Flexible drag chain

Abstract

The flexible drag chain comprises a connection supplying unit and a connecting unit, a plurality of connection supplying openings are evenly formed in the two ends of the connection supplying unit at intervals, and each connection supplying opening is arranged to penetrate through the connection supplying unit. The connecting unit extends towards the connection supplying unit to form a plurality of connecting parts and barb parts arranged at the extending tail ends of the connecting parts, the connecting unit is connected to the connection supplying unit to form a containing channel capable of containing cables, at least part of one connecting part penetrates through the connection supplying port, and the barb parts are arranged at the extending tail ends of the connecting parts. The barb part is arranged on the connecting unit, so that the barb part passes through the connecting port and keeps a preset distance with the end part of the connecting unit, and when the connecting unit and the connecting unit are extruded by a cable and are far away from each other, the barb part is propped against the periphery of the connecting port so as to prevent the connecting unit and the connecting unit from being further far away from each other; therefore, the stability of the storage channel is maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of drag chains, and in particular to a flexible drag chain. Background Art

[0002] At present, in the field of automated machinery, a drag chain housing is often used to store cables of mechanical devices to prevent the scattered cables from interfering with the operation of the mechanical devices. Most existing drag chain housings are designed to be two components that are easy to disassemble and assemble. Therefore, when storing cables, the two components are connected together in a snap-on manner to form a channel for storing cables.

[0003] It is known that the mechanical device will drive the cable to move during operation, and the moving cable will squeeze the drag chain housing from the inside of the drag chain housing, so that the two components are pushed away from each other. Therefore, after the two components are pushed by the cable for a long time, it is very likely that the connection will become loose, and then the two components may be separated from each other, resulting in at least part of the cable being exposed under the action of gravity and interfering with the operation of the mechanical device. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems and achieve at least one advantage of the present application, the present application provides a flexible drag chain, wherein the flexible drag chain comprises:

[0005] A supply connection unit, wherein a plurality of supply connection ports are evenly and spaced apart at two ends of the supply connection unit, and each of the supply connection ports is arranged to penetrate the supply connection unit;

[0006] A connection unit, wherein the connection unit extends toward the supply connection unit to form connection parts of the same number and predetermined length as the supply connection port, and the connection unit is also provided with a barb portion at the extended end of each connection part, and one of the connection parts is configured to be connectable to one of the supply connection ports in a manner of at least partially passing through the supply connection port, so that the barb portion follows through the supply connection port and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the supply connection unit, so that the connection unit is connected to the supply connection unit to form a storage channel, and the storage channel is used to store a predetermined number of cables.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, the supply connection ports of the supply connection unit are arranged in two rows in parallel on both sides of the storage channel.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present application, the supply connection unit has an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surface is configured to be at least partially recessed toward the outer side surface to form the storage channel, and the inner side surface and the outer side surface are synchronously penetrated by the supply connection port.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present application, the supply and connection unit has an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surface is configured to be at least partially synchronously recessed toward the outer side surface to form a supply and connection groove, the inner side surface and the outer side surface are synchronously penetrated by the supply and connection port, and the connection unit has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite to the front side surface, the front side surface is configured to be at least partially synchronously recessed toward the back side surface to form a connection groove, and then when the connection unit is connected to the supply and connection unit, the connection groove is connected to the supply and connection groove, and combined with the supply and connection groove to form the storage channel.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present application, the supply connection unit is also provided with a plurality of supply connection parts of a predetermined length extending toward the connection unit at the end where the supply connection port is provided, and one supply connection port is provided between two adjacent supply connection parts, and the supply connection unit is also provided with a barb part at the extended end of each supply connection part, and the connection unit is also provided with the same number of connection ports as the supply connection parts at the end where the connection part is provided, each of the connection ports is provided to pass through the front side and the back side of the connection unit, and one supply connection part is provided to be connected to one of the connection ports in a manner of at least partially passing through the connection port, so that the barb part follows through the connection port and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the connection unit, so that the connection unit is connected to the supply connection unit to form the storage channel.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, the fastening unit includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, the first clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barb portions, the second clip has a second clip interface, the second clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barb portions, the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the outer side surface of the supply and connection unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two barb portions.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, the fastening unit includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, the first clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the second clip has a second clip interface, the second clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the back side of the connecting unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two barbs.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, the fastening unit includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, and the first clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the second clip has a second clip interface, and the second card interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the outer side surface of the connection unit or the back side surface of the connection unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to one of the barbs and one of the barbs.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, the connection unit is further provided with the same number of limiting parts as the barb parts, one of the limiting parts is connected to the extended end of one of the barb parts, and together with one of the connection parts and one of the barb parts, a limiting groove is formed for connection with the first clip, and the connection unit is further provided with the same number of limiting parts as the barb parts, one of the limiting parts is connected to the extended end of one of the barb parts, and together with one of the connection parts and one of the barb parts, a limiting groove is formed for connection with the second clip.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present application, the flexible drag chain also includes a combined support unit, which is arranged in the storage channel to abut against the inner wall of the storage channel, and the combined support includes a plurality of first connecting members, a plurality of second connecting members and an elastic member, the first connecting members are evenly and spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel, and each of the first connecting members also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel to form a through groove, each of the second connecting members includes an outer layer member and an inner layer member, the outer layer member is rotatably connected between two adjacent first connecting members, and at least partially accommodated in the through groove, and the outer layer member also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel to form a groove, and a positioning portion is formed on the inner wall of the groove, the inner layer member is connected to the inner wall of the groove in a manner capable of abutting against the positioning portion, the elastic member is passed through the positioning portion, and is located between the outer layer member and the inner layer member, and then when the outer layer member rotates, the elastic member is arranged to limit the rotation angle of the outer layer member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a flexible drag chain described in the present application is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible drag chain in one state described in the present application is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged view of point A of the flexible drag chain is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the supply and connection unit in a flexible drag chain described in the present application is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the connection unit in a flexible drag chain described in the present application is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of the fastening unit in a flexible drag chain described in the present application is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The structure diagram of the flexible drag chain shown is at an angle.

[0023] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the combined support unit in a flexible drag chain described in the present application is shown.

[0024] Fig. 9 for Figure 8A schematic structural diagram of the first connecting member in the combined support unit is shown.

[0025] Fig.10 for Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the connection between the second connecting member and the elastic member in the combined support unit is shown.

[0026] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of the outer layer member in the second connecting member is shown.

[0027] Fig.12 for Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of the inner layer component in the second connecting component is shown.

[0028] Fig.13 for Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the inner layer component in the second connecting component is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is used to disclose the present application so that those skilled in the art can implement the present application. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations. The basic principles of the present application defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, variations, improvements, equivalent solutions, and other technical solutions that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0030] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of the present application, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0031] It is to be understood that the term "one" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "one" should not be understood as a limitation on the quantity.

[0032] refer to Figures 1 to 4 A flexible drag chain according to a preferred embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below. The flexible drag chain includes a supply connection unit 10 and a connection unit 20.

[0033] Specifically, the supply connection unit 10 is provided with a plurality of supply connection ports 101 evenly and at intervals at two ends thereof, and each of the supply connection ports 101 is provided to penetrate the supply connection unit 10 .

[0034] The connecting unit 20 extends toward the supply connection unit 10 to form connecting portions 21 of the same number and predetermined length as the supply connection port 101, and the connecting unit 20 is also provided with a barb portion 22 at the extended end of each connecting portion 21, and one connecting portion 21 is configured to be connected to one supply connection port 101 in a manner of at least partially passing through the supply connection port 101, so that the barb portion 22 follows through the supply connection port 101 and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the supply connection unit 10, so that the connecting unit 20 is connected to the supply connection unit 10 to form a storage channel 1001, and the storage channel 1001 is used to store a predetermined number of cables.

[0035] Those skilled in the art can understand that the connecting portion 21 can undergo a predetermined degree of deformation to enable the barb portion 22 to pass through the supply connection port 101, and then when the cable is driven by the mechanical device to squeeze the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20, the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are forced to move relatively away from the connection point between the two parties, that is, the connecting portion 21 moves in a direction opposite to the direction of passing into the supply connection port 101. At this time, the barb portion 22 gradually abuts against the outer wall around the supply connection port 101 during the process of the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 moving away from each other, thereby preventing the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 from further separation, so as to maintain the storage channel 1001.

[0036] In this way, the inner diameter of the storage channel 1001 is enlarged when the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are moving away from each other, thereby increasing the activity space of the cable and providing a buffer. At the same time, since the barb 22 limits the distance between the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20, the flexible drag chain can continue to maintain the storage channel 1001 to temporarily extend the time the cable is stored. In this way, the operator has sufficient time to prepare to replace the new flexible drag chain.

[0037] Preferably, the supply connection port 101 of the supply connection unit 10 is arranged in two rows in parallel on both sides of the receiving channel 1001. It is worth mentioning that the connection portion 21 and the barb portion 22 of the connection unit 20 are arranged in two rows in parallel on both sides of the receiving channel 1001.

[0038] In one embodiment, the supply connection unit 10 has an inner side surface 11 and an outer side surface 12 opposite to the inner side surface 11, and the inner side surface 11 is configured to be at least partially recessed toward the outer side surface 12 to form the storage channel 1001. In addition, the inner side surface 11 and the outer side surface 12 are simultaneously penetrated by the supply connection port 101.

[0039] In another embodiment, the supply connection unit 10 has an inner side surface 11 and an outer side surface 12 opposite to the inner side surface 11, and the inner side surface 11 is configured to be at least partially synchronously recessed toward the outer side surface 12 to form a supply connection channel 102. In addition, the inner side surface 11 and the outer side surface 12 are synchronously penetrated by the supply connection port 101. The connection unit 20 has a front side surface 23 and a back side surface 24 opposite to the front side surface 23, and the front side surface 23 is configured to be at least partially synchronously recessed toward the back side surface 24 to form a connection channel 201, and then when the connection unit 20 is connected to the supply connection unit 10, the connection channel 201 is connected to the supply connection channel 102, and combined with the supply connection channel 102 to form the storage channel 1001.

[0040] It should be noted that, when the concave degree of the inner side surface 11 remains the same, the channel sizes of the storage channel 1001 formed by the above two embodiments are inconsistent, and the channel size of the storage channel 1001 formed by the supply connection channel 102 and the connection channel 201 is larger, so it is more suitable for the movement of the supply cable. On the other hand, the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are less likely to be relatively far away due to the reduced squeezing force, so that the flexible drag chain can maintain a longer service life.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, specifically Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the supply connection unit 10 is also provided with a plurality of supply connection parts 13 of a predetermined length and extending toward the connection unit 20 at the end where the supply connection port 101 is provided, and one supply connection port 101 is provided between two adjacent supply connection parts 13, and the supply connection unit 10 is also provided with a barb part 14 at the extended end of each supply connection part 13. The connection unit 20 is also provided with the same number of connection ports 202 as the supply connection parts 13 at the end where the connection part 21 is provided, each of the connection ports 202 is provided to penetrate the front side surface 23 and the back side surface 24 of the connection unit 20, and one supply connection part 13 is provided to be connected to one of the connection ports 202 in a manner of at least partially passing through the connection port 202, so that the barb part 14 follows through the connection port 202 and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the connection unit 20, so that the connection unit 20 is connected to the supply connection unit 10 to form the storage channel 1001.

[0042] It can be understood that the supply connection portion 13 can undergo a predetermined degree of deformation to enable the barb portion 14 to pass through the connection port 202, and then when the supply connection portion 13 passes through the connection port 202 to connect the connection unit 20 to the supply connection unit 10, the connection portion 21 also passes through the supply connection port 101 simultaneously, thereby increasing the connection strength between the supply connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20, thereby enhancing the stability of the storage channel 1001.

[0043] From another perspective, when the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are squeezed by the cable and relatively moved away, not only does the supply and connection unit 10 make its end abut against the barb portion 22 after moving a predetermined distance, but the connection unit 20 also makes its end abut against the hook portion 14 after moving a predetermined distance. In this way, the factors limiting the relative distance between the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 increase, thereby enabling the storage channel 1001 to further maintain stability.

[0044] Preferably, the supply and connection unit 10 forms a plurality of outer ridges 15 across the storage channel 1001 along the formation direction of the storage channel 1001 , and the outer ridges 15 are evenly and spacedly arranged on the outer side surface 12 of the supply and connection unit 10 .

[0045] It can be understood that when the flexible drag chain as a whole bends toward the outer side surface 12 of the supply and connection unit 10, the two adjacent outer ridges 15 gradually abut against each other, thereby making the flexible drag chain as a whole tend to an arc-shaped structure with a predetermined curvature, so as to allow the cable to bend toward the outer side surface 12 with a predetermined bending curvature.

[0046] Furthermore, the supply and connection unit 10 is also provided with at least one row of support blocks 16 on the outer side surface 12 along the formation direction of the storage channel 1001, and the support blocks 16 in each row of the support blocks 16 are connected to the adjacent outer spine parts 15 in an adjacent manner, so that when the supply and connection unit 10 is bent toward the outer side surface 12, two adjacent support blocks 16 gradually replace two adjacent outer spine parts 15 to abut against each other, so that the bending amplitude of the supply and connection unit 10 toward the outer side surface 12 is reduced, thereby avoiding excessive bending of the cable.

[0047] More preferably, the supply and connection unit 10 forms a plurality of inner ridge portions 17 along the formation direction of the storage channel 1001 , and the inner ridge portions 17 are evenly and spacedly arranged on the inner side surface 11 of the supply and connection unit 10 .

[0048] It can be understood that when the flexible drag chain as a whole bends toward the inner side surface 11 of the supply and connection unit 10, the two adjacent inner ridge parts 17 gradually abut against each other, so that the flexible drag chain as a whole tends to an arc-shaped structure with a predetermined curvature, so that the cable bends toward the inner side surface 11 with a predetermined bending curvature.

[0049] Preferably, the connection unit 20 forms a plurality of outer ridges 25 across the receiving channel 1001 along the forming direction of the receiving channel 1001 , and the outer ridges 25 are evenly and spacedly arranged on the back side 24 of the connection unit 20 .

[0050] It can be understood that when the flexible drag chain is bent as a whole toward the back side 24 of the connecting unit 20, not only the two adjacent outer ridges 25 will gradually abut together, but also the two adjacent inner ridges 17 will gradually abut together, thereby making the flexible drag chain as a whole tend to an arc structure with a predetermined curvature to allow the cable to bend toward the back side 24 with a predetermined bending curvature.

[0051] Further preferably, the connection unit 20 forms a plurality of inner ridges 26 along the formation direction of the storage channel 1001 , and the inner ridges 26 are evenly and spacedly arranged on the front side surface 23 of the connection unit 20 .

[0052] It can be understood that when the flexible drag chain as a whole bends toward the front side 23 of the connecting unit 20, not only the two adjacent inner ridges 26 will gradually abut against each other, but also the two adjacent outer ridge parts 15 will gradually abut against each other, thereby making the flexible drag chain as a whole tend to an arc structure with a predetermined curvature to allow the cable to bend toward the front side 23 with a predetermined bending curvature.

[0053] In this way, the flexible drag chain can prevent the cables from being excessively bent.

[0054] Preferably, the supply and connection unit 10 is made of PP material or PE material. The connection unit 20 is made of PP material or PE material.

[0055] Furthermore, the flexible drag chain further includes at least one fastening unit 30 , and the fastening unit 30 is used to further fix the connection state between the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 to maintain the stability of the storage channel 1001 .

[0056] In one embodiment, the fastening unit 30 includes a first clamping member 31, a second clamping member 32 and a deformable member 33, wherein the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member 33, and the first clamping member 31 has a first clamping interface 3101, and the first clamping interface 3101 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 14. The second clamping member 32 has a second clamping interface 3201, and the second clamping interface 3201 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 14. The deformable member 33 is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member 33 is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the outer side surface 12 of the supply and connection unit 10, so that the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to the two barbs 14.

[0057] It is worth mentioning that when the deformable member 33 passes over the outer side surface 12 of the supply connection unit 10, the deformable member 33 at least partially presses against the support block 16 disposed on the outer side surface 12. Figure 7 shown.

[0058] In another embodiment, the fastening unit 30 includes a first clamping member 31, a second clamping member 32 and a deformable member 33, wherein the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to two ends of the deformable member 33, and the first clamping member 31 has a first clamping interface 3101, and the first clamping interface 3101 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 22. The second clamping member 32 has a second clamping interface 3201, and the second clamping interface 3201 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 22. The deformable member 33 is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member 33 is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the back side 24 of the connecting unit 20, so that the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to the two barbs 22.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that when the deformable member 33 passes over the back side 24 of the connecting unit 20 , the deformable member 33 at least partially presses against the outer ridge 25 disposed on the back side 24 .

[0060] In yet another embodiment, Figure 6As shown, the fastening unit 30 includes a first clamping member 31, a second clamping member 32 and a deformable member 33, wherein the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member 33, and the first clamping member 31 has a first clamping interface 3101, and the first clamping interface 3101 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 14. The second clamping member 32 has a second clamping interface 3201, and the second clamping interface 3201 is configured to be adapted to the size of one of the barbs 22. The deformable member 33 is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member 33 is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and simultaneously pass over the outer side 12 of the supply and connection unit 10 or the back side 24 of the connection unit 20, so that the first clamping member 31 and the second clamping member 32 are respectively connected to one of the barbs 14 and one of the barbs 22.

[0061] It should be noted that the above three embodiments of the fastening unit 30 respectively adopt different fixing methods to keep the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 connected, so as to maintain the stability of the storage channel 1001.

[0062] Preferably, the connection unit 10 is further provided with the same number of limiting portions 18 as the barb portions 14, one limiting portion 18 is connected to the extended end of one barb portion 14, and together with one connection portion 13 and one barb portion 14, forms a limiting groove for connection with the first clamping member 31. Correspondingly, the connection unit 20 is further provided with the same number of limiting portions 27 as the barb portions 22, one limiting portion 27 is connected to the extended end of one barb portion 22, and together with one connection portion 21 and one barb portion 22, forms a limiting groove for connection with the second clamping member 32.

[0063] It can be understood that, due to the existence of the limiting groove, the first clamping member 31 is blocked by the limiting portion 18 and is difficult to be disconnected from the hook portion 14. At the same time, due to the existence of the limiting groove, the second clamping member 32 is blocked by the limiting portion 27 and is difficult to be disconnected from the barb portion 22. In this way, the connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are further restricted in being relatively far apart, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the storage channel 1001.

[0064] In addition, the flexible drag chain also includes a combined support unit 40, which is connected to the storage channel 1001 to support the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20, so that when the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 are bent synchronously, the combined support unit 40 as a whole abuts against the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 to prevent the flexible drag chain from being excessively bent.

[0065] Specifically, the combined support unit 40 includes a plurality of first connecting members 41, a plurality of second connecting members 42 and an elastic member 43, wherein the first connecting members 41 are arranged in the storage channel 1001, and the first connecting members 41 are evenly and spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel 1001, and each of the first connecting members 41 also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel 1001 to form a through groove 4101.

[0066] Preferably, the through groove 4101 is provided to pass through both ends of the first connecting member 41 .

[0067] In one embodiment, the first connecting member 41 has a horizontal wall 411 and two vertical walls 412, wherein the vertical walls 412 are arranged to extend from both sides of the horizontal wall 411 in a vertical direction, and the vertical walls 412 extend in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the receiving channel 1001 to form the through groove 4101.

[0068] The second connecting member 42 is arranged in the storage channel 1001, and each of the second connecting members 42 is connected between two adjacent first connecting members 41, and is at least partially accommodated in the through groove 4101, and each of the second connecting members 42 is arranged to use the connection with the first connecting member 41 as a pivot point, and can be rotated along the pivot point by a predetermined angle.

[0069] In other words, a single first connecting member 41 is connected to a single second connecting member 42 to form a connecting joint, and each of the connecting joints is connected end to end to form a strip-like composition, and the strip-like composition can be in a predetermined bending state as a whole after each of the second connecting members 42 is rotated by a predetermined angle.

[0070] Specifically, each of the second connecting members 42 includes an outer layer member 421 and an inner layer member 422, wherein the outer layer member 421 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the through groove 4101, and the outer layer member 421 also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the receiving channel 1001 to form a groove 42101 to receive the inner layer member 422, and in addition, the outer layer member 421 forms a positioning portion 4211 on the inner wall of the groove 42101 to pass through the elastic member 43. The inner layer member 422 is connected to the inner wall of the groove 42101 formed by the outer layer member 421, and the inner layer member 422 is configured to abut against the portion of the positioning portion 4211 passing through the elastic member 43.

[0071] The elastic member 43 is arranged in the storage channel 1001 and is located between the outer layer member 421 and the inner layer member 422, and at least a part of the elastic member 43 is positioned by the positioning portion 4211, so that when the outer layer member 421 rotates, the elastic member 43 is arranged to limit the rotation angle of each outer layer member 421.

[0072] Those skilled in the art can understand that when the cable forces the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 to bend synchronously under the action of gravity, the combined support unit 40 is pressed as a whole by the bent supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20 and bends synchronously with the supply and connection unit 10 and the connection unit 20. At this time, the outer layer 421 of the second connecting member 42 is affected and rotates around the connection with the first connecting member 41. Since the elastic member 43 is at least partially positioned by each of the positioning portions 4211, the outer layer 421 is gradually limited in rotation angle by the elastic member 43 during the rotation process, thereby limiting the bending amplitude of the flexible drag chain as a whole.

[0073] In this way, the flexible drag chain as a whole can support the cable, thereby reducing the extent of the cable collapse due to the influence of gravity. As a result, the collapse extent of the position where the cable restraint is relatively loose is limited, which makes it difficult for the cable to get stuck in the joints of the robotic arm and does not interfere with the operation of the robotic arm.

[0074] In one embodiment, the outer layer member 421 has a bottom wall 4212 and two side walls 4213, wherein the positioning portion 4211 is disposed on the bottom wall 4212. The side walls 4213 are formed by extending from both sides of the bottom wall 4212 in a vertical direction, and the side walls 4213 are also extended in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the receiving channel 1001 to form the groove 42101. Specifically, the elastic member 43 is configured to be pressed against the bottom wall 4212 by the inner layer member 422.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the first connecting member 41 is provided with two connecting through holes 4102 passing through each of the vertical walls 412 and communicating with the through slot 4101. Correspondingly, the outer layer member 421 is provided with two mounting portions 4214 on each of the side walls 4213, and each of the mounting portions 4214 is configured to be matched and connected with one end of one of the connecting through holes 4102, so that the first connecting member 41 is connected to the outer layer member 421.

[0076] It should be noted that the connection method between the first connection member 41 and the outer layer member 421 is not unique. For example, in a modified embodiment, the first connection member 41 forms two pairs of docking parts on the inner wall of the through groove 4101, and the two docking parts in each pair of the docking parts are arranged oppositely and spaced apart on the two vertical walls 412. The outer wall of the outer layer member 421 is correspondingly provided with the same number of docking holes as the docking parts, and each docking hole is arranged to cooperate with one of the docking parts, thereby, the first connection member 41 and the outer layer member 421 can also complete the connection operation.

[0077] Specifically, in one embodiment, Fig.12 As shown, the inner layer component 422 includes a first split body 4221A and a second split body 4222A, wherein the first split body 4221A is detachably connected to the groove 42101 of the outer layer component 421 and abuts against the positioning portion 4211, and the first split body 4221A also forms a receiving groove 422101A for the second split body 4222A to be connected.

[0078] Preferably, the first split body 4221A is passed through the positioning portion 4211 of the outer layer member 421, and the positioning portion 4211 is at least partially located in the receiving groove 422101A.

[0079] It should be noted that the first split body 4221A abuts against the positioning portion 4211 so that the first split body 4221A is located as a whole on the path of the elastic member 43 moving along the formation direction of the positioning portion 4211, so that the elastic member 43 is blocked and difficult to separate from the positioning portion 4211 along the formation direction of the positioning portion 4211.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the outer layer 421 forms two connecting holes 42102 communicating with the groove 42101. Fig.10The outer wall of the first split body 4221A forms the same number of snap-in portions 42211A as the connecting holes 42102 , and each of the snap-in portions 42211A is configured to snap-in with one of the connecting holes 42102 so that the first split body 4221A can be connected to the outer layer member 421 .

[0081] In another preferred embodiment, reference Fig.12 The outer wall of the second split body 4222A has a connecting structure 42221A, and the connecting structure 42221A is arranged to pass through the first split body 4221A to be connected to the outer layer 421. As an example, the connecting structure 42221A is configured as a buckle, so that the second split body 4222A can be snap-fitted with the outer layer 421.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first connecting member 41 is provided with a locking window 4103 in the middle thereof which is in communication with the through slot 4101. Correspondingly, the second split body 4222A extends toward the inner wall of the first connecting member 41 at two ends to form a protrusion 42222A, so that when the first connecting member 41 is connected to the outer layer 421 of the second connecting member 42, the protrusion 42222A is arranged to be at least partially located in the locking window 4103.

[0083] It can be understood that when a single second connecting member 42 rotates as a whole along the pivot point, the protrusion 42222A follows the rotation of the second connecting member 42 and gradually abuts against the inner wall forming the locking window 4103, thereby limiting the overall rotation angle of the second connecting member 42. As a result, the bending amplitude of the flexible drag chain under the influence of the cable gravity is further limited so that the cable as a whole can be supported.

[0084] Specifically, in another embodiment, Fig.13 As shown, the inner layer component 422 is provided with at least one clamping portion 4221B at a position close to the inner wall of the outer layer component 421, and the outer layer component 421 is correspondingly provided with the same number of connecting holes 42102 as the clamping portions 4221B on the inner wall, and each of the connecting holes 42102 is configured to be clamped with one of the clamping portions 4221B, so that the outer layer component 421 and the inner layer component 422 are connected.

[0085] It should be noted that the inner layer member 422 installed in the groove 42101 is used to prevent the elastic member 43 from being separated from the positioning portion 4211 along the formation direction of the positioning portion 4211 when being driven by the rotation of the outer layer member 421, so as to prevent the outer layer member 421 from rotating at an angle that is too large and cannot be restricted by the elastic member 43. In other words, when the elastic member 43 no longer restricts the rotation angle of the outer layer member 421, the outer layer member 421 will rotate beyond a predetermined angle under the influence of the cable gravity, which may cause the cable and the flexible drag chain as a whole to hinder the operation of the robot arm.

[0086] Preferably, the positioning portion 4211 of the outer layer member 421 is configured to at least partially penetrate the inner layer member 422 , so that the elastic member 43 can be stably positioned between the outer layer member 421 and the inner layer member 422 .

[0087] It is worth mentioning that, in a modified embodiment, the inner layer member 422 is arranged to at least partially and synchronously penetrate the outer layer member 421 and the elastic member 43 when connected with the outer layer member 421, so that the elastic member 43 is positioned.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, a locking window 4103 is provided in the middle of the first connecting member 41, and the locking window 4103 is connected to the through slot 4101. Fig.13 As shown, the inner layer 422 is provided with a protrusion 4222B at both ends, and when the first connecting member 41 is connected to the outer layer 421 of the second connecting member 42, the protrusion 4222B is arranged to be at least partially located in the locking window 4103.

[0089] It can be understood that when the outer layer part 421 needs to be rotated to a predetermined angle, the inner layer part 422 is driven following the outer layer part 421, so that the protrusion 4222B moves in the positioning window 4103 until the protrusion 4222B abuts against the inner wall forming the positioning window 4103. At this time, the inner layer part 422 is difficult to be driven, making it difficult for the outer layer part 421 to continue to rotate. In this way, the rotation angle of the outer layer part 421 is limited, and then the rotation angle of the second connecting member 42 relative to the first connecting member 41 is limited, so that the bending amplitude of the flexible drag chain as a whole under the influence of the cable gravity is reduced.

[0090] Preferably, the elastic member 43 is implemented as a spring sheet.

[0091] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are only examples and do not limit the present application. The advantages of the present application have been fully and effectively realized. The functions and structural principles of the present application have been demonstrated and explained in the embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application may be deformed or modified in any way without departing from the principles.

Claims

1. A flexible drag chain, characterized in that: The flexible drag chain comprises: A supply connection unit, wherein a plurality of supply connection ports are evenly and spaced apart at two ends of the supply connection unit, and each of the supply connection ports is arranged to penetrate the supply connection unit; A connection unit, wherein the connection unit extends toward the supply connection unit to form connection parts of the same number and predetermined length as the supply connection port, and the connection unit is also provided with a barb portion at the extended end of each connection part, and one of the connection parts is configured to be connectable to one of the supply connection ports in a manner of at least partially passing through the supply connection port, so that the barb portion follows through the supply connection port and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the supply connection unit, so that the connection unit is connected to the supply connection unit to form a storage channel, and the storage channel is used to store a predetermined number of cables.

2. A flexible drag chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supply connection ports of the supply connection unit are arranged in two rows in parallel on both sides of the storage channel.

3. A flexible drag chain according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supply connection unit has an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surface is configured to be at least partially recessed toward the outer side surface to form the storage channel, and the inner side surface and the outer side surface are synchronously penetrated by the supply connection port.

4. A flexible drag chain according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supply connection unit has an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surface is configured to be at least partially recessed toward the outer side surface to form a supply connection groove, the inner side surface and the outer side surface are synchronously penetrated by the supply connection port, the connection unit has a front side surface and a back side surface opposite to the front side surface, the front side surface is configured to be at least partially recessed toward the back side surface to form a connection groove, and then when the connection unit is connected to the supply connection unit, the connection groove is connected to the supply connection groove and combined with the supply connection groove to form the storage channel.

5. A flexible drag chain according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The supply connection unit is also respectively provided with a plurality of supply connection parts of a predetermined length extending toward the connection unit at the end where the supply connection port is provided, and one supply connection port is provided between two adjacent supply connection parts, and the supply connection unit is also provided with a barb part at the extended end of each supply connection part, and the connection unit is also respectively provided with a connection port having the same number as the supply connection part at the end where the connection part is provided, each of the connection ports is provided to pass through the front side and the back side of the connection unit, and one supply connection part is provided to be connected to one of the connection ports in a manner of at least partially passing through the connection port, so that the barb part follows through the connection port and maintains a predetermined distance from the end of the connection unit, so that the connection unit is connected to the supply connection unit to form the storage channel.

6. A flexible drag chain according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, the fastening unit includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, the first clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the second clip has a second clip interface, the second clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the outer side surface of the supply and connection unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two barbs.

7. A flexible drag chain according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, which includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, which is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, and the second clip has a second clip interface, which is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, and the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the back side of the connecting unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two barbs.

8. A flexible drag chain according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flexible drag chain also includes at least one fastening unit, the fastening unit includes a first clip, a second clip and a deformable member, wherein the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to the two ends of the deformable member, and the first clip has a first clip interface, and the first clip interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the second clip has a second clip interface, and the second card interface is configured to adapt to the size of one of the barbs, the deformable member is configured to be made of elastic material, and the deformable member is also configured to be able to stretch in both ends and pass over the outer side surface of the connection unit or the back side surface of the connection unit, so that the first clip and the second clip are respectively connected to one of the barbs and one of the barbs.

9. A flexible drag chain according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connection unit is also provided with the same number of limiting parts as the barb parts, one of the limiting parts is connected to the extended end of one of the barb parts, and together with one of the connection parts and one of the barb parts, a limiting groove is formed for the connection of the first clip, and the connection unit is also provided with the same number of limiting parts as the barb parts, one of the limiting parts is connected to the extended end of one of the barb parts, and together with one of the connection parts and one of the barb parts, a limiting groove is formed for the connection of the second clip.

10. The flexible drag chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible drag chain also includes a combined support unit, which is arranged in the storage channel to abut against the inner wall of the storage channel, and the combined support includes a plurality of first connecting members, a plurality of second connecting members and an elastic member, the first connecting members are evenly and spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel, and each of the first connecting members also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel to form a through groove, each of the second connecting members includes an outer layer member and an inner layer member, the outer layer member is rotatably connected between two adjacent first connecting members, and at least partially accommodated in the through groove, and the outer layer member also extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the storage channel to form a groove, and a positioning portion is formed on the inner wall of the groove, the inner layer member is connected to the inner wall of the groove in a manner capable of abutting against the positioning portion, the elastic member is passed through the positioning portion, and is located between the outer layer member and the inner layer member, and then when the outer layer member rotates, the elastic member is arranged to limit the rotation angle of the outer layer member.

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