A drag chain

Abstract

This utility model discloses a cable chain for storing strip-shaped objects, including a main body and a divider frame. The main body includes a storage section extending along a first direction, and the storage section has a storage cavity for storing the strip-shaped objects. The divider frame is housed within the storage cavity and includes a frame body and dividers. The frame body has through holes for storing strip-shaped objects. The dividers are detachably installed on the frame body and divide at least a portion of the through holes into multiple through areas. The dividers divide the through holes into multiple through areas, which can separate multiple strip-shaped objects, streamline the cable, and reduce friction between different strip-shaped objects. When dealing with larger strip-shaped objects or when a keel chain link is required, the dividers can be removed to leave sufficient space for stringing, which is beneficial for handling different working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cable protection technology, and in particular to a cable chain. Background Technology

[0002] Cable chains are widely used in various automated equipment, including semiconductor equipment, to protect cables (such as power cables and hoses) from bending and tangling. Furthermore, when used in cleanroom semiconductor equipment, cable chains can also prevent dust generation caused by friction between different cables.

[0003] To ensure proper cable routing and reduce friction between cables, related technologies typically use dividers to partition space, allowing for the separate placement of different cables or keel components. However, the space partitioned by these dividers is fixed, resulting in low applicability and difficulty in adapting to different cable and keel component arrangements under varying operating conditions. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a cable chain capable of dividing internal space according to requirements.

[0005] A cable chain according to a first aspect of the present invention is used for storing strip-shaped objects, comprising a main body and a divider frame. The main body includes a storage portion extending along a first direction of the main body, and the storage portion is provided with a storage cavity for storing the strip-shaped objects. The divider frame is accommodated in the storage cavity, and the divider frame includes a frame body and a divider member. The frame body is provided with a through hole for storing the strip-shaped objects, and the divider member is detachably installed on the frame body and divides at least a portion of the through hole into multiple through areas.

[0006] The cable chain according to the first aspect of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: the separator divides the through-hole into multiple through-hole areas, which can separate multiple strips, straighten the cables, and reduce friction between different strips. When dealing with larger strips or when it is necessary to set up, such as a keel assembly, the separator can be removed to reserve sufficient space for stringing, which is beneficial for dealing with different working conditions.

[0007] In some embodiments, the divider includes a plurality of dividers, wherein at least two of the dividers, when installed on the frame, have different lengths in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, or have different lengths in a third direction, wherein the third direction is a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the frame includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket being detachably connected, and the through hole being defined between the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, the frame includes an outer frame and a partition. The outer side of the outer frame is connected to the storage portion, and the inner side of the outer frame is provided with the through hole. One end of the partition is connected to the outer frame, and the other end of the partition extends into the through hole in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction. The partition divides at least a portion of the through hole into a plurality of through areas, and the partition is detachably connected to the partition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the frame includes a plurality of partitions, which are spaced apart along a second direction, the second direction being a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first through-area for accommodating a strip is defined between adjacent partitions, and a second through-area for accommodating a keel assembly is defined between the partition at the end in the second direction and the outer frame; the partition frame includes a plurality of partitions, among which there is a first partition and a second partition, wherein when the first partition and the second partition are installed in the frame, the first partition separates the first through-area, and the second partition separates the first through-area and the second through-area.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the partition and the partition member is provided with an engagement groove, and the partition member and the partition are engaged through the engagement groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cable chain further includes a keel assembly extending in a first direction and housed within the storage cavity in a manner that passes through the through area.

[0014] In some embodiments, the keel assembly includes fasteners located at both ends, which are fixed to both ends of the body in the first direction by means of threaded connections.

[0015] In some embodiments, a plurality of the dividers are spaced apart along a first direction of the body, and the cable chain further includes a covering component, the covering component being provided with a covering hole for receiving a strip, the covering hole communicating with the through area in the first direction, the covering component being capable of covering the strip, and the covering component being disposed between adjacent dividers. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cable chain of the first aspect of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cable chain according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded diagram of the divider.

[0019] Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the divider.

[0020] Figure 5 These are schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the divider.

[0021] Figure 6 These are schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the divider.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of point a in the middle.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a side view of the cable chain according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the keel assembly.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] Main body 100, storage section 110, extension section 120, storage cavity 130, straight section 140, curved section 150;

[0027] Support component 200;

[0028] Divider frame 300, frame body 310, first support 311, second support 312, outer frame 313, dividing part 314, engaging groove 315, dividing element 320, long dividing element 321, short dividing element 322, first dividing element 323, second dividing element 324, through hole 330, through area 340, first through area 341, second through area 342;

[0029] Keel assembly 400, keel link 410, first surface 411, second surface 412, fastener 420, threaded part 430, nut 440.

[0030] Covering component 500, covering hole 510, fixing joint 600, protruding structure 610. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of this implementation are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this implementation, and should not be construed as limiting this implementation.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this embodiment and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this embodiment.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cable chain according to the first aspect of this utility model. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the cable chain according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is an exploded diagram of the separator 300. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a divider 300 according to some embodiments. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 4According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a cable chain includes a main body 100 and a divider frame 300. The main body 100 includes a storage portion 110 extending along a first direction of the main body 100, and the storage portion 110 is provided with a storage cavity 130 for storing strip-shaped objects (not shown in the figure). The divider frame 300 includes a frame body 310 and a divider 320. The divider frame 300 is housed within the storage cavity 130. The frame body 310 is provided with a through hole 330 for storing strip-shaped objects. The divider 320 is detachably installed on the frame body 310 and divides at least a portion of the through hole 330 into multiple through areas 340. The divider 320 divides the through hole 330 into multiple through areas 340, which can separate multiple strip-shaped objects, straighten the cable, and reduce friction between different strip-shaped objects. When dealing with large strips or when setting up components such as keel assembly 400, the separator 320 can be removed to leave enough space for stringing, which is beneficial for dealing with different working conditions.

[0036] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the divider 300 according to different embodiments. Specifically, refer to... Figures 3 to 5 The divider 320 can be configured as a long divider 321 or a short divider 322 as needed. For example, refer to... Figure 3 The short separator 322 can divide only the middle area of ​​the through hole 330 vertically, and similarly refer to... Figure 6 Alternatively, the area on the left and right sides of the through hole 330 can be vertically divided. Depending on the orientation of the separator 320, the area can also be divided horizontally. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The long separator 321 can divide the through hole 330 into upper and lower sections.

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of point a in the middle. Figure 8 This is a side view of a cable chain according to an embodiment of this application. Examples will be given below based on changes in operating conditions. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The main body 100 can be bent to form a straight section 140 (the dotted-line frame portion) and a curved section 150 (the dashed-line frame portion). The straight section 140 located on the upper side tends to collapse under the influence of gravity. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 7 When the cable chain is in short-stroke operation, some cable chains have extensions 120 on both sides of the main body 100, and support members 200 are provided on the extensions 120 to provide support, thereby preventing the main body 100 of the straight section 140 from collapsing, and eliminating the need for the keel assembly 400. Based on this, referring to Figure 5The separator 320 can be a long separator 321, dividing the through hole 330 into more smaller through areas 340. When the operating condition changes to a long stroke, refer to... Figure 2 Since the keel assembly 400 needs to be set up, the keel assembly 400 is larger in volume than other strip-shaped objects such as cables, and requires a large space for stringing. At this time, the long partition 321 can be removed to free up space, or the long partition 321 can be disassembled and replaced with the short partition 322 to achieve space separation while avoiding space.

[0038] It should be noted that in this application, left and right correspond to the second direction of the main body 100, and up and down correspond to the third direction of the main body 100. Although the dashed box portion is used to represent the curved segment 150 and the dotted line portion is used to represent the straight segment 140, this is only for illustrative purposes. The curved segment 150 and the straight segment 140 change with the movement of the cable chain. Furthermore, in this application, the first, second, and third directions of the main body 100 also change with the curvature of the cable chain. Therefore, the first, second, and third directions will be different at different positions, but at the same position, the first, second, and third directions are always perpendicular.

[0039] Where the cable chain travel is less than or equal to 1500 mm, it can be considered a short stroke. Where the cable chain travel is greater than 1500 mm, it can be considered a long stroke. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In long-stroke conditions, support components 200 can be installed for support. The support components 200 and the keel assembly 400 together provide support force, which can further reduce the collapse problem that may occur in the drag chain under long stroke conditions.

[0040] Specifically, the main body 100 can be made of flexible materials such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane to achieve bending and wear resistance. The support 200 can be made of the same material as the main body 100 and can be molded into one piece by injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, or other integral molding methods.

[0041] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the divider 300 includes a plurality of dividers 320. Among the plurality of dividers 300, at least two dividers 300, when installed on the frame 310, have different lengths in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Dividers of different sizes can further divide the through hole 330 in the vertical direction as needed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least two dividers 300, when installed on the frame 310, have different dimensions in a third direction to further divide the through hole 330 in the horizontal direction as needed.

[0042] Reference Figure 3In some embodiments, the frame 310 includes a first bracket 311 and a second bracket 312, which are detachably connected. The first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 together define a through hole 330. Dividing the frame 310 into the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 facilitates installation. Compared to directly passing cables or other strips through the separated through area 340, placing the strips on the first bracket 311 or the second bracket 312 and then connecting the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 reduces installation difficulty and improves installation efficiency.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the frame 310 includes an outer frame 313 and a partition 314. The outer side of the outer frame 313 is connected to the storage portion 110, and the inner side of the outer frame 313 is provided with a through hole 330. One end of the partition 314 is connected to the outer frame 313, and the other end of the partition 314 extends in a third direction into the through hole 330. The partition 314 divides at least a portion of the through hole 330 into multiple through areas 340. The partition member 320 is detachably connected to the partition 314. The connection between the outer frame 313 and the storage portion 110 can fix the partition frame 300, and the partition member 314 provided on the inner side can provide an installation position for the partition member 320 while dividing the space.

[0044] In one embodiment where the frame 310 is divided into a first support 311 and a second support 312, the first support 311 and the second support 312 together define the outer frame 313. One of the first support 311 and the second support 312 may have a partition 314, or both may have a partition 314. When both the first support 311 and the second support 312 have partitions 314, the partitions 314 of the first support 311 and the second support 312 can be spaced apart in a second direction, with each partition 314 independently dividing the space. The partitions 314 of the first support 311 and the second support 312 can also be connected one-to-one in a third direction to form a continuous partition structure.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the frame 310 includes a plurality of partitions 314, which are spaced apart along the second direction. The partitions 314 can further divide the through holes 330, creating more through areas 340, and provide more installation positions for the partition members 320. According to actual needs, the partition members 320 can be installed on the partitions 314 at different positions to further meet the space allocation requirements.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, a first through-hole area 341 for accommodating a strip is defined between adjacent partitions 314, and a second through-hole area 342 for accommodating a keel assembly 400 is defined between the partition 314 at the end in the second direction and the outer frame 313. The second through-hole area 342 is provided to reserve space for the keel assembly 400, and can be used to string strips when the keel assembly 400 is not required. When the keel assembly 400 needs to be strung, the second through-hole area 342 is located at one end of the partition 320 in the second direction, which facilitates installation and allows for a larger space to match the size of the keel assembly 400.

[0047] The divider 320 includes multiple dividers 320, among which there is a first divider 323 and a second divider 324. When the first divider 323 and the second divider 324 are installed on the frame 310, the first divider 323 divides the first through-area 341, and the second divider 324 divides the first through-area 341 and the second through-area 342. The first divider 323 can further divide the first through-area 341 to accommodate a larger number of smaller strips. When the strips are larger and require more space, the first divider 323 can be removed. The second divider 324 can further divide the first through-area 341 and the second through-area 342. When the keel assembly 400 is small, the division of the second through-area 342 allows for the placement of strips while still meeting the installation requirements of the keel assembly 400. When the keel assembly 400 is large, the second divider 324 can be removed to free up space in the second through-area 342 to meet size requirements. Alternatively, the second partition 324 can be replaced with the first partition 323, so that the space of the second through area 342 is freed up to meet the size requirements while maintaining the separation of the first through area 341.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, at least one of the partition portion 314 and the partition member 320 is provided with an engaging groove 315, through which the partition member 320 and the partition portion 314 engage. The engaging groove 315 enables quick and easy disassembly of the partition portion 314 and the partition member 320, and allows the partition member 320 and the partition portion 314 to be at least partially interlocked, thereby reducing space occupation. In embodiments where both the partition portion 314 and the partition member 320 are provided with engaging grooves 315, space occupation can be further reduced, and the connection between the two can be made tighter.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the keel assembly 400. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 9In some embodiments, the cable chain further includes a keel assembly 400 extending along a first direction and housed within a receiving cavity 130 such that it passes through a through-feed area 340. By providing the keel assembly 400, additional support can be provided to ensure that the straight section 140 of the cable chain does not collapse during long-stroke operation. The keel assembly 400, passing through the separated through-feed area 340, separates it from other cables or other strips, reducing mutual friction and ensuring service life.

[0050] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, the keel assembly 400 includes keel links 410 and fasteners 420. Multiple keel links 410 are sequentially connected along a first direction of the main body 100. The fasteners 420 are connected to the keel links 410 located at the ends in the first direction, and are fixedly connected to the ends of the main body 100 in the first direction. The fasteners 420 fix the keel links 410 to the ends of the main body 100, defining the relative position between the keel links 410 and the main body 100, thus ensuring a reinforcing effect.

[0051] The fastener 420 can be connected to the main body 100 by means of snap-fit, adhesive, welding, etc. In some embodiments, the main body 100 includes a fixing joint 600, which is connected to the end of the storage part 110 in the first direction. The fixing joint 600 has high rigidity and can ensure the connection between cables and other strips and external equipment. The fastener 420 is connected to the fixing joint 600 to further ensure the connection effect.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the two fasteners 420 are fixed to both ends of the main body 100 in a first direction by a threaded connection. Specifically, the fasteners 420 and the main body 100 are connected by a threaded component 430 and a nut 440. The threaded connection is stable, reliable, and easy to install. It is more secure than a snap-fit ​​connection and allows for disassembly compared to adhesive or welding, facilitating maintenance and component reuse. Alternatively, in other embodiments, one of the fasteners 420 and the main body 100 is provided with a threaded hole (not shown in the figure). The fasteners 420 and the main body 100 are connected by the threaded component 430 and the threaded hole, which also ensures a secure connection and facilitates disassembly. The threaded component 430 can be a bolt or a screw.

[0053] Reference Figure 9In some embodiments, the fastener 420 is hinged to the keel link 410 at the end of the main body 100 in a first direction, and adjacent keel links 410 are hinged together. The fastener 420 is hinged to the keel link 410 and to each keel link 410, so that the components can rotate relative to each other and can rotate with the main body 100 when it is bent, so that the corresponding part of the keel assembly 400 is also bent into the corresponding shape without hindering the bending of the main body 100.

[0054] The keel link 410 has a first surface 411 and a second surface 412 at one end in a first direction of the main body 100. The first surface 411 and the second surface 412 are connected sequentially in a third direction of the main body 100. The second surface 412 is inclined to the first surface 411. When the first surface 411 abuts against the adjacent keel link 410, the second surface 412 is spaced apart from the adjacent fastener 420. When the second surface 412 abuts against the adjacent keel link 410, the first surface 411 is spaced apart from the adjacent fastener 420. The arrangement of the first surface 411 and the second surface 412 restricts the relative rotation between the keel links 410, realizing the directional bending of the keel link 410. Specifically, when the keel link 410 is in the straight section 140, the first surface 411 abuts against the adjacent keel link 410 to provide a supporting force. As the main body 100 bends, the second surface 412 is spaced apart from the adjacent keel link 410. Therefore, when the bending method is such that the second surface 412 is the inner part of the bend, the second surface 412 gradually moves closer to the adjacent keel link 410, while the first surface 411 disengages from the adjacent keel link 410, achieving unidirectional bending. When the second surface 412 abuts against the adjacent keel link 410, the rotation angle between the adjacent keel links 410 can be limited, thereby limiting the overall bending posture of the keel assembly 400 and avoiding obstruction of the bending of the main body 100.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, multiple dividers 300 are arranged at intervals along a first direction of the main body 100. These dividers 300 initially achieve regional arrangement of different strips. However, to reduce the impact of bending on the main body 100, a certain interval is required between the dividers 300. Strips located at these intervals may bend and deform with the movement of the main body 100, causing friction between them and affecting their service life. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cable chain also includes a covering component 500. The covering component 500 has covering holes 510 for receiving strips. The covering holes 510 communicate with the through-area 340 in the first direction. The covering component 500 can cover the strips and is positioned between adjacent dividers 300. The elastic covering component 500 can further separate and cover the strips, reducing friction between them and providing protection.

[0056] The following describes the specific assembly and movement process of the cable chain in some embodiments:

[0057] First, based on the specific length and short stroke conditions, determine whether the keel assembly 400 is needed. Then, considering the specific arrangement of the strips, select a suitable separator 320 to divide the through holes 330 of the separator frame 300. During assembly, the strips and / or the keel assembly 400 can be assembled onto the first bracket 311 or the second bracket 312, then the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 are fastened together. The covering assembly 500 is then used to cover the strips between the two separator frames 300. The separator frame 300 initially achieves the regional arrangement of different strips. The elastic covering assembly 500 further separates and covers the strips, reducing friction between them and providing protection.

[0058] Furthermore, the cable chain also includes a fixed connector 600. The main body 100 has fixed connectors 600 connected to both ends in the first direction. The fixed connectors 600 have high rigidity, ensuring the connection between the cable chain and the external drive equipment. When the keel assembly 400 needs to be installed in long-stroke conditions, a fastener 420 is also provided inside the fixed connector 600. The fastener 420 is fixed to the fixed connector 600 by means of snap-fit, welding, threaded connection, etc., and is connected to the keel assembly 400 to fix the position of the keel assembly 400 within the main body 100. A protruding structure 610 is also provided on the side of the fixed connector 600 opposite to the main body 100. The protruding structure 610 provides an installation position for cable ties and other fixing equipment, facilitating the fixing of cables and other strip-shaped objects to the fixed connector 600.

[0059] Although embodiments of this implementation have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this implementation, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A chain for storing elongate objects, the chain comprising, include: The main body includes a storage section that extends along a first direction of the main body and has a storage cavity for storing the strip-shaped object. A divider is housed within the storage cavity. The divider includes a frame and dividers. The frame has through holes for receiving the strip-shaped object. The dividers are detachably mounted on the frame and divide at least a portion of the through holes into multiple through areas.

2. A tow chain according to claim 1, characterized in that The divider includes a plurality of dividers, and at least two of the dividers, when installed on the frame, have different lengths in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, or have different lengths in a third direction, wherein the third direction is a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction.

3. The chain as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The frame includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are detachably connected, and the first bracket and the second bracket together define the through hole.

4. The chain as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that The frame includes an outer frame and a partition. The outer side of the outer frame is connected to the storage part, and the inner side of the outer frame is provided with the through hole. One end of the partition is connected to the outer frame, and the other end of the partition extends into the through hole in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction. The partition divides at least a portion of the through hole into multiple through areas, and the partition is detachably connected to the partition.

5. A tow chain according to claim 4, characterised in that, The frame includes a plurality of partitions, which are spaced apart along a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

6. A wireline as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that, A first through-area for accommodating a strip is defined between adjacent partitions, and a second through-area for accommodating a keel assembly is defined between the partition at the end in the second direction and the outer frame; the partition frame includes a plurality of partitions, among which there is a first partition and a second partition, wherein when the first partition and the second partition are installed on the frame, the first partition separates the first through-area, and the second partition separates the first through-area and the second through-area.

7. A tow chain according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that, At least one of the partition and the partition member is provided with a locking groove, and the partition member and the partition are engaged through the locking groove.

8. A tow chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, It also includes a keel assembly that extends along the first direction and is housed within the storage cavity in such a manner that it passes through the penetration area.

9. The cable chain according to claim 8, characterized in that, The keel assembly includes fasteners at both ends, which are fixed to both ends of the main body in the first direction by means of threaded connection.

10. The chain as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of the dividers are arranged at intervals along a first direction of the main body. The cable chain also includes a covering component. The covering component is provided with a covering hole for receiving strips. The covering hole communicates with the through area in the first direction. The covering component is capable of covering the strips. The covering component is disposed between adjacent dividers.

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