A cable chain with a locking structure

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of cable chain technology, specifically to a cable chain with a locking structure, comprising: a main body structure including at least two main body portions spaced apart along a first direction; a crossbar structure including at least two crossbars extending along the first direction; and a locking structure; wherein at least two crossbars are provided between any two adjacent main body portions; along the first direction, any end of any crossbar is locked to an adjacent main body portion by a single locking structure. Each main body portion is connected to a corresponding crossbar through the locking structure. With this configuration, the main body portion and the crossbar can be separated by unlocking the locking structure, thereby allowing for separate cleaning of the main body portion and the crossbar, and facilitating the replacement of crossbars of different lengths to adjust the width of the main body space, thus improving the applicability of this application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cable chain technology, and specifically to a cable chain with a locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] Cable chains, as a widely used cable protection device, mainly consist of a main structure and a crossbar structure that work together to form a protective space for accommodating cables, oil pipes, and other components. They play an important role in fields such as automated equipment and machine tools. Through the stable connection between the main structure and the crossbar structure, cable chains can effectively protect internal components during equipment movement, preventing them from being damaged by external forces such as pulling and abrasion.

[0003] However, existing cable chains have many shortcomings in actual use. On the one hand, the solid connection between the main structure and the crossbar structure of the cable chain affects the cleaning of some dead corners, making cleaning time-consuming and laborious. It may also affect the normal operation of internal cables and other components due to the accumulation of debris in dead corners.

[0004] On the other hand, the width of the protection space of existing cable chains is usually fixed. In practical applications, different cables, oil pipes and other components have different sizes and specifications. When it is necessary to install components whose size does not match the protection space of the existing cable chain, the width of the protection space of the cable chain cannot be easily adjusted. Only a suitable cable chain can be replaced, which increases the cost of use and the complexity of operation, and limits the versatility and applicability of the cable chain.

[0005] Therefore, how to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology mentioned above has become the subject of this utility model. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drag chain with a locking structure.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A cable chain with a locking structure is composed of several links joined together; each link includes:

[0009] The main structure includes at least two main body parts spaced apart along a first direction;

[0010] A crossbar structure comprising at least two crossbars extending along the first direction;

[0011] Locking structures must be set to at least two;

[0012] Wherein, at least two crossbars are provided between any two adjacent main body parts, and any one of the crossbars is attached to the two main body parts;

[0013] Along the first direction, any end of any of the crossbars is locked to the adjacent body portion by a single locking structure.

[0014] Here, we take two main body parts and two crossbars as an example: the two main body parts are spaced apart along a first direction, the crossbars are located between the two main body parts and extend along the first direction, the two ends of the crossbars are locked to the two main body parts by two locking structures, and the two crossbars are spaced apart along the second direction described below.

[0015] In the above scheme, a main space is formed between the main parts to accommodate objects such as wires (described below in terms of wires). The crossbar can not only cooperate with the locking structure to connect the main parts to make the main space stable, but also limit the wires in the thickness direction of the main structure (also known as the link or crossbar).

[0016] Each main body is connected to a corresponding crossbar via a locking structure. With this configuration, the main body and the crossbar can be separated by unlocking the locking structure, allowing for individual cleaning of the main body and the crossbar. It also facilitates the replacement of crossbars of different lengths to adjust the width of the main body space, thus expanding the scope of application of this application.

[0017] The crossbar extends along the first direction to avoid affecting the dimensions of the main space, while also reducing the size of the crossbar.

[0018] In this embodiment, "fitting" also means being close to each other, that is, there may be a gap between the crossbar and the main body (such as a gap of 1 mm).

[0019] In some embodiments, the crossbar is in close contact with the main body, and the friction between the main body and the crossbar prevents relative movement between them in some directions, thereby improving the stability of the main body space. In addition, it also improves the compactness of the cable chain layout and reduces the volume of the cable chain.

[0020] In a further technical solution, the main body is provided in at least three parts.

[0021] Here, we take three main parts as an example: the three main parts are distributed at intervals along the first direction to form two main spaces, thereby separating and protecting multiple lines to meet the protection needs under different conditions and further improve the applicability of this application.

[0022] A further technical solution involves providing four crossbars arranged in a square array between any two adjacent main body sections.

[0023] By setting multiple crossbars between two adjacent main body sections, the stability of the main body space is further improved, and the structural strength of the cable chain is also increased, thereby further expanding the scope of application of this application.

[0024] In a further technical solution, the locking structure includes a locking member, a first locking groove is provided on the main body corresponding to the locking member, and a second locking groove is provided on the crossbar corresponding to the locking member;

[0025] Cable chains (links) are in an assembled state:

[0026] In the assembled state, the engaging component engages with the corresponding first slot and the corresponding second slot to restrict the relative movement of the corresponding main body and the corresponding crossbar along the second direction and the thickness direction of the main body structure;

[0027] The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the thickness direction of the main structure.

[0028] See the attached figure for one specific configuration (such as shape) of the latching component, the first latching slot, and the second latching slot.

[0029] In the assembled state, the engaging parts engage with the corresponding first and second slots. If it is necessary to separate the main body and the crossbar, the main body can only be moved along the first direction to separate the two, and the friction between the two must be overcome during the separation process.

[0030] For ease of understanding, this explanation uses a square plate as the snap-fit ​​component and square slots as the first and second snap-fit ​​slots. Along the first direction, the two ends of the square plate are inserted into the two square slots respectively, and the top, bottom and side walls of the square slots are in contact with the square plate.

[0031] In summary, this embodiment further clarifies the locking method of the locking structure. By engaging the locking member with the first and second slots, the relative movement of the main body and the crossbar along the second direction and the thickness direction of the main body structure is stably restricted, and the relative movement of the two along the first direction can be restricted to a certain extent. This method is simple and convenient.

[0032] As the number of crossbars increases, the number of locking structures also increases, and the effect of restricting the movement of the main body and crossbars along the first direction is also enhanced.

[0033] In a further technical solution, the locking structure also includes:

[0034] A first locking protrusion is provided on the corresponding main body portion;

[0035] A second locking protrusion is provided on the corresponding crossbar;

[0036] In the assembled state, the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion are locked together to restrict relative movement between the corresponding main body and the corresponding crossbar in a first direction.

[0037] See the attached figures for one specific configuration (such as shape) of the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion, and both are not limited to using the L-shaped structure shown in the figures.

[0038] As mentioned above, by engaging the engaging component with the first and second slots, the relative movement of the main body and the crossbar along the first direction can be restricted to a certain extent. Furthermore, by engaging the first and second locking protrusions, the relative movement of the main body and the crossbar along the first direction can be stably restricted, thereby further improving the stability of the main body space.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first locking protrusion is integrally formed with the corresponding main body, and the second locking protrusion is integrally formed with the corresponding crossbar, thereby improving the structural strength of the cable chain.

[0040] In summary, by setting up the locking structure, the relative movement between the main body and the crossbar can be comprehensively restricted on the x, y, and z axes, ensuring the stability of the main body space, and also having the advantage of being able to quickly separate the main body and the crossbar.

[0041] In some embodiments, the main body is provided with a third slot, which communicates with the first slot. The top or bottom surface of the first locking protrusion is on the same plane as the bottom or top wall of the first slot (see attached figure). The top or bottom surface of the second locking protrusion is on the same plane as the bottom or top wall of the second slot. When assembling the cable chain, the second locking protrusion moves down or up with the crossbar, passing through the third slot and the first slot in sequence, and then locking with the first locking protrusion. This allows for quick assembly of both. The first and second locking protrusions are preferably L-shaped, which is easy to manufacture and has low cost. Based on this, some structures within the locking structure are arranged close together, reducing the space occupied by the locking structure.

[0042] Initially, the engaging component can be engaged with the second locking slot. After the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion are locked together, the engaging component is moved horizontally so that it also engages with the first locking slot. In some embodiments, the second locking slot has a vertically oriented opening to facilitate the movement of the engaging component.

[0043] In a further technical solution, the locking structure also includes a locking block connected to the engaging member, and the crossbar has a locking hole corresponding to the locking block;

[0044] With the chain links assembled, the locking block engages with the locking hole. This engagement prevents the locking structure from moving along the first direction, improving the assembly stability of the chain links. Compared to a slotted structure on the crossbar, the locking hole structure is more conducive to subsequent separation.

[0045] It should be noted that, for ease of use, at least part of the locking structure should be elastic, such as the locking block as a whole, the engaging component as a whole, or the area of ​​the engaging component near the locking block. The entire locking structure can be made of nylon (the specific material is not limited, as long as it is elastic).

[0046] In a further technical solution, a receiving groove is provided on the crossbar corresponding to the locking block. In the unassembled state of the chain link, the locking block is assembled with the receiving groove to fix the locking structure to the crossbar.

[0047] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this article do not specifically refer to order or sequence, nor are they intended to limit this case; they are merely used to distinguish components or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0048] The terms "connection" or "positioning" as used in this article can refer to two or more components or devices making direct physical contact with each other, or making indirect physical contact with each other, or to two or more components or devices operating or moving with each other.

[0049] The terms “include,” “including,” and “have” used in this article are all open-ended, meaning they include but are not limited to.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of the art, the subject matter, and the specific context. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing the case.

[0051] The terms “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “left,” and “right” used in this article are directional terms. In this case, they are only used to describe the positional relationship between the structures and are not intended to limit the specific direction of the protection scheme or its actual implementation.

[0052] The working principle and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0053] The main body parts form a main space to accommodate objects such as wiring (described below in terms of wiring). The crossbar can both cooperate with the locking structure to connect the main body parts to make the main space stable, and can also limit the wiring in the thickness direction of the main structure.

[0054] Each main body is connected to its corresponding crossbar via a locking structure. With this configuration, the main body and crossbar can be separated by unlocking the locking structure, allowing for individual cleaning of the main body and crossbar, improving cleaning efficiency and preventing debris accumulation in dead corners from affecting the normal operation of internal cables and other components. In addition, it is also convenient to replace crossbars of different lengths to adjust the width of the main body space, reducing usage costs and operational complexity, and improving the versatility and applicability of the cable chain.

[0055] The crossbar extends along the first direction to avoid affecting the dimensions of the main space, while also reducing the size of the crossbar. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drag chain structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0057] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A (the locking mechanism is not engaged);

[0058] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B (locked state of the locking mechanism);

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the crossbar structure in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the snap-fit ​​component according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0062] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0063] In the above figures: 1. Main structure; 11. Main body; 111. First slot; 112. Third slot; 2. Crossbar structure; 21. Crossbar; 211. Second slot; 212. Slot; 213. Receiving groove; 31. Engaging part; 32. First locking protrusion; 33. Second locking protrusion; 34. Locking block. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0065] Example: The present invention will be clearly described below with illustrations and detailed description. Any person skilled in the art who understands the examples of the present invention can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this work. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.

[0067] See Figures 1-7 A cable chain with a locking structure, composed of several links joined together; each link includes:

[0068] The main structure 1 includes at least two main body parts 11 spaced apart along a first direction;

[0069] The crossbar structure 2 includes at least two crossbars 21 extending along the first direction;

[0070] Locking structures must be set to at least two;

[0071] Wherein, at least two crossbars 21 are provided between any two adjacent main body parts 11, and any one of the crossbars 21 is attached to the two main body parts 11;

[0072] Along the first direction, any end of any of the crossbars 21 is locked and assembled with the adjacent body portion 11 by a single locking structure.

[0073] The first direction is parallel to the x-direction in the diagram, and the second direction described below is parallel to the y-direction in the diagram.

[0074] Here, we take two main body parts 11 and two crossbars 21 as an example: the two main body parts 11 are distributed at intervals along the first direction, the crossbars 21 are located between the two main body parts 11 and extend along the first direction, and the two ends of the crossbars 21 are locked and assembled with the two main body parts 11 through two locking structures.

[0075] The main body 11 forms a main body space to accommodate objects such as wires (described below in terms of wires). The crossbar 21 can both cooperate with the locking structure to connect each main body 11 to make the main body space stable, and also limit the wires in the thickness direction of the main body structure 1.

[0076] Each main body 11 is connected to the corresponding crossbar 21 via a locking structure. With this configuration, the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 can be separated by unlocking the locking structure, thereby allowing the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 to be cleaned separately, improving cleaning efficiency and preventing the accumulation of debris in dead corners from affecting the normal operation of internal cables and other components. In addition, it is also convenient to replace crossbars 21 of different lengths to adjust the width of the main body space, reducing the cost of use and the complexity of operation, and improving the versatility and applicability of the cable chain.

[0077] The crossbar 21 extends along the first direction to avoid affecting the size of the main space, while also reducing the size of the crossbar 21.

[0078] In this embodiment, "fitting" also means being close, that is, there may be a gap (such as a gap of 1 mm) between the crossbar 21 and the main body 11.

[0079] In some embodiments, the crossbar 21 is in close contact with the main body 11, and the friction between the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 prevents relative movement between the two in some directions, thereby improving the stability of the main body space. In addition, it also improves the compactness of the cable chain layout and reduces the volume of the cable chain.

[0080] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the main body 11 is provided in at least three parts.

[0081] Here, we take three main body parts 11 as an example: the three main body parts 11 are distributed at intervals along the first direction to form two main body spaces, thereby separating and protecting multiple lines to meet the protection needs under different conditions and further improve the scope of application of this application.

[0082] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, four crossbars 21 arranged in a square array are provided between any two adjacent main body parts 11. Some of the crossbars 21 are symmetrically arranged along the thickness direction of the main body structure 1 (see...). Figure 1 ( ), to facilitate the assembly of chain links.

[0083] By setting multiple crossbars 21 between two adjacent main body parts 11, the stability of the main body space is further improved, and the structural strength of the cable chain is also improved, thereby further expanding the scope of application of this application.

[0084] See Figures 2-6 In this embodiment, the locking structure includes a locking member 31, a first slot 111 is provided on the main body 11 corresponding to the locking member 31, and a second slot 211 is provided on the crossbar 21 corresponding to the locking member 31.

[0085] Cable chains (links) are in an assembled state:

[0086] In the assembled state, the engaging component 31 engages with the corresponding first slot 111 and the corresponding second slot 211 to restrict the relative movement of the corresponding main body 11 and the corresponding crossbar 21 along the second direction and the thickness direction of the main body structure 1.

[0087] The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the thickness direction of the main structure 1.

[0088] See the attached figure for one specific configuration (such as shape) of the snap-fit ​​component 31, the first snap-fit ​​slot 111 and the second snap-fit ​​slot 211.

[0089] In the assembled state, the engaging part 31 engages with the corresponding first slot 111 and the corresponding second slot 211. If it is necessary to separate the main body 11 and the crossbar 21, taking the main body 11 as an example, the main body 11 can only be moved along the first direction to separate the two, and the friction between the two must be overcome during the separation process.

[0090] For ease of understanding, the following description uses a square plate as the snap-fit ​​component 31 and square slots 111 and 211 as the first and second slots 211. Along the first direction, the two ends of the square plate are inserted into the two square slots respectively, and the top, bottom and side walls of the square slots are in contact with the square plate.

[0091] In summary, this embodiment further clarifies the locking method of the locking structure. By engaging the engaging member 31 with the first slot 111 and the second slot 211, the relative movement of the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 along the second direction and the thickness direction of the main body structure 1 is stably restricted, and the relative movement of the two along the first direction can be restricted to a certain extent. This method is simple and convenient.

[0092] As the number of crossbars 21 increases, the number of locking structures also increases, and the effect of restricting the movement of the main body 11 and crossbars 21 in the first direction is also enhanced.

[0093] See Figures 4-5 In this embodiment, the locking structure further includes:

[0094] A first locking protrusion 32 is provided on the corresponding main body portion 11;

[0095] The second locking protrusion 33 is provided on the corresponding crossbar 21;

[0096] In the assembled state, the first locking protrusion 32 and the second locking protrusion 33 are locked together to restrict relative movement between the corresponding main body 11 and the corresponding crossbar 21 in a first direction.

[0097] One specific configuration (such as shape) of the first locking protrusion 32 and the second locking protrusion 33 is shown in the accompanying drawings, and both are not limited to using the L-shaped structure shown in the drawings.

[0098] As mentioned above, by engaging the engaging component 31 with the first slot 111 and the second slot 211, the relative movement of the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 along the first direction can be restricted to a certain extent. Furthermore, by engaging the first locking protrusion 32 with the second locking protrusion 33, the relative movement of the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 along the first direction can be stably restricted, thereby further improving the stability of the main body space.

[0099] The locking assembly of the first locking protrusion 32 and the second locking protrusion 33 can also restrict the relative movement of the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 in the second direction.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first locking protrusion 32 is integrally formed with the corresponding main body 11, and the second locking protrusion 33 is integrally formed with the corresponding crossbar 21, thereby improving the structural strength of the cable chain.

[0101] In summary, by setting up the locking structure, the relative movement between the main body 11 and the crossbar 21 can be comprehensively restricted on the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, ensuring the stability of the main body space, and having the advantage of being able to quickly separate the main body 11 and the crossbar 21.

[0102] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the main body 11 is provided with a third slot 112, which communicates with the first slot 111. The top or bottom surface of the first locking protrusion 32 is on the same plane as the bottom or top wall of the first slot 111, and the top or bottom surface of the second locking protrusion 33 is on the same plane as the bottom or top wall of the second slot 211. When assembling the cable chain, the second locking protrusion 33 moves down or up with the crossbar 21, and the second locking protrusion 33 passes through the third slot 112 and the first slot 111 in sequence, and then locks and assembles with the first locking protrusion 32, thus allowing for quick assembly of the two. The first locking protrusion 32 and the second locking protrusion 33 are preferably L-shaped structures (which may include two L-shaped structures or T-shaped structures), which are easy to manufacture and have low cost. Based on this, some structures within the locking structure are arranged close together, reducing the space occupied by the locking structure.

[0103] Initially, the engaging component 31 can be engaged with the second slot 211 (see...). Figure 2 After the first locking protrusion 32 and the second locking protrusion 33 are locked together, the locking member 31 is moved to engage with the first slot 111 (see...). Figure 3 In some embodiments, the second slot 211 has a vertically oriented opening to facilitate the movement of the engaging member 31.

[0104] See Figure 4 , Figure 7 In this embodiment, the locking structure further includes a locking block 34 connected to the engaging member 31, and the crossbar 21 is provided with a locking hole 212 corresponding to the locking block 34;

[0105] With the chain links assembled, the locking block 34 engages with the locking hole 212. This engagement prevents the locking structure from moving along the first direction, improving the assembly stability of the chain links. Compared to a slotted structure on the crossbar 21, the locking hole structure is more conducive to subsequent separation.

[0106] It should be noted that, for ease of use, at least part of the locking structure is elastic, such as the entire locking block 34, the entire latching member 31, or the area of ​​the latching member 31 near the locking block 34. The entire locking structure can be made of nylon (the specific material is not limited, as long as it is elastic).

[0107] See Figure 4 , Figure 7 In this embodiment, the crossbar 21 is provided with a receiving groove 213 corresponding to the locking block 34. In the unassembled state of the chain link, the locking block 34 is assembled with the receiving groove 213 (not necessarily a snap-fit ​​assembly) to fix the locking structure to the crossbar 21, and also to prevent the locking block 34 and other structures from being in a deformed state in the unassembled state of the chain link.

[0108] See Figure 4 The bottom surface of the receiving groove 213 is inclined to facilitate the removal of the locking block 34.

[0109] For ease of understanding, a state switching process is described below: In the non-assembled state of the link, the locking block 34 is assembled with the receiving groove 213; during the switching to the assembled state, the locking block 34 moves along the first direction and separates from the receiving groove 213; at the same time, the locking block 34 itself and the area of ​​the engaging member 31 near the locking block 34 deform; when the locking block 34 reaches above the locking hole 212, the engaging member 31 and the locking block 34 return to their pre-deformation state, the locking block 34 is inserted into the locking hole 212, and the link enters the assembled state.

[0110] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cable chain with a locking structure, composed of several chain links spliced ​​together; characterized in that: Each link includes: The main structure (1) includes at least two main body parts (11) spaced apart along a first direction. The crossbar structure (2) includes at least two crossbars (21) extending along the first direction. Locked structure; At least two crossbars (21) are provided between any two adjacent main body parts (11). Along the first direction, any end of any of the crossbars (21) is locked to the adjacent body part (11) by a single locking structure; The locking structure includes a locking member (31), a first slot (111) is provided on the main body (11) corresponding to the locking member (31), and a second slot (211) is provided on the crossbar (21) corresponding to the locking member (31). In the assembled state of the chain link, the engaging member (31) engages with the corresponding first slot (111) and the corresponding second slot (211) to restrict the relative movement of the corresponding main body (11) and the corresponding crossbar (21) along the second direction and the thickness direction of the chain link; The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the thickness direction of the chain segment.

2. The cable chain with a locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking structure further includes: A first locking protrusion (32) is provided on the corresponding main body portion (11). A second locking protrusion (33) is provided on the corresponding crossbar (21). In the assembled state of the link, the first locking protrusion (32) and the second locking protrusion (33) are locked together to restrict the relative movement of the corresponding main body (11) and the corresponding crossbar (21) in the first direction.

3. A cable chain with a locking structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first locking protrusion (32) is integrally formed with the corresponding main body (11), and the second locking protrusion (33) is integrally formed with the corresponding crossbar (21).

4. A cable chain with a locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The main body (11) is provided in at least three parts.

5. A cable chain with a locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Four crossbars (21) arranged in a square array are provided between any two adjacent main body parts (11).

6. A cable chain with a locking structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: In each of the crossbars (21) located between two adjacent main body parts (11), some crossbars (21) are symmetrically arranged in the thickness direction of the link.

7. A cable chain with a locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The locking structure also includes a locking block (34) connected to the latching member (31), and the crossbar (21) is provided with a latching hole (212) corresponding to the locking block (34). In the assembled state of the chain link, the locking block (34) engages with the locking hole (212) to restrict the movement of the locking structure along the first direction.

8. A cable chain with a locking structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The crossbar (21) is provided with a receiving groove (213) corresponding to the locking block (34); in the unassembled state of the chain link, the locking block (34) is assembled with the receiving groove (213).

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