Chain link of an energy chain and separator for it

Abstract

Chain link (10) for an energy guide chain (1) with a plurality of chain links pivotably connected to one another, the chain link (10) comprising - two side flaps (11a, 11b) spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction (Q), which are connected to one another by two transverse webs (12a, 12b) spaced apart from one another in a height direction (H), wherein the side flaps (11a, 11b) and the transverse webs (12a, 12b) delimit a guide channel (14) open in a longitudinal direction (L) for guiding lines (16, 17), and - at least one separating web (20) which has a head part (31), a foot part (33) and a central part (32), wherein the central part (32) is arranged between the head part (31) and the foot part (33) with respect to the height direction (H), wherein the foot part (33) comprises a holder (34) for holding on one of the transverse webs (12a, 12b), wherein the central part (32) has two main sides (38a, 38b) facing away from one another and each facing one of the side flaps (11a, 11b), characterized in that the separating web (20) has at least one positioning area (40) with a concave surface (42) on at least one of the main sides (38a, 38b) of the central part (32), which is designed such that a line (16, 17) pressed against the positioning area (40) with respect to the Height direction (H) is positioned at a predetermined height within the chain link (10) and is aligned on this main side (38a, 38b) in the longitudinal direction (L).

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of energy guiding chains for the protected, dynamic guidance of lines such as cables, hoses and the like. Energy guiding chains are typically constructed from chain links that are pivotally connected to one another in a longitudinal direction and each have two side plates spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction. These are stably connected to one another, at least in some of the chain links, by two transverse webs spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction and define an inner receiving space or interior space or guide channel that is open in the longitudinal direction for the lines to be guided. The side plates are designed for an articulated connection to side plates of adjacent chain links. One of the transverse webs, often called the opening web or upper transverse web, can be openable, i.e. detachable from at least one of the side plates, in order to allow access to the guide channel transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0002] The invention specifically relates to a so-called divider for the internal division of a cable drag chain. Such dividers, often in conjunction with rung-like shelves or compartments, serve to create a shelf-like internal division within the interior or guide channel of the chain links, which divides the interior or guide channel into sub-interior spaces or sub-guide channels. Each of the sub-guide channels can guide at least one or more cables in a predetermined position with respect to the transverse and vertical directions.

[0003] When installed in a chain link, dividers typically extend vertically from one crossbar to the other and are attached to at least one of the crossbars. Dividers serve to vertically divide the guide channel of a chain link along the transverse direction or represent vertical walls that separate the guide channel into sub-guide channels that run side by side along the transverse direction. Thus, the dividers define the position of the respective guided cables in the guide channel with respect to the transverse direction.

[0004] The shelves or compartments, also called rungs, serve, if present, to divide the guide channel horizontally along the vertical direction and are held parallel to the crossbars by means of dividers. The shelves divide the interior space or guide channel of the respective chain link along the vertical direction. Thus, the shelves define the height or height position, or the position of the respective guided cables in the guide channel in relation to the vertical direction.

[0005] The dividers and shelves position the inserted cables within each chain link in terms of the transverse and vertical directions and guide them in an orderly manner from chain link to chain link. This order is maintained during the movement, which also at least reduces wear caused by mutual friction between the guided cables.

[0006] Various designs for dividers are already known from the prior art, for example, from DE4313242A1. A typical divider has the following sections: a head section, a foot section, and a center section, i.e., the part of the divider that is located between the head section and the foot section in terms of height. The center section typically has two opposite sides, also called main sides, which, when the divider is properly installed within the chain link, each face one of the side plates.

[0007] The head section and foot section are vertically spaced from each other and are each designed to position the divider between the crossbars. This positioning should at least ensure that the divider is held securely in place during operation, preventing it from tipping sideways, but can also mean that the divider is attached to the crossbar and can only be removed with considerable force.

[0008] For this purpose, the foot section typically includes a bracket for holding it to one of the crossbars. The foot section may, but does not have to, be secured to a crossbar by the bracket, e.g., by positive or non-positive locking, so that it does not come loose when a crossbar is opened.

[0009] Shelves or compartments, if present, are usually held at a specific height within the chain link by means of dividers. Common dividers differ, among other things, in the type of shelf support. These support elements are often implemented as material recesses in the divider, e.g., cutouts through which the shelves are inserted, or retaining grooves into which the shelves are inserted at the ends. The connection between the dividers and the shelves must withstand the forces occurring during operation, which are caused, among other things, by the guided cables. This makes the assembly of the chain links more complex and often represents a weak point.

[0010] One object of the invention is therefore to simplify the positioning of cables in the guide channel of a chain link or energy chain. The aim was to propose a divider that inherently enables the positioning of at least one guided cable in both the transverse and vertical directions without the need for separate shelves.

[0011] This is achieved in a chain link according to the preamble of claim 1 comprising a separating web and in a separating web according to the preamble of claim 2 in that the separating web has at least one positioning area with a concave surface on at least one of the main sides of its central part, which is designed in such a way that at least one line pressed onto the positioning area, in particular by means of a further separating web or one of the side parts, is positioned at a predetermined height within the chain link with respect to the height direction and is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction on this main side at the same time.

[0012] The concave surface is recessed in the transverse direction, or has a depth along the transverse direction. The shape and position of the concave surface of the positioning area relative to the vertical direction determines the height position, or the height position, or the position of the guided cable relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, separate shelves are not required.

[0013] The concave surface of the positioning area guides the cable pressed against the positioning area in the direction of the depth of the concave surface.

[0014] In particular, the positioning area can center or align at least one line to the height of the neutral fiber, ie align it to a height or height position that runs at the height of the neutral fiber.

[0015] In the field of energy chains, the neutral fiber, also known as the zero line, is a layer within the energy chain that spans the longitudinal and transverse directions and whose length does not change as the energy chain moves or as the adjacent chain links pivot relative to each other. Consequently, the cables routed at the level of the neutral fiber are exposed to the least tensile / shear stress from the deflection during the energy chain's movement. They are compressed or stretched the least. The aim is therefore to route the cables as close to the neutral fiber as possible so that they are subjected to less stress. The neutral fiber can, in particular, run along pivot axes of the chain links. These are often, but not always, located in the middle of the chain link height.Therefore, the neutral fiber often, although not in all energy chains, runs vertically midway between the crossbars. Depending on the type of joint connection between the chain links, the neutral fiber can also run closer to one crossbar than to the opposite crossbar.

[0016] The terms "longitudinal direction," "transverse direction," and "vertical direction" refer here to the cable guide chain, a link of the cable guide chain, or the separator. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the linking direction of the chain links or the path of the cable guide chain. This is also the direction of the longitudinal extension of the guided cables. The transverse direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to each other and can, in particular, define a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable guide chain. The transverse direction and the vertical direction can be perpendicular to each other.

[0017] A plane that runs perpendicular to the height direction at a certain height is called an elevation plane.

[0018] The positioning area may be formed as an area with a concavity open in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The concavity can, in particular, be formed as a depression or trough on at least one main side of the central part, which is open in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the concave surface would be the surface of the depression or trough.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the concavity may be provided by sections projecting from a main plane of the central portion of the divider in the transverse direction. In this case, the concave surface would be the surface of the projecting sections facing the side flap toward which the sections project.

[0021] The concave surface may have a saddle line or valley floor running in the longitudinal direction. The direction into the depth of the concave surface is the direction from an upper or lower edge of the concave surface to the saddle line or valley floor.

[0022] The concave surface can run continuously from one longitudinal end of the positioning area to the other or can only take up part of the longitudinal extent of the positioning area.

[0023] The concave surface may have the same longitudinal extent at different elevation levels, or it may have a greater longitudinal extent at one elevation level than at another. In particular, the concave surface may have the greatest longitudinal extent near its anticline or valley floor than at its edge regions.

[0024] The concave surface may narrow toward its depth, or toward its saddle line or valley floor. In other words, the concave surface, in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction, in which the height and transverse directions lie, may have a shape that tapers along the transverse direction into the depth of the concave surface. This allows for the positioning of lines of various diameters at a predetermined height.

[0025] Preferably, the tapered shape is always tapered.

[0026] The concave surface of the positioning area can comprise an upper and a lower partial surface, wherein the upper partial surface is arranged above the lower partial surface with respect to the height direction. The upper and lower partial surfaces can each extend obliquely to the height direction, transversely to each other, and toward each other.

[0027] The upper and lower partial surfaces can serve as ramps that guide a cable pressed against the positioning area, for example a cable pressed against a counter surface, towards the valley floor or the saddle line or into the depth of the concave surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the upper partial surface may merge into the lower partial surface. In other embodiments, the upper and lower partial surfaces may be spaced apart from each other so that they do not contact each other.

[0029] The upper and lower partial surfaces can each be essentially planar. They can each be formed as a straight line in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0030] In particular, the straight line corresponding to the upper partial area runs perpendicular to the straight line corresponding to the lower partial area.

[0031] In one embodiment, the concave surface of the positioning area is substantially funnel-shaped, in particular at least predominantly V-shaped, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The V-shape allows the positioning of lines of different diameters at the same height, namely at the height at which lines running along the two limbs of the V-shape meet. The valley floor of the concave surface, which is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, can be rounded or flattened.

[0032] The concave surface of the positioning area can be formed at least partially or in regions, in particular in a longitudinal section, as part of a generally cylindrical surface or a lateral surface of a general cylinder, in particular of a general cylinder whose base surface is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The lateral surface of the general cylinder runs in particular perpendicular to its base surface and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the separating web or the chain link. The base surface of the general cylinder can have various shapes and does not necessarily have to be round. If the base surface has a round shape, the general cylinder is a circular cylinder. The lateral surface of a general cylinder is, in the geometric sense, a ruled surface and can be developed undistorted into a plane, in this case into a plane perpendicular to the height direction.The lateral surface of the general cylinder is formed by straight lines running parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base.

[0033] Preferably, most, and especially all, surface transitions within the concave surface of the positioning area are rounded or flattened. This reduces the risk of damaging the guided cables.

[0034] The concave surface of the positioning region can in particular span a height which is at least one tenth, preferably at least one fifth, particularly preferably at least one third of the separating web height.

[0035] The longitudinal extent of the positioning area or the largest dimension of the positioning area along the longitudinal direction can in particular be greater than or equal to the smallest dimension of the central part of the separating web in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The positioning area can protrude in the longitudinal direction over the narrow sides of the central part.

[0037] Preferably, at least one positioning zone is provided substantially at the center of the divider height. The neutral fiber of the energy chain often runs at the center of the height of the chain link and at the center of the divider installed in the chain link as intended. If the positioning zone is located centrally with respect to the divider height, a cable imprinted on the positioning zone can be positioned approximately at the height of the neutral fiber. In this case, the cable experiences the least tensile or compressive stress during the intended movement of the energy chain.

[0038] The saddle line of the concave surface of at least one positioning area may pass through the center of the divider height.

[0039] A line running longitudinally along the center of the divider height may run on the valley floor of the concave surface.

[0040] The concave surface of the positioning area can be a surface that is continuously concave along the entire longitudinal extent of the positioning area. The concave surface can have a constant cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or a changing cross-section.

[0041] At both longitudinal ends of the concave surface, the concave surface can widen in a trumpet shape. The vertical distance between the upper and lower sections can gradually increase toward the longitudinal ends of the concave surface. This can protect the guided cable from kinking on the longitudinal edges of the positioning area when the chain links are pivoted.

[0042] However, the positioning region may also comprise two or more longitudinal sections which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and each have a concave surface, wherein the two or more longitudinal sections can cooperate to position the at least one line.

[0043] The positioning area may have an upper edge portion with an upper edge and a lower edge portion with a lower edge spaced apart in the height direction. Preferably, the distance in the height direction between the upper and lower edges of the positioning area or the concave surface is greater than the distance in the height direction between any two points on the concave surface of the positioning area. This allows different lines with different diameters to be brought to the same height position in the same positioning area, including adjacent to one another, with the line with the smallest diameter being arranged close to the valley floor.

[0044] The separating web is preferably plate-like and has a main plane in which the longitudinal direction and the height direction lie.

[0045] In one embodiment, the upper and / or lower edge portion of the positioning area protrudes transversely from the main plane, so that the largest dimension of the central portion, including the positioning area, in the transverse direction is larger than the dimension of the foot portion and / or the head portion of the separating web in the transverse direction. This allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the positioning area to be increased, allowing more cables or cables with a larger diameter to be positioned at the height determined by the positioning area.

[0046] The middle part can have a recess on the main side facing away from the positioning area for at least partially receiving the upper or lower edge section of a further separating web, so that the separating web can be mounted next to an identically constructed separating web in such a way that the respective edge section of the separating web is at least partially received in the corresponding recess of the identically constructed separating web. This allows the separating webs to be nested. In particular, they can be positioned so close to one another in the transverse direction that their foot sections or head sections rest on one another, i.e. as close to one another as the width of the foot sections or head sections allows. The width of a foot section or head section of a separating web is understood here to mean the largest dimension of the foot section or head section in the transverse direction, i.e. the dimensions of how far the foot section orthe head part protrudes from the main plane of the central part in the transverse direction.

[0047] In one embodiment, two or more positioning areas, each with a concave surface, can be distributed along the height direction on at least one of the main sides of the central part. This allows the height position of several lines to be determined.

[0048] In one embodiment, at least one positioning area with its own concave surface is provided on each of the two main sides of the central part. Such a separating web, in conjunction with other separating webs, in particular with conventional separating webs without a positioning area, and / or with side parts, can position one or more guided cables vertically on both sides with respect to the transverse direction.

[0049] The central part can be formed symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the height direction. In particular, the central part can be formed symmetrically with respect to the plane passing through the center of the divider height.

[0050] The headboard and the footboard can each have a holder which is designed in the form of a retaining clip for interaction with the narrow sides of a crossbar.

[0051] The holder of the foot part can be designed for positive and / or force-fitting attachment to one of the crossbars.

[0052] The headboard holder can be designed to loosely engage the opposite crossbar. This prevents the divider from tilting about an axis running along the crossbar in the transverse direction. This allows the upper crossbar, i.e., the crossbar with which the headboard interacts, to be easily opened. The divider can remain on the lower crossbar.

[0053] The chain link can have an additional separating web to press a cable against the positioning area of ​​the at least one separating web and to position it at a predetermined height within the chain link with respect to the vertical direction. The additional separating web does not necessarily have to be of the same construction. It can also be designed as a conventional separating web without the concave surface. The other separating web can thus provide a counter surface for pressing the guided cable against the positioning area of ​​the separating web according to the invention.

[0054] The chain link can further comprise a tensioning device that presses or tensions the separating webs against each other in the transverse direction. The tensioning device can be designed, in particular, to exert a restoring force on the separating webs along the transverse direction in order to counteract any separation of the separating webs from one another in the transverse direction, in particular any tilting of the separating webs about an axis running in the longitudinal direction. Due to the action of the guided cables, the separating webs can tend to separate from one another along the transverse direction. The tensioning device can help hold the separating webs in the intended position within the chain link. The tensioning device can be designed, for example, as an elastic band, cable tie, or similar.

[0055] The invention further relates to an energy guiding chain comprising chain links which are designed according to at least one of the embodiments described above, or comprising separating webs which are designed according to at least one of the embodiments described above.

[0056] The invention also relates to the use of multiple dividers according to one of the above-described embodiments for equipping or retrofitting a cable drag chain with internal separation. The dividers can be mounted on the lower crossbar at desired distances from each other in the transverse direction, so that the distances between the dividers are selected depending on the diameters of the cables to be guided. A tensioning device can be used to maintain the selected position.

[0057] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention 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. 1: a schematic side view of an energy chain; Fig. 2: a front view along the longitudinal direction of a chain link of the energy chain according to the invention equipped with cables and separating webs purely as an example. Fig. 1, wherein the separating webs are designed according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3A-3D: an embodiment of a separating web according to the invention in a side view along the arrow A ( Fig. 3A), in a front view along the longitudinal direction ( Fig. 3B), in a side view along the arrow C ( Fig. 3C), and in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction along the plane KK ( Fig. 3D).

[0058] Fig. 1 schematically shows an energy guiding chain 1 in an operating position in side view along the transverse direction Q. The energy guiding chain 1 is for the active guiding of lines, such as cables 17 and hoses 16 ( Fig. 2), and moves along the travel path 2 extending in the longitudinal direction L between two connection points that move relative to one another, in the example shown between a fixed point 3 and a movable connection point 4 on a machine. The movable connection point 4 moves back and forth along the travel path 2. The energy guide chain 1 is composed of a plurality of chain links 10 that are linked together in the longitudinal direction L. The chain links 10 are pivotally connected to one another so that the energy guide chain 1 can move back and forth to form an upper run 5, a lower run 6 and a deflection bend 7. Individual chain links change their position from the upper run 5 to the deflection bend 7 and to the lower run 6 when the energy guide chain 1 follows the movement of the movable connection point 4 in order to guide the machine through the guided cables orSupply lines 16, 17 are used to supply media such as electricity or liquids. The upper run 5 is spaced from the lower run in the vertical direction H. The travel path 2 in . Fig. 1 is horizontal. Energy chains can also travel along vertical paths, but the terms upper run / lower run are still used. The vertical direction H is therefore the direction in which the upper run is spaced from the lower run.

[0059] Fig. 2 illustrates in a front view along the longitudinal direction L a chain link 10 of the energy guide chain 1 according to Fig. 1. The chain links 10 each have at least two side plates 11a, 11b spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction Q. In each or, for example, every second chain link 10, the side plates 11a, 11b are firmly connected by two parallel crosspieces 12a, 12b to form a stable framework and are held at a distance in the transverse direction Q of the energy guide chain 1 and, in the example shown, parallel to one another. The crosspieces 12a, 12b are detachably fastened to the side plates 11a, 11b by means of end-side fastening areas, e.g., by means of clamping receptacles on horns (not shown) of the side plates 11a, 11b. The crosspieces 12a, 12b of a chain link 10 are spaced apart from one another in the height direction H, so that one of the crosspieces is called the upper crosspiece 12a (above in Fig. 2) and the other the lower crosspiece 12b (below in Fig. 2). The crosspieces 12a, 12b are identical in the present example, but they can also be different. The upper crosspiece 12a can, for example, be designed as an opening piece and be pivotably attached to at least one of the side plates 11a, 11b. The side plates 11a, 11b and crosspieces 12a, 12b define a guide channel 14 for the cables or supply lines 16, 17 to be guided. The structure of a chain link 10 of an energy guide chain 1 is known and can be arbitrary, e.g. with offset side plates or alternating inner and outer plates as side plates 11a, 11b. In particular, two-part chain links are also conceivable, in which the two side plates and a crosspiece are made from one piece, i.e., in one piece, and only the other crosspiece is detachable (not shown). In the example shown, both crosspieces 12a, 12b are detachably connected to the side plates 11a, 11b, iecan be separated from the side flaps 11a, 11b without destruction.

[0060] Fig. Figure 2 further shows four separating webs 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lines 16, 17 are guided in the partial guide channels 19, which are defined within the guide channel 14 by the separating webs 20 and extend between the separating webs 20 in the longitudinal direction L. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the lines 16, 17 in the example shown are guided at the middle height of the chain link 10, centrally between the two transverse webs 12a, 12b and at the middle height of the side plates 11a, 11b. The transverse webs 12a, 12b are plate-like with two main sides, one of which faces the guide channel 14, and two narrow sides 21 connecting the main sides. The narrow sides 21 each have a holding device 22 for holding the separating webs 20 and for positioning the separating webs 20 with respect to the transverse direction Q. In the example shown, the holding devices 22 are designed as toothed strips.

[0061] The separating webs 20 are also tensioned against each other by a tensioning device, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as the rubber band 18. The rubber band 18 can be slipped over the separating webs after the cables 16, 17 are laid between the separating webs 20 and before the upper cross web 12a is brought into its illustrated position.

[0062] Fig. 3A-3D show the embodiment of the separating web 20 according to the invention according to Fig. 2 in different views. Fig. Figure 3A shows a side view of the separating web 20 along the transverse direction Q, as shown by arrow A. The plane of the Fig. 3A is perpendicular to the transverse direction Q. Fig. 3B shows the separating web 20 in front view along the longitudinal direction L. Fig. 3C shows the separating web 20 in a further side view along the transverse direction Q, as indicated by arrow C. The separating web 20 has a head part 31, a middle part 32, and a foot part 33, wherein the middle part 32 is the part of the separating web 20 that extends, with respect to the height direction H, between the head part 31 and the foot part 33. The head part 31 and the foot part 33 each have a holder in the form of a retaining clip for positioning the separating web 20 on the transverse webs 12a, 12b. Other types of holders are also possible. The respective retaining clip has two retaining extensions 35, 36 projecting in the height direction H and spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction L. The distance between the holding projections 35, 36 corresponds to the width of the crossbar 12a, 12b, ie the dimension of the crossbar 12a, 12b along the longitudinal direction L, or the distance from one narrow side 21 of the crossbar 12a, 12b to the other.This allows the retaining clip to grip the narrow sides 21 of the crosspiece 12a, 12b. The retaining clips of the head section 31 and the foot section 33 can be identical in construction, but this is not the case in the illustrated embodiment.

[0063] In the installed position of the separator 20, as shown in Fig. 2, the holding projections 35 of the head part 31 protrude on both narrow sides 21 of the upper crosspiece 12a in the height direction H. The upper crosspiece 12a lies between the holding projections 35 of the head part 31. This sterically prevents the separating web 20 from tilting in the longitudinal direction L.

[0064] The holding extensions 36 of the holding clip 34 of the foot part 33, on the other hand, each have a toothed projection 37 which projects in the longitudinal direction L towards the opposite toothed projection 37. The toothed projections 37 are designed for positive and / or non-positive interaction with the holding device 22 on the respective narrow side of the lower crosspiece 12b. If the holding devices 22 have toothed strips, as in the example shown, the toothed projections 37 engage in the toothed strips. This allows the separating strip 20 to be fixed in a specific position with respect to the transverse direction Q on the lower crosspiece 12b. The foot part is often (but not in the example shown) wider, i.e. has a larger dimension in the transverse direction Q than the middle part and than the head part, in order to ensure a stable hold of the separating strip 20 on the lower crosspiece 12b.

[0065] The central part 32 is plate-like and has a main plane in which the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H lie. The central part 32 has two main sides 38a, 38b and two narrow end faces or narrow sides 39a, 39b. Fig. 3B shows one of the narrow sides 39a, which lies in the plane through which the height direction H and the transverse direction Q run. One of the main sides of the central part 32, the main side 38a, is the Fig. 2 right side flap 11a, and the other main side 38b of the middle part 32 is the Fig. 2 facing left side flap 11b.

[0066] The main side 38a of the central part 32 has a positioning area 40 which, in the example shown, is arranged at a medium height with respect to the divider height and comprises three subsections: a recess 41 and two edge sections 46, 48 projecting in the transverse direction Q. The edge sections 46, 48 are arranged above and below the recess 41 with respect to the height direction H, ie the upper edge section 46 is arranged close to the head part 31 and the lower edge section 48 is arranged close to the foot part 33.

[0067] The recess 41 arranged centrally between the edge sections 46, 48 is formed on the main side 38a, runs in the longitudinal direction L and opens into the two narrow sides 39a, 39b of the central part 32. The recess 41 has a constant cross-sectional shape in its central region with respect to the longitudinal direction L, which widens towards the narrow sides 39a, 39b in order to avoid sharp edges and kinking of the cables to be guided.

[0068] The upper edge portion 46 has an upper edge 47, and the lower edge portion 48 has a lower edge 49. The upper edge portion 46 merges directly into the recess 41, and the recess 41 merges directly into the lower edge portion 48. Together, the edge portions 46, 48 and the recess 41 provide a concave surface 42 that extends, with respect to the height direction H, from the upper edge 47 to the lower edge 49 and spans a height that is more than half the divider height.

[0069] With respect to the longitudinal direction L, the concave surface 42 extends, at least in its central height region provided by the recess 41, from one narrow side 39a of the central part 32 to the other narrow side 39b and is continuously concave. In the upper and lower height regions provided by the upper and lower edge sections 46, 48 projecting in the transverse direction Q, respectively, the concave surface 42 has a shorter longitudinal extent or extension along the longitudinal direction L than in its central height region because the ridge sections 46, 48 projecting in the transverse direction Q are only present centrally. In other embodiments not shown, however, the edge sections can extend from one narrow side to the other or even protrude beyond the narrow sides in the longitudinal direction L.In other embodiments, the positioning area may be formed without a recess and only by sections projecting from the main side in the transverse direction Q. Alternatively, the positioning area may be formed only by recesses in a main side and without projecting edge sections.

[0070] The concave surface 42 is recessed in the transverse direction Q and has a greater depth centrally with respect to the longitudinal direction L than at its longitudinal ends, also because the ridge sections 46, 48 projecting in the transverse direction Q, which also contribute to the depth of the concave surface 42, are only present centrally with respect to the longitudinal direction L.

[0071] The concave surface 42 has a valley floor 43 on which the saddle line 45 lies, which runs through the lowest points of the concave surface 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the valley floor 43 is rounded in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In other embodiments, the valley floor may be flat, so that no individual saddle line can be defined. As shown in Fig. 3A, the valley floor 43 extends straight in the longitudinal direction L from one narrow side 39a to the other narrow side 39b, approximately at the middle height of the separating web 20, approximately equally spaced from the upper edge 47 of the positioning area 40, as well as from the lower edge 49 of the positioning area 40. The valley floor 43 and the saddle line 45 of the concave surface 42 are also approximately equally spaced from the upper and lower ends of the separating web 20, so that when the separating web 20 is installed in the normal operating state within a chain link 10, the valley floor 43 and the saddle line 45 run approximately centrally with respect to the height of the side plates 11a, 11b and at the height of the neutral axis.

[0072] As in Fig. 3C, the central part 32 has, on the main side 38b facing away from the positioning area 40 or the concave surface 42, two blind hole-like recesses 56, 58 which are recessed in the transverse direction Q and are suitable for at least partially receiving the edge sections 46, 48 of a further separating web 20 projecting in the transverse direction Q. This allows, as shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the identically constructed dividers 20 arranged side by side are positioned so close together that they are nested, allowing even thinner cables 16, 17 to be held between the dividers 20 at the height of the partial bases 43. To accommodate larger cables or cables with a larger diameter, the dividers 20 can be positioned further apart from each other. Thus, the dividers 20 allow for a high degree of flexibility in the internal layout and are suitable for cables of different diameters.

[0073] Fig. 3D shows a cross-section of the separating web 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and along the section line KK ( Fig. 3C). The concave surface 42 has a V-shaped cross-section with an upper partial surface 42a and a lower partial surface 42b, each of which runs obliquely to the height direction H and corresponds in cross-section to the two legs of the V. The partial surfaces 42a, 42b merge into one another via the rounded valley floor 43. This figure provides the most illustrative description of the use of the separating web 20.

[0074] The separating web 20 is mounted in a chain link 10 on the lower crosspiece 12b by means of the base part 33. The cable 16 running through the guide channel 14 of the chain link can initially be located approximately at the height of the upper edge region 46 or at the height of the lower edge region 48 of the positioning region 40. The separating web 20 is then adjusted to the side of the transverse direction Q facing the concave surface 42 of the positioning region 40, specifically against another separating web 20 located on the side or the side flap 11b, which provide a counter surface. The cable is pressed by this counter surface against the concave surface 42 of the positioning region 40 and guided along the upper partial surface 42a or the lower partial surface 42b of the concave surface 42 to the partial base 43. The separating bar 20 is placed as close to the other separating bar orpushed onto the side plate 11b so that the cable is positioned approximately at the height of the valley floor 43 and aligned parallel to the valley floor 43. The cable does not necessarily have to be clamped and can be guided in the partial guide channel 19 between the partial surfaces 42a, 42b and the counter surface so that it can move in the longitudinal direction L. A displacement of the guided cable in the vertical direction H is prevented by the partial surfaces 42a, 42b. The partial surfaces 42a, 42b of the concave surface 42 thus at least partially fulfill the function of the compartment floors or shelves mentioned above. The position of the guided cable in the cross-section of the chain link with respect to the transverse direction Q is determined by the position of the two separating webs or the separating web 20 and the side part 11b.The separating webs 20 can be moved as close to one another as the extension of the edge regions 46, 48 in the transverse direction Q, the depth of the recesses 56, 58, and the dimensions of the foot part 33 or the head part 31 in the transverse direction Q allow.

[0075] The position of the guided line 16, 17 in the cross-section of the chain link 10 with respect to the height direction H is determined by the following parameters: the height position of the two partial surfaces 42a, 42b and, accordingly, the valley floor 43, as well as the angle or inclination angle α a , α b , under which the two partial surfaces 42a, 42b are inclined to a central plane which runs through the saddle line 45 perpendicular to the height direction H. In the example shown, the angles α a , α bidentical. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning area 40 and its concave surface 42 are symmetrical with respect to the center plane, which runs through the saddle line 45 perpendicular to the height direction H. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning area 40 and its concave surface 42, as well as the entire separating web 20, are symmetrical with respect to a plane that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0076] It is possible to use the separating webs 20 as at least partial strain relief in some chain links if the separating webs 20 can be moved so close to each other and the guided cable can be pressed against the concave surface 42 in such a way that the movement of the guided cable in the longitudinal direction L is prevented. List of reference symbols 1 energy chain 2 Travel path of the energy chain 3 fixed point 4 Movable connection point 5 Upper strand 6 lower strand 7 Deflection bend 10 chain links 11a, 11b side flaps 12a, 12b Crosspieces 14 Guide channel of the chain link 16, 17 guided lines 18 rubber band 19 Partial guide channel 20 divider 21 Narrow sides of the crossbar 22 Holding device of the crossbar 31 Head part of the divider 32 Middle part of the divider 33 Foot part of the divider 34 Footrest retaining clip 35 retaining processes of the head part 36 holding processes of the foot part 37 tooth protrusions 38a, 38b Main pages of the middle section 39a, 39b Narrow sides of the middle part 40 positioning range 41 Deepening 42 concave surface of the positioning area 42a upper part of the concave surface 42b lower part of the concave surface 43 Valley floor of the concave surface 45 Saddle line of the concave surface 46 upper edge section of the positioning area 47 upper edge of the upper edge section 48 lower edge section of the positioning area 49 lower edge of the lower margin section 56 upper recess 58 lower recess α a , α b Inclination angle of the partial surfaces H Altitude direction L longitudinal direction Q transverse direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 4313242A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Chain link (10) for an energy guide chain (1) with a plurality of chain links pivotably connected to one another, the chain link (10) comprising - two side flaps (11a, 11b) spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction (Q), which are connected to one another by two transverse webs (12a, 12b) spaced apart from one another in a height direction (H), wherein the side flaps (11a, 11b) and the transverse webs (12a, 12b) delimit a guide channel (14) open in a longitudinal direction (L) for guiding lines (16, 17), and - at least one separating web (20) which has a head part (31), a foot part (33) and a central part (32), wherein the central part (32) is arranged between the head part (31) and the foot part (33) with respect to the height direction (H), wherein the foot part (33) comprises a holder (34) for holding on one of the transverse webs (12a, 12b), wherein the central part (32) has two main sides (38a, 38b) facing away from one another and each facing one of the side flaps (11a, 11b), characterized by that the separating web (20) has at least one positioning area (40) with a concave surface (42) on at least one of the main sides (38a, 38b) of the central part (32), which positioning area is designed such that a line (16, 17) pressed against the positioning area (40) is positioned at a predetermined height within the chain link (10) with respect to the height direction (H) and is aligned on this main side (38a, 38b) in the longitudinal direction (L). [2] Separating web (20) for a chain link (10) of an energy guide chain (1), wherein the chain link (10) has two side plates (11a, 11b) spaced apart from one another in a transverse direction (Q), which are connected to one another by two transverse webs (12a, 12b) spaced apart from one another in a height direction (H), wherein the side plates (11a, 11b) and the transverse webs (12a, 12b) delimit a guide channel (14) open in a longitudinal direction (L) for guiding cables (16, 17), wherein the separating web (20) has a head part (31), a foot part (33) and a middle part (32), wherein the middle part (32) is arranged between the head part (31) and the foot part (33) with respect to the height direction (H), wherein the foot part (33) has a holder (34) for holding on one of the Crossbars (12a, 12b), wherein the central part (32) has two main sides facing away from each other (38, 39), which in the properly assembled state of the separating web (20) each correspond to one of the side flaps (11a,11b) are facing, characterized by that the separating web (20) has at least one positioning area (40) with a concave surface (42) on at least one of the main sides (38a, 38b) of the central part (32), which positioning area is designed such that a line (16, 17) pressed against the positioning area (40) is positioned at a predetermined height within the chain link (10) with respect to the height direction (H) and is aligned on this main side (38a, 38b) in the longitudinal direction (L). [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (42) of the positioning region (40) comprises an upper and a lower partial surface (42a, 42b), wherein the upper partial surface (42a) is arranged above the lower partial surface (42b) with respect to the height direction (H), wherein the upper and lower partial surfaces (42a, 42b) each extend obliquely to the height direction (H), transversely to one another and towards one another and in particular merge into one another. [4] The device of claim 3, wherein the upper and lower partial surfaces (42a, 42b) are each substantially planar. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (42) of the positioning region (40) is substantially funnel-shaped, in particular at least predominantly V-shaped, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (42) of the positioning region (40) is at least partially formed as part of a generally cylindrical surface. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein most, in particular all, surface transitions within the concave surface (42) of the positioning area (40) are rounded or flattened. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (42) of the positioning region (40) spans a height which is at least one tenth, in particular at least one fifth, preferably at least one third of the separating web height; and / or the longitudinal extent of the positioning region (40) is greater than or equal to the smallest dimension of the central part (32) of the separating web (20) in the longitudinal direction (L). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one positioning region (40) is provided substantially in the middle of the separating web height, and / or wherein the saddle line (45) of the concave surface (42) of the at least one positioning region (40) runs through the middle of the separating web height. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (42) of the positioning region (40) is a surface which is continuously concave along the entire longitudinal extent of the positioning region (40); or wherein the positioning region (40) comprises two or more longitudinal sections which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (L) and each have a concave surface (42), the two or more longitudinal sections cooperating for positioning the at least one line (16, 17). [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning area (40) has an upper edge section (46) with an upper edge (47) and a lower edge section (48) spaced therefrom in the height direction (H) with a lower edge (49), wherein the distance in the height direction (H) between the upper and the lower edge (47, 49) is greater than the distance in the height direction (H) between any two points on the concave surface (42) of the positioning area (40). [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating web (20) is plate-like and has a main plane in which the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) lie, wherein the upper and / or lower edge section (46, 48) of the positioning region (40) projects in the transverse direction (Q) from the main plane, so that the largest dimension of the central part (32) in the transverse direction (Q) is larger than the dimension of the foot part (33) and / or the head part (31) in the transverse direction (Q). [13] Device according to claim 12, wherein the central part (32) on the main side (39) facing away from the positioning area (40) has a respective recess (56, 58) for at least partially receiving the upper or lower edge section (46, 48) of a further separating web (20), so that the separating web (20) can be mounted next to an identically constructed separating web (20) in such a way that the respective edge section (46, 48) of the separating web (20) can be at least partially received in the corresponding recess (56, 58) of the identically constructed separating web (20). [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - at least on one of the main sides (38a, 38b) of the central part (32) two or more positioning areas (40) with a concave surface (42) are distributed along the height direction (H); and / or - at least one positioning area (40) with a concave surface (42) is provided on each of the two main sides (38a, 38b) of the central part (32). [15] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (32) is formed symmetrically with respect to a plane which runs perpendicular to the height direction (H), in particular with respect to the plane which runs through the center of the separating web height. [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head part (31) and the foot part (33) each have a holder in the form of a retaining clip for cooperating with the narrow sides (21) of a transverse web (12a, 12b). [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (34) of the foot part (33) is designed for positive and / or non-positive fastening to one of the transverse webs (12b). [18] Device according to claim 17, wherein the holder of the head part (31) is designed to loosely engage around the opposite transverse web (12a). [19] Chain link (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further separating web (20) for pressing a line (16, 17) against the positioning region (40) of the at least one separating web (20) and for positioning it at a predetermined height within the chain link (10) with respect to the height direction (H). [20] Chain link (10) according to claim 19, further comprising a tensioning device (18) which presses or tensions the separating webs (20) against each other in the transverse direction. [21] Energy guiding chain (10) comprising chain links (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16. [22] Use of several separating webs (20) according to one of claims 2 to 18 for equipping or retrofitting an internal division in an energy guide chain (1).

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