Spring structure

Abstract

To provide a spring structure capable of pressing a pressed object with a proper pressing force even when a gap between pressed objects varies according to thermal expansion or thermal shrinkage.SOLUTION: A spring structure according to the present invention comprises: a spring member curved into an arc shape at one part, and capable of pressing two opposite pressed objects in a direction away from each other; and a fulcrum installation face including a slope inclined so that it is gradually indented in an extension direction of the spring member at least at one part of a contact position, at which one end of the spring member is in contact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spring structure including a spring member capable of pressing two opposing pressed bodies in directions in which they move away from each other. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a spring structure that is placed between a first pressed body and a second pressed body and pressurizes one or both of them (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The spring structure described in Patent Document 1 is composed of a ribbed abutment plate and a leaf spring stacked together, and the leaf spring presses against one of the pressed bodies to apply a load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-11936 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a spring structure, the leaf spring strokes due to changes in the gap between the pressed body caused by thermal expansion or contraction, and the load changes, causing a change in the pressing force, resulting in excessive or insufficient pressing, making it impossible to press the pressed body with appropriate pressing force, or causing the pressing force to become unstable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a spring structure that can press a pressed body with an appropriate pressing force even when the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or thermal contraction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in comprising a spring member having a portion curved in an arc shape and capable of pressing two opposing pressed bodies in a direction separating them from each other, and a fulcrum installation surface including a slope that is gradually concave in the extension direction of the spring member at at least a portion of a contact position where one end of the spring member comes into contact.

[0007] In addition, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring member is arranged between the two opposing pressed bodies, and the fulcrum installation surface is integrally formed with one of the pressed bodies.

[0008] In addition, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring member and the fulcrum installation surface are arranged between the two opposing pressed bodies, and the fulcrum installation surface is constructed separately from one of the pressed bodies and supported by the one of the pressed bodies.

[0009] Moreover, in the spring structure according to the present invention, the inclined surface is an inclined surface.

[0010] Moreover, in the spring structure according to the present invention, the inclined surface is a curved surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring member is a leaf spring having a longitudinal direction of a band-shaped member curved into an arc, one end of the spring member is each of both ends of the leaf spring, and the fulcrum installation surface includes two inclined surfaces with which both ends of the leaf spring respectively contact.

[0012] In addition, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the leaf spring has a main spring portion having a concave side facing the fulcrum installation surface, a first end portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in an opposite manner to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a second end portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in an opposite manner to the curved manner of the main spring portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in the spring structure according to the present invention, in the above invention, the leaf spring includes a main spring portion that is concave with respect to the fulcrum installation surface, a first curved portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a second curved portion extending from an end of the first curved portion opposite to the main spring portion side and curved in a manner opposite to the first curved portion, a third curved portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a second curved portion extending from an end of the third curved portion opposite to the main spring portion side and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the first curved portion. and a second end having a fourth curved portion curved in an opposite manner, and the fulcrum installation surface has a bottom, a first inclined surface extending from the bottom toward the leaf spring with an inclined extending end, a second inclined surface extending from the bottom toward the leaf spring from a position different from the first inclined surface toward the leaf spring with an inclined extending end, a third inclined surface extending from the bottom on the opposite side of the second inclined surface with respect to the first inclined surface and with an inclined extending end, and a fourth inclined surface extending from the bottom on the opposite side of the first inclined surface with respect to the second inclined surface and with an inclined extending end.

[0014] In addition, the spring structure of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, it further comprises a fulcrum unit having a plurality of the spring members, a frame body, and a connection portion connecting the spring members and the frame body, and having a plurality of the fulcrum installation surfaces that respectively contact each spring portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the spring structure according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring member has a main spring portion having a concave side facing the fulcrum installation surface, a first end portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in an opposite manner to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a second end portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in an opposite manner to the curved manner of the main spring portion, the main spring portion is connected to the connection portion, one end of the spring member is the first end portion and the end portion, and each fulcrum installation surface includes two inclined surfaces at least in a portion of each contact position where the first end portion and the second end portion of each spring member respectively contact.

[0016] Furthermore, the spring structure according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the spring member has a main spring portion, one end side of the spring member in the longitudinal direction protruding toward the fulcrum installation surface and curved so as to be convex toward the frame body, and one end portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curvature of the main spring portion, the other end side of the main spring portion being connected to the connection portion, and each fulcrum installation surface includes a single inclined surface in at least a portion where the one end portion of each spring member contacts. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction, the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the spring structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a state in which the spring structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining a state in which the spring structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is used. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a conventional spring structure and the behavior of a leaf spring. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the stroke and the load in a spring structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a spring structure according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the spring structure according to the first modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to the fourth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the fifth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the configuration of the spring structure according to the fifth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the sixth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the configuration of the spring structure according to the sixth modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the seventh modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the configuration of the spring structure according to the seventh modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the following description, a spring structure will be described as a form for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment"). The present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each member, the ratio of each member, etc., differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings include parts with different dimensions and ratios.

[0020] (Embodiment) 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The spring structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided between a first body to be pressed and a second body to be pressed, and applies pressure to both bodies by elastic force. In other words, the spring structure is a structure capable of pressing two opposing bodies to separate them from each other. For example, the two bodies to be pressed are arranged so as to sandwich the spring structure 1 in the vertical direction of the paper. In the following description, for example, the X direction and the Y direction are set on a plane parallel to the horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other, and the direction perpendicular to this XY plane is defined as the Z direction.

[0021] The spring structure 1 includes a leaf spring 2 and a fulcrum installation surface 3 . In this embodiment, the leaf spring 2 and the fulcrum installation surface 3 are stacked in the Z direction.

[0022] The leaf spring 2 is a spring member formed by curving a strip-shaped member into an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the leaf spring 2 has a main spring portion 21 curved so that the side facing the fulcrum installation surface 3 is concave, a first end portion 22 formed by curving from one end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction in a manner opposite to the curvature of the main spring portion 21 and forming one end portion of the leaf spring 2, and a second end portion 23 formed by curving from the other end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction in a manner opposite to the curvature of the main spring portion 21 and forming the other end portion of the leaf spring 2. In the leaf spring 2, the main spring portion 21 is located in the middle of the leaf spring 2 in the longitudinal direction. The leaf spring 2 is formed using a flat spring steel made of metal, resin, or the like. In this embodiment, the width and / or thickness of the leaf spring 2, which is the length in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, may be uniform, or may vary partially.

[0023] The fulcrum installation surface 3 is an inclined surface that is gradually recessed outward in the extension direction of the leaf spring 2 (here, the X direction) at least at a portion of each contact position where both ends of the leaf spring 2 are in contact, and includes an inclined surface where the sides where the ends (first end 22 and second end 23) of the leaf spring 2 move away from each other are away from the leaf spring 2. Note that the inclined surface here includes a flat surface and a curved surface. Specifically, the fulcrum installation surface 3 forms a surface where the side facing the leaf spring 2 is convex, and at least a portion of the surface that contacts both ends (first end 22 and second end 23) of the leaf spring 2 is inclined or curved. In this embodiment, an example is described in which at least a portion of each contact position where the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the leaf spring 2 are in contact includes two inclined surfaces, and the surface facing the leaf spring 2 has a flat surface in a portion and two inclined surfaces that incline in opposite directions from both ends of the flat surface.

[0024] Here, the behavior of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the spring structure 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of a spring structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 before a load is applied. Fig. 2(b) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the fulcrum installation surface 3 side of the main spring portion 21.

[0025] In the state where no load other than gravity is applied to the leaf spring 2 (see FIG. 2(a)), when a load is applied from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2(b) (see FIG. 2(b)), the leaf spring 2 is pressed against the fulcrum installation surface 3 and deformed (compressed). At this time, the first end 22 and the second end 23 deform while changing the contact position with respect to the fulcrum installation surface 3. The first end 22 and the second end 23 move away from each other. The distance between the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from distance W1 to distance W2 (>W1). Due to this deformation, the height of the leaf spring 2 rising from the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from height H0 to height H1 (H0>H1). The change in height (H0-H1) corresponds to the stroke of the leaf spring 2.

[0026] In this embodiment, the fulcrum installation surface 3 has an inclined surface, and the contact positions of the first end 22 and the second end 23 change along this inclined surface, but the height of the contact point also changes. Specifically, the height of the contact position between the leaf spring 2 and the fulcrum installation surface 3 changes by H 11 Only the

[0027] Next, the use state of the spring structure will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are diagrams for explaining the use state of the spring structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the leaf spring 2 is placed between a first pressed body 201 and a second pressed body 202. Here, the second pressed body 202 is provided with a fulcrum installation surface 3. That is, the fulcrum installation surface 3 is integrally formed with the second pressed body 202, which is one of the pressed bodies. The leaf spring 2 contacts the first pressed body 201 at the center in the longitudinal direction of the main spring part 21. At this time, the main spring part 21 and the first pressed body 201 are locked or fixed. A known method can be adopted for the locking and fixing, and the main spring part 21 can be fixed to the first pressed body 201 by screwing, bonding, welding, etc., or can be locked by hooking it on a claw, etc. Meanwhile, both ends (first end 22 and second end 23) of leaf spring 2 contact fulcrum installation surface 3 (inclined surface). Here, fulcrum installation surface 3 is inclined toward the outside in the extension direction of leaf spring 2 so as to move away from first pressed body 201. When the first pressed body 201 and the second pressed body 202 approach each other, as described above, the first end 22 and the second end 23 move away from each other while sliding on the inclined surface.

[0029] 4, the leaf spring 2 is placed between the first pressed body 201 and the second pressed body 203. Here, the second pressed body 203 is provided separately from the fulcrum installation surface 3, and supports the fulcrum installation surface 3 so as to be sandwiched between the second pressed body 203 and the leaf spring 2. As a result, both ends (first end 22 and second end 23) of the leaf spring 2 come into contact with the fulcrum installation surface 3 (inclined surface). When the first pressed body 201 and the second pressed body 203 approach each other, as described above, the first end 22 and the second end 23 move away from each other while sliding on the inclined surface.

[0030] In contrast to the above-mentioned configuration, the behavior of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the spring structure 1 in the case where the fulcrum installation surface supporting the leaf spring 2 is flat as in the conventional case will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the conventional spring structure and the behavior of the leaf spring. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 before a load is applied. Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the fulcrum installation surface side of the main spring portion 21. Conventionally, the leaf spring 2 is disposed on a fulcrum installation surface 101 having a flat plane.

[0031] When a load is applied to the leaf spring 2 from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5(b) (see FIG. 5(b)) in a state where no load other than gravity is applied (see FIG. 5(a)), the leaf spring 2 is pressed against the fulcrum installation surface 101 and deforms (compresses). At this time, the first end 22 and the second end 23 deform while changing their contact positions with respect to the fulcrum installation surface 101. The first end 22 and the second end 23 move away from each other. The distance between the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from distance W1 to distance W 100 (=W2). Due to this deformation, the height of the leaf spring 2 from the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from height H0 to height H 100 (H0>H 100 >H1).

[0032] In the present embodiment and the conventional leaf spring 2, the first end 22 and the second end 23 after deformation are the same distance apart (W2=W100 ) away from the first end 22 and the second end 23, the rising heights (heights H1, H 100 ) is different, height H1>height H 100 It becomes.

[0033] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the stroke and the load in the spring structure. In FIG. 6, the curve L1 shows the characteristics of the leaf spring according to the present embodiment, and the curve L 100 As shown in Fig. 6, curve L1 gradually suppresses the increase in load as the stroke increases, while curve L 100 As the stroke increases, the load increases.

[0034] The above-mentioned curve L1 shows that in the region where the load fluctuation is small, the load applied to the pressed body can be kept constant even if the stroke fluctuates. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, a fulcrum installation surface 3 with which both ends of the curved, band-like leaf spring 2 come into contact is provided with an inclined surface that is inclined away from the leaf spring 2, and when the leaf spring 2 is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2 moves on the inclined surface. According to this embodiment, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the portion of the leaf spring that comes into contact with the fulcrum installation surface 3 is curved in an arc shape, so that damage to the fulcrum installation surface 3 can be suppressed.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the fulcrum installation surface has a flat surface on one side and two inclined surfaces extend from both ends of the flat surface, but the fulcrum installation surface 3 may have only an inclined surface. As described above, the fulcrum installation surface 3 may include an inclined surface on the side where the ends of the leaf springs 2 move away from each other, at least in a part of the contact positions where the two ends of the leaf springs 2 contact each other.

[0038] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in addition to changing the inclination angle, inclined surfaces with an opposite inclination may be provided on both ends of the fulcrum installation surface, and the load of the deformed leaf spring 2 may be increased again by raising the positions of the first end 22 and the second end 23.

[0039] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example has been described in which the fulcrum installation surface 3 is symmetrical (for example, bilaterally symmetrical in Figure 1) with respect to a plane passing through the intersection of the inclined surfaces. However, depending on the shape of the pressed body and the position of the center of gravity, the fulcrum installation surface may be asymmetrical, with the inclination angles of the inclined surfaces differing from one another.

[0040] (Variation 1) Next, a first modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spring structure according to the first modified example. In the first modified example, the shape of the fulcrum installation surface is different from that of the spring structure 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] A spring structure 1A according to the present first modification includes a leaf spring 2 and a fulcrum installation surface 3A.

[0042] At least a portion of the surface of the fulcrum installation surface 3A that contacts both ends (first end 22 and second end 23) of the leaf spring 2 is curved. In this first modification, an example will be described in which the surface is curved in an arc shape with a convex side facing the leaf spring 2. In other words, in this first modification, the fulcrum installation surface 3A is inclined relative to the leaf spring 2 so as to gradually recess (so that the height in the Z direction decreases) from the center in the X direction toward the outside in the extension direction of the leaf spring 2.

[0043] Here, the behavior of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the spring structure 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the spring structure according to the present modified example 1. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 before a load is applied. Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing the state of the leaf spring 2 when a load is applied to the main spring portion 21 on the fulcrum installation surface 3A side.

[0044] In the state where no load other than gravity is applied to the leaf spring 2 (see FIG. 8(a)), when a load is applied from the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 8(b) (see FIG. 8(b)), the leaf spring 2 is pressed against the fulcrum installation surface 3A and deformed (compressed). At this time, the first end 22 and the second end 23 deform while changing the contact position with respect to the fulcrum installation surface 3A. The first end 22 and the second end 23 move away from each other. The distance between the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from distance W3 to distance W4 (>W3). Due to this deformation, the height of the leaf spring 2 rising from the first end 22 and the second end 23 changes from height H0 to height H2 (H0>H2). The change in height (H0-H2) corresponds to the stroke of the leaf spring 2.

[0045] In this modification 1, the fulcrum installation surface 3A has a curved surface, and the contact positions of the first end 22 and the second end 23 change along this curved surface, but the height of the contact point also changes. Specifically, the height of the contact position between the leaf spring 2 and the fulcrum installation surface 3A changes due to the deformation of the leaf spring 2. 12 Only the

[0046] In the first modified example and the conventional example (see FIG. 5), the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the leaf spring 2 after deformation are spaced apart by the same distance (distances W4 and W 100 ) away from the first end 22 and the second end 23, the rising heights (heights H2, H 100 ) is different, height H2>height H 100 It becomes.

[0047] In the present modified example 1, as in the embodiment, it is shown that in the region where the load fluctuation is small, even if the stroke fluctuates, the load applied to the pressed body can be continued with a constant load. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0048] In the above-mentioned modified example 1, as in the embodiment, a curved surface that is convex toward the leaf spring 2 is provided on the fulcrum installation surface 3A with which both ends of the curved, band-like leaf spring 2 come into contact, and when the leaf spring 2 is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2 moves on the curved surface. According to this modified example 1, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the curved surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0049] (Variation 2) Next, a second modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to a second modified example of the present embodiment. In the second modified example, the shape of the leaf spring is different from that of the spring structure 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] The leaf spring 2A according to the present modified example 2 is a spring member formed by curving a strip-shaped member in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the leaf spring 2A is curved in a concave direction toward the fulcrum installation surface (e.g., the fulcrum installation surface 3). This leaf spring 2A does not have the first end 22 and the second end 23 of the leaf spring 2 according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0051] Even in the leaf spring 2A that does not have the first end 22 and the second end 23, the same stroke-load characteristic is shown for the fulcrum installation surface as in the embodiment. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0052] In the above-mentioned modified example 2, as in the embodiment, a fulcrum installation surface (e.g., fulcrum installation surface 3) with which both ends of the curved, band-shaped leaf spring 2A come into contact is provided with an inclined surface that is convex toward the leaf spring 2A, and when the leaf spring 2A is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2A moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 2, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0053] (Variation 3) Next, a third modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to the third modification of the present embodiment. In the third modification, the shape of the leaf spring is different from that of the spring structure 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The leaf spring 2B according to the present modified example 3 is a spring member formed by curving a band-shaped member into an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the leaf spring 2B has a main spring portion 21 curved in a concave direction toward a fulcrum installation surface (for example, fulcrum installation surface 3), a first end portion 24 extending from one end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting one end portion of the leaf spring 2B, and a second end portion 25 extending from the other end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting the other end portion of the leaf spring 2B. The first end 24 and the second end 25 extend in opposite directions from each end of the main spring portion 21 and in the same direction as a straight line N that passes through both ends of the main spring portion 21. Note that the term "same" here includes manufacturing tolerances.

[0055] The leaf spring 2B also exhibits the same stroke-load characteristics for the fulcrum installation surface as the embodiment. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0056] In the above-mentioned modified example 3, as in the embodiment, a fulcrum installation surface (for example, fulcrum installation surface 3) with which both ends of the curved, band-shaped leaf spring 2B come into contact is provided with an inclined surface that is convex toward the leaf spring 2B, and when the leaf spring 2B is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2B moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 3, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0057] (Variation 4) Next, a fourth modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a leaf spring of a spring structure according to a fourth modified example of the present embodiment. In the fourth modified example, the shape of the leaf spring is different from that of the spring structure 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The leaf spring 2C according to the fourth modification is a spring member formed by curving a band-shaped member into an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the leaf spring 2C has a main spring portion 21 curved in a concave direction toward a fulcrum installation surface (e.g., fulcrum installation surface 3), a first end portion 26 extending from one end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting one end portion of the leaf spring 2C, and a second end portion 27 extending from the other end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting the other end portion of the leaf spring 2C. First end 26 and second end 27 extend linearly from each end of main spring portion 21 in mutually opposite directions to each other and on the opposite side to main spring portion 21 with respect to straight line N passing through both ends of main spring portion 21. When leaf spring 2C is placed on, for example, fulcrum installation surface 3, first end 26 and second end 27 preferably have an angle (degree of rise) between the extension direction and the horizontal plane larger than the angle between the inclined plane and the horizontal plane. The term "same" here includes manufacturing errors.

[0059] The leaf spring 2C also exhibits the same stroke-load characteristics for the fulcrum installation surface as the embodiment. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0060] In the above-mentioned modified example 4, as in the embodiment, a fulcrum installation surface (e.g., fulcrum installation surface 3) with which both ends of the curved, band-like leaf spring 2C come into contact is provided with an inclined surface that is convex toward the leaf spring 2C, and when the leaf spring 2C is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2C moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 4, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0061] (Variation 5) Next, a fifth modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the fifth modified example of the present embodiment. In the fifth modified example, the configuration of the leaf spring and the shape of the fulcrum installation surface are different from the configuration of the spring structure 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] A spring structure 1B according to the fifth modification includes a leaf spring 2D and a fulcrum installation surface 3B.

[0063] The leaf spring 2D is a spring member formed by curving a band-shaped member into an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the leaf spring 2D has a main spring portion 21 curved in a concave direction toward the fulcrum installation surface 3B, a first end portion 28 extending from one end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting one end portion of the leaf spring 2, and a second end portion 29 extending from the other end of the main spring portion 21 in the longitudinal direction and constituting the other end portion of the leaf spring 2. The leaf spring 2D is formed using a flat spring steel made of metal, resin, or the like.

[0064] The first end 28 has a first curved portion 28A extending from one end of the main spring portion 21 and curved in an opposite manner to the main spring portion 21, and a second curved portion 28B extending from the end of the first curved portion 28A opposite the main spring portion 21 side and curved in an opposite manner to the first curved portion 28A.

[0065] The second end 29 has a third curved portion 29A extending from the other end of the main spring portion 21 and curved in an opposite manner to the main spring portion 21, and a fourth curved portion 29B extending from the end of the third curved portion 29A opposite the main spring portion 21 side and curved in an opposite manner to the third curved portion 29A.

[0066] The fulcrum installation surface 3B includes a plurality of (here, two for each end) inclined surfaces at least in a portion of each contact position where the first end 28 and the second end 29 of each leaf spring 2 are in contact with each other. Specifically, the fulcrum installation surface 3B has a bottom 31, a first inclined portion 32 extending from the bottom 31 toward the leaf spring 2D side and having a first inclined surface 32a at an inclined end, a second inclined portion 33 extending from a position on the bottom 31 toward the leaf spring 2D side from a position different from the first inclined portion 32 at the bottom 31 and having a second inclined surface 33a at an inclined end, a third inclined portion 34 extending from the bottom 31 on the opposite side of the second inclined portion 33 relative to the first inclined portion 32 and having a third inclined surface 34a at an inclined end, and a fourth inclined portion 35 extending from the bottom 31 on the opposite side of the first inclined portion 32 relative to the second inclined portion 33 and having a fourth inclined surface 35a at an inclined end.

[0067] The first inclined surface 32a and the second inclined surface 33a are inclined downwardly so as to move away from each other. The third inclined surface 34a and the fourth inclined surface 35a have a lower extension height than the first inclined surface 32a and the second inclined surface 33a, and are inclined downward so as to move away from each other.

[0068] Here, the behavior of the leaf spring 2D when a load is applied to the spring structure 1B will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. In a state where no load other than gravity is applied to the leaf spring 2D (see Fig. 12), the first curved portion 28A and the third curved portion 29A contact the first inclined surface 32a and the second inclined surface 33a, respectively, and the second curved portion 28B and the fourth curved portion 29B contact the third inclined surface 34a and the fourth inclined surface 35a, respectively. When a load is then applied to the leaf spring 2D (see the arrow in Fig. 13), the leaf spring 2D deforms (compresses) toward the fulcrum installation surface 3B. At this time, the second curved portion 28B and the fourth curved portion 29B deform while changing their contact positions with the third inclined surface 34a and the fourth inclined surface 35a as they move away from each other (see Fig. 13). Furthermore, as the first curved portion 28A and the third curved portion 29A are deformed, they move away from the first inclined surface 32a and the second inclined surface 33a, respectively. As a result of this deformation, the height of the leaf spring 2D rising from the second curved portion 28B and the fourth curved portion 29B changes from height H3 to height H4 (H3>H4). This height H4 is higher than the height of the leaf spring 2D when placed on a flat fulcrum installation surface and the same load is applied.

[0069] Here, in the present modified example 5, the third inclined surface 34a and the fourth inclined surface 35a have inclined surfaces, and the contact positions of the second curved portion 28B and the fourth curved portion 29B change along these inclined surfaces, but the height of the contact point also changes. Therefore, the leaf spring 2D also shows the same stroke-load characteristics as the embodiment with respect to the fulcrum installation surface. As a result, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke.

[0070] In the above-mentioned modified example 5, as in the embodiment, an inclined surface is provided on the fulcrum installation surface 3B where both ends of the curved band-shaped leaf spring 2D come into contact, and when the leaf spring 2D is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2D moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 5, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the curved surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0071] Furthermore, according to variant example 5, when leaf spring 2D is not subjected to any load other than gravity, first curved portion 28A, second curved portion 28B, third curved portion 29A and fourth curved portion 29B contact fulcrum installation surface 3B at two points on each side of main spring portion 21, and therefore, by controlling the gradual contact / non-contact, the load can be adjusted more finely.

[0072] In the above-mentioned fifth modification, the tip end surface of each inclined portion is an inclined surface. However, the tip end surface may be an inclined surface such as a curved surface.

[0073] (Variation 6) Next, a sixth modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. Figs. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the sixth modified example of the present embodiment. Note that the leaf spring 2 shown in Fig. 15 shows only the leaf spring 2 located on the front side as viewed from the direction of the arrow A shown in Fig. 14. In the sixth modified example, a plurality of leaf springs are connected as one unit (spring member), and each of them contacts a fulcrum installation surface. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] A spring structure 1C according to the sixth modified example includes a spring unit 10 having a plurality of leaf springs 2, and a fulcrum unit 36 ​​having a plurality of fulcrum installation surfaces 3. The spring unit 10 has a plurality of leaf springs 2, a frame body 51, and a connection portion 52 that connects the leaf springs 2 and the frame body 51. The plurality of leaf springs 2 are arranged in a row with their longitudinal directions aligned. In the present modification 6, the plurality of leaf springs 2 are arranged in a staggered pattern. Each fulcrum installation surface 3 includes two inclined surfaces at least in a portion of each contact position where the first end 22 and the second end 23 of each leaf spring 2 are in contact with each other. In detail, in the adjacent fulcrum installation surface 3 in the fulcrum unit 36, the inclined surfaces that are gradually inclined toward the outside in the extension direction of the leaf spring 2 are continuously formed at the innermost portion (valley portion) with respect to the upper upper surface facing the main spring 21, forming a V-shaped cross-sectional recess. The arrangement position of the leaf spring 2 is set according to the arrangement position of the fulcrum installation surface 3.

[0075] The frame 51 has an annular outer edge portion 51a and two extension portions (extension portions 51b, 51c) that are provided inside the outer edge portion 24a and extend in the X direction. The connecting portion 52 has one end connected to the outer edge portion 51a or the extending portion (extending portions 51b, 51c), and the other end connected to the main spring portion 21 of the leaf spring 2.

[0076] In the spring unit 10, a plurality of leaf springs 2 are connected to a frame body 51 by connection parts 52 to form an integrated configuration. In the spring unit 10, the leaf springs 2 are configured such that both end sides rise and extend from the frame body 51, and the end parts 42 are spaced apart from the frame body 51. An example will be described in which the frame body 51 and the connection parts 52 are connected to the longitudinal center part (the apex of the curve) of the main spring part 21 and positioned on the same XY plane as the central part in the Z direction, but the connection parts 52 may be connected to the main spring part 21 at a position shifted from the longitudinal center part.

[0077] In the sixth modified example, for example, a first pressed body is disposed on the spring unit 10 (main spring portion 21, frame body 51, and connection portion 52) side, and a second pressed body is disposed on the fulcrum unit 36 ​​side. At this time, when a load is applied to each leaf spring 2, as described above, it is pressed against the fulcrum installation surface 3 and deformed (compressed). At this time, the leaf spring 2 shows the same stroke-load characteristics with respect to the fulcrum installation surface as in the embodiment. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke. The spring unit 10 is fixed to the first pressed body via the frame body 51. For example, a known fixing method can be used, such as screwing, bonding, or welding the corners of the frame body 51 and the first pressed body.

[0078] In the above-mentioned modified example 6, as in the embodiment, an inclined surface is provided on the fulcrum installation surface 3 with which both ends of each leaf spring 2 contact, and when the leaf spring 2 is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2 moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 6, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0079] Furthermore, according to variant example 6, multiple leaf springs 2 are supported integrally by frame body 51, so that the positional relationship between the leaf springs 2 is fixed, and contact with the fulcrum unit 36 ​​having multiple fulcrum installation surfaces 3 can be stably performed.

[0080] (Variation 7) Next, a seventh modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 16 and 17. Figs. 16 and 16 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a spring structure according to the seventh modified example of the present embodiment. Note that the leaf spring 2E shown in Fig. 17 shows only the leaf spring 2E located on the front side as viewed from the direction of the arrow B shown in Fig. 16. In this seventh modified example, a plurality of leaf springs are connected as one unit (spring member), and each of them contacts a fulcrum installation surface. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted.

[0081] A spring structure 1D according to the seventh modification includes a spring unit 10A having a plurality of leaf springs 2E, and a fulcrum unit 37 having a plurality of fulcrum installation surfaces 3C. The spring unit 10A includes a plurality of leaf springs 2E, a frame body 53, and a connection portion 54 that connects the leaf springs 2E and the frame body 53. The plurality of leaf springs 2E are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned. In the seventh modification, the plurality of leaf springs 2E are arranged in a lattice pattern. The positions of the leaf springs 2E are set according to the positions of the fulcrum installation surface 3C.

[0082] Leaf spring 2E is formed by bending a band-shaped member into an arc shape in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, leaf spring 2 has main spring portion 41, one end side of which in the longitudinal direction protrudes toward fulcrum installation surface 3C and is curved in a partial arc shape (1 / 4 arc shape) so as to be warped (convex) toward frame body 53, and end portion 42, which is one end extending from one end of main spring portion 41 in the longitudinal direction and is curved in a manner opposite to that of main spring portion 41. The leaf spring 2E is formed using a flat spring steel made of metal, resin, or the like.

[0083] The frame 53 has an annular outer edge portion 53a and two extension portions (extension portions 53b, 53c) that are provided inside the outer edge portion 53a and extend in the X direction. The connection portion 54 extends in the Y direction within the outer edge portion 53a, intersects with the extending portions (extending portions 53b, 53c), and is connected to the main spring portion 41 of the leaf spring 2E. Specifically, the connection portion 54 is connected to an end portion of the main spring portion 41 on the opposite side (the other end side) to the side connected to the end portion 42.

[0084] In the spring unit 10A, a plurality of leaf springs 2E are connected to a frame body 53 by connecting portions 54 to form an integrated configuration. The leaf springs 2E extend upright from the frame body 53, with the end portions 42 spaced apart from the frame body 53.

[0085] The fulcrum installation surface 3C includes a slope at least in a part of the contact position where the end 42 of the leaf spring 2E comes into contact, and the end 42 of the leaf spring 2E slides along this slope. Note that the slope here includes a flat surface and a curved surface. Specifically, the fulcrum installation surface 3C forms a surface that is convex on the side facing the leaf spring 2E, and at least a portion of the surface that contacts the end 42 of the leaf spring 2E is inclined or curved. That is, the fulcrum installation surface 3C has an inclined surface that gradually recesses toward the outside in the extension direction of the leaf spring 2E. Furthermore, at both ends of each inclined surface, the fulcrum installation surface 3C has a lower upper surface that is connected to the lower end of the inclined surface, and an upper upper surface that faces the main spring portion and is connected to the upper end of the inclined surface.

[0086] Furthermore, each leaf spring 2E of the spring unit 10A and each fulcrum installation surface 3C of the fulcrum unit 37 form a spring structure. Therefore, in the seventh modification, a plurality of spring structures are formed.

[0087] In the seventh modified example, for example, a first pressed body is disposed on the side of spring unit 10E (main spring portion 41, frame body 53, and connection portion 54), and a second pressed body is disposed on the side of fulcrum unit 37. At this time, when a load is applied to each leaf spring 2E, end portion 42 is pressed against fulcrum installation surface 3 and deformed (compressed). At this time, leaf spring 2E exhibits stroke-load characteristics with respect to the fulcrum installation surface similar to those of the embodiment. Therefore, by adjusting the stroke and the inclined surface / curved surface, the load applied to the pressed body can be controlled to a substantially constant value regardless of the stroke. The spring unit 10A is fixed to the first pressed body via the frame body. For example, a known fixing method can be used, such as screwing, bonding, or welding the corners of the frame body 53 and the first pressed body.

[0088] In the above-mentioned modified example 7, an inclined surface is provided on the fulcrum installation surface 3C with which the end of the curved, band-shaped leaf spring 2E comes into contact, and when the leaf spring 2E is deformed by a load, the end of the leaf spring 2E moves on the inclined surface. According to this modified example 7, by moving the end of the leaf spring on the inclined surface, an increase in the load on the pressed body is suppressed, and the pressed body can be pressed with an appropriate pressing force even if the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction.

[0089] Furthermore, according to variant example 7, multiple leaf springs 2E are supported integrally by frame body 53, so that the positional relationship between the leaf springs 2E is fixed, and contact with the fulcrum unit 37 having multiple fulcrum installation surfaces 3C can be stably performed.

[0090] Thus, the present invention may include various embodiments not described here, and various design changes may be made without departing from the technical concept defined by the claims. For example, in the leaf spring, the main spring parts 21, 41 may have a shape in which a part extends flat (straight line when viewed in the width direction). For example, in the main spring part 21, the part connected to the connection part 52 has a flat shape.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples 1 to 7, the fulcrum installation surfaces 3, 3A, 3B and the fulcrum units 36, 37 may be formed on the surface of a separate member from the body to be pressed, or may be integral with the body to be pressed and formed on the surface of the body to be pressed.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples 1 to 5, a configuration including one leaf spring has been described as an example, but as in modified examples 6 and 7, a configuration including a plurality of leaf springs may also be used.

[0093] In the spring structures of the above-mentioned modified examples 6 and 7, the leaf spring may have the shape of leaf spring 2A, 2B, 2C, or 2D. The fulcrum installation surface of the fulcrum unit may have a structure in which the shapes are continuous, such as fulcrum installation surfaces 3A, 3C, and 3D.

[0094] As described above, the spring structure according to the present invention is suitable for pressing a pressed body with an appropriate pressing force even when the gap between the pressed bodies changes due to thermal expansion or contraction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1, 1A~1D Spring structure 2, 2A~2E Leaf springs 3, 3A~3C fulcrum installation surface 21, 41 Main spring section 22, 24, 26, 28 1st end 23, 25, 27, 29 2nd end 28A First curved section 28B Second curved section 29A Third curved section 29B 4th curve 31 Bottom 32 1st slope part 33 2nd slope part 34 Third slope 35 4th slope 36, 37 Fulcrum unit 42 End 51, 53 Frame 52, 54 Connection

Claims

1. A spring member having a curved portion in an arc shape and capable of pressing two opposing pressed bodies in directions in which the pressed bodies move away from each other; a fulcrum installation surface including an inclined surface that is gradually recessed toward an outside in an extension direction of the spring member at at least a part of a contact position where one end of the spring member contacts; A spring structure comprising:

2. The spring member is disposed between the two opposing pressed bodies, The fulcrum installation surface is integrally formed on one of the pressed bodies.

2. The spring structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is a spring member.

3. the spring member and the fulcrum installation surface are disposed between the two opposing pressed bodies, The fulcrum installation surface is configured separately from one of the pressed bodies and is supported by the one of the pressed bodies.

2. The spring structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is a spring member.

4. The inclined surface is an inclined surface.

2. The spring structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is a spring member.

5. The inclined surface is a curved surface.

2. The spring structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is a spring member.

6. The spring member is a leaf spring having a belt-shaped member curved in an arc shape in the longitudinal direction, one end of the spring member is one end of the leaf spring, The fulcrum installation surface includes two inclined surfaces with which both ends of the leaf spring come into contact, respectively.

2. The spring structure according to claim 1, wherein the spring structure is a spring member.

7. The leaf spring is A main spring portion having a concave side facing the fulcrum installation surface; A first end portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion; a second end portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion; 7. The spring structure according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. The leaf spring is A main spring portion that is concave with respect to the fulcrum installation surface; a first curved portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a second curved portion extending from an end of the first curved portion opposite to the main spring portion side and curved in a manner opposite to the first curved portion; a second end portion having a third curved portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion, and a fourth curved portion extending from an end portion of the third curved portion opposite to the main spring portion side and curved in a manner opposite to the third curved portion; having The support installation surface is The bottom and a first inclined surface extending from the bottom portion toward the leaf spring and having an inclined end; a second inclined surface extending toward the leaf spring from a position different from the first inclined surface at the bottom portion and having an inclined extending end; a third inclined surface extending from the bottom portion on a side opposite to the second inclined surface with respect to the first inclined surface, the third inclined surface having an inclined extending end; a fourth inclined surface extending from the bottom portion on a side opposite to the first inclined surface with respect to the second inclined surface, the fourth inclined surface having an inclined extending end; 7. The spring structure according to claim 6, further comprising:

9. A plurality of the spring members; A frame body, a connection portion that connects the spring member and the frame body; having a fulcrum unit having a plurality of the fulcrum installation surfaces each in contact with one of the spring members; The spring structure according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. The spring member is A main spring portion having a concave side facing the fulcrum installation surface; A first end portion extending from one end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion; a second end portion extending from the other end of the main spring portion and curved in a manner opposite to the curved manner of the main spring portion; having The main spring portion is connected to the connection portion, One end of the spring member is the first end and the second end, Each fulcrum installation surface includes two inclined surfaces at at least a portion of each contact position where the first end and the second end of each spring member contact each other.

10. The spring structure according to claim 9.

11. The spring member is A main spring portion in which one end side of the spring member in the longitudinal direction protrudes from the fulcrum installation surface side and is curved so as to be convex toward the frame body side; One end portion extends from one end of the main spring portion and is curved in a manner opposite to the manner in which the main spring portion is curved; having The other end of the main spring portion is connected to the connection portion, The main spring portion is connected to the connection portion, Each fulcrum installation surface includes one inclined surface in at least a portion where the one end of each spring member contacts.

10. The spring structure according to claim 9.

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