U.S. patent application number 11/101175 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for energy guiding chain.
Invention is credited to Blase, Frank, Blase, Gunter.
Application Number | 20050274850 11/101175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34895665 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274850 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blase, Gunter ; et
al. |
December 15, 2005 |
Energy guiding chain
Abstract
In order to be able to absorb high forces and to be suitable for
high traveling speeds with flat chain links, an energy guiding
chain (1), whose chain links (2) each display two opposite side
pieces (3), where at least some of the links display at least one
cross-member connecting the side pieces, is characterized in that
the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces (3) is greater
than/equal to 1:4, the pivoted connections of adjacent links (2)
are designed as joint elements (13) that bridge them and can be
deformed in the event of deflection of the chain (1), and the links
(2) display face ends (2a) facing the respectively adjacent links
(2), which extend continuously over the full width of the side
pieces (3) and act as stop faces (14, 15).
Inventors: |
Blase, Gunter; (Bergisch
Gladbach, DE) ; Blase, Frank; (Bergisch Gladbach,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GROSSMAN, TUCKER, PERREAULT & PFLEGER, PLLC
55 SOUTH COMMERICAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101
US
|
Family ID: |
34895665 |
Appl. No.: |
11/101175 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/65 ;
248/68.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 11/006 20130101;
F16G 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/065 ;
248/068.1 |
International
Class: |
F16L 003/08; F16L
003/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 8, 2004 |
DE |
DE 20 2004 005 80 |
Claims
1. Energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables or the like, with
a plurality of links that are connected to each other in
articulated fashion by means of pivoted connections and each
display two opposite side pieces with inner and outer lateral
surfaces, where at least some of the links display at least one
cross-member connecting the side pieces of a link, such that the
side pieces and the cross-members of the chain provide a chain
interior with a cable guide duct, where the links further display
stop faces that can be brought into contact with each other in
pairs to limit the pivoting angle of adjacent links relative to
each other, characterized in that the width-to-height ratio of the
side pieces of the links is greater than/equal to 1:4, in that the
pivoted connections of adjacent links are designed as joint
elements that bridge adjacent links and are deformable upon
deflection of the chain, and in that the links display face ends
that each face the adjacent links, extend continuously over the
full width of the side pieces and act as stop faces.
2. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the width-to-height ratio of the links is greater than/equal to 2:1
or greater than/equal to 4:1.
3. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the joint elements are located between the top and bottom narrow
sides of the side pieces, extend at least partly between the inner
and outer lateral surfaces of the side pieces and are, referred to
half the height of the links, offset in the direction of the narrow
surface of the links facing the opposite run.
4. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the side pieces of the links display recesses within their
cross-sectional contour, which are open towards the inner and/or
outer side of the side pieces, and whose depth corresponds to 50%
or more of the width of the side pieces.
5. Energy guiding chain according to claim 4, characterized in that
the recesses are delimited by a closed, continuous border and in
each case extend only above and/or below the respective pivoted
connections of the links.
6. Energy guiding chain according to claim 5, characterized in that
the side pieces are provided, on either side of the joint elements,
with a recess, which extends up to the joint element, except for a
retaining area necessary for fixing the joint element in place.
7. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the joint elements connect two or more links to each other in the
longitudinal direction of the chain, and the joint elements are
fastened to each of the links in tensile force-absorbing
fashion.
8. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the joint elements are designed as elastically deformable links,
which can be deformed in the event of deflection of the chain,
exerting a restoring force.
9. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that
the side pieces display face-end recesses, which extend above
and/or below the pivoted connections, and up to them.
10. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in
that the side pieces display, at least on the side facing the
opposite run, at least one face-end area, which acts as a stop face
when the chain is deflected and runs at an angle to the
longitudinal direction of the chain in the stretched position of
the chain, and in that the stop face transitions into a receding
area a vertical distance away from the pivoted connections.
11. Energy guiding chain according to claim 10, characterized in
that, when the chain is in the stretched position, the stop areas
adjacent to the receding areas are spaced apart in the longitudinal
direction of the chain.
12. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in
that the face-end stop faces, which come into contact with each
other in the stretched position of the chain, are arranged at least
roughly perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain
and end a vertical distance away from the joint elements.
13. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in
that at least some of the cross-members, on at least one narrow
side of the links, are connected to each other by variable-length
elements that are fixed in place on the cross-members in
force-absorbing fashion.
14. Energy guiding chain according to claim 13, characterized in
that the variable length elements are deformed when the chain is
deflected, exerting a restoring force, and/or come into contact
with a base on which the chain is deposited when the chain is
deflected.
15. Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in
that the inner radius of the chain in the curved section is less
than/equal to 1.75 times the height of the links.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding
hoses, cables or the like, with a plurality of links that are
connected to each other in articulated fashion by means of pivoted
connections and each display two opposite side pieces with inner
and outer lateral surfaces, where at least some of the links
display at least one cross-member connecting the side pieces of a
link, such that the side pieces and the cross-members of the chain
provide a chain interior with a cable guide duct, where the links
further display stop faces that can be brought into contact with
each other in pairs to limit the pivoting angle of adjacent links
relative to each other.
[0002] Energy guiding chains of this kind are used to guide hoses,
cables or the like between two consumers, at least one of which is
mobile. Particularly flat chain links are desirable in certain
applications, for instance if a plurality of cables, hoses or lines
arranged adjacent to each other are to be fed to a consumer in a
single-layer arrangement, or if the spatial conditions so require.
At the same time, however, the links can sometimes display a very
great width and/or high traveling speeds of the energy guiding
chain are desired, meaning that the chain as a whole is exposed to
great forces. The range of possible applications of the chain is
limited as a result of the flat links, which hit each other and
have to absorb forces when the chain is deflected.
[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to create an energy
guiding chain that, even with very flat links, can be exposed to
high forces and traveling speeds, and can be operated safely and
reliably.
[0004] The object is solved by an energy guiding chain on which the
width-to-height ratio of the side pieces of the links is greater
than/equal to 1:4 and the pivoted connections of adjacent links are
designed as joint elements that bridge adjacent links and are
deformable upon deflection of the chain, and where the links
display face ends that each face the adjacent links, extend
continuously over the full width of the side pieces without
step-like structures, and act as stop faces.
[0005] As a result of the fact that the pivoted connections are
designed as deformable joint elements that bridge adjacent links
and preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain,
the joint elements can absorb high loads even if they are of only
very low height, in which context it is at the same time possible
to avoid the otherwise known pin-and-hole pivoted connections,
which have proved to be no longer expedient in the case of very
flat links and high forces. In addition, owing to the great width
of the links, large stop faces of the links can be provided above
and/or below the pivoted connections, meaning that the links can
absorb high forces, despite their height, especially when the chain
is moved into its stretched position. In this context and
hereinafter, the term "top" is to be understood in relation to the
links of the upper run, meaning that the "top narrow surface" of
the links faces away from the opposite run in each case, and the
"bottom narrow surface" of the links faces the opposite run in each
case. At the same time, the face ends of the side pieces facing the
respectively adjacent links are further designed continuously over
their full width, meaning that the side pieces come into contact
with each other over their full width in each case. The stop faces
preferably display no offset, especially no step-like offset, and
are preferably plane or, where appropriate, designed with an
arch-shaped curvature. In particular, areas overlapping the
opposite side pieces, whose extension in the longitudinal direction
of the chain is greater than/equal to 1/4 or corresponds to half
the width of the side pieces, can be dispensable. The combination
of the above-mentioned features thus provides an energy guiding
chain that can absorb high forces even with very flat links, this
enabling both relatively wide chain links and high traveling speeds
of the chain. In this context, the links can easily display a
height of less than 2 to 3 cm, e.g. a height of less than/equal to
1.5 cm, or approx. 1 cm or less.
[0006] In particular, the links can lack laterally overlapping
areas that overlap each other over the full pivoting angle of the
links, or over more than one-half or more than one-quarter of said
angle, such that the links are, as it were, guided solely by the
pivoted connection, in which context the embodiment of the chain
according to the invention has proved to be successful in terms of
quiet running, in particular.
[0007] In particular, the width-to-height ratio of the side pieces
can be less than/equal to 1:3, for instance approx. 1:2 or
less.
[0008] The width-to-height ratio of the links can be greater
than/equal to 2:1, particularly greater than/equal to 3:1, or
greater than/equal to 4:1to 5:1.
[0009] The width-to-height ratio of the stop faces (particularly of
the stop faces acting in stretched position) can be greater
than/equal to 1:2, particularly greater than/equal to 3/8,
particularly preferably greater than/equal to 3/4.
[0010] Owing to the great width of the side pieces, it is
advantageous for them to display recesses within their
cross-sectional contour, which are open towards the inner and/or
outer lateral surface of the side pieces, preferably only towards
the outer lateral surface, and whose depth is greater than/equal to
50% or greater than/equal to 75% of the side piece width. The size
of the recesses is essentially limited only by the stability of the
links that then results.
[0011] The recesses are preferably delimited by a closed,
continuous border. Independently of this, or simultaneously, the
recesses can be at least partly, or completely, delimited from the
joint elements by a border area, in which context the border
preferably extends over the full longitudinal extension of the side
pieces, and preferably also over the full width of the side
pieces.
[0012] In particular, the recesses can in each case extend only
above and/or below the respective pivoted connections of the links.
In this context, the joint elements can be guided and retained
along their extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain
via the side pieces, on the top and/or bottom side, on
corresponding guide areas of the side pieces. In this context, the
guide areas of the side pieces, which can particularly be designed
as border areas of the recesses, preferably contact the joint
elements closely and without play, particularly having a press fit.
The border delimiting the recesses, and located above and/or below
the joint elements, can be designed so thinly that it extends up to
the joint element, except for a retaining area necessary for fixing
the joint element in place. The thickness of this retaining area
can be less than or equal to three times, two times or one times
the thickness or diameter of the joint element, e.g. the height of
a plate-like joint element or joint hinge. As a result, the
recesses can take up the greatest possible extension, exact and
secure retention of the joint elements at all times simultaneously
being ensured when they extend past the side pieces. The thickness
of the border otherwise surrounding the recess can likewise be less
than/equal to three times, two times or one times the thickness of
the joint element.
[0013] The joint elements can generally each connect two or more
links to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain,
where the joint elements are each preferably fastened to the
respective link in tensile force-absorbing fashion. In this
context, the joint elements preferably extend between the face ends
of the respectively adjacent links. The tensile force-absorbing
connection of the joint elements to the links can be accomplished
by undercut areas, these preferably being provided on the links,
particularly on the side pieces, and engaged by retaining areas of
the joint elements. The joint elements are preferably fixed in
place on the links, particularly on the side pieces, in non-sliding
fashion in the longitudinal direction of the chain and/or in the
transverse direction of the chain, and particularly retained by a
press fit to this end. The areas of the joint elements that are
deformed upon deflection of the chain preferably extend over more
than half the width of the side pieces, particularly at least
roughly the full width of the side pieces, in which context the
joint elements preferably do not project laterally from the side
pieces and are located entirely within the cross-section of the
side pieces. In this context, the joint elements are preferably
designed as plate-like or strip-like elements. The joint areas
between respectively adjacent links can be connected to each other
by transitional areas displaying a smaller width than the
deformable joint areas. The transitional areas preferably extend in
guides along the side pieces and can, in this context, be immovably
fixed in place on the top and bottom side. Further, if they extend
over several links, the joint elements can display, on each area
facing the adjacent link, a retaining area, for instance in the
form of an expansion of the cross-section, this guaranteeing a
secure fit of the joint elements. Particularly in combination with
a relatively large width of the side pieces, a broad design of the
joint elements is expedient, since the lateral and/or torsional
stability of the chain is extensively or exclusively determined by
the joint elements. This is particularly true in cases where the
links do not display any areas that overlap laterally over the full
pivoting angle, or over a relatively large percentage, e.g. more
than 75%, of the pivoting angle. Where appropriate, the joint
elements can also be designed as a joint hinge located on the
cross-members and/or the undersides of the side pieces, where said
joint hinge can connect several links and extend continuously over
the length of the chain. The hinge can be located on the side of
the cross-members facing towards or away from the chain interior,
or it can be passed through apertures in the cross-members, which
can be designed in the manner of slits.
[0014] The joint elements can thus either interconnect the links in
pairs or groups, or extend over the full length of the chain.
[0015] Preferably, the joint elements are, referred to half the
height of the links, offset in the direction of the narrow side of
the links facing the opposite run, and at the same time spaced
vertically apart from the cross-members, i.e. arranged in offset
fashion towards the chain interior. Preferably, the joint elements
are located roughly at approx. 1/5 to approx. 1/3 of the height of
the links.
[0016] Preferably, the joint elements are designed as elastically
deformable links, which can be deformed in the event of deflection
of the chain, exerting a restoring force.
[0017] Further, the joint elements are preferably designed as
separate components, which are fastened to the links or the side
pieces in non-detachable, or preferably detachable, fashion, e.g.
by means of a positive and/or non-positive and/or material
connection. Thus, the joint elements, on the one hand, and the side
pieces or links, on the other hand, can be made of different
materials, particularly of plastic materials in each case.
[0018] Preferably, the side pieces display face-end recesses, which
are provided above and/or below the pivoted connections and extend
up to the pivoted connections, where the recesses can in each case
become wider towards the pivoted connections. The recesses can in
each case extend over the full width of the side pieces, or also
only over the width of the respective pivoted connections, where
appropriate. The recesses particularly permit a change of position
of areas of the joint elements that are deformed when the chain is
deflected.
[0019] The stop faces coming into contact with each other when the
chain is deflected, and thus defining the radius of curvature of
the chain, can, referred to the stretched position of the chain,
run at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the chain. This
preferably applies to both of the stop faces of a link or a side
piece facing the upstream or downstream link in the direction of
the chain. In this context, the stop faces can, referred to the
height of the links, be spaced apart from the pivoted connection
and transition into a receding area, where the stop faces again
preferably display no step-like off-set and/or extend over the full
width of the links. Despite the deformation of the joint elements
when the chain is deflected, where the deformed area displays a
certain extension in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the
corresponding stop faces of adjacent links can always be exactly
aligned relative to each other when making contact. In this
context, the receding area can recede by one or more times the
thickness or diameter of the joint areas of the joint elements.
[0020] Preferably, the end areas of the stop faces that point
towards each other, and come into contact with each other when the
chain is deflected, are spaced apart in the stretched position of
the chain. Further, alternatively or at the same time, the face-end
stop faces, which come into contact with each other in the
stretched position of the chain, are preferably arranged at least
roughly perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain.
In this context, the stop faces can, in particular, end a vertical
distance away from the joint elements. The distances mentioned can,
independently of each other in each case, amount to once, twice or
several times the thickness or diameter of the joint elements, or,
for example, be greater than/equal to 2%, greater than/equal to 5%
or greater than/equal to 10% of the diameter of the segment of a
circle determined by the joint elements in the curved section.
[0021] Further, the links are preferably of rigid design, referred
to the stresses to which the chain is exposed when operated as
intended. Further, the at least one cross-member in each case that
connects the opposite side pieces of a link is preferably
integrally connected to the side pieces. Further, the cross-member
is--independently hereof, where appropriate--located on the lower
area of the side pieces and ends essentially or exactly flush with
the adjacent narrow side of the side pieces. A further cross-member
of the links can in each case be fastened in detachable fashion on
the links, or the side pieces thereof, particularly by means of
positive and/or non-positive connections, particularly by means of
snap connections. The links are preferably of essentially rigid
design, referred to the manipulations necessary when fastening the
cross-members, meaning that any elastically deformable snap-fitting
means are provided on the cross-members.
[0022] Preferably, at least some, or all, of the cross-members of
the chain are, on at least one narrow side of the links, e.g. the
top side of the links facing away from the opposite run, in each
case connected to each other by at least one variable-length
element that is fixed in place on the cross-members in
force-absorbing fashion. Preferably, variable-length elements of
this kind are in each case located on both ends of the
cross-members. The variable-length elements can, for example, be
provided in the form of arch-shaped or loop-shaped areas that
connect the respective cross-members to each other. Preferably, the
elements or areas are integrally molded on the cross-members. This
primarily permits simpler handling of the cross-members when
fastening them to the links, since several or all of the
cross-members of the chain are combined into one strand-like
component, and the cross-members are each already pre-oriented in
respect of their target position on the links. Where appropriate,
the elements can also display intrinsic extensibility in the manner
of rubber-elastic elements, although a change in length is
preferably accomplished as a result of a change in the shape of the
elements.
[0023] The variable-length elements can be deformed when the chain
is deflected, exerting a restoring force. For example, if the
cross-members of the links facing away from the opposite run are
connected to each other by variable-length elements, the
variable-length elements are elongated in the curved section of the
chain. As a result of the exertion of a restoring force--in
addition or alternatively to a restoring force exerted by the joint
elements--the characteristics of the chain when it is deflected can
thus be changed, which can be of importance, especially in the case
of very flat links.
[0024] Further, in the event of deflection of the chain, the
variable-length elements can protrude from the cross-section of the
chain towards the surface on which the chain is deposited, this
resulting in damping of the chain when it is deposited on a
base.
[0025] Further, the chain according to the invention can display a
relatively small deflection radius, in which context the joint
element can be located a distance away from the respectively bottom
cross-member. The bottom cross-members of the links can be located
adjacent to the bottom narrow sides, such that no significant stop
areas are provided below the cross-members or between the
cross-member and the bottom narrow side of the side pieces, meaning
that the cross-section of the chain can thus be optimally
exploited. In this context, the ratio of the top side pieces of the
links, which face away from the opposite run, to the deflection
radius defined by the joint elements can be less than/equal to 5,
preferably less than/equal to 4, particularly approx. 3.
[0026] Preferably, the inner radius of the chain in the curved
section is less than/equal to 1.75 times, preferably less
than/equal to 1.5 times, the height of the links, or corresponds
roughly to the height of the links.
[0027] An example of the invention is described below and explained
on the basis of the Figures. The Figures show the following:
[0028] FIG. 1 A side view of a chain according to the
invention,
[0029] FIG. 2 A face-end view of a link of the chain according to
FIG. 1,
[0030] FIG. 3 A top view of a chain according to FIG. 1.
[0031] Energy guiding chain 1 according to the invention, pursuant
to FIGS. 1 to 3, displays a plurality of links 2, which are
connected to each other in articulated fashion and each comprise
two opposite side pieces 3 and two cross-members 4 connecting them
to each other, where not each of the links must necessarily be
provided with two cross-members. The chain thus provides a duct 5
for guiding lines or the like. Pursuant to FIG. 1, the chain is
deposited to form an upper run 6, a curved section 7, and a lower
run 8. Side pieces 3 of the links each display inner and outer
lateral surfaces 9, 10 and, essentially perpendicular thereto, top
and bottom narrow sides 11, 12, which define the height of the
links. Located between narrow sides 11, 12, and at a vertical
distance from the cross-members, roughly at one-third of the height
of the links according to the practical example, are joint elements
13, which connect the respectively adjacent links in articulated
fashion. The pivoting angle of the links in the stretched position
of the chain is limited by stop faces 14 of the side pieces,
located on face ends 2a, the pivoting angle in the curved section
of the chain being limited by face-end stop faces 15. In this
context, stop faces 14, 15 extend continuously over the full width
of the side pieces, without a step-like offset, and are further
each designed as plane surfaces. According to the practical
example, the joint elements are located roughly at one-third of the
height of the links, and thus a distance away from the
cross-members, meaning that stop faces 15, acting in the curved
section, can also take up a sufficiently large area. In this
context, bottom cross-members 4a are integrally molded on the side
pieces and end essentially or exactly flush with bottom narrow side
11 of the links.
[0032] According to the practical example, the width-to-height
ratio of the links is approx. 5, 6, the ratio of the width to the
height of the side pieces of the links being approx. 1:2. The
width-to-height ratio of stop faces 14, which interact in the
stretched position of the chain, is approx. 3:4. The ratio of the
link height to the outer diameter of the chain in the curved
section is approx. 1:3, the ratio of the height of the links to the
diameter of the curved section formed by the joint elements, or the
vertical distance between the joint elements of the upper run and
the lower run, being approx. 1:2. The inner radius of the chain in
the curved section corresponds to 1.5 times the link height.
[0033] Overall, this provides a chain with relatively flat links
that displays great stability and quiet running, where the links
can take up a large width.
[0034] Because the side pieces are very wide, they here display
weight-saving recesses 16, 17, which in this case are only open on
one side, towards the outside of the links, and extend up to a wall
thickness of the inner sides of the side pieces necessary for the
stability of the links, such that the inner lateral surface of the
side pieces is not penetrated. According to the practical example,
the depth of the recesses thus corresponds to approx. 80% of the
width of the side pieces. The recesses are each delimited by a
continuous, closed border 18, 19, where the border can, where
appropriate, also display openings. Borders 18, 19 display a
constant wall thickness, although this is not always necessary. The
wall thickness of borders 18, 19 can roughly correspond to the
thickness of joint elements 13, i.e. their extension along the
height of the links. Further, the thickness of the border
corresponds to less than half the width of the side pieces, for
instance approx. one-quarter or less thereof.
[0035] According to the practical example, a joint element 13,
extending over the full length of the chain, is assigned to each of
the two strands of side pieces forming the chain. The joint element
displays elastically deformable areas 20, which extend between the
face ends of adjacent links and exert a restoring force on the
links when the chain is deflected. These "joint sections" are
interconnected by retaining areas 21, forming a continuous strand,
where retaining areas 21 have a width smaller than that of
deformable areas 20, such as half the width or less. Further, the
retaining areas display at least one fastening area 21a--according
to the practical example, two fastening areas 21a, spaced apart
from each other, which are in this case designed as thicker areas
and permit fastening of the joint elements in tensile
force-absorbing fashion in each case. Further, retaining areas 21
of the joint elements are immovably fixed in place, both in the
longitudinal direction of the chain and in the transverse direction
of the chain, to which end they are retained on the side pieces by
a press fit. In this context, the retaining areas of the side
pieces are provided by the borders of recesses 16, 17 at the height
of the retaining areas. It goes without saying that, alternatively
or additionally, suitable form-fitting means, such as snap
connections, can also be present between the joint elements and the
side pieces. According to the practical example, the joint areas
and the retaining areas of the joint elements display different
thicknesses.
[0036] Further, the side pieces are provided with a recess,
extending above and below joint elements 13 in the form of
indentation 22, which displays its greatest extension in the
longitudinal direction of the chain at the height of the joint
elements, and furthermore extends over the full width of the side
pieces. In combination with stop faces 15, this forms receding
areas 23 on the face ends of the side pieces. The most closely
adjacent end areas of stop faces 15 of adjacent links are thus
spaced apart from each other, e.g. by more than one-quarter or
roughly half of the width of the side pieces. Further, end areas
15a of the stop faces, as well as stop faces 14 of the links are
spaced apart from joint elements 13, referred to the height of the
side pieces. In this context, stop faces 15 run at an angle to the
longitudinal direction of the chain, in which context the angle is
other than 90.degree., and approx. 60.degree. in the practical
example.
[0037] In this context, the further stop faces 14, which interact
in the stretched position of the chain, run essentially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The
ratio of the stop faces acting in the curved section of the chain
to the stop faces acting in the stretched position is less than
1:1, e.g. less than/equal to 0.8:1, and approx. 1:2 according to
the practical example.
[0038] Further, cross-members 25 of the links, facing away from the
opposite run, i.e. the "top" cross-members of the upper run, are
fastened on the links in detachable fashion, specifically by means
of snap connections 27, and connected in each case by
variable-length elements 26. These elements 26 are integrally
molded on the cross-members. The elements are of arch or
loop-shaped design, as a result of which the cross-members of the
chain are permanently connected to each other, but can nevertheless
assume a variable distance from each other, such as is necessary
when the chain transitions into its curved section, since the
cross-members are not located in the neutral phase of the chain. It
goes without saying that the form of the variable-length areas is
not limited to the form illustrated, and that they can also be
designed to be of angular or zigzag shape, or in some other way.
Further, variable-length elements 26 are designed in such a way
that, when the chain is deflected, they project outwards beyond the
cross-section of the links and are thus able to dampen the impact
of the chain as it is deposited. Further, when the chain is in
deflected position, in which case variable-length elements 26 are
expanded or pulled apart compared to the arrangement in the
stretched position of the chain, variable-length elements 26 can
exert a restoring force on the chain, this simultaneously having an
advantageous influence on the traveling characteristics of the
chain.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0039] 1 Chain
[0040] 2 Link
[0041] 2a Face end
[0042] 3 Side piece
[0043] 4 Cross-member
[0044] 5 Duct
[0045] 6 Upper run
[0046] 7 Curved section
[0047] 8 Lower run
[0048] 9, 10 Lateral surface
[0049] 11, 12 Narrow side
[0050] 13 Joint element
[0051] 14, 15 Stop face
[0052] 15a Stop face area
[0053] 16, 17 Recess
[0054] 18, 19 Border
[0055] 20 Deformable joint area
[0056] 21 Retaining area
[0057] 21a Fastening area
[0058] 22 Indentation
[0059] 25 Cross-member
[0060] 26 Variable-length element
[0061] 27 Snap connections
* * * * *