High-flexibility repeated-bending-resistant cable structure of drag chain

Abstract

This invention discloses a highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending, including a cable core assembly. The cable core assembly includes a protective shell, a first connector and a second connector disposed at both ends of the protective shell, and an inner cable assembly disposed within the protective shell. A flexible liner is disposed between the inner cable assembly and the protective shell. A cable through hole is provided in the flexible liner, through which the inner cable assembly passes. At least one set of heat dissipation fins is disposed on the flexible liner, and a medium flow channel for the flow of cooling medium is formed between two adjacent sets of heat dissipation fins. A storage assembly is also provided. A winding torsion spring drives a winding wheel and an extension seat, which in turn drives an extension guide rod to achieve linear folding and retraction of the cable. By constructing a medium flow channel within the flexible liner and connecting it to an external cooling circulation via a circulation connector, direct contact liquid cooling heat dissipation of the inner cable assembly is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drag chain cable technology, and in particular to a highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industrial automation, CNC machine tools, automated production lines, robots, and precision machining equipment have been widely used. In these devices, to meet the power supply and signal transmission needs of moving parts, cable chain systems are typically used to pull and protect cables. As a special type of cable, cable chain cables not only need to have excellent electrical insulation performance, but also need to withstand frequent reciprocating motion, bending and torsion, and mechanical friction. In the existing cable chain technology field, technological development mainly focuses on the selection of conductor stranding structure and insulation materials. For example, by using multi-strand finely stranded oxygen-free copper wire as the conductor and selecting highly flexible polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomers as the sheath material, the bending fatigue life of the cable can be improved. However, as modern industrial equipment develops towards high speed, high load, and high current, cable chain cables face increasingly severe heat dissipation problems in actual operation.

[0003] Existing drag chain cables mainly rely on natural convection or passive heat conduction for heat dissipation from the sheath surface. Under high current transmission conditions, a large amount of Joule heat accumulates inside the cable. Due to the low thermal conductivity of common sheath materials, the heat is difficult to dissipate quickly, causing the internal temperature of the cable to rise sharply. Long-term high-temperature operation will accelerate the aging, hardening, and even cracking of the insulation material, leading to faults such as short circuits and cable breaks, posing a great safety hazard. Some existing technologies attempt to increase the heat dissipation area by increasing the cable outer diameter or changing the shape of the sheath, but the heat dissipation effect is extremely limited, and it is difficult to widely apply due to the narrow installation space inside the drag chain. Moreover, most existing drag chain cable systems lack matching automatic storage devices. When the equipment is stopped or the cable is not in operation, the cable is often scattered randomly in the work area, which is highly susceptible to external mechanical impact, cutting fluid corrosion, or oil contamination, shortening the cable's service life and easily damaging the stranded structure of the internal conductor, leading to fatigue fracture of the core. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the heat dissipation of existing drag chain cables is passive and lacks a storage and protection structure.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems are solved by the following technical solution: This invention proposes a highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending, comprising: A cable core assembly, the cable core assembly including a protective shell, a first connector and a second connector disposed at both ends of the protective shell, and an inner cable group disposed within the protective shell; A flexible liner is provided between the inner cable assembly and the protective shell. A cable through hole is provided in the flexible liner, and the inner cable assembly is installed through the cable through hole in the flexible liner. The flexible liner is provided with at least one set of heat dissipation fins, and the two adjacent sets of heat dissipation fins form a medium flow channel for the flow of cooling medium.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention: a circulation connector can be detachably connected to both the first connector and the second connector, and the circulation connector is connected to the medium flow channel.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending described in this invention: the circulation joint includes a transfer pipe, a diversion pipe, and a flow channel joint. The transfer pipe is provided with at least two diversion pipes, and the diversion pipe is provided with at least one flow channel joint. The output end of the flow channel joint is connected to the medium flow channel.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention, a storage component is further included. The storage component includes a first storage mechanism and a second storage mechanism. The first storage mechanism is disposed at one end of the protective shell near the first connector, and the second storage mechanism is disposed at one end of the protective shell near the second connector. Both the first and second storage mechanisms are connected to an extension guide rod. The end of the extension guide rod away from the storage mechanism is hinged to the first connector or the second connector.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible and repeatedly bent drag chain cable structure of the present invention: the first storage mechanism includes a first connecting seat and a first mounting seat. A second connecting lug is hinged to the outside of the first connecting seat. A first winding wheel is rotatably disposed on the first mounting seat. A first extension seat is disposed on the first winding wheel. The first extension seat is connected to the first winding wheel through a first connecting member. One end of the extension guide rod is hinged to the first connector, and the other end passes through the first extension seat and is hinged to the second connecting lug.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention: a guide rod guide seat is hinged to the first extension seat, the extension guide rod is slidably disposed in the guide rod guide seat, and a winding torsion spring is disposed on the first winding wheel, the winding torsion spring being used to drive the first winding wheel to rotate to pull the first extension seat to retract.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible and repeatedly bent drag chain cable structure of the present invention: the second storage mechanism includes a second connecting seat and a second mounting seat. A second winding wheel is rotatably disposed on the second mounting seat. A second extension seat is disposed on the second winding wheel. The second extension seat is connected to the second winding wheel through a second connecting member. The winding torsion spring is also disposed on the second winding wheel.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention: a linkage shaft is rotatably connected inside the second extension seat, and guide rod guide seats are provided at both ends of the linkage shaft. The extension guide rod is slidably disposed inside the guide rod guide seat, and the extension guide rod is hinged to the second connection seat through a second connecting lug.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention: the first storage mechanism and the second storage mechanism are symmetrically arranged about the protective shell, and adjacent first storage mechanisms and second storage mechanisms share the same extension guide rod.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the highly flexible drag chain cable structure described in this invention: the flexible inner liner is made of flexible rubber material, and the heat dissipation fins are integrally injection molded with the flexible inner liner.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by constructing a medium flow channel in the flexible liner and connecting it to the external cooling cycle with a circulation connector, direct contact liquid cooling heat dissipation of the inner cable group is achieved. The heat dissipation fins increase the heat exchange area and quickly carry the heat generated by the inner cable group out of the cable body through the flowing cooling medium, thereby improving the current carrying capacity and operational reliability of the cable. Through mechanical linkage, the unfolding and retraction of the cable is transformed into linear reciprocating motion. When retraction is required, the mechanism drives the cable to fold and retract, instead of the traditional spiral winding, which avoids the damage of torsional stress to the highly flexible cable conductor, retains the bending resistance design advantage of the drag chain cable, and achieves effective physical protection for the cable in non-working state, preventing damage from the external environment. The flexible inner liner is made of thermally conductive rubber and integrally injection molded, which not only ensures excellent thermal conductivity but also gives the cable sufficient flexibility to adapt to the frequent bending of the cable chain system. The specially designed medium flow channel structure can keep the flow channel unobstructed even when the cable is in a bent state, ensuring the circulation stability of the cooling medium and achieving a unity of heat dissipation function and mechanical performance. The circulation joint adopts a detachable design and includes a transfer pipe, a diversion pipe and other diversion structures, making it easy and quick to connect the cable to the external cooling system and providing good sealing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 The present invention is shown. Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the flexible liner of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the circulation connector of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the storage mechanism of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first storage mechanism of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first storage mechanism of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the coiled torsion spring of the present invention is shown; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second storage mechanism of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0018] The terminology used in this invention is that which is currently widely used in the art in consideration of the function of the invention; however, these terms may vary according to the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or new technology in the art. Furthermore, specific terms may be chosen by the applicant, and in such cases, their detailed meanings will be described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should not be construed as simple names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall description of the invention.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending includes a cable core assembly 100. The cable core assembly 100 includes a protective shell 104, a first connector 101 and a second connector 102 disposed at both ends of the protective shell 104, and an inner cable group 103 disposed inside the protective shell 104. In this embodiment, the inner cable group 103 adopts a highly flexible design to adapt to the repeated bending of the drag chain system. Specifically, the conductor of the inner cable group 103 is made of multi-strand finely stranded oxygen-free copper wire with a short stranding pitch and has undergone untwisting treatment to eliminate internal stress and prevent core breakage during frequent bending movements. An insulation layer is extruded on the outside of the conductor. The insulation material is preferably modified TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or PUR (polyurethane), which can effectively resist mechanical wear during drag chain movement. The protective shell 104 is preferably extruded from a highly flexible and weather-resistant PUR material, and its surface is smooth to reduce the coefficient of friction when dragged in the drag chain.

[0020] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A flexible inner liner 105 is provided between the inner cable assembly 103 and the protective shell 104. The flexible inner liner 105 has cable through holes 107, through which the inner cable assembly 103 passes. Specifically, the flexible inner liner 105 is made of thermally conductive silicone or thermally conductive rubber, ensuring sufficient flexibility to bend with the cable while also possessing good thermal conductivity. Several cable through holes 107 extending through its axial length are provided within the flexible inner liner 105. The inner diameter of the cable through holes 107 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner cable assembly 103, forming a clearance fit. This allows for a small amount of slippage space within the liner, further buffering bending stress. At least one set of heat dissipation fins 106 are axially extended on the outer circumferential surface of the inner liner 105. The heat dissipation fins 106 and the flexible inner liner 105 are preferably integrally injection molded or co-extruded to ensure the integrity of the structure. The two adjacent sets of heat dissipation fins 106 form a medium flow channel 109 for the flow of cooling medium. The cross-sectional shape of the medium flow channel 109 can be semi-circular, rectangular or trapezoidal. When the cable is in a bent and retracted state, the flexible inner liner 105 will undergo elastic deformation. However, due to the supporting effect of the heat dissipation fins 106 and the reasonable design of the flow channel cross-section, the medium flow channel 109 can still remain partially unobstructed, preventing the flow channel from being completely blocked and blocking the circulation of cooling medium.

[0021] refer to Figure 4Both the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 are detachably connected to a circulation connector 108. The circulation connector 108 is the interface for connecting to the external cooling circulation system. Specifically, the circulation connector 108 includes a transfer pipe 108a, a branch pipe 108b, and a flow channel connector 108c. The transfer pipe 108a serves as the main liquid inlet pipe, and at least two branch pipes 108b are provided on it through threaded connection or compression fitting connection. The end of the branch pipe 108b is provided with a flow channel connector 108c. The output end of the flow channel connector 108c is connected to the medium flow channel 109. In order to ensure sealing, an O-ring (not shown in the figure) is provided at the connection between the flow channel connector 108c and the medium flow channel 109 to prevent the cooling medium from leaking. The specifications of the flow channel connector 108c match the specifications of the medium flow channel 109 to ensure smooth fluid entry. The cooling medium can be ethylene glycol aqueous solution, heat transfer oil, or compressed air, etc. refer to Figure 5 The storage assembly 200 includes a first storage mechanism 201 and a second storage mechanism 202. The first storage mechanism 201 is located at one end of the protective housing 104 near the first connector 101, and the second storage mechanism 202 is located at one end of the protective housing 104 near the second connector 102. The first storage mechanism 201 and the second storage mechanism 202 are symmetrically arranged about the protective housing 104. Both the first storage mechanism 201 and the second storage mechanism 202 are connected to an extension guide rod 204. The extension guide rod 204 is preferably a high-strength stainless steel round bar or a hard aluminum alloy tube, and its surface is anodized or electroplated to reduce surface roughness. The end of the extension guide rod 204 away from the storage mechanism is hinged to the first connector 101 or the second connector 102 by a pin, allowing it to rotate flexibly as the cable angle changes during the unfolding process. Adjacent first storage mechanisms 201 and second storage mechanisms 202 share the same extension guide rod 204, ensuring the synchronicity of the storage actions at both ends.

[0022] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The first storage mechanism 201 includes a first connecting seat 201a and a first mounting seat 201b. A second connecting lug 206 is hinged to the outer side of the first connecting seat 201a via a hinge support. The first mounting seat 201b is bolted inside the first connecting seat 201a. A first winding wheel 201d is rotatably mounted on the first mounting seat 201b via a bearing. A first extension seat 205 is mounted on the first winding wheel 201d. The first extension seat 205 has a U-shaped structure, with sliding guide surfaces formed on both side walls. An opening is provided on the first extension seat 205. A first connecting through hole 205a is provided, and a first connecting member 205b is provided inside the first connecting through hole 205a. The first extension seat 205 is connected to the eccentric position of the first take-up roller 201d through the first connecting member 205b (such as a pin or screw), thereby converting the rotational motion of the take-up roller into the linear reciprocating motion of the extension seat. A guide rod guide seat 208 is hinged on the first extension seat 205. A low-friction bushing is embedded in the guide rod guide seat 208. The extension guide rod 204 is slidably disposed in the bushing to achieve smooth relative sliding. (See reference for more details.) Figure 8 As shown, a winding torsion spring 209 is provided on the first winding wheel 201d. Specifically, the winding torsion spring 209 is a helical torsion spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft of the first winding wheel 201d. One end of the torsion spring is fixed on the first winding wheel 201d, and the other end is fixed on the first mounting base 201b. When the first winding wheel 201d rotates in the forward direction and unfolds, the torsion spring is wound up and stores energy. When the external force is removed, the torsion spring releases its elastic force to drive the first winding wheel 201d to rotate in the reverse direction, thereby achieving automatic retraction and reset.

[0023] refer to Figure 9 The second storage mechanism 202 includes a second connecting seat 202a and a second mounting seat 202b. A second take-up wheel 202d is rotatably mounted on the second mounting seat 202b. A second extension seat 207 is mounted on the second take-up wheel 202d. The second extension seat 207 is connected to the second take-up wheel 202d via a second connecting member 207b. A take-up torsion spring 209 is also mounted on the second take-up wheel 202d. A linkage shaft 207 is rotatably connected to the second extension seat 207 via a bearing. a. Both ends of the linkage shaft 207a are provided with guide rod guide seats 208. The extension guide rod 204 is slidably disposed in the guide rod guide seat 208. Since the second storage mechanism 202 may involve asynchronous force on both sides, the linkage shaft 207a can balance the force on the guide rod guide seats 208 at both ends, ensure the stability of the second extension seat 207 during the sliding process, and prevent jamming. The extension guide rod 204 is hinged to the second connecting seat 202a through the second connecting ear 206.

[0024] In use, the inner cable group 103 inside the cable core assembly 100 is connected to the output end of the device to be connected through the first connector 101. Then, the cable core assembly 100 is pulled out and the second connector 102 is connected to another input end. After the electrical connection is completed, the circulation connector 108 set on the first connector 101 and the second connector 102 is opened. The cooling medium is introduced through the transfer pipe 108a, and after being diverted through the diversion pipe 108b, it enters the flow channel connector 108c and finally flows into the medium flow channel 109. During this process, the heat generated by the inner cable group 103 is transferred to the flexible inner liner 105 and the heat dissipation fins 106 through heat conduction. The flowing cooling medium exchanges heat with the heat dissipation fins 106 in the medium flow channel 109, thereby accelerating the removal of the heat generated by the inner cable group 103 and realizing active heat dissipation protection for the cable. When the cable core assembly 100 is in the non-unfolded and retracted state, under the elastic restoring force of the winding torsion spring 209, the first winding wheel 201d and the second winding wheel 202d connected to it are driven to rotate. The rotating winding wheel pulls the first extension seat 205 through the first connector 205b and pulls the second extension seat 207 through the second connector 207b to move in opposite directions, forcing the extension seats to move closer to the center, thereby driving the cable core assembly 100 to fold and retract. When the cable core assembly 100 needs to be unfolded, the operator pulls the protective shell 104. The extension guide rod 204, which is hinged to the first connector 101 or the second connector 102, deflects at an angle as the protective shell 104 moves. When the extension guide rod 204 shifts from a vertically retracted state to a horizontally unfolded state, the extension guide rod 204, which is slidably set in the guide rod guide seat 208, drives the first extension seat 205 and the second extension seat 207 to move in opposite straight lines along the rod body and move away from each other. The movement of the extension seats pulls the winding wheel to rotate through the connector, forcing the winding torsion spring 209 to store energy, thereby providing a reset preload force for the retraction mechanism. During this process, the second storage mechanism 202 operates synchronously with the first storage mechanism 201. The second extension seat 207 maintains synchronous expansion at both ends with the cooperation of the linkage shaft 207a. After the cable core assembly 100 completes the connection operation, the connection constraint between the connector and the equipment is released. The winding torsion spring 209 releases its elastic potential energy, driving the first storage mechanism 201 and the second storage mechanism 202 to reset. The cable core assembly 100 is automatically retracted through the pull-back action of the extension guide rod 204. At the same time, the flexible inner liner 105 adopts a flexible structure design to ensure that the medium flow channel 109 remains unobstructed in the bent state of storage, ensuring the applicability of the device.

[0025] Finally, it should be noted that the methods and devices described in detail above are merely embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify these embodiments in different ways as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending, characterized in that: include: The cable core assembly includes a protective housing, a first connector and a second connector disposed at both ends of the protective housing, and an inner cable group disposed within the protective housing. A flexible liner is provided between the inner cable assembly and the protective shell. A cable through hole is provided in the flexible liner, and the inner cable assembly is installed through the cable through hole in the flexible liner. The flexible liner is provided with at least one set of heat dissipation fins, and the two adjacent sets of heat dissipation fins form a medium flow channel for the flow of cooling medium.

2. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second connectors can be detachably connected to a circulation connector, which is connected to the medium flow channel.

3. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circulation connector includes a transfer pipe, a diversion pipe, and a flow channel connector. The transfer pipe is provided with at least two diversion pipes, and the diversion pipe is provided with at least one flow channel connector. The output end of the flow channel connector is connected to the medium flow channel.

4. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a storage assembly, which includes a first storage mechanism and a second storage mechanism. The first storage mechanism is disposed at one end of the protective shell near the first connector, and the second storage mechanism is disposed at one end of the protective shell near the second connector. Both the first and second storage mechanisms are connected to an extension guide rod, and the end of the extension guide rod away from the storage mechanism is hinged to the first or second connector.

5. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first storage mechanism includes a first connecting seat and a first mounting seat. A second connecting lug is hinged to the outside of the first connecting seat. A first winding wheel is rotatably mounted on the first mounting seat. A first extension seat is mounted on the first winding wheel. The first extension seat is connected to the first winding wheel through a first connecting member. One end of the extension guide rod is hinged to the first connector, and the other end passes through the first extension seat and is hinged to the second connecting lug.

6. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 5, characterized in that: A guide rod guide seat is hinged to the first extension seat, and the extension guide rod is slidably disposed in the guide rod guide seat. A winding torsion spring is disposed on the first winding wheel, and the winding torsion spring is used to drive the first winding wheel to rotate to pull the first extension seat to retract.

7. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second storage mechanism includes a second connecting seat and a second mounting seat. A second winding wheel is rotatably mounted on the second mounting seat. A second extension seat is mounted on the second winding wheel. The second extension seat is connected to the second winding wheel via a second connecting member. A winding torsion spring is also mounted on the second winding wheel.

8. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second extension seat is rotatably connected to a linkage shaft, and both ends of the linkage shaft are provided with guide rod guide seats. The extension guide rod is slidably disposed in the guide rod guide seat, and the extension guide rod is hinged to the second connection seat through a second connecting lug.

9. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first and second storage mechanisms are symmetrically arranged with respect to the protective shell, and adjacent first and second storage mechanisms share the same extension guide rod.

10. The highly flexible drag chain cable structure resistant to repeated bending according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible liner is made of flexible rubber material, and the heat dissipation fins are integrally injection molded with the flexible liner.

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