Take-up drum and torsion spring for the take-up drum

Abstract

The present invention relates to a winding drum for a line and / or for a line routing device designed to receive and guide at least one line, the drum being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a first end region of the line and / or line routing device being fixable or fixed to the drum, the line and / or line routing device being able to be wound and unwound relative to the drum by rotating the winding drum in a winding or unwinding direction about the drum longitudinal axis, and a drive device is provided which engages with the winding drum to exert a restoring force on the drum when the drum rotates in its unwinding direction in order to rotate it in its winding direction, the drive device being designed as a torsion spring which is tensioned under torsion when the drum rotates in the unwinding direction and which exerts a torque on the drum to rotate it in the winding direction as a result of the torsional tension, the torsional tension exerting a restoring force on the drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a take-up drum for at least one line and / or for at least one line guide device as described in the subject matter of the invention of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a torsion spring, for example for or having the above take-up drum, as described in the subject matter of the invention of claim 7, and to an apparatus having a take-up drum and / or a torsion spring as described in claim 18.

Background Art

[0002] A generally described type of take-up drum is used in or with an apparatus such as a machine or device to wind and unwind a line and / or a line guide device arranged on the drum in the operation of a corresponding apparatus by rotation of the drum about its longitudinal axis, thereby adjusting the winding and unwinding lengths of the line and / or the line guide device respectively to a given or intended operating state of the apparatus. In this case, a movable winding member may be provided at the free end of the line and / or the line guide device as part of the above apparatus. In the operation of the apparatus, the winding member is moved at different intervals in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the drum longitudinal axis. To at least partially wind and unwind the line and / or the line guide device, a pulling force may be exerted on the line and / or the line guide device by the winding member or other device, or winding and unwinding may be performed, for example, by driving the drum with motor means. An electric motor is often used to rotate the drum in the take-up direction and, in some cases, also in its unwinding direction, but on the one hand this is complex and expensive and costly. On the other hand, an electric motor requires an independent power source, and providing it can be complex from the perspective of the apparatus structure. In particular, on the one hand, an electric motor also includes metal parts such as coils and housings.

[0003] On the one hand, regarding the operation of a certain device, for example, when using an electric motor, it is desirable or necessary that the device does not affect, interfere with, or itself emit such an electric field in the surrounding electric field, magnetic field, or electromagnetic field. Such a device can be, for example, a measuring device including a medical diagnostic device, for example, a magnetic resonance spectroscopic device such as a magnetic resonance scanner (MRI scanner). Thus, for example, an electric motor emits an electromagnetic field and affects the surrounding electromagnetic field, which can interfere with the operation of the device. Certainly, components of a device such as an electric motor can be electromagnetically enclosed to avoid electromagnetic interference in the surroundings, but this is generally very complex and very cumbersome.

[0004] Furthermore, there is also a high need to design the drive unit for the take-up drum in a structurally simple and space-saving manner in its take-up direction and, if possible, to have low maintenance.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problems at least partially or completely.

[0006] To achieve the object at least partially or completely, a take-up drum according to claim 1 and a torsion spring for the take-up drum or having the take-up drum according to claim 7 are provided. The present invention further relates to a device having a take-up drum according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and / or a torsion spring according to any one of claims 7 to 17.

[0007] Advantageous configurations are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, the drive device of the take-up drum is in the form of a torsion spring. When the drum rotates in its winding / unwinding direction around its longitudinal axis, the torsion spring exerts a restoring force on the drum, and the restoring force exerts a force on the drum to rotate it in the take-up direction. When the drum rotates in the winding / unwinding direction, the torsion spring is stressed in torsion, and the resulting torsional stress exerts a torque on the drum, which acts for its rotation in the take-up direction. Therefore, the torsional stress exerts a restoring force on the drum to rotate it in the take-up direction when the restoring force exceeds the force that rotates the drum in the take-up direction. For example, a tensile force can be exerted on the torsion spring by applying a tensile force to the second end region (referred to as the "free end region") of the line and / or line guide device disposed in the unwound region of the line and / or line guide device. The tensile force can be applied, for example, by coupling the unwound end region of the line and / or line guide device to the entraining member of the device, and the entraining member and / or the end region are spaced apart from the drum in a transverse or particularly perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the drum. The entraining member is displaceable, for example, by a drive part that is part of the device, and in this case, the line and / or line guide device disposed or wound on the drum is coupled in a media transmission relationship to the device for supplying a media to the device and / or discharging a media from the device. The single or plural media can be, for example, electric power, a fluid medium, a hydraulic or pneumatic medium, or information data including electromagnetic waves or acoustic waves. The entraining member and / or the unwound end region of the line and / or line guide device can be moved manually or by some other device as the distance between the entraining member and the drum increases. Therefore, the above tensile force will be exerted particularly in the longitudinal direction of the parts of the line and / or line guide device unwound from the drum.When the tensile force decreases or when no tensile force is applied, the restoring force exerted by the torsion spring due to the application of tensile stress exceeds the above-mentioned tensile force, and the drum is rotated in the winding direction by the restoring force of the torsion spring, particularly or preferably automatically rotated, and as a result, the line and / or the line guide device is wound onto the drum. It has also been found that a high torque can be transmitted by the torsion spring, which is advantageous for driving the drum with a high inertial weight during the return operation, and the spring has a small structural volume. A removable restraint mechanism may be provided to restrain the drum at a predetermined rotational position while under the action of the above-mentioned tensile force, and it should be understood that only when the restraint mechanism is removed, the return of the drum due to the restoring force of the torsion spring causes the drum to automatically rotate in the winding direction. However, such a restraint mechanism for the drum may not be provided.

[0009] The configuration according to the invention of the drive device in the form of a torsion spring has various advantageous effects. Thus, the drive device can operate without additional devices, such as a medium connection part, for example, for operating the drive device such as a power connection part. Further, the torsion spring occupies only a small amount of structural space, which actually changes little or not at all when the torsion spring is in a twisted state, so that the take-up drum together with the torsion spring is of a particularly compact and space-saving configuration. Thus, the torsion spring may be integrated into the drum, for example its body, in a particularly simple manner, where lines and / or line guide devices are wound or unwound therefrom. Further, since the torsion spring causes relatively little material fatigue, only little maintenance is required or actually no maintenance is required. Further, such a torsion spring can be easily fabricated from non-ferrite materials, non-metallic materials and / or non-magnetic (including non-magnetizable) materials that do not interfere, at least partially or completely, with the surrounding electric, magnetic and / or electromagnetic fields. In the simplest case, such a torsion spring is in the form of a bar or group of bars that can be elastically twisted, and the material that undergoes the torsional stress preferably includes or is an organic polymer such as a rubber material, for example.

[0010] In general terms according to the present invention, the following expressions are interpreted as follows. "Drum" is always interpreted as "take-up or hoisting drum", and "rotation of the drum" is always interpreted as "rotation of the drum about its longitudinal axis". The term "spring" is always intended as "torsion spring". The term "at least one line and / or at least one line guide device" that can be wound onto the drum and / or unwound from the drum, or in its operation, preferably in a situation involving winding and / or unwinding by exerting a tensile force on the drum, is sometimes abbreviated to read as "line and / or line guide device", "at least one line guide device" or "line guide device". This applies in any case, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.

[0011] Descriptions regarding the configuration of a torsion spring or its components in relation to the drum should also be generally interpreted by an invention independent of the drum, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Descriptions regarding the configuration of a torsion spring or its components independent of the drum should also be generally interpreted by the present invention in relation to the configuration of a drum having a torsion spring, unless the context specifically indicates otherwise.

[0012] The line guide device has an internal space capable of accommodating at least one or preferably a plurality of lines such as cables or hoses. The change in the position of the line in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of its range is restricted by the line guide device. The line guide device is preferably flexible in at least two directions in the transverse or vertical direction with respect to its longitudinal range, or has parts that are position-variable relative to each other, for example tiltable, so that it can be wound onto the drum while having a somewhat straight configuration together with the winding and unwinding part.

[0013] Preferably, the torsion spring has a longitudinal axis, and when the drum rotates in the winding direction, the torsion spring is rotated about its longitudinal axis to cause torsion of the spring. The longitudinal axis of the torsion spring is arranged parallel or coaxial with the drum longitudinal axis. Thereby, a configuration is achieved that is particularly small in structure and particularly simple in design.

[0014] Preferably, the torsion spring is arranged on the body of the drum, and at least one line and / or line guide device is windable onto and / or unwindable from the body, or is wound onto and / or unwound from the body. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the body is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the drum. Also thereby, since the spring hardly or actually does not change its volume according to its torsion, the body enclosing or surrounding the torsion spring can have a small structural volume or a small diameter, resulting in a small drum configuration.

[0015] Preferably, the torsion spring is coupled to an (first) end region in a torque transmission relationship with the take-up drum, and particularly preferably, is directly coupled or fixed to the take-up drum. This involves only a small amount of space required for the torsion spring as a drive device for the rotation of the drum about its longitudinal axis, and since the torsion spring maintains its volume substantially unchanged when twisted, it provides a compact drum configuration with a drive device. Further, since it provides particularly efficient and lossless transmission of torque from the torsion spring to the take-up drum, it also serves for reliable return operation of the take-up drum in accordance with rotation in the take-up direction. By direct torque transmission coupling, the torsional rotation of the torsion spring about its longitudinal axis over a given angular range exactly matches the same angular range of the rotation of the take-up drum about its longitudinal axis. In this case, as described below with respect to the torsion spring, it should be understood that parts such as, for example, its first or second segment of the torsion spring can be directly fixed non-rotatably to a part of the take-up drum. In this regard, the first end region of the spring is also fixed or arranged on the drum in a non-rotatable or rotationally fixed and / or position-invariant relationship and can be coupled to a component, such as a transmission, etc., that rotates with the drum when the drum rotates about its longitudinal axis. Perhaps less preferably, since it is more complex and expensive and not compact, the torsion spring can also act on a device having a movable part, such as a transmission, that transmits the torsional force of the spring to the drum in a torque transmission relationship.

[0016] The second end region of the torsion spring is preferably generally coupled or couplable to a device, such as a holder of the drum, in a torque transmission relationship, preferably removably fixed thereto, and in this regard, the drum is rotatable in accordance with its rotation in the take-up and / or unwinding directions. The coupling region of the device receives the torsional force generated in accordance with the torsional stress applied to the spring. The second end region of the spring is preferably coupled to the device in a stationary and / or position-invariant manner, preferably removably fixed thereto.

[0017] Preferably, the line and / or line guide device has a second free end region provided with fixing means for coupling to the entraining member on the device, the entraining member being movable relative to the drum, or the fixing means of the second end region of the line and / or line guide device are coupled to the entraining member of a device movable relative to the drum. When the entraining member is displaced in a spaced relationship from the longitudinal axis of the take-up drum, the entraining member exerts a tensile force on the line and / or line guide device, and the take-up drum is rotated while being stressed in its twist in the winding and unwinding direction and in the torsion spring. The first end region of the line and / or line guide device is then preferably fixed to the drum, preferably to its body, in a torque transmission relationship and / or stationary.

[0018] The torsion spring preferably comprises at least substantially or completely an organic elastomer such as an organic plastic material and / or a rubber material, for example an organic polymer material such as natural and / or synthetic rubber materials. In this context and generally according to the invention, the phrase "comprising at least substantially" is used to mean that each component comprises a weight ratio of 50% or more, preferably 65% or more, more preferably 80% or more, particularly 95% or more of each material. It can be independent of each other for at least one or all spring elements of the torsion spring, such as elastic torsionable and / or elastic extensible components, which preferably comprise at least substantially or completely an organic elastomer (polymer elastomer). It is preferably applicable independently or in combination with them for at least substantially rigid components of the torsion spring, such as the main body of the torsion spring, which preferably comprises at least substantially or completely an organic plastic material. Each organic polymer material may preferably contain a filler (particularly a filler in particulate form) uniformly dispersed therein, which should be understood to be associated with the weight ratio of the organic polymer material. Alternatively, in a narrow sense, the filler is not associated with each organic polymer material. A torsion spring having a high return force, a small structural volume and low weight for the spring, and a large maximum torsion angle can be provided using such materials. Thereby, the torsion spring can be used particularly for driving a winding drum, especially in a space or on a device where its normal operation would otherwise be inhibited by the presence of a ferrite-based material (e.g., steel having a corresponding proportion of ferrite phase), a metal material or a magnetic material. Such a device can be, for example, a device capable of receiving and / or emitting measurement signals and / or control signals based on electromagnetic and / or magnetic resonance, such as a magnetic resonance test device such as a magnetic resonance scanner (MRI scanner). Focusing on further explanations regarding the torsion spring.

[0019] The torsion spring preferably contains, as a whole, a metal and / or a magnetic material in a weight ratio of 50% or less, preferably 25% or less, more preferably 10% or less, particularly preferably 2% or less, or preferably does not contain a metal and / or a magnetic material, and it is a ferromagnetic and / or ferrimagnetic material, preferably including a permanently magnetizable material.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the take-up drum can rotate more than once (one rotation is equal to 360 degrees) around its longitudinal axis by the torsional stress application of the torsion spring, particularly preferably more than 1.5 rotations or more than 3 rotations, for example, more than 5 rotations or more than 10 rotations or more. Therefore, the corresponding consideration also applies to the torsional rotation of the torsion spring around its longitudinal axis. Thus, in this way, the take-up drum can rotate at least more than once around its longitudinal axis by the stress application of the torsion spring. Therefore, it can also rotate around its longitudinal axis in the winding direction by the release of the stress of the torsion spring due to the restoring force exerted on the take-up drum by the torsion spring. As a result, a relatively large length of the line and / or the line guide device can be wound and unwound from the drum by the torsional stress application of the torsion spring, and it can be automatically rewound onto the drum by the restoring force generated by the torsion spring and the release of its stress application. The torsion spring is particularly advantageously used for this purpose. This is because it is, at the same time, a small structural volume that changes only slightly or actually not at all in at least more than one rotation of it.

[0021] Preferably, the torsion spring is disposed entirely within the take-up drum, especially within its body, with at least one line and / or line guide device being wound or unwound therewith. This provides a compact and additionally low-maintenance structure, and further defines that the spring is shielded by the body both with respect to the surroundings and as a result of the action of foreign matter such as dust. A cover element may be provided at at least one or both of the end regions of the drum body to shield the interior of the body with respect to the external surroundings. The torsion spring may, in some cases, be coupled to such a cover element in order to transmit torque to the drum in response to the torsional stress imparted to the torsion spring.

[0022] Preferably, the take-up drum has at least one longitudinal region where a line and / or a line guide device can be wound and / or unwound or is at least partially wound, and a second longitudinal portion where a line and / or a line guide device of the first longitudinal portion is connected to an external media source, such as a source of power, fluid, pressure, information data, etc., or is arranged to be adapted for connection thereto. The torsion spring extends at least partially, preferably at least partially over both longitudinal portions, over the first and / or second longitudinal portions of the drum. The torsion spring preferably extends completely over the first and / or second longitudinal portions of the drum. Thereby, the torsion spring is of a relatively large length and is thus twisted over a relatively large angle of twist, whereby the take-up drum can rotate about its longitudinal axis over a larger angular range, so that a longer line and / or line device, especially the first drum longitudinal portion, can be wound and / or unwound, which is often advantageous. The line and / or line guide device in the second longitudinal portion of the drum can particularly include two portions that are wound at least one turn or more, in one case in the clockwise direction and in the other case in the counterclockwise direction, with respect to the body of the drum, starting from a given viewing direction in a coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the drum. The two portions of this line guide device are preferably connected to each other by a 180-degree direction-changing region. Such a line guide device is well known, for example, from WO 2011 / 086198, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein.

[0023] In the simplest case, the torsion spring may be in the form of an elastic torsionable bar-shaped element that is twisted around its longitudinal axis, or in the form of a group of such elements. Such a design configuration is structurally particularly simple, but it results in a high material load for imparting torsional stress to the torsion element, and it suffers from the disadvantage of limiting the life of the torsion spring due to the material fatigue phenomenon. This is especially the case when the torsion spring is twisted through one revolution around its longitudinal axis during its operation.

[0024] A particularly advantageous torsion spring that can be advantageously used in combination with the drum described above will be described below.

[0025] Preferably, the torsion spring has an elongated main body having a longitudinal axis, and the main body includes at least a first and a second segment that are rotatable relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the main body. Further, when the two segments rotate relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the main body, at least one elastically extensible spring element coupled to both segments is provided in such a manner that the elastically extensible spring element experiences a reversible change in length. The configuration of the spring is such that when the spring is twisted, the two segments are rotated relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the main body, and the elastically extensible spring element experiences a reversible change in length. Such a torsion spring is particularly low-maintenance and highly durable because the spring element is loaded more or dominantly by elongation with respect to its length rather than with respect to torsion, which causes only a lower level of material fatigue. This is especially the case when, as described above, the torsion spring is twisted through more than one revolution in response to the rotation of the drum.

[0026] The extensible spring element is designed such that when the torsion spring is twisted, it experiences an extension in length of 25% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 100% or more, or 200% or more, and stress is applied to the torsion spring. The increase in length is measured along the extent of the spring element. The length extension effect is measured starting from an initial twisted state where the spring element is of minimum length or the spring has a minimum torsional stress but the spring element is arranged linearly.

[0027] When a torsion spring is subjected to torsion, if it is twisted over a predetermined angle, its length preferably does not change substantially, or changes only slightly, particularly by less than the change in the length of the spring element. Thus, this also applies to the distance between the two coupling regions of the end regions of at least one spring element arranged opposite each other in two segments in the longitudinal direction of the spring, i.e., the first and second segments. The coupling regions may be substantially of a point-like configuration. The change in the length of the torsion spring in response to the applied torsional stress is preferably 25% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less, or actually 0% at a given torsion of the spring, i.e., at, for example, 1, 5, or 10 torsional rotations of the spring or at the maximum number of rotations in the operation of the torsion spring, which corresponds to the above rotation of the drum. For this purpose, the end regions of the spring element are engageable with at least substantially rigid segments that are rotatable relative to each other (i.e., facing each other). The distance between the first segment and the second segment in the longitudinal direction of the spring does not change or at least changes substantially not in response to the applied torsional stress of the spring, preferably corresponding to the above explanation regarding the change in the length of the spring in response to the applied torsional stress. For this purpose, the segments can be mounted or arranged, for example, on the longitudinal axis of the rigid structure of the spring and / or can be mounted relative to each other. In response to the applied torsional stress of the spring, those bearing regions are preferably not position-variable in the longitudinal direction of the spring. In response to the applied torsional stress of the torsion spring, the coupling regions of the components coupled to the torsion spring in a torque transmission relationship, such as, for example, the take-up drum and the holding means for the take-up drum relative to each other, do not receive tensile or compressive forces relative to each other. This enables a long-life and low-maintenance design configuration.

[0028] Broadly speaking, according to the present invention, the "twisted state" of a spring (a "twisted spring") is intended to particularly indicate the state of maximum twist of the spring. In the absence of further description regarding the twisted state of the spring, this relates to springs in a non-twisted state and / or a twisted state respectively, particularly with respect to the non-twisted state. It applies respectively, provided the context does not involve something else in detail.

[0029] At least one spring element is preferably coupled to the first and / or second segment of the main body outside the longitudinal axis of the main body, preferably the coupling to the two said segments being outside the longitudinal axis of each segment, preferably being effected around the outer periphery of the two segments. The coupling is preferably effected by the end regions of the spring element to the first and / or second segment. The coupling is preferably effected in a rotationally fixed relationship with respect to the torsional stress application of the torsion spring and / or in a tensile force transmission relationship with respect to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring. Each coupling region of the spring element to each segment in response to the torsional stress application of the spring is preferably invariant in position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the spring and / or the longitudinal extent of each segment, and / or is invariant in position with respect to each segment in its circumferential direction. Thereby, the torsional stress application of the spring element can be converted particularly efficiently into an elastic change in the length of at least one or more spring elements. In this case, the longitudinal axis of the segment is preferably coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring. By the relative rotation of the first and second segments of the main body of the torsion spring about the longitudinal axis of the main body, the torsional stress application of the torsion spring is generated. Thus, the torsion of the torsion spring is converted particularly efficiently into a change in the length of the elastically extensible spring element, and with the torsional stress application of the torsion spring, the spring element is partially, at least substantially or completely under tensile load, but receives little torsional load. This gives a particularly durable and low-maintenance torsion spring. This is because the change in the length of the spring element is often a lower material fatigue phenomenon than the torsional load.

[0030] The ratio of the diameter of the segment to the length of the main body of the spring can be 1:20 or more, 1:10 or more, 1:8 or more or 1:6 or more. Thereby, the coupling region, preferably the end region, of at least one spring element or a plurality of spring elements to the segment can have a corresponding radial spacing with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0031] The first and / or second segment of the torsion spring is preferably arranged in the opposing end regions of the torsion spring. In this way, the torsional stress application of the torsion element can be converted particularly efficiently into a change in the length of the elastically extensible spring element. Thus, for a given torsion of the torsion element, stress can be exerted on the spring element predominantly, at least substantially or actually completely, by elastic extension.

[0032] The elastically extensible spring element may preferably be in the form of an elongated element that can be arranged preferably linearly, for example in the form of a band, bar, etc., by a spring in a non-deformed state or in a non-torsioned state. In this way, the torsional force added when the torsion spring is twisted can be converted particularly efficiently into a tensile force on the spring element so as to cause a change in the length of the spring element according to the torsional stress application of the torsion spring. The spring element can have an equiangular or non-equiangular cross-section.

[0033] Preferably, the main body of the torsion spring has at least one or more additional segments disposed longitudinally of the main body between a first segment and a second segment. At least one additional segment or a plurality or all of the additional segments are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the main body relative to the first segment and relative to the second segment. Thus, when there is torsional stress application of the torsion spring, this preferably also involves rotation of at least one, a plurality of, or all of the additional segments relative to the first and second segments. Preferably, at least one spring element couples to at least one, more than one, or all of the additional segments in the holding regions of the respective additional segments. The holding action is preferably effected radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the respective segment, preferably at its outer periphery. The holding action is preferably effected in the force transmission relationship by transmission of torque about its longitudinal axis to the segment when the spring is in a torsional state of change. The holding is preferably effected such that when there is torsional stress application of the spring and a change in the length of the spring element in the region of the respective additional segment, the spring element is wound around the main body of the spring with an increase in stress application, and the spring element exerts a torque on the respective additional segment, where the spring element is held. The torque preferably causes rotation of the additional segment about its longitudinal axis. Reference to an "additional" or "respective additional" segment can relate in particular to each of a plurality or all of the additional segments. The holding region of the spring element in each respective additional segment is preferably arranged outside the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring main body and / or outside the longitudinal axis of the respective segment. The holding region of each respective additional segment for holding the spring element is preferably non-rotatable with respect to the peripheral extent of the respective additional segment in that segment and / or stationary with respect to the longitudinal direction of the respective segment, for example integrally formed and fixed to the segment.This provides a more well-defined spatial configuration of the spring element in the twisted state of the spring, particularly also for the central region of the longitudinal extent of the spring element, which can be wound around the spring main body in coil form, for example when the spring is twisted. This means that when there is torsional stress application to the spring, the stress application to the spring element is also more evenly distributed over the entire length of the spring element. When there is torsional stress application to the spring longitudinal portions of the spring element or, if provided, adjacent spring elements, these portions can come into contact with each other. This can lead to irregularities in the increase and / or decrease of torsional stress when the torsional state of the spring changes due to interactions between the longitudinal portions, such as friction. Further, one or more additional rotatable segments ensure that when there is torsional stress application to the spring, the spring element wound around the spring main body does not capture the main body under the torsional force and the resulting friction with the main body, which would limit the maximum torsional angle.

[0034] The holding area for each further segment for the spring element is preferably fixed to each further segment, preferably non-rotatably, with respect to its peripheral extent, so that it is also rotated in accordance with the rotation around the longitudinal axis of the segment. Thus, by the area of the spring element, in particular the longitudinal part, being held in its holding area, the said area of the spring element is also arranged in each segment at a predefined position with respect to the peripheral extent of each segment. When the segment rotates around its longitudinal axis with respect to at least one or both of the adjacent segments, the spring element held in the segment holding area consequently experiences a change in length extension or longitudinal extension. Thus, the position of the central region of the spring element, i.e., the position in the spacing area between the first segment and the second segment, is better defined. Thus, the change in the length of the spring element in response to the torsional stress application of the spring is conceptually or functionally divided into small parts respectively arranged between the holding areas of adjacent segments including the fixed areas of the spring element with respect to the first and second segments. The division into corresponding small parts also applies to the spring element around the main body of the spring, preferably in a coiled winding, when the spring element is radially coupled outside the longitudinal axis of the spring to at least one further segment. The windings of the spring element are arranged between the holding areas of segments that are continuously present in the longitudinal direction of the spring. This serves for a more uniform stress application and stress release of the spring in response to its torsional stress application, and consequently for a more uniform operation of the take-up drum driven by the torsion spring. It applies in particular in response to the torsional stress application of the spring by more than one rotation or a plurality of torsional rotations around its longitudinal axis.

[0035] Preferably, the main body has a plurality of further segments, preferably arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction of the main body, preferably but not limited to, two or more, four or more, or six or more, which are arranged between the first segment and the second segment of the main body. This has the above-mentioned advantageous effects for a main body comprising three or more segments in a particular embodiment.

[0036] Preferably, at least one spring element extends continuously from the first segment and at least one or more further segments extend relative to the second segment. It is also possible to provide a plurality of spring elements that each extend only over a part of the provided number of segments and are arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction of the spring to connect a plurality of or all of the segments to each other.

[0037] Roughly preferably, the holding regions of each segment, particularly each further segment arranged between the first segment and the second segment, sandwich the respective spring elements on at least one or both opposing surfaces thereof. Thus, in one or both opposing circumferential directions of the segment, the spring elements are held in the holding region when there is torsional stress applied to the spring. The holding region is preferably of a groove-like configuration. The groove preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the spring or parallel to its longitudinal axis together with a directional component, and the spring elements are arranged in the holding groove in the region direction. Thus, when there is torsional stress applied to the spring, the spring elements act in the circumferential direction of the segment with respect to the holding region, whereby when there is torsional stress applied to the spring, each further segment is rotated around the spring longitudinal axis. Thus, a given total torsional angle of the spring is divided into small regions between adjacent segments, thereby enabling a uniform change in the length of the spring elements over its length. In this way, even when there is torsional stress applied to a torsion spring of more than one rotation, i.e., more than 360 degrees, the spring elements are positioned in a better defined position of the segment by being guided by the holding region. Further, depending on the extent of the spring elements in the single or multiple holding regions, when there is torsional stress applied to the spring, the longitudinal portions of the spring elements wound around the main body are wound at the same location and are stressed at a lower pitch height, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring, or when there is stress relief thereof, torque is exerted on each segment. This results in better transmission of the force and torque exerted on the rotatable segments and gives a more uniform return of the torsion spring.

[0038] The retaining grooves or generally the retaining areas for the spring elements preferably each extend over only a part or only a portion of the longitudinal extent of each segment, for example, over 2% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, or 20% or more. The retaining grooves or retaining areas preferably each extend over 33% or less, 50% or less, 75% or less, or 95% or less of the longitudinal extent of each segment. Thus, in the intermediate space between the retaining areas of adjacent segments, the spring element can preferably be wound around the main body by at least one full turn winding if there is torsional stress applied to the spring. This also generally applies to the background of the present invention for the connection or retaining area of at least one spring element in each segment, and depending on the torsional stress applied to the spring, the spring element is not wound by a change in the angular range around the main body.

[0039] Preferably, by an untwisted torsion spring, for at least one spring element, the retaining areas arranged in adjacent segments of the torsion spring main body are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the torsion spring. As a result, the spring element can be wound in the circumferential direction around each segment in the intermediate region between the retaining areas of adjacent segments.

[0040] The above description regarding the spacing of the retaining areas of further segments for the spring element can preferably also apply to the spacing of the retaining areas of further segments relative to the connection area of the spring element in the first and / or second segments.

[0041] Each of at least one, a plurality of, or all of the retaining areas of at least one further segment preferably each project radially outward from each segment to hold the spring element.

[0042] Preferably, the spring element is held in the holding region of each further segment in a forced lock and / or positive lock relationship. This can apply in particular with respect to a change in the position of the spring element relative to the holding region in the radial and / or circumferential direction of each segment. The held regions of the spring element can each engage at the back of the undercut configuration of the respective holding region. This preferably applies to the groove-like configuration of the holding region.

[0043] Preferably, the spring element is held in a length-variable manner in the holding region of each segment. Thus, when the torsion spring is twisted or the torsional state of the torsion spring is changed in this way, the spring element can have a change in length in the holding region. Thus, with the application of torsional stress to the torsion spring or with a change in the torsional state of the spring, the spring element can experience a relatively uniform change in length over its entire longitudinal extent. Thus, in response to the application of torsional stress to the torsion spring, widely different extension states of the spring element over its entire longitudinal extent are avoided to the maximum extent, and the durability of the torsion spring is increased. Furthermore, in this way, each spring element can be more easily assembled and disassembled. Optionally, on the other hand, the spring element may be fixedly held, preferably removably held, in each holding region. Optionally, the spring element may be held in the holding region in a length-invariant manner with respect to each holding region, at least by a portion of the spring element.

[0044] At least one, a plurality of, or all of the spring elements preferably each extend continuously from a first segment to a second segment, which is structurally simple and advantageous with respect to the load and force transmission of each spring element. Each spring element may, in some cases, only extend from the first and / or second segment to a further segment, in which case a further spring element extends from the further segment to the other of the two segments of the group of the first and second segments. This also applies to each of the plurality of spring elements.

[0045] Preferably, the plurality of spring elements are distributed on the main body in the circumferential direction, preferably uniformly distributed over the periphery of the spring main body. In this way, on the one hand, the torsion spring can be easily adapted to various requirements. More specifically, for example, the spring characteristics are set by the configuration of the number of various spring elements in the torsion spring. In this way, the spring force of the torsion spring can be adjusted by the number of spring elements provided. Each of the spring elements may, for example, have the same structure or may be different from each other with respect to their respective spring characteristics. Furthermore, in this way, when there is torsional stress applied to the spring, the force exerted on the main body by the spring elements can be different from, and in particular can be reduced compared to, the torsional force of the spring. Thereby, the load on the spring is reduced and its durability is increased. Therefore, when the spring is twisted, each spring element, for example, when the fixing regions of the spring elements in the first and second segments are not arranged in a plane, often exerts a bending force in the longitudinal direction of the main body by the stress application of the spring elements. By arranging a plurality of spring elements, the force acting on the main body, which is different from the torsional force, can thereby be more uniformly distributed over the periphery of the main body.

[0046] Preferably, at least one or a plurality of spring elements are removably fixed to the main body by their end regions by appropriate fixing means, preferably in the first and / or second segments, and are preferably fixed respectively in a tensile force transmission relationship. In this way, the spring elements can be replaced particularly easily, and the maintenance of the torsion spring becomes easy.

[0047] Preferably, due to the elastic extension of the spring elements, the first and second segments can rotate relative to each other by one rotation (360 degrees) or more, two rotations or more, three rotations or more, or preferably five rotations or more or ten rotations or more around the longitudinal axis of the main body in response to the rotation of the winding drum driven by the torsion spring as described above. In this way, the relatively large lengths of the respective lines and / or line guide devices can be wound onto the drum by the reverse operation and stress release of the torsion spring. The torsion spring can be used particularly advantageously for this purpose.

[0048] Preferably, at least one, a plurality of or all spring elements of the torsion spring comprise at least substantially or completely an organic polymer material, in particular an elastomer. Preferably, the main body of the torsion spring, in particular its segments, comprise at least substantially or completely a plastic material, and the segments or the spring main body are preferably in the form of at least substantially rigid components, which determine the structural stability of the spring in response to the applied stress. Focus on the above description of the corresponding winding drum with a torsion spring.

[0049] Preferably, the material of the spring element has an elongation at break of 100% or more, preferably 150% or more, particularly preferably 200% or more. The elongation at break can be up to 400% or more, up to 500% or more, and in some cases up to 750% or more. The elongation at break is preferably determined in accordance with DIN 53455 with respect to the version that was last valid before January 1, 2019. In this way, the spring element can elastically expand greatly when there is torsional stress applied to the torsion spring, whereby the torsion spring and the take-up drum together can rotate over a relatively large angle of rotation. This is advantageous for many applications where a relatively large length of the line and / or line guide device is wound or unwound.

[0050] Preferably, the segments of the torsion spring, preferably all of its segments, are arranged rotatably relative to each other on the structural axis. The axis, in this regard, acts as a mounting part for the segments in response to its rotation, and the axis is preferably arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the main body of the spring. The segments are preferably arranged in a non-play relationship with respect to changes in position in a transverse or vertical direction with respect to the axis or in a position on the axis. The segments may generally be arranged in a butting relationship with each other in the context of the present invention. Due to the structural axis, the torsion spring has high mechanical stability especially with respect to forces in a transverse or vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body. However, in this regard, one of the segments, for example the first or second segment, may be non-rotatably fixed to the structural axis. In this way, in response to the torsional stress application of the torsion spring, particularly uniform and accurate rotation of adjacent segments relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the main body is ensured, and the spring has high durability and low maintenance. Alternatively or additionally, each segment, preferably all segments except the end segments in the longitudinal direction of the spring, may each have a mounting area introduced into the receiving means of the adjacent segments by the coaxial configuration of two adjacent segments relative to each other. The mounting area serves for a mounting configuration relative to each other for the two segments in response to the rotation of two adjacent segments relative to each other. The mounting of the segments relative to each other is preferably play-free in a transverse or vertical direction with respect to the segment longitudinal axis or the main body longitudinal axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 5c

Figure 5d

Figure 5e

Figure 5f

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0052] The present invention will be described and explained below by way of embodiments by way of example. All the configurations of the embodiments are generally disclosed independently or in combination with each other according to the present invention. The disclosure of the embodiments also relates to the configurations of the torsion spring or the take-up drum or the combination of the take-up drum and the torsion spring, independently of each other.

[0053] Figs. 1 to 4 show the torsion spring 10 according to the invention, which can be used particularly advantageously in combination with the winding drum 1 according to claims 1 to 6, but can also be used independently thereof.

[0054] In particular, the torsion spring 10 for or having the take-up drum 1 has an elongated main body 15 with a longitudinal axis 16. The main body includes at least first and second segments 21, 22 that are rotatable relative to each other about the main body longitudinal axis 16. Further, at least one or both of the groups of the first and second segments 21, 22 in respective connection regions 32, in particular in both segments 21, 22, are provided with at least one elastically extensible spring element 30 that is respectively coupled. When the two segments 21, 22 rotate relative to each other about the main body longitudinal axis 16, the elastically extensible spring element 30 experiences a reversible change in length. The coupling is one that transmits tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the torsion spring 10 (the longitudinal direction of the spring corresponds to the direction in which the main body 15 extends). Further, the coupling is one that transmits torque to the segments 21, 22 when there is torsional stress applied to the spring 10. For the purpose of the coupling, fixing elements 17 such as screws for fixedly coupling the end regions 30a of the spring elements 30 to the respective segments 21, 22 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of, here six, such spring elements 30 are provided and they are uniformly distributed around the periphery of the main body 15. In its inelastic deformed state, the elastically extensible spring element 30 is in the form of an elongated element, for example in the form of a band or bar. When the two segments 21, 22 rotate relative to each other about the main body longitudinal axis 16, the spring 10 is twisted (arrow, Fig. 4b) and stress is applied to at least one spring element 30 or generally the spring elements 30 provided on the spring, resulting in torsional stress being applied to the spring. The stressing of the spring 10 is effected by applying a tensile force to the line wound on the drum 1 and / or the line guide device 100, whereby the line and / or the line guide device 100 is at least partially or completely unwound from the drum. The line guide device preferably has or can have at least one or more lines therein. The stress exerts a restoring moment on the spring 10.If the return moment exceeds the tensile force, as a result of the stress release of the torsion spring 10, the drum 1 is automatically rotated by the driving force of the spring in the winding direction (Fig. 5b, arrow), and the line guide device and / or the line is, more specifically, automatically wound onto the drum as the spring is completely released from the stress, preferably completely wound. All segments for at least one spring element 30 apply to all other spring elements 30 of the torsion spring according to the embodiment described, although this is not generally essential in this regard. The plurality of spring elements in the embodiment described have the same structure, although this is not essential.

[0055] The main body 15 has at least one further segment disposed in the longitudinal direction of the main body 15 between the first segment 21 and the second segment 22. The at least one further segment 23 is rotatable relative to the first and second segments 21, 22 about the main body longitudinal axis 16. In one or all of the at least further segments 23, when there is torsional stress application of the spring in its holding region 23a, at least one spring element is coupled here in a torque transmission relationship to the one or more further segments. The at least one holding region or the plurality of holding regions 23a here are of a relatively large extent in the longitudinal direction of the segment 23, that is, without being limited thereto, 5% or more or 10% or more of the segment length in the spring longitudinal direction, for example, 75% or less or 50% or less thereof, and the holding region may in some cases be of a dot-like configuration. In the described embodiment, a plurality of, for example, more than two or three, here six such further segments are provided. Thus, the overall torsional deformation or overall rotation of each spring element 30 is distributed to a plurality of portions 35 in the longitudinal direction of the spring, more specifically, the portion 35 between two holding regions 23a spaced apart in the spring longitudinal direction, thereby serving for more uniform torsional stress application and / or stress release of the spring 10. Here, the coupling of the spring element to the one or more further segments in the holding region 23a is not done in the longitudinal tensile force transmission relationship of the torsion spring, which has been found to be advantageous, but that is also possible.

[0056] At least one spring element 30 is coupled in a radially spaced relationship from the spring longitudinal axis 10a to the first and / or second segments 21, 22, which preferably applies to both segments. The spring longitudinal axis 10a extends coaxially with the main body longitudinal axis 16. At least one spring element 30 is also arranged radially spaced from the spring longitudinal axis 10a in its respective holding region 23a, in the first and / or second segments 21, 22 and in at least one further segment 23 arranged between the first and the second segment, or in all further segments 23 with respect to the singular or plural further segments. It has been found to be advantageous for the generation of torsional stress in response to the rotation of the segments and for the smooth operation of the torsion spring. It can generally apply according to the present invention. The ratio of the diameter of the segment to the length of the spring main body is here 1:6 or more.

[0057] Here, at least one spring element 30 is arranged in the region of the outer circumferences 21a, 22a of the first and / or second segments 21, 22, here in the region of the outer circumferences of both segments 21, 22. At least one spring element 30 is here arranged in the region of the outer circumference of at least one further segment 23 arranged between the first and second segments 21, 22 and the first and second segments. It has the above-mentioned advantageous effects in certain embodiments.

[0058] At least one further segment 23 disposed between the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 in the longitudinal direction of the main body longitudinal axis 16 has a holding region 23a for at least one spring element, or in the case of a plurality of spring elements, a plurality of holding regions 23a for them, more specifically, each holding region 23a for one of the spring elements 30. Thus, the position of the spring element is better defined in the spring in the presence of its torsional stress application. The further segment 23, here further, experiences a rotational movement by virtue of its cooperation with the spring element 30 with respect to the torsional stress application of the spring 10, by means of a torque transmission coupling of the spring element to each further segment 23. Thereby, in response to the torsional stress application of the spring, the length and the elongation or position of the winding of the spring element 30 are better defined, and the winding of the spring element is distributed over a plurality of defined longitudinal portions 35. The longitudinal portions 35 of at least one or all of the spring elements that are generated upon torsional stress application of the spring 10 and wound around the main body 15 are thus arranged in the longitudinal direction of the spring between the holding regions 23a of the segment 23 and / or between the holding region 23a and the coupling region 32 in the first and / or second segments 21, 22, or in the transition region between two adjacent segments 21, 22, 23 described in general terms. Each holding region 23a has at least one directional component in the longitudinal direction of the spring with respect to its direction range, and the holding region 23a is here oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the spring. Thus, in the presence of torsional stress application of the spring 10, the windings of the spring element 30 around the spring main body are arranged more in the circumferential direction of the segment 23 or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (spring longitudinal axis) 10a of the spring, thereby resulting in better torque transmission of the spring element to each segment 23 and improving the characteristics of the torsion spring in response to its stress release.When the adjacent segments 23 rotate relative to each other, the spring elements are variably held in length in their respective holding regions 23a, whereby, when stress is applied to or released from the spring, a more uniform change in the length of the spring elements over their length and as a result a lower material load are provided. The holding regions 23a for the spring elements in each segment are here in the form of grooves, and the spring elements are arranged by the regions in the grooves or their longitudinal parts. In this case, the spring elements engage at the back of the undercut configuration in the holding region or holding groove, whereby they are held in a positive locking relationship in the radial direction. However, optionally, the spring elements having longitudinal parts may also be coupled to the respective segments in such a way that they do not become variable in length. If there are a plurality of holding regions 23a, the above description applies correspondingly thereto.

[0059] A plurality of, six, spring elements 30 are arranged on the main body 15 dispersed in its circumferential direction. Thereby, with torsional stress application, on the one hand the spring force of the spring 10 increases and on the other hand it serves for a more uniform force distribution with respect to the periphery of the spring.

[0060] One or more spring elements are designed here such that, by elastic extension of the spring element, the first and second segments 21, 22 can rotate relative to each other by more than one rotation (i.e., more than 360 degrees) or more than three rotations, here more than about 20 rotations around the longitudinal axis of the main body, and are distributed among five twisted portions 35 as shown in FIG. 4a. As a result, for example, the drum 1 driven by the spring 10 in the winding direction can rotate by the corresponding number of rotations, and thus the line and / or line guide device 100 arranged on the drum can be wound and unwound over a large length. In the initial state of twist of the drum (twist angle equal to 0 degrees), it should be understood that one or more spring elements 30 are arranged in a tensioned state in the longitudinal direction of the spring 10 or are coupled to the two segments of the first and second segments by application of a predetermined low tensile stress. If there is a slight twisting effect on the spring starting from its initial state at a rotation angle of 0 degrees, the restoring force will thereby already act on two specific segments in the direction of the restoring movement relative to the initial state.

[0061] The material of the spring element 30 has an elongation at break of at least 150%, here for example 400% or 600%, in accordance with DIN53455. It should be understood that the elongation at break is adapted to the number of rotations of the spring according to the applied torsional stress.

[0062] The second segment 22 and / or optionally one or more segments 23 arranged between the first segment and the second segment may each have bearing regions 22d, 23d that can be introduced into the receiving means (not shown) of the adjacent segments by the coaxial arrangement of the two adjacent segments relative to each other. The bearing regions enable the rotation of the two adjacent segments relative to each other. The bearing regions can be, for example, the cylindrical end portions 22e, 23e of the segments 22, 23 that engage with the receiving means (not shown) of the adjacent segments. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the segments 21, 22, 23 can be arranged rotatably relative to each other and rotatably about the structural axis 27 on the structural axis 27, which preferably extends up to one of the segments, for example, the first segment 21. The structural axis 27 can at least substantially determine the stability of the spring main body 15 and at the same time act as bearing means for the segments in response to the rotation of the segments 22, 23 relative to each other. The segments 22, 23 rotatable about the axis 27 are here arranged in a non-play relationship in a transverse direction to the axis at the axis 27. In this case, the segments 21, 22, 23 can support each other by their end faces 21f, 23f (FIG. 5e).

[0063] The torsion spring 10 comprises at least substantially or completely an organic polymer material, and the respective polymer materials of the individual components of the spring contain fillers. The spring main body 15, more specifically its segments 21, 22, 23, here at least substantially have rigidity or have rigidity and in this case are made of a plastic material, here produced using an injection molding method, which is not essential. The spring element 30 comprises an organic elastomer containing fillers. The fillers are each organic fillers and include, for example, carbon such as carbon black, but do not include metals or magnetic materials. Thereby, the torsion spring can be advantageously used, for example, in MRI devices.

[0064] The torsion spring is used here as a drive device for the take-up drum (see Fig. 5).

[0065] Fig. 5 shows a take-up drum 1 for at least one line and / or at least one line guide device 100. The drum 1 is provided with a torsion spring according to the present invention as its drive device, but the drum 1 may be used with torsion springs of different structures in some cases.

[0066] The take-up drum 1 is equipped with a line guide device 100 and, alternatively or additionally, with lines, or the take-up drum 1 is adapted to be equipped with a line guide device and / or lines. At least one or a plurality of lines are arranged in the internal space 101 of the line guide device 100, or the internal space is designed for that purpose. The drum 1 is shown here, by way of example, with the line guide device 100 partially unwound from the drum.

[0067] The take-up drum 1 is mounted on the holder 80 so as to be rotatable about the drum longitudinal axis and is appropriately supported. The holder 80 can be fixedly and immovably fixed to the support surface 85. The first end region 101 of the line and / or line guide device is fixed to or can be fixed to the drum, and by the rotation of the drum in the winding direction and unwinding direction (Fig. 5b, arrows) of the drum about the drum longitudinal axis, the line and / or line guide device can be wound onto the drum and unwound from the drum. Further, when the drum rotates in its unwinding direction, there is also a drive device that engages with the take-up drum to exert a restoring force on the drum for its rotation in the winding direction. The drive device is, here, in the form of a torsion spring 10 that receives a torsional stress when the drum 1 rotates in the unwinding direction, and by this torsional stress, exerts a torque or restoring force on the drum 1 for its rotation in the winding direction, whereby, due to the restoring force, the drum 1 can move to its initial position in a state where the line guide device and / or the line is fully wound thereon. The torsion spring 10 has a longitudinal axis 10a, and when the drum rotates in the winding direction, the torsion spring is torsionally rotated about the longitudinal axis 10a. The torsion spring longitudinal axis 10a is arranged parallel or coaxial with the drum longitudinal axis 1a. The torsion spring 10 is coupled to the take-up drum 1, preferably directly, in a torque transmission relationship by the end region 11. For this purpose, a coupling portion 2 in the form of a flange, for example, is provided as part of the drum, which is on the one hand non-rotatably and in a torque transmission relationship coupled to the end region 11 of the spring by the coupling region 2a and on the other hand coupled to the drum. The opposite end region 12 of the spring is coupled in a torque transmission relationship to the holder 80 or another device with respect to which the drum is rotatable, and a flange 81 is provided for this purpose here. Here, the spring is arranged in a sleeve 4 that protects the spring from external influences and at the same time facilitates the fixing of the spring to the drum or generally to the device. The sleeve 4 is non-rotatably connected to one of the two components of the spring 10 and the coupling portion 2 and the flange 81. In this case, the sleeve 4 is rotatably mounted on the holder 80, for example, the flange 81.The sleeve 4 can be guided within the hollow shaft 7 of the drum 1, and the hollow shaft 7 may be part of the drum body, thereby being supported in a stable manner and providing a configuration advantageous for torque transmission. The take-up drum 1 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by the torsional stress application of the torsion spring by more than one rotation or more than five rotations, here, for example, by 20 rotations.

[0068] The line and / or line guide device 100 is here provided with fixing and / or coupling means 116 for coupling to a winding member (not shown) of a device movable relative to the drum, or has a second end region 115 for coupling thereto. Thus, a tensile force is exerted on the line guide device and / or the line in order to unwind the line guide device and / or the line from the drum. Independently thereof, the coupling means acts for the media transmission coupling of at least one line, which is preferably received by the line guide device 100 for supplying the device.

[0069] The torsion spring 10 comprises, as described above, an organic polymer material which may contain a filler, at least substantially or completely. The substantially rigid segment 23 of the spring is here made of an organic plastic material and can be produced, for example, using an injection molding method. The spring element or here a plurality of spring elements of the spring comprise an organic elastomer.

[0070] The drum has a first longitudinal portion 1B, on which a line guide device 100 is arranged and can be wound up and / or unwound on the first longitudinal portion 1B. The drum 1 further has a second longitudinal portion 1C, in which a device is provided for connecting a line or the line itself arranged on the line guide device 100 in a media transfer relationship to a suitable media source in order to supply a device having a media consuming device. The media can be an energy medium such as electricity, a fluid such as a liquid or a gas, or a data stream. The device is here preferably in the form of a line guide device 100 having a line arranged therein as described above. The line guide device 100 or generally the device has here a first length portion 111 wound up on the drum body 5 in a first rotational direction, a further length portion 113 wound up on the drum 1 body 5 in the opposite direction, and a transition region 112 between these two length portions 111 and 113, and the transition region (connection region) 112 represents preferably a direction change region for connecting the portions 111 and 113 to each other with a deflection over 180 degrees. This kind of line guide device is described, for example, in International Publication No. WO 2011 / 086198, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The drum has a bearing 85 that rotatably supports the drum around its longitudinal axis 1a. The bearing is here provided by a hollow shaft 7 or in some other manner. A torsion spring 10 is arranged within the hollow shaft 7 or generally within the drum body 5 including the drum longitudinal portions 1B, 1C.

[0071] Depending on the unwinding and winding of the line or line guide device 100, for example, when a tensile force is applied to the free end 100A of the line or line guide device, the line or line guide device is unwound from the drum by the rotation of the drum around its longitudinal axis. In this case, the torsion spring is subjected to torsional stress application. Therefore, the rotational movement of the drum 1 corresponding to its rotation in the unwinding and winding direction is transmitted to the torsion spring 10 by the coupling portion 2. When the tensile force applied to the line or line guide device 100 stops and the restoring force of the torsion spring exceeds the tensile force, the line or line guide device is wound onto the drum by the rotation of the drum in its winding direction.

Claims

1. A torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring has an elongated main body having a longitudinal axis, the main body including at least first and second segments rotatable relative to each other about the main body longitudinal axis, and at least one elastically extensible spring element is provided that couples to both segments of the group of the first and second segments, and when the two segments rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the main body and a torsional force is applied to the torsion spring, the elastically extensible spring element extends. The torsion spring.

2. The torsion spring according to claim 1, wherein the elastically extensible spring element is in the form of an elongated element in its inelastic deformed state.

3. The main body includes at least one further segment disposed in the longitudinal direction of the main body between the first segment and the second segment, the at least one further segment being rotatable about the main body longitudinal axis relative to the first segment and the second segment, The torsion spring according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spring element couples to at least one of the further segments.

4. The torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one spring element is coupled to the first and / or second segments radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring.

5. The torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one spring element is coupled to the first and / or second segments and at least one further segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring.

6. The torsion spring according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one spring element is disposed in a region of the outer periphery of the first and / or second segments.

7. The torsion spring according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one spring element is disposed in a region of the outer periphery of the first and / or second segments and at least one further segment disposed between the first segment and the second segment.

8. At least one further segment arranged between the first segment and the second segment in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the main body has a holding region for the at least one spring element, preferably, the spring element is held in a length-variable manner in the holding region when adjacent segments rotate relative to each other, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Each of the segments has a groove-shaped holding region for the spring element, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the spring element is arranged by that region.

10. A plurality of spring elements are distributed on the main body in the circumferential direction of the main body, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. By elastic extension of the spring element, the first and second segments are rotatable relative to each other by one or more rotations around the longitudinal axis of the main body, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The material of the spring element has an elongation at break of at least 150%, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Comprising at least substantially or completely an organic plastic material and / or an organic elastomer, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The segments of the torsion spring are arranged on the structural axis rotatably relative to each other and rotatably relative to the structural axis, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The second segment and / or optionally the first segment and the single or plural segments arranged between the first segment and the second segment are each provided with a bearing region into which the receiving means of the adjacent segments can be introduced by coaxial arrangement of two adjacent segments relative to each other, the bearing region enabling rotation of the two adjacent segments relative to each other, the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A winding drum comprising the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 15. **Claim 17**: The take-up drum is a take-up drum for a line guide device adapted to receive and guide the lines for the line and / or at least one line, the take-up drum being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, a first end region of the line and / or the line guide device being fixed or fixable to the take-up drum, and by rotation of the take-up drum about its longitudinal axis in the winding and unwinding directions, the line and / or the line guide device being windable onto and unwindable from the take-up drum, and when the take-up drum rotates in the unwinding direction, a drive device is provided which engages with the take-up drum to exert a restoring force on the take-up drum for its rotation in the winding direction. The drive device is in the form of a torsion spring which, when the take-up drum rotates in the unwinding direction, is subjected to a torsional stress which exerts a torque on the take-up drum for its rotation in the winding direction, the torsional stress exerting the restoring force on the take-up drum. The take-up drum according to claim 16. **Claim 18**: The torsion spring has a longitudinal axis, and when the take-up drum rotates in the winding direction, the torsion spring is torsionally rotated about the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the torsion spring being arranged parallel or coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the take-up drum. The take-up drum according to claim 17. **Claim 19**: The torsion spring is directly connected to the take-up drum by an end region in a torque transmission relationship. The take-up drum according to claim 17 or 18. **Claim 20**: The line and / or the line guide device has a second end region provided with fixing means for coupling to a winding member of the device, the winding member being movable relative to the take-up drum, or the fixing means of the second end region of the line and / or the line guide device being coupled to a winding member of a device movable relative to the take-up drum. The take-up drum according to any one of claims 17 to 19. **Claim 21**: The take-up drum is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by one or more rotations by the torsional stress imparted by the torsion spring. The take-up drum according to any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. The winding drum according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the torsion spring is disposed on the main body of the winding drum.

23. An apparatus comprising the winding drum according to any one of claims 16 to 22 or the torsion spring according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images