Energy chain for high tensile forces and / or with loss protection

Abstract

Energy guiding chain (1) for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, with chain links (6), each comprising two opposite side plates (2), in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (4), wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands (2A; 2B), each with side plates (2) connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that each plate strand (2A; 2B) comprises a traction cable (5) for transmitting tensile forces, and each of the two opposite side plates (2) of a chain link (6) is each composed of two interconnected plate parts (10) which form an inner passage (25, 27) for the traction cable (5) in order to guide the respective traction cable (5) through the plate strand (2A; 2B).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of energy chains. According to a first aspect, the invention particularly relates to an energy chain designed to transmit high tensile forces. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an energy chain equipped with an improved loss prevention device, in particular for preventing the loss of individual components of the chain links during operation of the energy chain.

[0002] A generic energy chain is used to guide supply lines, such as hoses for media or cables for electrical power or signals, or the like. For this purpose, energy chains typically have chain links, each consisting of two opposing side plates and at least one crossbar connecting the side plates transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. In conventional designs, the side plates and the crossbar form a guide channel open in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain for guiding the cables. Generic energy chains form two longitudinally running strands of side plates, hereinafter referred to as link strands, which consist of the side plates each connected to one another by an articulated connection and arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction.

[0003] The present invention relates in particular to energy guiding chains with side plates made of plastic.

[0004] Special designs of energy guiding systems are already known in which a cable is provided within each strand of links or similar components to transmit tensile forces. An example is the energy guiding system known from WO 2014 / 170272 A1. The side parts are made of a water-resistant, flexible material, and a tensile, water-resistant cable extends through them over the entire length of the energy guiding chain. This energy guiding system is specifically designed for offshore applications.

[0005] A first object of the present invention is to propose a simplified, cost-effective design of an energy guiding chain which, compared to conventional energy guiding chains, is particularly suitable for transmitting tensile forces.

[0006] A second object of the invention is to further develop energy chains so that individual parts of the chain links are better protected against loss. This is particularly important for energy chains running at a height or, for example, in suspended applications, to prevent the danger of falling parts.

[0007] The first-mentioned object is achieved according to a first aspect by an energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or a chain link for an energy guiding chain according to claim 2.

[0008] Independently of this, according to a second aspect, the second-mentioned object is achieved by an energy guiding chain according to claim 16 and by a chain link according to claim 17. Advantageous features for both aspects emerge from the subclaims. FIRST ASPECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect, an energy guiding chain with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is proposed.

[0010] To achieve the first-mentioned object, the invention provides that each link strand of the energy guide chain comprises a traction cable which is designed or serves to transmit tensile forces. Furthermore, the invention provides that for each of the two opposite side links of a chain link, the side link is composed or constructed from two interconnected, in particular plate-like, link parts. In the assembled state, the assembled link parts form an inner, longitudinally extending passage for the traction cable, such that the traction cable can be guided longitudinally through the passage within the links and thus through the respective link strand.

[0011] Accordingly, the invention also relates to such a chain link for an energy chain, wherein the chain link comprises two opposing side plates, in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one crosspiece. According to the invention, each of the two opposing side plates of the chain link is composed of two interconnected plate parts, which form an inner passage for a traction cable to guide the traction cable through the plate strand.

[0012] The proposed design enables cost-effective production of the individual side plates and also simplifies assembly and maintenance. It permits the use of a wide variety of traction cables, optimally adapted to the respective requirements and independent of the side plates. The traction cables and side plates are made of different materials, allowing the traction cables to be selected from a material with particularly high tensile strength. The material of the side plates can ensure high dimensional stability (against tensile, torsional, and / or compressive forces) and high flexural rigidity of the plates and the chain links as a whole.

[0013] The tab parts are preferably essentially plate-like and / or preferably designed as plastic parts that are rigid or dimensionally stable during operation.

[0014] Particularly preferred are the individual tab parts of each side flap designed as identical parts, i.e., as identically designed components. Thus, each side flap can be constructed from two identical tab parts. This further reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and reduces inventory costs.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the two opposite side plates of the chain links are each composed of only one type of plate part, i.e., composed of four identical plate parts, each with two identically constructed plate parts (identical parts) per side plate. Thus, four identical components or identical parts can be used to manufacture the two side plates of a chain link. This further reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies assembly. However, it is also conceivable to use different plate parts, in particular identical parts, in the left and right plate strands, e.g., to selectively adjust the relative pivot angles between the chain links.

[0016] Preferably, the tab parts are manufactured or designed as injection-molded parts made of plastic, in particular of a fiber-reinforced technical polymer.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the tab parts are designed in such a way that two identical tab parts can be joined together by rotating them by 180° around the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The joining or connection takes place in particular in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The tab parts can be connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The tab parts can preferably also be at least lockable to one another. However, any suitable connection technique, particularly without additional connectors such as screws or the like, including a material connection, is also possible.

[0019] A suitable embodiment for advantageously connecting the link parts provides that the link parts have interacting connecting elements on their inner joining side, with which the link parts are joined together. These elements are arranged conjugate-correspondingly with respect to a transverse center plane. The transverse center plane refers to a plane through the side link or the link part, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the chain and in the transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain, with the transverse direction corresponding to the width of the link plates.

[0020] The connecting elements are preferably arranged and designed in such a way that each connecting element of one tab part interacts as intended when connected with the corresponding connecting element of the other tab part for the purpose of connecting the two tab parts to form a side tab.

[0021] In particular, the link plate parts themselves can have a link plate shape and, in the manner of a division of the finished side plate through their mid-height plane, represent or form two parts, e.g., essentially two halves, of the finished side plate. The mid-height plane corresponds to the plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain and in the direction of the link plate height.

[0022] In one embodiment, cooperating connecting elements can be provided by comprising at least one male connecting element, in particular a snap-in connecting element, and one female connecting element, in particular a snap-in connecting element. Alternatively or additionally, one or more pairs of a male and a female form-locking connector, for example, a plug-in pin and a plug-in receptacle, for example with a self-locking conical shape, can also be provided.

[0023] A particularly advantageous type of connection technology is achieved when the corresponding connecting elements comprise at least one snap connector, e.g., a snap hook, and a corresponding receiver or hook receiver (English: hook receiver) or a counterpart (English: mate) for the snap hook. The snap hook can be designed, in particular, as a self-supporting snap hook and / or extend essentially in the transverse direction, approximately perpendicular to the vertical center plane toward the opposite tab part. Snap connectors or snap fasteners offer the particular advantage of facilitating assembly and further reducing the number of individual parts required.

[0024] The proposed snap connection can serve primarily to hold the two tab parts together during assembly. In other words, the snap connection alone does not necessarily ensure the connection of the tab parts to each other, but it can contribute to it.

[0025] For a reliable connection of the tab parts to form a side tab, it can be provided, in particular, that the connector receptacle or hook receptacle for the snap hook is designed or dimensioned in such a way that it is suitable and intended to accommodate a separate latch or locking element. Such a latch or locking element can be inserted - preferably transversely into the connector receptacle - to secure the snap hook of one tab part against detachment from the connector receptacle on the other tab part. The locking element can thus block the movement of the snap hook and prevent it from detaching during operation.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the locking element simultaneously serves to engage in a corresponding locking area of ​​a crosspiece of the chain link in order to secure this crosspiece to the side plate. Thus, the plate parts can be firmly connected to one another and a crosspiece can be secured to the respective side plate in a single assembly step. This further simplifies assembly and also ensures particularly good protection against loss of the parts. The crosspiece can be secured by the locking element, while at the same time preventing the locking element from becoming loose in the transverse direction, for example, by means of a further snap connection between the locking element and the crosspiece.This is preferably provided for each of the two crosspieces of a chain link. Since each link part has a connector receptacle and a corresponding snap hook, in the case of the two-part side link consisting of two link parts, a total of two snap hooks and two connector receptacles are provided. The connector receptacles are preferably arranged in the upper and lower end regions relative to the link height, so that the locking element secures the crosspiece to the side link at a suitable, outwardly positioned position in the vertical direction.

[0027] In one embodiment, each link plate part has a first overlapping area with a pivot pin and a second overlapping area with a pivot receptacle corresponding to the pivot pin. The overlapping areas of adjacent side links can thus be pivotally connected to one another by connecting the two pivot pins of the first overlapping area to the corresponding conjugated pivot receptacles in the second overlapping area of ​​an adjacent side link to form a pivot joint. The preferred pivotal connection of the chain links to one another is therefore a conventional pivot connection about an axis, in particular perpendicular to the main plane of the links or the mid-height plane, although the pins and receptacle are provided redundantly by both link plate parts. The pivot pins preferably protrude inwards into the two-part link plate body, i.e. the arrangement is preferred so that the pivot receptacles are not accessible from the outside.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment with a joint connection consisting of a joint pin and a joint receptacle, it is preferably provided that each joint pin has a recess which serves as a passage for the traction cable and runs accordingly in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the recess is preferably designed symmetrically to the longitudinal direction and is provided with boundaries which are widened at the ends. The recess can in particular be designed with a curved widening, for example similar to a cup or trumpet shape, and allows the traction cable to lie edge-free within the joint pin when the energy guide chain is deflected into a deflection bend or is wound up or unwound on a drum. Using a correspondingly running recess, it is possible to guide the traction cable centrally in the height direction of the side plates or on the neutral fiber through the energy guide chain.

[0029] Preferably, the traction cable forms the neutral fiber of the energy chain and accordingly the articulated connections are preferably arranged so that the pivot axes of the articulated connection of the side plates or plate parts cross the traction cable.

[0030] A favorable embodiment provides for the passage of the traction cable in that each of the two plate parts of a side plate, in particular the plate part used with the same construction, has a through groove, preferably arranged centrally in the vertical direction and extending in the longitudinal direction, as a passage for the traction cable. In this case, a longitudinal projection is preferably provided at a height offset and adjacent to the through groove on one side, which projects laterally and runs parallel to the through groove in the longitudinal direction. A longitudinal projection can, on the one hand, provide additional security against displacement of the two plate parts relative to one another in the vertical direction. This is achieved in particular by the through groove and longitudinal projection being dimensioned to match one another, so that the longitudinal projection of one plate part can be accommodated snugly in an area of ​​the through groove of the other plate part when joined laterally.On the other hand, a suitably designed longitudinal projection prevents unwanted separation of the link plates caused by the traction cable. Particularly when the chain links are pivoted relative to each other, the longitudinal projection can absorb vertical forces exerted by the traction cable, thus preventing the wire rope, which preferably runs centrally through the two connected link plates, from pushing the two link plates apart at the separation or connection plane under tensile force.

[0031] In a preferred but not mandatory embodiment, the tab parts, in particular the individual part used identically as a tab part, are designed such that the two-part assembled side tabs each form the shape of a forked tab, with an overlapping area that represents a fork, for receiving a corresponding tab-like tongue in the opposite overlapping area of ​​the adjacent side tab.

[0032] The energy chain is suitable for transmitting relatively high tensile forces, particularly for use as a load-bearing element for a vertically moving consumer. It is advantageous if the traction cable in each link strand is a longitudinally continuous wire rope extending from the ends of the link strands. The traction cables or wire ropes can form eyelets at the ends in a conventional manner, allowing for easy connection of the two ends of the energy chain to the supporting structure and the consumer supplying the power.

[0033] For certain applications, it is advantageous if the energy chain is designed so that it can be wound onto or off a drum. One such application is described, for example, in patent DE 10 2012 110 967 B4. SECOND ASPECT OF THE INVENTION

[0034] According to the second, independent aspect of the invention, an improvement to energy chains is proposed in such a way that the loss of individual components of the chain links during operation is largely avoided. In particular, the detachment of the crosspieces from the side plates and vice versa is to be more reliably prevented.

[0035] This second object mentioned at the beginning is achieved by an energy guiding chain according to claim 16 or a chain link according to claim 17.

[0036] In an energy guide chain according to the preamble of claim 16 or a chain link according to the preamble of claim 17, this is achieved according to the second aspect of the invention in that at least one of the two side plates or preferably both side plates of a chain link have a crossbar holding pocket which is open on the inside and designed as a recess in the side plate and serves to fasten the crossbar. A longitudinal end of the crossbar can be inserted into this crossbar holding pocket in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The crossbar holding pocket is designed such that it is circumferentially closed when viewed circumferentially around the transverse direction and is surrounded all around by the material of the side plate.The crossbar-5 holding pocket is thus designed in such a way that a crossbar can essentially only be detached from the side plate in the direction towards the inside of the chain link, but not in a direction perpendicular to this, for example in the height direction of the side plate as is usual with typical crossbar fastenings.

[0037] In other words, the crossbar retaining pocket is designed as a recess in the side flap such that a crossbar can essentially only be inserted into or removed from the side flap in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the side flap, but not by a movement in a direction within the main plane of the side flaps. Slight inclinations relative to the aforementioned directions are, of course, not excluded. With the design according to the second aspect, the crossbar cannot be attached to or detached from the side flap in the vertical direction of the side flap, as is conventionally provided.

[0038] According to the second aspect of the invention, it is preferably further provided that the side flap has, on the outer side facing away from the inner side, a locking opening which is open there, which extends through the flap and opens into the crossbar holding pocket, so that a locking element can be inserted from the outside through the locking opening and at least into or through the crossbar holding pocket. By means of such a locking element, a crossbar can be locked captively by the locking element engaging in a locking region of the crossbar. The combination of locking element and locking opening thus allows the crossbar to be reliably secured in the crossbar holding pocket against movement perpendicular to the main plane of the side flap.

[0039] In contrast to known locking solutions, such as those from WO 99 / 54643 A1, the designs according to the second aspect do not require any projections provided on the inside of the side flaps for attaching the crosspieces. Nevertheless, a robust and captive connection between the crosspiece and the side flap is enabled, in particular by the fact that the end of the crosspiece to be attached is firmly held in the body of the side flap itself.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the side plate can be designed without any projections on the inside, i.e., the side facing the receiving space for cables in the chain link. The side plate can, in particular, be designed without any retaining projection for attaching a crossbar. This offers the advantage of avoiding unnecessary protruding edges on the inside – which is desirable, among other things, for half-bar energy chains.

[0041] Preferably, the side link has one of two preferably identically designed crossbar retaining pockets near its two narrow sides, i.e., the narrow sides running in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain and in the direction of the link width or in the transverse direction between the inside and the outside. Generally speaking, chain links that connect the side links by means of an upper and a lower crossbar are advantageous, with the crossbars being attached to the links as close as possible to the narrow sides of the links to maximize the receiving space.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, each cross-web holding pocket has a full-circumferential border formed by the body of the side flap and is thus closed, in particular on the narrow sides, by a material bridge formed by the body of the side flap.

[0043] Generally, the crossbar retaining pocket is preferably designed as a positively retaining receptacle, preferably acting in a positively retaining manner in essentially every direction within the tab plane. The basic shape of the crossbar retaining pocket or the outline in the tab plane is preferably conjugate to the cross section of the crossbar in its end region.

[0044] Preferably, the longitudinal end of the crossbar is thus positively received in the crossbar holding pocket, which accordingly forms a positive receptacle for the longitudinal end of the crossbar.

[0045] In a structurally simple embodiment, especially when the side flaps are manufactured as injection-molded plastic parts, the retaining pocket can be designed as a transverse recess in the body of the side flap. Mechanically advantageously, the maximum depth of the retaining pocket (at its deepest point in the transverse direction) is less than 50% of the width of the side flap, especially the average material thickness.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the locking element, it has a stop area at a first longitudinal end which interacts with the side flap, and a locking lug at the opposite second longitudinal end which can be locked to the crossbar to be secured.

[0047] The side flap preferably has a stop recess provided on the outside for each retaining pocket for the stop area of ​​the locking element. The stop recess can encompass the locking opening or be connected to it and is designed such that the stop area of ​​the locking element can be inserted in a form-fitting manner and preferably with its outer side flush with the outer side of the side flap. This makes it possible to create an outer side of the side flap free of interfering edges, even with the locking element inserted. In addition, the locking element is additionally held on the side flap in the flap plane. In a preferred embodiment, the locking element has an actuating recess on its second longitudinal end, which, when the locking element is inserted, is aligned with an actuating opening of the locked crosspiece.This allows the locking element to be unlocked and pushed outwards in a sideways direction using a tool, such as a flat screwdriver or similar tool.

[0048] The two independent aspects of the invention are explained in more detail below using only one common preferred embodiment, without limiting the scope of protection thereto. This is done with reference to the attached figures, which show: Fig. 1A-1B: a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy guiding chain according to the invention with a traction cable in each link strand ( Fig. 1A) and a partially exploded view of two side plates, which are assembled from plate parts onto the traction cable ( Fig. 1B); Fig. 2A-2B: a perspective view of a preferred flap part as a common part for producing the side flaps, in perspective view from the inside ( Fig. 2A) and from outside ( Fig. 2B); Fig. 3A-3C: Sectional views of an assembled chain link of an energy chain according to Fig. 1A-1B, in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ( Fig. 3A), in an enlarged partial view of area E from Fig. 3A ( Fig. 3B) and in a horizontal longitudinal section through a strap strand at the level of a traction cable ( Fig. 3C); Fig. 4: a vertical longitudinal section through the deflection arch with side plates angled towards each other and through the traction cable guided through the side plate; Fig. 5: an exploded view according to area E of Fig. 3A, inter alia, to illustrate the connection technique of the tab parts according to the first aspect and the connection technique of the cross bars to the side tabs according to the second aspect; Fig. 6A-6C: a locking element for securing a crossbar in perspective view ( Fig. 6A), in side view ( Fig. 6B) and in cross section ( Fig. 6C); ​​and Fig. 7A-7C: a crossbar of conventional design (state of the art) in perspective view ( Fig. 7A), in side view of the long side ( Fig. 7B) and in cross section ( Fig. 7C).

[0049] Fig. 1A shows an energy guiding chain, generally designated 1, comprising chain links 6 linked together in the longitudinal direction L. Each chain link 6 is constructed from two side plates 2 and two crosspieces 4 holding these parallel to one another. The side plates 2 and crosspieces 4 form a box-shaped frame with an internal receiving space for guiding supply lines. The chain links 6 can be pivoted relative to one another about a respective pivot axis A by means of suitable articulated connections, e.g. to form a deflection curve. The articulated side plates 2 form a left or first plate strand 2A and a right or second plate strand 2B. A traction cable 5 is guided through each plate strand 2A, 2B and runs continuously through the plate strands 2A, 2B in the longitudinal direction. The traction cables end with eyelets 5A, 5B for the application-dependent fastening of the energy guiding chain 1 to e.g.a supporting structure and for fastening a load to be carried by the energy chain 1 (both not shown). The tension cables 5 are preferably wire ropes and serve to transmit tensile forces, with the tension cables 5 being selected accordingly depending on the load and independently of the side plates.

[0050] As from Fig. 1B, each of the two opposite side plates 2 of a chain link 6 is composed of two individual plate parts 10 connected to each other in the transverse direction or in the direction of the pivot axis A. In the assembled state, the plate parts 10 form an inner passage extending in the longitudinal direction L or an inner passage in the longitudinal direction L, as will be seen below. Fig. 2A-2B and Fig. 3A-3C. The side flaps 2, consisting of two flap parts 10, each have a forked flap shape in plan view.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the side flaps 2 are composed of two identical parts 10, ie the two flap parts 10 are of identical construction, as shown for example in Fig. 2A-2B. Each link plate part 10 is preferably manufactured as an injection-molded part made of plastic, in particular of a fiber-reinforced engineering polymer. Preferably, both opposing side links 2 of a chain link 6 are also manufactured from one and the same structurally identical link plate part 10, i.e., from two interconnected identical parts as link plates 10, each of which can be used in both the left link plate strand 2A and the right link plate strand 2B.

[0052] For example from Fig. 2A-2B in conjunction with Fig. 1B, one tab part 10 can be joined to an identical tab part 10 if one tab part 10 is rotated relative to the other tab part 10 by 180° around the longitudinal direction L and then the two tab parts 10 are joined together transversely to the longitudinal direction or in the direction of the pivot axis A with their joining side 11 located inside the side tab 2. The connection of the tab parts 10 is preferably effected in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner. For this purpose, cooperating connecting elements are provided on the joining side 11 located inside the side tab 2. In the example according to Fig. 2A-2B, each tab part 10 has a male snap connection element in the form of a snap hook protruding from the joining side 11 and a corresponding connector receptacle 16 accessible from the inner side 11 for the snap hook 14. The connector receptacle 16 can, in the sense of a snap connection, be, for example, a hook receiver or other suitable counterpart to the snap hook 14. Other suitable snap connections are also within the scope of the invention.

[0053] In opposite areas of the tab part 10, a further arrangement with at least one pair of male and female form-lock connectors is provided. Fig. 2A-2B show, for example, a conical plug-in pin 17 and, laterally offset from the snap hook 14, a corresponding plug-in receptacle 18 for the plug-in pin 17. Plug-in pin 17 and plug-in receptacle 18 ensure, among other things, a suitable alignment of the interconnected tab parts 10.

[0054] The link part 10 forms a first overlap area 10A and a second overlap area 10B, with which the side links 2, which are linked in the longitudinal direction L and each comprise two link parts 10 in the link strand 2A or 2B, overlap in the assembled state. The side links 2, consisting of two connected link parts 10, form a fork of the forked link shape in the first overlap area 10A and the corresponding tongue or counterpart for engagement in the fork in the second overlap area 10B.

[0055] To form a pivot joint in the manner of a rotary joint for pivoting the chain links 6 or side plates 2 against each other about the respective pivot axis A, the plate part 10 forms a pivot pin 20 with a substantially circular-cylindrical outer contour about the pivot axis A in the first overlap area 10A. In the other overlap area 10B, the plate part 10 forms a joint receptacle 22 in the form of a through-hole which is continuously open in the transverse direction and has a circular-cylindrical inner contour about the pivot axis A. To form the pivot joint from pivot pin 20 and joint receptacle 22, the pivot pin 20 is rotatably inserted with play for movement in the corresponding joint receptacle 22 of the plate part 10 or the adjacent side plate 2 which is adjacent in the longitudinal direction L, cf. Fig. 4.

[0056] The side plates 2 of a plate strand 2A, 2B are connected to each other in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction by connecting the two pivot pins 20 in the first overlapping area 10A of the joined plate parts 10 with the corresponding joint receptacles 22 in the second overlapping area 10B of the adjacent side plate 2 connected in the longitudinal direction L to form a pivot joint, as shown for example in Fig. 1A or Fig. 4. Due to the two-part design, this assembly step is particularly simple. To align the tab parts 10 with each other, additional connecting elements corresponding to each other can be attached to the joint side 11 and to the pivot pins 20, in the example in Fig. 2A-2B in the form of a pair of plug pins 23 and plug receptacle 24.

[0057] As is generally the case Fig. 2A-2B, the tab part 10 serving as a common part is designed on its joining side 11 with corresponding connector elements such that, with respect to a transverse center plane, ie a plane spanned by pivot axis A and longitudinal direction L, connector elements 16, 17, 23 are provided in one half, which interact in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner with correspondingly conjugated connector elements 14, 18, 24 in the half of the tab part 10 opposite the transverse center plane during connection.

[0058] A snap-in connection, such as here by means of snap hooks 14 and connector receptacle 16, is preferably such that the tab parts 10 can be detached from each other again if necessary for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0059] Fig. 2A further shows a through groove 25 on the joining side 11 extending in the longitudinal direction L, to which a web-like longitudinal projection 26 is provided on one side, which projects laterally from the joining side 11 in the transverse direction and extends in the longitudinal direction L. The through groove 25 is dimensioned such that it can accommodate the corresponding longitudinal projection 26 of the further tab part 10 to be connected, see Fig. 3B. Thus, the longitudinal projection 26 can also serve as a safeguard against displacement in the vertical direction H (cf. Fig. 3B). How Fig. 4 shows, the longitudinal projection 26 serves as a support for the traction cable 5, in particular in the deflection curve, and thus prevents the tab parts 10 from being pressed apart by the traction cable 5.

[0060] How Fig. 2A shows, a recess 27 extending in the longitudinal direction L is provided in the pivot pin 20 on the joining side 11, which is aligned with the through groove 25 for the traction cable 5. The recess 27 is in Fig. 2A symmetrically widened to the longitudinal direction L with, in particular, curved boundary walls 28 according to a curved shape with a continuously decreasing radius or with increasing curvature in the longitudinal direction towards the end of the tab, similar to a trumpet shape. As in Fig. 4, this allows the traction cable 5 to rest without edges on the curved boundary walls 28 of the recess 27.

[0061] As can be seen from a comparison of the sectional views in Fig. 3C and Fig. 4, the traction cable 5 runs centrally through the side plates 2 made of the joined identical plate parts 10 according to Fig. 2A-2B. The traction cable 5 runs in particular through the through groove 25 and the recess 27 of the two joined plate parts 10, see also Fig. 3B. In the other overlap area 10B, the link part 10 can, if required, have an additional recess 29 on the joining side 11 for the passage of the traction cable 5. This recess 29 forms a continuation of the recess 27 of the pivot pins 20 when the side links 2 are linked in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] How best to Fig. 2B, the link part 10 can have optional inspection openings 15 at the level of the transverse center plane. Such optional inspection openings 15 allow the condition of the traction cable 5 to be inspected from the outside.

[0063] For lateral stabilization of the link strands 2A, 2B, the link part 10 in the first overlapping area 10A has on the outer side 12 a circular arc-shaped engagement area 19A, which in the assembled or linked state engages in a free space behind a protruding retaining tongue 19B in the other overlapping area 10B and remains held there during pivoting about the pivot axis A, as in Fig. 1A or Fig. 3C can be seen.

[0064] Fig. 3A shows a chain link 6 in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In a fully web-type design of the energy guide chain 1, ie with crossbars 4 on each chain link 6, each chain link 6 comprises two side plates 2 and two crossbars 4 and forms a box-shaped receiving space for the cables to be guided. Each side plate 2 consists of two identical plate parts 10 which, as best seen from a comparison of the Fig. 3B and Fig. 5, are joined together in a lateral direction. Furthermore, Fig. 3A-3B two separate locking elements 30 which are inserted from the outside into the side flap 2 to secure the two crosspieces 4. The mode of operation of the locking elements 30 is explained below in connection with the Fig. 5-7 are discussed in more detail.

[0065] Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, a typical chain link 6 consists of a total of ten parts, four link plate parts 10, four locking elements 30 and two crosspieces 4. In addition, a traction cable 5 is guided through the link plate strand 2A, 2B, but is not an actual part of the chain link 6 itself.

[0066] The chain links 6 according to the first aspect can in principle also be used without a traction cable 5.

[0067] Based on the Fig. 5, Fig. 6A-6C and Fig. 7A-7C, a second independent aspect is subsequently explained, which can generally also be advantageously used with a different design of the side flaps 2.

[0068] As the exploded view in Fig. 5, each side flap 2, preferably both side flaps, has a cross-web holding pocket 40 open on the inner side 7 for fastening the cross web 4. A longitudinal end of the cross web 4 can be inserted into the cross web holding pocket 40 in the transverse direction or in a direction parallel to the pivot axis A. The holding pocket 40 is a recess on the inner side 7, which is circumferentially enclosed by the side flap 2 and is designed with a floor plan conjugated to match the outer contour of the cross web 4 at its longitudinal end.

[0069] Furthermore, the side flap 2 has an open locking opening 42 on the outer side 8 facing away from the inner side 7, which in the transverse direction merges into the crossbar holding pocket 40 on the inner side 7 or opens into this, so that a separate locking element 30, as in Fig. 6A-6C, can be inserted in the transverse direction A from the outside through the locking opening 42. In the assembled state, the locking element 30 engages in a locking area 41 at the end of the crossbar 4. The locking element 30 secures the crossbar 4 in the crossbar holding pocket 40 on the side flap 2 or connects the side flap 2 and the crossbar 4 in combination with the crossbar holding pocket 40 in a captive manner.

[0070] Thanks to the crossbar retaining pocket 40, the side flap 2 on the inner side 7, which faces the receiving space for cables in the chain link 6, is designed without the retaining projections for attaching the crossbars 4 that are customary in the prior art. The crossbar 4 can have a conventional design known per se, which is intended for typical retaining projections, so that existing crossbars 4 can continue to be used. For example, a known design according to DE19541928C1 is suitable for this purpose.

[0071] Just below the two narrow sides 9 of the side flap 2 running in the longitudinal direction, a preferably identically designed crossbar holding pocket 40 is provided so that two crossbars 4 can be attached to the side flap 2.

[0072] Each cross-web retaining pocket 40 is circumferentially bordered by the body of the side flap 2 in the flap plane (spanned by the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction H) and is thus designed to be closed upwards and downwards in the vertical direction, particularly on the narrow side 9. Accordingly, the cross-web retaining pocket 40 serves as a positively locking receptacle in every direction of the flap plane (LH) for the positively locking reception or holding of the longitudinal end of the cross web 4. The contour of the cross-web retaining pocket 40 is selected to be conjugated or matched to the outer contour in the cross section of the cross web 4.

[0073] The crossbar retaining pocket 40 can be easily provided during injection molding as a recess in the transverse direction A in the body of the side flap 2. It preferably has a maximum depth less than 50% of the average width of the side flap 2, so that a robust fit in the side flap 2 is provided without excessively weakening the flap body.

[0074] How Fig. 6A-6C show, the separate locking element 30 has a stop area 33 at a first longitudinal end 31 and a locking lug 34 at the opposite second longitudinal end 32, which can be locked to the crossbar 4, in particular to the edge of an actuating opening 44 in the crossbar, as shown for example in Fig. 3B can be seen.

[0075] The side flap 2 has on the outer side 8 a stop recess 43, into which the stop area 33 of the locking element 30 can be inserted in a fitting, preferably form-fitting manner, so that the stop area 33 of the locking element 30 is flush with the outer side 8 of the side flap 2, as shown, for example, in Fig. 3B can be seen.

[0076] In the optional combination with two-part side flaps 2 made of two identical parts or flap parts 10, the stop recess 43 can be identical to the crossbar retaining pocket 40 and, depending on the position on the inner side 7, can serve or be used as a crossbar retaining pocket 40 or on the outer side 8 as a locking recess or stop recess 43. In this case, the stop area 33 of the locking element 30 has the same contour, viewed in the flap plane HL, as the end of the crossbar 4, which engages in the crossbar retaining pocket 40.

[0077] How best to Fig. 6A in conjunction with Fig. 3B, the locking element 30 has an actuating recess 35 at the second longitudinal end 32. This is aligned in the locking position ( Fig. 3B) with an actuating opening 44 of the transverse web 4. By means of the actuating recess 35, the locking element 30 can be unlocked using a tool which is inserted through the actuating opening 44 in order to unlock the locking element 30 in the transverse direction A or to push it outwards. A simple screwdriver, for example, can be used for this purpose.

[0078] In an optional but particularly advantageous combination with two-part side flaps 2 made of two identical parts or flap parts 10 according to the first aspect, as in Fig.3B, the locking element 30 can be used according to the second aspect to simultaneously secure the snap hook 14 of the tab parts 10 against unintentional release from engagement with the other tab part 10. For this purpose, the connector receptacle 16 is also dimensioned to receive the separate locking element 30, which is inserted in the transverse direction and, when the crosspiece 4 is locked, also secures the snap hook 14. List of reference symbols 1 energy chain 2 side flaps 2A, 2B strap strand 4 crossbar 5 Pull rope 5A, 5B eyelet 6 chain links 7 Inside (of the side flap) 8 Outside (of the side flap) 9 Narrow side (of the side flap) 10 tab part 10A, 10B overlap area 11 Joining side / inside 14 snap hooks 15 inspection openings 16 connector holder 17 plug pins 18 plug-in socket 19A Intervention area 19B retaining tongue 20 pivot pins 22 Joint holder 23 plug pins 24 plug-in socket 25 through groove 26 Longitudinal projection 27 recess 28 boundary wall 29 Deepening 30 locking element 31, 32 Longitudinal ends (locking element) 33 Stop area 34 locking lug 35 Operating recess 40 crossbar holding pocket 41 Locking area (crossbar) 42 Locking opening (side flap) 43 Stop recess (if applicable, identical to retaining pocket 40) A swivel axis L longitudinal direction H Altitude direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2014 / 170272 A1

[0004] DE 10 2012 110 967 B4

[0033] WO 99 / 54643 A1

[0039] DE 19541928C1

[0070]

Claims

[1] Energy guiding chain (1) for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, with chain links (6), each comprising two opposite side plates (2), in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (4), wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands (2A; 2B), each with side plates (2) connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction (L), characterized by that each link strand (2A; 2B) comprises a traction cable (5) for transmitting tensile forces, and each of the two opposite side links (2) of a chain link (6) is composed of two interconnected link parts (10) which form an inner passage (25, 27) for the traction cable (5) in order to guide the respective traction cable (5) through the link strand (2A; 2B). [2] Chain link (6) for an energy guide chain, which has two link strands, each with side links (2) connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction, wherein the chain link comprises two opposite side links (2), in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (4), characterized by that each of the two opposite side plates (2) of the chain link (6) is composed of two interconnected plate parts (10) which form an inner passage (25, 27) for a traction cable (5) in order to guide the traction cable through the plate strand. [3] Energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or chain link according to claim 2, characterized bythat the tab parts (10) of each side tab (2) are designed as identical parts, in particular as injection-molded parts made of plastic, wherein the two opposite side tabs (2) are preferably composed of identical tab parts (10). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the tab parts (10) are designed such that one tab part (10) can be connected, in particular non-positively and / or positively, to the other tab part (10) rotated by 180° about the longitudinal direction (L) by joining them together transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) to form a side tab (2). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in particular according to claim 4, characterized bythat the tab parts (10) have cooperating connecting elements (14, 16; 17, 18; 23, 24) on an inner joining side (11), which are arranged conjugatedly correspondingly with respect to a transverse center plane extending in the longitudinal (L) and transverse directions (A), so that in each case a connecting element (14; 17; 23) of a tab part cooperates with the corresponding connecting element (16; 18; 24) of the other tab part (10) when connected. [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in particular according to claim 5, characterized by that the two tab parts (10) can be locked together to form a side tab (2). [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, in particular according to claim 6, characterized bythat the corresponding connecting elements comprise at least one male snap-in connecting element (14) and one female snap-in connecting element (16) and / or at least one pair of male and female form-fitting connectors (17, 18; 23, 24), in particular of a plug-in pin and a plug-in receptacle. [8] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to claim 7, characterized by that the mutually corresponding connecting elements comprise a snap hook (14) and a corresponding connector receptacle (16). [9] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to claim 8, characterized by that the connector receptacle (16) is dimensioned to receive a separate locking element (30) which, when inserted in the transverse direction, secures the snap hook (14) against loosening. [10] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to claim 9, characterized bythat the locking element (30) engages in a locking area (41) of the crossbar (4) and secures this crossbar (4) to the side flap (2). [11] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each tab part (10) has a first overlapping area (10A) which comprises a pivot pin (20) and a second overlapping area (10B) which comprises a corresponding pivot receptacle (22), wherein the overlapping areas (10A, 10B) of adjacent side tabs (2) can be connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction (L) by the two pivot pins (20) in the first overlapping area being connected to the pivot receptacles (22) in the second overlapping area of ​​an adjacent side tab (2) to form a pivot joint. [12] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to claim 11, characterized bythat each pivot pin (20) has a recess (27) running in the longitudinal direction (L) as a passage for the traction cable (5), wherein the recess is preferably widened symmetrically to the longitudinal direction at the end, in particular curvedly widened (28). [13] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each tab part (10) has a through groove (25) arranged centrally in the height and running in the longitudinal direction as a passage for the traction cable, wherein a longitudinal projection (26) is provided, preferably adjacent to one side of the through groove (25), which projects laterally and runs in the longitudinal direction (L). [14] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the side tabs (2) each form a forked tab shape from two tab parts (10). [15] Energy guiding chain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a wire rope running longitudinally is provided as the traction rope (5) in each link strand and / or the energy guide chain can be wound onto and unwound from a drum. [16] Energy guiding chain (1) for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, with chain links (6), each comprising two opposite side plates (2), in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (4), wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands (2A, 2B), each with side plates connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction, characterized byin that at least one side flap (2), preferably both side flaps, has a cross-web holding pocket (40) which is open on the inside (7) for fastening the crossbar (4), into which one end of the crossbar (4) can be inserted in the transverse direction (A) and which is circumferentially enclosed by the side flap (2), and in that the at least one side flap (2), preferably both side flaps, has a locking opening (42) which is open on the outside (8) facing away from the inside (7), which opens into the cross-web holding pocket (40), so that a locking element (30), which is inserted from the outside through the locking opening (42) in the transverse direction (A), engages in a locking region (41) of the crossbar (4) in order to secure this crossbar (4) in the cross-web holding pocket (40) on the side flap (2). [17] Chain link (6) for an energy guide chain, which has two link strands (2A, 2B), each with side links (2) connected to one another in an articulated manner in the longitudinal direction, wherein the chain link (6) comprises two opposite side links (2), in particular made of plastic, which are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (4), characterized byin that at least one side flap (2), preferably both side flaps, has a cross-web holding pocket (40) which is open on the inside (7) for fastening the crossbar (4), into which one end of the crossbar (4) can be inserted in the transverse direction (A) and which is circumferentially enclosed by the side flap (2), and in that the at least one side flap (2), preferably both side flaps, has a locking opening (42) which is open on the outside (8) facing away from the inside (7), which opens into the cross-web holding pocket (40), so that a locking element (30), which is inserted from the outside through the locking opening (42) in the transverse direction (A), engages in a locking region (41) of the crossbar (4) in order to secure this crossbar (4) in the cross-web holding pocket (40) on the side flap (2). [18] Energy guiding chain according to claim 16 or chain link according to claim 17, characterized bythat the side plate (2) on the inner side (7), which faces the receiving space for cables in the chain link, is designed without projections, in particular without holding projections for the crossbar(s). [19] Device according to claim 16, 17 or 18, characterized by that a preferably identical transverse web holding pocket (40) is provided on each of the two narrow sides (9) of the side flap (2) running in the longitudinal direction and / or each transverse web holding pocket (40) is circumferentially bordered by the body of the side flap (2) and is closed on the narrow side (9). [20] Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by that each cross-web holding pocket (40) is designed as a positively acting receptacle in every direction of the tab plane (LH) for the positive reception of a longitudinal end of a cross-web (4). [21] Device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized bythat the crossbar holding pocket (40) is designed as a recess in the transverse direction (A) in the body of the side flap (2) and preferably has a maximum depth less than 50% of the width of the side flap (2). [22] Device according to one of claims 16 to 21, comprising a locking element (30) which has a stop region (33) at a first longitudinal end (31) and a locking lug (34) at the opposite second longitudinal end (32) which can be locked to the transverse web (4). [23] Device according to claim 22, comprising a stop recess (43) on the outer side (8) of the side flap (2) into which the stop region (33) of the locking element (30) can be inserted in a form-fitting manner and flush with the outer side (8) of the side flap (2). [24] Device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the locking element (30) has an actuating recess (35) at the second longitudinal end (32) which is aligned with an actuating opening (44) of a locked transverse web (4) in order to be able to unlock the locking element (30) by means of a tool.

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