8 is compressed, as shown in a close-up view in Fig. 19 is sketched, for example, in a bellows-like manner, extending radially outwards between the intermediate rings 39, the spring rings 9, 10 and the shock absorbers 11.

[0076] In a dispenser 1 according to the embodiment described above, the arrangement of the valves 15 and 16 can be omitted by using a previously described plastic spring 8 with wall areas 41 that fill the free spaces. The plastic spring 8 thus formed acts not only as a return device 7, but also as a bellows that, during its return movement, creates a vacuum to draw in mass 2.

[0077] The Fig. 20, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. Figure 24 shows a further embodiment of a plastic spring 8 with a lower spring ring 9 and an upper spring ring 10, which spring rings 9 and 10 also extend essentially in a plane E extending transversely to the longitudinal axis y in this embodiment.

[0078] Between the spring rings 9 and 10, intermediate rings 39 and 39' are provided along the height h of the longitudinal axis y. These also extend essentially along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y. In the illustrated embodiment, four intermediate rings 39 and 39' are provided.

[0079] The spring rings 9 and 10 are connected to the intermediate rings 39 and 39', respectively, which follow the longitudinal axis y in the direction r and r' respectively, via spring struts 11. The intermediate rings 39 and 39', which follow one another in the longitudinal axis y in the direction r and r' respectively, are also connected to each other via such spring struts 11. In the illustrated embodiment, two spring struts 11, diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis y, are provided in each connection plane between two intermediate rings or between a spring ring and an intermediate ring.

[0080] As can be seen in particular from the enlarged view in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 24, the width c of an intermediate ring 39 or 39', viewed in the direction r or r' of the longitudinal axis y, can correspond approximately to 1.5 to 2.5 times, and further approximately to 2 times, the width c' of a spring ring 9 or 10 viewed in the same direction. These widths c and c' can, preferably, be projected onto a vertical plane VE in which the longitudinal axis y is represented as a line (compare Figure 24). Fig. 20), along the longitudinal axis y, wherein this width dimension can refer at one end to a resulting edge of the intermediate ring or spring ring and at the other end to an extension in this projection of an opposite edge of the intermediate ring or spring ring which may run into a strut 11.

[0081] Preferably, the intermediate rings 39 and 39' are curved, particularly with respect to the projection described above into the vertical plane VE, with a further preferably wave-like shape in the circumferential direction, comprising two diametrically opposed concave curvature regions and two convex curvature regions offset by 90 degrees in the circumferential direction and also diametrically opposed in this respect. This results in an intermediate ring 39 or 39' in the form of a corrugated spring ring.

[0082] Preferably, the intermediate rings 39 and 39' are designed identically, particularly with respect to their circumferential wave shape. According to the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate rings 39 can be aligned identically in the circumferential direction, while the intermediate rings 39' can be offset about the longitudinal axis y by preferably 90 degrees relative to the intermediate rings 39.

[0083] Viewed in a direction r (or alternatively in the direction r') of the longitudinal axis y, two immediately consecutive sections of the intermediate rings 39 and 39' are curved in opposite directions, so that, for example, when viewed in direction r, the concave curvature region of the intermediate ring 39', with respect to the projection into the vertical plane VE, is opposite a convex curvature region of the following intermediate ring 39. This results in a maximum distance a between the intermediate rings 39 and 39', in particular between the curvature inflection regions 44, which are arranged in the projection plane along the longitudinal axis y as shown in the illustrations.

[0084] As can be further seen from the illustrations, the intermediate rings 39 and 39', arranged directly one behind the other in the direction r, are, when viewed in the direction r and r' respectively, curved concavely or convexly from a median plane E' oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis y and extending between these intermediate rings 39 and 39', respectively, with the maximum distance a being established between the convex curvature regions viewed in the respective direction r and r' respectively, and a minimum distance a' being established between the concave curvature regions directed towards each other.

[0085] Preferably, the spring struts 11 are arranged such that they connect successive intermediate rings 39 and 39' in the direction of the longitudinal axis y in the region of their convex curvature turning areas 44. The connection of the lower spring ring 9 or the upper spring ring 10 with the intermediate ring 39 or 39' following in the direction r or r' is also preferably made in the convex curvature turning area 44 of the intermediate ring.

[0086] Regarding the curvature, it can be a uniform increase along a central longitudinal axis z of the intermediate rings. In an angled section of an intermediate ring 39 or 39', an elongated, uniform wave shape can result with respect to this central longitudinal axis z. The gradient m can average approximately 7 to 10, and further approximately 8 to 9, depending on a radius e relative to the central longitudinal axis z and further on a gradient s of the central longitudinal axis z in the direction of the longitudinal axis y, which can lead to an average gradient of approximately 10 to 13 percent, and further approximately 11 to 12 percent.

[0087] The foregoing statements serve to explain the inventions covered by the application as a whole, which each independently further develop the prior art at least through the following combinations of features, whereby two, several or all of these combinations of features may also be combined, namely:

[0088] A plastic spring characterized in that the transition section 12, with reference to an entry plane A perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis z, has a width b that is 30 percent or more greater in the entry area into the spring ring 9, 10 than in a cross-sectional area approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the strut 11.

[0089] A plastic spring characterized in that the inlet area, viewed from the radial outside and with reference to a circumferential direction of the spring ring 9, 10, has a first inlet radius 38 on one side and a second inlet radius 37 opposite in the circumferential direction, wherein the second inlet radius 37 is significantly smaller than the first inlet radius 38.

[0090] A plastic spring characterized in that the second inlet radius 37 is formed on a reducing section 32 of the cross-section with respect to the cross-section in the inlet plane (A).

[0091] A plastic spring characterized in that the reducing section 32 is essentially triangular in the radially external view with circumferentially opposite rounded contours 35, 36.

[0092] A plastic spring characterized in that the reducing section 32, extending along the longitudinal extent of the strut 11, has a branch 34 of approximately constant width extent, wherein the width extent is half or less than a maximum width b in the triangular region 33.

[0093] A plastic spring characterized in that the branch 34 extends only over a part of the longitudinal extent of the strut 11.

[0094] A plastic spring characterized in that a second triangular area 33 and / or branch 34 is formed opposite the upper spring ring 10.

[0095] A plastic spring characterized by the fact that the branches 34 partially overlap in their longitudinal extent.

[0096] A plastic spring characterized in that two or more intermediate rings 39 are formed and that at least four spring legs 11 are formed distributed around the circumference, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis y over a circumferential angle range v of an intermediate ring 39 of 90° or less.

[0097] A plastic spring characterized in that the spring legs 9, 10 extend over a circumferential angle range v of more than 10° or more.

[0098] A plastic spring characterized in that, with respect to a circumferential extent of a strut 11, a strut longitudinal axis w is given between the upper spring ring 10 and the lower spring ring 9, which is crossed at least twice by the strut 11 over the height h of the plastic spring 8.

[0099] A plastic spring characterized in that both ends (40) of the strut 11 run into the lower and upper spring rings 9, 10 on the same circumferential side towards the strut longitudinal axis w.

[0100] A plastic spring characterized in that the plastic spring 8 is closed in the circumferential direction by wall areas 41 connecting the spring legs 11 with the spring rings 9, 10.

[0101] A plastic spring characterized in that a wall area 41 has a radial thickness d'' which is less than half to one fiftieth of the radial thickness d of a strut 11.

[0102] A plastic spring characterized by the fact that two successive intermediate rings 39, 39' are curved in opposite directions in the direction r of the longitudinal axis y.

[0103] A plastic spring characterized in that the intermediate rings 39, 39', viewed from a median plane E' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis y between two intermediate rings 39, 39', are each concavely or convexly curved.

[0104] A plastic spring characterized in that a width c of an intermediate ring 39, 39' given in the direction r of the longitudinal axis y is 10 percent or more greater than a width c' of the lower and / or upper spring ring 9, 10 given in the same direction r.

[0105] All disclosed features are essential to the invention (individually, but also in combination with one another). The disclosure of this application hereby incorporates in full the disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the earlier application), also for the purpose of including features of these documents in the claims of the present application. The dependent claims, even without the features of a referenced claim, characterize independent inventive developments of the prior art. The invention specified in each claim may additionally include one or more of the features described above, in particular those identified by reference numerals and / or listed in the reference numeral list.The invention also relates to design forms in which individual features mentioned in the preceding description are not realized, in particular insofar as they are recognizably unnecessary for the respective purpose or can be replaced by other technically equivalent means. List of reference symbols 1 donor 2 Masse 3 dispenser pump 4 pump chambers 5 Headpiece 6 storage containers 7. Reset device 8 plastic springs 9 lower spring washer 10 upper spring ring 11 Shock absorber 12 Transition section 13 trailing pistons 14 Lower part 15 Inlet valve 16 Exhaust valve 17 Outer wall 18 pot base 19 Opening 20 cylinder wall 21 pump pistons 22 Passage opening 23 Pump piston part 24 hollow bodies 25 hold-down devices 26 Output channel 27 Operating area 28 collars 29 Support shape 30 Support shape 31 Guide wall 32 Reduction section 33 Triangle area 34 branches 35 rounded contour 36 rounded contour 37 second inlet radius 38 first inlet radius 39 Intermediate ring 39' Intermediate ring 40 End 41 Wall area 42 Donation outlet 43 Reduction section 44 Turning range a distance a' distance b width b' width b'' width c width c' width d thickness d' Dicke d'' thickness e radius dimension h height m incline r direction r' direction s gradient measure u Coverage dimension v circumferential angle range w Strut longitudinal axis x axis y Longitudinal axis z central longitudinal axis A Inlet level Level E E' Middle Plain VE Vertical plane α angle QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 4759432 B2

[0002]

Claims

[1] Plastic spring (8) with a lower spring ring (9) and an upper spring ring (10) which are arranged substantially coaxially to each other, wherein a plane (E) spanned by the spring rings (9, 10) extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8) and wherein several intermediate rings (39, 39') extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8) are formed over the height (h) of the plastic spring (8) and wherein the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39') are further connected to each other by spring legs (11) extending between the intermediate rings (39, 39') and between the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39'), characterized by , that two successive intermediate rings (39, 39') in the direction (r) of the longitudinal axis (y) are curved in opposite directions, with the struts (11) having opposite, circular segment-shaped side contours. [2] Plastic spring according to claim 1, characterized by , that the intermediate rings (39, 39') viewed from a median plane (E') perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) between two intermediate rings (39, 39') are each concavely or convexly curved, wherein each intermediate ring (39, 39') is formed as a wave-shaped ring with concave and convex sections immediately adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. [3] Plastic spring according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the slope (m) of a central longitudinal axis (z) of each intermediate ring (39, 39') in the direction of the longitudinal axis (y) is approximately 10 to 13 percent, preferably approximately 11 to 12 percent. [4] Plastic spring according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a width (c) of an intermediate ring (39, 39') given in the direction (r) of the longitudinal axis (y) is 10 percent or more greater than a width (c') of the lower and / or upper spring ring (9, 10) given in the same direction (r). [5] Plastic spring (8) with a lower spring ring (9) and an upper spring ring (10) which are arranged substantially coaxially to each other, wherein a plane (E) spanned by the spring rings (9, 10) extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8) and wherein several intermediate rings (39, 39') extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis (y) of the plastic spring (8) are formed over the height (h) of the plastic spring (8) and wherein the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39') are further connected to each other by spring legs (11) extending between the intermediate rings (39, 39') and between the spring rings (9, 10) and the intermediate rings (39, 39'), characterized by , that two successive intermediate rings (39, 39') in the direction (r) of the longitudinal axis (y) are curved in opposite directions, each intermediate ring (39, 39') being formed as a wave-shaped ring with concave and convex sections immediately adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

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