Steel drag chain with double-layer protection structure

By using a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure, and combining rubber sealing sheets and clamping mechanisms, the problems of cable wear and poor sealing during bending of the steel cable chain are solved, achieving efficient sealing and stable clamping, extending cable life and reducing maintenance costs.

CN224150102UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21CANGZHOU SHENGHAO MACHINE TOOL ACCESSORIES CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CANGZHOU SHENGHAO MACHINE TOOL ACCESSORIES CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-12
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing steel cable chains are prone to wear and tear and poor sealing during bending, making them susceptible to external impurities, which leads to shortened lifespan and safety hazards.

Method used

It adopts a double-layer protective structure, including a rubber sealing sheet and a clamping mechanism. The rubber sealing sheet forms a continuous seal through magnetic self-adaptive bonding, and the clamping mechanism achieves stable clamping through mechanical interlocking of rectangular columns and grooves. Combined with high and low temperature resistant rubber material and a guiding mechanism, stability is improved.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves sealing and dustproof efficiency, reduces line friction, extends line life, reduces equipment maintenance costs, and enhances operational convenience and safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a steel drag chain with a double-layer protection structure, which comprises a steel drag chain body, the steel drag chain body comprises a chain link mechanism, the chain link mechanism comprises a plurality of first chain links, a plurality of second chain links and a sealing mechanism, and the sealing mechanism is arranged between the first chain links and the second chain links. The multiple first chain links are connected through hinge pieces or the first chain links and the second chain links are connected through hinge pieces, clamping mechanisms are arranged on the second chain links and comprise mounting plates and clamping plates, the mounting plates are mounted on the inner sides of the second chain links, fixing plates and bearing seats are arranged at the top ends of the mounting plates, and the clamping plates are arranged on the inner sides of the fixing plates. According to the structure, external impurities are prevented from invading through the sealing mechanism, friction between a line and a chain link is reduced through the clamping mechanism, the line service life is remarkably prolonged, the average line service life is prolonged through double protection, and equipment shutdown loss and cable replacement cost are reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steel cable chain technology, specifically a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, traditional steel cable chains, as core components protecting cables and hydraulic pipelines in mechanical equipment, function primarily to achieve regular movement of the lines through the flexible bending of chain links, while reducing damage to the lines from external impacts and friction. However, existing technologies still have the following significant drawbacks, leading to shortened line lifespan, increased maintenance costs, and even safety hazards. During reciprocating motion, the internal lines of traditional cable chains shift with the bending of chain links, especially at the bends where they frequently rub against the inner walls of the links. After long-term operation, the insulation layer or sheath on the line surface is easily worn, leading to short circuits, leakage, or signal interference. Existing cable chains mostly rely on the natural stacking or simple bundling of lines without an active clamping mechanism. The lines are loosely distributed inside the cable chain, exacerbating the disorderly swaying during bending and further amplifying the friction effect. The traditional chain link connections use rigid butt joints or simple rubber strip filling, which cannot completely seal the gaps. Dust, debris, and other impurities can easily penetrate into the cable chain through the gaps, adhering to the lines and forming abrasives, accelerating line wear. Therefore, it is necessary to propose solutions to this technical problem. Utility Model Content

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure, comprising a steel cable chain body, the steel cable chain body including a link mechanism, the link mechanism including a first link, a second link and a sealing mechanism, each having multiple first links and second links, the multiple first links being connected to each other or between the first and second links by hinges, the second link having a clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism including a mounting plate and a clamping plate, the mounting plate being installed on the inner side of the second link, the top of the mounting plate having a fixing plate and a bearing seat, the bearing seat having a lead screw, the clamping plate having a threaded hole, the lead screw passing through the threaded hole, the top of the lead screw having a rectangular hole, the top of the mounting plate having a rectangular groove, the rectangular hole having a rectangular post, a locking mechanism being provided between the rectangular post and the rectangular groove, a guiding mechanism being provided between the clamping plate and the mounting plate, and both the fixing plate and the clamping plate having clamping mechanisms.

[0007] To address the problem of poor sealing at the connection points of cable chain links, this utility model provides an improvement: the sealing mechanism includes a rubber sealing sheet, which is installed at both ends of the first and second chain links. One end of the rubber sealing sheet is provided with a first magnetic plate, and the other end of the rubber sealing sheet is provided with a first sheet metal.

[0008] To address the problem of easy deviation or jamming during the movement of the clamping plate, this utility model improves upon the following: the guiding mechanism includes a guide post and a guide hole. The guide post is installed on the top of the mounting plate, and the guide hole is formed on the clamping plate, with the guide post passing through the guide hole.

[0009] To address the mismatch between the contact surface of the circuit clamping surface and the clamping mechanism, this utility model improves upon the invention by including an arc groove in the clamping mechanism, which is formed at the top of the fixed plate and the bottom of the clamping plate.

[0010] To solve the problem of accidental rotation of the lead screw due to vibration or external force, the present invention improves upon this invention by including a second magnetic plate and a second sheet metal in the locking mechanism. The second sheet metal is installed at the bottom end of the rectangular column, and the second magnetic plate is installed at the bottom end of the rectangular groove.

[0011] To solve the problem of difficulty in aligning the rectangular column and the slot hole when adjusting the screw angle, this utility model improves upon the present invention by making the rectangular slot, the rectangular column, and the rectangular hole all hexagonal structures.

[0012] To address the problem of clamping failure caused by slippage during line clamping, this utility model is improved by providing a rubber pad on the outer side of the arc groove.

[0013] To address the problem that conventional rubber seals are prone to hardening or softening under extreme temperatures, this invention features an improvement where both the rubber sealing sheet and the rubber gasket are made of high and low temperature resistant rubber material.

[0014] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure integrates a first magnetic sheet and a first sheet metal at both ends of the rubber sealing sheet. When the chain links bend, they adapt to each other through magnetic force to form a continuous sealing interface, which improves the sealing and dust prevention efficiency under bending conditions.

[0017] The operator only needs to lift the rectangular column to release the lead screw lock, rotate the lead screw to move 1.5mm per revolution to fine-tune the position of the clamping plate, and then press the rectangular column to complete the locking. No tools are required throughout the process, and the operation time for a single person is less than 10 seconds, which is more efficient than bolt tightening. After the lead screw initially fixes the clamping plate through the threaded hole, the rectangular column is inserted into the rectangular groove of the same structure to form a mechanical interlock. The lead screw and the rectangular column locking mechanism can fine-tune the clamping force. The operation is convenient and avoids over-clamping and damage to the circuit. The sealing mechanism prevents the intrusion of external impurities, and the clamping mechanism reduces the friction between the circuit and the chain links, which significantly extends the circuit life. The double protection extends the average life of the circuit and reduces equipment downtime losses and cable replacement costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the rubber sealing sheet installed;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model without the rubber sealing sheet installed;

[0020] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure with the second chain segment equipped with a rubber sealing sheet;

[0021] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second link without the rubber sealing plate;

[0022] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged structure of the second link in the middle, frontal half section.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. First link; 2. Second link; 3. Mounting plate; 4. Clamping plate; 5. Fixing plate; 6. Bearing seat; 7. Lead screw; 8. Rectangular column; 9. Rubber sealing sheet; 10. First magnet; 11. First sheet metal; 12. Guide column; 13. Rubber pad; 14. Arc groove; 15. Second magnet; 16. Second sheet metal. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Please see Figure 1-5This utility model relates to a steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure, comprising a steel cable chain body, a chain link mechanism, a first chain link 1, a second chain link 2, and a sealing mechanism. Multiple first chain links 1 and multiple second chain links 2 are provided, and the multiple first chain links 1 or the first chain link 1 and the second chain link 2 are connected by hinges. A clamping mechanism is provided on the second chain link 2, the clamping mechanism comprising a mounting plate 3 and a clamping plate 4. The mounting plate 3 is installed on the inner side of the second chain link 2, and the top of the mounting plate 3 is provided with a fixing plate 5 and a bearing seat 6. The bearing seat 6 is provided with a lead screw 7. The clamping plate 4 has a threaded hole through which the lead screw 7 passes. The top of the lead screw 7 has a rectangular hole, and the top of the mounting plate 3 has a rectangular groove. A rectangular post 8 is provided on the rectangular hole, and a locking mechanism is provided between the rectangular post 8 and the rectangular groove. A guiding mechanism is provided between the clamping plate 4 and the mounting plate 3. Both the fixing plate 5 and the clamping plate 4 are provided with clamping mechanisms. In this embodiment, multiple first chain links 1 are assembled by hinges, and then second chain links 2 are assembled onto the first chain links 1 by hinges as needed. A second chain link 2 is rotatably positioned between several first chain links 1. The operator passes the control line through the first chain links 1 and the second chain links 2, then presses the line against the fixing plate 5 in the second chain link 2, and then lifts the rectangular post 8, thereby causing the rectangular post 8 to leave the rectangular groove. This allows the bearing seat 6 to easily rotate the lead screw 7. The lead screw 7 passes through the threaded hole, enabling the clamping plate 4 to move stably in a straight line via the guide mechanism and the lead screw 7. The clamping plate 4 approaches the fixing plate 5, thus clamping the circuit. During clamping, the angle of the lead screw 7 is finely adjusted, and the rectangular post 8 is pressed down, aligning and abutting the rectangular post 8 in the rectangular hole. This locks the lead screw 7 in place, preventing angular displacement. The fine-tuning ensures a short movement distance for the clamping plate 4, preventing damage to the circuit. This achieves secure clamping and locking of the circuit, preventing damage caused by friction between the wire and the inner wall of the first link 1 or second link 2 during long-term use when the circuit bends internally. When the cable needs to be removed, pulling the rectangular post 8 and then rotating the screw 7 in the opposite direction will move the clamping plate 4 away from the fixing plate 5, quickly clamping the cable. The sealing mechanism effectively seals the first link 1 and the second link 2, reducing the entry of impurities and dust into them and preventing scratches from friction between the cable and foreign objects, providing the first layer of protection. The initial locking between the screw 7 and the threaded hole, and the locking of the screw 7 by the rectangular post 8 against the rectangular groove, ensure a secure and reliable fixation of the cable, reducing friction and wear between the cable and the inside of the first or second link 2, providing a second layer of protection. This significantly improves the protection of the cable during the use of the steel cable chain.The rectangular post 8 can be stably inserted into the rectangular slot by using a locking mechanism.

[0026] The sealing mechanism described above can be any type of sealing component. To further reduce the number of assembly steps, in this solution, the sealing mechanism includes a rubber sealing sheet 9. The rubber sealing sheet 9 is installed at both ends of the first link 1 and the second link 2. One end of the rubber sealing sheet 9 is provided with a first magnetic strip 10, and the other end of the rubber sealing sheet 9 is provided with a first sheet metal 11. Due to the elasticity of the rubber sealing sheet 9, when the first link 1 or the second link 2 bends and moves, the rubber sealing sheet 9 bends accordingly. The first magnetic strip 10 of one rubber sealing sheet 9 abuts against the first sheet metal 11 of the other rubber sealing sheet 9, thereby attracting the contact surfaces of the two rubber sealing sheets 9 together through magnetic attraction, which can achieve a stable and reliable sealing effect without the need for assembly and fixation between multiple rubber sealing sheets 9.

[0027] The aforementioned guiding mechanism can be any type of guiding component. In order to further improve the linear movement stability of the clamping plate, in this solution, the guiding mechanism includes a guide post 12 and a guide hole. The guide post 12 is installed on the top of the mounting plate 3, and the guide hole is opened on the clamping plate 4. The guide post 12 passes through the guide hole. By passing the guide post 12 through the guide hole opened on the clamping plate 4, the clamping plate 4 can achieve more stable linear lifting and lowering movement.

[0028] The clamping mechanism described above can be any type of clamping part. In order to further improve the clamping stability of the circuit, in this solution, the clamping mechanism includes an arc groove 14. The arc groove 14 is formed at the top of the fixed plate 5 and the bottom of the clamping plate 4. The arc groove 14 formed at the top of the fixed plate 5 and the bottom of the clamping plate 4 can more effectively clamp and limit the circuit.

[0029] The locking mechanism described above can be any type of locking device. In order to further improve the clamping firmness of the rectangular column, in this solution, the locking mechanism includes a second magnetic sheet 15 and a second sheet metal 16. The second sheet metal 16 is installed at the bottom end of the rectangular column 8, and the second magnetic sheet 15 is installed at the bottom end of the rectangular groove. The second magnetic sheet 15 generates a magnetic attraction force on the second sheet metal 16 at the bottom end of the rectangular column 8, which can further improve the locking performance of the rectangular column 8 in the rectangular groove.

[0030] The rectangular groove, rectangular column 8, and rectangular hole mentioned above can be any kind of polygon. In order to further facilitate the insertion of the rectangular column into the rectangular groove, in this solution, the rectangular groove, the rectangular column 8, and the rectangular hole are all hexagonal structures. By using the rectangular groove, rectangular column 8, and rectangular hole with hexagonal structures, the angle of rotation of the lead screw 7 can be reduced so that the rectangular column 8 can be aligned and inserted into the rectangular groove.

[0031] To further improve the anti-slip properties of the arc groove 14, in this design, a rubber pad 13 is provided on the outer side of the arc groove 14. The rubber pad 13 can provide an anti-slip effect on the line, thereby further improving the clamping stability of the line.

[0032] The rubber sealing sheet 9 and the rubber pad 13 mentioned above can be made of any kind of rubber material. In order to further improve the applicability in harsh environments, in this solution, the rubber sealing sheet 9 and the rubber pad 13 are both made of high and low temperature resistant rubber material. The high and low temperature resistant rubber material enables the rubber sealing sheet 9 and the rubber pad 13 to be used in hot and cold weather environments and still play the corresponding sealing or anti-slip role.

[0033] The rubber sealing sheet integrates a first magnetic plate and a first sheet metal at both ends, which magnetically adapt to each other when the chain links bend, forming a continuous sealing interface. Experiments show that under three-dimensional bending conditions, the sealing interface gap is ≤0.1mm, improving dustproof efficiency by 80% compared to the ≥0.5mm gap of traditional snap-on seals. The elastic modulus of the rubber sealing sheet is controlled between 3-5MPa, ensuring bending compliance while preventing collapse due to excessive softness. Within a temperature range of -20℃ to 80℃, the sealing sheet's resilience is >95%, effectively adapting to changes in chain link gaps caused by thermal expansion and contraction. After the screw initially fixes the clamping plate through the threaded hole, a hexagonal rectangular post is inserted into a similar rectangular groove, forming a mechanical interlock. Tests show that under vibration frequency of 50Hz and amplitude of 2mm, the clamping force attenuation is <5%, while the traditional bolt structure attenuates by up to 30%. The operator only needs to lift the rectangular column to release the lead screw lock, rotate the lead screw 1.5mm per revolution to fine-tune the clamping plate position, and then press the rectangular column to complete the locking. The entire process requires no tools, and the single-person operation time is less than 10 seconds, a 200% improvement in efficiency compared to bolt tightening (≥30 seconds). The hexagonal structure reduces the lead screw rotation alignment angle from 360° to a locking point segment of 60°, increasing the operational error tolerance by 6 times and reducing the skill requirements for the operator. The lead screw pitch is designed to be 1mm, and the clamping plate displacement is 0.04mm for every 1 / 24 revolution of 15° rotation, allowing precise control of the clamping force within the range of 5-20N to avoid overpressure damage to the circuit. When the chain link bends at an angle of ±90°, the rubber sealing plate bends elastically, while the magnetic attraction force is ≥1.2N / cm. 2Ensure adjacent sealing plates fit tightly. In a 100,000-cycle bending fatigue test, no separation of the sealing interface occurred, compared to the traditional structure which fails after 50,000 cycles. The synergistic effect of magnetic attraction and rubber sheet pre-tightening force ensures that, under a vibration acceleration of 5g, the sealing plate displacement is <0.2mm, far below the 2mm detachment threshold of snap-fit ​​structures. The gap between the guide post and guide hole is controlled at 0.05-0.1mm (section 3), ensuring that the linear motion sway angle of the clamping plate is <0.5°, avoiding uneven clamping force due to skewing, which can reach 3° in traditional structures. The fit between the hexagonal rectangular post and the slot restricts the circumferential freedom of the lead screw. Torque testing shows that a force ≥0.8N·m is required to break the lock, far exceeding the typical vibration torque of <0.2N·m for cable chains. The rubber sealing plates and gaskets are made of fluorosilicone rubber, resistant to temperatures from -50℃ to 200℃. At a high temperature of 150℃, the compression set is <10%, and at a low temperature of -40℃, the tensile strength retention is >85%.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steel cable chain with a double-layer protective structure, comprising a steel cable chain body, wherein the steel cable chain body includes a link mechanism, characterized in that, The chain link mechanism includes a first chain link (1), a second chain link (2), and a sealing mechanism. Multiple first chain links (1) and multiple second chain links (2) are provided. These first chain links (1) are connected to each other or to the first chain link (1) and the second chain link (2) via hinges. A clamping mechanism is provided on the second chain link (2). The clamping mechanism includes a mounting plate (3) and a clamping plate (4). The mounting plate (3) is installed on the inner side of the second chain link (2), and a fixing plate (5) is provided at the top of the mounting plate (3). The bearing housing (6) is provided with a lead screw (7), the clamping plate (4) is provided with a threaded hole, the lead screw (7) passes through the threaded hole, the top end of the lead screw (7) is provided with a rectangular hole, the top end of the mounting plate (3) is provided with a rectangular groove, the rectangular hole is provided with a rectangular post (8), a locking mechanism is provided between the rectangular post (8) and the rectangular groove, a guiding mechanism is provided between the clamping plate (4) and the mounting plate (3), and both the fixing plate (5) and the clamping plate (4) are provided with clamping mechanisms.

2. The steel drag chain with double layer protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing mechanism includes a rubber sealing sheet (9), which is installed at both ends of the first link (1) and the second link (2). One end of the rubber sealing sheet (9) is provided with a first magnet (10), and the other end of the rubber sealing sheet (9) is provided with a first iron sheet (11).

3. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism includes a guide post (12) and a guide hole. The guide post (12) is installed on the top of the mounting plate (3), and the guide hole is opened on the clamping plate (4). The guide post (12) passes through the guide hole.

4. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes an arc groove (14), which is formed at the top of the fixed plate (5) and the bottom of the clamping plate (4).

5. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a second magnetic piece (15) and a second sheet metal (16), the second sheet metal (16) being installed at the bottom end of the rectangular column (8) and the second magnetic piece (15) being installed at the bottom end of the rectangular groove.

6. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rectangular groove, the rectangular column (8), and the rectangular hole are all hexagonal structures.

7. The steel drag chain according to claim 4, wherein A rubber pad (13) is provided on the outside of the arc groove (14).

8. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rubber sealing sheet (9) is made of high and low temperature resistant rubber material.

9. The steel drag chain with double protection structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rubber pad (13) is made of high and low temperature resistant rubber material.