A tow chain
By limiting the rotation angle between adjacent links and optimizing the connection structure, the problem of excessive cable bending in cable carriers has been solved, thereby improving the flexibility, durability, and space utilization of cable carriers.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUXI THODACON MACHINE TOOL PROTECTION
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
In existing cable chains, the rotation angle between two adjacent links is unrestricted, which makes the cable prone to excessive bending and damage.
A drag chain structure with a rotation angle between adjacent links not exceeding 90° was designed. The rotation connection structure of limiting sliding holes, rotating rings and pins ensures smooth rotation and connection strength between chain plates. The nested design improves space utilization and torsional resistance.
It effectively avoids excessive bending of cables, improves the flexibility and durability of cable chains, reduces the risk of cable damage, and enhances the applicability and assembly efficiency of cable chains in confined environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN224352330U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to links and drag chains, and more particularly to a drag chain. Background Technology
[0002] Cable chains are widely used in repetitive motion machinery to provide traction and protection for internal components such as cables. Examples include CNC machine tools, laser cutting machines, stone machinery, glass machinery, robotic arms, and automated lifting and transport equipment. Cable chains typically consist of multiple interconnected links.
[0003] Existing cable chains have no restrictions on the angle of rotation between two adjacent links, which can easily lead to excessive bending of the cables in the cable chain and cause cable damage. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a link and a cable chain, the detailed technical solution of which is as follows:
[0005] A cable chain includes multiple chain links connected end to end in sequence. Each chain link includes a first chain plate, a second chain plate, and a connector. The first chain plate and the second chain plate are symmetrically arranged, and the connector is used to connect the first chain plate and the second chain plate.
[0006] The first chain plates of each chain link are connected end to end to form a first side chain track, and the second chain plates of each chain link are connected end to end to form a second side chain track. Relative rotation of no more than 90° can occur between two adjacent first chain plates and between two adjacent second chain plates.
[0007] The cable chain provided in this application allows for relative rotation of no more than 90° between adjacent first chain plates and between adjacent second chain plates, ensuring that the rotation angle between adjacent chain links does not exceed 90°. This design, while ensuring the cable chain can bend flexibly, prevents the cables within the cable chain from being excessively bent.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first half of the first chain plate along its length direction is sequentially provided with an arc-shaped first limiting sliding hole, a circular rotating hole, and an arc-shaped second limiting sliding hole, wherein the first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole are symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotating hole; the second half of the first chain plate along its length direction is sequentially provided with a first connecting hole, a second connecting hole, and a third connecting hole, wherein the first connecting hole is provided with a first rotating ring extending outward, and the third connecting hole is provided with a second rotating ring extending outward; when adjacent first chain plates are connected, the first rotating ring of the preceding first chain plate is slidably fitted into the first limiting sliding hole of the following first chain plate, the second rotating ring of the preceding first chain plate is slidably fitted into the second limiting sliding hole of the following first chain plate, and the second connecting hole of the preceding first chain plate and the rotating hole of the following first chain plate are hinged by a pin.
[0009] The rotating connection structure consists of a rotating ring, a limiting sliding hole, and a pin. While ensuring smooth rotation between two adjacent first chain plates, it enhances the connection strength between them, preventing disengagement. Furthermore, it allows the two adjacent first chain plates to fit tightly together, thereby reducing radial movement of the first chain plates.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole have the same structure. The first limiting sliding hole includes an inner arc close to the rotating hole and an outer arc away from the rotating hole. The inner arc is shorter than the outer arc. The two ends of the inner arc and the outer arc are connected by transition arcs. The inner arc and the outer arc are concentric arcs. The central angles of the inner arc and the outer arc are equal and do not exceed 90°.
[0011] By designing the structures of the first and second limiting sliding holes, the rotation angle between adjacent first chain plates is limited to no more than 90°. Furthermore, the inner and outer arcs are connected by a transition arc, which eliminates stress concentration and prevents cracks from forming at the ends of the first limiting sliding hole under pressure.
[0012] In some embodiments, the central angles of the first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole coincide with the center of the rotating hole.
[0013] This can further improve the rotational stability between two adjacent first chain plates.
[0014] In some embodiments, the geometric center of the first limiting sliding hole, the geometric center of the second limiting sliding hole, and the center of the rotating hole are located on the central axis of the first chain plate.
[0015] It improves the uniformity of force distribution on the cable chain when bending, avoiding wear or jamming caused by uneven loading.
[0016] In some embodiments, the centers of the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the third connecting hole are located on a first straight line, and the first straight line forms an angle of 30° to 60° with the central axis of the first chain plate.
[0017] It improves the cable chain's resistance to torsion when bending, prevents chain link misalignment, and makes the cable chain more conform to the natural curvature when bending (such as the common bending radius of cable cable chains).
[0018] In some embodiments, a first receiving groove is formed on the inner side of the first half of the first chain plate, and a second receiving groove is formed on the outer side of the second half of the first chain plate; when the first chain plate is connected to the first chain plate of an adjacent link, the second half of the first chain plate is located in the first receiving groove of the first chain plate of the adjacent link, and the first half of the first chain plate of the adjacent link is located in the second receiving groove of the first chain plate; the first sidewall of the first half of the first chain plate is coplanar with the second sidewall of the first chain plate of the adjacent link, and the second sidewall of the first half of the first chain plate is coplanar with the second sidewall of the first chain plate of the adjacent link.
[0019] The complementary nesting design of the first receiving groove on the inner side of the first half and the second receiving groove on the outer side of the second half allows adjacent first chain plates to be interlocked when connected (the second half of the previous first chain plate is interlocked with the first receiving groove of the next chain link, and vice versa). This structure significantly reduces the thickness at the connection of the first chain plates, ultimately improving the overall space utilization of the cable chain while maintaining the structural compactness of the chain links, making it suitable for narrow installation environments.
[0020] In some embodiments, mounting holes are provided at corresponding positions of the first chain plate and the second chain plate; the two ends of the connector are detachably mounted on the first chain plate and the second chain plate through the mounting holes, respectively.
[0021] It facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the connectors.
[0022] In some embodiments, the connector includes a screw, a first end of which is screwed to a mounting hole on a first chain plate, and a second end of which is screwed to a mounting hole on a second chain plate.
[0023] The screw is screwed at both ends, and the thread preload ensures that there is no looseness between the connector and the chain plate, so that it remains stable even under high-frequency vibration or impact load.
[0024] In some embodiments, both the first and last links are equipped with connecting plates.
[0025] By installing connecting plates at both ends of the cable chain, there is no need to modify the chain links at the ends of the cable chain. The connecting plates can be directly fixed to the equipment, improving assembly efficiency. This is especially suitable for scenarios that require frequent replacement or maintenance. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 This is a side view of the cable chain in an embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the cable chain near the tail end or end in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first chain plate of two adjacent chain links in the embodiment of this application in the unconnected state.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of four consecutive links in the drag chain in the embodiment of the application.
[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between two adjacent links in the drag chain in the embodiment of the application.
[0031] Figures 1 to 5 Includes:
[0032] Link 10:
[0033] First chain plate 1: First limiting sliding hole 11, rotating hole 12, second limiting sliding hole 13, first connecting hole 14, second connecting hole 15, third connecting hole 16, first rotating ring 17, second rotating ring
[0034] 18. Mounting hole; 19. Outer arc; 111. Inner arc; 112. Transition arc; 113.
[0035] Second chain plate 2;
[0036] Connector 3;
[0037] Connecting plate 20. Detailed Implementation
[0038] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.
[0039] As described in the background section, existing cable chains have unrestricted rotation angles between adjacent links, which can easily lead to excessive bending of the cables in the cable chain and damage to the cables.
[0040] To this end, this application provides a cable chain in which the rotation angle between adjacent links does not exceed 90°, thereby preventing the cable in the cable chain from being excessively bent.
[0041] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the cable chain of this application includes a plurality of chain links 10 connected end to end in sequence. Each chain link 10 includes a first chain plate 1, a second chain plate 2 and a connector 3. The first chain plate 1 and the second chain plate 2 are symmetrically arranged, and the connector 3 is used to connect the first chain plate 1 and the second chain plate 2.
[0042] Each link 10 has its first chain plate 1 connected end to end to form a first side track, and each link 10 has its second chain plate 2 connected end to end to form a second side track. Relative rotation of no more than 90° can occur between two adjacent first chain plates 1 and between two adjacent second chain plates 2. For example, the relative rotation angle between two first chain plates 1 and between two adjacent second chain plates 2 can be 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, etc.
[0043] The space between the first and second side track forms the cable routing space for the cable carrier.
[0044] The cable chain provided in this application has a rotation angle between two adjacent links 10 that is limited to no more than 90°. Therefore, while ensuring that the cable chain can bend flexibly, the cable in the cable chain can be effectively prevented from being excessively bent.
[0045] Since the second chain plate 2 and the first chain plate 1 are symmetrical structures, for the sake of brevity, the following description only provides an example of the specific structure and connection method of the first chain plate 1, which also applies to the second chain plate 2.
[0046] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, optionally, the first half 1a of the first chain plate 1 along its length direction (e.g., the X direction) is sequentially provided with an arc-shaped first limiting sliding hole 11, a circular rotating hole 12, and an arc-shaped second limiting sliding hole 13, wherein the first limiting sliding hole 11 and the second limiting sliding hole 13 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotating hole 12. The second half 1b of the first chain plate 1 along its length direction is sequentially provided with a first connecting hole 14, a second connecting hole 15, and a third connecting hole 16, wherein the first connecting hole 14 is provided with a first rotating ring 17 extending outward (i.e., on the side opposite to the second chain plate 2), and the third connecting hole 16 is provided with a second rotating ring 18 extending outward.
[0047] When adjacent first chain plates 1 are connected, the previous first chain plate 1 (e.g.) Figure 3 The first rotating ring 17 of the first chain plate 1 on the right side can be slidably fitted into the next first chain plate 1 (e.g., Figure 3 The first limiting sliding hole 11 of the first chain plate 1 on the left side is slidably fitted into the second limiting sliding hole 13 of the second chain plate 1. The second connecting hole 15 of the first chain plate 1 and the rotating hole 12 of the second chain plate 1 are hinged by the pin 4.
[0048] The rotating connection structure consists of a rotating ring, a limiting sliding hole, and a pin. While ensuring smooth rotation between two adjacent first chain plates 1, it improves the connection strength between them, preventing disengagement. Furthermore, it allows the two adjacent first chain plates 1 to fit tightly together, thereby reducing radial movement of the first chain plates 1.
[0049] Optionally, the first limiting sliding hole 11 and the second limiting sliding hole 13 have the same structure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, taking the first limiting sliding hole 11 as an example, it includes an inner arc 112 close to the rotating hole 12 and an outer arc 111 away from the rotating hole 12. The inner arc 112 is shorter than the outer arc 111. The two ends of the inner arc 112 and the outer arc 111 are connected by a transition arc 113. The inner arc 112 and the outer arc 111 are concentric arcs. The central angles of the inner arc 112 and the outer arc 111 are equal and do not exceed 90°.
[0050] By setting the structure of the first limiting sliding hole 11 and the second limiting sliding hole 13, the rotation angle between two adjacent first chain plates 1 is limited to no more than 90°.
[0051] In addition, the inner arc 12 and the outer arc 11 are connected by a transition arc 113, which can eliminate stress concentration and prevent cracks from forming at both ends of the first limiting sliding hole 11 and the second limiting sliding hole 13 after being compressed.
[0052] Optionally, the central angles of the first limiting sliding hole 11 and the second limiting sliding hole 13 coincide with the center of the rotating hole 12. This arrangement can further improve the rotational stability between two adjacent first chain plates 1.
[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the geometric center of the first limiting sliding hole 11, the geometric center of the second limiting sliding hole 13, and the center of the rotating hole 12 are located on the central axis of the first chain plate 1 (as shown by the dotted line M in the figure). This setting ensures that the rotation axes of adjacent chain links are strictly centered, thereby improving the uniformity of force distribution on the cable chain when bending and avoiding jamming or uneven wear caused by eccentricity.
[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the centers of the first connecting hole 14, the second connecting hole 15, and the third connecting hole 16 are located on a first straight line (the dashed line N in the figure), and the first straight line forms an angle of 30° to 60° with the central axis of the first chain plate 1. For example, the first straight line forms an angle of 30°, 35°, 45°, ..., 60° with the central axis of the first chain plate 1.
[0055] This design improves the cable chain's resistance to torsion when bending, prevents misalignment of link 10, and makes the cable chain more conform to natural curvature when bending (such as the common bending radius of cable cable chains).
[0056] like Figure 3As shown, optionally, a first receiving groove is formed on the inner side of the first half 1a of the first chain plate 1 (i.e., the side facing the second chain plate 2), and a second receiving groove is formed on the outer side of the second half 1b of the first chain plate 1 (i.e., the side facing away from the second chain plate 2). When the first chain plate 1 is connected to the first chain plate 1 of an adjacent link 10, the second half 1b of the first chain plate 1 is located in the first receiving groove of the first chain plate 1 of the adjacent link 10. The first half 1a of the first chain plate 1 of the adjacent link 10 is located in the second receiving groove of the first chain plate 1.
[0057] By employing a complementary nesting design between the first receiving groove on the inner side of the first half 1a and the second receiving groove on the outer side of the second half 1b, adjacent first chain plates 1 can be interlocked when connected (the second half of the previous first chain plate 1 is interlocked with the first receiving groove of the next chain link 10, and vice versa). This structure significantly reduces the thickness at the connection point of adjacent first chain plates 1, ultimately improving the overall space utilization of the cable chain while maintaining the structural compactness of the chain links 10, making it suitable for narrow installation environments.
[0058] Optionally, to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the chain link 10, mounting holes 19 are provided at corresponding positions of the first chain plate 1 and the second chain plate 2. The two ends of the connector 3 are detachably mounted on the first chain plate 1 and the second chain plate 2 through the mounting holes 19, respectively.
[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, optionally, the connector 3 includes a screw, the first end of which is screwed to the mounting hole 19 on the first chain plate 1, and the second end of which is screwed to the mounting hole 19 on the second chain plate.
[0060] By using a screw connection at both ends, the thread preload ensures that there is no looseness between the connector 3 and the chain plate, and it remains stable even under high-frequency vibration or impact loads (such as the dynamic movement of industrial robots).
[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, optionally, both the first and last links 10 are equipped with connecting plates 20. By assembling connecting plates 20 at both ends of the cable chain, there is no need to modify the end links 10 of the cable chain. They can be directly fixed to the equipment through the connecting plates 20, improving assembly efficiency. This is especially suitable for scenarios that require frequent replacement or maintenance.
[0062] This application provides a sufficiently detailed and specific description. Those skilled in the art should understand that the descriptions in the embodiments are merely exemplary, and all changes made without departing from the true spirit and scope of this application should fall within its protection scope. The scope of protection claimed in this application is defined by the claims, not by the above descriptions in the embodiments. Without contradiction, some optional components in one embodiment can also be used in another embodiment, and some preferred structures of the same component in one embodiment are also applicable to another embodiment. Furthermore, there may be slight differences in the wording of the names of certain components in different embodiments; these slight differences will not affect the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A cable chain, characterized in that, The drag chain includes multiple links connected end to end. Each link includes a first chain plate, a second chain plate, and a connector. The first chain plate and the second chain plate are symmetrically arranged, and the connector is used to connect the first chain plate and the second chain plate. The first chain plates of each chain link are connected end to end to form a first side chain track, and the second chain plates of each chain link are connected end to end to form a second side chain track. Relative rotation of no more than 90° can occur between two adjacent first chain plates and between two adjacent second chain plates.
2. The cable chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first half of the first chain plate along its length direction is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting sliding hole, a circular rotating hole and an arc-shaped second limiting sliding hole in sequence, wherein the first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole are symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotating hole; The second half of the first chain plate along its length is provided with a first connecting hole, a second connecting hole and a third connecting hole in sequence. The first connecting hole is provided with a first rotating ring extending outward, and the third connecting hole is provided with a second rotating ring extending outward. When adjacent first chain plates are connected, the first rotating ring of the preceding first chain plate is slidably fitted into the first limiting sliding hole of the following first chain plate, the second rotating ring of the preceding first chain plate is slidably fitted into the second limiting sliding hole of the following first chain plate, and the second connecting hole of the preceding first chain plate and the rotating hole of the following first chain plate are hinged by a pin.
3. The cable chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole have the same structure. The first limiting sliding hole includes an inner arc close to the rotating hole and an outer arc away from the rotating hole. The inner arc is shorter than the outer arc. The two ends of the inner arc and the outer arc are connected by transition arcs. The inner arc and the outer arc are concentric arcs. The central angles of the inner arc and the outer arc are equal and do not exceed 90°.
4. The cable chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The central angles of the first limiting sliding hole and the second limiting sliding hole coincide with the center of the rotating hole.
5. The cable chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The geometric center of the first limiting sliding hole, the geometric center of the second limiting sliding hole, and the center of the rotating hole are located on the central axis of the first chain plate.
6. The cable chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The centers of the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole and the third connecting hole are located on a first straight line, and the first straight line forms an angle of 30° to 60° with the central axis of the first chain plate.
7. The cable chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A first receiving groove is formed on the inner side of the first half of the first chain plate, and a second receiving groove is formed on the outer side of the second half of the first chain plate. When the first chain plate is connected to the first chain plate of the adjacent chain link, the second half of the first chain plate is located in the first receiving groove of the first chain plate of the adjacent chain link, and the first half of the first chain plate of the adjacent chain link is located in the second receiving groove of the first chain plate. The first sidewall of the first half of the first chain plate is coplanar with the second sidewall of the first chain plate of the adjacent chain link, and the second sidewall of the first half of the first chain plate is coplanar with the second sidewall of the first chain plate of the adjacent chain link.
8. The cable chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Mounting holes are provided at corresponding positions of the first chain plate and the second chain plate; The two ends of the connector are detachably mounted on the first chain plate and the second chain plate through the mounting holes, respectively.
9. The cable chain as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The connector includes a screw, the first end of which is screwed to a mounting hole on the first chain plate, and the second end of which is screwed to a mounting hole on the second chain plate.
10. The cable chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both of the chain links at the beginning and end are equipped with connecting plates.