Energy supply chain

Abstract

Energy chain (EC) for guiding lines, hoses or cables, consisting of interconnected individual chain links (GL), characterized by the fact that at least one of the chain links (GL) of the energy supply chain (EK) is designed as a strain relief chain link (ZGL) with a strain relief (ZU), the strain relief chain link (ZGL) has a base body (GK) and at least one side part (SE1, SE2), wherein the lines, hoses or cables can be fixed between the base body (GK) and the at least one side part (SE1, SE2), the basic body (GK) is designed with plug connectors (SAZ) and plug receptacles (SAN) and wherein the dimensions and external shape of the strain relief chain link (ZGL) essentially correspond to the dimensions and shape of the chain links (GL).

Description

[0001] Various energy chains are known from the state of the art in the fields of industry, robotics, and office buildings. The applicant's publications are particularly noteworthy: DE 44 28 680 C1, DE 203 17 827 U1, DE 20 2004 011 695 U1, and DE 10 2006 030 086 A1.

[0002] The chain links of such an energy guide chain are connected by means of at least one locking device in such a way that articulated connections are created between the chain links.

[0003] A variety of connection types are known, for example, from companies such as www.igus.de, www.olplastik.de, www.fennel.de, and the applicant www.q-Iab.de itself. There are plug-in connections with one or more connector attachments. Some of the energy chains mentioned also allow axial movement between the chain links.

[0004] DE 44 28 680 C1, DE 20 317 827 U1, DE 20 2004 011 695 U1, DE 10 2006 030 086 A1, and DE 20 317 827 U1 show cable guide chains whose chain links are each designed with two longitudinally movable connector attachments. The length and distance between the connector attachments determine the maximum curvature radii of the cable guide chain. The spherical thickenings on the connector attachments have a smaller diameter than the cylindrical cavities of the connector receptacles. The connector receptacles are designed with an inward-facing bead on their open side, which prevents the spherical thickenings from slipping out. Above a certain tensile force, the chain links are torn apart.

[0005] DE 299 04 796 U1 also describes an energy chain system consisting of interconnected links.

[0006] IGUS's energy chains, which are essentially rectangular in cross-section, are designed with two plates on the right and left sides, which create a hinged connection to the adjacent link. Connections with a single connector or connections via elongated holes, each of which engages a pin on an adjacent chain link, are also known.

[0007] For such energy chains, retaining rails are offered so that the energy chain can be guided along defined paths. Such an energy chain system is described in the applicant's document DE 29 904 796 U1. The retaining rails described therein can fix energy chains either rigidly or rigidly and axially displaceably along a desired line. For this purpose, the chain links of such an energy chain are designed with grooves running in the axial direction, which have at least one undercut. Corresponding springs, which are formed on the retaining rails, form a snap connection with the grooves of the chain links. Individual rail sections can be designed with a cable strain relief, onto which a chain link of a cable chain can be clipped.Furthermore, various strain relief devices are known, which are mounted as a separate component on a terminal device or piece of furniture.

[0008] DE 44 13 303 C1 discloses a cable drag chain with an insertable crossbeam. The crossbeam is intended to provide a means of attaching strain relief devices to the chain links themselves, particularly to the end links. The crossbeam can be retrofitted to existing chain links and used to install a strain relief device.

[0009] DE 20 2006 007 155 U1 describes a cable holder for energy chains with at least one clamping element that has openings of various sizes for accommodating a cable. Crossbars can exert holding forces on the cables located in the receiving openings. A corresponding cable holder is an element manufactured independently of the chain link and can be additionally attached to an end chain link.

[0010] Furthermore, DE 94 17 379 U 1 describes an end fastening part for a cable guide chain for fastening the stationary or movable end of the cable guide chain to the respective contact or support surface. For strain-relieved fastening of the cables or hoses guided by the cable guide chain, a comb- or rake-like connecting part can be provided, the prongs of which, arranged on a support profile, extend at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide chain or the cables or hoses. The prongs have a head at their free end that projects laterally beyond the prong cross-section, and the support profile is arranged or can be fastened between the side plates of the end fastening part.

[0011] DE 20 2004 006 898 U1 discloses an energy guiding chain for accommodating energy guiding cables or hoses, comprising rotatably connected chain links, each consisting of two parallel and spaced-apart side plates and two crosspieces connecting them. Furthermore, at least one strain relief comb with a profile for the cables or hoses is provided, which can be connected to the chain by snapping into place. The comb has prongs extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain and arranged at a distance from one another. The profile is provided with clamping elements and can be snapped onto a crosspiece.

[0012] The disadvantage of conventional cable drag chains is that the forces acting on the cables can cause them to be torn from the chain, creating tripping hazards. Furthermore, undesirable tensile forces can be transmitted to the cable ends, resulting in high loads on connected devices. Connectors can be torn from connected devices, or the devices themselves can be damaged.

[0013] Tensile forces in the cables can be directly transferred to the devices. For example, if a computer monitor is on a desk and someone trips over the cables routed in the cable chain, the monitor may fall.

[0014] If a support rail system or a strain relief clipped onto the cable chain is used, the energy guide chain can be torn off by these components.

[0015] Furthermore, common strain reliefs are usually very bulky and visually unsightly components with only a few clamping points for the cables to be routed. Even if an external strain relief has a sufficient number of clamping points for cables, it is very large in size.

[0016] Based on this, the present invention is based on the object of developing a cable guide chain in such a way that forces acting on the energy guide chain or the cables guided therein can be diverted at desired locations.

[0017] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0018] The energy guiding chain according to the invention consists of several chain links. Individual chain links are designed with strain relief devices for the cables to be guided. The dimensions and external shape of the strain relief chain links preferably differ little from the dimensions and shape of the other chain links. The individual chain links are preferably designed with locking devices which connect the chain links to one another in an articulated manner. However, other types of connection, such as cardanic connections or one- or multi-dimensional joints, can also be designed. It is advantageous to form plug attachments on the chain links which are guided in plug receptacles provided with undercuts. It is advantageous to design the plug connection such that the chain links are designed to be movable relative to one another in order to be able to compensate for differences in length between the cables to be guided and the energy guiding chain.The formation of a pair of connector lugs and a pair of connector receptacles on each chain link of a cable guide chain has proven particularly advantageous.

[0019] The strain relief chain links have at least one clamping point for the frictional fixing of cables guided in the energy guide chain. These clamping points are preferably achieved by a clamping mechanism. The strain relief chain link has a base body and at least one side part, with cables being frictionally fixed between the base body and the side part. It is advantageous to form at least two side parts. In one advantageous embodiment, the side parts are fixed to the base body by means of screws. In a further advantageous embodiment, screws penetrate one side part and the base body and then engage in corresponding threads of the second side part. In a preferred embodiment, the side parts and base body are formed with guide pins and corresponding receptacles, which are preferably hollow cylinders through which the screws are guided.It's advantageous to incorporate a snap-in or friction lock between the side panels and the base plate to facilitate assembly. It's also advantageous to incorporate a film hinge between the side panels and the base plate to prevent individual parts from getting lost.

[0020] The base body is provided with connector lugs, connector receptacles, and, if required, tunnel sections. Fasteners such as cables, mounting brackets, rods, or cables can be routed through the tunnel sections to dissipate forces. The tunnel sections can be designed with devices for force-locking or frictional connections, such as clamping screws or, preferably, adjusting rings. Preferably, an adjusting ring is clipped into a receptacle provided in the base body, with the adjusting ring preferably arranged on the central axis of a tunnel section. The side parts mounted thereafter prevent the adjusting ring from slipping out. Preferably, a screw, rod, or cable is guided and secured through the tunnel section formed with the adjusting ring.

[0021] It is advantageous to form the tunnel sections along the longitudinal axis of the energy chain. In a preferred embodiment of the tension release chain link, several tunnel sections are formed. This has the advantage that several fastening devices can be used simultaneously together with a pull rope or mounting rod.

[0022] The strain relief chain link is advantageously designed with holes for fastening using fasteners. Preferably, the screws that also connect the side parts are used as fasteners for screwing on the strain relief chain link. The screws penetrate one side part, the base body, and the second side part. When self-tapping screws are used, the strain relief chain link is fixed at the desired force dissipation points. The inventive design of the strain relief chain link (ZGL) makes it possible to route cables in a very space-saving manner and with a sophisticated design. The dimensions of the strain relief chain link (ZGL) correspond to those of a standard chain link of the energy chain (EK). Character description Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a strain relief chain link according to the invention and two further chain links of an energy guide chain. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the corresponding components of a strain relief chain link according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a view of an energy guiding chain according to the invention. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an energy guiding chain according to the invention. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an end section of an energy guide chain according to the invention. Fig. 6 shows a section through the coupling devices of an energy guiding chain according to the invention. Description of figures for embodiments according to the invention

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of two chain links (GL) of a cable drag chain and a strain relief chain link (ZGL) according to the invention. The chain links (GL) and (ZGL) are each designed with two connector attachments (SAZ) and corresponding connector receptacles (SAN), allowing the chain links to be plugged together. The connector attachments (SAZ) are longitudinally movable to a limited extent in the connector receptacles (SAN), allowing the cable drag chain (EK) to be articulated in all directions and also to be flexible in length. The screws (S) fix the side part (SE1) to the base body (GK) and the side part (SE2) of the strain relief chain link (ZGL). The side parts (SE) and base body (GK) are designed with semicircular recesses, in which cables and lines can be guided and frictionally secured. In the base body (GK) there are 3 tunnel sections (TU) in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain (EK).The central tunnel section (TU) is aligned with the tunnel sections (TU) of the remaining chain links (GL). By inserting a rod through the chain links (GL, ZGL) in this tunnel section (TU), the flexibility of the energy chain (EK) can be locked.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the corresponding components of a strain relief chain link (ZGL) according to the invention. The base body (GK) is designed with two connector attachments (SAZ) and two connector receptacles (SAN).

[0025] An adjusting ring (SR) is clipped into an undercut (HI) provided in the central tunnel section (TU1) of the base body (GK), with the adjusting ring positioned on the center axis of the tunnel section (TU1). The side parts (S1, S2) to be mounted subsequently prevent the adjusting ring (SR) from slipping out. A rod (ST) or a rope (SL) is guided and secured through the tunnel section formed by the adjusting ring (SR). The side parts are mounted with the screws (S1) in order to use the strain relief chain link (ZGL) as a movable chain link in the energy guide chain (EK). If the strain relief chain link is to be connected to the environment in a force-fitting manner, the longer screws (S2) are used. The screws (S2) penetrate the side part (S1) and the base body (GK) as well as the side part (S2). The screws (S2) are self-tapping and drill through the side panel (S2) at its rear.The screw tips first drill through the strain relief chain link (ZGL) and then into a desired force transmission point. This transfers the forces of the cables (L) to be guided via the clamping device (KLV) to the strain relief chain link (ZGL) and then to the force transmission points via the screws (S2). Depending on requirements, several strain relief chain links (ZGL) can be installed in a movable energy chain (EK). The strain relief chain links (ZGL) can be fixed to the energy chain at the desired points using the screws (S2) or fastening devices that are guided through the tunnel sections (TU1, TU2, TU3). This diverts forces acting on the cables (L) or the energy chain (EK) to defined force transmission points, preventing unwanted accidents or damage.

[0026] To facilitate assembly and positioning, guide pins (FZ) on the side parts (S1, S2) are designed as hollow cylinders (HZ), which penetrate into holes (BO2) in the base body (GK). This ensures precise positioning of the side parts (S1, S2) on the base body (GK). The fit between the guide pins (FZ) and the holes (BO2) is selected such that the side parts (S1, S2) can only be fixed to the base body (GK) with a desired amount of force. This means that the cables to be routed can be sorted, inserted and pre-fixed in a relaxed manner. Only when all cables are correctly positioned are the screws (S1) or (S2) firmly tightened, whereby the cables are force-fittedly connected to the strain relief chain link (ZGL).

[0027] By means of the screws (S3) which are guided through the tunnel cutouts (T2, T3), the strain relief chain link (ZGL) can be fixed to further connection points or screwed to other chain links or objects.

[0028] The screws (S1) fix the side part (SE1) to the base body (GK) and the side part (SE2) of the strain relief chain link (ZGL). The side parts (SE) and base body (GK) are designed with semicircular recesses into which cables and lines can be guided and frictionally secured. The base body (GK) has three tunnel sections (TU) running along the length of the energy guide chain (EK). The middle tunnel section (TU) is aligned with the tunnel sections (TU) of the other chain links (GL). If a rod is inserted through the chain links (GL, ZGL) in this tunnel section (TU), the flexibility of the energy chain (EK) can be locked.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of an energy guiding chain (EK) according to the invention, which guides a cable (KA) and is mounted under a table top (TI) with its free end hanging downwards. The right and left links of the four chain links (GL) arranged horizontally under the table (TI) are designed as strain relief chain links (ZGL). The strain relief chain links (ZGL) are, as already described in Fig. 2, the cable chain is firmly secured to the table top using screws (S2), as described in detail. At the same time, the guided cables (K) are secured using the clamping device (KLV). All forces acting on the cable chain or the cables (L) guided within it are thus diverted into the table top (TI). The chain links (GL) arranged horizontally beneath the table top are connected to a rod (ST), which ensures that the energy chain (EK) is guided horizontally and rigidly in this section. Additional strain relief chain links (ZGL) can be installed in the freely suspended section of the energy chain (EK) as required.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an energy guiding chain (EK) according to the invention, which consists of several chain links (GL) and two strain relief chain links (ZGL). The chain links (GL) and (ZGL) are each designed with two connector attachments (SAZ) and corresponding connector receptacles (SAN), whereby the chain links can be plugged together. The connector attachments (SAZ) have limited longitudinal movement in the connector receptacles (SAN). A rod (ST) is guided through the tunnel sections (TU1) of the 10 right-hand links. The chain links (GL) have partially different geometric designs than the strain relief chain links (GL), but are nevertheless compatible with them. The upper side part (S1) of the left strain relief chain link (ZGL) is not yet screwed to the base body (GK) using the screws (S1). This makes the adjusting ring (ST) visible, which fixes the rod (ST) longitudinally in the tunnel section (TU1) by means of a grub screw.The rigid section of the energy chain (GK) located between the strain relief chain links (ZGL) is still longitudinally movable, but the overall length is fixed due to the two strain relief chain links (ZGL). Tensile forces on the cable (K) and energy guide chain (EK) are transferred to the strain relief chain links (ZGL) via the steel rod (ST).

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a strain relief chain link (ZGL) according to the invention, which is coupled to an end link (EGL) and to a chain link (GL). A cable (SL) is guided through the central tunnel section (TU) and fixed in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain by means of the adjusting ring (SR). The strain relief chain link (ZGL) and end link (EGL) are connected by means of screws (S3) through the tunnel sections (TU2) and (TU3). The screw tips engage in a connection point not shown here. The cable (K) is fixed by means of the clamping device (KLV) formed by the side part (SE2) and the base body (GK).

[0032] Fig.Figure 6 shows the coupling devices (KV) of four interconnected chain links of a power chain (EK), with the first two chain links being the end link (EGL) and the strain relief chain link (ZGL). Connector attachments (SAZ) and connector receptacles (SAN) are pushed together in a desired end position and connected to one another. The chain links (GL) are each designed with two connector attachments (SAZ) and two connector receptacles (SAN). The thickened portions (VD) of the connector attachments (SAZ) are approximately shaped like balls (KU). The balls (KU) have a slightly larger diameter than the inside diameter of the connector receptacle (SAN), which is clamped by the friction elements (RO), designed here as runners (KUF).

[0033] The relative position of the individual components of the end link (EGL) is determined by the end sections of the runners (KUF), the hemispherical friction elements (RO2), and the rear wall (RU) of the hollow cylinder. If a desired pull-out force is exceeded, the individual components of the end link (EGL) can be moved to a further desired position. The pull-out force is determined by the sum of the friction forces between the runners (KUF) and the ball (KUG) and the friction force between the hemispherical friction elements (RO2) and the balls (KUG). The combination of the friction elements (RO1) and (RO2) is particularly advantageous because, when a tensile force occurs in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide chain, a desired high initial force must be exerted on the cable guide chain. If this initial force is exceeded, the chain links are abruptly moved to a further desired position.This jerk propagates as a chain reaction along the entire cable guide chain. This prevents individual chain links from remaining in an undesirable position.

[0034] If the diameter of the ball (KUG) and the clearance between the friction elements (RO1) are selected to be approximately equal, a desired restoring force is created between two adjacent chain links. This restoring force is generated by the connector lugs (SAZ) being bent by the angle α due to the deflection and then springing back into a straight position due to the restoring properties of the elastic material of the cable guide chain. If the friction between the friction elements (RO1) and the balls (KUG) is relatively low, the chain links and components automatically realign themselves approximately along a straight line. List of reference symbols BO, BO1, BO2, holes EGL end phalanx EK energy chain EN constriction FZ guide pin GL chain link of a cable guide chain GP base plate K Cable KLV clamping device KST terminal point KUF runner KUG ball KV coupling device L Line RN Rastnase RO, RO1, RO2, friction elements RV locking device S, S1, S2, ... screw SAN connector receptacle SAZ connector attachment SE, SE1, SE2 side panel 1, side panel 2 SL rope SR adjusting ring ST rod, mounting rod STS adjusting screw TI table top TU, TU1, TU2, tunnel section VD thickening ZGL strain relief chain link TO strain relief α angle

Claims

[1] Energy guiding chain (EK) for guiding lines, hoses or cables, consisting of interconnected individual chain links (GL), characterized by , that at least one of the chain links (GL) of the energy guiding chain (EK) is designed as a strain relief chain link (ZGL) with a strain relief (ZU), the strain relief chain link (ZGL) has a base body (GK) and at least one side part (SE1, SE2), wherein the lines, hoses or cables can be fixed between the base body (GK) and the at least one side part (SE1, SE2), the base body (GK) is designed with plug attachments (SAZ) and plug receptacles (SAN) and wherein the dimensions and external shape of the strain relief chain link (ZGL) essentially correspond to the dimensions and shape of the chain links (GL). [2] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the strain relief is designed as a clamping device (KLV). [3] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 2, characterized by that the base body (GK) and two fixable side parts (SE1, SE2) form the clamping device (KLV). [4] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the clamping device (KLV) has at least one clamping point (KST) for fixing cables (K). [5] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 4 characterized by that the clamping point (KST) is designed as a circular segment. [6] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-5, characterized by that at least one side part (SE1, SE2) is fixed to the base body (GK) by means of at least one screw (S, S1, S2). [7] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-6, characterized by that an end link (EGL) is coupled to at least one strain relief chain link (ZGL). [8] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-7, characterized by that the side parts (SE1, SE2) are connected to the base body (GK) by means of a joint. [9] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 8, characterized by that the joint is a film hinge. [10] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 8, characterized by that the side parts (SE1, SE2) are fixed to the base body (GK) by means of a locking device. [11] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-10, characterized by that the side parts (SE1, SE2) are mounted with guide pins (FZ) in a desired position relative to the base body (GK). [12] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 11, characterized by that the guide pins (FZ) are designed as hollow cylinders (HZ). [13] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 12, characterized by that the screws (S, S1, S2) are guided through the hollow cylinders. [14] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 11-13, characterized by that the guide pins (FZ) are mounted in corresponding receptacles on the base body (GK). [15] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 11-14, characterized by that the guide pins (FZ) are mounted in corresponding receptacles in another side part (SE1, SE2). [16] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-15, characterized by that the screws (S, S1, S2) penetrate at least one side part (SE1, SE2) and the base body (GK). [17] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 16, characterized by that the screws (S, S1, S2) penetrate at least one further side part (SE1, SE2) and the screw tip engages in a force dissipation point. [18] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-17, characterized bythat at least one tunnel section (TU) is formed in the longitudinal direction of the strain relief chain link (ZGL). [19] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 18, characterized by that a screw (S, S1, S2), rod (ST) or a cable (SL) is guided through at least one tunnel section (TU, TU1, TU2). [20] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-19, characterized by that the strain relief chain link (ZGL) is formed with at least one adjusting ring (SR). [21] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 20, characterized by that the adjusting ring (SR) fixes a screw (S, S1, S2), rod (ST) or cable (SL) guided in a tunnel section (TU, TU1, TU2). [22] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by that the adjusting ring (SR) snaps into a corresponding snap device. [23] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 22, characterized bythat the snap device is formed in the base body (GK). [24] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by that the snap device is an undercut or a fit. [25] Energy guiding chain (EK) according to at least one of claims 1-24, characterized by that the strain relief chain link (ZGL) has an approximately rectangular cross-section.

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