Cable guide member and cable guide system

Abstract

The invention provides a cable guiding component and a cable guiding system, which enable the management of cables in a device to be easy, and increase the laying number of the cables in a space-saving and low-cost manner. The cable guide member (21) can be fixed to a part of a cable guide device (11) that guides a first cable (31) by forming a space capable of accommodating at least a part of the first cable (31), and has a frame section (211) that guides the second cable (32) by forming a space capable of accommodating a part of the second cable (32). And a plurality of links (111) that are connected so as to be bendable.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-199558 filed on November 27, 2023. The entire contents of the Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a cable guiding component and a cable guiding system. Background Art

[0003] In order to organize cables laid in a device, a cable drag chain (registered trademark) in which a plurality of links are connected is sometimes used (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-18975

[0005] In the case of increasing the number of cables laid in the device, it is necessary to increase the number of cables contained in one cable chain or to increase the number of cable chains themselves. However, if the number of cables contained in one cable chain is increased, multiple cables are mixed together in one cable chain, so it is sometimes difficult to manage each cable. In addition, when additional cables are added later, each cable chain needs to be reorganized. On the other hand, if the number of cable chains themselves is increased, it is necessary to ensure space for setting up the cable chains, and the number of components used increases, thereby increasing costs. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to facilitate the management of cables in a device and to increase the number of cables to be laid in a space-saving and low-cost manner.

[0007] The present invention completed based on the above purpose is a cable guide component characterized by being able to be fixed to a part of a cable guide device and having a frame portion for guiding a second cable by forming a space for accommodating a part of the second cable. The cable guide device guides a first cable by forming a space for accommodating at least a part of the first cable and is composed of a plurality of links connected in a bendable manner.

[0008] Here, the frame portion may be fixed to a part of the cable guide device so that the orientation of the second cable accommodated in the frame portion is the same as or substantially the same as the orientation of the first cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the frame portion may be fixed in a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

[0010] Furthermore, the frame portion may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

[0011] Furthermore, the plurality of frame portions may be connected in a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

[0012] Furthermore, the plurality of frame portions may be connected in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

[0013] Furthermore, the sizes of the spaces formed by the plurality of connected frame portions may be different.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention is a cable guiding system, characterized by comprising: a cable guiding device that guides a first cable by forming a space that can accommodate at least a part of the first cable and is composed of a plurality of links that are connected in a bendable manner; and a plurality of cable guiding members that are fixed to the cable guiding device at intervals and have a frame that guides a second cable by forming a space that can accommodate a part of the second cable.

[0015] Here, the cable guide member may not be connected at the curved portion of the cable guide device having the straight portion and the curved portion.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the management of cables in the device and increase the number of cables to be laid in a space-saving and low-cost manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance structure of the cable guiding system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing an example of the appearance structure of a cable guide component constituting a cable guide system. (A) is a front view of the cable guide component. (B) is a side view of the cable guide component. (C) is a plan view of the cable guide component.

[0020] Figure 3 It means reorganization Figure 1 Figure 2 shows an example of the structure of a cable guiding system.

[0021] Figure 4 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing specific examples of arrangement patterns when the cable guide member is fixed to the cable guide device.

[0022] Figure 5 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing specific examples of the configuration mode of the cable guiding system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the figure: 1, 2 - cable guiding system, 11 - cable guiding device, 21, 22, 23 - cable guiding component, 31, 61, 91 - first cable, 32, 62, 92, 93, 94 - second cable, 111 - chain link, 112, 113 - fixing part, 211 - frame part, 212, 213, 214 - connecting holes, 215 - space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] <First embodiment>

[0026] (Structure of the cable guiding system)

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance structure of the cable guiding system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing an example of the appearance structure of the cable guide component 21 constituting the cable guide system 1. (A) is a front view of the cable guide component 21. (B) is a side view of the cable guide component 21. (C) is a plan view of the cable guide component 21. In addition, the front view shown in (A) is a diagram showing the state when the cable guide component 21 is viewed from the direction of the arrow 503 shown in (B) and (C). And, the side view shown in (B) is a diagram showing the state when the cable guide component 21 is viewed from the direction of the arrow 502 shown in (A) and (C). And, the plan view shown in (C) is a diagram showing the state when the cable guide component 21 is viewed from the direction of the arrow 501 shown in (A) and (B).

[0029] The cable guiding system 1 consists of a plurality of Figure 1 The cable guide components 21 and the so-called cable drag chain, which are capable of protecting and guiding the movable cables, are composed of the cable guide device 11. Figure 1 As shown, the four cable guide members 21 are members that are fixed to a portion of the cable guide device 11 that guides the first cable 31 shown by the dotted line. One end of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the lower surface 411 of the device side member 41 of the device 400 in the vertical direction, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface 421 of the device side member 42 of the device 400 in the vertical direction. The cable guide device 11 includes: a plurality of links 111 that are bendably connected; a fixing portion 112 for fixing one end to the surface 411 of the device side member 41; and a fixing portion 113 for fixing the other end to the surface 421 of the device side member 42.

[0030] The method of fixing one end of the cable guide device 11 to the surface 411 of the device side member 41 and the method of fixing the other end of the cable guide device 11 to the surface 421 of the device side member 42 are not particularly limited. For example, they can be fixed by screws or the like. At least one of the device side members 41 and 42 of the device 400 can be Figure 1 When at least one of the device-side components 41 and 42 moves in the left-right direction, the cable guide device 11 is deformed along with the movement, and at least one of the two end portions is moved in the left-right direction. The device 400 may be any device, such as an injection molding machine.

[0031] The plurality of links 111 constituting the cable guide device 11 form a space capable of accommodating a portion of the first cable 31, and guide the first cable 31. Figure 1 The first cable 31 shown is schematically depicted as one, but may be multiple. Furthermore, the number of the first cables 31 is not particularly limited, as long as it is the number that can be accommodated in the space formed by the multiple links 111. When there are multiple first cables 31, multiple cables with the same diameter may be used as the first cable 31, or multiple cables with different diameters may be used as the first cable 31.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in (A) to (C), the cable guide member 21 has a frame portion 211 that forms a space 215 that can accommodate at least a portion of the second cable 32 shown by the dotted line, and guides the second cable 32. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second cable 32 shown in (A) to (C) is schematically depicted as one, but may be a plurality of cables. Furthermore, the number of the second cables 32 is not particularly limited, as long as it is the number that can be accommodated in the space 215 formed by the cable guide member 21. When there are a plurality of second cables 32, a plurality of cables having the same diameter may be combined into the second cable 32, or a plurality of cables having different diameters may be combined into the second cable 32.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown in (A) to (C), the cable guide component 21 is composed of a frame 211 having connection holes 212 to 214. The frame 211 is a component that forms a space 215 that can accommodate at least a part of the second cable 32 shown by the dotted line, and guides the second cable 32. Among them, the connection holes 212 and 213 are holes provided on the front side and the back side of the frame 211, respectively. The cable guide components 21 can be connected to each other by aligning the connection hole 212 of one cable guide component 21 and the connection hole 213 of another cable guide component 21 and fixing them rotatably by riveting or the like. In addition, the cable guide components 21 can also be configured not to be connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable 32. In this case, the connection holes 212 and 213 are not required.

[0034] The connecting holes 214 are holes provided on the plane side and the bottom side of the frame 211. The connecting holes 214 are used when the cable guide member 21 is fixed to the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 and when the cable guide member 21 is connected. When the cable guide member 21 is fixed to the link 111 of the cable guide device 11, it is fixed to the connecting hole 214 by screws or the like. At this time, the frame 211 is fixed to the cable guide device 11 (see Figure 1 ) is bent in one or both sides of the direction in which the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 are bent, and are fixed so that the directions of the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 are the same or substantially the same. Furthermore, when the cable guide members 21 are connected, the connection hole 214 of one cable guide member 21 and the connection hole 214 of the other cable guide member 21 are aligned and fixed by screws or the like.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , four cable guide members 21 are fixed at different positions inside the cable guide device 11 bent in the shape of the letter “U”. Thus, the cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 31, and the four cable guide members 21 guide the second cable 32. As a result, the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 are independently and neatly arranged. In addition, the “inside” mentioned here does not refer to the space inside the cable guide device 11, but refers to the area inside the cable guide device 11 bent in the shape of the letter “U”.

[0036] Here, the intervals between the plurality of cable guide members 21 when fixed to the cable guide device 11 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to space the plurality of cable guide members 21 such that at least one cable guide member 21 is disposed at the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 before and after at least one of the two ends moves while the cable guide device 11 is deformed. Furthermore, it is more preferable to space the plurality of cable guide members 21 such that at least one cable guide member 21 is continuously disposed at the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 during the movement process in which at least one of the two ends moves while the cable guide device 11 is deformed.

[0037] For example, in Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , since the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 is composed of four links 111, when the interval between the cable guide members 21 is equal to or larger than the four links 111, the cable guide members 21 may not be arranged at the curved portion of the cable guide device 11. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , it is considered that the interval between the cable guide members 21 is configured to be smaller than the amount of four chain links 111. Figure 1 When the length is long as shown, it can be easily handled by adding the cable guide member 21 .

[0038] Here, in Figure 1 In the example, four cable guide components 21 are intermittently arranged on the inner side of the cable guide device 11 bent into the letter “U” shape, but a plurality of cable guide components 21 connected in the length direction of the second cable 32 may be bent into the letter “U” shape and fixed to the inner side of the cable guide device 11.

[0039] However, even if the cable guide members 21 are not connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable 32, it is possible to connect the plurality of cable guide members 21 to the second cable 32. Figure 1 In the example of the present invention, the cable guide members 21 are intermittently fixed to the inner side of the cable guide device 11 to guide the second cable 32. In addition, depending on the length of the radius (Radius / radius) of the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 having a straight portion and a curved portion, it may be impossible to ensure a space inside the curved portion for the cable guide members 21 that are bent and arranged to be connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable. In this case, the second cable 32 can be guided by fixing a plurality of cable guide members 21 to different positions of the straight portion of the cable guide device 11, not fixing the cable guide members 21 to the curved portion, or fixing a plurality of cable guide members 21 to the curved portion intermittently.

[0040] Each of the cable guide component 21 and the cable guide device 11 can be distributed as an independent product. In addition, a combination of a plurality of cable guide components 21 and a cable guide device 11 to which the plurality of cable guide components 21 can be attached and detached can be distributed independently from the cable guide system 1.

[0041] When the cable guiding system 1 is distributed independently, the user of the cable guiding system 1 can freely reconfigure the structure of the cable guiding system 1. Specifically, for example, the shape or fixing position of the cable guiding device 11 of the cable guiding system 1 can be changed, or the number or fixing position of the cable guiding members 21 fixed to the cable guiding device 11 can be changed. Thus, the cable guiding system 1 can be applied to all devices having a plurality of cables.

[0042] (Variation Example)

[0043] Figure 3 It means reorganization Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an example of the construction of a cable guiding system 1 .

[0044] By reorganizing the above Figure 1 The structure of the cable guide system 1 can also be applied to Figure 1 The cable guiding system 1 of the device 400 is applied to Figure 3 The device 700 is shown. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , in the cable guide system 1 , one end of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the upper surface 711 of the device side component 71 of the device 700 in the vertical direction via the fixing portion 112, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface 721 of the device side component 72 of the device 700 in the vertical direction via the fixing portion 113. Thus, the first cable 61 is guided by the cable guide device 11. In addition, Figure 3 The first cable 61 shown is schematically depicted as one cable, but is different from the above Figure 1 Similarly, there can be multiple roots.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the example of , three cable guide members 21 are fixed at different positions outside the cable guide device 11 bent in a "U" shape. Thus, the cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 61, and the three cable guide members 21 guide the second cable 62, so that the first cable 61 and the second cable 62 are independently and neatly arranged.

[0046] Here, as described above, since the cable guide member 21 can be connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable 62, the connected cable guide member 21 can also be fixed to the cable guide device 11. Figure 3 In the example, three cable guide components 21 are arranged at intervals in the area outside the cable guide device 11 bent into the letter "U" shape, but a plurality of cable guide components 21 connected in the length direction of the second cable 62 may be bent into the letter "U" shape and fixed to the outside of the cable guide device 11.

[0047] However, even if the cable guide members 21 are not connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable 62, it is possible to connect the plurality of cable guide members 21 to the second cable 62. Figure 3 In the example of (3) the cable guide components 21 are intermittently fixed to the outside of the cable guide device 11 to guide the second cable 62. In addition, Figure 3 The example above Figure 1Unlike the example of the present invention, the cable guide member 21 is intermittently fixed to the outside of the cable guide device 11. At this time, when the cable guide member 21 is connected in the longitudinal direction of the second cable 62 and bent into a "U" shape, the length of the radius of the bent portion is greater than the length of the radius of the bent portion of the cable guide device 11. Therefore, compared with the case of fixing the cable guide member 21 to the inside of the cable guide device 11, the difficulty in arranging the connected cable guide member 21 is reduced.

[0048] (Specific example of fixing the position of the cable guide member)

[0049] Figure 4 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing specific examples of arrangement patterns when the cable guide members 21 to 23 are fixed to the cable guide device 11. In addition, (A) to (C) show images of cross sections of the cable guide members 21 to 23 and the cable guide device 11 cut along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first cable 91.

[0050] For example, Figure 4 As shown in the left figure of (A) in FIG. 1 , it is assumed that four first cables 91 having the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. Furthermore, it is assumed that three second cables 92 having the same or substantially the same diameter as the first cables 91 are to be arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11. In this case, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the right figure of (A), the cable guide member 21 having the same size as the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11, and the three second cables 92 are accommodated in the cable guide member 21. As a result, the three second cables 92 are neatly arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91.

[0051] And, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the left figure of (B), it is assumed that four first cables 91 of the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. In addition, it is assumed that four second cables 93 (two diameter sizes) having a smaller diameter than the first cables 91 are to be arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11. In this case, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the right figure of (B), the cable guide member 22 having a size smaller than that of the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11, and the four second cables 93 are accommodated in the cable guide member 22. As a result, the four second cables 93 are neatly arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction relative to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91.

[0052] And, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the left figure of (C), it is assumed that four first cables 91 having the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. Furthermore, it is assumed that four second cables 93 having a smaller diameter than the first cables 91 are arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11, and two second cables 94 having a larger diameter than the four second cables 93 and smaller diameter than the four first cables 91 are arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction of the four second cables 93.

[0053] At this time, for example, Figure 4 As shown in the right figure of (C), the cable guide member 22 having a size smaller than that of the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11, and the cable guide member 23 having the same size as that of the cable guide member 22 is connected to the upper side in the vertical direction of the cable guide member 22. Then, the four second cables 93 are accommodated in the cable guide member 22, and the two second cables 94 are accommodated in the cable guide member 23. Thus, the four second cables 93 are neatly arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction with respect to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91. Then, the two second cables 94 are neatly arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction with respect to the four second cables 93 without interfering with the four second cables 93 and the four first cables 91.

[0054] As described above, the cable guide member 21 (or the cable guide members 22 and 23 ) according to the first embodiment of the present invention only needs to have the following structure, and various embodiments can be adopted.

[0055] That is, the cable guide component 21 involved in the first embodiment is characterized in that it can be fixed to a part of the cable guide device 11, and has a frame portion 211 that guides the second cable 32 by forming a space 215 that can accommodate a part of the second cable 32 (or the second cable 62). The cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 31 by forming a space that can accommodate at least a part of the first cable 31 (or the first cable 61), and is composed of a plurality of chain links 111 that are connected in a bendable manner.

[0056] Thus, the cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 31, and the plurality of cable guide members 21 fixed to a portion of the cable guide device 11 guides the second cable 32. As a result, the number of components required for guiding the second cable 32 can be reduced, and the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 can be independently and neatly guided. In addition, the cable guide member 21 is easier to install and remove than the cable guide device 11. Therefore, for example, even if the second cable 32 is to be added later, there is no need to rearrange the cables. In addition, compared with the case where the second cable 32 is guided using the cable guide device 11, there is no need to consider how the cable guide device 11 is deformed, so the degree of freedom of the arrangement pattern of the second cable 32 is improved.

[0057] Furthermore, since the cable guide member 21 is intermittently arranged along the cable guide device 11, the second cable 32 is partially protected. In this case, the protection performance of the second cable 32 is lower than that of the first cable 31 accommodated in the cable guide device 11. Therefore, for example, a cable for which high protection performance is expected, a cable with low durability, a cable that has a large impact when damaged, etc., can be accommodated in the cable guide device 11 as the first cable 31. On the other hand, a cable having high protection performance or high durability itself can also be accommodated in the cable guide member 21 as the second cable 32.

[0058] Here, frame portion 211 may be fixed to a part of cable guide device 11 so that the orientation of second cable 32 accommodated in frame portion 211 of cable guide member 21 becomes the same or substantially the same as the orientation of first cable 31 .

[0059] Thus, the second cable 32 accommodated in the frame portion 211 of the cable guide member 21 is fixed to the cable guide device 11 in such a manner that the orientation thereof is the same or substantially the same as the orientation of the first cable 31 accommodated in the cable guide device 11. As a result, the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 extending in the same or substantially the same direction can be independently and neatly guided.

[0060] Furthermore, the frame portion 211 of the cable guide member 21 may be fixed in a direction in which the cable guide device 11 can be bent.

[0061] Thus, the frame 211 of the cable guide member 21 is fixed in the direction in which the cable guide device 11 can be bent. As a result, since the cable guide member 21 is not arranged to expand in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cable guide device 11 can be bent, the size of the entire device to which the cable guide member 21 is applied can be made compact to achieve space saving.

[0062] Furthermore, the frame portions 211 of the plurality of cable guide members 21 may be connected in a direction in which the cable guide device 11 can be bent.

[0063] Thus, frame 211 of cable guide member 21 is connected in the bendable direction of cable guide device 11. As a result, the space for arranging second cable 32 can be increased without increasing the size of the device in the direction orthogonal to the bendable direction of cable guide device 11.

[0064] Furthermore, the sizes of the spaces formed by the frame portions of the plurality of cable guide members 21 may be different from each other.

[0065] Thus, by connecting the cable guide members 21 having a size corresponding to the diameter size and the number of the second cables 32, the second cables 32 can be efficiently arranged. As a result, space saving can be achieved.

[0066] Furthermore, the cable guiding system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention only needs to adopt the following configuration, and various embodiments can be adopted.

[0067] That is, the cable guiding system 1 involved in the first embodiment is characterized by comprising: a cable guiding device 11 that guides the first cable 31 by forming a space that can accommodate at least a part of the first cable 31 and is composed of a plurality of links 111 that are connected in a bendable manner; and a plurality of cable guiding members 21 that are fixed to a part of the cable guiding device 11 at intervals and have a frame portion 211 that guides the second cable 32 by forming a space 215 that can accommodate a part of the second cable 32.

[0068] Thus, the cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 31, and the plurality of cable guide members 21 fixed to a portion of the cable guide device 11 guides the second cable 32. As a result, the number of components required for guiding the second cable 32 can be reduced, and the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 can be independently and neatly guided. In addition, the cable guide member 21 is easier to install and remove than the cable guide device 11. Therefore, for example, even if the second cable 32 is to be added later, there is no need to rearrange the cables. In addition, compared with the case where the second cable 32 is guided using the cable guide device 11, there is no need to consider how the cable guide device 11 is deformed, so the degree of freedom of the arrangement pattern of the second cable 32 is improved.

[0069] Furthermore, the cable guide member 21 may not be connected to the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 having the straight portion and the curved portion.

[0070] Thus, the cable guide member 21 is not connected to the curved portion of the cable guide device 11 , and thus, for example, the second cable 32 having a small radius can be easily laid.

[0071] <Second embodiment>

[0072] Figure 5 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing specific examples of the configuration mode of the cable guide system 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, (A) to (C) show cross sections of the cable guide members 21 to 23 and the cable guide device 11 constituting the cable guide system 2, respectively, cut in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first cable 91.

[0073] In the cable guiding system 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the plurality of cable guide components 21 are fixed to the upper side or the lower side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11. In contrast, in the cable guide system 2 according to the second embodiment, the plurality of cable guide components 21 to 23 are fixed to the front side or the rear side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11. In addition, the method of fixing the cable guide component 21 to the cable guide device 11 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be fixed with a screw or the like. Figure 5 (A) to (C) show examples in which the cable guide members 21 to 23 are fixed to the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11 .

[0074] For example, Figure 5 As shown in the left figure of (A) in FIG. 1 , it is assumed that four first cables 91 having the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. Furthermore, it is assumed that three second cables 92 having the same or substantially the same diameter as the first cables 91 are to be arranged at the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11. In this case, for example, Figure 5 As shown in the right figure of (A), the cable guide member 21 having the same size as the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11, and the three second cables 92 are accommodated in the cable guide member 21. As a result, the three second cables 92 are neatly arranged in the front side in the front-rear direction relative to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91.

[0075] And, for example, Figure 5 As shown in the left figure of (B), it is assumed that four first cables 91 of the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. In addition, it is assumed that four second cables 93 of smaller diameter than the first cables 91 are to be arranged at the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11. In this case, for example, Figure 5As shown in the right figure of (B), the cable guide member 22 having a size smaller than that of the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11, and the four second cables 93 are accommodated in the cable guide member 22. As a result, the four second cables 93 are neatly arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction relative to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91.

[0076] And, for example, Figure 5 As shown in the left figure of (C), it is assumed that four first cables 91 having the same diameter are accommodated in the link 111 of the cable guide device 11. Furthermore, it is assumed that two second cables 94 having a smaller diameter than the first cables 91 are to be arranged at the front side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11, and four second cables 93 having a smaller diameter than the two second cables 94 and smaller than the four first cables 91 are to be arranged at the front side in the front-rear direction of the two second cables 94.

[0077] At this time, for example, Figure 5 As shown in the right figure of (C), the cable guide member 23 having a size smaller than that of the link 111 of the cable guide device 11 is fixed to the front side of the cable guide device 11 in the front-rear direction, and the cable guide member 22 having the same size as that of the cable guide member 23 is connected to the front side of the cable guide member 23 in the front-rear direction. In addition, the two second cables 94 are accommodated in the cable guide member 23, and the four second cables 93 are accommodated in the cable guide member 22. As a result, the two second cables 94 are neatly arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction relative to the four first cables 91 without interfering with the four first cables 91. In addition, the four second cables 93 are neatly arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction relative to the two second cables 94 without interfering with the two second cables 94 and the four first cables 91.

[0078] As described above, the cable guide member 21 according to the second embodiment of the present invention only needs to have the following structure, and various embodiments can be adopted.

[0079] That is, the cable guide component 21 involved in the second embodiment is characterized in that it can be fixed to a part of the cable guide device 11 and has a frame portion that guides the second cable 92 by forming a space that can accommodate a part of the second cable 92 (or the second cables 93, 94). The cable guide device 11 guides the first cable 91 by forming a space that can accommodate at least a part of the first cable 91, and is composed of a plurality of chain links 111 connected in a bendable manner.

[0080] Here, the frame portion of the cable guide member 21 may be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cable guide device 11 is bendable.

[0081] Thus, the frame of the cable guide member 21 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the bendable direction of the cable guide device 11. As a result, the number of components required to guide the second cable 92 can be reduced, and the first cable 91 and the second cable 92 can be guided independently and neatly.

[0082] Furthermore, the frame portions of the plurality of cable guide members 21 may be connected in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cable guide device 11 is bendable.

[0083] Thus, the frame portion of the cable guide member 21 is connected in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cable guide device 11 can be bent. As a result, the space for arranging the second cable 92 can be increased.

[0084] <Comparison of implementation methods>

[0085] As described above, in the cable guide system 1 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of cable guide members 21 are fixed to the upper side or the lower side in the vertical direction of the cable guide device 11. In contrast, in the cable guide system 2 according to the second embodiment, the plurality of cable guide members 21 are fixed to the front side or the rear side in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11. Therefore, when comparing the cable guide system 1 according to the first embodiment with the cable guide system 2 according to the second embodiment, it can be summarized as follows, for example.

[0086] That is, in any embodiment, the plurality of cable guide members 21 are intermittently fixed to the cable guide device 11 at intervals, and the first cable and the second cable are independently guided. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced compared to arranging a plurality of cable guide devices in the up-down direction or the front-back direction. In addition, since the installation and removal operations of the cable guide member 21 are easy, for example, it is possible to flexibly cope with the case where a second cable is to be added later. Moreover, compared to the case where the second cable is guided using the cable guide device, there is no need to consider how the cable guide device is deformed, so the degree of freedom of the arrangement pattern of the second cable is also improved.

[0087] However, in the cable guiding system 2 according to the second embodiment, for example, Figure 5 As shown in (A) to (C) in FIG. 1 , it is necessary to ensure space for arranging a plurality of cable guide members 21 in the front-rear direction of the cable guide device 11. Therefore, when it is desired to make the overall size of the device to which the cable guide system 2 is applied compact to save space, it is preferable to Figure 1 or Figure 3 As in the cable guide system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , in the direction in which the cable guide device 11 is bent ( Figure 1 or Figure 3A plurality of cable guide components 21 are arranged in the up-down direction (in the vertical direction).

[0088] <Other>

[0089] In the above embodiment, the cable guide member and the link constituting the cable guide device have substantially the same shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The cable guide member only needs to be fixed to a part of the cable guide device and be able to accommodate and guide a part of the second cable, so it may not be the above Figures 1 to 3 Shape shown.

Claims

1. A cable guide component, characterized in that: The cable guide can be fixed to a part of the cable guide device, and has a frame portion for guiding the second cable by forming a space capable of accommodating a part of the second cable. The cable guide device guides the first cable by forming a space capable of accommodating at least a part of the first cable, and is composed of a plurality of links connected in a bendable manner.

2. The cable guide component according to claim 1, characterized in that The frame portion is fixed to a portion of the cable guide device so that the orientation of the second cable accommodated in the frame portion is the same as or substantially the same as the orientation of the first cable.

3. The cable guide component according to claim 2, characterized in that The frame portion is fixed in a direction in which the cable guide device can be bent.

4. The cable guide component according to claim 2, characterized in that The frame portion is fixed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

5. The cable guide component according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of frame portions are connected in a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

6. The cable guide component according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of frame portions are connected in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the cable guide device is bendable.

7. The cable guide component according to claim 5, characterized in that The sizes of spaces formed by the connected plurality of frame portions are different.

8. A cable guiding system, characterized in that: have: a cable guide device which guides the first cable by forming a space capable of accommodating at least a part of the first cable and is composed of a plurality of links connected in a bendable manner; and The plurality of cable guide members are fixed to the cable guide device at intervals and have a frame portion for guiding the second cable by forming a space capable of accommodating a part of the second cable.

9. The cable guiding system according to claim 8, characterized in that The cable guide member is not connected at a curved portion of the cable guide device having a straight portion and a curved portion.

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