Energy guide chain

Abstract

This invention relates to an energy guiding chain having a plurality of links articulated together to guide wiring between two connection points. Opposite plates and crossbars of the links form a receiving space for at least one wiring connection. The energy guiding chain is configurable and displaceable to form a lower groove, an upper groove, and a deflection area connecting the grooves by placing the upper groove on the lower groove. The links of the lower groove and / or the upper groove are equipped with, or can be equipped with, additional members, such as sliding elements, on their sides facing the other groove. The chain has an end fastening portion with a connecting fastening member for fastening the end fastening portion to a connection point; or using the end fastening portion to fasten to a stationary connection point. According to the invention, at least one wedge-shaped ramp element having a narrow end and a wide end spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain is disposed on the end fastening portion of the lower slide on the side facing the upper slide. The wedge-shaped ramp element is configured or can be configured on the end fastening portion, the longitudinal direction of which is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the ramp element gradually tapers in the fastening configuration on the chain in a direction away from the deflection zone, and the top of the ramp element facing the upper slide forms a ramp surface for the upper slide.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding wiring according to the preamble of claim 1. This invention also relates to an end fastening portion for an energy guiding chain according to claim 13 and a guiding channel having an energy guiding chain according to claim 14. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Energy guiding chains configured to form a lower run, an upper run, and a deflection zone connecting these runs are widely used and, in many applications, have a considerable length of several meters or even tens of meters. In the case of longer chains, the energy guiding chain typically moves together with the upper run, which is placed on the lower run, causing the upper run to slide on the lower run. The energy guiding chain is primarily configured in a guide channel that laterally guides the energy guiding chain during its displacement movement to prevent the upper run from sliding out of the lower run. A rail is configured on the guide channel and supports the upper run when its displacement exceeds the end region of the lower run, such that the length of the upper run is greater than the length of the lower run. The slide rail is fixed to the guide channel at a height where its top or sliding surface is aligned with the top of the lower slide rail, so that the upper slide rail does not experience any height shift when it moves from the lower slide rail onto the slide rail. This is essential for the uniform displacement of the chain. This guide channel is described, for example, in DE 195 12 105 C1.

[0003] Specifically, in the case of longer power guide chains, such power guide chains are typically used with sliding elements, for example, in the form of sliders or tracks, which are disposed between upper and lower tracks and protrude beyond the chain link sideplates to the opposing tracks. The sliding elements are typically disposed on the upper narrow side of a chain link, which is configured to face another track or disposed on top of a crossbar. In this case, the sliding elements serve as noise damping and / or wear protection, wherein the upper and lower tracks abut against each other during chain displacement. The sliding elements may be formed as a single piece on the power guide chain, for example according to WO 2007 / 121716 A1 or DE 196 47 322 A1, or detachably fastened to the chain, for example according to EP 415029 A1 or EP 456537 A1.

[0004] Sometimes it is necessary to modify the guided energy guide chain in the guide channel and subsequently provide such sliding elements to the energy guide chain in order to take advantage of these sliding elements. Sometimes, an energy guide chain without any such sliding elements is replaced by another energy guide chain with a link plate of the same height and therefore usually with the same height for receiving space for wiring, which does have such sliding elements to take advantage of them. However, this means that the link with such sliding elements has a greater structural height than other links of the same construction without such sliding elements. This itself will also require repositioning the slide rail in the height direction of the guide channel to suit the greater structural height of the chain with sliding elements, so that the slide rail is again configured to align with or be at the same height as the top of the chain equipped with sliding elements. However, this then requires additional installation or modification work, which can be quite considerable in the case of a longer guide channel. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy guiding chain or a guiding channel having such an energy guiding chain, wherein if the energy guiding chain is subsequently provided with additional components (such as, in particular, sliding elements) or an energy guiding chain without additional components (such as, in particular, sliding elements) is replaced with an energy guiding chain having additional components (such as, in particular, sliding elements), while providing the same chain link plate height, the modification work is reduced.

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the energy guiding chain according to claim 1, the end fastening portion according to claim 13, and the guiding channel having the energy guiding chain according to claim 14.

[0007] According to the present invention, the energy guiding chain is configured such that the end fastening portion of the lower chute has at least one wedge-shaped ramp element on its side facing the upper chute, the wedge-shaped ramp element having a narrow end and a wide end, wherein the narrow end and the wide end are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain (i.e., also in the longitudinal direction of the ramp element). The ramp element is configured or can be configured on the end fastening portion, the longitudinal direction of which is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the ramp element gradually tapers away from the deflection zone in the fastening configuration on the chain, and the top of the ramp element facing the upper chute forms a ramp slope for the upper chute.

[0008] In the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, the wide end of the wedge-shaped ramp element (also commonly referred to as a "ramp element") is configured to face the deflection zone of the energy guiding chain (also commonly referred to as a "chain"), and the narrow end of the ramp element is configured at the end of the ramp element away from the deflection zone of the chain. By configuring the ramp element, a ramp slope for the upper slide groove is formed in the transition zone between the top of the upper slide groove supporting the slide rail and forming its sliding surface and the top of the lower slide groove where the hinge element is provided, formed by the sliding surface of the sliding element. This ramp slope at least partially or preferably completely compensates for the height misalignment between the top of the slide rail and the top of the lower slide groove.

[0009] The additional member that increases the structural height of the plate is preferably at least one sliding element, with reference to which the invention is explained. However, the additional member can also be configured in different ways. The invention has been described with reference to a particularly preferred sliding element as an additional member, but generally, the term "additional member" can be used instead of "sliding element" when the additional member is modified to increase the structural height of the chain links.

[0010] As the upper slide advances (i.e., when the upper slide advances beyond the lower slide and then continues on the slide rail) or as the upper slide retracts (when the length of the upper slide protruding from the lower slide shortens), the ramp surface thus better continuously compensates for the height misalignment between the slide rail and the top of the sliding element. The bottom of the upper slide or its sliding element then slides on the top of the ramp element (which thus also acts as a sliding surface) during chain displacement. The slide rail can therefore be retained in its mounting configuration, wherein the top of the slide rail is at least substantially positioned at the height of the narrow side of the chain link plate of the lower slide, as is technically applicable to chains without additional sliding elements. Therefore, modification of the slide rail to accommodate the larger structural height of the chain links with slide rails is not necessary. By configuring a ramp, the following risk is reduced or eliminated: when the upper slide extends over the transition zone between the end area of ​​the slide rail and the first link of the lower slide rail, which is provided with at least one sliding element, the links of the upper slide rail may hook or jam onto or demarcate the sliding element (particularly the end face) of the links of the lower slide rail. This would impair the uniform displacement of the chain, especially when the upper slide rail retracts. Even without modifying or readjusting the mounting height of the slide rail on the guide channel, very uniform displacement of the chain can be ensured during retraction and, in fact, during the advance of the upper slide rail. Furthermore, the ramp element reduces wear on the sliding element and also reduces wear on the slide rail, particularly at the end area of ​​the slide rail, which is configured to face the end fastening portion of the lower slide rail. This is also the case when the upper slide rail advances, as the links of the upper slide rail move uncontrollably vertically due to height deviation in the designated transition zone without support. Furthermore, in each case, compared to the corresponding configuration of the chain and the guide channel without the ramp element according to the invention, the configuration of at least one ramp element also protects the hinge element of the chain and thus improves its service life and results in low noise emission. Preferably, a sliding element is also provided at the bottom of the upper groove. Preferably, at least one sliding element is provided on each link of the chain.

[0011] Referring to "end fastening portion", unless otherwise suggested in the context, this refers to the end fastening portion of the lower slide.

[0012] The ramp surface at the wide end of the wedge-shaped ramp element is preferably, at least substantially or precisely, positioned at the height of the sliding surface of the adjacent sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the chain in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain. In this way, there is only a slight height offset or preferably no height offset between the ramp surface of the ramp element and the sliding surface of the sliding element, resulting in particularly quiet and uniform displacement of the energy guiding chain, especially in the transition zone between the chain and the slide rail. This allows for a particularly smooth acquisition of the advantages according to the invention.

[0013] Preferably, the ramp surface of the ramp element is configured as a plane, on which the upper slide extends and stops during the displacement movement of the chain. This plane is preferably oriented parallel to the hinge axis, about which the chain links can pivot relative to each other. This results in particularly uniform displacement movement of the chain, especially even at high displacement velocities. In this way, during chain displacement, the force component on the upper slide portion extending on the ramp surface is also prevented in the vertical direction. "Vertical direction" here corresponds to the configuration direction of the upper and lower slides stacked on top of each other. Optionally, the top or sliding surface of the ramp element may also have a specific curvature, but this should not be too obvious, as this can cause the upper slide to stand upright when it retracts relative to the lower slide.

[0014] In the mounting configuration of the ramp element on the end fastening portion, the ramp surface that can be extended at the bottom of the upper slide groove preferably has a slope, preferably a uniform or constant slope, so as to be able to bridge the height offset.

[0015] The tapered region of the ramp element is generally preferably constructed such that the cone shape is formed by reducing the cross-section of the ramp element, specifically by reducing the cross-sectional height of the ramp element or, more precisely, by reducing the material height of the ramp element. The height extension direction of the ramp element here corresponds to the height extension direction of the end fastening portion and / or the guide channel.

[0016] The conical region of the ramp element preferably tapers gradually and continuously, that is, it does not have a raised portion disposed in the region of the ramp slope. The conical region of the ramp element preferably tapers gradually with a constant slope within the longitudinal range of the ramp slope.

[0017] The tapered area of ​​the ramp element may at least partially or completely form the ramp slope area of ​​the ramp element, especially in the mounting configuration of the ramp element on the end fastening portion, and particularly preferably includes the configuration of the ramp element on individual slide rails.

[0018] The tapered region or ramp of the ramp element preferably extends more than ≥ 5 to 10% or ≥ 15 to 20% of the length of the ramp element, particularly preferably ≥ 25 to 35% or ≥ 50 to 75% or optionally up to 100%. This provides a particularly gentle ramp that allows the upper slide of the chain to pass over the ramp element or from the slide rail to the lower slide of the chain in a particularly uniform and trouble-free manner.

[0019] Optionally, the wide end of the ramp element may also have a specific portion with a horizontally extending top (i.e., extending parallel to the slide rail), however, preferably, this specific portion has only a slight length in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This horizontal portion is preferably configured to align with the sliding surface of the hinge element of the lower slide rail. This horizontal portion may extend in the mounting configuration of the ramp element by ≥ 5 to 10% or ≥ 15 to 20% or ≥ 25 to 50% of the length of the ramp element, or optionally more and / or more than ≤ 50 to 75% or ≤ 25 to 35%. The fastening members of the ramp element for securing it to the end fastening portion of the energy guiding chain can thus be stably configured on the ramp element, preferably on its horizontal portion, and the ramp surface may have a relatively large longitudinal range, which has proven particularly effective for the use of the ramp element.

[0020] Optionally, the wide end of the ramp element may also have a specific portion with a flat and / or horizontally extending bottom (i.e., extending parallel to the narrow side of the slide rail and / or end fastening portion), however, this portion preferably has only a slight length in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This horizontal portion is preferably placeable, or, in the mounting configuration of the ramp element, flatly placed on the narrow side of the end fastening portion, particularly preferably above a portion or the entire length of the overlapping area of ​​the narrow side of the end fastening portion and the ramp element. The bottom of the ramp element is preferably flat in the unmounted state and / or mounted configuration of the ramp element. This flat and / or horizontal portion of the bottom of the ramp element may extend in the mounted configuration of the ramp element by ≥ 5 to 10% or ≥ 15 to 20% or ≥ 25 to 50% of the length of the ramp element, or optionally more and / or more than ≤ 50 to 75% or ≤ 25 to 35%. This ensures that the ramp element is stably supported on the end fastener.

[0021] The indication "≥ 5% to 10%" or generally "≥ x% to y%" (in each case, "x" or "y" is a specified number) should generally be regarded as meaning "within the range of 5% to 10% or ≥ 10%" or "within the range of x% to y% or ≥ y%" for the purposes of this invention. This also applies, with the necessary modifications, to the indication "≤ x% to y%", thereby meaning "within the range of x% to y% or ≤ x%.

[0022] Preferably, in terms of the distance from the moving end and / or connection point to the lower slide, the moving end and / or connection point of the end fastening portion of the upper slide is installed in a height-adjustable or floating manner, so that the different structural heights of the links relative to links without sliding elements can be compensated by additionally provided sliding elements.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the narrow end of the ramp element protrudes from the free end of the end fastening portion of the lower slide in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain. The free end of the end fastening portion is generally the end of the end fastening portion away from the deflection portion of the chain. The area of ​​the narrow end of the ramp element protruding from the end fastening portion at least partially or completely bridging any gap between the end fastening portion and the slide rail of the guide channel adjacent to the end fastening portion. Specifically, the narrow end of the ramp element can also be configured to be in line with the slide rail, wherein the bottom of the ramp element preferably abuts against the top of the slide rail. Due to this at least partial or complete gap bridging, a particularly uniform displacement of the chain is achieved in the transition zone between the lower slide end or end fastening portion (on the one hand) and the slide rail (on the other hand). Furthermore, the ramp surface of the ramp element can thus have a relatively large length, so the ramp surface can extend in a relatively gentle manner or have only a gentle slope. This improves the smoothness of the chain as it crosses the transition zone, thus reducing noise generation during chain displacement and increasing chain lifespan.

[0024] The straight connecting line of the ramp surface relative to the narrow side of the plate of the lower chute and / or the bottom of the ramp element in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain preferably has an angle of ≤ 20° or ≤ 15° or ≤ 10°, and specifically, also has an angle of ≤ 5° or ≤ 3° or ≤ 2°.

[0025] The height of the ramp element at the free narrow end may be ≤ 40% or ≤ 30% of the height of the ramp element at the wide end, preferably ≤ 20% or ≤ 10%, or about 5%.

[0026] In the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, the bottom of the ramp element preferably has a flat configuration.

[0027] The ramp element is preferably disposed on the side portion of the end fastening portion. The bottom of the ramp element preferably rests flat against the side portion of the end fastening portion, thereby stabilizing the position of the end fastening portion. The bottom of the ramp element is here the side portion of the ramp element opposite to the ramp surface, and a certain angle is formed between the bottom and the ramp surface, thereby forming a wedge.

[0028] The ramp element is preferably disposed on the two side portions of the upper-facing groove of the end fastening portion in each case. Optionally, only one ramp element may be provided, which preferably extends above the two side portions of the end fastening portion and spans the end fastening portion.

[0029] For the purposes of this invention, the side portions of the end fastening portion are generally configured preferably parallel to the side plate of the lower slide and preferably coupled to the side portions of the chain links adjacent to the lower slide of the end fastening portion, and fastened to these side portions in the longitudinal direction of the chain in a way that absorbs tension. The side portions of the end fastening portion are preferably hingedly coupled to the side plate of the chain end link of the lower slide. The phrase "chain or lower slide end link" generally refers to a chain link directly coupled to the end fastening portion of the chain and preferably connected to it hingedly. The chain thus has two chain end links corresponding to the two end regions of the chain.

[0030] The ramp element is preferably disposed in an extension of the sliding surface of the sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This provides a linear, continuous, and preferably straight, extended surface of the lower groove of the ramp element in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which supports the upper groove as it is displaced in the transition zone between the guide rail and the lower groove. The guide rail disposed on the guide channel is preferably disposed in an extension of the contact surface of the lower groove and the ramp element for the upper groove. The arrangement of the ramp element on a specified side surface or side plate additionally provides maximum and therefore stable support for the upper groove.

[0031] The side portions of the end fastening portion may have a frame-like configuration or have frame-like sections, wherein the frame may be closed on the side away from or preferably facing the receiving space of the wiring. The side portions of the end fastening portion are preferably connected together by crossbeams, which stabilize the end fastening portion and can serve as spacers between the side portions. The end fastening portion may also have crossbeams for holding strain relief elements for wiring guided by the chain. At least one crossbeam may be configured in each case on the side of the end fastening portion facing the upper groove and / or away from the upper groove. One or more crossbeams of the end fastening portion may optionally be connected to the side portions of the end fastening portion as a single piece or detachably. The crossbeams of the end fastening portion are preferably configured as crossbars parallel to the chain links. Needless to say, at least one or more crossbeams of the end fastening portion may also have a plate-like configuration. The ramp element is preferably disposed on the two side portions of the end fastening portion in each case, and optionally a ramp element that connects the two side portions of the end fastening portion together may also be provided.

[0032] The ramp element is preferably fastened or fastened to the end fastening portion of the lower chute. This achieves a compact embodiment, and the energy guide chain can be directly retrofitted by subsequent configuration of the ramp element.

[0033] The ramp element is preferably detachably fastened or can be detachably fastened to the end fastening portion. This makes it particularly easy to modify a chain with at least one or more ramp elements if the chain is modified with a sliding element or if a chain without a sliding element is replaced with a chain with a sliding element.

[0034] The ramp element is particularly preferably disposed on or fastened to the end fastening portion of the lower slide, especially detachably fastened to the end fastening portion of the lower slide. The ramp element is thus disposed close to the end of the slide rail facing the end fastening portion. The narrow end of the ramp element can thus be disposed relatively close to the fastening area of ​​the ramp element and the end fastening portion, thus forming a stable embodiment. The force acting on the ramp element during the displacement of the upper slide can thus be particularly advantageously absorbed by the fastening area of ​​the ramp element and the end fastening portion. Furthermore, the arrangement of the ramp element on the end fastening portion ensures a particularly uniform transition between the chain end link of the lower slide and the slide rail, thus resulting in a particularly uniform displacement movement of the chain when the upper slide transitions from the sliding element of the lower slide to the slide rail or, after necessary modification, transitions in the opposite direction. Furthermore, securing the ramp element to the end fastener is particularly advantageous because the end fastener is statically and preferably immutably fixed in position to the connection point, such as, for example, a support structure or a building floor. Additionally, the guide channel is typically statically secured to the foundation or support structure, which in each case is preferably statically configured. This allows the ramp element to be configured or secured to the end fastener particularly simply and durablely, because the connecting element and its fastening area are therefore exposed to particularly little mechanical stress, such as vibration or other alternating loads, during chain displacement. Forces acting on the ramp element during chain displacement can therefore be particularly easily absorbed and transferred to the foundation or support structure via the end fastener.

[0035] The end fastening portion preferably has a plurality of connection point fastening areas for fastening it to the connection point, the end fastening portion being fastened to the connection point in a positionally fixed manner (especially preferably non-rotatable and / or non-displaceable) by means of the connection point fastening areas. A plurality of connection point fastening areas means that the end fastening portion can be spatially configured to fasten to various connection points. For example, end fastening portions of the same construction (the lower or upper slide groove can be fastened to individual connection points by means of this end fastening portion) can be provided at both ends of the chain. When the end fastening portion is fastened to the connection point, one of the connection point fastening areas is used for corresponding fastening, while the other connection point fastening areas remain unused for fastening the end fastening portion to the connection point. For example, the connection point fastening areas can be provided on the upper narrow side and / or the lower narrow side and / or on the end face of the end fastening portion facing the slide rail, wherein the narrow side of the end fastening portion corresponds to the narrow side of the chain link plate. According to the invention, the ramp element is preferably configured such that it is fastened to the connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening portion, or configured for fastening to the connection point fastening area, preferably to its narrow side. This is particularly applicable to the fastening element of the ramp element. The fastening area of ​​the ramp element or the element is preferably configured to correspond to the connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening portion.

[0036] The fastening element of the ramp element, which can be fixed to the connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening portion, is preferably configured with shape-locking and / or force-locking members, preferably as clamping and / or latching members. This provides a particularly simple structural embodiment and makes it particularly easy and quick to modify the energy guiding chain or the system of energy guiding chain and guiding channel. The fastening element of the ramp element is preferably formed as a single piece thereon, thus facilitating the mounting of the ramp element on the chain.

[0037] The fastening element of the ramp element preferably corresponds to the fastening element in the fastening area of ​​the connection point of the end fastening portion, by means of which the ramp element can be fixed to the connection point. This greatly facilitates the modification of the chain with at least one ramp element. Therefore, no additional device is needed for fastening the ramp element to the chain. The fastening element for fixing the ramp element to the chain is preferably disposed on the bottom of the ramp element. This simplifies the installation of the ramp element.

[0038] The ramp element may optionally, less preferably, also be fastened to the crossbeam of the end fastening portion.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the ramp element has an elastically deformable structure, wherein, in the uninstalled state, the ramp element preferably has an arcuate structure. When viewed from the bottom, the ramp element preferably has a concave structure. When the ramp element is positioned on the chain or fastened to the chain, the bottom of the ramp element preferably has at least a substantially straight structure, so that the narrow end of the ramp element can be prestressed against the slide rail. This avoids vibration or oscillation of the ramp element as it extends onto or away from the upper slide rail, thus ensuring particularly reliable operation of the energy guide chain modified with the ramp element or the chain and guide channel system.

[0040] According to another preferred embodiment, the ramp element has a construction that is at least substantially rigid. This reduces or avoids vibration of the ramp element or rebound of the ramp element as the upper chute extends onto or is guided away from the ramp element.

[0041] The ramp surface or the entire ramp element is preferably made of a material with low sliding friction and / or improved wear resistance. This increases the smoothness of the chain's travel during its contact displacement with the ramp element and reduces wear.

[0042] The length of the ramp element is preferably greater than or equal to 0.125 times, 0.25 times, 0.5 times, or 0.75 times the length of the end fastening portion, and particularly preferably greater than or equal to the length of the end fastening portion. This relatively large length of the ramp element means that the ramp surface can have a particularly gentle slope, thus ensuring that the chain travels particularly smoothly when the upper chute extends upward from the slide rail above the ramp element to the lower chute or when it moves in the opposite direction. This allows for particularly smooth acquisition of the advantages according to the invention. The length of the ramp element is preferably greater than the distance between the leading edges of the immediately following sliding elements of the upper chute in the chain displacement direction, for example, greater than or equal to 1.15 times or greater than or equal to 1.25 times the distance, such that when a given sliding element slides out of the ramp element, the subsequent sliding element has already extended onto the ramp element, so that the ramp element is permanently pressed against the end fastener and / or the slide rail by the weight of the upper chute during its displacement, thus complicating or preventing accidental disassembly of the ramp element, especially even in the case of rapid chain displacement. The length of the ramp element can be less than or equal to twice the length of the end fastener, or less than or equal to 1.5 times or less than or equal to 1.25 times the length, thereby providing improved stability in its installation configuration, which is also related to the dynamic forces generated when the upper chute extends onto or away from the ramp element, which can otherwise cause unwanted vibrations at the narrow end of the ramp element.

[0043] Preferably, the narrow end of the ramp element is not provided with a fastening member for securing the ramp element to another component (such as, for example, a slide rail or a foundation).

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention includes an end fastening portion for an energy guiding chain or a chain according to the present invention for the preamble portion of claim 1, wherein at least one wedge-shaped ramp element is disposed on or fastened to the end fastening portion.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention includes a guide channel having an energy-guiding chain having a preamble according to claim 1 or substantially according to the present invention, particularly according to one of claims 1 to 12. The energy-guiding chain is laterally guided by the guide channel during its displacement movement to prevent the upper slide from slipping out of the lower slide and / or to ensure that the chain is displaced according to a predetermined direction by the guide channel, wherein the displacement path of the chain is generally straight, but not limited thereto; that is, the displacement path may also be, for example, arcuate. The guide channel has at least one rail extending in its longitudinal direction, on which the upper slide of the chain may be placed or positioned. Typically, at least one rail is disposed on each of two legs of the guide channel, which surround the chain on both sides and laterally guide the chain, preferably opposite each other on the two channel legs. When the upper slide advances beyond the end fastening area of ​​the lower slide, the rail supports the upper slide, thus the upper slide is longer than the lower slide. The top of the rail here supports the upper slide. The slide rail preferably extends laterally at least above the width of the chain link plate, and more preferably at least substantially above the width of the sliding element of the chain. The slide rail is preferably horizontally configured, but individual slide rails may optionally be configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal spatial direction. The slide rail preferably has a straight construction, particularly preferably in the free end region of the guide channel or throughout the entire longitudinal range of the individual slide rail, but the slide rail may optionally have an arcuate construction in its lateral and / or height range. Instead of two slide rails at two opposing legs of the guide channel, it is also possible to optionally provide only one slide rail, which extends at least substantially over the width inside the guide channel. The slide rail is preferably form-locked to the guide channel, for example by screw fastening or hook fastening. The slide rail is preferably statically fixed to the guide channel by fastening members.

[0046] The guide channel generally preferably has at least a substantially U-shaped configuration. The guide channel generally extends over the entire chain length, particularly with respect to the maximum displacement path of the upper slide in its two displacement directions, i.e., the maximum length of the upper slide or the maximum length of the lower slide.

[0047] The wedge-shaped ramp element is preferably disposed on the chain such that the ramp element at least partially or preferably completely bridging the gap between the end fastener and the slide rail, particularly disposed on the end fastener. The narrow end of the ramp element is preferably disposed here at least substantially aligned with the slide rail, such that the narrow end is disposed at the height of the top of the slide rail (i.e., the support surface for the upper slide groove). If there is a height mismatch between the slide rail and the chain due to the modification of the chain with the sliding element or due to the use of a chain with an additional sliding element, this greatly enhances the smooth running of the chain, reduces noise emission during chain displacement, and increases the service life of the chain.

[0048] The ramp element is preferably disposed on the chain, particularly on the end fastening portion, such that the ramp element covers the end area of ​​at least one slide rail or overlaps the slide rail at the top of the ramp element with the narrow end. The narrow end of the ramp element can loosely rest against the slide rail. The narrow end preferably rests against the slide rail or the top of the slide rail with a specific contact force in order to absorb the dynamic forces generated when the upper slide rail moves onto or down the ramp element. The contact force can be applied by the presence of an elastic ramp element that is concave from the bottom and has a small curvature at the bottom, or has a straight bottom in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, such that an elastic restoring force applies the contact force. The end area of ​​the ramp element preferably abuts against the slide rail without gaps.

[0049] In the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, the ramp element may extend above the slide rail by more than 0.1 times or more than 0.2 times its length, for example, about half or more of its length, so that the ramp surface of the ramp element has a very gentle slope, and thus the chain travels very smoothly even at increased displacement speeds.

[0050] In the mounting configuration of the ramp element on the end fastening portion, the ramp element is preferably placed against the slide rail, and the bottom of the ramp element facing the end fastening portion or the slide rail preferably extends horizontally relative to the spatial direction or in the straight extension and is aligned with the top of the narrow side of the end fastening portion.

[0051] For the purposes of this invention, a chain is generally preferred to have a connection point located at the center relative to the chain length, that is, a chain with a "center feeder". At the point of maximum displacement movement of the upper slide in the front-rear direction, the connection point and end fastening portion of the lower slide are therefore positioned at the center of the entire displacement path of the chain. The end area of ​​the slide rail is here adjacent to the end fastening portion of the lower slide, but there is usually a specific gap or distance between them.

Implementation Method

[0059] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate an embodiment of the energy guiding chain 1 with ramp element 10 according to the present invention and the arrangement of ramp element 10 in a guiding channel 50 with sliding element 55. The energy guiding chain 1 is shown here independently of the guiding channel 50. The end fastening portion 7 with ramp element 10 is also shown here independently of the chain 1 and / or the guiding channel 50.

[0060] The guide channel 50 is generally at least substantially U-shaped and has opposing legs 51. The guide channel preferably extends over the entire length of the chain in its opposite end displacement position and laterally guides the chain 1 or the upper groove 1b during the displacement movement of the chain. The guide channel is provided with rails 55 on the two opposing legs 51, each of the rails 55 supporting the upper groove extending thereon.

[0061] An energy guiding chain 1 for guiding wiring between two connection points (which are movable relative to each other, preferably longitudinally displaced relative to each other) has a plurality of links 2, which are hinged together and continue one another in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Each link 2 has opposing and laterally spaced plates 3, each plate 3 having an inner surface 3a and an outer surface, and each having two narrow sides 3c, 3d opposing each other with respect to the height of the plate. At least some (and in this case all) of the links 2 have at least one (in this case two) crossbars 4 connecting the plates 3 of the respective links together, wherein the opposing plates and crossbars form a receiving space 5 for at least one wiring. As shown in Figure 2, the chain 1 is configurable and displaceable to form a lower groove 1a, an upper groove 1b, and a deflection area 1c connecting the grooves by placing the upper groove on the lower groove. The links of the lower and / or upper slides (in this case, two slides) are equipped with, or may be equipped with, additional members 6 on their sides facing the other slide. In this case, the additional members 6 take the form of sliding elements. An exemplary embodiment is described with reference to a sliding element, which is also a particularly preferred embodiment, but the invention is not limited thereto. The chain has an end fastening portion 7 coupled to the end link 2a of the lower slide 1a of the chain. The chain has alternating inner and outer plates forming a series of plates, but the invention is not limited thereto. The end fastening portion 7 has a connecting fastening area 8 for fastening the end fastening portion 7 to a connection point. For this purpose, a fastening member such as a threaded bolt (not shown) can be used for fastening, or the fastening member can be used to fasten to a stationary connection point.

[0062] The sliding element 6 of the chain has a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction L of the chain. The sliding surface 6a of the sliding element 6 can be formed as a continuous sliding surface for the upper groove 1b in the longitudinal direction L of the chain.

[0063] The end fastening portion 7 of the lower slide 1a is provided with at least one wedge-shaped ramp element 10 on the side 7a facing the upper slide 1a, wherein the ramp element 10 has a narrow end 10a and a wide end 10b spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the chain. The ramp element 10 is configured or can be configured on the end fastening portion, the longitudinal direction of which is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the chain. In the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain 1, the ramp element 10 gradually tapers in the direction away from the deflection zone 1c. The top 10c of the ramp element 10 facing the upper slide 1b forms the ramp surface of the upper slide 1b and serves as the sliding surface of the upper slide 1b. The ramp surface or the entire ramp element is made of a material with low sliding friction and / or improved wear resistance.

[0064] The ramp surface here has an angle of approximately 2° with the straight line connecting the horizontal plane and therefore also with the narrow edge 3c of the lower chute plate. This angle also corresponds to the angle between the top 10c (i.e., the sliding surface) and the bottom 10d of the ramp element 10. The height of the ramp element at the free narrow end is here approximately 5% of the height of the ramp element at the wide end, so that the top serving as the ramp surface has a long and gentle slope, and facilitates the sliding of the upper chute onto the ramp element, thus ensuring particularly smooth acquisition of the advantages according to the invention, such as, for example, the smooth extension of the chain.

[0065] The width of the ramp element 10 at least substantially corresponds to the width of the slide rail 55 and / or the width of the sliding element or additional member 6 of the lower slide groove. However, the ramp element 10 may also extend at least substantially over the entire width of the end fastening portion and overlap and / or connect to the side portion 7a of the end fastening portion. This is advantageous for the modification of the energy guide chain, as only one ramp element needs to be modified to the end fastening portion 7.

[0066] In the fastening configuration of the ramp element 10 on the chain, the top 10c or its ramp surface is positioned at the height of the top of the additional member or at the height of the sliding surface 6a of the adjacent sliding element 6 in the longitudinal direction of the chain at the wide end 10b of the ramp element.

[0067] The ramp surface 10e of the ramp element 10 is configured as a plane, and the upper chute extends along this ramp surface and stops during the displacement movement of the chain. Furthermore, the wide end 10b of the ramp element optionally has an end portion 10f, which has a horizontally extending top (i.e., in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain 1 parallel to the connecting wire of the slide rail 55 or the narrow side of the plate). The fastening member 11 of the ramp element (in this case, in the form of a protruding nail) is preferably at least partially or completely disposed on the particularly stable end portion 10f.

[0068] In the fastening configuration of the ramp element 10 on the chain 1 or on the end fastening portion 7, the narrow end of the ramp element protrudes from the free end of the end fastening portion away from the deflection zone 1c of the chain, particularly in this case according to the exemplary embodiment, by approximately half the length of the ramp element (see Figure 5).

[0069] The ramp element 10 is disposed on the side portion 7a of the end fastening portion 7. The ramp element is disposed on each of the side portions 7a, which are configured to be mirror images of each other. The interpretation of "ramp element" applies to both elements. The ramp element 10 can be fastened or secured to the end fastening portion, specifically to its side portion in this case. The ramp element can be detachably fastened or secured to the end fastening portion 7. The fastening element 11 of the ramp element 10 employs a shape-locking and / or force-locking member, in this case serving as a clamping and / or latching member in the form of a nail-shaped protrusion. The fastening member 11 of the ramp element is disposed on the bottom of the ramp element 10.

[0070] The ramp element can be fastened to the end fastening portion 7 by in-situ mounting on each end fastening portion 7, particularly on its side portion 7a. This is generally suitable for the purposes of the present invention and thus facilitates the mounting of the ramp element on the chain. In-situ mounting can generally be performed from the top of the opening of the channel facing the top of the slide rail 55a and / or extending parallel thereto, for which the ramp element is appropriately configured. In-situ mounting is preferably performed perpendicular to the narrow side 7f of the side portion 7a of the end fastening portion 7.

[0071] The ramp element having its fastening member is typically configured for the purposes of this invention such that the element can be disposed in the guide channel without unloading the end fastening portion 7 and / or can be fixed and mounted on the end fastening portion 7 without removing the end fastening portion from its connection point 9. The fastening member 11 is preferably formed as a single piece on the ramp element. The ramp element can preferably be disposed in situ on the end fastening portion from the top of the opening of the channel. In addition to translational changes in the position of the ramp element relative to the end fastening portion, the in-situ placement process may optionally include translation or other positional changes in another direction (e.g., in the longitudinal direction of the slide rail), for example, when the corresponding fastening member of the ramp element is disposed in a fastening receptacle on the end fastening portion.

[0072] The end fastening portion 7 has a plurality of connection point fastening areas 8a, 8b, 8c for fastening to the connection point 9 or the connection point 9, such that the end fastening portion 7 can be used to fix the chain to connection points in different spatial locations. For example, end fastening portions of the same construction can also be used to alternately fix end chain links to upper and lower grooves. When one connection point fastening area 8a is used to fasten the end fastening portion, at least one other connection point fastening area 8b is therefore not used for the fastening of portion 7. The connection point fastening areas 8a to 8c are non-rotatably fixed to the foundation or support structure in each case, for which the foundation or support structure, for example, in each case, has two passage openings 8f for fastening members to pass through. The connection point fastening areas 8a to 8c are arranged on the frame-shaped area 7f of the end fastening portion 7 in each case. Connection point fastening areas 8a and 8b are disposed on the opposite narrow sides 7e and 7f of the side portion 7a of the end fastening section, to which the ramp element 10 can optionally be spatially disadvantageously fastened, and another connection point fastening area 8c is optionally disposed on the end face of the end fastening section. Using connection point fastening areas to fasten and secure the ramp element to portion 7 greatly facilitates chain modification and eliminates the need for additional fastening components. Furthermore, the good accessibility of the connection point fastening area 8b disposed on the upper narrow side facilitates subsequent installation of the ramp portion.

[0073] The fastening member 11 of the ramp element thus corresponds to the fastening area 8 of the connection point of the end fastening portion 7, and preferably also with respect to the spatial distance between them. The ramp element is usually fixed non-rotatably or can be fixed to the end fastening portion, in this case by two spaced-apart fastening members 11. Typically, the ramp element rests flat against each of the narrow edges of the end fastening portion.

[0074] According to a variation, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the ramp element has a construction that is at least substantially rigid, preferably having a flat bottom 10d.

[0075] According to another preferred variation, as shown in Figure 6, the ramp element 10, in its uninstalled state, is arc-shaped (preferably concave when viewed from the bottom 10d) and elastically deformable. In the fastening configuration on the end fastening portion, the ramp element is preferably configured in an extended manner, preferably together with the flat bottom 10d, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, wherein, in view of this, Figures 4 and 5 should be understood as exploded representations of the end fastening portion, wherein the ramp element is in its fastened position on the chain and rests against the slide rail according to Figures 1 and 2. Since the narrow end 10a rests against the slide rail 55, the narrow end 10a applies a contact force on the slide rail 55, thus suppressing any unwanted lifting of the narrow end from the slide rail during chain displacement.

[0076] The length of the ramp element is greater than the length of the end fastening portion, so the slope of the top 10c of the ramp surface is particularly gentle.

[0077] The end fastening portion 7 here has two crossbars 7e disposed in the area of ​​its narrow side, which connect to the side portion 7a to stabilize the end fastening portion 7. A strain relief member for relieving strain on the guide wire is provided on or can be disposed on the end fastening portion. For this purpose, the end fastening portion 7 here has a fastening area 7g for fastening a crossbeam (not shown) to which the strain relief member can be fastened.

[0078] According to Figures 1 and 2, the free ends of the slide rail 50 or the free ends of the two slide rails on the two channel legs 51 are spaced apart from the end fastening portion 7 by a gap 57 in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The ramp element is configured on the end fastening portion 7 in such a way that the end region having the narrow end 10a at least partially or completely bridging the gap 57 between the end fastening portion 7 and the slide rail 55. In the fastened position of the ramp element on the chain, the ramp element 10 here covers the end region 55b of the slide rail and abuts against the top 55a of the slide rail under a certain degree of prestress or optionally without prestress.

[0079] The cone shape of the ramp element is thus formed by reducing the cross-section of the ramp element, or more precisely by reducing the height of the cross-section of the ramp element. The cone-shaped region of the ramp element tapers gradually with a constant slope along the longitudinal direction of the ramp surface. The cone-shaped region of the ramp element forms the ramp surface of the ramp element. The cone-shaped region or ramp surface of the ramp element extends to approximately 66% of the length of the ramp element.

[0080] The horizontal portion of the ramp element extends beyond approximately 33% of the ramp element's length in the ramp element's mounting configuration. A fastening member for securing the ramp element to the end fastening portion of the energy guide chain is disposed on the horizontal portion of the ramp element. The narrow end of the ramp element does not have this fastening member. The top and / or bottom of the horizontal portion of the ramp element has a flat construction. The top and / or bottom of the horizontal portion of the ramp element extends parallel to the top of the slide rail (on which the upper slide can be placed) and / or parallel to the narrow side of the end fastening portion (in which the ramp element is configured to face or preferably lie flat on the narrow side of the end fastening portion in the mounting configuration).

[0081] The slide rail is configured horizontally here, that is, in the horizontal spatial direction. The slide rail here has a straight construction.

[0082] In the mounting configuration of the ramp element on the end fastening portion, the ramp element is specifically positioned against the slide rail. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom of the ramp element facing the end fastening portion or the slide rail preferably extends horizontally relative to the spatial direction or in the straight extension and is aligned with the top of the narrow side of the end fastening portion.

[0083] The phrase “fastening the ramp element to the chain” should be specifically understood in each case as meaning “fastening to the end fastening portion”. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0052] The present invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments. For the purposes of this invention, all features of the exemplary embodiments are generally disclosed independently or in combination with each other. In the figures:

[0053] Figure 1: A portion of a guide channel with a slide rail and an energy guide chain according to the invention is shown in a side view (Figure 1a), a detailed view (Figure 1b), and a perspective view (Figure 1c). The energy guide chain is provided with ramp elements.

[0054] Figure 2: A side view and detailed view (Figures 2a and 2b) showing a guide channel having an energy guiding chain according to the invention corresponding to Figure 1, wherein the upper groove of the energy guiding chain is placed on a slide rail.

[0055] Figure 3: An exploded view, taken from below (Figure 3a) and above (Figure 3b), shows the transition zone between the end fastening portion and the slide rail, which has the end fastening portion and ramp element corresponding to Figures 1 and 2.

[0056] Figure 4: An exploded view of the end fastening portion having the ramp element corresponding to Figures 1 to 3 is shown in the first perspective view and the second perspective view (Figures 4a and 4b).

[0057] Figure 5: A side view (Figure 5a), a plan view (Figure 5b), and a section VV along Figure 5b (Figure 5c) show the end fastening portion of the ramp element in the fastening configuration of the ramp element, corresponding to the ramp elements in Figures 1 to 4.

[0058] Figure 6: The ramp element according to the invention is shown in a plan view (Figure 6a), a front view (Figure 6b), a side view (Figure 6c), a top view (Figure 6d), and a perspective view (Figure 6e). [Biomaterial Storage]

[0085] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.

Claims

1. An energy guiding chain for guiding a wiring between two connection points, wherein the chain has a plurality of links articulated together and continuous with each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein each link has opposing and laterally spaced plates, each plate having an inner surface and an outer surface and each having two narrow sides opposing each other with respect to the height of the plate, wherein at least some or all of the links have at least one crossbar connecting the plates of the respective links together, wherein the opposing plates and the crossbar form a receiving space for at least one wiring, wherein the energy guiding chain is configurable and displaceable to form a lower chute, an upper chute, and a deflection area connecting the chute by placing the upper chute on the lower chute, wherein the links of the lower chute and / or the upper chute are positioned on the side facing the other chute. The chain may be equipped with or be able to be equipped with additional components, wherein the chain has an end fastening portion coupled to an end link of the lower groove of the chain and having a connecting fastening member for fastening the end fastening portion to a connection point; or the chain is fastened to a stationary connection point using the end fastening portion, characterized in that: the end fastening portion of the lower groove has at least one wedge-shaped ramp element on the side facing the upper groove, the wedge-shaped ramp element having a narrow end and a wide end spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the wedge-shaped ramp element is disposed or can be disposed on the end fastening portion, the longitudinal direction of the end fastening portion being at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the ramp element gradually tapers in the direction away from the deflection area in the fastening configuration on the chain, and the top of the ramp element facing the upper groove forms a ramp surface for the upper groove.

2. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, the ramp surface of the ramp element is disposed on the wide end of the ramp element at at least substantially at the height of the sliding surface of the adjacent sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the chain or at least substantially at the height of the top of the adjacent additional member in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

3. The energy guiding chain as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the narrow end of the ramp element protrudes from the free end of the end fastening portion of the lower chute in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain.

4. The energy guiding chain as described in claim 1, wherein the ramp element is disposed on the side portion of the end fastening portion.

5. The energy guiding chain as described in claim 1, wherein the ramp element is capable of being fastened or fastened to the end fastening portion.

6. The energy guiding chain as described in claim 5, wherein the ramp element can be detachably fastened or fastened to the end fastening portion.

7. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end fastening portion has a plurality of connection point fastening areas for fastening to the connection point, and the ramp element is fastened to or configured to fasten to a connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening portion.

8. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp element has a fastening member formed thereon as a single piece, the fastening member corresponding to the connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening portion.

9. The energy guiding chain as described in claim 1, wherein the ramp element has a construction that is at least substantially rigid.

10. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp element is elastically deformable and has an arcuate structure in the uninstalled state.

11. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the ramp surface of the ramp element is made of a material having low sliding friction and / or improved wear resistance compared to the chain plate material.

12. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the ramp element is greater than or equal to 0.5 times the length of the end fastening portion, or greater than or equal to 0.75 times the length of the end fastening portion.

13. The energy guiding chain as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end fastening portion has a coupling region for coupling a chain end link, wherein the end fastening portion has at least one wedge-shaped ramp element having a narrow end and a wide end spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the wedge, and wherein the ramp element gradually tapers toward the end away from the fastening region.

14. A guiding channel having an energy guiding chain as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the guiding channel has at least one slide rail extending in its longitudinal direction, an upper slide groove of the energy guiding chain being able to be placed or positioned on the slide rail, and wherein the guiding channel laterally guides the energy guiding chain during its displacement movement.

15. The guide channel as described in claim 14, wherein the wedge-shaped ramp element at least partially bridges a gap between the end fastening portion and the slide rail.

16. The guide channel as described in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the ramp element covers the end region of the slide rail, and in the fastening configuration of the ramp element on the chain, it preferably abuts against the top of the slide rail.

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