Abstract:
A metering device for use in syringes and pipetting piston-cylinder arrangements; the metering device includes a sealing component and at least one pretensioning component. The sealing component includes a sealing section which has a sealing surface formed on a working surface formed on either the outer surface of the piston rod facing toward the inner wall of the cylinder or on the inner side of the cylinder facing towards the piston rod. The sealing section also has a pretensioning surface for engaging with a plurality of identical pretensioning components for transferring the radial pretensioning force. The plurality of identical pretensioning components are arranged one after the other in the axial direction. The identical pretensioning components include a spring carrier and a plurality of separately formed radial spring segments compliantly supported at least in the radial direction on the spring carrier.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 13/127,511, U.S. Pat. No. 8,557,197; filed May 4, 2011 which is 35 U.S.C. 371 National Phase Entry Application from PCT/EP2008/009319, filed Nov. 5, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a radial sliding seal subassembly with a sealing component and with at least one pretensioning component co-operating therewith, wherein the sealing component comprises a sealing section extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, on which a sealing surface facing in a first radial direction is formed for sealing and at least in the axial direction sliding contact on a working surface extending in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, and on which a pretensioning surface facing in a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction is formed, for engagement with the pretensioning component for transferring the radial pretensioning force. 
     Such radial sliding seal subassemblies are used in particular in metering devices containing piston-cylinder arrangements. Such metering devices are for example syringes, pipetting devices and the like. 
     In such metering devices the radial sliding seal subassemblies of the generic type serve as a rule to seal a radial gap between a cylinder wall and a wall of the piston rod moving relative to the cylinder. 
     Since this radial gap as a rule extends all the way round in the circumferential direction, the sealing section, in particular the sealing surface formed therein, as well as the working surface preferably extend all the way round in the circumferential direction. 
     With known metering devices of the prior art the sealing component is frequently slid inside out over an O-ring as radial sliding seal subassembly, which in the installed state of the radial sliding seal subassembly exerts a radial pretensioning force on the sealing component. The O-ring at the same time presses against the pretensioning surface of the sealing section and thereby radially pretensions the sealing surface opposite the pretensioning surface in the radial direction. 
     A disadvantage of these known types of radial sliding seal subassembly is on the one hand the fact that the radial pretensioning force exerted by the O-ring as the pretensioning component varies very greatly on account of large dimensional tolerances and a large variation of the determining material properties of the known rubber-elastic pretensioning components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is therefore to develop a generic radial sliding seal subassembly so that it provides a uniform radial pretensioning force as reproducible as possible, with which the sealing surface can be pretensioned in the radial direction. 
     This object is achieved according to the invention by a radial sliding seal subassembly of the type mentioned in the introduction, in which the pretensioning component comprises a spring carrier as well as a plurality of separately formed radial spring segments that are resiliently supported at least in the radial direction on the spring carrier. 
     By providing a plurality of separately formed radial spring segments a defined radial pretensioning force can be provided or even adjusted for each circumferential section of the pretensioning surface, associated with a radial spring segment. 
     In order to support the radial pretensioning force exerted by the radial spring segments on the sealing component, the radial spring segments are supported on a spring carrier of the pretensioning component. The spring carrier is thus able to absorb the forces of reaction to the pretensioning forces exerted by the individual radial spring segments. 
     Whenever the present application speaks of the radial spring segments being “resiliently supported in the radial direction” on the spring carrier, then this is intended to mean that at least one section of the radial spring segments, transmitting the pretensioning force is elastically displaceable in the radial direction under the action of a radial force according to the variable or constant spring stiffness of the relevant radial spring segment, and the section of the radial spring segment, transmitting the pretensioning force is restored substantially to its unloaded position after the action of the force has ceased. In this connection it is not excluded that the radial spring segments can in addition also be resiliently supported or movable in further directions. 
     In principle, in a less preferred embodiment a radial spring segment can be formed using a helical compression spring or a tension bolt spring with a variable length in the radial direction. This results however in a considerable and often unnecessary installation expenditure, although a very accurately adjustable radial pretensioning force on each individual radial spring segment can be achieved by such helical springs. 
     In principle a sealing component can also be radially pretensioned by a plurality of pretensioning components. In this case, in order to avoid unnecessarily high manufacturing costs it is advantageous if the individual pretensioning components are formed identically, so that only one type of pretensioning component has to be manufactured. 
     If a plurality of pretensioning components is desired, then the individual pretensioning components can be arranged one after the other in the axial direction. In this connection axially adjacent pretensioning components or groups of pretensioning components can be provided oriented in the same or opposite direction. In this way differently well-defined radial pretensioning states adapted to different sealing component geometries can be achieved. 
     Radial sliding seal subassemblies with very small geometrical dimensions and at the same time extremely low production and/or installation costs can be obtained if at least one radial spring segment is connected in the region of one of its axial longitudinal ends to the spring carrier and is formed with a pretensioning axial section, axially spaced from the axial longitudinal end, for contact on the pretensioning surface. In this case a radial spring segment can project in the manner of a leaf spring from the spring carrier in the axial direction and with its free longitudinal end can be springy in the radial direction with movement forms known from an idealised unilaterally clamped beam. In this connection the pretensioning axial section is provided on a radial spring segment, preferably on a region comprising the free axial longitudinal end of the radial spring segment. This need not necessarily be the case however: by suitably shaping the leaf spring-like radial spring segment an axial section lying between the axial longitudinal end connected to the spring carrier and the free axial longitudinal end of the radial spring segment can also be designed as a pretensioning axial section, so long as on the basis of this shape it is designed for contact with the pretensioning surface of the sealing component, i.e. in the installed state of the radial sliding seal subassembly it actually lies against the pretensioning surface. 
     For the effective utilisation of the radial pretensioning force it is advantageous if the pretensioning surface is located in the axial direction within that axial region in which also the sealing surface is located, or the two surfaces axially overlap. This need not be so however. 
     Since the spring carrier can as a rule perform a plurality of functional tasks, of which the retention of the radial spring segments is only one, it is advantageous if the spring carrier for retaining radial spring segments has a carrier section extending in the circumferential direction, from which at least one radial spring segment projects in the axial direction. 
     Since, as described in the introduction, the sealing surface is as a rule designed to extend all the way round in the circumferential direction, it is advantageous if the carrier section too is designed to extend all the way round in the circumferential direction. 
     In order to keep the necessary number of components for forming a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention as low as possible, it is advantageous if as many as possible, preferably all, radial spring segments project from the carrier section in the axial direction. 
     In this connection it may be desirable to allow the radial pretensioning force to act on the sealing component over as large an axial region as possible, in which case it may be conceivable to allow radial spring segments to project in opposite axial directions from the carrier section. 
     A preferred pretensioning component, since its axial dimensions are as small as possible, can however then be obtained if the radial spring segments projecting from the carrier section all project in the same axial direction. With the preferred use of the radial sliding seal subassembly described here in a metering device, a normally provided variable volume in the metering device can be formed as large as possible if the radial spring segments project from the carrier section in the axial direction away from the variable hollow space. 
     Furthermore, in a less preferred embodiment it can be envisaged to arrange the radial spring segments axially offset with respect to one another. This is however less desirable on account of the resultant large axial structural length of the pretensioning component. 
     The exertion of a radial pretensioning force by the individual radial spring segments on the sealing component over substantially the whole extent of the sealing section in the circumferential direction can be ensured if the radial spring segments are arranged adjacently in the circumferential direction. 
     An advantageous radial sliding seal subassembly, which can be formed from as few individual parts as possible, can be obtained if at least a part of, preferably all, radial spring segments is/are formed integrally with the carrier section. For this purpose the whole pretensioning component can particularly preferably be formed as a one-part component. 
     Structurally the pretensioning component, particularly if it is to be formed as a one-part component, can for simplicity of design and arrangement have a tubular section that comprises a plurality of axial slits adjacent in the circumferential direction, whose axial length is shorter than that of the tubular section, and which preferably run starting from one axial longitudinal end of the tubular section to the in each case other axial longitudinal end of the tubular section. The tubular section can thus be designed “crown-shaped”, with a ring as carrier section and leaf spring-like radial spring segments projecting therefrom in the same axial direction. 
     In order to ensure that the pretensioning component in the installed state of the radial sliding seal subassembly exerts a desired radial pretensioning force on the sealing section of the sealing component, the pretensioning component can be structurally formed so that the pretensioning axial segment in the unloaded state projects beyond the carrier section in the radial pretensioning action direction. The radial sliding seal subassembly is as a rule designed to be mounted on a component with which it can move jointly relative to another component. 
     In the case particularly considered here of the use of the radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention in a metering device with a piston-cylinder arrangement, the radial sliding seal subassembly therefore can with respect to one of the components consisting of cylinder and piston or piston rod be provided fixedly on this and can move jointly with this relative to the respective other component consisting of cylinder and piston or piston rod. 
     Especially in the case where the radial spring segments are formed at least partly like spring leaves as described above, with the aid of the radial spring segments the pretensioning component and thus the radial sliding seal subassembly as a whole can be arranged very simply and advantageously in a locking manner on a carrier component fixedly accommodating the radial sliding seal subassembly, if at least a part of the radial spring segments has a radial stop projection on its side pointing away from the pretensioning surface in the installed state. 
     Especially therefore if the pretensioning axial section, as illustrated above as an advantageous modification of the present invention, in the unloaded state projects in the radial pretensioning action direction with respect to the carrier section, the pretensioning component can be arranged in a locking manner due to the aforedescribed radial stop projections on at least a part of the radial spring segments, preferably on all radial spring segments, on a carrier part, such as for example a piston rod having a matching stop geometry, by utilising the elastic radial mobility of the radial spring segments, the force required to release the locking and thus to separate the pretensioning component and carrier component then being increased further when, in the fully installed state, the pretensioning axial sections are forced against their material and/or dimensional elasticity from the working surface in order to achieve a radial pretensioning force opposite to the desired action direction of the radial pretensioning force. Consequently the radial pretensioning force with which the radial spring segments press the sealing section of the sealing component against the working surface then serves at the same time as a locking force of the pretensioning component on the carrier component carrying it. 
     In order to ensure that the sealing component and the pretensioning component during the operation of the radial sliding seal subassembly substantially retain their intended axial relative position, in other words are not displaced or only to a negligible extent relative to one another in the axial direction, it may be envisaged that the pretensioning component has a securement device to secure the relative position of the sealing component and pretensioning component at least in the axial direction. In this connection the securement in the axial direction has priority since the sealing surface of the sealing component is in any case relatively movable in the axial direction in relation to the working surface on which it rests. As is already known from the prior art, the securement device can be designed as at least one securement projection, preferably a plurality of securement projections. These can project in a toothed manner from the pretensioning component in the radial direction, and optionally for a better rear engagement also with a component in the axial direction, from the pretensioning component to the sealing component. Such securement projections can from the manufacturing aspect advantageously extend in the circumferential direction over the whole length of the pretensioning component, i.e. can be formed all the way round on the pretensioning part. 
     According to a further advantageous modification of the present invention the securement device in the region of the pretensioning axial section can be provided on one or more radial spring segments, so that the radial pretensioning force with which the radial spring segment presses against the sealing component increases the positional security of the sealing component and pretensioning component relative to one another. 
     Alternatively or in addition to the above described fastening of the pretensioning component on a carrier component, it may be envisaged for this purpose that the pretensioning component has a fastening section extending in the radial direction, for fastening the pretensioning component to a primary structure, such as a metering device. The primary structure indicated here can be identical to the carrier component identified above. The radial fastening section can with a very slight axial expansion ensure an extremely reliable fastening to the principal structure. For example, the fastening section can be formed as a radial flange, which advantageously extends over the whole circumferential length of the pretensioning component, and particularly preferably is provided all the way round in the circumferential direction. 
     A further major disadvantage of the rubber-elastic pretensioning components known in the prior art is their temperature behaviour. The pretensioning component described here can be used in an operationally reliable manner in a very wide temperature range, for example at operating temperatures up to 200° C., if the pretensioning component is formed of metal at least in the region of the radial spring segments, preferably also in the region of the spring carrier. 
     The sealing component is formed at least in the sealing section, preferably completely, from a flexible elastic material, such as an elastomer or a thermoplast. 
     According to an advantageous modification of the present invention, which can be used in particular when the sealing surface of the sealing component is to be pressed with a particularly high force or pressure against the working surface, the radial sliding seal subassembly can comprise a clamping force generating component that is movable relative to the pretensioning component. The clamping force generating component is in this connection preferably at least movable relative to the pretensioning component between a first position, in which the clamping force generating component co-operates with the pretensioning component so that the pretensioning component exerts a lower radial pretensioning force on the sealing component, and a second position in which the clamping force generating component co-operates with the pretensioning component so that the pretensioning component exerts a higher radial pretensioning force on the sealing component. The pretensioning force of the first position can also be zero. 
     In this connection, for an installation space-saving arrangement the clamping force generating component can in a simple manner be formed as a ring surrounding the pretensioning component at least in the region of its radial spring segments. For a better definition of the radial pretensioning force that can be generated by the clamping force generating component, a radial projection is preferably formed on the clamping force generating component formed as a ring, which projects from the clamping force generating component to the pretensioning component. 
     For a particularly simple operation of the clamping force generating component, it may further be envisaged that at least a part of, preferably all, radial spring segments on their side facing away from the sealing component are formed inclined in the axial direction, so that an axial displacement of the clamping force generating component formed as a ring exerts on contact with the side of the radial spring segments, inclined in the axial direction a variously large radial pretensioning force on the sealing component depending on the displacement path. 
     Furthermore the present invention relates to a metering device, in particular a syringe, pipetting piston-cylinder arrangement and the like, with a cylinder and a piston rod, both of which extend along an axial direction and are movable relative to one another in this axial direction, and also with a radial sliding seal subassembly as described above. In this connection, according to a first possible embodiment the working surface can be formed on an inside of the cylinder facing towards the piston rod. In this case the radial sliding seal subassembly can be used to seal a piston or piston rod with respect to a cylinder, so that the sealing component can be used directly to demarcate a metering cavity alterable by relative movement of the piston rod and cylinder, the metering cavity then being bounded by a section of the cylinder wall, a cylinder front side with an outlet/inlet opening and just the sealing component. At least the sealing component can contribute to the demarcation of the metering cavity. 
     For this, it may be envisaged that the pretensioning component in the region of the metering longitudinal end of the piston rod, protruding into the cylinder is fastened to the said rod for joint movement. In this case the metering cavity can be designed having as large a usable volume as possible, if the radial spring segments, as already mentioned in the introduction, are provided and arranged projecting from the carrier section in the direction away from the metering cavity. 
     In addition or as an alternative to the possibility already described above of locking the pretensioning component on the piston or on the piston rod of a metering device with a piston-cylinder arrangement, the pretensioning component, particularly if the radial flange mentioned above is used, can be riveted to the piston rod. In addition or alternatively a section of the pretensioning component, if this forms a ring closed in the circumferential direction, can be shrink fitted on to the piston rod or piston. In this case too it is advantageous for reasons of optimal utilisation of the installation space if the radial spring segments are provided and arranged projecting from the carrier section in the direction away from the metering cavity. 
     If a further reduction in the number of components necessary for forming the metering device described here is desired, then it can also be envisaged that the pretensioning component is formed at least partly, preferably completely, in one piece with a section of the piston rod. 
     Alternatively or in addition, in a metering device described above the working surface can also be formed on an outside of the piston rod, facing the inner wall of the cylinder. This is desirable if for example it is not the metering cavity described above, but instead the outlet point of the piston rod from the cylinder, that is to be sealed with the radial sliding seal subassembly. In this case the radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention is arranged on the longitudinal end of the cylinder that is opposite the cylinder longitudinal end with the metering opening. 
    
    
     
       The present invention is described hereinafter with the aid of examples of implementation and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a longitudinal sectional view through a first embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention, arranged on a longitudinal end of a piston rod not shown in cross-section, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective, non-cross-sectional partial representation of the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view of a metering device with a second embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention, 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal sectional view of the detail IV in  FIG. 3 , 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly, provided on a piston rod, 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal sectional view of a metering device with a third embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention, 
         FIG. 7  is a longitudinal sectional view of a metering device with a fourth embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 8  is a longitudinal sectional view of a metering device with a fifth embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In  FIG. 1  a first embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention shown in longitudinal cross-section is generally denoted by the reference numeral  10 . This comprises a pot-shaped sealing component  12  that externally surrounds a pretensioning component  14 . 
     The sealing component  12  has in the region of its open longitudinal end  12   a  a sealing section  16 , which comprises on its radially outer side a sealing surface  18  all the way round in the circumferential direction and extending a predetermined amount in the axial direction, a pretensioning surface  20  being formed in the region of the sealing section  16  on the side facing in the radially opposite direction, on which surface rests a plurality of radial spring segments  22  each having a pretensioning axial section  24 . 
     The pretensioning component  14  has in addition to the radial spring segments  22  a spring carrier  26 , with whose carrier section  27  lying next to the radial spring segments in the axial direction the radial spring segments  22  are integrally formed and project in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  28 . The radial spring segments  22 , which are arranged adjacently around the longitudinal axis L in the circumferential direction, all project in the same direction from the spring carrier  26 . 
     As can be seen more readily from  FIG. 2 , the pretensioning component  14  is crown-shaped, with a tubular section  30  in which the radial spring segments  22  are separated from one another by slits  32 , whose axial length is shorter than that of the tubular section  30 , so that the tubular section  30  can be formed starting from a tubular semi-finished article by introducing the slits  32 . 
     The pretensioning component  14  has in addition a radially inwardly directed radial flange  34 , which serves for fastening the pretensioning component to a longitudinal end  28   a  of the piston rod  28 , that in the installed state protrudes into a cylinder. To this end a substantially central opening  36  is provided on the radial flange  34 , with which the pretensioning component  14  can be riveted to the longitudinal end  28   a  of the piston rod  28 . 
     In addition, a radial projection  38  indicated by a dotted line can be provided on the side of the radial spring segments  22 , facing away from the pretensioning surface  20  in the radial direction, which projection can serve for the locking of the pretensioning component  14  on a longitudinal end  28   a  of the piston rod  28 , formed as a stop head. 
     In order to generate a radially outwardly acting pretensioning force in  FIG. 1 , the radial spring segments  22  are provided resiliently supported on the spring carrier  26  with their free longitudinal end in the radial direction (see double arrow R) referred to the central longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  28 . 
     As already mentioned above, in the installed state the longitudinal end  28   a  of the piston rod  28 , which for the possibility likewise discussed above of locking the pretensioning component  14  thereon is formed having a larger diameter than the axially following shoulder section  28   b , is securely inserted into the interior of a metering device cylinder (not shown). The front side  12   b  of the elastomeric sealing component  12  thereby demarcates a metering cavity of the metering device. 
     In order to ensure the positional securement of the metering component  12  on the pretensioning component  14  projections  40  arranged all the way round in the circumferential direction are provided on the pretensioning component  14 , in this case in the region of the spring carrier  26 . In the installed state shown in  FIG. 1  these penetrate the elastomeric material of the sealing component  12 . 
     This positional securement effect can also be reinforced if, as an alternative or in addition, further securement elements are provided in the region of the pretensioning axial section  16  on the side of the radial spring segments  22 , facing towards the sealing component  12  in the installed state. 
     The embodiment of the radial sliding seal subassembly  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is shown in perspective in  FIG. 2  and without the sealing component  12 . 
     From this it can be seen that the pretensioning axial sections  24  of the radial spring segments  22  in the undeformed state of  FIG. 2  project radially in the direction of the pretensioning action, i.e. in this case radially outwardly, beyond the outer diameter of the spring carrier  26 . 
     Then, if the sealing component  12  is slipped at least with its sealing section  16  over the pretensioning axial section of the pretensioning component  14 , the radial spring segments  22  are bent radially inwardly against their material elasticity and press with a correspondingly accurately adjustable spring force (pretensioning force) radially outwardly against the pretensioning surface  20 , whereby the sealing surface  18  of the sealing component  12  is pretensioned radially outwardly in the desired manner. 
       FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention in the installed state in a metering device. 
     Identical structural parts as in the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are provided with the same reference numerals in the second embodiment of  FIGS. 3 to 5 , but in each case increased by  100 . The second embodiment is discussed only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment, to the description of which reference is otherwise expressly made. 
     In  FIG. 3  a metering device is generally denoted by the reference numeral  141 . This device comprises a cylinder  142 , in which a piston rod  128  is accommodated in a movable manner relative to the cylinder along the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod. The piston rod longitudinal axis L is at the same time also the longitudinal axis of the cylinder  142 . 
     The cylinder  142  is formed in several parts, with a cylinder main body  145  and a closure and installation subassembly  146 , which at the outlet side of the piston rod  128  from the cylinder  142  is connected to the cylinder main body  145 . In  FIG. 4  it can be seen that the working surface  144  is formed by the outer surface of the piston rod  128 , against which the sealing surface  118  of the sealing component  112 , facing radially inwardly, i.e. towards the piston rod longitudinal axis L, therefore rests. 
     Consequently the pretensioning surface  120  of the sealing component  112  of the second embodiment faces radially outwardly. The radial spring segments  122  lie with their pretensioning axial section  124  against the pretensioning surface  120  of the sealing component  112  and press the sealing section  116  of the sealing component  112  against the working surface  144 . 
     The pretensioning force exerted by the radial sliding seal subassembly  110  of the second embodiment thus acts in the radially opposite direction compared to the first embodiment. 
     Accordingly the pretensioning component  114  is provided with a radially outwardly facing fastening flange  134 . The same also applies to the sealing component  112 , whose front surface  112   b  is formed on a holding flange  148  running radially outwardly all the way round. 
     The radial sliding seal subassembly of the second embodiment can be fastened very simply in a sandwich-like manner to the metering device  141 , by applying the radial fastening flange  134  in an axial direction, in this case in the withdrawal direction of the piston rod  128  from the cylinder  142 , against a radially inwardly pointing radial projection  150  of the closure and installation subassembly  146 . In the opposite axial direction the holding flange  148 , which together with the remaining one-piece sealing component  112  is made of elastomeric material, rests against the fastening flange  134 , so that this flange arrangement can be fixed and pretensioned by an axial end  145   a  of the cylinder main body  145  against the radial projection  150 . The fixing can for example be effected in a simple manner by screwing the closure and insulation subassembly  146  on to the cylinder main body, whereby due to the flexible elastic properties of the elastomeric sealing component material not only is a fixing of the sealing component  112  and pretensioning component  114  on the metering device  141  achieved, but also on account of the “action=reaction” principle a securement of the closure and installation subassembly  146  on the cylinder main body  145  is also achieved. 
       FIG. 5  shows a partial sectional perspective view of the second embodiment without the cylinder  142 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a metering device with a third embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention. The same structural parts as in the second embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  are provided in  FIG. 6  with the same reference numerals, but in each case increased by  100 . Otherwise reference is expressly made to the description of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     Since the third embodiment of  FIG. 6  substantially corresponds to the second embodiment, this will be described only insofar as it differs from the already described second embodiment. 
     The difference between the third embodiment of the radial sliding seal subassembly and the second embodiment is that on the one hand the radial surface  252  of the radial spring segments  222 , facing away from the sealing component  212  is formed inclined to the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  228 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 6  the outer radial surface  252  is conically shaped, the external diameter of the assembly formed by the radial spring segments  222  increasing towards the cylinder main body  245 . 
     Furthermore the pretensioning component  214 , in region of the radial spring segments  222 , is surrounded radially outwardly by a clamping ring  254 , on whose longitudinal end  254   a  lying deeper in the metering device  241  is formed a radial projection  256  facing towards the outer radial surface  252  of the radial spring segments  222 . 
     The clamping ring  254  is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  228  at least during installation of the metering device  241 . If the clamping ring  254  is inserted into the metering device, i.e. displaced towards the left in  FIG. 6 , the radial projection  256  comes into contact with the conical radial surface  252  of the radial spring segments  222 , so that on further displacement of the clamping ring  254  into the metering device  241  the radial spring segments  222  are increasingly forced by the radial projection  256  against the piston rod  228 , whereby the radial pretensioning force exerted by the radial spring segments  222  on the sealing component  212  is increased. 
     The clamping ring  254  or in general a clamping force generating component can then, once a desired radial pretensioning force has been achieved by the clamping force generating component, be fixed in its position relative to the pretensioning component, for example by bonding, welding and the like, in order to ensure that the radial pretensioning force is constantly exerted on the sealing component. 
       FIG. 7  shows a longitudinal sectional view through a fourth embodiment of a radial sliding seal subassembly according to the invention, similar to the first embodiment, which is arranged on a piston rod. 
     The same structural parts as in  FIG. 1  are provided with identical reference numerals, but in each case increased by  300 . 
     The fourth embodiment of  FIG. 7  is discussed only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , to the description of which reference is hereby expressly made. 
     The pretensioning component  314  in  FIG. 7  is completely identical to the pretensioning component  14  of  FIG. 1 , though the sealing component  312  differs in that it can accommodate two pretensioning components  314  in opposite axial orientations. This arrangement of pretensioning components  314  is also termed a X-arrangement, since in the longitudinal section of  FIG. 7  the radial spring segments  322  of the two pretensioning components  314  are arranged and aligned in such a way that, starting from the fastening point  360  with the rivet  362 , they extend in both axial directions away from the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  328 . 
     With the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 7  a very long sealing section of the sealing component  312  in the axial direction can be achieved on a working surface not shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In  FIG. 8  a radial sliding seal subassembly on a piston rod is again illustrated in a longitudinal section. Also, the components of this radial sliding seal subassembly of the fifth embodiment are very similar to those of the first and fourth embodiments. Accordingly identical structural parts in the fifth embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals as in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 , but in each case increased by  400  or  100 . Otherwise reference is expressly made to the description of the first and fourth embodiments. 
     The fifth embodiment of  FIG. 8  is discussed hereinafter only insofar as it differs from the already described embodiments 1 and 4. 
     The fifth embodiment of  FIG. 8  too shows a radial sliding seal subassembly with two pretensioning components  414 , which are completely identical to the pretensioning components  14  and  314  respectively of the first and fourth embodiments. 
     In contrast to the fourth embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the pretensioning components  414  and the sealing components  412  connected thereto are not arranged with their front sides adjacent, but with free longitudinal ends of their radial spring segments  422 . Starting from these free longitudinal ends lying close to one another of the radial spring segments  422 , both radial spring segments extend in each case in the axial direction to the longitudinal axis L of the piston rod  428 , which is why the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 8  is also termed an “O-arrangement”. The rivet  462  is formed correspondingly longer, a sleeve  464  being slipped over between the front sides (radial flange  434 ) of the pretensioning components  414 , which serves to fix the right-hand pretensioning component  414  in  FIG. 8  by means of the left-hand pretensioning component  414  and the rivet head  462   c . Simply those sections of the rivet  462  that are surrounded by the radial flanges  434  and, in the case of the right-hand sealing component  412 , also by its sealing material, are not enclosed by the sleeve  464 . These sections are identified in  FIG. 8  by the reference numerals  462   a  and  462   b.    
     Also a very long sealing surface in the axial direction is achieved with the fifth embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 .