Energy chain for long travel distances, as well as chain link and tab for this purpose

Abstract

Energy supply chain (1) for guiding lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like, between two connection points, with a number of chain links (10) each comprising two opposing tabs (102), wherein in at least some chain links the tabs (102) are connected to each other via at least one crossbar (11), wherein each tab has a tab body (101), in particular a one-piece tab body made of plastic, with two overlapping sections and an intermediate central section, wherein two tabs connected in a longitudinal direction (L) of the energy chain (1) are each connected to each other with corresponding overlapping sections in an overlapping manner and pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis (A), and the energy chain (1) is movable such that it forms a loop consisting of a lower run (2), an upper run (3) and a deflection area (4) connecting them, wherein an inner narrow side (103) of the tabs is directed towards the inside of the loop and an outer narrow side (105) towards the outside of the loop, wherein the inner narrow sides (103) of the tabs in an extended configuration have a running surface (F) on which the opposite run can slide, characterized by the fact that at least a part of the tabs (102) each have at least on their inner narrow sides (103) a widening strip (107) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and is manufactured in one piece with the tab body (101), wherein the widening strip (107) projects laterally opposite a region (M) of the central section of the tab body (101) located between the narrow sides, and that an outer surface of the widening strip forms at least a part of the running surface (F) for the opposite other section of the energy guidance chain (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of energy chains for the dynamic guidance of cables between two relatively movable connection points. Energy chains typically have chain links with two opposing tabs (also called side tabs or side pieces) which are connected to each other by at least one, usually two, crossbars, either permanently or detachably. The chain links define an internal receiving space for guiding cables, such as cables for electrical signal or power supply, or pneumatic or hydraulic hoses.

[0002] The present invention relates to the construction or design of the chain links individually, and in particular links made of plastic, especially preferably by injection molding.

[0003] For energy chains used in long travel distances, such as those found on port cranes, which can easily be several hundred meters long, it is typically designed so that the upper run of the energy chain either slides or rolls on the lower run. Energy chains with rollers for rolling have proven effective in practice, but are very expensive to manufacture.

[0004] In contrast, sliding energy chains are less expensive to manufacture. The present invention relates primarily, but not exclusively, to sliding energy chains, i.e., energy chains in which the upper run can slide on the lower run.

[0005] Due to the sliding of the chain links against each other, wear occurs at the respective contact surfaces. It has therefore been proposed to equip the side plates of the chain links with replaceable sliding skids (also called sliding shoes).

[0006] A relevant parameter for stable running and reduced wear is the effective width of the running surfaces on which the chain links slide against each other. Therefore, it is common practice to design the sliding skids or shoes so that a wider running surface is provided on the sliding skids or shoes compared to the narrow side of the plates. An example of such a design is disclosed in WO 2007 / 121716 A1.

[0007] However, providing separate gliding skids or gliding shoes results in additional manufacturing effort and additional costs.

[0008] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose an improved design of the tabs of an energy chain which, with favorable sliding properties, makes it possible to reduce the overall manufacturing costs of the energy chain.

[0009] This is achieved by an energy chain with the features according to claim 1, a chain link of an energy chain with the features according to claim 14, and by a tab with the features according to claim 16. Advantageous further developments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] The proposed tab, by its generic nature, has a tab body, in particular a one-piece tab body made of plastic, which forms two end-end overlapping sections and an intermediate central section. The tab is typically designed such that two tabs connected in a longitudinal direction of the energy chain can be connected to each other, or are connected, with their corresponding overlapping sections overlapping each other and pivoting relative to each other about a pivot axis.

[0011] This allows the entire energy chain to be moved in such a way that it forms a loop consisting of a lower run, an upper run and a deflection area connecting these two runs.

[0012] One inner narrow side of the tabs faces the inside of the loop (radially inwards in the deflection arc). One outer narrow side of the tab faces the outside of the loop (radially outwards in the deflection arc).

[0013] In sliding energy chains for long travel distances, the inner narrow side of the links is typically designed so that, in the extended configuration of the chain, it forms a running surface that is as flat as possible, allowing the opposite strand to slide or, in the case of a roller chain, roll. The strands can thus slide or roll against each other via the running surface located on the inside of the loop or deflection bend.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least some of the links, in particular at least those links in the longitudinal section of the energy chain on which the opposite strand can slide (or roll), each have a pronounced widening strip at least on their inner narrow sides, which allows for a wider running surface. The widening strip extends longitudinally and, according to the first aspect, is formed integrally with the link body. The widening strip can, in particular, project laterally from a region of the central section of the link body located between the narrow sides.

[0015] In this way, the outer surface of the widening strip can form at least part of the running surface formed by the narrow side of the tab for the opposite or other section of the energy supply chain.

[0016] A key concept, according to the first aspect, is to enable an additional width of the running surface on the inner narrow side by means of an extension strip manufactured as a single unit with the tab body. In other words, tabs with such extension strips allow for a wider running surface without the need for additional skids. The extension strip can be produced cost-effectively together with the actual tab in a single manufacturing step, particularly using injection molding. Preferably, the extension strip can be manufactured from the same material as the rest of the tab body in the same molding step. An extension strip that is a single unit with the tab body can also be injection molded. Preferably, however, the tab is manufactured from a single material: a thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers.

[0017] The proposed widening strip, which is manufactured as a single piece with the tab, allows for material savings, at least in the central section of the side tabs, when designed as a stiffening strut on the tab body. The central section refers specifically to the part of the tabs located between the overlapping sections; these connect longitudinally and, therefore, do not overlap laterally with any other tab within the tab strand.

[0018] According to one embodiment, it is therefore proposed that the area of ​​the central section of the tab body located between the narrow sides has a reduced width dimension, in particular with regard to the maximum width of the tab in this area, such that the running surface on the narrow side - including the widening strip - has a minimum width which is at least 120% or at least 1.2 times the reduced width dimension in the central section of the tab body.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, material savings can be achieved in the area between the narrow sides of the central section of the tab body, such that one or more material-saving sub-areas in this region of the tab body have a significantly reduced wall thickness, particularly measured in the width direction. In particular, the wall thickness can be reduced such that the running surface, including the widening strip, has a minimum width that is at least twice or at least 200%, and especially preferably at least 2.5 times or 250%, of the reduced wall thickness in the material-saving sub-area.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment with increased lateral stabilization transverse to the longitudinal direction, it is provided that of any two longitudinally adjacent or connected tabs, one tab engages behind a projecting retaining projection on the other tab with a guide area extending parallel to the pivot plane and preferably circular arc-shaped. To achieve small bending radii, it is preferably provided that the retaining projection is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the tabs. For this purpose, the retaining projection can, for example, be rotated about the pivot axis opposite to the pivot direction or offset towards the outer narrow side.

[0021] To maximize the running surface, it is advantageous if the widening strip extends continuously in the longitudinal direction at least over the length of the central section and preferably also over a predominant proportion of the length of one of the two overlapping sections.

[0022] The widening strip can extend longitudinally, in particular over a length of at least 50% of the total length of the link, measured in the longitudinal center plane of the link. Most preferably, the widening strip extends over a length of at least 75%, and preferably at least 80%, of the chain pitch of the energy chain. The chain pitch corresponds to the center distance between two successive pivot axes of the articulated chain links.

[0023] To avoid disruptive edges on the inside of the chain links, it is preferably provided that the widening strip projects only on one side, in particular only on the side of the tab facing away from the receiving space within the chain links.

[0024] Although the invention can in principle also be applied to energy chains with alternating inner and outer links, particularly cost-effective manufacturing can be achieved if the links are designed as cranked links. Cranked links typically have a first overlap section at one end pointing away from the receiving space of the chain links and a second overlap section at the other end of the link pointing towards the receiving space. The cranking of the links in a top view results from the fact that the first overlap section is laterally offset relative to the second overlap section. Here, the first and second overlap sections are designed to correspond to each other, in particular with a pivot pin in one overlap section and a pivot receptacle in the other corresponding overlap section to form a pivot joint between the links or chain links.

[0025] Particularly when using offset links, it is advantageous to use identical offset links in both link strands of the energy chain. In other words, it is advantageous if the links are designed such that the links in one link strand are structurally identical to the links in the other link strand with respect to the respective chain link, with one link rotated 180° around its vertical center axis relative to the other link.

[0026] To achieve cost-effective energy chains, a relatively large chain pitch is advantageous. This can be achieved if the links are designed such that the ratio of the link's outer height to the chain pitch (H / T) is less than or equal to 0.9 or ≤ 90%, and in particular ≤ 0.8 or ≤ 80%. This can be achieved, especially in injection-molded parts, by appropriately dimensioning the central section between the approximately circular overlap sections, resulting in distinctly elongated, rounded chain links with a large distance between the pivot axes. The longitudinal dimension of the central section can, for example, represent a proportion of the total longitudinal length of the link, particularly when considered in the longitudinal center plane of the link, which corresponds to at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of a corresponding longitudinal dimension of one of the overlap sections.The two overlapping sections of a tab preferably have essentially identical dimensions in the longitudinal direction, particularly measured in the longitudinal median plane.

[0027] For lateral stabilization, it is advantageous if, in the case of two longitudinally connected tabs, one tab engages with a first guide area behind a first retaining projection of the other tab, and the other tab additionally engages with a second guide area behind a second retaining projection of the first-mentioned tab. The retaining projections act as a restraint in the lateral direction, approximately perpendicular to the main extension plane of the tab body.

[0028] To facilitate assembly, it is particularly advantageous that at least one of the two retaining projections is designed to snap into the corresponding guide area. For this purpose, the retaining projection can, for example, be formed on an elastically deformable locking tongue.

[0029] For a particularly stable construction of the side plates, especially with regard to torsion and deflection of the upper run, it is advantageous if each plate has an inner widening strip on its inner narrow side and an additional outer widening strip on its outer narrow side. This allows for a cross-sectional shape similar to a U-beam, with a central area, optionally featuring material cutouts or reduced wall thicknesses, serving as a web and the strips acting as flanges in the sense of a typical beam geometry.

[0030] When using widening strips on both narrow sides, it is advantageous if the widening strip on the inner narrow side, which serves as part of the running surface, runs at least substantially or exactly parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and a pivot axis of the joint connection between the chain links.

[0031] To reduce noise when the energy chain rolls, it is advantageous if the widening strip on the outer narrow side of the link generally runs longitudinally, but is curved radially outwards or forms a radially curved outer surface. This reduces the polygon effect during rolling and thus reduces noise and wear in the joints.

[0032] The proposed invention is particularly advantageous when each tab is manufactured as a one-piece plastic tab body. The tab body or tab can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively using injection molding from a thermoplastic. For stable side tabs with simultaneously reduced material usage, it is advantageous to use a thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers.

[0033] The tab can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively if the tab body as a whole has an undercut-free geometry, i.e., a tab whose geometry is designed without undercuts, so that the tab can be manufactured in an injection mold without a slide, i.e., tool-wise from two simple, slide-less injection mold halves.

[0034] The invention further relates to a chain link for an energy supply chain according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0035] Furthermore, the invention relates to a tab for manufacturing a chain link (side tab taken on its own) with the tab-related features according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0036] The proposed chain link or tab can advantageously be further developed by one or more of the advantageous features described above relating to the chain link or tab, or may have one or more features from one of the attached subclaims.

[0037] All of the features of the energy chain, the chain link, and in particular the tab, presented above as advantageous, are each, individually or in combination, to be considered essential to the invention and can, in particular, be made the subject of a divisional application. In principle, advantageous features of all aspects described herein and of the dependent claims can be combined with one another and, in such combination, are also to be understood as essential to the invention in themselves.

[0038] An energy chain, in particular a sliding chain, as defined in the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for use in long travel distances, e.g. for travel distances longer than 20m, in particular longer than 50m.

[0039] One of many possible industrial applications is energy supply chains on crane systems, especially on cranes for port facilities such as ship unloading cranes.

[0040] Further features and advantages of the invention can be seen, without limiting the scope of protection, in the following, more detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These show purely exemplary examples: Fig. 1: a schematic side view of an energy chain for long travel distances, with a sliding or rolling upper run as known from the prior art; Fig. 2A-2B: Perspective views of a tab according to the invention, with a one-piece tab body made of plastic, for manufacturing a chain link for an energy chain; Fig. 3A-3E: Perspective views of a section of an energy supply chain according to the invention with two link strands consisting of identical links ( Fig. 3E) as well as enlarged partial views of a rear grip from the outside, shown in extension ( Fig. 3A) and fully angled position ( Fig. 3C), as well as an inside back grip, shown in stretched position ( Fig. 3B) and fully angled position ( Fig. 3D); Fig. 4A-4B: a cross-section ( Fig. 4A) through a tab to Fig. 2-3 corresponding to the mean elevation level (AA, in Fig. 4B) and a side view of a tab strand in stretched position ( Fig. 4B); and Fig. 5: a perspective view of the tab according to the invention (analogous to Fig. 2B) with several longitudinal sections (NN; PP; RR) through the tab at different heights of the tab to illustrate the structure of the tab body, in particular a first rigid retaining projection and a second elastically deformable retaining projection to form a snap connection.

[0041] Fig. Figure 1 shows an energy supply chain 1 for guiding supply lines (not shown), with a plurality of chain links 10 articulated together in the longitudinal direction L, here in a design known per se. The chain links 10 are pivotable relative to each other, each about a pivot axis perpendicular to the plane of travel (plane of the Fig. 1) Thus, the energy supply chain 1 can be moved back and forth, variably forming a loop that includes an upper run 3, a lower run 2, and a connecting deflection arc or deflection section 4. In the example from Fig. 1. The chain links 10 of the upper run 3 slide on the opposite lower run 2 with the narrow sides of the tabs facing the inside of the loop. For this purpose, the inner narrow sides of the tabs form a running surface F that is as continuous as possible (cf. e.g. Fig. 3E below), by means of which the chain links 10 slide against each other in a section of the travel path, or, if rollers are provided on some chain links, roll along. In addition, the chain links 10 of the upper run 3 can slide or roll along a separate support surface 6, e.g., a guide rail or a sliding plate on a guide channel. Fig. Figure 1 also schematically shows a fixed point 5 as a stationary connection point and a driver 7 as a movable connection point and a side wall of a guide channel 8 for the lateral guidance of the movable section, here the upper section 3. The invention relates primarily, but not exclusively, to a sliding energy chain 1 for long travel distances, whereby a long travel distance is understood in particular to mean a travel distance with a length ≥50m.

[0042] For long travel distances, a long energy supply chain 1 with a correspondingly high number of chain links is required. With a central power supply or a centrally located fixed point 5 in the travel distance, the total length of the chain is at least half the length of the travel distance, e.g., at least 25 m.

[0043] An energy supply chain 1 according to the invention is now described using the Fig. 2-5 described in more detail. How Fig. Figure 3E shows that the chain consists of a number of chain links 10, each comprising two opposing plates 102. A fully continuous construction is shown here, in which two plates 102 (also called side plates or side parts) are connected to each other parallel and firmly to form a chain link 10 on all chain links 10 via two crossbars 11. Half-link chains or chains with only one crossbar (not shown) per chain link are also within the scope of the invention. As shown in Fig. 3E, regardless of their number, the crossbars hold two laterally spaced tab strands made of tabs 102 parallel to each other, so that a receiving space for the conductors to be guided (not shown) is formed between them.

[0044] How Fig. Figures 2A-2B show that each tab 102 has a one-piece tab body 101, which is made of plastic using injection molding. Fig. Figures 2A-2B further show that the tabs 102 are preferably designed as cranked tabs, i.e., with a first overlap section 102A pointing away from the receiving space of the chain links 10 at one end and a second overlap section 102B facing the receiving space at the other end of the tab body 101. The first overlap section 102A is laterally offset relative to the second overlap section 102B, e.g., when viewing the tab 102 from above. The overlap sections 102A and 102B are integrally connected to each other by a central section 102C located longitudinally L.

[0045] Each tab 102 consists of a one-piece tab body 101 with a side view that is elongated on the main sides, the ends of which form arc-shaped end faces with the overlap sections 102A, 102B and which has two narrow sides running essentially in the longitudinal direction L between them, an inner narrow side 103 in the loop or deflection arc 4 and an outer narrow side 105. Fig. 2A shows the outside (outer main side) of tab 102, Fig. 2B the inside (inner main side), which faces the receiving space in chain link 10, of the same tab rotated 180° around its height center (or a vertical axis).

[0046] The overlap sections 102A, 102B are designed to interact and be conjugate or corresponding to each other, such that two longitudinally L-connected tabs 102 are each connected to the corresponding overlap sections 102A, 102B in an overlapping manner and are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis A. The pivot axis A is defined by a pivot pin on one overlap section 102B and a corresponding pivot receptacle on the other overlap section 102A, which interact as a pivot joint, allowing the chain links 10 to be angulated relative to each other in the plane of travel. The angle is limited in a manner known per se, e.g., by interacting stop pockets and stop projections in the overlap sections 102A, 102B. The pronounced longitudinal dimension of the central section 102C is, for example,approximately 33% of the identical longitudinal dimension of the overlap sections 102A, 102B measured in the longitudinal median plane or at the level of the neutral fiber (cf. . Fig. 5 level NN) through the pivot axes A of successive links. This allows for a relatively large chain pitch T ( Fig. 4) are achieved, which corresponds to the distance between the pivot axes A in the longitudinal direction L. With a constant chain pitch T and a constant outer height H of the links 102, the links 102 can preferably be designed such that the quotient of outer height to chain pitch Q=H / T is less than or equal to H / T ≤ 0.9 or H / T ≤ 90%, preferably H / T ≤ 0.8 or H / T ≤ 80%. A large chain pitch T ( Fig. 4) reduces the total number of tabs 102, chain links 10 and crossbars 11 required per unit length of the energy chain 1 and thus also the assembly effort for its manufacture.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2B further shows two fastening pins 11A, 11B on the inside of the tab near the narrow sides for positive and force-fit fastening of crossbars to the tab 102 in a known design, e.g. by means of a snap connection. The fastening pins 11A, 11B are also manufactured integrally with the tab body 101 from plastic.

[0048] Fig. 3E, in turn, also demonstrates another independent aspect for reducing the number of components. The articulated links 102, connected longitudinally L, each form a left link strand and a right link strand in the chain's longitudinal direction. How Fig. As shown in Figure 3E, the same cranked tabs 102 are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction L in both tab strands, but in a laterally reversed configuration. The tabs 102 in one tab strand are therefore structurally identical to the tabs 102 in the other tab strand and not, as is usual in the prior art, designed with a mirror-image geometry. Thus, in a chain link 10, opposing tabs are structurally identical but rotated 180° relative to each other about the vertical axis of the tab, i.e., laterally reversed. In other words, in a selected chain link 10, if at each longitudinal end there is a first overlap section 102A, which faces the receiving space with its functional elements, a second overlap section 102B is located laterally opposite, which faces away from the receiving space with its functional elements, in contrast to a mirrored design of the tab strands.Thus, apart from the end connection elements at connection points 5 and 7, the energy supply chain 1 can advantageously be constructed entirely from identical links 102 of the same design. This also avoids a difference in length between the two link strands, which is particularly advantageous for long travel distances.

[0049] The enlarged or detailed views in Fig. 3A-3D in conjunction with Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a further independent aspect of the invention concerning the lateral stabilization of the tab strands while simultaneously enabling the simplest possible connection of the tabs 102 to form a single strand. Each tab 102 has a first guide area 121 at its end on the second overlap section 102B. The first guide area 121 extends parallel to the pivot plane around the pivot axis A and is largely arc-shaped. Similarly, each tab 102 has a second guide area 122 at its end on the first overlap section 102A. The second guide area 122 extends parallel to the pivot plane around the pivot axis A and is largely arc-shaped.

[0050] Furthermore, each tab 102 on the central section 102C has a first retaining projection 131, which projects slightly in the longitudinal direction L into the first overlap section 102A, and a second retaining projection 132, which projects slightly in the longitudinal direction L into the other, second overlap section 102B.

[0051] For lateral stabilization of two linked tabs 102, as in Fig. As best seen in Figures 3A-3D, when assembled, one tab 102 engages with its first guide area 121 behind the first retaining projection 131 of the other tab 120, and conversely, the other tab 102 engages with its second guide area 122 behind the second retaining projection 132 of the first tab 120. This interlocking of the linked tabs 102 thus creates a stable connection between the chain links 10 and between each tab strand as a whole, resistant to lateral transverse forces.

[0052] The reverse engagement or the laterally stabilized interlocking of the tabs 102 takes place over the entire desired swivel angle, as from the end positions in Fig. 3A-3B (stretched) or Fig. 3C-3D (fully angled in deflection arc 4) is recognizable. Thus, the first and second retaining projections 131, 132 and the corresponding guide areas 121, 122 are designed such that the guide area 121, 122 engages behind the corresponding retaining projection 131, 132 essentially over the entire pivot angle about the pivot axis A, with minimal lateral play in a corresponding clearance 123, 125.

[0053] The first retaining projection 131 and the second retaining projection 132 are manufactured from the same material as the tab body 101. However, in each tab 102, the first retaining projection 131 differs from the second retaining projection 132 in its design and function. The first retaining projection 131 is designed to be rigid, in the form of a circular disk segment, and is integrally and immovably formed with the overlapping section. Only the second retaining projection 132, on the other hand, is adjustable, particularly in the longitudinal direction, and is designed to snap into the second guide area 122. For this purpose, the second retaining projection 132 is formed on an elastically deformable detent tongue 133. In the example shown, the rigid first retaining projection 131 is preferably located on the outside of the tab 102 and the second adjustable retaining projection 132 on the inside of the tab 102; however, this can also be reversed.

[0054] As a comparison of Fig. 3B or Fig. 3D with Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5, the locking tongue 133 – viewed in the pivot plane – has a substantially arc-shaped curve around the pivot axis A of the associated overlap section 102A. The second retaining projection 132, on the other hand, forms a locking lug, preferably straight in the vertical direction, at the free end of the curved locking tongue 133. The locking tongue 133 and the second retaining projection 132 are integrally connected to the tab body 101 on their three other sides, and in particular, the retaining projection 132, or the locking lug, is integrally connected to the tab body 101 on both sides in the vertical direction. This enables a locking action that is difficult or nearly impossible to disengage during operation. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates that the locking tongue 133, viewed in longitudinal section of the tab 102, has a geometry that tapers towards the second retaining projection 132, e.g., a wedge-shaped wall thickness. The locking tongue 133 can be manufactured without an undercut in an injection mold without a slide if it is designed as one leg of a U-shaped cantilever design viewed in longitudinal section of the tab (see, e.g., section plane NN in Figure 5). Fig. 5) is executed. This can be achieved by two mutually opening recesses 135, 137 in the tab body 101, wherein at least one recess 137 lies in the edge of the overlap section 102B and is preferably designed in a circular arc shape around the pivot axis A of the associated overlap section 102B, as Fig. 5 or Fig. 3B and Fig. Show in 3D.

[0055] For pronounced stabilization, it is advantageous if the second retaining projection 132 has an effective height dimension hc which is at least 25%, preferably at least 33%, of the outer height H of the tab 102, as shown in Fig. 5 visible.

[0056] Fig. Figures 3A-3E further illustrate that the first retaining projection 131 is arranged off-center between the two narrow sides 103, 105, i.e., asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the tabs, here preferably offset against the direction of pivoting about the pivot axis A or towards the outer narrow side 105. The second retaining projection 132, on the other hand, is arranged centrally between the narrow sides 103, 105, and as Fig. Figure 5 preferably shows a symmetrical design with respect to a tab longitudinal median plane.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 further shows that the circular arc-shaped first guide area 121 is stepped relative to the overlap section 102A, and that the circular arc-shaped second guide area 122 is also stepped relative to the overlap section 102B. This allows, among other things, free spaces 123, 125 ( Fig. 2A-2B) with a small width dimension, i.e., that the retaining projections 131, 132 can be flush with the outside or inside of the tab 102 to avoid interfering edges. The first guide area 121 and the second guide area 122 preferably each merge seamlessly into a circumferential radial outer reinforcing ring 127A, 127B of the respective overlap section 102A, 102B.

[0058] Furthermore, in Fig. Figures 3A-3D clearly show that the rigid retaining projection 131 has limited dimensions in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis A. The dimensions are chosen such that the corresponding guide area 121 is only overlapped by the first retaining projection 131 over a portion of its arc length or angular amplitude, while the remaining portion is not overlapped by the retaining projection 131. This further simplifies the linking of the tabs 102 during assembly. The same may, but does not necessarily, apply to the second, spring-loaded retaining projection 132, which may, if necessary, overlap the guide area 121 over a larger portion of its arc length.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 2A-2B and Fig. Sections 4A-4B below explain a further independent aspect of the invention, which leads to favorable sliding properties during long travel distances while simultaneously reducing the amount of material used for the individual tab. How Fig. 4B illustrates that the inner narrow sides 103 of the tabs 102 form, in the extended configuration of the trunks, e.g. the lower trunk 2, each a longitudinally extended and running surface F on which the respective opposite trunk can slide or roll if rollers are provided (not shown).

[0060] To improve the running surface F, in particular to achieve a wider running surface F, the tabs 102 each have a widening strip 107 on their inner narrow sides 103. The widening strip 107 extends in the longitudinal direction L and is manufactured in one piece with the tab body 101.

[0061] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4A, the widening strip 107 projects laterally from an inner height area M located between the narrow sides 103, 105, in particular from the central section 102C, of ​​the tab body 101. The outer surface of the widening strip 107 is an integral part of the running surface F for the opposite section, cf. e.g. Fig. 3E or Fig. 4B.

[0062] The inner height area M of the tab body 101, located between the narrow sides 103, 105, has, at least in the central section 102C, a reduced width dimension B, so that the running surface F including the widening strip has a minimum width bf which is at least 1.2 times the reduced width dimension B, cf. Fig. 4A.

[0063] Furthermore, a design with a widening strip 107 allows the horizontal inner height region M of the tab body 101 to have at least one material-saving sub-region with reduced wall thickness in the width direction, such that the minimum width bf of the running surface F is at least twice, preferably at least 2.5 times, the reduced wall thickness. In other words, it is proposed to manufacture the inner height region M of the tab body 101, at least in the central section 102C, with significant material savings compared to the narrow sides 103, 105, and at least compared to the inner narrow side 103, as described above. Fig. Figure 4A illustrates this. Minimizing wall thicknesses not only reduces material costs but also significantly shortens cycle times in injection molding production.

[0064] The preferred design of a tab 102 has an inner widening strip 107 on the inner narrow side 103, which forms an outer surface that runs at least substantially or exactly parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction L and a pivot axis A, and furthermore a similarly designed outer widening strip 109 on the outer narrow side, forming an outer surface extending in the longitudinal direction L but curved radially outwards (cf. Fig. 4B) forms to reduce the polygon effect in deflection arc 104.

[0065] The two widening strips 107, 109 project outwards only laterally, while the lugs 102 form a smooth, largely edgeless surface facing the interior of the chain link. The two widening strips 107, 109 extend longitudinally (L) over a length of at least, preferably more than, 66% of the total length of the lug in the longitudinal direction L and / or preferably over a length of at least 80% of the chain pitch T, so that a running surface F that is as continuous as possible is formed, while also providing a favorable stiffening effect in the cross-section of the lug 102 (cf. Fig. 4A).

[0066] The asymmetrical arrangement of the first retaining projection 131 against the direction of pivoting into the deflection arc avoids a collision of the two widening strips 107 of two successive tabs, as Fig. 3C illustrates this. The combination of both widening strips 107, 109 with the lateral rear grip as described above enables a mechanically particularly stable and torsionally rigid construction of the tab strands and chain links 10.

[0067] Preferably, each tab is like Fig. Figures 2-5 show that the body is designed as a tab with an overall undercut-free, easily demoldable geometry, so that particularly cost-effective tools with short cycle times enable inexpensive production using injection molding. Reference symbol list 1 Energy supply chain 2nd lower trum 3 Obertrum 4 Deflection area 5 Fixed point (stationary connection point) 6. Slide rail (support for upper run) 7 Drivers (movable connection point) 8 guide channel 10 chain links 11 Crossbar 100 chain links 101 tab bodies 102 tab 102A first overlap section 102B second overlap section 102C Midrange 103 inner narrow side 105 outer narrow side 107 Extension strip 109 Extension strip 121 first management area 122 second management area 123, 125 Free space 127A, 127B Reinforcing ring 131 first holding advantage 132 second holding lead 133 Resting tongue 135, 137 depressions A swivel axis B Width dimension bf minimum width Bm reduced wall thickness F Tread surface H Exterior height hc Height dimension H / T ratio (outer height to chain pitch) L Longitudinal direction M inner height range T chain pitch QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2007 / 121716 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Energy chain (1) for guiding lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like, between two connection points, with a number of chain links (10) each comprising two opposing tabs (102), wherein in at least some chain links the tabs (102) are connected to each other via at least one crossbar (11), wherein each tab has a tab body (101), in particular a one-piece tab body made of plastic, with two overlapping sections and an intermediate central section, wherein two tabs connected in a longitudinal direction (L) of the energy chain (1) are each connected to each other with corresponding overlapping sections in an overlapping manner and pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis (A), and the energy chain (1) is movable such that it forms a loop consisting of a lower run (2), an upper run (3) and a deflection area (4) connecting them, wherein an inner narrow side (103) of the tabs is directed towards the inside of the loop and an outer narrow side (105) towards the outside of the loop, wherein the inner narrow sides (103) of the tabs in an extended configuration have a running surface (F) on which the opposite run can slide, characterized by , that at least a part of the tabs (102) each have at least on their inner narrow sides (103) a widening strip (107) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and is manufactured in one piece with the tab body (101), wherein the widening strip (107) projects laterally opposite a region (M) of the central section of the tab body (101) located between the narrow sides, and that an outer surface of the widening strip forms at least a part of the running surface (F) for the opposite other section of the energy guidance chain (1). [2] Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the area (M) of the central section of the tab body (101) located between the narrow sides has a reduced width dimension (B) such that the running surface (F) including the widening strip has a minimum width (bf) which is at least 1.2 times the reduced width dimension (B); and / or - the area (M) of the central section of the tab body (107) located between the narrow sides has at least one material-saving sub-area with reduced wall thickness (Bm) in the width direction, so that the running surface (F) including the widening strip has a minimum width (bf) which is at least 2 times, preferably at least 2.5 times, the reduced wall thickness. [3] Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that of each pair of longitudinally adjacent tabs (L), one tab (102) engages behind a retaining projection (131) for lateral stabilization on the other tab (102) with a circular arc-shaped guide area (121) extending parallel to a pivoting plane, and that the retaining projection (131) is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a tab longitudinal center plane and / or is offset against the pivoting direction about the pivot axis (A) or to the outer narrow side (105). [4] Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by , that the widening strip (107) extends continuously in the longitudinal direction (L) over the length of the central section and over at least a predominant part of the length of one of the overlapping sections. [5] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the widening strip (107) extends in the longitudinal direction (L) over a length of at least 50% of the total length of the tab in the longitudinal direction (L) and / or over a length of at least 75% of the chain pitch, preferably at least 80% of the chain pitch, wherein the chain pitch (T) corresponds to the center distance between two successive pivot axes in the longitudinal direction (L). [6] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the chain links (100) between the tabs form a receiving space for lines to be guided and the widening strip (107) is designed to project on one side, preferably only to the side of the tab facing away from the receiving space. [7] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the tabs (102) are designed as cranked tabs with a first overlap section at one end pointing away from the receiving space of the chain links and a second overlap section at the other end pointing towards the receiving space, wherein the first overlap section is laterally offset relative to the second overlap section. [8] Energy chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in particular according to claim 7, wherein the links of the chain links successively connected in the longitudinal direction of the chain form two link strands extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain and spaced apart from each other, comprising a first link strand and a second link strand, characterized by , that in both link strands cranked links (102) are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the energy guidance chain, and the links (102) in the second link strand are identical in design to the links (102) in the first link strand and are arranged rotated by 180° around the vertical center axis of the link with respect to the link opposite in the chain link. [9] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the articulated links of the successive number of chain links in the longitudinal direction are each designed with a constant chain pitch (T) and constant outer height (H) of the link, and that the links are designed such that the quotient of outer height to chain pitch (H / T) is less than or equal to 0.9 or ≤ 90%, in particular ≤ 0.8 or ≤ 80%. [10] Energy supply chain (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 8 and / or 9, characterized by, that for lateral stabilization of each pair of longitudinally connected tabs (L), one tab (102) engages with a first guide area (121) behind a first retaining projection (131) of the other tab (120), and the other tab (102) engages with a second guide area (122) behind a second retaining projection (132) of one tab (120), wherein the second retaining projection (132) is designed for snap connection with the second guide area (122) and is formed on an elastically deformable detent tongue. [11] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each tab has an extension strip (107) on its inner narrow side and an extension strip (109) on its outer narrow side. [12] Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 11, characterized by , that the widening strip (107) on the inner narrow side forms an outer surface which runs at least substantially or exactly parallel to a plane spanned by the longitudinal direction and a pivot axis and The widening strip (109) on the outer narrow side forms an outer surface extending longitudinally and curved radially outwards. [13] Energy supply chain (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each tab is manufactured as a one-piece tab body made of plastic, in particular preferably by injection molding from a thermoplastic with reinforcing fibers, wherein the tab body is preferably designed with an overall undercut-free geometry. [14] Chain link (10) for an energy chain according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising two tabs (102) opposite each other transversely to the longitudinal direction which can be connected or are connected by at least one transverse web, wherein each tab has a tab body (101), in particular a one-piece tab body made of plastic, with two overlapping sections and an intermediate central section, characterized by , that Each tab (102) has at least on its inner narrow side (103) a widening strip (107) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and is manufactured in one piece with the tab body (101), wherein the widening strip (107) projects laterally opposite a region (M) of the central section of the tab body (107) located between the narrow sides, and that an outer surface of the widening strip forms at least a part of a running surface (F) for the opposite other section of the energy supply chain (1). [15] Chain link according to claim 14, characterized by one or more of the chain link-related features of claims 2 to 13. [16] Tab (102) for an energy chain according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the tab has a tab body (101), in particular a one-piece tab body made of plastic, with two overlapping sections and an intermediate central section, characterized by , that the tab (102) has at least on its inner narrow side (103) a widening strip (107) which extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and is manufactured in one piece with the tab body (101), wherein the widening strip (107) projects laterally opposite a region (M) of the central section of the tab body (107) located between the narrow sides, and that an outer surface of the widening strip forms at least a part of a running surface (F) for the opposite other section of the energy supply chain (1). [17] Tab (102) according to claim 16, characterized by one or more of the tab features of claims 2 to 13.

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