Method and apparatus for setting a helical compression spring

A method for setting a formed helical compression spring placed between a pair of compression plates, comprising the steps of:

• measuring parameter to detect a reaction force axis of the formed helical compression spring,
• comparing a target reaction force axis of the spring with the reaction force axis detected on the basis of measured parameters to provide an error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis;
• providing a tilt angle of at least one of the compression plates tilted to an end plane of the spring, in at least one direction on a plane including a coil axis of the spring, on the basis of the error;
• and
• actuating at least one of the compression plates to pressurize the spring, with at least one of the compression plates tilted to the end plane of the spring by the tilt angle.

An apparatus for setting a formed helical compression spring placed between a pair of compression plates, comprising:

• measuring means for measuring parameters to determine a reaction force axis of the formed helical compression spring,
• determination means for comparing a target reaction force axis of the spring with the reaction force axis determined by the measured parameters to provide an error between the target reaction force axis and the detected reaction force axis;
• tilt angle providing means for providing a tilt angle of at least one of the compression plates tilted to an end plane of the spring, in at least one direction on a plane including a coil axis to the spring, on the basis of the error provided at the determination means;
• and
• pressure means for actuating at least one of the compression plates to pressurize the spring, with at least one of the compression plates tilted to the end plane of the spring by the tilt angle provided at the tilt angle providing means.