Long object guiding device

Abstract

A guide device for a long object is provided with a plurality of links (20). Each link (20) has a pair of link plates (11), a first connecting member (12), and a second connecting member (13). The first connection member (12) is provided with a plate-shaped main body section (12a), a first engagement section (40) that engages with the first engaged section (30a), and a second engagement section (50) that engages with the second engaged section (30b). At least one of the first clamped part (30a) and the second clamped part (30b) is provided with an outer clamped part (32a). At least one of the first engagement section (40) and the second engagement section (50) has a drooping wall (42) extending in the thickness direction of the main body section (12a), an inner engagement section (43) engaged with the outer engaged section (32a), and an outer protruding wall (44) protruding further outward than the drooping wall (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a guiding device for long, narrow objects. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an energy conduction chain. like Figure 15 As shown, the energy-conducting chain 80 forms links 83 through a pair of opposing link plates 81 and a connecting piece 82 integrally joined to the pair of link plates 81. Additionally, a retaining plate 84 is mounted on the pair of link plates 81. Energy conductors such as cables or hoses are disposed within the space enclosed by the pair of link plates 81, the connecting piece 82, and the retaining plate 84.

[0003] A pair of link plates 81 have engagement tabs at their upper ends that engage with a retaining plate 84. The engagement tabs are formed by semi-circular rods 85 whose inner sides are circumferential surfaces. The outer side of the rods 85 is a plane 85a, which has a groove 85b extending axially along the link 83.

[0004] The retaining plate 84 has a base plate 86, a first side piece 87 hanging down from one end of the base plate 86, and a second side piece 88 hanging down from the other end of the base plate 86. The first side piece 87 has a protrusion 87a that engages with a groove 85b of the rod body 85. The second side piece 88 has a semi-circular locking hole 88a that engages with the rod body 85.

[0005] When installing the retaining plate 84 onto a pair of link plates 81, the rod 85 of one link plate 81 is engaged with the semi-circular locking hole 88a of the second side plate 88 of the retaining plate 84. Then, the retaining plate 84 is rotated around the semi-circular locking hole 88a. The retaining plate 84 is installed onto the pair of link plates 81 by engaging the protrusion 87a of the first side plate 87 of the retaining plate 84 with the groove 85b of the rod 85 of the other link plate 81. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 2-526 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the energy-conducting chain 80 described in Patent Document 1, which serves as a guide for long objects, it is sometimes necessary to release the engagement between the retaining plate 84, which is a first connecting member, and the link plate 81 for inspection or replacement of the long object. In this case, the operator inserts a jig or the like between the first side plate 87 of the retaining plate 84 and the rod 85 of the link plate 81 to release the engagement between the protrusion 87a of the first side plate 87 and the groove 85b of the rod 85. However, since the operator may not know how to release the engagement using a jig or the like, it is difficult to release the engagement of the retaining plate 84. Solution for solving the problem

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a guiding device for a long object comprises a plurality of links rotatably connected in series. Each link comprises: a pair of opposing link plates; a first connecting member connecting the pair of link plates to each other; and a second connecting member connecting the pair of link plates to each other, configured such that the long object is housed within a space enclosed by the pair of link plates in each link, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member. One side of the pair of link plates in each link has a first engaging portion and the other side has a second engaging portion. The first connecting member in each link has a plate... The main body, the first engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion, and the second engaging portion engaging with the second engaging portion, when the direction in which the pair of link plates are opposite to each other is taken as the inner side of the link and the opposite direction is taken as the outer side of the link, at least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has an outer engaging portion. At least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a drooping wall extending along the thickness direction of the main body, an inner engaging portion disposed on the drooping wall and engaging with the outer engaging portion, and an outer protruding wall protruding further outward than the drooping wall. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a guide device for a long strip in one embodiment. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a link. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the first connecting structural component. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the first structural member viewed from another angle. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the second engaged part of the chain link plate. Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional exploded view of a chain segment. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the hinge shaft after it has engaged with the hinge bearing. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the outer engaging portion of the first engaging portion of the chain link plate and the inner engaging portion of the first engaging portion of the first connecting structure before they are engaged. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the state after the outer engaged portion of the first engaged portion of the chain link plate and the inner engaged portion of the first engaged portion of the first connecting member are engaged. Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view before the outer engaged portion of the first engaged portion of the link plate and the inner engaged portion of the first engaged portion of the first connecting member are engaged. Figure 11 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the state after the outer side is engaged by the inner side engaging part. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the modified example after the outer side is engaged by the inner side engaging part. Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another variation, showing the state after the outer side is engaged by the inner side engaging part. Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another variation, showing the state after the outer side is engaged by the inner side engaging part. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a guide device for a long object in the prior art. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The following describes a guide device 10 for a long strip according to one embodiment. like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the guide device 10 for the elongated object (hereinafter also referred to as the guide device) includes a plurality of links 20. Each link 20 includes a pair of opposing link plates 11, a first connecting member 12 connecting the pair of link plates 11 to each other, and a second connecting member 13 connecting the pair of link plates 11 to each other. In the guide device 10, the plurality of links 20 are connected in series and rotate freely relative to each other.

[0011] Hereinafter, the series connection direction of the multiple links 20 is defined as the series connection direction X. The direction orthogonal to the series connection direction X, i.e., the direction opposite to a pair of link plates 11, is defined as the width direction Y. like Figure 1 As shown, taking the straight extension of multiple chain links 20 as a reference, the direction orthogonal to both the serial connection direction X and the width direction Y is taken as the up and down direction Z.

[0012] In the multiple links 20 connected together, the link 20 located at one end in the series direction X has a connecting part 14. The connecting part 14 is connected to a moving body (not shown) that reciprocates along the series direction X. The link 20 located at the other end in the series direction X has a fixing part 15. The fixing part 15 is fixed to a fixing part (not shown). The direction of connection to the connecting part 14 is considered the front, and the direction of fixing to the fixing part 15 is considered the rear.

[0013] like Figure 2 As shown, the direction in which a pair of link plates 11 face each other is considered the inner side of link 20, and their opposite direction is considered the outer side of link 20. Hereinafter, in a pair of link plates 11, the direction located at... Figure 2 The inner link plate 11 is called the first link plate 21. Additionally, in a pair of link plates 11, sometimes... Figure 2 The link plate 11 on the near side is called the second link plate 22.

[0014] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the guiding device 10 houses the long strip TK within the space enclosed by a pair of link plates 11, a first connecting structural member 12, and a second connecting structural member 13 of each link 20. The long strip TK is flexible and can be bent. The guiding device 10 houses the long strip TK within the space, and the long strip TK is protected and guided by multiple links 20.

[0015] The following describes the detailed structure of the guide device 10. <Link plate> like Figure 2 As shown, the link plate 11 is configured as a plate that is longer along the series connection direction X. The two ends of the link plate 11 in the series connection direction X are convex semi-circular shapes on both outer sides of the series connection direction X.

[0016] The link plate 11 has an engaging portion 30 at its upper end in the vertical direction Z of the central portion in the series direction X, which engages with the first connecting member 12. The engaging portion 30 will be described later. The lower end of the link plate 11 in the vertical direction Z of the central portion in the series direction X has an engaging portion for engaging with the second connecting member 13. Description of this engaging portion is omitted. The second connecting member 13 connects both sides of the pair of link plates 11. The lower ends of the pair of link plates 11 are connected to each other by the second connecting member 13.

[0017] The following description concerns the second link plate 22 of a pair of link plates 11. like Figure 2As shown, the second link plate 22 has a through hole 23 on the front side of the central portion in the series direction X. The second link plate 22 also has an outer thin-walled portion 24 on the rear side of the central portion in the series direction X, where the thickness decreases from the outer side to the inner side. The front edge of the outer thin-walled portion 24 is a curved shape that convexes forward.

[0018] The second link plate 22 has a cylindrical shaft portion 25 protruding outward at the center of the outer thin-walled portion 24. The protrusion height of the shaft portion 25 is approximately the same as the depth of the outer thin-walled portion 24. That is, the top of the shaft portion 25 is approximately at the same height as the outer surface of the second link plate 22 other than the outer thin-walled portion 24.

[0019] The second link plate 22 has a rectangular protrusion 26 on the front side of the outer thin-walled portion 24, which is closer to the shaft portion 25. In addition, on the rear side of the shaft portion 25, there is a fan-shaped recess 27 that further thins the thickness of the second link plate 22 and extends rearward in a fan shape.

[0020] The second link plate 22 has an inner thin-walled portion 28 that is recessed from the inside to the outside of the second link plate 22 on the front side of the central portion in the series direction X. like Figure 2 As shown, the inner thin-walled portion 28 has the same shape as the outer thin-walled portion 24 when the second link plate 22 is rotated 180° around the rotation axis P, with the rotation axis P as the center of the central portion of the second link plate 22 extending in the vertical direction Z. That is, the inner thin-walled portion 28 has a rectangular protrusion 26 and a fan-shaped recess 27 inside the link 20, and has a through hole 23 at the position of the shaft portion 25 in the outer thin-walled portion 24.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the pair of link plates 11 are symmetrical from left to right. In other words, the pair of link plates 11 are mirror-symmetrical to each other, including the shape of the engaging portion 30. That is, the first link plate 21 and the second link plate 22 are mirror images of each other in opposite directions.

[0022] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, in the guide device 10, multiple links 20 are connected in series and rotate freely with each other. When connecting multiple links 20, the rear side of one pair of link plates 11 is connected to the front side of another pair of link plates 11. Specifically, the shaft portion 25 of the outer thin-walled portion 24 of one pair of link plates 11 is fitted into the through hole 23 of the inner thin-walled portion 28 of the other pair of link plates 11. At this time, the rectangular protrusion 26 of the outer thin-walled portion 24 is disposed in the fan-shaped recess 27 of the inner thin-walled portion 28. In addition, the rectangular protrusion 26 of the inner thin-walled portion 28 is disposed in the fan-shaped recess 27 of the outer thin-walled portion 24.

[0023] Therefore, the other pair of link plates 11 can be rotated around the shaft portion 25 of the first pair of link plates 11. The rotation range of the other pair of link plates 11 is limited within the range of rocking motion of the rectangular protrusion 26 of the other pair of link plates 11 located within the fan-shaped recess 27 of the first pair of link plates 11. The rotation range can be changed by altering the angle and orientation of the fan shape in the fan-shaped recess 27, or by altering the shape and position of the rectangular protrusion 26.

[0024] As described above, a plurality of links 20 are rotatably connected by repeatedly connecting one pair of link plates 11 to another pair of link plates 11. <The engaging part of the chain link plate> like Figure 2 As shown, the link plate 11 has an engaging portion 30 at its upper end in the central portion in the series direction X, which engages with the first connecting member 12. Specifically, the first link plate 21 of the pair of link plates 11 has a first engaging portion 30a that engages with the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12. The second link plate 22 of the pair of link plates 11 has a second engaging portion 30b that engages with the second engaging portion 50 of the first connecting member 12. Therefore, one of the pair of link plates 11 has a first engaging portion 30a that engages with the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12. The other of the pair of link plates 11 has a second engaging portion 30b that engages with the second engaging portion 50 of the first connecting member 12.

[0025] Since the first engaging portion 30a and the second engaging portion 30b have the same shape, the second engaging portion 30b will be described below, and the description of the first engaging portion 30a will be omitted. like Figure 5 As shown, the second engaging portion 30b has a first notch 31 cut downward from the upper end of the second link plate 22. The first notch 31 extends through the second link plate 22 in the thickness direction. The depth of the first notch 31, that is, the length of the first notch 31 in the vertical direction Z, is approximately the same as the thickness of the main body portion 12a of the first connecting member 12.

[0026] The second engaging portion 30b has hinge bearing portions 31a recessed on both sides from the first notch 31 in the series direction X. The hinge bearing portions 31a extend in the thickness direction of the second link plate 22 to the outer surface of the second link plate 22. The inner periphery of the hinge bearing portion 31a is semi-circular, and the hinge shaft 52, described later, can rotate in a state of engaging with the hinge bearing portion 31a.

[0027] The second engaging portion 30b has a second notch 32 below the first notch 31. The second notch 32 cuts off the outer portion of the second link plate 22 in the thickness direction. The width of the second notch 32 along the tandem direction X is the same as the width of the first notch 31 along the same direction.

[0028] The second engaging portion 30b has an outer protrusion 32a, which is an outer engaging portion protruding outward, inside the second notch 32. like Figure 7 As shown, the outer protrusion 32a has an inclined surface 32b that slopes downwards and outwards. In addition, the outer protrusion 32a has a horizontal surface 32c extending along the thickness direction of the second link plate 22 below the inclined surface 32b.

[0029] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown, the second engaging portion 30b has a third notch 33 below the second notch 32. The third notch 33 extends obliquely downward from the center of the second notch 32 in the series direction X, with an oblique surface 33a that slopes obliquely downward. The width of the third notch 33 along the series direction X is narrower than the width of the second notch 32. When the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 is removed from the engaging portion 30 of the first link plate 21, the third notch 33 functions as a release recess for inserting a jig or finger.

[0030] <First Connecting Structural Component> like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the first connecting member 12 has a plate-shaped main body 12a, a first engaging portion 40 that engages with the first engaging portion 30a of the first link plate 21, and a second engaging portion 50 that engages with the second engaging portion 30b of the second link plate 22.

[0031] (Main Body) like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the plate surface of the main body 12a extends along the series direction X and extends in a strip shape along the width direction Y.

[0032] Hereinafter, in the long side direction of the main body 12a, the direction toward the center of the main body 12a will be referred to as the inner side of the first connecting structural member 12, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the outer side. (Part 1) The first engaging portion 40 has a curved portion 41 extending from one end of the long side of the main body portion 12a, a drooping wall 42 extending downward from the outer end of the curved portion 41 along the thickness direction of the main body portion 12a, and an outer protruding wall 44 protruding outward from the upper end of the drooping wall 42.

[0033] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the curved portion 41 protrudes from one end of the main body portion 12a outwards and then curves upwards, and further curves outwards to extend. That is, the curved portion 41 extends in a crank-like curve. Furthermore, the term "crank-like" means having a shape with two or more portions that curve in opposite directions.

[0034] Furthermore, the phrase "extending downward along the thickness direction of the main body 12a" in the aforementioned hanging wall 42 does not need to be completely consistent with the thickness direction of the main body 12a, and also includes a direction that is slightly inclined relative to the thickness direction of the main body 12a.

[0035] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the first engaging portion 40 has an inner protrusion 43 at the lower end of the hanging wall 42, which is an inner engaging portion protruding inward. like Figure 10 As shown, the inner protrusion 43 has an inclined surface 43a that slopes upward toward the inside. In addition, the inner protrusion 43 has a parallel surface 43b that extends parallel to the long side of the main body 12a above the inclined surface 43a.

[0036] like Figure 11 As shown, the protruding length of the outer protruding wall 44, when the first engaging portion 40 is installed on the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21, is the length by which the top end of the outer protruding wall 44 does not protrude from the outer end of the first link plate 21. Specifically, the top end of the outer protruding wall 44 is in the same plane as the outer end of the first link plate 21.

[0037] like Figure 11 As shown, the surface above the outer surface of the outer protruding wall 44 is located below the surface above the outer surface of the main body 12a of the first connecting structure 12. like Figure 8 As shown, the length of the first engaging portion 40 along the series direction X, that is, the width of the curved portion 41, the drooping wall 42, the inner protrusion 43 and the outer protruding wall 44 along the series direction X, is slightly smaller than the width of the second notch 32 along the same direction.

[0038] (Second Card Section) like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, the second engaging portion 50 has a protruding piece 51 that protrudes outward from the other end of the main body portion 12a in the direction of its long side, and hinge shafts 52 that protrude from the top of the protruding piece 51 to both sides in the direction of its short side. The cross-section of the hinge shafts 52 is circular.

[0039] <Second Connecting Structural Component> like Figure 2 As shown, the second connecting structural member 13 is made of a long strip of plate. The second connecting structural member 13 connects the lower ends of a pair of link plates 11 to each other. When viewed from the width direction Y, the link 20 is installed at a position that overlaps with the first connecting structural member 12 in the vertical direction Z.

[0040] <Installation mechanism of the first structural component> like Figure 6 As shown, when the first connecting member 12 is installed onto a pair of link plates 11, firstly, the hinge shaft 52 of the second engaging part 50 of the first connecting member 12 is inserted from the outside into the hinge bearing part 31a in the second engaging part 30b of the second link plate 22.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, with the hinge shaft 52 in contact with the semi-circular periphery of the hinge bearing portion 31a, it is restricted from moving further inward toward the second link plate 22. Thus, the second engaging portion 50 of the first connecting member 12 is engaged with the second engaged portion 30b of the second link plate 22.

[0042] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, the first connecting member 12 rotates with the hinge shaft 52 as the rotation center, with the first engaging part 40 approaching the first engaged part 30a of the first link plate 21. like Figure 9 As shown, the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 is inserted into the first notch 31 in the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21.

[0043] like Figure 10 , 11 As shown, the first engaging portion 40 is in a state of being anti-disengaged relative to the engaging portion 30 by the inner protrusion 43 of the lower wall 42 of the first connecting member 12, and by engaging with the outer protrusion 32a of the second notch of the first engaging portion 30a of the first link plate 21 from the outside.

[0044] When the inner protrusion 43 engages with the outer protrusion 32a, the inclined surface 32b of the outer protrusion 32a abuts against the inclined surface 43a of the inner protrusion 43, reducing the resistance during engagement. Furthermore, after the outer protrusion 32a and the inner protrusion 43 have engaged, if the engagement is to be released, the horizontal surface 32c of the outer protrusion 32a abuts against the parallel surface 43b of the inner protrusion 43, making it difficult to release the engagement.

[0045] Furthermore, the bent portion 41 of the first engaging portion 40 abuts against the lower end of the first notch 31 of the first engaged portion 30a. In other words, the bent portion 41 of the first engaging portion 40 abuts against the outer protrusion 32a of the second notch 32. By the bent portion 41 of the first engaging portion 40 abutting against the outer protrusion 32a of the second notch 32, the wobbling of the first connecting member 12 can be suppressed.

[0046] like Figure 11 As shown, the surface above the outer surface of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first connecting member 12 is located below the upper end of the first link plate 21. In addition, the top end of the outer protruding wall 44 in the first engaging part 40 does not protrude from the outer surface of the first link plate 21 in the thickness direction, but is in the same plane as the outer surface.

[0047] The materials of the chain link plate 11, the first connecting structural member 12, and the second connecting structural member 13 constituting the guide device 10 are not particularly limited. For example, resin or metal can be used as the material for these components.

[0048] <Functions and Effects> The function of the guide device 10 in this embodiment will be explained. like Figure 9 , 11 As shown, the guide device 10 may sometimes apply an upward stress (arrow B) to the first connecting member 12 from the space where the long strip is stored inside the link 20. For example, this stress may be applied when the long strip stored in the guide device 10 cannot follow the movement of the guide device 10, or when the storage space of the guide device 10 is insufficient. When this stress is applied, the central side of the first connecting member 12 in the long side direction is prone to upward displacement.

[0049] However, as Figure 11 As shown, even if the central side of the first connecting member 12 shifts upwards along its long side, the contact state between the horizontal surface 32c of the outer protrusion 32a and the parallel surface 43b of the inner protrusion 43 is maintained. Therefore, the drooping wall 42 in the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 is not easily displaced outwards. Consequently, the engagement state between the inner protrusion 43 of the drooping wall 42 and the outer protrusion 32a of the first link plate 21 is not easily released. That is, the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 is not easily disengaged from the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21.

[0050] like Figure 11As shown, when the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 is removed from the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21, an upward stress (arrow A) is applied to the outer protruding wall 44 of the first engaging portion 40 using a finger or a jig. Due to this stress, the bent portion 41 deflects, causing the drooping wall 42 to displace outward. Therefore, the engagement between the inner protrusion 43 of the first engaging portion 40 and the outer protrusion 32a of the first engaged portion 30a is released.

[0051] like Figure 9 As shown, since the outer protruding wall 44 is easily visually identifiable from the outside of the link 20, operators can easily identify that the outer protruding wall 44 is the part used to apply stress to remove the first connecting member 12. In addition, due to the outer protruding wall 44, operators can easily apply upward stress with their fingers or jigs, thereby easily releasing the engagement state of the first engaging part 40.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, further, a third notch 33 is provided on the outer side of the link 20 as a release recess. The third notch 33 is used to insert a jig or finger when the first engaging portion 40 is removed from the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, inserting a jig or finger along the inclined surface 33a of the third notch 33 (in the direction of arrow C) can also release the locking state of the first locking part 40.

[0053] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the third notch 33 has an inclined surface 33a that slopes downwards and outwards. Furthermore, the width of the third notch 33 along the series connection direction X is smaller than the width of the lower wall 42 and the inner protrusion 43 of the first connecting member 12 along the same direction. In other words, the width of the third notch 33 along the series connection direction X is narrower than the width of the second notch 32 along the same direction. Thus, because the third notch 33 has an inclined surface 33a that slopes downwards and outwards, the operator can easily identify the position of the third notch 33. Furthermore, because the width of the third notch 33 is smaller, the operator can more easily identify the position of the third notch 33 when viewing the link 20 from the outside. Therefore, the operator can easily insert a jig or finger into the third notch 33 to release the engagement state of the first engaging portion 40.

[0054] The effects of the guide device 10 in this embodiment will be explained. (1) The first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 has a drooping wall 42 extending along the thickness direction of the main body portion 12a, an inner protrusion 43 provided on the drooping wall 42 and engaging with the outer protrusion 32a of the first link plate 21, and an outer protruding wall 44 protruding further outward than the drooping wall 42.

[0055] Therefore, even if the center of the first connecting member 12 is displaced laterally upward in the long side direction, the engagement state between the inner protrusion 43 of the first engaging part 40 and the outer protrusion 32a of the first link plate 21 is not easily released.

[0056] Furthermore, when disengaging the inner protrusion 43 of the first engaging portion 40 from the outer protrusion 32a of the first link plate 21, the engagement can be easily disengaged by moving the outer protruding wall 44 of the first engaging portion 40 upward with a finger or a jig. Moreover, since the outer protruding wall 44 is easily identifiable from the outside of the link 20, the operator can easily disengage the outer protruding wall 44 to disengage the first engaging portion 40.

[0057] (2) The first engaging portion 40 has a curved portion 41 between the drooping wall 42 and the main body portion 12a. Because of the curved portion 41, the curved portion 41 can be easily flexed to displace the outer protruding wall 44, thereby easily releasing the engaging state of the first engaging portion 40.

[0058] (3) The first engaging portion 30a has a third notch 33 (release recess) on its outer surface. The third notch 33 is used to insert a jig or a finger to release the engagement between the outer protrusion 32a and the inner protrusion 43. Therefore, by inserting a jig or a finger into the third notch 33 (release recess), the engagement of the first engaging portion 40 can also be released. Since the operator can choose the method to release the engagement of the first engaging portion 40, the operation can be performed efficiently in a way that suits the operator.

[0059] (4) The third notch 33 (release recess) has an inclined surface 33a that slopes outward and downward. Therefore, since the position of the third notch 33 (release recess) is easy for the operator to identify, the operator can easily insert a jig or finger into the third notch 33 to release the engagement state of the first engaging part 40.

[0060] (5) The width of the third notch 33 (release recess) along the series direction X is narrower than the width of the lower wall 42 and the inner protrusion 43 of the first connecting member 12 along the same direction. Therefore, when viewed from the outside of the link 20, it is easier for the operator to identify the position of the third notch 33. Therefore, it is easier for the operator to insert a jig or finger into the third notch 33 to release the engagement state of the first engaging part 40. In addition, since the width of the third notch 33 is smaller, it can prevent other parts from being accidentally inserted into the third notch 33.

[0061] (6) The outer surface of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first connecting structural member 12 is located below the outer surface of the main body 12a of the first connecting structural member 12 and the upper end of the first link plate 21. Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, it can suppress interference between other components and the outer protruding wall 44 from the upper side of the link 20.

[0062] (7) The top end of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first engaging portion 40 is on the same plane as the outer end of the first link plate 21. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, by reducing the unevenness in the outer end of the link 20, it is easier to suppress interference between other components and the outer end of the link 20.

[0063] (8) The pair of link plates 11 are symmetrical. When assembling the first connecting structural member 12 onto the pair of link plates 11, there is no need to consider the left and right orientation of the first connecting structural member 12, which can improve work efficiency.

[0064] <Variation Example> This embodiment can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0065] The outer surface of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first connecting structural member 12 is not limited to a position located below the outer surface of the main body 12a of the first connecting structural member 12. like Figure 12 As shown, for example, the outer surface of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first connecting structural member 12 may be on the same plane as the outer surface of the main body portion 12a of the first connecting structural member 12, or it may be located above the outer surface of the main body portion 12a of the first connecting structural member 12.

[0066] The shape of the bent portion 41 of the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting structural member 12 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment. like Figure 13 As shown, for example, the curved portion 41 can be crank-shaped, protruding from one end of the main body portion 12a along the long side of the main body portion 12a and then bending downwards, and further bending outwards to extend further. In addition, the number of crank-shaped curved portions is not limited to two, but can be three or more.

[0067] The bent portion 41 of the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting structural member 12 may also be omitted. like Figure 14 As shown, for example, in the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12, a straight portion 45 extending linearly along the long side direction of the main body portion 12a can be provided between one end of the main body portion 12a and the hanging wall 42.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 40 of the first connecting member 12 has an inner protrusion 43 at the lower end of the hanging wall 42, which serves as an inner engaging portion, and the first engaged portion 30a of the first link plate 21 has an outer protrusion 32a, which serves as an outer engaged portion, but this is not a limitation. As long as the inner engaging portion and the outer engaged portion can engage in a concave-convex relationship, one of them can be a concave portion.

[0069] In this embodiment, the third notch 33 along the series connection direction X is configured to be narrower than the width of the inner protrusion 43 of the first engaging portion 40 along the same direction, but this is not a limitation. The width of the third notch 33 along the series connection direction X may also be the same as the width of the inner protrusion 43 along the same direction. In other words, the width of the third notch 33 along the series connection direction X may also be the same as the width of the second notch 32 along the same direction.

[0070] The inclined surface 33a of the third notch 33 is not limited to the manner in which it slopes outward and downward from the center of the second notch 32 in the series direction X. The inclined surface 33a of the third notch 33 may also slope outward and downward from either end of the second notch 32 in the series direction X.

[0071] The third notch 33 can also omit the inclined surface 33a. That is, the third notch 33 can also be cut along the thickness direction of the link plate 11. The third notch 33, which serves as a recess for release, can also be omitted.

[0072] The top end of the outer protruding wall 44 of the first engaging part 40 can protrude from the outer surface of the first link plate 21 in the thickness direction, or it can be located inside the outer surface of the first link plate 21.

[0073] In this embodiment, both the first engaging portion 30a and the second engaging portion 30b of a pair of link plates 11 have an outer protrusion 32a and a hinge bearing portion 31a, but this is not a limitation. The first engaging portion 30a and the second engaging portion 30b may have an outer protrusion 32a, but the hinge bearing portion 31a may be omitted. Alternatively, only one of the first engaging portion 30a and the second engaging portion 30b may have an outer protrusion 32a, while the other may only have a hinge bearing portion 31a.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first connecting member 12 has an inner protrusion 43 in the first engaging portion 40 and a hinge shaft 52 in the second engaging portion 50, but is not limited to this arrangement. The first connecting member 12 may have a hinge shaft 52 in the first engaging portion 40 and an inner protrusion 43 in the second engaging portion 50. Alternatively, the first connecting member 12 may have an inner protrusion 43 in both the first engaging portion 40 and the second engaging portion 50, thus omitting the hinge shaft 52.

Claims

1. A guiding device for a long strip, comprising multiple chain links connected in series and rotatably relative to each other. Each link has: A pair of opposing link plates; The first connecting structural member connects the pair of said link plates to each other; and The second connecting structural member connects the pair of chain link plates to each other. The structure is configured such that the long strip is housed within a space enclosed by a pair of link plates, the first connecting member, and the second connecting member, wherein... In each link, one of the pair of link plates has a first engaging portion and the other has a second engaging portion. The first connecting member in each link has a plate-shaped main body, a first engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaging portion that engages with the second engaging portion. When the direction in which a pair of link plates face each other is taken as the inner side of the link, and the opposite direction is taken as the outer side of the link, At least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has an outer engaging portion. At least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion has a drooping wall extending along the thickness direction of the main body, an inner engaging portion disposed on the drooping wall and engaging with the outer engaging portion, and an outer protruding wall protruding further outward than the drooping wall.

2. The guiding device for an elongated object according to claim 1, wherein, The first engaging portion has a curved portion between the lower wall and the main body portion.

3. The guiding device for an elongated object according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion has a release recess on its outer surface for releasing the engagement state between the outer engaged portion and the inner engaged portion.

4. The guiding device for an elongated object according to claim 3, wherein, The width of the release recess along the serial direction of the plurality of links is the same as or less than the width of the inner engagement portion of the first connecting member along the serial direction.

5. The guiding device for an elongated object according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The outer surface of the outer protruding wall of the first connecting structural member is located below the outer surface of the main body of the first connecting structural member.

6. The guiding device for an elongated object according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first engaging portion and the other of the second engaging portion have a hinge bearing portion. The first engaging portion and the other side of the second engaging portion have a hinge shaft that engages with the hinge bearing portion.

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