Energy chain made of inner and outer links with integrated stop system

Abstract

Energy chain for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, between two connection points, with chain links (100) each comprising two opposing tabs, in particular made of plastic, and in at least some chain links the tabs are connected to each other via at least one transverse web (109), wherein the energy chain has two link strands, each with longitudinally alternating inner links (101) and outer links (102), wherein the inner links have two inner overlap areas (103A, 103B) facing the inside of the chain and the outer links have two outer overlap areas (104A, 104B) facing away from the inside of the chain, wherein of each pair of links adjacent in the link strand in the longitudinal direction, one link (102) overlaps a correspondingly complementary overlap area of ​​the other link (101) with one of its overlap areas.the two tabs are each pivotally connected to each other in a plane about a pivot axis (A) and wherein, for limiting the pivot angle, stop projections (107) are provided in the overlap area of ​​one tab (102) and engage in corresponding stop pockets (108) provided in the overlap area of ​​the other tab (101), wherein stop surfaces (107A, 107B) of a stop projection (107) cooperate with counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of a stop pocket (108) for limiting the pivot angle, characterized in this respect, , - that each of the two overlapping areas of one tab (102) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop projections (107) formed integrally with this tab (102), wherein the three stop projections (107) have a locking width between their stop surfaces (107A, 107B) with an angle dimension of the locking width, wherein the angle dimension of the locking width is preferably at least 40° (α ≥ 40°), - that each of the two overlapping areas of the other tab (101) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop pockets (108) formed as a recess in this tab (102), wherein the three stop pockets (108) have an opening width between their counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) with an angular dimension of the opening width, wherein the angular dimension of the opening width is preferably at least 55° (β ≥ 55°), and - that the angle (α) of the locking width of a stop projection (107) is at least 50% of the angle (β) of the opening width of a stop pocket (108).

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to the field of energy chains for the dynamic guidance of cables between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. A core function of energy chains is to guide the cables, particularly supply cables such as data or power cables or hoses for operating media, in a protected manner during relative movement while maintaining a predefined radius of curvature in the so-called deflection curve between the chain strands.

[0002] For this purpose, energy chains typically have chain links, each with two opposing plates (also called side plates or side parts). In at least some of the chain links, e.g. every second chain link, or in all chain links, the plates are connected to one another via at least one, usually two crossbars. The crossbars are either fixed or detachable. The chain links define an internal space for guiding the cables, such as cables for electrical signal or power supplies or pneumatic or hydraulic hoses. The plates are typically designed to ensure a desired maximum pivot angle between the plates, which determines the radius of curvature in the deflection curve.

[0003] Two types have proven particularly effective for energy chains made of plastic plates. One is the design with so-called offset plates. The other is the design with alternating inner and outer plates.

[0004] Plastic side plates for energy chains are predominantly manufactured using injection molding. These have completely different requirements than energy chains with metal side plates.

[0005] In this case, a design with plastic plates is assumed, namely with alternating inner and outer plates. The closest prior art is considered to be such an energy chain with plastic plates according to the teaching of WO 2020 / 152349 A1. Two key advantages of chains with inner and outer plates compared to offset plates are improved straight running of the chain, because length differences between the two strands are essentially eliminated, and faster assembly.

[0006] WO 2020 / 152349 A1 describes an energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 1, which is intended for guiding cables between two connection points. The chain links each have two opposing plates made of plastic. In at least some chain links, the plates are connected to one another via at least one crosspiece. The energy guiding chain according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1 has two plate strands, each with inner plates and outer plates alternating in the longitudinal direction (= chain longitudinal direction), wherein the inner plates have two inner overlapping regions facing the interior of the chain and the outer plates have two outer overlapping regions facing away from the interior of the chain or laterally outer overlapping regions. In each case, when there are two plates adjacent in the longitudinal direction in the plate strand, one or a first plate overlaps with one of its overlapping regions a correspondingly complementary overlapping region of the other plate orthe second of the two overlapping plates. The two overlapping plates are each pivotally connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis. Stop projections and corresponding stop pockets are provided on the plates to limit the intended pivot angle. The stop projections in the overlapping area of ​​one plate engage in the stop pockets in the overlapping area of ​​the other plate. Stop surfaces of a stop projection that act as stops interact with counter-stop surfaces of a stop pocket and limit the pivot angle during the relative pivoting movement or angulation of the two overlapping or connected plates.

[0007] The present invention initially relates in particular to the construction or design of the stop system itself. This is provided, in particular, integrally on the chain links and in particular with alternating inner and outer links. The interacting stop surfaces and counter-stop surfaces serve, as intended, or primarily, to specify the radius of curvature of the deflection arc by means of which the stationary strand of the energy guide chain transitions into the moving strand. For this purpose, the chain links can be pivoted or bent relative to one another by a predefined angle in a first direction of rotation. The stop surfaces and counter-stop surfaces can have further secondary functions, e.g., they can contribute to the transmission of tensile and compressive forces in the link strand.

[0008] For certain applications, it is necessary to enable a backward bend in the energy guide chain, i.e. a pivoting of the chain links relative to one another in a pivoting direction opposite to the pivoting direction for forming the actual deflection bend, which is referred to below as the "backward" pivoting direction. Accordingly, a desired backward radius of curvature can be understood as a predetermined radius of curvature in the direction of rotation opposite to that in the deflection bend. The backward curvature is opposite to the curvature of the typical deflection bend formed during the process. With the desired backward curvature, at least some chain links can then be pivoted or angled "backwards" relative to one another by a predefined angle in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first.

[0009] One of several typical applications requiring a rearward bend radius is the use of the cable guide chain for a circular motion. In this case, the cable guide chain is usually used laterally, and both strands of the cable guide chain are flexible backward to follow a circular motion of the moving connecting end. However, other applications are also known in which the cable guide chain has a rearward bend radius only in certain sections of its length, e.g., in a zigzag-shaped support for vertical movements, as described in WO 99 / 54641 A2.

[0010] A well-known approach to selectively adjust the relative pivot angle of the chain links or side plates is the use of so-called radius inserts or radius discs to specify selected radii, which are used as separate components in the stop system and can be exchanged. Such solutions are known, for example, from EP0499784A1 or US4800714A (see therein). Fig. 10) or also from WO 2010 / 029092 A1. Disadvantages of such approaches include, among other things, the reduced mechanical strength of the link plate strand or the strength-related increase in the link plate width or higher weight, the increased number of components, wear on the radius inserts or radius disks, and, last but not least, more complex assembly and maintenance. Such energy chains with radius inserts or radius disks are not considered generic in this case.

[0011] For generic energy chains, i.e. those with a stop system with stop projections and corresponding stop pockets that are formed in one piece with or integrally by the link plates, another approach is known for selectively adjusting the relative pivot angle of the chain links or side plates. This approach essentially consists in selectively dimensioning the stop pockets to suit each individual application. For example, the dimensions of the stop pockets are reduced in one pivot direction for larger (normal) bending radii. In contrast, to achieve a desired rear bending radius of the energy chain, the dimensions of the stop pockets are increased in the other pivot direction. In particular, the enlargement of the stop pockets can also be achieved by subsequent machining of the link plates, e.g. by milling.However, this requires that there is sufficient material from the prefabricated plate body between the stop pockets that can be subsequently removed. This, in turn, contradicts the maximum possible utilization of the overlap area for the purpose of forming (counter) stop surfaces and entails further disadvantages, particularly the associated post-processing effort.

[0012] In the generic energy chain according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1, the design is optimized to ensure maximum utilization of the link material or volume in the overlap area between an inner link plate and outer link plates to provide stop projections and stop pockets. With such an optimized design, it is not readily possible to provide a desired rearward curvature radius.

[0013] There is therefore a need to propose an improvement regarding the possibilities of optionally adjusting the desired relative pivot angle of the chain links. FIRST ASPECT

[0014] A first object of the present invention is to propose a further development of a generic energy guide chain. This chain should, in particular, be designed in such a way that desired rearward curvature radii are also possible without having to forego the advantages of the stop system with stop projections and stop pockets integrated into the link plates, as proposed, for example, in WO 2020 / 152349 A1. Furthermore, the stop system should provide the largest possible stop surface while simultaneously maintaining a narrow and lightweight design of the link plates. In this respect, a further development of the design according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1 is also proposed.

[0015] This first-mentioned object of the first aspect of the invention is achieved with an energy guide chain according to independent claim 1 or 2 and with a corresponding pair of side plates according to independent claim 16. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

[0016] In particular, an energy guiding chain for guiding cables is proposed, comprising chain links with two opposing plates, in particular made of plastic, wherein at least in some chain links the plates are connected to one another via at least one transverse web.

[0017] The generic energy guide chain has, in its two link strands, inner and outer links alternating in the longitudinal direction, with the inner links having two inner overlapping areas facing the chain interior and the outer links having two outer overlapping areas facing away from the chain interior. A design with offset links is therefore fundamentally not intended in the present case in the first aspect or is not considered to be generic. Of any two links that are longitudinally adjacent or directly connected in the link strand, one or a first link overlaps with one of its overlapping areas a correspondingly complementary overlapping area of ​​the other or a second connected link. In the overlapping areas, the two links are each pivotally connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis.

[0018] The overlapping areas further comprise each an integrated stop system for limiting the pivoting angle of the relative pivoting or angling of two connected plates. For this purpose, stop projections are provided in the overlapping area of ​​one (first) plate and corresponding stop pockets are provided in the overlapping area of ​​the other (second) plate. The stop projections engage in the stop pockets. The stop projections and stop pockets serve to limit the pivoting angle. Stop surfaces of a stop projection interact with counter-stop surfaces of a stop pocket to limit the pivoting angle - i.e. to specify the desired pivoting angle - in particular one stop surface with a counter-stop surface in one pivoting direction and an opposite further stop surface with an opposite further counter-stop surface in the opposite pivoting direction.Advantageously, one (first) tab with the stop projections can be the outer tab, and the other (second) tab with the stop pockets can thus be the inner tab. A reverse arrangement is also possible in principle and is also within the scope of the invention.

[0019] According to the invention or according to a first aspect of the invention, in particular for the purpose of designing the integrated stop system to achieve the first-mentioned object, a combination of design measures is proposed which is characterized by: - that in each of the two overlapping areas of one plate, in particular the inner plate, three, in particular exactly three, stop projections are provided which are formed in one piece with this plate, wherein the three stop projections each have a locking width between their stop surfaces with an angular dimension of the locking width, - that in each of the two overlapping areas of the other plate, in particular the outer plate, three, in particular exactly three, stop pockets are provided which correspond to a stop projection and are formed as a recess in this plate, wherein the three stop pockets each have an opening width between their counter stop surfaces with an angular dimension of the opening width, - and that the design is dimensioned in such a way that the angular dimension (α) of the locking width of a stop projection is at least 50% of the angular dimension (β) of the opening width of a stop pocket, whereby this is provided in any case for chain links or plates without a significant rear bending radius.

[0020] According to the invention, the effective stop angle (α) of the locking width of a stop projection is thus selected in relation to the angular dimension (β) of the opening width of a stop pocket, which allows the relative pivoting - at least for all chain links or series without a rear bending radius or even for series with only a slight rear bending radius - in the inventive design in advance to be relatively large. The angular dimension of the locking width of one or each stop projection of a link plate is preferably at least 40° (1 / 9 * 2π rad), in any case for all chain links without a rear bending radius. For sufficiently small deflection radii in the deflection radius, the angular dimension of the opening width of one or each stop pocket of a link plate is preferably at least 55° measured in degrees or 55 degrees (in degrees, the full angle is divided into 360 equal parts, referred to as one degree, with the unit symbol "°").

[0021] In the integrated stop system according to the invention, the stop projections formed in one piece with the tabs with their respective stop surface strike the corresponding stops (counter-stop surfaces) of the stop pockets, i.e. preferably without intermediate parts such as radius inserts or the like.

[0022] During pivoting, the stop projections move within the stop pockets along a circular arc corresponding to a circular movement or rotation around the pivot axis. The angular dimension considered here refers to the stop effect and can be considered, in particular, as the angular dimension of the respective arc defined by the stop projections or stop pockets on an imaginary circle around the pivot axis corresponding to the circular movement. The design and arrangement of the stop surfaces and counter-stop surface can vary.

[0023] The terms "angle (α) of the locking width of a stop projection and "angle (β) of the opening width of a stop pocket" are to be understood in particular as meaning that the difference between the angle (β) of the opening width and the angle (α) of the locking width results in the desired, specified pivot angle between the two chain links. The apex of the respective angle can, but does not have to, coincide with the pivot axis.

[0024] The difference between the angular dimension (β) of the opening width of the stop pocket and the angular dimension (α) of the locking width of a stop projection thus results in the desired relative pivot angle in the deflection bend (so-called "forward" pivot angle) for series without a rearward bending radius. This means that the nominal bending radius in the pivot direction to form the deflection bend (not rearward) can be adjusted by changing the opening width of the stop pockets or by changing the opening width of the stop pockets. Both can be achieved by replacing corresponding (tool) inserts in the tools used for injection molding. The application-dependent desired bending radius in the deflection bend depends in particular on the chain pitch and the pivot angle in the deflection bend (in the non-rearward pivot direction).

[0025] For larger bending radii, the opening width of the stop pockets is preferably reduced, i.e., the locking width of the stop projections remains unchanged. However, the locking width of the stop projections could also be increased as a supplement or alternative.

[0026] The inventive combination of design measures essentially consists in providing a stop system with exactly three stop projections or stop pockets, whereby the stop projections or stop pockets in conventional chain links without a rear bending radius are dimensioned such that the stop projections occupy at least half the opening width of the stop pockets. This combination of measures, which appears simple in retrospect - in particular while retaining the essential advantages of a design according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1 - enables only the stop projections to be adjusted with respect to the angular dimension (α) of the locking width to achieve rear bending radii. A disadvantage of the design according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1 was recognized in that the stop system described therein fundamentally does not allow for rear bending radii, at least not without significant disadvantages.

[0027] The first aspect of the invention offers several advantages. For example, rearward bending radii can be achieved by exchanging (tool) inserts in the molds used for injection molding the link plates, meaning that remachining of the link plates is not necessary. Furthermore, for a given bending radius in the deflection curve for longitudinal sections that are to be equipped with rearward bending radii in this area, only one of the two link plates needs to be selected appropriately, in particular only the outer link plate with the appropriate stop projections, which further simplifies assembly and, if necessary, subsequent maintenance. Furthermore, with the other link plate having stop pockets, optimal or maximum utilization of the link plate body with regard to stop surfaces is possible without changing the strength through subsequent machining.Particularly in longitudinal sections with rear bending radii, the strength values ​​thus remain essentially unchanged compared to areas of the same design without rear bending radii. Furthermore, the design also allows for relatively large rear bending radii with deflection angles equal to or greater than the standard or nominal bending radius (in the deflection curve). In addition, the combination with exactly three stops per system offers further advantages, e.g., with regard to force flow and the reduction of shear forces on the articulated connection in the extended position of the moving strand.

[0028] A particular advantage of the invention, in particular of a stop system with exactly three stop projections or stop pockets, was recognized in the optimized utilization of installation space or volume in both overlapping areas, both the inner link plates and the outer link plates, in particular for the stop system or for achieving stop surfaces.

[0029] Since the locking width of the stop projections is preset relatively large according to the invention, this can be reduced to achieve rearward bending radii without having to increase the dimensions of the stop pockets of a given series. Thus, the strength of the plates with the stop pockets, typically the inner plates, remains unchanged.

[0030] According to the invention, an energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 2 can thus be realized, which is characterized, among other things, in that, in at least one longitudinal section of the energy guiding chain, the angular dimension (α) of the locking width of the stop projections on one type of link or the first links is selected such that this one type or the first links - preferably outer links - can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis relative to an extended position (ie the longitudinally directed relative position of the two connected links), both in a first pivoting direction and in an opposite second rearward pivoting direction relative to the linked links of the other type or the second links - preferably inner links.

[0031] Thus, in order to realize rear bending radii, the stop projections are dimensioned in accordance with the angular dimension (α) of their locking width, in contrast to the known state of the art, which either uses radius inserts or enlarges the stop pockets or recesses in the tabs, which, among other things, disadvantageously reduces the strength of these tabs.

[0032] For typical bending radii of the deflection bend, e.g. 125mm to e.g. 500mm or larger depending on the application, it is structurally advantageous if the three stop pockets have an angular opening width between their counter stop surfaces of at least 60° (β ≥ 60° or ≥ π / 3 rad), whereby the opening width can also be selected to be larger for bending radii, e.g. β ≥ 70° for bending radii <250mm in the deflection bend. The actual angular dimension depends, among other things, on the selected angular dimension (α) of the blocking width of the stops or stop projections. This allows, among other things, even with the smallest possible bending radius, sufficient dimensioning of the stop projection for the opposite rear bending radius, if necessary with a pivot angle that is the same in both directions compared to the extended position or longitudinal direction.

[0033] In particularly preferred embodiments, the link width of the link strand comprising connected inner and outer links, i.e. the width of the link strand measured in the direction parallel to the pivot axis at the widest points, is in each case a maximum of 25 mm. The links of all series according to the invention are preferably dimensioned such that the strand results in a link width of ≤ 20 mm, particularly preferably ≤ 16 mm. The links, in particular inner and outer links, are preferably dimensioned with regard to their link height, measured from narrow side to narrow side (outer height), and link width such that the ratio of the link width to the outer height is in each case ≤ 20%, particularly preferably ≤ 18%.The term link plate width (of the link plate strand) refers to the width dimension resulting from half the difference between the outer and inner widths of a chain link in question, i.e., a cross-sectional view in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Inner and outer links do not necessarily have identical individual widths. Both links, connected together as a link plate strand (also called a side band), or connected to each other as intended in the longitudinal direction, form the specified link plate width. The division of the individual widths may differ from a 50 / 50 division, i.e., the dividing plane between the overlapping areas does not have to be central.

[0034] Additionally, or according to a further aspect essential to the invention independently thereof, it can be advantageous if the individual widths of the link plates are set differently, in particular if the individual width of the outer link plates is set slightly smaller than the individual width of the inner link plates. This allows higher strengths of the link plate strand to be achieved while maintaining the same link width of the link plate strand. Thus, the parting plane between the connected overlapping areas can preferably be slightly offset laterally to the outside, or the outer link plates can thus have a thinner wall thickness than the inner link plates. For example, the individual width of the outer link plates can be only approximately 80% or less of the individual width of the inner link plates.Preferably, a division of the link plate width can be selected in which the individual width of the outer link plates is ≤ 45% of the link plate width of the link plate strand, and thus the individual width of the inner link plates is ≥ 55% of the link plate width of the link plate strand.

[0035] A relatively thin-walled link plate width, viewed absolutely for a given chain pitch, but especially in relation to the link plate height, reduces the linear weight of the chain and, in particular, optimizes the ratio of the usable inner cross-section to the outer cross-section, i.e. achieves optimized use of the installation space for the cable routing.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop projections and the stop pockets have a contour, in particular a geometric outer contour, viewed in the longitudinal section of the tabs perpendicular to the pivot axis, which each essentially corresponds to a circular ring segment.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop surfaces of the stop projections and the counter-stop surfaces of the stop pockets form at least predominantly flat or exactly flat surfaces, which are preferably essentially perpendicular to the pivoting plane. The stop-effective surfaces, however, can also be manufactured and aligned at a slight angle, e.g. slightly inclined or undercut, so that when the chain links are struck or loaded, the surfaces cause the stop projections to be drawn into the stop pockets, as known from WO 95 / 04231 A1, so that the links are thus held laterally and stably together, even under high tensile forces. The angle - with respect to the perpendicular to the pivoting plane tangential to the stop-effective surface - will be acute and typically ≤ 10°. The pivoting plane is to be understood as a plane perpendicular to the pivoting axis with respect to the respective pivot axis.

[0038] With respect to a circular ring segment contour, the stop-effective surfaces can be arranged, in particular, parallel to a radius running through the pivot axis but offset in the circumferential direction, i.e., not exactly coplanar with a radius of the circular movement or the pivot axis, but offset parallel to it. This can also enable more favorable force ratios and leverage effects, e.g., to relieve the pivot joints of tensile and / or shear forces and / or shear forces in the cantilevered upper strand.

[0039] The stop surfaces and the counter stop surfaces preferably form predominantly flat surfaces which may be arranged offset parallel to a radius closest in the circumferential direction through the pivot axis.

[0040] In principle, the stop projections of one link plate have an essentially identical angular locking width between their stop surfaces. Accordingly, the stop pockets of the other link plate have an essentially identical angular opening width between their counter-stop surfaces. The design of the stop system, in particular the arrangement of the stop projections and pockets, can in particular correspond to a rotational symmetry, in particular with n=3, around the pivot axis. Viewed in a pivot plane, the base areas of the stop pockets are thus identical to one another in a considered overlap area, in particular for all chain links of a considered energy chain.The base areas of the stop projections in a given overlapping area are thus also identical to one another, but can be dimensioned differently over the length of the energy chain according to the invention, in particular for the realization of longitudinal sections with different radii, in particular optional rear bending radius.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop pockets are provided rotationally symmetrically or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction around the respective pivot axis, preferably with a 120° rotational symmetry with respect to the pivot axis.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, a stop arrangement with exactly three stop projections is provided in each overlapping area of ​​one tab to limit the pivot angle. Similarly, a stop arrangement with exactly three corresponding stop pockets is provided in each overlapping area of ​​the other tab to limit the pivot angle, which are designed to correspond to the stop projections.

[0043] In the case of a stop system that is designed as one piece or integrated with the strap body, exactly one stop projection engages in exactly one corresponding stop pocket.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop projections are provided only on the outer plates and the corresponding pockets are provided only on the inner plates.

[0045] The present invention is particularly advantageous, but not exclusively, when combined with a design of the outer link plate (or inner link plate) of the type or principle according to WO 98 / 46906 A1. It is advantageous if the outer links each have a stop arrangement with exactly three stop projections in each of their outer overlapping areas, and the outer links are designed to be substantially (but not exactly) mirror-symmetrical with respect to a first plane of symmetry running in the longitudinal direction and through both pivot axes. Optionally, deviating from this mirror symmetry, the stops on the inner or outer link plate can be arranged so asymmetrically with respect to the central axis running in the longitudinal direction of the chain as a mirror axis that, depending on the orientation of the outer link plate with respect to the longitudinal direction, the limiting angles of the angulation defined by the stops differ with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chain.The two orientations of the link plate refer to the positions of the plate in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which merge into one another by a 180° rotation around the center axis of the plate, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Thus, by rotating the outer plates accordingly, a different orientation, in particular a pretension of the moving strand or upper strand for applications with a self-supporting upper strand, can be set. In this respect, the relevant teaching of WO 98 / 46906 A1 is incorporated herein.

[0046] In such essentially symmetrical outer plates, with respect to the center plane running in the longitudinal direction of the chain as a mirror plane, they advantageously have exactly one, or only one, stop projection located in this first plane of symmetry. This stop projection can be arranged facing the longitudinally central region of the outer plate or facing away from the longitudinally central region of the outer plate, with each of the two arrangements having its own advantages, e.g., with regard to force flow or rigidity. The two additional stop projections can then, if necessary, be arranged approximately symmetrically to the first plane.

[0047] It is advantageous if the stop surfaces and the counter-stop surfaces form at least predominantly flat surfaces. In this case, it is advantageous for the rigidity and to relieve the load on the pivot axis if the two stop surfaces of a stop projection and / or the two counter-stop surfaces of a stop pocket each intersect in an imaginary vertex axis that lies as centrally as possible in relation to the pivot axis within the overlap area. The surfaces are preferably aligned such that they intersect in an imaginary vertex axis that lies within an area defined by an imaginary incircle radially on the inside of the circular ring segment contour of the stop pockets. In this case, it can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner that the counter-stop surfaces of a stop pocket each intersect in an imaginary vertex axis that lies within a area defined by a circular ring-shaped joint projection or the pivot pin that serves as a joint pin.a circular recess serving as a hinge receptacle for accommodating a corresponding hinge projection on the opposite tab. The stop surfaces of a stop projection can be aligned correspondingly or appropriately for flat attachment.

[0048] Particularly for high strength, it is advantageous if the link, preferably the inner link, forms an outwardly widening material bridge, preferably substantially V-shaped in longitudinal section, between two stop pockets arranged circumferentially around the pivot axis, which bridge has a minimum arc dimension of ≥ 3 mm, in particular ≥ 4 mm, measured in the circumferential direction at its narrowest point. The link can preferably form a circumferential reinforcement ring into which the material bridges, with their narrowest points, merge radially inward. At least these transitions from the material bridge to the reinforcement ring can, in turn, preferably be rounded.

[0049] A particularly robust joint connection can be achieved in that the inner link plate has a radially inner joint ring and between the joint ring and the reinforcement ring there is a recess serving as a joint receptacle for receiving a corresponding circular ring-shaped joint projection as a joint pin of the opposite link plate and in that the outer link plate has a circular ring-shaped joint projection serving as a joint pin for interaction with the joint receptacle of the inner link plate.

[0050] In order to achieve the narrowest possible link plates, it can be provided that the joint projection or joint pin of the outer link plate and the stop projections of the outer link plate preferably project inwards by an essentially identical amount and end flush in a plane parallel to the pivoting plane.

[0051] A favorable utilization of the material volume of the tabs in the overlap area is achieved when the stop pockets have an opening height radial to the pivot axis that is at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, of the total height of the tab perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The stop projections preferably have a corresponding radial dimension radial to the pivot axis, reduced only by the amount of play. The stop projections can be guided or held in a sliding bearing-like manner during their circular movement within the stop pockets during pivoting.

[0052] The invention particularly enables applications in which the energy guide chain comprises at least two longitudinal sections, with at least one first longitudinal section without a rear bending radius and at least one second longitudinal section with a rear bending radius. In such applications, the energy guide chain has a first longitudinal section in which the energy guide chain has no rear bending radius. In this longitudinal section, a first type or a first design of one of the links, preferably a first type of outer link, is provided with a first larger angular dimension (α1) of the locking width of the stop projections. In a second longitudinal section, in which the energy guide chain has a rear bending radius, a second type or a second design of one of the links, preferably a second type of outer link, is provided with a second smaller angular dimension (α2) of the locking width of the stop projections.The second angular dimension (α2) is significantly smaller than the first angular dimension (α1), so that the second type of link plates, preferably the outer link plates, can additionally be pivoted in an opposite rearward pivoting direction relative to the other link plates, in particular inner link plates.

[0053] Multiple sections with different curvature directions and radii can be provided, for which purpose only the first plates, in particular the outer plates, are adapted in their design with regard to the locking width of the stop projections or, optionally, are selected to be appropriately dimensioned. However, the second plates, in particular the outer plates, can have the same design over the entire length of the energy chain, in particular by having identically dimensioned stop pockets in all these plates.

[0054] When using outer plates with optionally dimensioned stop projections, identification of the sections is further facilitated, since the type or design with regard to swivel angle or radius of curvature can be made more easily visible from the outside, e.g. by means of embossing.

[0055] In a preferred design of the link plates, two retaining projections are provided in one piece in a central region of a link plate, in particular the inner link plate, which project over an associated free space into which an adjacent further link plate, in particular the outer link plate, can engage with a circular arc-shaped guide region extending parallel to the pivoting plane for lateral stabilization. This allows increased lateral stability or rigidity of the individual link plate strands and thus high load-bearing capacity in the event of transverse forces, e.g. for applications with a horizontal travel plane rotated by 90° with link plate strands vertically one above the other. A corresponding design according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1 is particularly preferably used. In this case, each retaining projection is dimensioned so as to be limited (α) in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis, so that the circular arc-shaped guide region of an engaging link plate is predominantly not overlapped by the retaining projection, oreach retaining projection is arranged within an angular range of < 60°, preferably ≤ 45°, halved by the longitudinal center plane of the tab around the adjacent pivot axis.

[0056] A further reduction in linear weight can be achieved if the outer link plate has tapered areas at its longitudinal ends of the overlapping areas, in which the link plate has a thinner material thickness in relation to its link plate width or the dimension of the link plate body parallel to the pivot axis than in its central area between them. To increase strength, particularly with regard to tensile and compressive forces, the intermediate area with a greater material thickness than the tapered areas can extend longitudinally, preferably over at least 80% of the chain pitch. This intermediate area with a greater material thickness than the tapered areas can also serve as a wear allowance for lateral applications, e.g., in circular chain applications.From a structural point of view, it is particularly advantageous that this intermediate area with greater material thickness is dimensioned longitudinally so that it covers at least 25% of the diameter of the circular pivot pin or joint socket. This allows forces on the joint to be transferred directly into the area with greater material thickness.

[0057] The inventive design of the link plates is particularly advantageous for industrial applications with comparatively large chains, in particular energy chains with outer link plate heights ≥ 40 mm and / or with chain pitches ≥ 80 mm, where the chain pitch corresponds to the distance between the pivot axes, which is preferably, but not necessarily, identical for the outer and inner links. The inventive design of the link plates allows, among other things, a lighter design, which is therefore also suitable for higher speeds, compared to, for example, WO 2020 / 152349 A1.

[0058] The inventive design of the tabs for achieving rear bending radii can be used advantageously for various applications or uses, e.g. when the energy guide chain is used for a circular movement or when the energy guide chain is used for a vertical movement with several first stretched length sections that can be laid one above the other in a zigzag shape, in particular without a rear bending radius, which are each connected by means of second sections with a rear bending radius.

[0059] In addition to an energy guide chain as a whole, the invention also relates to the individual chain plates therefor as well as their pairwise connection as a pair of plates, e.g. according to independent claim 16, each with the design according to the invention with one or more of the features discussed above.

[0060] The pair of side plates for an energy guide chain is characterized by a first plate, in particular an outer plate, and a second plate, in particular an inner plate, each with the features according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0061] The invention further relates to a corresponding pair of chain links with two such laterally opposite pairs of plates consisting of an inner and outer plate, which are connected via at least one crosspiece.

[0062] The above embodiments can be particularly advantageously applied to chain links for energy chains which are made in one piece or in one part from a plastic, preferably from an injection-moldable thermoplastic, in particular from fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or technical polymer. SECOND ASPECT

[0063] According to an independent further aspect, which is considered to be relevant to the invention, a further development of generic energy guide chains with inner and outer plates is proposed, which facilitates the assembly of the plate strand and / or further increases the lateral stability.

[0064] A generic energy guide chain is used to guide lines, such as hoses, cables, or the like, between two connection points. It has chain links, each comprising two opposing plates, particularly made of plastic. In at least some chain links, the plates are connected to each other via at least one crosspiece. The energy guide chain has two plate strands, each with inner plates and outer plates arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction. The inner plates have two inner overlapping areas facing the chain interior, and the outer plates have two outer overlapping areas facing away from the chain interior.Of each two tabs in the tab strand that are adjacent in the longitudinal direction, one tab overlapping a correspondingly complementary overlapping area of ​​the other tab with one of its overlapping areas, the two tabs are each connected to one another in an articulated manner so as to be pivotable in one plane about a pivot axis.

[0065] To limit the swivel angle, stop projections are provided in the overlapping area of ​​one tab, which engage in corresponding stop pockets provided in the overlapping area of ​​the other tab.

[0066] According to the independent second aspect, it is proposed that at least one stop projection has a radially projecting holding element and at least one corresponding stop pocket has a radially projecting retaining element, wherein the retaining element and the retaining element cooperate in such a way that they hold connected tabs laterally together.

[0067] This simple additional measure can significantly simplify the assembly of the link plates. The design also increases lateral stability during operation, which is particularly advantageous, but not exclusively, in combination with narrow link plates according to the first aspect.

[0068] In one embodiment, exactly two stop projections, in particular only two of the exactly three stop projections, each have a radially protruding retaining element. Accordingly, the two corresponding stop pockets, which interact with the two stop projections, each have a radially protruding, cooperating retaining element.

[0069] In one embodiment, each holding element and each retaining element is provided on the radially outer peripheral region of the stop projection or the stop pocket.

[0070] It is structurally advantageous if the holding element and the retaining element each extend circumferentially or arcuately, so that engagement is achieved over a certain pivoting angle range.

[0071] In an easy-to-manufacture embodiment, the or each of the holding elements and retaining elements can be designed as a radially protruding locking lug, in particular with an insertion bevel inclined to the pivoting plane and a locking surface parallel to the pivoting plane, and preferably releasably lockable with the respective cooperating element when the tabs are joined together. This allows, for example, an easy-to-connect and re-detachable snap connection or locking of the tabs to be achieved.

[0072] In one embodiment, it is provided that two holding elements are provided on stop projections of the outer plate symmetrically to a longitudinal center plane and two retaining elements are provided in corresponding stop pockets of the inner plate asymmetrically to a longitudinal center plane.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, two retaining elements in corresponding stop pockets are angularly offset from each other with respect to the pivot axis and / or are designed with different angular dimensions around the pivot axis. This enables, among other things, the holding elements and retaining elements to hold connected tabs laterally together over at least a significant portion of the pivot angle, as their interaction depends on the angular position of the tabs.

[0074] The first and second aspects can be realized independently of each other with their own advantages or particularly advantageously in combination.

[0075] All of the features mentioned above and explained below as advantageous are considered relevant to the invention, either individually or independently, and also in advantageous combination, and can therefore constitute the subject matter of a divisional application.

[0076] Further features and advantages of the invention—without limiting the scope of protection—can be found in the following, more detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, purely by way of example: Fig. 1A-1B: a perspective view of a section with two chain links of a first embodiment of the invention ( Fig. 1A), and a vertical longitudinal section approximately along the parting plane between the tabs ( Fig. 1B) to illustrate the stop system; Fig. 2: a schematic side view of an energy guide chain that can be moved in a vertical plane with a self-supporting upper run (and pre-tension) to illustrate the (normal or non-reverse) bending radius in the deflection curve; Fig. 3A-3B: a perspective view of the inside of an outer flap ( Fig. 3A) and a perspective view of the outside of an inner flap ( Fig. 3B) for further illustration of the stop system, each according to a variant of the first embodiment, here with a smaller bending radius in the deflection curve; Fig. 3C-3E: a section of a link plate strand with inner and outer links according to Fig. 2A-2B, top view ( Fig. 3A) to illustrate the small width of the flaps, as well as in side view ( Fig. 3B) and in vertical longitudinal section approximately along the dividing plane ( Fig. 3C) between the tabs to illustrate the nominal swivel angle limitation (in the deflection curve) by the stop system; Fig. 4A-4B: a perspective view of the inside of an outer flap ( Fig. 4A) and a perspective view of the outside of an inner flap ( Fig. 4B) of another embodiment, here with bending radius as in Fig. 3A-3B; Fig. 5A-5B: another embodiment in vertical longitudinal section approximately along the parting plane to illustrate the to illustrate a longitudinal section of the link plate strand with normal pivot angle limitation ( Fig. 5A) and a rearward opposite pivoting capability for a rearward bending radius ( Fig. 5B) with essentially the same swivel angle; Fig. 6: as a first exemplary application, a schematic plan view of a circular chain application with an energy guide chain according to the invention for circular movement; Fig. 7A-7B: as a second exemplary application, a schematic side view of an energy guide chain according to the invention for vertical movements; and Fig. 8A-8F: a further development according to a second independent aspect of the invention, which shows a preferred embodiment with a locking function on the integrated stop system, in longitudinal section ( Fig. 8A, corresponding to section lines AA in the front view Fig. 8E), in a cross-section ( Fig. 8B, corresponding to section line BB in side view Fig. 8F), in perspective views of the holding element ( Fig. 8C) and counterhold element ( Fig. 8D) and in front view ( Fig. 8E) and side view ( Fig. 8F), a pair of side flaps consisting of an outer and inner flap.

[0077] Fig. 1A shows two chain links 100 as a basic component of an energy guide chain for guiding supply lines (not shown) with at least two strands that are connected by a deflection bend and can be moved depending on the application (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 6 or Fig. 7).

[0078] The chain links 100 are composed of inner plates 101 and outer plates 102 arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the chain. In a fully web-linked design, two laterally opposite inner plates 101 and outer plates 102 are connected to each other by two cross bars 109 on all chain links 100. However, cross bars 109 can also be provided on only every other chain link 100.

[0079] The inner link plates 101 have two inner overlapping regions 103A, 103B facing the chain interior or the receiving space in the chain link 100. The outer link plates 102 have two outer overlapping regions 104A, 104B facing away from the chain interior. Considering two link plates connected longitudinally in the link plate strand, one link plate 101 or 102 overlaps with one of its overlapping regions 103A, 103B or 104A, 104B a correspondingly complementary overlapping region 104A, 104B or 103A, 103B of the other link plate 102 or 101.

[0080] By means of suitable articulated connections (see below), the two plates 101, 102 are each pivotably connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis A, so that the chain links 100 can be pivoted against one another in order to form a deflection curve 3 (cf. Fig. 2) to form.

[0081] The design of the chain links is based on the design of WO 2020 / 152349 A1 with regard to features that do not relate to the side plates per se, to whose teaching reference is made and whose content is included here for the sake of brevity, e.g. with regard to two holding projections 121 provided on a central region 105 of the inner plate 101, which project over a free space into which an adjacent outer plate 102 engages with a circular guide region 120 extending parallel to the pivoting plane for lateral stabilization.

[0082] The design of the manually detachable crosspieces 109, i.e., without tools, and the fastening projections provided for this purpose on the upper and lower narrow sides of the tabs 101 and 102, respectively, are also known. For the sake of brevity, reference is made to the teaching of WO 2020 / 152263 A1, the content of which is incorporated herein, in particular regarding the design and fastening of the crosspieces 109. Furthermore, Fig. 1A an internal division, which may be of a known type; for the sake of brevity, reference is made to the teaching of WO 2022 / 049091 A1, the content of which is included here insofar as it concerns the internal division.

[0083] The inner plates 101 and outer plates 102 are one-piece plates made of plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced engineering polymer, which are manufactured using injection molding technology. The following discusses, in particular, differences from the teaching of WO 2020 / 152349 A1, especially regarding the integrated stop system, which is manufactured in one piece with the inner plates 101 and outer plates 102.

[0084] To limit the pivot angle, the outer plates 102 according to the invention each have exactly three stop projections 107, each on the inside in each of their overlapping areas 104A, 104B. The stop projections 107 are manufactured in one piece with the plate body, e.g., by injection molding, and protrude inwards toward the receiving space of the chain link.

[0085] In each of the two overlapping areas 103A, 103B of the inner plate 101, exactly three corresponding stop pockets 108 are preformed as depressions or recesses during production or are recessed using appropriate mold inserts. The stop pockets 108 are designed to correspond to the stop projections 107 and are dimensioned such that the stop projections 107 are pivotably received in the stop pockets 108.

[0086] The stop projections 107 and the stop pockets 108 are each arranged according to a rotational symmetry with N=3, ie rotationally symmetrical by 120° around the respective pivot axis A. In the assembled state of the link strand, the stop projections 107 engage in the stop pockets 108 and serve to limit the pivot angle.

[0087] As from Fig. 1B, the outer stop surfaces 107A, 107B of a stop projection 107 each cooperate with counter stop surfaces 108A, 108B of a stop pocket 108 to limit the swivel angle, in both swivel directions, e.g. in the extended position of the strands 1, 2 or in the deflection curve 3 ( Fig. 2). In this case, a stop surface 107A, 107B of a stop projection 107 comes into contact with the corresponding counter-stop surface 108A, 108B of a stop pocket 108, so that the maximum permissible pivot angle of the chain links relative to each other is specified in both pivot directions.

[0088] As from Fig. 1B, all three stop projections have an essentially (possibly up to a few tenths) identical locking width between their stop surfaces 107A, 107B with an angular dimension of the locking width that is at least 40° (α ≥ 40°), unless a rear bending radius is provided, as for example in Fig. 5A-5B. The three stop pockets 108 have an opening width between their counter-stop surfaces 108A, 108B, adapted to the desired pivoting angle, with an angular dimension of the opening width, wherein the angular dimension of the opening width is preferably at least 55° (β ≥ 55°), depending on the desired radius of curvature in the deflection bend 3 (cf. Fig. 2). According to the invention, it is provided that for all series without rear bending radius, the angular dimension α of the locking width of each stop projection 107 is at least 50% of the angular dimension β of the opening width of a stop pocket 108, as in Fig. 1B illustrates this as an example.

[0089] Fig. 3A-3B show a preferred geometry of the integrated stop system comprising stop projections 107 on the inside of the outer plates 102 and stop pockets 108 on the outside of the inner plates 101. The stop projections 107 and the stop pockets 108 have in the longitudinal section of the plates perpendicular to the pivot axis A - as in Fig. 1B - a contour which essentially corresponds to a circular ring segment, and are arranged rotationally symmetrically or rotationally symmetrically or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction around the respective pivot axis A. The stop projections 107 of the outer link plate 102 have an essentially identical angular dimension of the locking width α between their stop surfaces 107A, 107B (cf. Fig. 1B). The stop pockets 108 of the inner plate 101 have an essentially identical angular dimension of the opening width β between their counter stop surfaces 107A, 107B (cf. Fig. 1B), as shown in Fig. 3A-3B. The stop surfaces 107A, 107B of the stop projections 107 and the counter-stop surfaces 108A, 108B of the stop pockets 108 each form a predominantly flat surface, which is essentially perpendicular to the pivoting plane or the pivot axis A, or possibly at a slight acute angle, so that the tabs 101, 102 are pulled together in the stop position.

[0090] As can be seen from the Fig. 3A-3B, the integrated stop system for limiting the swivel angle has an arrangement with exactly three stop projections 107 in each overlap area of ​​the outer link plate 102 and, accordingly, a stop arrangement with exactly three corresponding stop pockets 108 in each overlap area of ​​the inner link plate 101. In the assembled state, exactly one stop projection 107 engages in exactly one corresponding stop pocket 108, and no other separate components, such as radius inserts or radius disks, for specifying selected radii are provided in the stop system.

[0091] Fig. Figure 3C illustrates the narrow plate width B of the plate strand consisting of connected inner plates 101 and outer plates 102, shown here with a section consisting of one inner plate 101 and two outer plates 102 in plan view. The plate width B of the plate strand, measured in the direction parallel to the pivot axis A, is a maximum of 25 mm, preferably ≤ 20 mm, particularly preferably ≤ 16 mm. The ratio B / H of the plate width B to the outer height H is preferably (cf. Fig. 3D) each ≤ 20%, particularly preferably ≤ 18%, whereby this ratio may depend on the series or selected height.

[0092] Fig. 3D-3E further show, using dashed lines, that the outer link plate 102 has a thinner material thickness in tapered regions 113 at the longitudinal ends of the overlap region 104A, 104B, relative to its link plate width, than in its central region 106 therebetween. In between lies a region 114 with a greater material thickness than the tapered regions 113. This region 114 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction L over at least 80% of the chain pitch and / or, in particular, covers at least 25% of the diameter of the annular pivot pin or pivot projection 110. This further increases the stability of thin link plates 102.

[0093] The Fig. 3E shows a longitudinal section through the tabs of Fig. 3C according to section line IIIE-IIIE. As can be seen here, the two stop surfaces 107A, 107B of a stop projection 107 are aligned in each case in all stop projections 107 such that the essentially flat stop surfaces 107A, 107B are in an imaginary vertex axis C (cf. in Fig. 3E, perpendicular to the drawing plane) which lies within the corresponding overlap area 104A, 104B, namely preferably within an area by an imaginary incircle D which lies radially inside on the circular ring segment contours of the stop projections 107 or, analogously, the stop pockets 108. The incircle D is in Fig. 3E is shown schematically in dashed lines to the right-hand pair of tabs. The same applies analogously to the counter stop surfaces 108A, 108B of each stop pocket 108. The three resulting imaginary axes C (only one shown as an example) do not coincide with the pivot axis A, but are distributed around it. Fig. 3E, the vertex axis C and incircle D are shown only as one example each for the sake of simplicity, but due to the rotational symmetry, the same geometry applies to all stop projections 107 and stop pockets 108.

[0094] Fig. 3A-3B again best show details of the structure of the preferred articulated connection, which connects the inner plates 101 and outer plates 102 in a pivotable manner in a plane about a pivot axis A, so that the chain links 110 can pivot relative to one another. For this purpose, the inner plate 101 has, in each of its overlapping areas 103A, 103B, a radially inner joint ring 111A and an outer reinforcement ring 111B, which are arranged coaxially to the pivot axis A. Between the joint ring 111A and the reinforcement ring 111B, a circular recess formed as a joint receptacle 111 is provided. This joint receptacle 111 serves to receive a corresponding circular ring-shaped joint projection 110 on the connected overlapping area 104A, 104B of the opposite outer plate 102.The annular joint projection 110 serving as a joint pin is slidably rotatable in the joint receptacle 111, so that the joint projection 110 and the joint receptacle 111 form a rotary joint for pivoting the connected tabs 101, 102 relative to one another about the pivot axis A thus defined.

[0095] As from Fig. 3A-3C, the joint projection 110 of the outer plate 102 and the stop projections 107 of the outer plate 102 preferably protrude laterally by a substantially identical amount to the interior space or to the inner plate 101 and preferably end flush in a plane parallel to the pivoting plane (cf. Fig. 3C, left). Continue showing Fig. 3A-3C, the inner link plate 101 forms an outwardly widening material bridge 112 between each two stop pockets 108, which bridge is essentially V-shaped in longitudinal section here. The circumferential reinforcement ring 111B formed by the inner link plate 101 merges into one of three material bridges 112 in the space between each two stop pockets 108. There, the material bridges 112 at their narrowest point preferably have a minimum arc dimension of ≥ 3 mm, in particular ≥ 4 mm, measured in the circumferential direction or approximately perpendicular to a radius applied there. This design reinforces the stops of the stop pockets 108 on the one hand and, at the same time, also the joint receptacle 111, in particular the reinforcement ring 111B, by means of a spoke-like bracing to an outer further reinforcement ring 111C, which merges into the central region 105 which has a greater material thickness. The stop pockets 108 are facing towards the inside orclosed on the base surface facing away from the outer plate 102 by a continuous plate-like material area of ​​the inner plate 101, ie designed as recesses open only on one side to the outer plate 102.

[0096] As can be seen from the overview of Fig. 3E, the two counter stop surfaces 108A, 108B of a stop pocket 108 are each aligned such that they intersect in the imaginary vertex axis C, which for each of the three stop pockets 108 lies radially within a region defined by a circular ring-shaped joint projection 110 serving as a joint pin or correspondingly radially within the circular ring-shaped recess of the opposite tab serving as a joint receptacle 111, since the joint projection 110 and the joint receptacle 111 lie within the imaginary incircle D (cf. Fig. 3E). This design further increases the stability of the link strands during operation, which is particularly advantageous for thin-walled link plates 101, 102.

[0097] How Fig. 1B, Fig. 3B and Fig. 3E show, the stop pockets 108, which are designed with the same base area in the pivoting plane, have an opening height h (cf. Fig. 3E) radially to the pivot axis A, which occupies a relatively large proportion of the overall height of the tab, e.g., at least 15%, preferably at least 20% of the total height H of the tab 101 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The stop projections 107 have a corresponding radial dimension radially to the pivot axis A, reduced only by the amount of play.

[0098] Fig. 4A-4B show an alternative embodiment with an integrated stop arrangement. Here, the inner plates 101 also initially have, as in the example from Fig. 1-3, in each of their overlapping areas 103A, 103B, a stop arrangement with exactly three stop pockets 108 and the outer flaps 102, in each of their overlapping areas 104A, 104B, a stop arrangement with exactly three stop projections 107. As in the example from Fig. 1-3, the outer plates 102 are designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a first plane of symmetry, which runs in the longitudinal direction and through both pivot axes A, if necessary with slight asymmetry for the optional adjustment of a pre-tension of the upper strand 1 (cf. Fig. 2).

[0099] The difference in the design in Fig. 4A-4B is that the outer plates 102 in the example from Fig. 1-3 have a stop projection 107 located in the first plane of symmetry, which faces the central region 105 of the outer plate 107 in the longitudinal direction L. In the example from Fig. 4A-4B, the outer plates 102 have a stop projection 107 located in the first plane of symmetry, which is in each case located outside in the end region of the overlapping region 103A, 103B, i.e., facing away from the central region 105 of the outer plate 102 viewed in the longitudinal direction L. The first plane of symmetry is spanned by the longitudinal direction L and the parallel pivot axes A or defined by the pivot axes A. Accordingly, the three stop pockets 108 of the inner plates 101 in the example from Fig. 4A-4B are distributed around the swivel axis accordingly, so that the desired swivel angle, especially for the deflection bend 3 ( Fig. 2) is achieved. Furthermore, the inner plates 101 and outer plates 102 in the example are made of Fig. 4A-4B with the same characteristics as those in the example from Fig. 1-3.

[0100] Based on the Fig. 5A-5B, a significant advantage of the first aspect of the invention or the proposed stop system is explained. Fig. 5A-5B show a section with only three plates, wherein the energy guiding chain comprises at least two longitudinal sections, with a first longitudinal section L1, in which the energy guiding chain has no rear bending radius (=RBR) and a first type of outer plates 102 is provided, which, for example, as in Fig. 1-3 or Fig. 4. The first type of outer link plates 102 has a first larger angular dimension α1 of the locking width of its three identical stop projections 107, cf. Fig. 5A-5B.

[0101] In a subsequent second longitudinal section L2, in which the energy chain has a rearward bending radius, illustrated as the pivoting direction RBR, a second type of outer link plate 102' is provided. The second type of outer link plate 102' is largely identical in construction to the first type of outer link plate 102 and, in particular, is compatible with and connectable to the same inner link plates 101. The second type of outer link plate 102' differs only in that it has smaller stop projections 107', namely with a second, smaller angular dimension α2 of the locking width of the stop projections 107', wherein the second angular dimension α2 is, in particular, significantly smaller than the first angular dimension α1 of the stop projections 107 of the first type of outer link plate 102.This enables a particularly simple RBR, as the smaller stop projections 107' allow the second type of outer link plate 102' to additionally pivot in an opposite rearward pivot direction (RBR). This occurs without changing the inner link plate 101, which is used consistently in both longitudinal sections L1 and L2. Fig. 5A-5B show only exemplary swivel angle limitations or angular dimensions α1, α2, which can of course also be selected differently without departing from the basic principle. Fig. As illustrated in Figures 5A-5B, the first aspect of the invention allows for the implementation of rearward bending radii RBR to be achieved by selectively adjusting only the stop projections 107 and 107 with respect to the angular dimension (α) of the locking width. This can be achieved easily and cost-effectively, for example, by easily interchangeable mold inserts in the injection mold.

[0102] Fig. Figure 6 shows a circular chain application as an example of an energy guiding chain 60 for circular movement in a first end position and a second end position. The energy guiding chain 60 has a radially inner strand 61 and a radially outer strand 62, which are connected via a deflection bend 63. The energy guiding chain 60 is arranged with the strands 61, 62 moving laterally and, as intended, has a rear bending radius RBR that is comparatively large compared to the nominal bending radius R of the deflection bend 63. The RBR is required in circular chain applications to attach the radially inner strand 61 to the inner ring of the circular guide. The rear bending radius RBR can be determined according to the principle of Fig. 5A-5B or according to the first aspect of the invention, with almost any desired radius by appropriate choice of the angular dimensions α1 or α2.

[0103] Fig. 7A-7B schematically show a cable guide chain 70 for vertical applications. Between each longitudinal section L1 without RBR, this has a short longitudinal section L2 with a designated rearward bending radius for the purpose of zigzag-shaped storage of the cable guide chain in the retracted state, as shown in Fig. 7A. The vertically extended state of the energy chain 70 is shown in Fig. 7B. It should be noted that Fig. 6-7 only serve to illustrate exemplary applications and do not show the chain according to the invention comprising inner and outer plates.

[0104] Fig. 8A-8F show a side plate pair comprising inner plate 201 and outer plate 202 according to a further aspect of the invention. The basic features of the inner plate 201 and outer plate 202 can be taken from the example of Fig. 1-3 or Fig. 4. For the sake of brevity, only the differences and further developments will be discussed.

[0105] The integrated stop system for limiting the pivot angle is essentially identical to the previous examples. Here, too, the inner link plate 201 has three stop pockets 208A, 208B, 208C in each of the two inner overlapping areas 203A, 203B, whose stop effect, geometric arrangement, and contour correspond to the first aspect or the above description, except for the following differences. Similarly, the outer link plate 202 also has three stop projections 207A, 207B, 207C in each of the two outer overlapping areas 204A, 204B facing away from the chain interior. Their stop effect, geometric arrangement, and contour correspond to the first aspect or the above description, except for the following differences.

[0106] The key difference is that two of the three stop projections 207A, 207B have a radially projecting retaining element 230A, 230B. The two corresponding stop pockets 208A, 208B have a cooperating radially projecting retaining element 231A, 231B.

[0107] How best to Fig. 8B, for the lateral connection of the tabs 201, 202 in the direction of the pivot axis, a holding element 230A, 230B and a corresponding retaining element 231A, 231B cooperate in such a way that they hold the connected tabs together in the lateral direction or parallel to the pivot axis A.

[0108] The stop projection 207C located towards the central area and the corresponding stop pocket 208C, however, preferably do not have a holding element or counter element thereto (retaining element), as can be seen from Fig. 8A can be seen.

[0109] Each holding element 230A, 230B and each retaining element 231A, 231B is arranged protruding on the radially outer peripheral region of the associated stop projection 207A, 207B or the associated stop pocket 208A, 208B and is manufactured in one piece by injection molding therewith.

[0110] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 8A-8D, the retaining elements 231A, 231B are each designed to extend circumferentially or arcuately and protrude radially outward from the stop projections. The retaining elements 231A, 231B are each designed to protrude radially inward on the outer reinforcement ring or the radially outer edge of the stop pocket 208A, 208B and also extend arcuately in the circumferential direction.

[0111] How Fig. 8B, holding elements 230A, 230B and retaining elements 231A, 231B are preferably designed in the manner of a radially protruding locking lug or with a cross-section in the manner of a snap hook. To facilitate the connection of the tabs, holding elements 230A, 230B and retaining elements 231A, 231B each have an insertion bevel 233 inclined to the pivoting plane and a locking surface 234; 235 parallel to the pivoting plane, by means of which the holding elements 230A, 230B engage behind the retaining elements 231A, 231B or vice versa, and can thus be releasably locked in a simple but stable manner to the respective cooperating element when the tabs are joined laterally.

[0112] On the outer link plate 202, the two retaining elements 230A, 230B are provided symmetrically to a longitudinal center plane on the two stop projections 207A, 207B of the outer link plate 202 facing the central region. On the inner link plate 202, however, two retaining elements 231A, 231B are provided asymmetrically to a longitudinal center plane in corresponding stop pockets 208A, 208B of the inner link plate 201. This allows the outer link plate 202 to remain connectable to the inner link plate 201 by 180° for adjusting preload.

[0113] The asymmetry of the retaining elements 231A, 231B relative to the longitudinal center plane allows the connected tabs to hold each other laterally over at least a predominant portion of the pivot angle. This is preferably achieved by providing the two retaining elements 231A, 231B in or on the corresponding stop pockets 208A, 208B at an angle offset with respect to the pivot axis A and / or with different angular dimensions around the pivot axis A. The circumferential dimensions, distribution, and other configurations of the holding elements 230A, 230B and retaining elements 231A, 231B can also be provided differently from the example shown here. The second aspect facilitates assembly, since the connected tabs 201, 202 connect or hold each other together, and also increases the lateral stability of the tab connection.

[0114] This further aspect according to Fig. 8A-8F can also be used independently of the first aspect and, for example, with a different number of stop projections and stop pockets, for example to improve the design according to WO 2020 / 152349 A1. Advantageously, the design according to Fig. 8A-8F can also be combined with retaining projections 121, which project over a free space, into which an adjacent outer plate 102 engages with a circular guide area 120 extending parallel to the pivoting plane for lateral stabilization, as in Fig. 1A to provide further improved lateral stabilization. List of reference symbols Fig. 1-5: 1 upper run 2 lower strand 3 deflection bends 100 chain links 101 inner flap 102, 102' outer flap 103A, 103B Overlap areas (inner flap) 104A, 104B Overlap areas (outer flap) 105 Middle section (inner flap) 106 middle area (outer flap) 107, 107' stop projections 108 stop pockets 109 Crossbar 110 Joint projection 111 Joint holder 111A Joint ring 111B, 111C reinforcement ring 112 Material bridge 113 tapered end sections (outer link) 114 Intermediate area (outer flap) 120 management area 121 retaining projections A swivel axis B Tab width C (imaginary) vertex axis C D Incircle E plane of symmetry h Opening height (stop pocket) H Total height L1 first longitudinal section (without RBR) L2 second longitudinal section with RBR RBR Swivel direction for RBR α Locking width stop projections β Opening width of stop pockets Fig. 6-7: 60 Energy chain (circular chain with RBR) 61 radial inner strand 62 radial outer strand 63 deflection bends R nominal bending radius RBR Rear bending radius 70 Cable guide chain for vertical application L1 first longitudinal section (without RBR) L2 second longitudinal section with RBR Fig. 8A-8F 201 inner flap 202 Outer flap 203A, 203B Overlap areas (inner flap) 204A, 204B Overlap areas (outer flap) 207A, 207B, 207C stop projections 208A, 208B, 208C stop pockets 230A, 230B holding element 231A, 231B retaining element 233 insertion bevel 234; 235 rest area 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 2020 / 152349 A1 [0005, 0006, 0012, 0014, 0026, 0055, 0057, 0081, 0083, 0114] WO 99 / 54641 A2

[0009] EP 0499784A1

[0010] US 4800714A

[0010] WO 2010 / 029092 A1

[0010] WO 95 / 04231 A1

[0037] WO 98 / 46906 A1

[0045] WO 2020 / 152263 A1

[0082] WO 2022 / 049091 A1

[0082]

Claims

[1] Energy guiding chain for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, between two connection points, with chain links (100), each comprising two opposite plates, in particular made of plastic, and in at least some chain links the plates are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (109), wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands, each with inner plates (101) and outer plates (102) alternating in the longitudinal direction, wherein the inner plates have two inner overlapping regions (103A, 103B) facing the chain interior and the outer plates have two outer overlapping regions (104A, 104B) facing away from the chain interior, wherein of each two plates adjacent in the longitudinal direction in the plate strand, one plate (102) overlaps with one of its overlapping regions a correspondingly complementary overlapping region of the other plate (101),the two tabs are each pivotably connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis (A), and stop projections (107) are provided in the overlapping area of ​​one tab (102) to limit the pivot angle and engage in corresponding stop pockets (108) provided in the overlapping area of ​​the other tab (101), stop surfaces (107A, 107B) of a stop projection (107) interacting with counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of a stop pocket (108) to limit the pivot angle, characterized by , - that each of the two overlapping areas of the one tab (102) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop projections (107) formed in one piece with this tab (102), wherein the three stop projections (107) have a locking width between their stop surfaces (107A, 107B) with an angular dimension of the locking width, wherein the angular dimension of the locking width is preferably at least 40° (α ≥ 40°) in each case, - that each of the two overlapping areas of the other tab (101) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop pockets (108) formed as a recess in this tab (102), wherein the three stop pockets (108) have an opening width between their counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) with an angular dimension of the opening width, wherein the angular dimension of the opening width is preferably at least 55° (β ≥ 55°), and - that the angular dimension (α) of the locking width of a stop projection (107) is at least 50% of the angular dimension (β) of the opening width of a stop pocket (108). [2] Energy guiding chain for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, between two connection points, with chain links, each comprising two opposite plates, in particular made of plastic, and in at least some chain links the plates are connected to one another via at least one transverse web, wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands, each with inner plates (101) and outer plates (102) alternating in the longitudinal direction, wherein the inner plates have two inner overlapping regions (103A, 103B) facing the chain interior and the outer plates have two outer overlapping regions (104A, 104B) facing away from the chain interior, wherein of each two plates adjacent in the longitudinal direction in the plate strand, one plate (102) overlaps with one of its overlapping regions a correspondingly complementary overlapping region of the other plate (101),the two tabs are each pivotably connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis (A), and stop projections (107) are provided in the overlapping area of ​​one tab (102) to limit the pivot angle and engage in corresponding stop pockets (108) provided in the overlapping area of ​​the other tab (101), stop surfaces (107A, 107B) of a stop projection (107) interacting with counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of a stop pocket (108) to limit the pivot angle, characterized by , - that each of the two overlapping areas of one tab (102) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop projections (107) formed in one piece with this tab (102), wherein the three stop projections (107) have a locking width between their stop surfaces (107A, 107B) with an angular dimension of the locking width, - that each of the two overlapping areas of the other tab (101) comprises three, in particular exactly three, stop pockets (108) formed as a recess in this tab (102), wherein the three stop pockets (108) have an opening width between their counter stop surfaces (108A, 108B) with an angular dimension of the opening width, and - that in at least one longitudinal section of the energy guide chain, the angular dimension (α) of the locking width of the stop projections on one of the plates (102), preferably on the outer plates (102), is selected such that said one plate (102), preferably outer plates (102), can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis (A) relative to an extended position, both in one pivoting direction and in an opposite rearward pivoting direction relative to the other plates (101), preferably inner plates (101), connected thereto. [3] Energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the tab width (B) of the tab strand, measured in the direction parallel to the pivot axis (A), is in each case a maximum of 25 mm, preferably ≤ 20 mm, particularly preferably ≤ 16 mm, wherein the ratio of the tab width to the outer height is preferably in each case ≤ 20%, particularly preferably ≤ 18%. [4] Energy guiding chain according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that - the stop projections (107) and the stop pockets (108) have a contour in the longitudinal section of the tabs perpendicular to the pivot axis (A) which each substantially corresponds to a circular ring segment, and / or - the stop surfaces (107A, 107B) of the stop projections and the counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of the stop pockets (108) form predominantly flat surfaces which are substantially perpendicular to the pivoting plane; and / or - the stop projections (107) of one tab (102) have a substantially identical angular dimension of the locking width between their stop surfaces (107A, 107B) and the stop pockets (108) of the other tab (101) have a substantially identical angular dimension of the opening width between their counter-stop surfaces (107A, 107B). [5] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that - the stop projections (107) and the stop pockets (108) are provided rotationally symmetrically or evenly distributed in the circumferential direction around the respective pivot axis, preferably with a 120° rotational symmetry with respect to the pivot axis (A); and / or - to limit the pivoting angle, a stop arrangement with exactly three stop projections (107) is provided in each overlapping area of ​​one tab (102), to limit the pivoting angle, a stop arrangement with exactly three corresponding stop pockets (108) is provided in each overlapping area of ​​the other tab (101), wherein exactly one stop projection (107) engages in exactly one corresponding stop pocket (108). [6] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer plates (102) each have a stop arrangement with exactly three stop projections (107) in each of their outer overlapping regions (104A, 104B) and the outer plates (102) are designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a first plane of symmetry which runs in the longitudinal direction and through both pivot axes (A). [7] Energy guiding chain according to claim 6, characterized bythat the outer link plate (102) has a stop projection (107) lying in the first plane of symmetry, which faces the longitudinally central region (106) of the outer link plate (102) or which faces away from the longitudinally central region (106) of the outer link plate (102). [8] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 4, characterized by in that the stop surfaces (107A, 107B) and the counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) form at least predominantly flat surfaces, wherein the two stop surfaces (107A, 107B) of a stop projection (107) and / or the two counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of a stop pocket (108) each intersect in an imaginary vertex axis (C) which lies within the overlap region, preferably within a region through an imaginary incircle (D) radially inside on one or the circular ring segment contour of the stop pockets (108). [9] Energy guiding chain according to claim 8, characterized by that the two counter-stop surfaces (108A, 108B) of a stop pocket (108) each intersect in an imaginary vertex axis (C) which lies within a region of a circular ring-shaped joint projection (110) serving as a joint pin or a circular ring-shaped recess serving as a joint receptacle (111) for receiving a corresponding joint projection of the opposite tab. [10] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the tab (101), preferably inner tab (101), forms between two stop pockets (108) which follow one another in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis (A) in each case an outwardly widening, preferably in longitudinal section substantially V-shaped, material bridge (112), which preferably has a minimum arc dimension ≥ 3 mm, in particular ≥ 4 mm, at its narrowest point, wherein the tab (101) preferably forms a circumferential reinforcing ring (111B; 111C) into which the material bridges (112) merge. [11] Energy guiding chain according to claim 10, characterized by that the inner plate (101) has a radially inner joint ring (111A) and between the joint ring (111A) and the reinforcement ring (111B) has a circular recess serving as a joint receptacle (111) for receiving a corresponding joint projection (110) of the opposite plate and the outer link plate (102) has a circular joint projection (110) serving as a joint pin for interaction with the joint receptacle (111) of the inner link plate (101), wherein the joint projection (110) of the outer plate (102) and the stop projections (107) of the outer plate (102) preferably project inwards by a substantially identical amount and end flush in a plane parallel to the pivoting plane. [12] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the stop pockets (108) have an opening height (h) radial to the pivot axis (A) which is at least 15%, preferably at least 20% of the total height (H) of the tab (101) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein the stop projections (107) have a corresponding radial dimension radial to the pivot axis (A) reduced only by play. [13] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the energy chain comprises at least two longitudinal sections, with a first longitudinal section in which the energy guide chain has no rear bending radius, and a first type of the one link plate, preferably a first type of the outer link plate (102), is provided with a first larger angular dimension (α1) of the locking width of the stop projections (107), with a second longitudinal section in which the energy guide chain has a rearward bending radius, and a second type of one of the links, preferably a second type of the outer links (102), is provided with a second smaller angular dimension (α2) of the locking width of the stop projections (107), wherein the second angular dimension (α2) is significantly smaller than the first angular dimension (α1), so that the second type of one of the links, preferably the outer links (102), can additionally be pivoted in an opposite rearward pivoting direction relative to the other links of the first type. [14] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that two retaining projections (121) are provided in one piece on a central region (105) of a tab (101), in particular the inner tab (101), which project over an associated free space into which an adjacent further tab (102), in particular an outer tab (102), can engage with a circular-arc-shaped guide region (120) extending parallel to the pivoting plane for lateral stabilization. [15] Energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 1 and / or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that at least one stop projection (207A, 207B) has a radially projecting holding element (230A, 230B) and at least one corresponding stop pocket (208A, 208B) has a radially projecting retaining element (231A, 231B), wherein the holding element (230A, 230B) and the retaining element (231A, 231B) cooperate in such a way that they hold connected tabs laterally against one another. [16] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 11 and / or 14 and / or 15, characterized bythat the outer link plate (102) has a thinner material thickness in tapered regions (113) at the longitudinal ends of the overlap region (104A, 104B) in relation to its link plate width than in its central region (105) therebetween, wherein a region (114) with a greater material thickness than the tapered regions (113) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) preferably over at least 80% of the chain pitch and / or in particular covers at least 25% of the diameter of the annular pivot pin or pivot projection (110). [17] Pair of side plates for an energy chain, characterized by a tab (102), in particular outer tab (102), and another tab, in particular inner tab (101), each having the features according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16. [18] Use of an energy guide chain (60) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16 for a circular movement. [19] Use of an energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 16, in particular an energy guiding chain (70) according to claim 2 and / or 13, for a vertical movement with a plurality of first length sections (L1) which can be laid one above the other in a zigzag shape, said first length sections being connected by means of second sections (L2) with a rear bending radius. [20] Energy guiding chain for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, between two connection points, with chain links (100), each comprising two opposite plates, in particular made of plastic, and in at least some chain links the plates are connected to one another via at least one transverse web (109), wherein the energy guiding chain has two plate strands, each with inner plates (201) and outer plates (202) alternating in the longitudinal direction, wherein the inner plates have two inner overlapping regions (203A, 203B) facing the chain interior and the outer plates have two outer overlapping regions (204A, 204B) facing away from the chain interior, wherein of each two plates adjacent in the longitudinal direction in the plate strand, one plate (202) overlaps with one of its overlapping regions a correspondingly complementary overlapping region of the other plate (201),the two tabs are each pivotably connected to one another in a plane about a pivot axis (A), and stop projections (207A, 207B, 207C) are provided in the overlapping area of ​​one tab (202) to limit the pivoting angle and engage in corresponding stop pockets (208A, 208B, 208C) provided in the overlapping area of ​​the other tab (201), characterized by in that at least one stop projection (207A, 207B) has a radially projecting holding element (230A, 230B) and at least one corresponding stop pocket (208A, 208B) has a radially projecting retaining element (231A, 231B), wherein the holding element (230A, 230B) and the retaining element (231A, 231B) cooperate in such a way that they hold connected tabs laterally against one another. [21] Energy guiding chain according to claim 15 or 20, characterized bythat exactly two stop projections (207A, 207B) each have a radially projecting holding element (230A, 230B) and the two corresponding stop pockets (208A, 208B) have a radially projecting, cooperating retaining element (231A, 231B). [22] Energy guiding chain according to claim 15, 20 or 21, characterized by that each holding element (230A, 230B) and each retaining element (231A, 231B) - is provided on the radially outer peripheral region of the stop projection (207A, 207B) or the stop pocket (208A, 208B); and / or - extends circumferentially or in an arc; and / or - is designed as a radially projecting locking lug, in particular with an insertion bevel (233) oblique to the pivoting plane and a locking surface (234; 235) parallel to the pivoting plane, and can preferably be releasably locked to the respective cooperating element when the tabs are joined together. [23] Energy guiding chain according to claim 15, 20, 21 or 22, characterized by that two holding elements (230A, 230B) are provided on stop projections (207A, 207B) of the outer link plate (202) symmetrically to a longitudinal center plane and two retaining elements (231A, 231B) are provided in corresponding stop pockets (208A, 208B) of the inner link plate (201) asymmetrically to a longitudinal center plane; and / or that two retaining elements (231A, 231B) are provided in corresponding stop pockets (208A, 208B) at an angle to the pivot axis (A) and / or with a different angular dimension around the pivot axis (A), preferably in such a way that they hold connected link plates laterally to one another at least over a predominant portion of the pivot angle.

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