U.S. patent application number 17/310171 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-24 for separator, transverse web and compartment bottom for energy guiding chains.
The applicant listed for this patent is IGUS GMBH. Invention is credited to Andreas HERMEY, Marcel KLEIN, Stefan STRACK.
Application Number | 20220090651 17/310171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006051683 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220090651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HERMEY; Andreas ; et
al. |
March 24, 2022 |
SEPARATOR, TRANSVERSE WEB AND COMPARTMENT BOTTOM FOR ENERGY GUIDING
CHAINS
Abstract
Novel separators, transverse links and transverse bases or
compartment bottoms for chain links of energy chains. The separator
has a pivotable sidebar wherein the top portion and the bottom
portion each have a holding clamp for interacting with the narrow
sides of a transverse link, the top portion being connected to the
first side bar and being detachable and/or pivotable together
therewith. The transverse link has a row of teeth protruding at the
narrow sides for interlocking with the separators, designed in a
manner complementary thereto, and/or a cable-protecting protective
layer on the inner face for protecting the guided cables.
Inventors: |
HERMEY; Andreas; (Hennef,
DE) ; STRACK; Stefan; (Koenigswinter, DE) ;
KLEIN; Marcel; (Hennef, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGUS GMBH |
Koeln |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006051683 |
Appl. No.: |
17/310171 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
January 27, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/051954 |
371 Date: |
July 23, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 11/006 20130101;
F16L 3/23 20130101; F16G 13/16 20130101; F16L 3/243 20190801 |
International
Class: |
F16G 13/16 20060101
F16G013/16; F16L 3/23 20060101 F16L003/23; F16L 3/24 20060101
F16L003/24; H02G 11/00 20060101 H02G011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 25, 2019 |
DE |
20 2019 100 430.4 |
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A separator for a chain link of an energy guiding chain,
wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart
from one another and are connected to one another by two transverse
webs and which define a receiving space for one or more lines, the
separator comprising: the separator configured in a manner of a
plate having a plurality of through-openings and having a top
portion, a bottom portion, a first side bar, and a second side bar,
wherein the first and second side bars delimit the plurality of
through-openings in a width direction of the separator, wherein the
first side bar is detachable and/or pivotable to provide access to
the plurality of through-openings such that a compartment bottom is
insertable into or removable from each one of the plurality of
through-openings, respectively, wherein the top portion and the
bottom portion are each configured to attach to one of the
transverse webs, respectively, wherein the top portion and the
bottom portion each have a holding clamp to interact with narrow
sides of one of the transverse webs, respectively, and wherein the
top portion is connected to the first side bar and is detachable
and/or pivotable together with the first side bar.
24. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the top portion
and/or the first side bar are/is connectable by positive locking to
the bottom portion and/or the second side bar and/or a central
region of the separator.
25. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the top portion
and/or the first side bar are/is latchable to the second side
bar.
26. The separator according to claim 25, wherein the top portion
and/or the first side bar are/is latchable to the second side bar
by a latching notch at a top-portion-side end of the second side
bar, and a latching lug on the top portion configured to engage the
latching notch.
27. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the top portion
has broad sides and a planar recess is between the broad sides, and
wherein the separator has a central region, and a top-portion-side
end of the central region has a projection extending in a height
direction of the separator to engage the recess.
28. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the first side bar
is manufactured in one piece with the top portion.
29. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the first side bar
is connectable to the bottom portion by a hinge-like articulated
connection.
30. The separator according to claim 29, wherein the articulated
connection comprises a pivot joint, and wherein a bearing
receptacle is formed on the bottom portion.
31. The separator according to claim 29, wherein a pivot axis of
the articulated connection extends perpendicularly to the width
direction of the separator and perpendicularly to a height
direction of the separator.
32. The separator according to claim 23, wherein the separator has
a central region, and the central region comprises a plurality of
tongues extending in the width direction of the separator, and
wherein the first side bar comprises a plurality of pockets to
receive the plurality of tongues.
33. The separator according to claim 23, wherein each
through-opening of the plurality of through-openings comprises a
latching cam on one side to latch the respective compartment
bottom.
34. A transverse web for a chain link of an energy guiding chain,
wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart
from each other, the transverse web comprising: the transverse web
having longitudinal ends and being connectable at each of the
longitudinal ends to a respective one of the side plates to define
a receiving space for one or more lines, wherein the transverse web
has two narrow sides extending in a longitudinal direction of the
transverse web, the narrow sides having a holding device to retain
one or more separators, wherein each holding device comprises a
respective row of teeth on the respective narrow side to form a
positive connection to the one or more separators, wherein the one
or more separators each have a complementary design to form the
positive connection, wherein each tooth of the row of teeth
projects in a width direction of the transverse web, and wherein
each tooth of the row of teeth has a dimension in a height
direction of the transverse web which is greater than a dimension
of the tooth in a longitudinal direction of the transverse web.
35. The transverse web according to claim 34, wherein each tooth of
the row of teeth has a dimension in the height direction of the
transverse web which is greater than a dimension of the tooth in
the width direction of the transverse web.
36. The transverse web according to claim 34, wherein the dimension
of the tooth in the height direction of the transverse web is at
least 3 mm.
37. The transverse web according to claim 34, wherein the teeth are
spaced apart by tooth gaps and the teeth and tooth gaps are
alternately and uniformly distributed along at least a major
portion of a longitudinal extension of the narrow sides and/or have
a rounded profile.
38. A separator for a chain link of an energy guiding chain,
wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart
from one another and are connected to one another by two transverse
webs and which define a receiving space for one or more lines, the
separator comprising: the separator being of plate-like design and
having a top portion and a bottom portion to hold and/or fasten to
the transverse webs, wherein the top portion and/or the bottom
portion each comprise a holding clamp to engage in a row of teeth
of one of the two transverse webs, wherein the respective holding
clamp comprises two opposite retaining extensions which each have
at least one tooth projection to positively engage in the row of
teeth of the transverse web, and wherein the tooth projections of
the two opposite retaining extensions face one another and project
from the retaining extension in a direction of the opposite tooth
projection.
39. The separator according to claim 38, wherein the tooth
projections each comprise an extension in the direction toward the
opposite tooth projection that corresponds to a depth of a tooth
gap and has an extension in a height direction of the separator
that is at least 3 mm.
40. The separator according to claim 38, wherein the separator
comprises a central portion between the top and bottom portions,
wherein the holding clamp protrudes perpendicularly to a main plane
of the separator to each side by not more than 150% of a thickness
in the central portion of the separator.
41. The separator according to claim 38, wherein each of the
retaining extensions comprises two tooth projections to positively
engage in two successive tooth gaps of the transverse web.
42. The separator according to claim 41, wherein each of the
retaining extensions is U-shaped in cross-section.
43. A compartment bottom for a chain link of an energy guiding
chain, wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced
apart from one another and are connected to one another by two
transverse webs and at least one separator arranged between the
transverse webs and having at least one through-opening, wherein
the through-opening has a latching cam on one side to latch the
compartment bottom, the compartment bottom comprising: the
compartment bottom being of plate-like design and formed in
cross-section to match the through-opening, wherein the compartment
bottom has a toothing on a long narrow side to interact with the
latching cam of the through-opening, wherein the compartment bottom
has a recess on an opposite other long narrow side, a recess which
is continuously toothless in a longitudinal direction and in which
the latching cam is accommodatable in a longitudinally displaceable
manner.
44. A transverse web for a chain link of an energy guiding chain,
wherein the chain link has two side plates which are spaced apart
from one another, the transverse web comprising: an elongated main
body made of plastic and having longitudinal ends, wherein each of
the longitudinal ends has a fastening region by which such is
connectable to one of the side plates to define a receiving space
for one or more lines, wherein a line-protecting layer made of a
second plastic which is different from the plastic of the main body
is provided on an inner side of the main body which faces the
receiving space.
45. The transverse web according to claim 44, wherein the
transverse web has two narrow sides extending in a longitudinal
direction of the transverse web, wherein each narrow side of the
narrow sides has a holding device to retain one or more separators,
and wherein the line-protecting layer extends in the longitudinal
direction between the longitudinal ends and in a width direction
from the one narrow side to the other narrow side and covers the
inner side of the main body.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of energy
guiding chains for the protected, dynamic guiding of lines such as
cables, hoses and the like. Energy guiding chains are typically
constructed from pivotally connected chain links which have two
side plates spaced apart in a transverse direction. In at least
some of the chain links, these are stably connected to each other
by two transverse webs and define an inner receiving space or guide
channel for the lines.
[0002] The invention relates specifically to a so-called separator
for the internal division of an energy guiding chain. Such
separators and so-called compartment bottoms serve to form a
shelf-like internal division in the receiving space of the chain
links. In this way, the inserted lines are guided in an orderly
manner from chain link to chain link in a longitudinal direction of
the energy guiding chain, and this order is maintained during
displacement. This reduces wear caused by mutual friction between
the guided lines. The separators are used for vertical separation
and can be used without compartment bottoms. The compartment
bottoms (also called compartment shelves) are optionally used for
horizontal division. Separators are held on transverse webs.
[0003] The invention also relates to a transverse web for
connecting side plates, which is specially further developed for
mounting and holding separators. Separators in turn hold the
compartment shelves or compartment bottoms. Furthermore, the
invention also relates to such a compartment shelf or compartment
bottom for internal partitioning.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Separators for holding compartment bottoms are usually
plate-like in design and have at least one, but usually several,
through-openings (passage openings) for one compartment bottom
each. Separators can be functionally divided into the following
sections: Top portion, bottom portion, first side bar, and second
side bar, wherein the side bars delimit the through-openings in the
direction of the separator width and wherein the top portion and
the bottom portion are each designed to be connected to the
transverse webs. This connection is intended to ensure at least
stable holding against lateral tilting during operation, but can
also mean a fastening of the separator to the transverse web which
can only be released with particular force.
[0005] To equip chain links with compartment bottoms, these must be
inserted into the through-openings of the separators. In the case
of simply constructed separators, the compartment bottoms must be
inserted in their longitudinal direction through the
through-openings of the separators for this purpose. Subsequent
modification of the internal partitioning and/or line replacement
from the lower partition compartments is thus usually only possible
with considerable effort.
[0006] Separators are already known which can be easily and quickly
fitted with compartment bottoms or reconfigured. The closest prior
art is considered here to be a separator according to the
disclosure document DE 198 10 960 A1. Here, each separator has a
first side bar which can be detached and/or swung open. Thus, a
lateral access to the through-openings is released, for inserting
or removing a compartment bottom perpendicular to its longitudinal
extension. The top portion of the separator according to DE 198 10
960 A1 has a recess between its broad sides, which partially
accommodates the upper end of the hinged side bar to counteract
unwanted unfolding during operation. However, this design weakens
the connection to the top portion of the separator. However,
unintentional unfolding of the separator must also be prevented
during operation if the assembled separator or the compartment
bottoms attached thereto are subjected to unusual forces in the
longitudinal direction of the chain during operation, e.g. due to
friction with a line not laid on the neutral fiber, especially at
the top end section of the separator. This can occur, for example,
with heavy lines or in vertical applications and can lead to the
compartment bottom or the line exerting a sufficient force on the
separator in the unfolding direction to open its side bar. However,
the loosening of individual parts during operation of an energy
guiding chain should always be avoided.
[0007] Separators, which can be detached in several parts and in
some cases swung open, have already been proposed, for example, in
DE 195 47 215 A1, in DE 198 52 133 A1 or in DE 10 2017 117 089
A1.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is
therefore an object to propose a separator which allows a
particularly simple and quick assembly of the compartment bottoms
and yet ensures a stable hold of the compartment bottoms.
[0009] This is already achieved in a generic separator in that both
the top portion and the bottom portion each have a holding clamp
for cooperating with the narrow sides of the transverse web, so
that the separator is held securely on the transverse web at least
in the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain or in the
direction of the separator width. In this case, the top portion is
captively connected in particular to the first side bar, in
particular manufactured integrally therewith, and can be detached
and/or swung open together with the latter. The cooperation with
the narrow sides of the transverse web can be achieved, for
example, by a retaining engagement of the opposite narrow sides of
a transverse web and/or by fastening, for example by latching.
[0010] Due to the holding clamps on both sides, the separator is
reliably held between the transverse webs, and at the same time the
holding clamp on the top portion prevents unwanted unfolding during
operation. Both holding clamps secure or lock the separator between
the transverse webs in both directions perpendicular to the
longitudinal extension of the transverse webs. Thanks to the
holding clamp on the top portion, the detachable and/or pivotable
side bar can only be opened when the transverse web is removed from
the top portion, i.e. at least this transverse web is preferably
designed as an opening transverse web.
[0011] The top portion with the first side bar can be pivoted
relative to the bottom portion and the second side bar to
facilitate compartment bottom assembly. An optional attachment of
the holding clamp can secure the separator along the longitudinal
direction of the transverse web as well as firmly attach it across
the longitudinal direction of the transverse web. A merely
retaining holding clamp can, for example, be held by the narrow
sides in such a way that the separator is held captive only in the
transverse direction of the transverse web or in the longitudinal
direction of the chain. Optionally, the separator can be held on
the transverse webs so that it can be displaced in the longitudinal
direction of the transverse web or in the transverse direction of
the chain link to make it easier to change the internal separation.
However, the bottom portion of a separator is usually fastened to a
transverse web, e.g. positively or non-positively engaged, so that
it does not come loose when a transverse web is opened.
[0012] The term "retaining engagement" therefore refers to a
connection between the holding clamp of the separator and the
transverse web which prevents the separator from moving or coming
loose in the width direction of the transverse web or transversely
to the latter.
[0013] Direct contact between the holding clamp and the transverse
web is not required for retaining engagement. The top portion of a
separator can, for example, engage in a retaining manner a
detachable transverse web (so-called opening transverse web) to
facilitate opening of the chain link.
[0014] Preferably, the top portion and/or the first side bar can be
connected by positive locking to the bottom portion, a central
region of the separator and/or the second side bar. This allows
quick assembly of the optionally multi-part separator in the
assembled state, in which the top portion, bottom portion and both
side bars surround a central region of the separator.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the top portion and/or the first
side bar may be latchable to the second side bar when the separator
is assembled to counteract unintentional disengagement of the
second side bar from the top portion during operation. The latching
can preferably be implemented by means of a latching notch at an
end of the second side bar on the top portion side and a latching
lug on the top portion, which is designed to engage in the latching
notch.
[0016] The top portion preferably has a planar recess between its
broad sides. A top-portion-side end of the central region in turn
preferably has a projection extending in a height direction of the
separator for engagement in the recess, wherein in the assembled
state of the separator the projection is received in the recess,
similar to a tongue-and-groove connection, in order to stabilize
the separator transversely to the height direction.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first side bar is made in one
piece and in particular flexurally rigid with the top portion. An
integral design of the pivotable part of the separator facilitates
handling.
[0018] Preferably, the first side bar can be connected or is
connected to the bottom portion by a hinge-like joint connection,
in particular by a pivot joint. The bearing receptacle of the joint
is preferably formed on the bottom portion. The joint part that
fits into the bearing receptacle, such as a pivot pin, can then be
formed on the first side bar. However, the first side bar can also
be non-detachably connected to the bottom portion, e.g. by a film
hinge, and thus possibly also be formed integrally with the bottom
portion.
[0019] The pivot axis of the joint connection preferably extends
perpendicularly to the width direction and height direction of the
separator, so that the first side bar can be pivoted open with the
top portion laterally in the main plane of the separator.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the first side bar can be
detachably connected to the bottom portion by a plug-in connection.
In this case, the first side bar can be inserted into and removed
from a plug-in receptacle in the bottom portion along the height
direction of the separator together with the top portion. An end of
the first side bar on the bottom portion side can be manufactured
as a kind of bending joint, made from a flexible material, in
particular in one piece with the rest of the first side bar. In
this case, the first side bar may, for example, have only limited
pivotability relative to the bottom portion when it is inserted in
the plug-in receptacle.
[0021] The central region of the separator with the
through-openings may preferably have projections in the form of
tongues extending in the direction of the separator width, which
cooperate with corresponding pockets of the first side bar.
Accordingly, the latter may have pockets for receiving the tongues,
wherein the tongues act in the assembled state of the separator in
the manner of a tongue-and-groove connection to stabilize the
separator, in particular the first side bar, in the direction
transverse to the direction of the separator width. Conversely, it
is also possible that the tongues are formed on the first side bar
and the corresponding pockets in the central region.
[0022] Each through-opening of the separator can have a latching
cam on one side for latching into a compartment bottom. This allows
the position of the compartment bottom received in the
through-opening to be fixed with regard to its longitudinal
direction.
[0023] According to a further aspect independent of the foregoing,
the invention further relates to the further development of a
transverse web for a chain link of an energy guiding chain.
Transverse webs typically serve to connect two mutually
spaced-apart side plates of the chain link.
[0024] A generic transverse web is of elongated design and can be
connected to one of the side plates at each of its longitudinal
ends in order to define a space for lines. The transverse web can
be designed as an opening transverse web, the connection of which
to one or to both side plates can be easily released, for example
without tools. An opening transverse web can be held pivotably on
one or both side plates. The transverse web has two narrow sides
extending in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web or
between the longitudinal ends of the transverse web, which
generically have a holding device for holding separators, in
particular at least in such a way that, when the chain link is
closed, the bottom portion or top portion of a separator cannot be
displaced or separated in the longitudinal direction of the energy
guiding chain.
[0025] Transverse webs are known whose narrow sides each have a
groove extending in the longitudinal direction for latching a
separator onto the transverse web. A bottom portion, for example,
can be forcefully latched onto this. A type of toothing on the
transverse web has also been proposed, e.g. in DE 10 2009 030 798
A1.
[0026] An object according to the second aspect of the invention is
to simplify the attachment of separators to the transverse webs or
the opening of a transverse web designed as an opening link.
[0027] According to the invention, the holding device is designed
on each narrow side as a row of teeth directly accessible on each
narrow side for a positive connection with complementary
separators. Individual teeth of the row of teeth project in the
width direction, perpendicular to the length of the transverse web.
In particular, each tooth can have a dimension in the height
direction of the transverse web that is larger than its dimension
in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web. The teeth of
the tooth row form the outer edge of the respective narrow side, so
that the respective narrow side has a toothed outer contour. This
makes it possible to attach and detach separators in the manner of
a simple plug-in connection particularly easily and quickly
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transverse web,
optionally also with only a small amount of force, e.g. with only
lateral holding.
[0028] Each tooth preferably has a dimension in the height
direction of the transverse web or in the thickness direction of
the transverse web that is larger than a dimension of the tooth in
the width direction of the transverse web. This increases the
stability of the teeth and the holder in the longitudinal
direction.
[0029] The dimension of each tooth in the height direction of the
transverse web can preferably be at least 3 mm, particularly
preferably at least 6 mm. This allows stable holding of a separator
on the transverse web, since an overlap area of the holding device
of the separator with the teeth is sufficiently large.
[0030] The teeth and their gaps can be distributed alternately and
evenly along at least a major part of the longitudinal extension of
the narrow sides. This allows flexible partitioning of the
receiving space of the chain link, since the separator can be used
in different positions in the transverse direction of the chain
link. The teeth and tooth spaces may each have a rounded profile or
contour in plan view along the height direction of the transverse
web. This can reduce wear of the teeth and or the guided lines.
[0031] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the invention
relates to a separator for a chain link of an energy guiding chain
that matches the proposed transverse web. A typical separator is
formed with a flat plate-like body, including a top portion and a
bottom portion, respectively, for holding and/or attaching to the
transverse webs.
[0032] According to the second aspect, the top portion and/or tie
bottom portion each comprises a holding clamp for engaging a
corresponding row of teeth of a transverse web or a row of teeth on
the respective narrow side of the transverse web, according to one
of the embodiments described above regarding the second aspect.
[0033] In this case, the respective holding clamp has two opposing
retaining extensions, each of which has at least one tooth
projection at the end for positive engagement in the row of teeth
of the transverse web, so that simple, smooth attachment of the
separator to the transverse web is made possible essentially
parallel to die height direction of the separator. The tooth
projections of the two opposing retaining extensions can face each
other and each project from the respective retaining extension in
the direction of the opposing tooth projection.
[0034] The tooth projection can have an extension in the direction
of the opposite tooth projection corresponding to the depth of the
tooth gap. An extension of the tooth projection in the height
direction of the separator is preferably at least 3 mm. This
permits robust attachment of the separator.
[0035] The separator further comprises a central portion between
the top and bottom portions. In a preferred embodiment, both are
designed to be relatively narrow, i.e. in particular the holding
clamp protrudes laterally only slightly, since latching is not
provided according to the second aspect. In this regard, the
holding clamp may be dimensioned such that it protrudes
perpendicularly to the main plane of the separator on each side by
no more than 150%, preferably no more than R00%, of the material
thickness in the central portion of the separator. A narrow design
of the separator in the area of the holding clamp leaves more space
for the installation and maintenance of the guided lines.
[0036] In one embodiment, each of the retaining extensions has two
tooth projections for positive engagement in two successive tooth
spaces of the transverse web. Preferably, the end region of the
retaining extensions is U-shaped in cross-section.
[0037] The invention further relates, according to a third
independent aspect, also to a compartment bottom for a chain link
of an energy guiding chain, wherein the chain link comprises two
side plates spaced apart from each other and interconnected by two
transverse webs and at least one separator arranged between the
transverse webs and having at least one through-opening. The
through-opening may have a latching cam on one side for latching
the compartment bottom. The compartment bottom is plate-like and
elongated in shape and matches the outline of the through-opening
in cross-section. The compartment bottom has, on a long narrow
side, a toothing for cooperating with the latching cam of the
through-opening in order to secure the compartment bottom against
displacement in the longitudinal direction of the compartment
bottom.
[0038] The compartment bottom according to the invention is
characterized in that on the opposite other long narrow side it has
a recess, in particular a groove, which is continuously toothless
in the longitudinal direction and in which the latching cam can be
accommodated in a longitudinally displaceable manner, so that the
compartment bottom can be inserted by a 180.degree. rotation either
in a longitudinally displaceable manner or with a latching effect
with respect to the longitudinal direction of the compartment
bottom. In particular, the groove is designed to be planar on the
inside, i.e. all inner walls of the groove have a planar surface
without teeth or other projections.
[0039] According to a fourth independent aspect, the invention also
relates to a further development of known transverse webs to the
effect that they hold tie guided lines more gently in the receiving
space. Generic transverse webs are intended for chain links of
energy guiding chains, which have two side plates spaced apart from
each other. In this case, the transverse web has an elongated main
body made of plastic and a fastening area at each of its
longitudinal ends for fastening to one of the side plates in order
to define the receiving space for lines. According to the fourth
independent aspect of the invention, it is proposed that on the
inner side of the main body, which is intended to face the
receiving space, a line-protecting layer of a second plastic is
provided, which is selected to be different from tie plastic of the
main body at least with respect to the composition, but in
particular with respect to the base material, e.g. the selected
base polymer. This second plastic may, for example, be a different
thermoplastic and be based on a different polymer than the first
plastic of the transverse web. While the main body may be made of
typical polyamide, which may be reinforced or have additives, the
additional line-protecting layer may be made of a polyethylene or a
polypropylene or the like. In particular, the second plastic can
have a different hardness and/or stiffness than the first plastic,
so that an abrasion-reducing effect is achieved to protect the
guided lines. Optionally, it may be more soft-elastic or,
preferably, harder than the first plastic. In addition, the
line-protecting layer can form an edge protector which covers and
defuses interfering edges of the main body.
[0040] Such a transverse web can be produced, for example, using
suitable two-component (2K) injection molding technology, or, for
example, by subsequently extrusion-coating the second plastic onto
a separately produced main body.
[0041] For the most complete possible protection of the lines, one
exemplary embodiment provides for the line-protecting layer to
extend continuously in the longitudinal direction between the
longitudinal ends or fastening areas and in the width direction
from one narrow side to the other narrow side, thus covering the
inside of the main body essentially completely. The material
thickness of the additional line-protecting layer can be
significantly less than that of the main body, which forms the
actual structural component.
[0042] The invention also relates to a chain link for an energy
guiding chain, comprising two side plates which are connected to
one another by transverse webs and can be pivotably connected to
side plates of further chain links in a longitudinal direction,
wherein the chain link comprises at least one separator according
to one of the embodiments described above and/or at least one
transverse web according to one of the embodiments described above
and/or a compartment bottom of one of the embodiments described
above.
[0043] The invention also relates to an energy guiding chain for
dynamically guiding lines, such as cables and/or hoses, comprising
at least one such chain link.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] Further details, features and advantages of the invention
can be found in the following, more detailed description of
preferred exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying figures.
These show purely by way of example:
[0045] FIG. 1: shows a cross-section of a chain link of a purely
exemplary energy guiding chain equipped with lines and an internal
separation;
[0046] FIGS. 2A-2B: show an exemplary embodiment of a separator
according to the invention in a side view (FIG. 2A) of the
assembled state, and in a longitudinal section parallel to the main
plane of the separator (FIG. 2B);
[0047] FIGS. 3A-3B: show a partial view of a chain link according
to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in perspective (FIG.
3A) and in cross-section through the main plane of the compartment
bottom (FIG. 3B);
[0048] FIG. 4: shows another exemplary embodiment of a separator
and transverse web according to the invention in partial view from
below;
[0049] FIG. 5: shows a further exemplary embodiment of a separator
according to the invention in a side view; and
[0050] FIG. 6: shows another exemplary embodiment of a transverse
web or opening transverse web according to the invention in front
view of a narrow side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates, in cross-section perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction of an energy guiding chain 1 through a chain
link 10, an exemplary internal structure of the energy guiding
chain 1 for actively guiding lines, such as cables 17 and hoses 16.
The energy guiding chain 1 is composed of a plurality of chain
links 10 pivotably connected to one another in the direction
perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1. The chain links 10 in this
case also consist of individual parts and have at least two side
plates 11. The chain links 10 also consist here of individual parts
and have at least two side plates 11. In the case of each or, for
example, every second chain link 10, the side plates 11 are firmly
connected by two parallel, identical transverse webs 12 to form a
stable framework and are kept at a distance in the transverse
direction of the energy guiding chain 1 and parallel. For this
purpose, the transverse webs 12 are detachably fastened to the side
plates 11 by means of end-side fastening areas, for example by
means of clamping receptacles on horns (not shown) of the side
plates 11. The side plates 11 and transverse webs 12 delimit a
receiving space 14 for the lines 16, 17. The structure of an energy
guiding chain 1 is known and can be arbitrary, e.g. with cranked
side plates or alternating inner and outer bars as side plates 11.
In particular, two-piece chain links are also possible, in which
the two side plates 11 and one transverse web 12 are manufactured
from one piece, i.e. in one piece, and only the other transverse
web 12 is detachable (not shown).
[0052] For internal partitioning, it is known, as shown by way of
example in FIG. 1, to provide horizontal compartment bottoms 18 for
dividing the height H of the receiving space 14 and vertical
separators 20 for dividing the width B of the receiving space 14.
The separators 20 have two end regions in the direction of the
height H, a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24, and can be
fastened at least at one of the end regions, for example at the
bottom portion 24, to the narrow sides 23 of the transverse webs 12
at a selectable position in the direction of the width B of the
receiving space 14 or in the direction of the length of the
transverse web 12, for example by a latching connection. In any
case, the transverse webs 12 are secured in the longitudinal
direction of the energy guiding chain 1 or in the direction of the
width of the transverse web. The compartment bottoms 18 are each
provided in horizontally continuous through-openings 32 (as can be
seen in FIGS. 2A-2B), which are provided on the separators 20 in
accordance with a predetermined grid and are to be mounted in
selectable steps of height H. FIG. 1 here shows insertable shelves
as compartment bottoms 18 which are almost completely continuous
over the width B. Shorter shelves which divide only part of the
width B are also possible. The separators 20 are of plate-like or
flat design and extend with their main plane or longitudinal
direction parallel to the side plates 11. The compartment bottoms
18 are also of plate-like design and extend parallel to the
transverse webs 12. For each chain link 10 with transverse webs 12,
a similar internal division of the receiving space 14 should be
made for the benefit of the lines 16, 17. Separators 20 and
compartment bottoms 18 should thus be provided at regular intervals
and in identical arrangement on every n.sup.th chain link 10, in
order to divide the receiving space 14 into constant compartments
19 for the orderly and better protected guidance of the cables 16,
17. FIGS. 2A,B show an exemplary embodiment of a separator 20
according to the first aspect of the invention in side view in the
assembled state of the separator 20 (FIG. 2A), and in longitudinal
section of the assembled state (FIG. 2B). The separator 20 has a
top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24 each for connecting to a
transverse web. The separator 20 further comprises a first and a
second side bar 26, 28, and a central region 30 bounded by the top
portion 22, the bottom portion 24, the first side bar 26, and the
second side bar 28. The separator 20 has a plurality of
through-openings 32 in its central region 30, in this case, for
example, three through-openings 32 for accommodating compartment
bottoms 18. In FIG. 2B, for example, an accommodated compartment
bottom 18 is shown.
[0053] In FIGS. 2A-2B, the first side bar 26 is manufactured in one
piece with the top portion 22. The second side bar 28 is
manufactured, e.g. also as an injection molded part, in one piece
with the bottom portion 24 and the central region 30. The first
side bar 26 is connected to the bottom portion 24 by a hinge-like
articulated connection, which is formed as a pivot joint 40. For
this purpose, the bottom portion 24 has a bearing receptacle of the
pivot joint 40, and the bottom-portion-side end of the first side
bar 26 comprises the matching pivot pin. The separator 20 is
assembled from, in this example, two separately manufactured
components (Lop portion 22 with the first side bar 26 on the one
hand and bottom portion 24 with the second side bar 28 and the
central region 30 on the other hand) by inserting the pivot bolt
into the bearing receptacle, for example in the manner of a
latching connection. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the first side bar 26 is
pivotally mounted to the bottom portion 24 together with the top
portion 22. Here, the pivot axis of the pivot joint 40 extends
perpendicularly to the main plane of the separator 20 (plane shown
in FIG. 2B).
[0054] Each through-opening 32 has an elongated oval outline, with
main axis in the direction of the separator width, matching the
cross-section of the compartment bottoms 18. For simplified
mounting of a compartment bottom 18 transversely to its
longitudinal direction or in the longitudinal direction of the
chain, each through-opening 32 has its own respective insertion
opening 33 opening into it, which can be closed by the pivotable
first side plate 24 (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B).
[0055] The separator 20 can thus be opened or unfolded by pivoting
the first side bar 26 together with the top portion 22 in the main
plane. The separator 20 is thereby unfolded along the parting line
36. The parting line 36 extends here at the upper edge of the
central region 30 perpendicular to the height direction of the
separator 20, stating from the second side bar 28 and then
perpendicularly towards the bottom portion 24, and thereby
laterally through the end regions of the through-openings 32. In
the unfolded state of the separator 20, the through-openings 32 are
thus accessible through the associated insertion openings 33, i.e.
one can easily mount and dismount the compartment bottoms 18
through the insertion openings 33.
[0056] The separator 20 is secured and/or latched in the closed
state by positive locking. For this purpose, the top portion 22
has, among other things, a latching lug 222 and the second side bar
28 has, at its top portion end, a latching notch 282 that matches
the latching lug 222, wherein the latching lug 222 is configured to
engage the latching notch 282. Thus, the top portion 22 and the
second side bar 28 can latch into each other. The separator 20
includes a number of other form-fitting means with which it is
reinforced when assembled. For example, a top-portion-side end of
the central region 30 has a thin projection 302 extending in a
height direction of the separator 20, with a smaller material
thickness than the body of the central region 30. The top portion
22 forms a recess 224 between its broad sides, and the projection
302 is accommodated in the recess 224 when the separator 20 is
assembled and stabilizes the two-part separator 20 transversely of
its main plane in the manner of a tongue-and-groove joint.
[0057] The central region 30 further includes similarly thin
tongues 304 extending in the direction of the separator width. The
first side bar 26 has matching pockets 262 for receiving the
tongues 304, and when the tongues 304 are accommodated therein in
the assembled state of the separator 20, this further stabilizes
the separator 20.
[0058] Furthermore, each through-opening 32 comprises a latching
cam 38 for latching a compartment bottom 18 (according to the third
aspect). The latching cam 38 is formed as a projection on the major
axis of the through-opening 32 relative to the insertion opening
33.
[0059] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the top and bottom
portions 22, 24 are identically configured for attachment to the
transverse webs 12. They each have a holding clamp 34 that engages
the narrow sides 23 of the transverse web 12 so that the separator
20 is secured in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web
12.
[0060] FIGS. 3A-3B show, particularly according to the second
aspect, another exemplary embodiment of the separator 320
comprising a top portion 322, a bottom portion 324 and a central
portion 360 between the top and bottom portions 322, 324. Here, the
holding clamps 334 on the top and bottom portions 322, 324 are
configured identically to each other. As FIG. 3A shows, the
separator 320 is inserted between two identical transverse webs
312, with the holding clamps 334 holding on the narrow sides 323 of
the transverse webs.
[0061] Each transverse web 312 is elongated and plate-like in
design and has a tooth strip or strip-like row of teeth 340 on each
of its two longer narrow sides 323, which are designed to form a
positive connection with the separators 320 which are designed in a
complementary manner.
[0062] As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer contour of each of the
narrow sides 323 forms a row of teeth 340 with teeth 341 projecting
outwardly in the widthwise direction of the transverse web 312 and
spaced apart by tooth gaps 342. A plurality of identically shaped
teeth 341 and tooth gaps 342 are provided alternately and uniformly
distributed along a major portion of the longitudinal extension of
the narrow sides 323. The teeth 341 and tooth gaps 342 each have a
rounded profile on the face side. Each tooth 341 has a dimension in
the height direction of the transverse web 312 that is greater than
its dimension in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web
312, and is, for example, 7 mm. This dimension of the tooth 341 in
the height direction of the transverse web 312 is also larger than
the dimension of the tooth in the width direction of the transverse
web 312. Thus, a smooth-running and at the same time tilt-resistant
plug-in connection is achieved.
[0063] The holding clamp 334 has two opposing retaining extensions
350 in the direction of the separator width, which are designed to
be complementary to the rows of teeth 340 for retention on the
narrow sides 323 of a transverse web 312. The distance between the
retaining extensions 350 of a holding clamp 334 corresponds to the
width of the transverse web 312. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, the retaining extensions 350 each have a pair of tooth
projections 351. The tooth projections 351 are designed for
positive insertion into the tooth strip or row of teeth 340, in
this case into two successive tooth gaps 342 in each case. The end
region of the retaining extension 350 is here, for example,
U-shaped in cross-section.
[0064] The dimension of the tooth projections 351 in the direction
of the separator width corresponds to the depth of the tooth gaps
342. The dimension of the tooth projections 351 in the height
direction of the separator 320 is, for example, approximately 5 mm
in the illustrated exemplary embodiment.
[0065] The top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324, in
particular their holding clamp 334, can be designed in a very
narrow manner thanks to the proposed plug-in connection and
protrude, for example, perpendicularly to the main plane of the
separator 320. i.e. in the direction of the separator thickness, on
each side by only about 25% of the material thickness in the
central portion 360 of the separator 320.
[0066] FIGS. 3A-3B further show a compartment bottom 318, which is
of plate-like design and formed in cross-section to match the
through-opening 32. On one of its long narrow sides 317, the
compartment bottom 318 has a toothing 327 for cooperating with the
latching cam 38 of the through-opening 32. On the opposite long
narrow side 319, a recess free of toothing throughout in the
longitudinal direction is provided, for example, a groove 329 with
the same cross-section throughout. Depending on the orientation of
the compartment bottom, the latching cam 38 of the separator 320
may be received in the groove 329 in a longitudinally displaceable
manner or may be locked by means of tie toothing 327 (as shown in
FIG. 3B). Thus, the compartment bottom 318 may optionally be
inserted into the through-opening 32 in the reverse orientation so
that the latching cam 38 does not provide a locking action due to
the groove 329 passing therethrough. In this case, the compartment
bottom 318 can be moved perpendicularly to the main plane of the
separator 320.
[0067] FIG. 5 shows a separator 520 according to another exemplary
embodiment, without through-openings for compartment bottoms. The
separator 520 has a holding clamp 534 at each of its top and bottom
portions 522, 524 for retaining on a transverse web 312 by means of
retaining extensions 550. The retaining extensions 550 each have
tooth projections 551 at the ends for positive engagement in a row
of teeth 340. The separator 520 can be placed vertically on a
suitable transverse web, for example according to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and
4, and released therefrom without tools and in a time-saving
manner. The design of the tooth projections 551 corresponds to FIG.
4.
[0068] FIG. 6 shows, in side view of the narrow sides, a further
development of the transverse web 612 of FIGS. 3A-3B which also has
the two tooth strips for a separator 320. In the case of the
transverse web 612, the elongated main body 625, like the
transverse web 312, is made of a first plastic material, e.g. a
reinforced polyamide, to provide robust fastening regions 661A,
661B at each of its longitudinal ends, by means of which the
transverse web 612 is connected to the side plates 11. However, at
the inner side 662 of the main body 625 shown in FIG. 6 above,
which is intended to face the receiving space 14 (cf. FIG. 1), the
transverse web 612 comprises a line-protecting layer 665 made of a
second plastic material different from the plastic material of the
main body 625 and specifically selected to protect the lines. The
transverse web 612 may be manufactured, for example, as a 2K
injection-molded part. The line-protecting layer 665 covers the
entire surface of the main body 625 in the longitudinal direction
between the longitudinal ends and in the width direction from one
narrow side 623 to the other narrow side, so that only the toothing
on the end face projects outwardly (FIGS. 3A-3B).
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0069] FIG. 1: [0070] 1 Energy guiding chain [0071] 2 Chain link
[0072] 11 Side plate [0073] 12 Transverse web [0074] 14 Receiving
space [0075] 16 Hoses [0076] 17 Cables [0077] 18 Compartment bottom
[0078] 19 Compartments of the receiving space [0079] 20 Separator
[0080] 22 Top portion of the separator [0081] 23 Narrow side of the
transverse web [0082] 24 Bottom portion of the separator [0083] H
Height of the receiving space [0084] B Width of the receiving
space
[0085] FIGS. 2A, B: [0086] Separator [0087] 22 Top portion [0088]
222 Latching lug [0089] 224 Recess [0090] 24 Bottom portion [0091]
26 First side bar [0092] 262 Pockets [0093] 28 Second side bar
[0094] 282 Latching notch [0095] 30 Central region [0096] 302
Projection [0097] 304 Tongues [0098] 32 Through-opening [0099] 33
Insertion opening [0100] 34 Holding clamp [0101] 36 Parting line
[0102] 38 Latching cams [0103] Pivot joint
[0104] FIGS. 3A, B: [0105] 312 Transverse web [0106] 317, 319 Long
narrow sides of the compartment bottom [0107] 318 Compartment
bottom [0108] 320 Separator [0109] 322 Top portion of the separator
[0110] 323 Narrow side of the transverse web [0111] 324 Bottom
portion of the separator [0112] 327 Toothing on the compartment
bottom [0113] 329 Groove on compartment bottom [0114] 334 Holding
clamp [0115] 340 Row of teeth [0116] 350 Retaining extension [0117]
351 Tooth projection [0118] 360 Central portion of the
separator
[0119] FIG. 4: [0120] 341 Tooth [0121] 342 Tooth gap
[0122] FIG. 5: [0123] 520 Separator [0124] 522 Top portion [0125]
524 Bottom portion [0126] 534 Holding clamp [0127] 550 Retaining
extension [0128] 551 Tooth projection [0129] 560 Central
portion
[0130] FIG. 6: [0131] 612 Transverse web [0132] 623 Narrow side
[0133] 625 Main body [0134] 665 Protective layer [0135] 661A, 661B
Fastening region
* * * * *