Drag chain with corrugated bending radian
By designing a cable chain with a corrugated bending arc, the problem of insufficient load-bearing capacity during bending is solved, enhancing the tensile strength and flexibility of the cable chain, and preventing cable wear and tangling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGDONG KAIFENG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing cable chains have insufficient load-bearing and tensile strength during bending, especially when the curvature is less than the predetermined curvature, resulting in high internal stress, which leads to cable wear and entanglement.
Design a cable chain with a corrugated bending arc. The corrugated profile has a protruding arc facing one side. The bending arc in the middle section is tangent to the cross-section of the cable chain. The difference in the width of the crest and trough reduces the bending radius. The flexible bending ability is enhanced by fastening clips and welding structure.
It improves the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength of the cable chain, reduces the bending radius, avoids cable damage, and enhances the stability and durability of the cable chain during flexible bending.
Smart Images
Figure CN224229184U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cable chain technology, and in particular to a cable chain with a corrugated bending arc. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industry, automated production equipment is widely used. Cables are an indispensable component used to drive the movement of equipment. During the movement of the moving parts of the equipment, cables are often dragged to transmit electrical signals or power in a timely manner. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the cables that are dragged along with the equipment.
[0003] A cable chain is a component used to house and protect cables. It moves along with moving parts, preventing cables from being dragged, worn, or tangled.
[0004] Currently, during the operation of cable chains, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cable is housed within a cable chain. One or both ends of the cable chain are fixed to the equipment along its length. Both ends can be stationary, one end can be stationary while the other moves, or both ends can move. During movement, the cable chain bends in one direction with a curvature less than a predetermined value. Figure 1 In this design, one end of the cable chain is fixed at point O, and the other end is fixed at point A. Point O is fixed, while point A moves with the equipment and flexes at one end with a radius of R, allowing it to flex to point B. As illustrated in the Chinese utility model patent CN222351314U, entitled "Corrugated Pipe Dust-Free Cable Chain Shell," at the bending point, adjacent corrugations on the corrugated section abut against each other, thus limiting the radius of the bending section during flexural bending. A larger radius results in greater internal stress during cable dragging, meaning lower load-bearing and tensile strength.
[0005] Therefore, a new technical solution is urgently needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cable chain with a corrugated curvature to overcome the defects mentioned in the background art.
[0007] A cable carrier with a corrugated curvature for protecting cables includes an interlocking upper cover and a lower cover. Both the upper and lower covers are integral corrugated flexible tubes with alternating crests and troughs forming a corrugated profile. The corrugated profile is flexible and bends flexibly toward the upper cover. Both the upper and lower covers have interlocking strips extending along their length. The upper and lower covers are connected to each other by the interlocking strips and define a storage space for accommodating cables. The corrugated profile of the upper and lower covers includes side portions located on both sides along the width direction and a gradually curving middle section located on the side portions. The two ends of the middle section gradually bend toward the centerline from the connection point of the side portions, so that the middle section has an arc protruding to one side.
[0008] Furthermore, the curvature of the middle section is tangent to the cross-section of the upper or lower cover at the center line position of the upper or lower cover.
[0009] Furthermore, the side portion is generally arranged in a vertical direction, the middle section is arranged in a horizontal direction, and a rounded transition arc is provided at the connection position between the middle section and the side portion, so that the corrugated outline of the upper or lower cover bulges away from the storage space.
[0010] Furthermore, the width of the crest gradually increases from the top to the root, and the width of the trough gradually increases from the opening to the bottom.
[0011] Furthermore, on the same longitudinal section, the width of the crest is smaller than the width of the trough.
[0012] Furthermore, the fastening strip includes:
[0013] The connecting part is integrally formed with the side part.
[0014] An extension portion, one end of which is formed on the connecting portion and the other end extends outward.
[0015] Furthermore, in a downward or upward orthographic projection, the crest of the upper cover and the crest of the lower cover are located at the same projection position.
[0016] Furthermore, a docking structure for welding is provided between the fastening strips located on the upper and lower covers. The docking structure includes a docking groove formed on one of the fastening strips and a docking block formed on the other fastening strip and embedded in the docking groove. Welding protrusions are provided at equal intervals along the length direction on the docking block.
[0017] Furthermore, a positioning structure is provided between the fastening strips located on the upper and lower covers. The positioning structure includes a positioning groove formed on one of the fastening strips and a positioning post formed on the other fastening strip for engaging within the positioning groove.
[0018] Furthermore, the cable chain also includes fixed joints at both ends, and the cable housed within the storage space defined by the upper and lower covers passes through the fixed joints.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] After the cable is protected within the storage space, it moves with the moving parts, pulling the cable chain and causing it to bend flexibly. At the bending point, the middle section is designed to bend to one side. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, one end of the cable chain is fixed, and the other end is mounted on the moving parts and dragged by the moving parts. The protruding arc surface of the bending middle section faces the moving parts. Thus, after the cable chain bends flexibly, adjacent peaks approach each other at the middle section and gradually abut. Since there is only a bend in the middle, there is a space for avoidance during the abutment of adjacent peaks at the middle section. This space allows the bending point of the cable chain to bend further, thereby reducing the radius of the bend. Because the radius of the bending point is reduced, the overall size of the bending point is reduced, improving the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength of the cable chain. More importantly, after the cable chain bends, the middle section of the crest at the bend has a curved arc, which defines a line segment tangent to the arc formed along the bend. This line segment can reinforce the bend of the cable chain, thereby improving its load-bearing capacity and tensile strength.
[0021] This utility model provides a cable chain with a corrugated bending arc to protect cables and prevent damage to them during dragging by moving parts. In this technical solution, by setting the crests of the corrugated profile with a protruding arc, a larger bending arc space can be formed between two connected crests when the cable chain undergoes flexible bending during movement, thereby reducing the radius of flexible bending and improving the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength of the cable chain.
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of the cable chain operation state mentioned in the background art of this utility model.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.
[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the upper cover along its length in this utility model.
[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the technical problems solved, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0030] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0031] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this utility model is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.
[0032] This utility model provides a cable chain with a corrugated bending arc to protect cables and prevent damage to them during dragging by moving parts. In this technical solution, by setting the wave crests 110 above the corrugated profile with a protruding arc, a larger bending arc space can be formed between two connected wave crests 110 when the cable chain undergoes flexible bending during movement, thereby reducing the radius of flexible bending and improving the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength of the cable chain.
[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 2-5As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, a cable carrier with a corrugated bending arc is provided to protect cables. The cable carrier includes an upper cover 100 and a lower cover 200 that interlock with each other. Both the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 are integral corrugated flexible tubes with alternating crests 110 and troughs 120 forming a corrugated profile. The corrugated profile is flexible and bends flexibly toward the upper cover 100. Both the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 are formed with a length extending along the length direction. The upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 are connected to each other by the fastening strip 130, which defines a storage space 101 for accommodating cables. The corrugated profile of the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 includes side portions 111 located on both sides along the width direction and a gradually narrowing middle section 112 located on the side portions 111. The two ends of the middle section 112 gradually bend from the connection point of the side portions 111 toward the center line, so that the middle section 112 has an arc protruding to one side.
[0034] After the cable is protected within the storage space 101, when it moves with the moving part, it pulls the cable chain and causes it to bend flexibly. At this time, at the bending position, the middle section 112 is provided to bend in one direction. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, one end of the cable chain is fixed and the other end is mounted on the moving part and is dragged by the moving part. The protruding arc surface of the bending middle section 112 faces the direction of the moving part. So after the cable chain bends flexibly, the adjacent peaks 110 approach each other at the middle section 112 and gradually abut. At this time, since there is only a bending arc in the middle, a clearance space is generated during the process of adjacent peaks 110 abutting at the middle section 112. This space allows the bending position of the cable chain to bend further, thereby reducing the radius of the bending arc. Since the radius of the bending position is reduced, the overall size of the bending position is reduced, improving the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength of the cable chain. More importantly, after the cable chain bends, the middle section 112 of the crest 110 at the bend location is provided with a bending arc, so that at the bend location, the bending arc defines a line segment tangent to the arc formed along the bend location. This line segment can reinforce the bend location of the cable chain, thereby improving its load-bearing capacity and tensile strength.
[0035] In this embodiment, the curvature of the middle section 112 is tangent to the cross-section of the upper cover 100 or lower cover 200 at the centerline position. That is, the curvature of the middle section 112 is at the apex of the arc at the centerline position. During the bending process of the cable chain, the upper cover 100 and lower cover 200 will undergo a certain elastic deformation, causing the middle section 112 of the wave crest 110 to protrude outward, and the protrusion is largest at the centerline position. The curvature of the middle section 112 is also at the apex of the arc at the centerline position, thereby offsetting the situation where two adjacent wave crests 110 collide prematurely due to the protrusion, ensuring that bending can be performed with a smaller radius.
[0036] In this embodiment, in order to have sufficient storage space 101, the side 111 is generally arranged in the vertical direction, the middle section 112 is arranged in the horizontal direction, and a rounded transition arc is provided at the connection position between the middle section 112 and the side 111, so that the corrugated outline of the upper cover 100 or the lower cover 200 bulges away from the storage space 101.
[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 5-6 As shown, to further reduce the gradual increase in the width of the crest 110 from top to bottom, the width of the trough 120 gradually increases from the opening to the bottom. At the point where the cable chain bends, because the width of the crest 110 gradually decreases from bottom to top, while the width of the trough 120 gradually increases from opening to bottom, two adjacent crests 110 can have a larger relative travel distance when the cable chain bends. This increases the curvature of the bend, reduces the radius of the bend, and further improves the load-bearing capacity and tensile strength.
[0038] In this embodiment, on the same longitudinal section, the width of the crest 110 is smaller than the width of the trough 120. That is, overall, the width of the crest 110 is smaller than the width of the trough 120, thereby further increasing the travel when two adjacent crests 110 approach each other after the cable chain bends, and further reducing the radius of the bent portion of the cable chain.
[0039] To facilitate smoother cable chain operation, the peaks 110 of the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 are positioned at the same projection location in a downward or upward orthogonal projection.
[0040] In this embodiment, the fastening strip 130 is used to connect the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200. At the same time, by setting the fastening strip 130, the resistance of the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 to flexible bending can be improved, thereby enhancing the load-bearing capacity at the bending position of the cable chain. In this embodiment, the fastening strip 130 includes a connecting part 131 and an extension part 132. The connecting part 131 is integrally formed with the side part 111, and one end of the extension part 132 is formed on the connecting part 131, and the other end extends outward.
[0041] In this embodiment, after the fastening strips 130 on the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 are connected to each other, the two fastening strips 130 are fixedly linked to each other by welding. In order to ensure the reliability of welding, a docking structure for welding is also provided between the fastening strips 130 on the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200. The docking structure includes a docking groove formed on one of the fastening strips 130, and a docking block 134 formed on the other fastening strip 130 and embedded in the docking groove. Welding protrusions 135 are provided at equal intervals along the length direction on the docking block 134.
[0042] During the welding process, the mating block 134 is placed inside the mating groove, so that the welding protrusion 135 abuts against the bottom of the mating groove. During the heating and welding process, the welding protrusion 135 melts, so that the mating block 134 is welded inside the mating groove.
[0043] In this embodiment, in order to ensure accuracy when the two fastening strips 130 are mated together, a positioning structure is provided between the fastening strips 130 located on the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200. The positioning structure includes a positioning groove 136 formed on one of the fastening strips 130, and a positioning post formed on the other fastening strip 130 for engaging within the positioning groove 136.
[0044] In this embodiment, the cable chain also includes fixed connectors 300 at both ends. Cables housed within the storage space 101 defined by the upper cover 100 and the lower cover 200 pass through the fixed connectors 300. The fixed connectors can fix the cables installed within the storage space 101, thereby ensuring that the two ends of the cables remain fixed to the cable chain.
[0045] For those skilled in the art, various other corresponding changes and modifications can be obtained based on the structure and principles disclosed in this utility model, and all such changes and modifications fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A cable carrier with a corrugated bending arc for protecting cables, the cable carrier comprising an interlocking upper cover and a lower cover, wherein both the upper and lower covers are integral corrugated flexible tubes with alternating crests and troughs forming a corrugated profile, the corrugated profile being flexible and bending flexibly toward the upper cover, characterized in that, Both the upper and lower covers are formed with snap-fit strips extending along the length direction. The upper and lower covers are connected to each other by the snap-fit strips and define a storage space for accommodating cables. The corrugated profile of the upper and lower covers includes side portions located on both sides along the width direction and a gradually narrowing middle section located on the side portions. The two ends of the middle section gradually curve from the connection point of the side portions toward the center line, so that the middle section has an arc protruding in one direction.
2. The cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the middle section is tangent to the cross-section of the upper or lower cover at the center line position of the upper or lower cover.
3. The cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side portion is generally arranged in a vertical direction, the middle section is arranged in a horizontal direction, and a rounded transition arc is provided at the connection position between the middle section and the side portion, so that the corrugated outline of the upper or lower cover bulges away from the storage space.
4. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the crest gradually increases from the top to the root, and the width of the trough gradually increases from the opening to the bottom.
5. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 4, characterized in that, On the same longitudinal section, the width of the crest is smaller than the width of the trough.
6. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening strip includes: The connecting part is integrally formed with the side part. An extension portion, one end of which is formed on the connecting portion and the other end extends outward.
7. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a downward or upward orthographic projection, the crest of the upper cover and the crest of the lower cover are located at the same projection position.
8. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, A docking structure for welding is provided between the fastening strips located on the upper and lower covers. The docking structure includes a docking groove formed on one of the fastening strips and a docking block formed on the other fastening strip and embedded in the docking groove. A number of welding protrusions are provided at equal intervals along the length direction on the docking block.
9. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 8, characterized in that, A positioning structure is also provided between the fastening strips located on the upper cover and the lower cover. The positioning structure includes a positioning groove formed on one of the fastening strips and a positioning post formed on the other fastening strip for engaging within the positioning groove.
10. A cable chain with a corrugated curvature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable chain also includes fixed joints at both ends, and the cable housed within the storage space defined by the upper and lower covers passes through the fixed joints.