U.S. patent application number 09/788860 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for line guiding arrangement for supporting energy lines.
Invention is credited to Muller, Roland, Richter, Wolfgang.
Application Number | 20010025715 09/788860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7877772 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010025715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muller, Roland ; et
al. |
October 4, 2001 |
Line guiding arrangement for supporting energy lines
Abstract
A line guiding arrangement for supporting at least one energy
line, which comprises a generally rectangular line receiving
channel 1 that includes a base wall portion 2, a cover portion 3,
and side wall portions 4, 5. The line receiving channel 1 is
subdivided by transverse separations 6 into a plurality of segments
9, 10 that are tiltable relative to one another. The transverse
separations 6 extend through the cover portion 3, and they continue
in the side wall portions 4, 5 to at least the vicinity of the base
wall portion 2. Also, the transverse separations are configured to
define at least one recess 11 in one of the adjacent segments and a
projection 12 in the other segment which engages within the recess
11. The flexural and torsional rigidity of the channel is thereby
improved.
Inventors: |
Muller, Roland; (Siegen,
DE) ; Richter, Wolfgang; (Kreuztal, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
7877772 |
Appl. No.: |
09/788860 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09788860 |
Feb 20, 2001 |
|
|
|
PCT/EP89/05810 |
Aug 10, 1999 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
174/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 3/26 20130101; H02G
11/006 20130101; F16G 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/19 |
International
Class: |
H02G 015/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 1998 |
DE |
198 37 231.0 |
Claims
1. A line guiding arrangement for supporting at least one energy
conducting line, comprising a longitudinally extending line
receiving channel which comprises a base wall portion, a cover
portion, and opposite side wall portions which extend between the
base wall portion and cover portion, a plurality of longitudinally
spaced transverse separations which subdivide the line receiving
channel into a plurality of segments, with the transverse
separations extending through the cover portion and continuing into
the side wall portions to at least the vicinity of the base wall
portion and so that the segments are tiltable relative to one
another, and wherein the transverse separation between each pair of
adjacent segments is configured to define at least one recess in
one segment and at least one projection in the other segment that
engages within the recess.
2. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the at least one
recess and the at least one projection are formed in at least one
of the side wall portions of the adjacent segments.
3. The line guiding arrangement of claim 2 wherein the adjacent
segments are tiltable relative to each other to define an axis of
tilt which is transverse to the longitudinal direction, and wherein
the at least one recess and the at least one projection are
arcuately curved about said axis.
4. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the at least one
recess and the at least one projection are formed in the cover
portion.
5. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the line
receiving channel defines a maximum permissible angle of tilt, and
wherein the longitudinal length of the at least one recess and the
longitudinal length of the at least one projection are selected
such that a portion of the length of the projection extends into
the recess even when the maximum permissible angle of tilt is
reached.
6. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the channel
further comprises a bottom portion positioned on the side of the
base wall portion opposite the cover portion, and additional
transverse separations which extend through the bottom portion and
continue in the opposite side wall portions to at least the
vicinity of the base wall portion.
7. The line guiding arrangement of claim 6 wherein the additional
transverse separations have an inverted V-shaped outline in cross
section and are aligned with respective ones of the first recited
transverse separations.
8. The line guiding arrangement of claim 6 wherein the additional
transverse separations between adjacent segments are configured to
define at least one recess in one segment and at least one
projection in the other segment that engages within the recess.
9. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the at least one
recess and the at least one projection are complementary in
configuration.
10. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the at least
one recess and the at least one projection have mating stop
surfaces which limit the angle of tilt of adjacent segments.
11. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the at least
one recess comprises a head receptacle and a relatively narrow
slot, and the at least one projection comprises a head received in
the head receptacle and a tab extending through the slot, and
wherein the head receptacle has a longer longitudinal extent than
does the head.
12. The line guiding arrangement of claim 10 wherein the at least
one recess and the at least one projection have complementary
T-shaped configurations so that the head of the projection is
locked for limited longitudinal movement within the head receptacle
of the recess.
13. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the line
receiving channel further comprises at least one partition
extending between the cover portion and the base wall portion so as
to divide the channel into a plurality of channel sections, and
wherein the transverse separations extend from the cover portion
and into said at least one partition to at least the vicinity of
the base wall portion.
14. The line guiding arrangement of claim 1 wherein the line
receiving channel is of generally rectangular outline.
15. A line guiding arrangement for guiding at least one energy
conducting line comprising a pair of parallel, longitudinally
extending line receiving channels, with each channel comprising a
generally rectangular cross sectional outline and which comprises a
base wall portion, a cover portion, and opposite side wall portions
which extend between the base wall portion and cover portion, a
plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse separations which
subdivide the line receiving channel into a plurality of segments,
with the transverse separations extending through the cover portion
and continuing into the side wall portions to at least the vicinity
of the base wall portion and so that the segments are tiltable
relative to one another, and wherein the transverse separation
between each pair of adjacent segments is configured to define at
least one recess in one segment and at least one projection in the
other segment that engages within the recess, and a plurality of
longitudinally spaced apart connecting members interconnecting the
pair of line receiving channels.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of copending
international application PCT/EP89/05810, filed Aug. 10, 1999, and
designating the U.S.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject matter of the invention relates to a line
guiding arrangement for running at least one energy line.
[0003] Lines that lead from a stationary terminal to a movable
consumer are laid in line guiding arrangements. The line guiding
arrangement connects with its one end to a fixed point and with its
other end to the movable consumer. Known are line guiding
arrangements that are constructed from flexibly interconnected
chain links, which define a receiving chamber. The receiving
chambers of individual chain links form a channel, in which the
lines are laid. Two opposite, spaced-apart chain sidebars as well
as an upper and a lower crossbar define the receiving chamber. The
crossbars are connected to the chain sidebars.
[0004] To run lines, DD 265 449 B5 discloses a line guiding
arrangement that comprises a line receiving channel, which is
defined by a support wall portion, a cover portion, and side wall
portions. The line receiving channel is subdivided by transverse
separations into a plurality of segments that are tiltable relative
to one another. The transverse separations extend through the cover
portion and continue in the side wall portions to at least the
vicinity of the support wall portion.
[0005] EP 0 544 027 B1 discloses a further embodiment of a line
guiding arrangement of the described type. Likewise, the line
guiding arrangement proposed in EP 0 544 027 B1 serves to guide at
least one line that runs in the line receiving channel. The line
receiving channel comprises a support wall portion, a cover
portion, and side wall portions. Transverse separations subdivide
the line receiving channel into a plurality of segments that are
tiltable relative to one another, so that the line guiding
arrangement is bendable while forming a first half and a second
half extending parallel thereto, as well as a looplike transition
between the two halves. The transverse separations extend through
the cover portion and continue in the side wall portions to at
least the vicinity of the support wall portion. In the
configuration of the line guiding arrangement according to EP 0 544
027 B1, of the cover portion and the side wall portions of the or
each line receiving channel, at least one of these portions is
shaped to project and made flexibly resilient relative to a channel
wall portion that supports it toward the interior of the channel.
The transverse separations extend substantially perpendicularly to
the longitudinal direction of the line guiding arrangement.
[0006] Utility Model G 90 16 870.4 discloses a further
configuration of a line guiding arrangement. The line guiding
arrangement as disclosed in this document comprises a line guiding
channel and an arrangement of several lines extending therein. The
line guiding arrangement comprises a lower half and an upper half
extending thereabove, which merge into each other in the form of a
loop at one end of the guiding arrangement. A free end of the lower
half connects to a stationary device, and a free end of the upper
half to a device moving back and forth in the longitudinal
direction of the line guiding arrangement. The lines are held
together by a common bundling device, the outside of which mounts a
sliding device with a good sliding ability that is effective in the
longitudinal direction of the line. The sliding device prevents
friction between the line arrangement portions of the upper half
and the lower half even at a great line length.
[0007] Line guiding arrangements, as disclosed in DD 265 449 B5, EP
0 544 027 B1, or EP 0 490 022 A2, are made by extruding a profile
of a plastic, and subsequently cutting same by means of a suitable
tool, so that the channel is subdivided into individual
segments.
[0008] Line guiding arrangements, as disclosed, for example, in EP
0 544 207 B1, are problematic in that the line guiding arrangement
exhibits relatively little flexural and torsional stiffness, so
that the practical usability of the line guiding arrangement is
relatively limited. A further problem with the known line guiding
arrangements is that they require additional elements, so-called
radius clips, for forming a defined radius of curvature in the loop
region. When these elements are connected to the line guiding
arrangement, the upper half thereof will no longer be able to slide
along the lower half of the line guiding arrangement. This also
limits the uses of the line guiding arrangement, since it is not
usable for longer distances.
[0009] Based on the foregoing, it is the object of the present
invention to improve the known line guiding arrangement so as to
increase the usability of the line guiding arrangement. In
particular, the line guiding arrangement is to exhibit a greater
flexural and torsional stiffness.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a line
guiding arrangement that facilitates forming a defined radius of
curvature even without additional elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The above and other objects and advantages of the invention
are achieved by the provision of a line guiding arrangement which
comprises a line receiving channel of generally rectangular outline
and which has a base wall portion, a cover portion, and opposite
side wall portions. The line receiving channel is subdivided by
transverse separations into a plurality of segments that are
tiltable relative to one another. The transverse separations extend
through the cover portion, and they continue into the side wall
portions to at least the vicinity of the base wall portion. At
least one transverse separation of two adjacent segments is
designed and constructed such that the one segment comprises at
least one recess and the other segment a projection which engages
within the recess.
[0012] A further aspect of the invention relates to a line guiding
arrangement which comprises two substantially parallel channels,
which are interconnected by cross members. Each channel comprises a
base wall portion, a cover portion, and at least one side wall
portion. Each channel is subdivided by transverse separations into
a plurality of segments that are tiltable relative to one another.
The transverse separations extend through the cover portion, and
they continue to at least the vicinity of the base wall portion. At
least one transverse separation of two adjacent segments is
designed such that the one segment comprises at least one recess
and the other segment a projection engaging in the recess.
[0013] The line guiding arrangements designed and constructed in
accordance with the invention are based on the concept that
adjacent segments support each other in the longitudinal and/or
transverse directions by a suitable configuration of the transverse
separations, thereby realizing a higher flexural and torsional
strength or transverse stiffness of the line guiding arrangements.
If the projection of the one segment extends into the recess of the
adjacent segment, a connection between the adjacent segments will
be realized, which prevents the adjacent segments from displacing
relative to each other. Preferably, the recess and the projection
are formed such that adjacent segments remain engaged, even when
they are tilted relative to each other in the loop region of the
line guiding arrangement. This has the advantage that an increased
flexural and torsional strength is realized even in the loop region
of the line guiding arrangement.
[0014] The transverse separations may be formed by correspondingly
guiding a cutting tool. It is also possible to cut transverse
separations into the line guiding arrangement by means of a water
jet cutting tool. It is further possible to cut transverse
separations into the line guiding arrangement by means of
appropriately shaped punch knives.
[0015] Preferably, the transverse separations have at least one
section that intersects the longitudinal axis of the line guiding
arrangement at an angle that is not a right angle. For example, the
transverse separations may be arcuate, so as to describe the arc of
a pitch circle. The arcuate transverse separations form in the one
segment a recess, which has a curved front surface. The other
segment includes a projection that has a correspondingly curved
front surface. The transverse separations may also be zigzagged or
meander-shaped.
[0016] According to an advantageous further development of the line
guiding arrangements of the present invention, it is proposed to
form the recess and the projection in the side wall portions. In
particular, it is proposed to provide the recess and the projection
with at least one arcuate section that extends in the longitudinal
direction of the line guiding arrangement. This configuration of
the recess and the projection provides in addition a guidance of
adjacent segments during a tilting operation. Such a tilting
operation occurs during the movement of the line guiding
arrangement, when a line section merges into the loop-shaped region
of the line guiding arrangement.
[0017] According to a further, advantageous configuration of the
line guiding arrangement in accordance with the invention, it is
proposed to form the recess and projection in cover wall portions.
The formation of projections and recesses in the cover wall
portions entail an increased flexural and torsional strength of the
line guiding arrangement.
[0018] According to a still further, advantageous configuration of
the line guiding arrangement, it is proposed to form the base wall
portion between the cover portion and a bottom portion. Additional
transverse separations are provided, which extend through the
bottom portion and continue in at least one side wall portion to at
least the vicinity of the base wall portion. The additional
transverse separation of two adjacent segments is formed such that
the one segment includes at least one recess and the other segment
at least one projection engaging the recess. The recess resulting
from this additional measure that is taken in a line guiding
arrangement, permits a still higher flexural and torsional
stiffness of the line guiding arrangement to be achieved. A further
advantage of the configuration is provided in the case of
transverse separations in the side wall portions below the base
wall portion of inverted V-shaped configuration, by which limiters
of the arc of curvature are formed, so that additional elements can
be omitted. Since the limiters of the arc of curvature form an
integral part of the line guiding channel or of each channel, it is
possible to run an upper half of the line guiding arrangement on a
lower half thereof. Therefore, the line guiding arrangement is also
able to overcome greater displacements.
[0019] According to a still further, advantageous configuration, it
is proposed to make the recess and projection such that they
complement each other. This simplifies production of the line
guiding arrangement.
[0020] The limitation of the angle of tilt and thus likewise of the
arc of curvature of the line guiding arrangement in the region of
the loop formation may also occur in that the recess and the
projection have each at least one stop surface that limits an angle
of arc of adjacent segments.
[0021] According to a still further, advantageous embodiment of the
line guiding arrangement, it is proposed to form the projection so
that it is composed of a tab having a head that laterally extends
beyond the tab cross section. The recess comprises a section, in
which the tab is movable and a receptacle for the head, in which
the head is movable. The longitudinal extent of the head receptacle
is greater than the longitudinal extent of the head. This can be
realized by corresponding punchings or cutouts. This configuration
of the line guiding arrangement accomplishes with simple means a
limitation of the angle of tilt of adjacent segments. In
particular, the longitudinal extent of the recess is greater than
the longitudinal extent of the projection. Preferably, the recess
and the projection are made substantially T-shaped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Further details and advantages of the line guiding
arrangement according to the invention are described in more detail
with reference to several embodiments illustrated in the drawings,
in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a line
guiding arrangement which embodies the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
line guiding arrangement;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic cutout view of adjacent segments in a
tilted state;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a line guiding arrangement
with recesses and projections in the side wall portions;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a line receiving channel or a channel for a
line guiding arrangement which has a limitation of the angle of
traverse;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of adjacent segments of the line
guiding channel or channel of FIG. 5 in a tilted state;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a line
guiding arrangement or channel with limiters of the angle of
traverse;
[0030] FIG. 8 shows two adjacent segments of the line guiding
arrangement of FIG. 7 in a tilted state;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of a line guiding
arrangement or a channel with limiters of the radius of
curvature;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a line guiding arrangement
with one channel;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a schematic and perspective view of a channel
with curved transverse separations;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a top view of the channel of FIG. 12;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a
line guiding arrangement with zigzagged transverse separations;
and
[0037] FIG. 15 is a top view of a line guiding arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinally extending line guiding
arrangement for running at least one energy line. The one energy
line, which is not shown in FIG. 1, runs in a channel 8 of a line
receiving channel 1, which comprises a base wall portion 2, a cover
portion 3, and side wall portions 4, 5. The cross section of the
line receiving channel 1 is substantially rectangular, but other
cross sections are possible.
[0039] Transverse separations 6 subdivide the line receiving
channel 1 into a plurality of segments 9, 10 that are tiltable
relative to one another. The transverse separations 6 extend
through the cover portion 3, and they continue in side wall
portions 4, 5 to at least the vicinity of the base wall portion 2.
In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse separations 6
terminate in openings 7, which have a substantially circular cross
section. The circular openings 7 are intended to reduce material
stress of the line receiving channel 1 in the tilted state of
adjacent segments 9, 10.
[0040] The transverse separations 6 of two adjacent segments 9, 10
are made such that the one segment 9 has at least one recess 11,
and the other segment 10 has at least one projection 12 engaging
the recess 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 9, 10
comprise both recesses 11 and projections 12. For example, if one
looks at segment 9, it comprises recesses 11 toward segment 10 that
adjoins segment 9 to the right, into which projections 12 of
adjacent segment 10 to the right of segment 9 extend. In the edge
region opposite to recesses 11, the segment 9 comprises projections
12, which engage correspondingly shaped recesses 11 of segment 10
arranged to the left of segment 9. This configuration of the line
guiding arrangement has the advantage that the guidance of a
cutting tool, which may be, for example, a laser, is always the
same. To the extent that it is useful, the transverse separations
may also be selected such that the one segment has only recesses or
only projections and the adjacent segment only projections or
recesses. Which segments have recesses and/or projections depends
on the extension of the transverse separations.
[0041] The fact that the transverse separations extend such that
the adjacent segments 9, 10 includes interlocking projections 12
and recesses 11 achieves an increased torsional stiffness of the
line receiving channel 1 and thus likewise of the line guiding
arrangement, since the adjacent segments are not displaceable
relative to each other crosswise to the longitudinal direction of
the line guiding arrangement.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, in the extended state of the line
guiding arrangement, the projections 12 engage the recesses 11.
[0043] When the line guiding arrangement is caused to bend into a
loop shape, the segments 9, 10 tilt relative to one another about
an axis extending in the base wall portion crosswise to the
longitudinal direction of the line guiding arrangement. FIG. 3 is a
cutout view of two adjacent segments 9, 10 in a tilted state.
Indicated at a is the angle of tilt of adjacent segments. During
the tilting, the projection 12 moves out of recess 11. In the
illustrated embodiment the projection 12 has the shape of a
rectangular tab. The recess 11 is complementary to the projection
12. The parallel extending surfaces 17, 18 of respectively the
recess or projection slide past each other. Indicated at U is a
projecting length of projection 12, which extends into recess 11,
when the adjacent segments reach the maximally permissible angle of
tilt a. This configuration of the recess 11 and projection 12 has
the advantage that even in the tilted state of the segments, the
line receiving channel exhibits a greater torsional stiffness.
Therefore, it is preferred to select the length of the projection
or recess in the longitudinal direction of the line guiding
arrangement such that the projection 12 extends in part into the
recess 11 even in the tilted state of adjacent segments. This
advantage is realized not only with the configuration of recess 11
and projection 12 in the cover portion, but also in the side wall
portions.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a further embodiment of a line receiving
channel 13. The basic construction of line receiving channel 13
corresponds to that of line receiving channel 1. Like parts of line
receiving channel 13 and line receiving channel 1 are provided with
like numerals.
[0045] The line receiving channel 13 is subdivided by a partition
14 to form a channel section 15 and a channel section 16. The
partition 14 extends substantially parallel to side walls 4, 5. The
transverse separations 6 also extend through partition 14.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of a line
receiving channel 19. The line receiving channel 19 comprises side
wall portions 4, 5. Between the side wall portions 4, 5, a
partition 14 is provided, which extends substantially in the
longitudinal direction of the line receiving channel 19 and
parallel to the side walls 4, 5. The line receiving channel 19
comprises cover portions 20, 21, and 22. Between adjacent cover
portions 20, 21; 21, 22, gaps 23, 24 are provided, through which a
line can be inserted into channel 15 and 16 respectively.
[0047] The line receiving channel 19 is subdivided by transverse
separations 6 into a plurality of segments 9, 10 that can be tilted
relative to one another. The transverse separations 6 extend
through cover portions 20, 21, 22. They continue in side wall
portions 4, 5 and partition 14 to at least the vicinity of base
wall portion 2.
[0048] The transverse separations 6 are configured such that
adjacent segments 9, 10 have recesses and projections that engage
each other. In the cover portion 20 of a segment 9, a recess 25 and
a projection 28 are formed. In the cover region 21 of a segment 10,
a recess 26 and a projection 29 are formed. In the cover region 22,
a recess 27 and a projection 30 are formed. The recesses 25, 26, 27
and the projections 28, 29, 30 are shaped such that they engage in
the extended state of line receiving channel 19. The basic mode of
operation of projections 28, 29, 30 and the recesses 25, 26, 27
corresponds substantially to the mode of operation of a line
guiding arrangement as has been described with reference to FIG.
3.
[0049] In addition to the recesses and projections in the cover
portion, the line receiving channel 19 comprises recesses 31, 32,
33 in the side wall portions 4, 5 and in the partition 14. The side
wall portions 4, 5 and partition 14 comprise correspondingly shaped
projections 36. The recesses 31, 32, 33 comprise two, substantially
parallel extending sections 34, 35 that are made arcuate. The
projections 36 have corresponding sections.
[0050] During the tilting of the line receiving channel, adjacent
segments are guided by the interengaging projections 36 and
recesses 31, 32, 33. The recesses 31, 32, 33 and projections 36
also contribute to the torsional strength of the line receiving
channel 19.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of a further embodiment
of a channel 37 for a line guiding arrangement for running at least
one line. The channel 37 comprises a base wall portion 40, a cover
portion 41, and side wall portions 38, 39. The channel 37 is made
as a hollow, rectangular section.
[0052] The channel 37 is subdivided by transverse separations 44
into a plurality of segments 42, 43 that are tiltable relative to
one another. The transverse separations extend through the cover
portion 41, and they continue in the side wall portions 38, 39 to
at least the vicinity of the base wall portion 40. The transverse
separations 44 terminate in openings 45, which permit reducing the
stress of the channel in the region of the bending axes.
[0053] The transverse separation of two adjacent segments is formed
such that the one segment has a T-shaped recess 46 and the other
segment a T-shaped projection 47 extending into the recess 46.
[0054] The projection 47 comprises a tab 48 extending in the
longitudinal direction of channel 37. The free end of tab 48 is
provided with a rectangular head 49 that laterally extends beyond
the tab cross section.
[0055] The recess 46 comprises a section 52 for the movement of tab
48. The recess 46 comprises a rectangular head receptacle 53 for
the movement of head 49 of projection 47. As best seen in FIG. 5,
the longitudinal extent of head receptacle 53 is greater than the
longitudinal extent of head 49, so that the projection 47 and
recess 46 permit tilting of adjacent segments.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows two adjacent segments of the channel 37 in a
tilted state. Indicated at .DELTA.S is the distance, by which the
head 49 is displaced inside the head receptacle 53 substantially in
the longitudinal direction of channel 37. The angle of tilt .alpha.
is proportionate to the distance .DELTA.S. A corresponding
adaptation of the distance .DELTA.S permits adjustment of an angle
of tilt .alpha..
[0057] The head 49 comprises stop surfaces 50, 51 that contact stop
surfaces 54, 55 of head receptacle 53. The stop surfaces 51, 55;
50, 54 also limit the angle of tilt .alpha..
[0058] A line guiding arrangement may be constructed by using two
channels 37. The channels 37 are joined to each other in spaced
relationship by suitable connecting members. In the space between
the parallel extending channels, it is possible to arrange
lines.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the channel 37 is a
hollow section. The basic construction of the channel 37 may also
be used to the end that it serves as a line receiving channel. In
such an instance, a line can be inserted directly into the line
receiving channel.
[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a channel 56 for
a line guiding arrangement for running at least one line. The
channel 56 is made as a hollow profile. It comprises a base wall
portion 40, a cover portion 41, and side wall portions 38, 39. The
channel 56 is subdivided by transverse separations 44 into a
plurality of segments 42, 43 that can be tilted relative to one
another. The transverse separations extend through the cover
portion 41. They continue in the side wall portions 38, 39 to at
least the vicinity of the base wall portion 40. In the embodiment
of channel 56 as illustrated in FIG. 7, recesses 46 and projections
47 are formed in the cover portion 41. In addition, recesses 57, 58
are formed in the side wall portions 38, 39, into which projections
59 extend.
[0061] The projections 47 are made substantially in the shape of
tabs. They extend into substantially rectangular recesses 46.
[0062] The recesses 57, 58 formed in the side wall portions 38, 39
each have a head receptacle 53. The head receptacle connects to a
relatively narrow slot as seen in FIG. 8. Both the head receptacle
53 and the slot comprise arcuate side walls 34, 35, which are
centered at the axis of tilt KR.
[0063] The projection 59 comprises an arcuate tab 48 that extends
into the slot 52 of recess 57 and 58 respectively. The projection
59 has a head 49 at the free end of tab 48.
[0064] As best seen in FIG. 8, the length of the receptacle 53 is
greater, when viewed in the tilting direction of adjacent segments
42, 43 of the channel 56, than the head 49, so that it is possible
to tilt adjacent segments 42, 43 by an angle of tilt .alpha.. The
head 49 and the receptacle 53 are shaped such that they cause a
limit of the angle of tilt .alpha..
[0065] During the tilting, the projection 47 slides out of the
recess 46. Preferably, the projection 47 is dimensioned in the
longitudinal direction of channel 56 such that it continues to
extend within recess 46 even upon reaching a maximum angle of tilt
.alpha.. A relative displacement of the segments 42, 43 crosswise
to the longitudinal direction of channel 56 is prevented in
particular by projection 47 and recess 46.
[0066] As previously described, the channel 56 illustrated in FIG.
7 is made as a hollow section. It is also possible to use the
channel 56 directly as a line receiving channel, in which lines may
be run in a protected arrangement.
[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic and perspective view of a channel 60.
The channel 60 comprises a base wall portion 40, a cover portion
41, as well as side wall portions 38, 39. Transverse separations 44
subdivide the channel 60 into a plurality of segments 42, 43 that
are tiltable relative to one another. The transverse separations
extend through the cover portion 41, and they continue in the side
wall portions 38, 39 to the vicinity of the base wall portion 40.
The transverse separations 44 are formed such that the segments 42
each comprise a recess 46 and a projection 47. The projection 47 of
a segment 42 extends into a recess 46 of an adjacent segment 43.
The configuration of recess 46 and projection 47 corresponds
substantially to the configuration of a projection and a recess as
shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, it is not necessary that the
projection 47 extend in part into recess 46 in the tilted state of
the channel 60.
[0068] The base wall portion 40 is formed between the cover portion
41 and a bottom portion 61. The channel 60 comprises additional
transverse separations 62 that extend through the bottom portion
61. They continue in the side wall portions 38, 39 to the vicinity
of base wall portion 40. The additional transverse separations 62
are of inverted V-shape, so that the additional transverse
separations 62 permit the tilting of adjacent segments 42, 43. The
angle of tilt is dependent on the opening angle of the additional
separations 62. In the bottom portion 61, the additional
separations form recesses 63 and projections 64.
[0069] As best seen in FIG. 9, each segment 42, 43 comprises each a
recess 63 and a projection 64. The longitudinal extension of
recesses 63 and the longitudinal extension of projections 64 are
selected such that they permit tilting of adjacent segments 42, 43.
As shown in FIG. 9, the projections 64 are disengaged from recesses
63 in the extended state of channel 60. During the tilting of
adjacent segments 42, 43, the projection 64 of a segment enters the
recess 63 of an adjacent segment, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0070] The configuration of recess 46 and projection 47 in cover
portion 41, as well as the configuration of recess 63 and
projection 64 are preferably selected such that either the
projection of the cover portion and/or the projection of the bottom
portion always engage the corresponding recess, so that adjacent
segments are prevented from moving substantially crosswise to the
longitudinal direction of the channel.
[0071] The channel 60 shown in FIG. 9 may also be used directly as
a line receiving channel.
[0072] The sections of the side wall portions 38, 39, as well as
the bottom portion 61 form each a limiter 65 of the arc of
curvature.
[0073] FIG. 11 illustrates a further embodiment of a line guiding
arrangement for running at least one line. FIG. 11 shows a channel
66 that connects by means of crossbars to a second channel which
extends parallel to the channel 66. The second channel, which is
not shown, preferably corresponds to channel 66. A side wall
portion 38 of a segment 42 mounts a connecting member 68, which
joins the crossbars 67 to the channel 66. In the side wall portion
39, holes 69 are formed, through which fastening elements can
extend for attaching the connecting members 68.
[0074] The channel 66 comprises a base wall portion 40, a cover
portion 41, and side wall portions 38, 39. Transverse separations
44 subdivide the channel 66 into a plurality of segments 42, 43.
The segments 42, 43 are tiltable relative to one another. The
transverse separations 44 extend through the cover portion 41, and
they continue in the side wall portions 38, 39 to the vicinity of
the base wall portion 40. In the cover portion 41, projections 47
and recesses 46 are formed. The recesses 46 and the projections 47
are made complementary to each other. Each segment 42, 43 comprises
a projection 47 and a recess 46. A projection 47 of a segment 42
extends into the recess of a segment 43.
[0075] Recesses 33 and projections 36 are likewise formed in the
side wall portions 38, 39. The recesses 33 and the projections 36
are made complementary to each other, and they comprise arcuate
sections.
[0076] Below the base wall portion 40, limiters 65 of the arc of
curvature are formed. The configuration of the limiters 65 of the
arc of curvature corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0077] FIGS. 12, 13 show another embodiment of a channel 70 for a
line guiding arrangement for running at least one line. The channel
70 comprises a base wall portion 73, a cover portion 74, and side
wall portions 71, 72. Transverse separations 77 subdivide the
channel 70 into a plurality of segments 75, 76. The segments 75, 76
are tiltable in the longitudinal direction of channel 70. The
transverse separations 77 extend through the cover portion 74, and
they continue in the side wall portions 71, 72 to the vicinity of
the base wall portion 73. The transverse separations 77 end in
openings 78, which prevent bending stress of the channel in the
region of the bending axes extending crosswise to the longitudinal
axis of the channel.
[0078] The side wall portions 71, 72 continue below the base wall
portion 73. Substantially parallel to the base wall portion 73, a
bottom portion 79 is provided, which connects to extensions of the
side wall portions 71, 72 that continue below the base wall portion
73.
[0079] The channel 70 comprises additional transverse separations
80 that extend through the bottom portion 79. These additional
transverse separations 80 continue in the side wall portions 71, 72
to the vicinity of the support wall portion 73. As shown in FIG.
12, the additional transverse separations 80 are substantially
V-shaped. The additional transverse separations 80 are
substantially in alignment with the transverse separations 77. The
sections of side wall portions 71, 72 that extend below the support
wall portion 73, as well as the bottom portion 79 of each segment
75, 76 form each a limiter 81 of the arc of curvature.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the transverse separations 77
are made substantially arcuate. The transverse separations 77 form
in segment 75 a recess 82, into which a correspondingly shaped
projection of segment 76 extends.
[0081] It is not necessary that the transverse separation be made
arcuate over the entire width of channel 70. The transverse
separation may also be .OMEGA.-shaped.
[0082] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a further embodiment of a line
guiding arrangement. The basic construction of the line guiding
arrangement corresponds to the construction of a line guiding
arrangement as shown in FIG. 4. The line guiding arrangement
comprises a line receiving channel 84, which comprises side wall
portions 85, 86. Between the side wall portions 85, 86, a partition
87 is provided, which extends substantially in the longitudinal
direction of the line receiving channel 84 and parallel to the side
wall portions 85, 86. The line receiving channel 84 comprises cover
portions 88, 89, and 90. Between adjacent cover portions 88, 89;
89, 90, gaps 91, 92 extend, through which a line can be inserted
into a channel 93 defined by side wall portion 85 and partition 87
or into a channel 94 that is defined by partition 87 and side wall
portion 86.
[0083] The line receiving channel 84 is subdivided by transverse
separations 95 into a plurality of segments 96, 97 that are
tiltable relative to one another. In particular, the transverse
separations are made equidistant to each other in the longitudinal
direction of the line receiving channel, so that all segments 96,
97 have the same extension in the longitudinal direction of the
line receiving channel 84.
[0084] The transverse separations 95 extend through the cover
portions 88, 89, 90. They continue in the side wall portions 85, 86
and partition 87 to at least the vicinity of a base wall portion
98.
[0085] As best seen in FIG. 15, the transverse separations 95, are
made zigzagged, when viewed crosswise to the longitudinal direction
of line receiving channel 84. The transverse separation 95 formed
between two adjacent segments 96, 97 forms in segment 96 a recess
99 and in segment 97 a recess 100. A corresponding projection 101
or 102 is formed in the segment adjacent to the recess.
* * * * *