EP2433522B1 - Plastic spring body, in particular for use in foam or latex mattresses or similar - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a spring body made of plastic, in particular for use in foam or latex mattresses or for seat cushions, upholstered furniture, automobile seats, aircraft seats and beds and for all seating and reclining furniture in air, water and land vehicles

With the EP 2 116 152 A2 is a going back to the same applicant mattress body made of foam or latex, are given in the sections existing spring blocks, which adjoin one another in the longitudinal direction and are releasably connectable by connecting elements.

The spring elements of the springs are composed of ring elements oval contour, the inner ring halves are adjacent to each other and are connected to each other in the region of the center. The connection of the spring elements by means of a running in the center of the spring elements profile strip. It has been found in practice that these known springs are too unstable under load and tend to tilt sideways during compression. At higher load fractures of the spring elements are also possible.

Each spring block consists of individual mutually parallel spring elements, which occupy a mutual distance from one another and are held at a distance by a laterally adjoining the spring legs of the spring elements and firmly connected to this rod element. As a result, the entire spring block gets a longitudinal rigidity and is not formed compressible in the direction of its longitudinal extent. If it is acted upon by compression forces in the axial direction, there is the risk that the longitudinally extending and all spring leg outside connecting rod breaks and thereby the spring action of the spring block is lost. Incidentally, each spring element consists of an upper, approximately C-shaped, curved plastic band, which is connected in the middle region with a symmetrically adjoining lower, likewise C-shaped, curved plastic band. If such a spring block as intended subjected to compressive forces, there is the disadvantage that only a small spring action is given, because this is achieved only by the bent leaf spring-like sections of each C-shaped spring.

However, if the spring block completely compressed, the vertically superimposed spring sections should be flush with each other and not dodge and tilt. This is not the case with the specified spring block, because in a total compression soft spring elements and are not flush with each other.

Another disadvantage of the known arrangement is that at an eccentric load, the respective spring element tilts away from its vertical axis and loses its spring action. This also happens with lateral thrust load, because even in this case, the upper bent leg of the respective spring element tilts away.

Accordingly, if a multiply rounded body contour of a human body lies on a spring body arranged in the mattress body, there is the disadvantage that the individual spring elements tilt sideways and largely lose their spring effect. Moreover, it has been found that under normal load the C-section of the respective spring element is wider, d. H. such a spring block increases its effective width when it is loaded from above with the body weight. This in turn has the disadvantage that the lateral spring legs of the respective spring element work into the foam body and damage the foam body in an undesirable manner.

From the DE 20 2009 003 041 U1 is known a plastic mattress spring, which consists of a spring body with upper and lower support surfaces and spring elements arranged therebetween. The spring has the form of a tubular, extruded extruded profile whose outer shell forms all spring components. The execution as a tubular extruded profile should allow a cost-effective production of the mattress spring, wherein the spring with a relative to the material used relatively large contact surface and large volume can be performed. However, it lacks the small area support of a body contour lying on it.

With the earlier right to the same applicant EP 0 916 9107 Another spring body has become known which - in contrast to EP 2 116 152 A2 - consists of open spring sections. This means that the interior of the respective spring element is free of internals and there is no central connection to the adjacent spring elements. Such a spring body has proven itself on a large scale. However, it has been found that when a mattress with built-in transverse direction and parallel spring bodies falls with its front side on the ground, so that a frontal thrust load is introduced to the parallel and spaced spring body, then the respective spring elements outside connecting rod breaks and here again - because of the lack of fixation by the rod - tilt the spring elements after the action of a compressive force and lose most of their spring action.

After the connection of individual spring blocks was made in the older law by attached to the continuous rod fasteners, there was the disadvantage that different spring body could not be connected to each other via the rod connection. For example, it is desirable to connect a first spring body with low spring stiffness to a second spring body with a higher spring stiffness. However, this is not possible with the older right due to the connection in the bar area.

Accordingly, a spring block shown by the older law could not be cut to any length, for example, to shorten the spring body in its effective length and thereby create a conical mattress body, as it is required at Bugbetten in watercraft. Another disadvantage of the older law was that in the action of front impact loads on the spring body As already stated above - the continuous, the outside fixing of the individual spring elements serving rod broke off, in which case the respective spring element could tilt freely. In addition, however, there was the further disadvantage that in the end face region, each of the frontally arranged spring elements was unprotected, whereby this spring element could break itself or in extreme cases had pushed through the cushion body or through the cover.

The GB 16809 A discloses a spring body, in particular for use in foam or latex mattresses or for seat cushions, upholstered furniture, automobile seats, aircraft seats and beds, as well as for all seating and reclining furniture in air, water and land vehicles, consisting of at least one spring block, the a number of parallel and mutually spaced spring elements consists, of which each spring element consists of band-shaped, multi-folded springs which are at least partially connected to each other, wherein on the installation space facing front side of the spring block a final spring is arranged as a shock absorber.

In the EP 1 878 363 A1 is a spring construction for mattresses disclosed that consists of plastic.

The invention has the object of providing a mattress body with plastic springs of the type mentioned in such a way that an improved resilience with securing the individual spring elements is guaranteed against tilting and that the spring elements are well protected against shock and shear loads and optimally adapt to the body contour without tilting.

To solve the problem, the invention is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 1.

An essential feature of the invention is that the spring block consisting of individual parallel and spaced-apart spring elements now has an end-side closing element, which is positively connected to the front side arranged spring elements of the spring block and having an elastic suspension behavior.

Alternatively or in combination with the aforementioned end element, the connection of individual spring blocks with each other by a connecting element which positively connects the adjacent spring blocks together and receives a resiliently directed in the axial direction of the spring blocks thrust.

So it is a shock absorber, which is designed as a connecting element and the resilient axial forces acting on the spring blocks elastically absorbs, so as the spring elements of the respective Spring block and especially the connections between the spring elements to protect against breakage in the action of axial shear forces.

Such axial thrust forces arise when the mattress is lifted from the bed base and e.g. with its side surfaces bouncing on the floor. The resulting thrust in the longitudinal direction of the spring blocks resulting in known prior art mattresses either to break the spring elements or to break the connecting elements, which were arranged between the spring elements.

With the two proposed solutions, the essential advantage is achieved that now spring blocks of different materials and different spring hardness can be easily connected to each other by the connecting element according to the invention, which positively connects the abutting spring elements associated with each other and to be interconnected spring blocks.

This makes it possible for the first time to connect different spring blocks with each other.

This makes it possible to produce different lengths of spring blocks, because when a spring block to be shortened simply a spring element is removed or cut off and then the remaining end-side spring element is connected via the end-side connecting element according to the invention with the adjoining spring block.

According to the invention it is provided that the connecting element is positively connected to the central spring legs of the abutting spring elements, so that the action of axially directed impact forces elastically dodge the middle spring coils and thereby shock forces are absorbed.

In a preferred embodiment, the positive connection of the connecting element is effected by a latching connection, which preferably attaches to the central spring portion of the respective spring element.

In another embodiment, the locking connection can also be replaced by other releasable connecting elements, such. As a screw connection, a rivet connection or a latching tab connection.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the formation of a connection of individual spring blocks serving connecting element, it is preferred if the connecting element is not elastically resilient itself in the axial direction, but rigidly propagates in the axial direction of impact forces between the middle spring legs of the abutting spring elements of mutually associated spring blocks ,

In another embodiment of the invention, however, it may be provided that the connecting element according to the invention is itself formed elastically resilient in the axial direction. Such axial suspension can be achieved, for example, by cross-section weakening slots, by arcuate spring sections or the like.

It is important that the connection between the connecting element and the central spring legs of the associated spring elements is releasable and just - as stated above - preferably consists of a latching connection.

However, the invention is not limited thereto. It can also be provided material bonds, such. As a bond or welding.

Further, in the shaping of the connecting element is essential that it does not affect the spring behavior of the interconnected end-side spring elements substantially dimensions. This means that preferably also the connecting element is formed so to speak as a "small spring element" and in the shaping also has a circumferential, approximately oval cross section, which thus forms an upper bent and a lower bent spring element and this cross-section is closed in itself. To this

Way, the connecting portion takes part in the intended deflection of the spring block at pressure load by the body lying on it.

As already mentioned, however, the type of attachment and shaping of the connecting element according to the invention in isolation should also enjoy protection in combination with the features of an end-side end element to be described later.

In the following, the construction and the mode of action of a respective end face of the spring body final closure element will be explained.

The invention, the respective outer end faces of the interconnected spring blocks final closure element has the task of forming a rounded stop surface to avoid that at the front side acting shock loads, the individual faces of the spring elements of the outer spring elements work through the cover or mattress body.

For this reason, it is provided that the end face of the outer spring elements are covered by a plurality of releasably connected spring blocks by a closure element, this closure element is preferably also releasably connected to one or more of the end-side spring elements of each outer spring block.

It is also essential that this terminating element - as well as the previously described connecting element - is able to absorb axial shock loads elastically resilient to avoid unwanted damage to the respective end face arranged spring legs of the end-side spring element.

Axial shock loads are therefore absorbed by the inventive end element elastically resilient and thereby damped.

However, the arrangement of an end-side end element also has the further advantage that thus the spring action of the outer (frontal) spring elements is amplified, which is particularly pleasant for seating furniture perceived. Namely, if the front edge of the seat in the popliteal region is equipped with a stronger spring action than comparatively in the rest of the seating area, the thigh is effectively supported. An undesirable tilting of the body sitting on it is thus avoided.

The end element according to the invention thus provides for a greater spring stiffness of the thus-equipped profile body in the end face region.

It is important here, however, that the closing element participates in the spring action of the spring elements of the spring block and is adapted to the shape of the spring elements.

Therefore, the spring legs of the spring elements engage over the associated spring legs of the closing element, so that it comes in the front side region to a doubling of spring legs lying on each other. Again, it is essential that because of the formation of the end element same as the spring leg of the spring block, the spring action is maintained in the end face area, and this a greater spring stiffness is achieved as it is desirable to support the knees in a sitting position on a chair.

Again, a latching positive connection between the connecting portions of the closing element and the associated connecting portions of the frontally arranged or arranged spring elements is provided.

Instead of such a locking connection, however, other positive connections can be selected, such. B. clamp connections, clamp connections and tab connections.

Instead of releasable compounds and fluid compounds such. As welding or adhesive joints are used.

The subject of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings illustrating several execution paths. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

Figur 1:

perspektivische Ansicht eines Federblockes in Richtung auf seine Verbindungsseite mit einem weiteren, daran anschließenden Federblock

Figur 2:

die Ansicht auf den Federblock nach Figur 1 von der Stirnseite in Pfeilrichtung II

Figur 3:

die Seitenansicht auf den Federblock gemäß Pfeilrichtung III in Figur 2

Figur 4:

die Stirnansicht auf den Verbindungsbereich des Federblockes gemäß Pfeilrichtung IV in Figur 3

Figur 5:

die Ansicht auf den Abschlussbereich des Federblockes gemäß Pfeilrichtung V in Figur 3

Figur 6:

die Stirnansicht des Abschlusselementes von der Außenseite

Figur 7:

die Stirnansicht des Abschlusselementes von der Innenseite

Figur 8:

die Seitenansicht des Abschlusselementes in Richtung des Pfeiles VIII in Figur 9

Figur 9:

die Draufsicht auf das Abschlusselement in Richtung des Pfeiles IX in Figur 8

Figur 10:

die perspektivische Ansicht des Abschlusselementes von der Außenseite her

Figur 11:

die Draufsicht auf ein Verbindungselement

Figur 12:

die Stirnansicht auf das Verbindungselement

Figur 13:

die perspektivische Darstellung des Verbindungselementes

Figur 14:

die perspektivische Darstellung der Einbaulage des Verbindungselementes

Figur 15:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel, welches darstellt, dass die Ausbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Abschlusselementes und des erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungselementes nicht auf die hier dargestellte Formgebung eines Federblockes mit dreifach gefalteten Federschenkel beschränkt ist

Show it:

FIG. 1:

perspective view of a spring block in the direction of its connection side with another, subsequent spring block

FIG. 2:

look at the spring block FIG. 1 from the front side in the direction of arrow II

FIG. 3:

the side view of the spring block according to arrow III in FIG. 2

FIG. 4:

the front view of the connection area of the spring block in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 3

FIG. 5:

the view of the end portion of the spring block according to arrow V in FIG. 3

FIG. 6:

the front view of the end element from the outside

FIG. 7:

the front view of the closing element from the inside

FIG. 8:

the side view of the end element in the direction of arrow VIII in FIG. 9

FIG. 9:

the top view of the closing element in the direction of arrow IX in FIG. 8

FIG. 10:

the perspective view of the end element from the outside

FIG. 11:

the top view of a connecting element

FIG. 12:

the front view of the connecting element

FIG. 13:

the perspective view of the connecting element

FIG. 14:

the perspective view of the mounting position of the connecting element

FIG. 15:

a further embodiment, which illustrates that the formation of the end element according to the invention and the connecting element according to the invention is not limited to the shape shown here of a spring block with threefold spring leg

In FIG. 1 is generally a spring block 1 is shown, which consists of a total of 8 individual spring elements 3, which are arranged parallel to each other and at a mutual distance and end connected by an all spring elements sweeping rod member together and kept at a distance be, this rod element is referred to as connecting web 29 later.

It is important that such a spring block 1 can be detachably connected via the inventively provided connecting element 15 with another spring block 2 the same (or different) training as the spring block 1 and that in this connection region elastic shock and displacement forces are absorbed, in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the connecting web 29 and thus in the direction of the axial longitudinal extent of the spring blocks 1, 2 act.

In a conventional bed surface therefore z. B. across the width of a 90 cm wide mattress four such spring blocks 1, 2 and each releasably connected to each other by the connecting elements 15.

The frontal end of the outer spring elements 3 of the respective spring block 1, 2 is effected by the end element 7 according to the invention, which will be explained later with reference to the other figures.

The FIG. 4 shows the installation position of the end-side end element 7, from which it can be seen that the spring legs 4, 5, 6 of the spring elements 3, the associated and identically formed spring legs 33, 34, 35 ( Fig. 6 ) of the closing element 7 overlap, so that in the front side region of the respective spring block 1, 2, a doubling of the adjoining spring legs 4, 5, 6 to the spring legs 33, 34, 35 of the closing element 7 comes.

Each spring element 3 of the spring block 1, 2 consists of the in FIG. 4 illustrated contour, and this is an upper, bent spring leg 4, in its apex region a support surface 8, the after FIG. 1 preferably formed approximately circular in the surface is enlarged in order to allow a rough point of attack in the direction of arrow 16 intended by the human body on the spring block 1 introduced forces.

Accordingly, the spring element 3 also has a symmetrical, lower support surface 9, which, however, does not necessarily have to be widened in the manner of a plate, as in the case of the support surface FIG. 2 is shown. It can also have a different shape. This plate-shaped widening (bearing surface 9) ensures the absorption of obliquely from above acting forces and prevents unwanted tilting of the respective spring element.

The resilience results from the fact that initially the upper spring leg 4 and the lower spring leg 6 are formed exactly the same and form a one-piece continuous part, wherein all spring legs 4, 5, 6 by corresponding connecting portions 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 material integral with each other connected so that in the result according to FIG. 4 a spring element 3 of a total of 3 approximately C-shaped bent springs results, which are material integral with each other and on the said connecting portions 10, 11, 12, 13 form a one-piece spring element 3.

Accordingly, there are the outer connecting portions 10, 11 and 12 and the inner connecting portions 13 and 14. The inner area is free of internals. So there is no inner connecting portion, as in the prior art.

This results in 3 open cross-sections in the inside width of the spring element 3 so shown, so that it can be seen that an upper spring play 20, a central spring play 21 and turn a lower spring play 20 during compression of the spring element 3 in the action of support forces in the direction of arrow 16 results.

At a disproportionate load the spring play 20, 21 is reduced so much until it disappears and the open cross-sections 17, 18, 19 compress and the mutually associated, touching each other Sections of the spring legs lie 4-6 full on each other, without sideways dodging, tilting or tilting.

In such a spring block with the described spring elements 3, there is the further advantage that during compression of the spring element 3 (that is, in the application of the spring games 20, 21), the effective width of the spring element (installation width in the opening of the mattress) does not increase, but reduced. This avoids that the lateral connecting portions 10, 11, 12 undesirably expand in the horizontal direction and work into the adjacent mattress body and cause damage there.

The FIG. 3 shows that the closing element according to the invention 7 bridges a total of two end arranged spring elements 3, wherein a latching connection with two juxtaposed spring elements 3 according to FIG. 3 will be received.

It is now important that this latching connection is formed resiliently in the direction of arrow 27 to receive compressive forces acting in the direction of arrow 26, without forwarding them to the breakage-prone connecting webs 29.

For this purpose, the invention provides that in the region of the middle spring legs of the closing element 7 according to FIG. 2 cross-section-weakening transverse slots 36 are arranged, which the material of the local spring leg 33 and / or 33a (see FIG. 10 ) enforce and form a complete recess, which is therefore elastically variable in their effective distance.

The FIG. 3 shows further that a latching connection of the closing element 7 takes place only with the first spring element 3, wherein according to FIG. 8 in the region of the spring leg 33 of the closing element 7 two adjacent locking lugs 45 are arranged, which are arranged opposite stops 46 on the end element.

Between these two parts 45, 46 thus results in a latching play 47, so that in this intermediate space of the spring leg of the spring element 3 engages latching and fixed there.

Centering lugs 41, which center on the associated elements of spring leg 4 - 6 of spring element 3 guided along there, also serve to produce the latching connection.

Via a connecting portion 42, a second spring leg 33a is integrally formed on the first spring leg 33 of the closing element 7, on which only centering 41 are arranged, which cooperate with the associated surfaces of the spring leg 4-6 of the respective spring element 3. Thus, only a straight guide and a centering of the closing element 7 are achieved at the second inwardly located spring element 3, as in FIG. 3 is shown.

Due to the exempted transverse slots 36 in the region of the spring leg 33 on the end element 7, this thus receives the ability that the two spring legs 33, 33a can move elastically toward each other and away from each other by the compression force 26 in the indicated arrow directions 27, whereby an elastic displacement game given is, although the two spring legs 33, 33 a are interconnected by the rigid connecting portion 42.

From the FIGS. 5 and 6 go further details of the final element 7 of the invention.

There it is shown that the spring legs 33, 34, 35 are connected by associated connecting portions 30, 31, 32 material integral with each other, so as to form an approximately accordion-like spring element. The in the region of the central spring coil (connecting portion 31) arranged, the material passing through the transverse slot 36 is in FIG. 5 merely hinted.

Out FIG. 6 shows that the upper and lower spring legs 33 and 35 each have a thinned in the material transition, which therefore each forms a recess 43. The thinned in the material cross-section is referred to as connecting portion 37.

According to FIG. 1 (right representation) engages in this connecting portion of the respective support plate 25 of the outermost, the frontally arranged spring element 3 a.

This results in a positive overlapping of the respective end-side arranged spring element 3 of the spring block 1, 2 on the end element 7, which is thus held position secured.

Out FIG. 3 shows that the closing element 7 axially over each last (in FIG. 3 Right) spring element 3 protrudes and there has rounded stop surfaces 24.

Thus, a compressive force acting in the direction of arrow 26 initially acts on the end face and the rounded abutment surfaces 24 of the end element 7 and is resiliently received by this.

It's off, by the way FIG. 3 can be seen that the respective end-side outermost spring element 3 of a spring block 1, 2 is releasably connected by means of a latching connection with the closing element 7.

The latching connection is formed by two mutually spaced, mutually parallel latching lugs 45 which form between them the latching play 47 in conjunction with a front stop 46.

The two spring legs 33, 33a are separated by the connecting portions 42, between which associated free spaces 48 (recesses) are arranged. Out FIG. 8 It can also be seen that when the left and right on the front end side and the arranged there, rounded abutment surfaces 24 acting compression force 26 the end element 7 acts, the transverse slots 36 are resiliently compressed and thus the compression force is not transmitted to the end face of the spring block 1, 2. This results in an elastically resilient shock absorber for the end face of the respective spring block 1, 2, which is formed from the end element 7.

The function of the connecting element 15 according to the invention for connecting a plurality of spring blocks 1, 2 arranged serially one behind the other is described in more detail below.

The type of configuration of such a connecting element 15 can be particularly well from the FIGS. 1 . 3 . 4 . 5 and the FIGS. 11 to 14 remove.

The connecting element consists of a mirror-symmetrical part, which according to the FIGS. 11 to 14 consists of an arcuate, self-contained spring leg 22 which is approximately oval (see FIG. 12 ), wherein on the upper and lower sides of the arcuate, the self-contained spring leg 22 respectively top and bottom parallel securing webs 49 are arranged, which are aligned in the axial direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the spring block 1, 2. At a distance from the parallel and mutually spaced pin-shaped securing webs 49 are spring bow 50, which are formed approximately U-shaped and horizontal connecting members (see FIG. 11 ) material integral with the securing webs 49 are connected.

The connecting element 15 is consequently a material-integral plastic part. At the bottom of the spring bow 50 stops 53 are arranged.

The latching with the associated central parts of the spring elements 3 takes place in that the respective spring leg of the spring element (according to FIG FIG. 11 in the vertical direction - arrow 55) is inserted from above or below in the latching chamber 54, which is in the space between the Inside the respective securing web 49 and the outside of the spring bow 50 forms.

On the spring bow 50 locking lugs 51 are laterally formed so that upon insertion of the respective middle spring leg of the spring element 3 in the arrow directions 55 of the latching chamber 54 opens, because the inserted in the direction of arrow 55 spring legs push the locking lugs 51 resiliently aside and then snap behind the locking lugs 51 so that they come to the stops 53 to the plant.

The arcuate downward in the free space of the connecting element according to FIG. 12 in projecting elements are therefore stop elements 52 for the stop limit (overload protection at pressure from the direction of arrow 28 -. Fig. 12 ). The connecting element is thus form-fitting, latching and secured in accordance with FIG. 4 is connected to the middle spring legs of the spring element 3.

Consequently, the securing webs 49 of the connecting element 15 engage on the outside of the spring element 3 in the region of the connecting portions 13, 14 on the spring element 3 and are locked with this.

This is good too FIG. 14 to recognize where at the same time is shown that the connecting element 15 for serial connection of two successive spring blocks 1, 2 takes part in the resilience of the spring elements 3, because the connecting element 15 also has an oval spring leg 22 which is self-contained and upon impact a body-related deflection supports the resilience of the spring element 3.

Consequently, the effective spring distance between the upper and lower part of the spring leg 22 is reduced by the action of a bearing force in the direction of arrows 28.

Incidentally, the same applies to the resilience of the end element 7, which springs in the direction of arrow 38 due to its accordion-like spring legs which correspond to the spring legs of the spring element 3 in the direction of arrow 38, when a corresponding, body-related contact force acts from above.

This also applies when acting in the direction of arrow 39 oblique forces acting on the closing element 7, because it comes to the construction of corresponding counter forces without tilting the final element 7 or even tilts.

This is, inter alia, that a straight guide of the closing element 7 is formed by that according to FIG. 3 is connected to a total of two successive spring elements 3 of the spring block 1, wherein according to FIG. 3 the right, the front side outer spring element 3 receives the latching connection with the closing element 7, while at the underlying further spring element 3, only the spring leg 33a of the closing element 7 by the in FIG. 10 shown centering lugs 41 is secured in the axial direction slidably guided. Therefore, these centering lugs 41 are based on the connecting portions 10, 12 of the spring legs 4, 6 and thus counteract tilting.

Out FIG. 4 and 11 as well as the FIG. 13 Incidentally, it can be seen that the stop element 52 is formed by a connecting portion 23 in the region of the connecting element 15.

At the front spring leg 33 of the closing element 7 is according to FIG. 7 and 10 a frontal release 40 is arranged.

Overall, it can be stated that the plastic springs according to the present invention, consisting of a plurality of successively arranged spring blocks 1, 2 are separated at any point, so that the spring elements 3, for example, the spring block 1 or 2 can be cut at any point. After separating one or more Spring elements 3 of a spring block 1, 2 is thus the effective length of the interconnected via the connecting elements 15 latching spring blocks 1, 2 shortened. In this way, conical lying surfaces or seats can be formed, wherein at the point where the respective outer spring element 3 is, now latching the end element according to the invention 7 pushed from the outside and with the outermost, end-side spring element 3 of the respective spring block 1, second is locked.

Accordingly, the final element 7 according to the invention is characterized in that it is in its spring action the spring elements 3 of the respective spring block 1, 2 simulated and positively applied to the spring legs 4, 5, 6 of the respective spring element 3 and at least a part of a spring element. 3 is locked.

Because it is designed to be resilient in the axial direction, axial compression forces 26 can be absorbed by the end-side end element 7, without being transmitted as a breaking load on the associated spring elements 3.

Incidentally, the same also applies to the connecting element 15 according to the invention, which according to FIG FIG. 1 and 3 longitudinally adjoining spring blocks 1, 2 lockingly connects to each other and under the influence of compression forces 26 (see FIG. 3 ) this on the latching connection in the latching spaces 54 recorded mean spring coils of the spring elements 3 transmits to these spring coils, so that these laterally (in the axial direction of the spring block 1, 2) resiliently dodge and tilt and thereby also the compression forces acting in the axial direction 26 elastically resilient be absorbed without being transferred as a breaking load on the outer sides of the spring legs of the spring elements 3.

In another, not illustrated embodiment, it may also be provided that the connecting element 15 is not rigid in the axial direction, but is resilient in the axial direction, in this way to absorb the compression forces 26 itself, without them on the middle parts of the spring leg 5 (see FIG. 4 ) To transmit and as an impact force, the connecting portions 13, 14 elastically resiliently deform in the axial direction.

The FIG. 15 shows, as a further, modified embodiment, that it is not necessary for the purposes of the present invention, each spring element 3 of the respective spring block 1, 2 with a total of three spring legs 4, 5, 6 to design.

It can also be provided that such a spring element 3 consists only of two spring legs, for example, only from the spring legs 4, 6, which merge directly and material einstückein each other and the middle spring leg 5 deleted in this case. In this case, of course, the shape of the end element according to the invention 7 and the connecting element 15 would be adapted to the two existing spring legs 4, 6, to ensure that the final element according to the invention 7 positively connected to the two spring legs 4, 6 and into the interior of the spring element can be inserted and positively applied to the spring legs 4, 6.

It can also spring blocks with spring elements consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 spring legs are used.

Incidentally, the same applies, moreover, to a connecting element 15 adapted thereto, which accordingly fits in the connecting section between the spring legs 4, 6 in accordance with FIG FIG. 15 engages and is locked there.

From this it is clear that the invention is not directed to the nature and design of the spring elements 3 of a spring block 1, 2, but that intercepting the end forces acting compression forces a closing element 7 can be snapped onto the respective outermost spring element 3, which in itself axial direction is resilient, and further, the invention is directed to that any number of successive spring blocks 1, 2 via an inventive connecting element 15th latching with each other are connected, said connecting element 15 is formed as a shock absorber.

Instead of using in the end view C-shaped profiled spring legs 4-6 also other profile shapes can be used, such. oval spring legs or multi-bent spring legs.

In the present invention, protection for the special shape of the spring block 1, 2, as well as the design of the spring elements 3 is claimed. This protection should be independent of the features of independent claims 1 and / or 3 and the dependent claims dependent thereon. However, it is also the combination of the particular embodiment of the spring blocks 1, 2 claimed with the spring elements 3 in conjunction with the independent claims 1 and / or 3 and dependent therefrom dependent claims as essential to the invention.

The spring blocks 1, 2 should be made of a resilient, stiff (high modulus of elasticity) material, e.g. from a plastic material from the group of polyamides.

The closing element 7 and the connecting element 15 are preferably made of an elastic, soft material (low modulus of elasticity), such as. B. a plastic TPE.

drawing Legend

1

spring block

2

spring block

3

spring element

4

spring leg

5

spring leg

6

spring leg

7

termination element

8th

bearing surface

9

bearing surface

10

Connecting section outside

11

Connecting section outside

12

Connecting section outside

13

Connecting section in

14

Connecting section in

15

connecting element

16

arrow

17

open cross-section

18

open cross-section

19

open cross-section

20

Federspiel

21

Federspiel

22

Spring leg (connecting element 15)

23

connecting portion

24

Stop surface (7)

25

Support plate

26

Compression force (axial)

27

arrow

28

arrow

29

connecting web

30

Connecting section (7)

31

Connecting section (7)

32

Connecting section (7)

33

Spring leg 7 (33a)

34

Spring leg 7

35

Spring leg 7

36

transverse slot

37

Connecting section (7)

38

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39

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40

exemption

41

Centering nose (7)

42

Connecting section (7)

43

Recess (7)

44

arc curve

45

locking lug

46

attack

47

Rest game

48

free space

49

securing web

50

spring bow

51

locking lug

52

stop element

53

attack

54

rest room

55

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Claims (7)

1. Spring body made of plastics material, in particular for use in foam or latex mattresses or for seat cushions, upholstered furniture, car seats, aircraft seats and aircraft beds, and for all sitting and reclining furniture in air, water and land vehicles consisting of at least one spring block (1, 2), which consists of a number of spring elements (3) arranged in parallel and at a mutual spacing from one another, of which each spring element (3) consists of strip-like, repeatedly folded plastics material springs, which are at least partly connected to one another, characterised in that a shock absorber (7; 15) is arranged on the end face of the spring block (1, 2) pointing to the installation space and/or between the individual spring blocks (1, 2), wherein the shock absorber is formed in the end face region as a termination element (7), which is positively connected to at least one spring element (3) arranged on this end face and extends this spring element (3) in the axial direction beyond its end face and forms stop faces (24) there, or the shock absorber is formed between the spring blocks (1, 2) as a connecting element (15), which positively connects the mutually adjacent spring blocks (1, 2) to one another and elastically resiliently absorbs a shear force directed in the axial direction of the spring blocks (1, 2).
2. Spring body according to claim 1, characterised in that the termination element (7) and/or the connecting element (15) is involved in the spring action of the spring elements (3) of the spring block (1, 2) and itself develops a spring action.
3. Spring body according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the termination element (7) and/or the connecting element (15) is positively adapted to the shaping of the spring element (3) connected thereto.
4. Spring body according to any one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the termination element (7) and/or the connecting element (15) is in each case releasably connected by a latching connection to the respective spring element (3).
5. Spring body according to any one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each spring element (3) consists of a plurality of spring legs (4, 5, 6) profiled approximately in a C-shape and connected to one another in a materially integrated manner, said spring legs being connected to one another in a concertina-like manner.
6. Spring body according to any one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the spring element (3) is free of fixtures in its central region.
7. Spring body according to any one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the spring element (3), at least in the region of its uppermost spring leg (4 or 6), has a central region (support face 8) enlarged in a plate shape.

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