CROSSBAR AND CHAIN ​​LINK WITH CROSSBAR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a chain link of an energy chain with two side parts and a crossbar for detachably connecting the two side parts of the chain link according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for attaching a crossbar to a chain link of an energy chain.

[0002] To load or unload cables, wires, or similar components from an energy chain, the chain links must be opened by repositioning or removing the crossbar connecting the side sections. The ability to quickly assemble and disassemble this crossbar is therefore often desirable to save time when opening and closing the energy chain, thus reducing changeover time during assembly or maintenance. Furthermore, the crossbar of an energy chain must be securely fixed to the side sections, as high forces act on it when the chain is moved, for example, when cables within the chain press against it.

[0003] The crossbar is often attached to the side panels using a snap-fit ​​connection, which has the disadvantage that the crossbar cannot be easily and quickly attached to or removed from the side panel. Since the snap-fit ​​connection must ensure the crossbar is securely fixed to the side panel, it is usually not easy and quick to release; rather, it often requires a relatively high amount of force and possibly the use of tools.

[0004] It is therefore already known to provide crossbars with a locking element by means of which the crossbar can be locked to the side of the chain link and thus securely held in place. Such a crossbar with a locking element is described, for example, in WO 2008 / 125084. However, a disadvantage of this crossbar is that a tool must be used to unlock the locking element. Furthermore, the toggle lever construction of the locking element with its actuating part and locking part is relatively complex to manufacture, and the provided hinges in the form of film connections are comparatively sensitive to mechanical damage.

[0005] The JP 2000 / 145897 A is a chain link with a crossbar, wherein the crossbar has a first attachment area at a first end region in the form of a U-shaped, expandable claw, which is open towards the underside of the crossbar and rigidly molded to it. The U-shaped claw can be attached to a bearing pin of a side piece. At the second end region, the crossbar has a second attachment area with a U-shaped locking element, which is pivoted to secure the crossbar in the intended position on the side piece.To attach the crossbar, first the first attachment area of ​​the crossbar is to be placed on the side panel pin at an angle to the side panel, then the crossbar is to be pivoted on the pin acting as a bearing until the crossbar reaches its intended position, and then the second attachment area of ​​the crossbar is to be fixed to the second side panel by actuating the locking element.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a chain link with two side parts and a crossbar with a locking element, wherein the crossbar can be quickly and easily mounted and dismounted on the side part of the chain link, and wherein the locking mechanism of the crossbar is robustly designed so that the crossbar can be fixed to the side part in a particularly secure manner.

[0007] This problem is solved by a chain link with a crossbar according to claim 1. At both ends of the crossbar, the locking element is designed as a pivoting part, and when the locking element is actuated, the locking section can be moved, at least in part of its movement, from the locked position to its unlocked position or vice versa in a pivoting motion. Furthermore, on both side parts, with respect to the two holding areas of a crossbar, the holding section of the side part for the crossbar is designed such that the crossbar can be loosely inserted into the holding section (20) of the side part (3) for the crossbar from the direction perpendicular to the narrow side of the side part extending in the chain longitudinal direction, in the area in which the holding section is arranged, until the crossbar reaches its intended position, in which it can be locked to the side part with a locking element.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem is solved by providing an energy supply chain according to claim 16 with side parts according to the invention and by providing a method according to claim 17.

[0010] Because the locking element is designed as a pivoting part, and because the locking section is moved in a pivoting motion for at least part of its movement when actuated, the locking element is particularly easy to handle, i.e., quick and reliable to operate in order to move it to either its locked or unlocked position. Furthermore, this design makes the locking element particularly simple and stable, as it does not consist of several parts connected by hinges. The locking element is therefore also particularly reliable in its handling. This also allows for quick assembly and disassembly of the crossbar in both locked and unlocked positions.Unlocking the locking element is possible because, when the crossbar is attached to the side part to which it is to be connected, the crossbar is handled from its upper side, i.e., the side facing away from the interior of the energy transmission device, thus making the locking element particularly easy to access. It is understood that the crossbar has a corresponding bearing or guide for the locking element, enabling it to perform a defined pivoting movement. Preferably, the movement of the locking element from its unlocked position to its locked position, or vice versa, is a pure pivoting movement, particularly preferably about a predefined pivoting axis.However, the pivot axis can also be given virtually, which is preferred, namely for example by a corresponding arc-shaped guide of the locking section during its pivoting movement, wherein the arc curvature of the guide defines a pivot axis.

[0011] Optionally, the movement of the locking element from its unlocked position to its locked position, or vice versa, may also include a certain degree of translational movement, for example, a displacement in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web. However, this is not necessary and preferably not the case. Furthermore, by pivoting the locking section, a partial area, in particular an end area of ​​the locking section at its free end, can be brought into contact with the side panel retaining area for the transverse web. This side panel retaining area is preferably designed as a recess or, optionally, as a projection on the side panel.The locking section is provided on the large-area side surface of the side facing the inside of the chain, including a projection on the side of the large-area side surface of the side part projecting inwards, wherein the locking section engages in the said recess of the side part holding area or engages under the projection. This secures the transverse web against removal from the side link in a direction perpendicular to the respective upper or lower narrow surface of the side part on which the holding area is arranged. If, according to the invention, the locking section is guided in a pivoting movement in order to engage in this recess or engage under the projection, then, in the locked position, the end region of the locking section can rest against the wall defining the recess or the projection. The projection can in each case be defined as the wall region facing the narrow side of the side link of a (hypothetical orThe recess can be considered an alternatively foreseeable recess. This ensures, firstly, a secure fit of the crossbar. Secondly, during the pivoting movement of the locking section into its locking position, it only comes into contact with the wall of the recess in its final position. This prevents friction between the locking section and the recess wall during the movement of the locking section into its locking position, as would otherwise occur with a linear displacement of the locking section into the recess, as is the case, for example, according to WO 2008 / 125084. It should be noted that, according to WO 2008 / 125084, the crossbar is preferably secured, within the scope of the invention, solely by the locking section of the locking element with respect to a spacing of the crossbar perpendicular to the upper surface of the crossbar.The upper side of the crossbar is understood here to be the side of the crossbar facing away from the inside of the chain. The crossbar retaining area of ​​the side piece can be designed as a horn projecting from the inside of the side piece into the inside of the chain, which includes the aforementioned receptacle or projection for the locking coupling of the locking element. The crossbar retaining area can also be partially or, if necessary, completely integrated into the body of the side piece.

[0012] Preferably, the retaining area of ​​the crossbar for the locking element has an arc-shaped guide which, when the locking element is actuated, causes it to pivot, at least partially or completely, between its locked and unlocked positions. The arc-shaped guide thus provides defined guidance for the locking element as it moves from the locked to the unlocked position and vice versa. The arc-shaped guide is preferably a circular arc. The arc-shaped guide can also serve as a holder for the locking element on the crossbar, thus eliminating the need for additional retaining means for the locking element, although these may optionally be provided.The arc-shaped guide can be designed, in particular, as a guide channel in which the locking section of the locking element is guided. The guide channel can have opposing side walls in addition to the two guide surfaces, so that the channel is at least partially or completely closed along its entire length, enabling particularly precise guidance of the locking element. Furthermore, this design results in a particularly robust locking mechanism, since the guide can be machined from the material of the crossbar, thus eliminating the need for, for example, a mechanical pivot axis, which is more susceptible to mechanical damage.

[0013] Preferably, the arc-shaped guide of the crossbar holding area for the locking element has an upper arc-shaped guide surface facing the upper side of the crossbar and a lower arc-shaped guide surface facing away from the upper side of the crossbar, each for guiding the locking element in its pivoting movement. The two arc-shaped guide surfaces are preferably designed as circular arcs. The two arc-shaped guide surfaces preferably have the same center point. The upper and lower arc-shaped guide surfaces thus provide a guide channel for the locking section of the locking element, ensuring precise guidance of the locking section within the guide channel formed by the two arc-shaped guide surfaces.

[0014] Preferably, the locking section of the locking element is arc-shaped, particularly preferably circular arc-shaped, wherein the locking section is guided on at least one or both arc-shaped guide surfaces or in the arc-shaped guide channel. The arc curvature of the locking section preferably corresponds to the curvature of the upper or lower guide surface, with respect to the respective cooperating surfaces of the guide and the locking section.

[0015] The arc-shaped design of the locking section allows it to be guided precisely and with virtually no play within the arc-shaped guide. This ensures a precisely defined change in the locking section's position when moving from the unlocked to the locked position, or vice versa, thus enabling precise and rapid handling of the locking element. Preferably, the locking section has at least one contact area on the upper or lower arc-shaped guide, or preferably on both the upper and lower arc-shaped guides, so that the locking element is guided precisely by the locking section during its pivoting movement.This contact area of ​​the locking section can lie flat against the respective guide surface of the holding area for the locking element. Alternatively, it can be merely a projection, which may also have an additional function (though this is not mandatory), such as locking the locking element in a defined position, acting as a captive in conjunction with another area of ​​the guide channel, or serving some other function. Furthermore, the small contact area of ​​the projection on the arc-shaped guide surface for guiding the locking section reduces friction during pivoting of the locking element, making it easy to operate.

[0016] It is generally preferred that the locking section of the locking element is guided in the arc-shaped guide of the crossbar holding area for the locking element, so that it can perform an exact pivoting movement when actuated.

[0017] Preferably, the actuating area of ​​the locking element projects laterally from its locking section. This allows the locking element to be flat overall, and its actuating area can be fully integrated into the cross-section of the crossbar, so that the actuating section does not protrude from the top of the crossbar when the locking element is in the locked position. Particularly preferably, the actuating element projects at an angle of approximately 120° from the arcuate section of the locking segment, or at an angle of 100°–140°.

[0018] Preferably, the locking element is designed as a substantially rigid component. Material weakening areas, such as film hinges or areas of the locking element that are subject to change in position relative to each other, as described in WO 2008 / 125084, are therefore not present. This results in a robust design of the locking element, enabling quick and reliable operation. Furthermore, this design allows the locking element to bear against the crossbar retaining area of ​​the side panel with a certain preload in its locked position, thus ensuring a secure and play-free fit of the crossbar when the locking element is locked. In general, within the scope of the invention, it is sufficient if the locking element rests loosely against the crossbar retaining area of ​​the side panel in its locked position.However, this has the disadvantage that, given tolerances or minor positional changes of the locking element during operation of the energy chain, play could develop between the locking element and the crossbar retaining area, with the risk of increasing this play during chain operation. This is counteracted by applying a certain preload to the crossbar retaining area in the locked position.

[0019] Preferably, the locking section of the locking element has a flat contact surface at its edge for contact with the crossbar retaining area of ​​the side part. The arcuate portion of the locking section can thus be designed with a flat contact surface. Preferably, more generally within the scope of the invention, the locking section is designed as a flat surface at its contact area with the crossbar retaining area, providing a flat contact surface with the crossbar retaining area in the locked position of the locking element. This ensures a secure fit of the crossbar. Preferably, the contact surface of the locking section on the crossbar retaining area extends over a larger portion of the width of the locking element, particularly preferably over its entire width, so that the crossbar is secured against possible tilting about its longitudinal axis.

[0020] Preferably, the locking element and the retaining area of ​​the crossbar for the locking element have corresponding detent means for securing the locking element in its locked position. This prevents the locking element from disengaging from its locked position during operation of the energy chain, which is associated with corresponding mechanical forces acting on the chain links. The detent means of the locking element and the retaining area of ​​the crossbar are particularly preferably arranged on the locking section of the locking element. This can also refer, in particular, to the portion of the locking section that is still located in the crossbar within the locking mechanism of the locking element. Optionally, the corresponding detent means can thus be arranged in the retaining area of ​​the crossbar of the side panel.The corresponding locking elements are particularly preferably arranged at the end region of the crossbar, especially within or at the end region of the guide of the crossbar for the locking section. This has proven advantageous in preventing unintentional release of the locking element when force is applied perpendicular to the crossbar during movement of the energy chain. Furthermore, by arranging the locking elements in the guide channel of the arc-shaped guide for the locking element, these locking elements are protected from external forces, thus reducing the risk of unintentional release of the locking connection. Additionally, the arrangement of the locking elements on the locking section or...In an arrangement with the greatest possible distance from the actuating section of the locking element, the safety of the latching connection is improved, since it is then located close to the connection area between the crossbar and the side part, and this results in lower leverage forces acting on the area of ​​the locking section located between the free end and the latching means, than if the latching means were located, for example, on the actuating area of ​​the locking element.

[0021] Preferably, the holding area of ​​the crossbar, which interacts with the locking element, features anti-ejection devices, preferably arranged in the guide channel of the arc-shaped guide for the locking element, more precisely for its locking section. This prevents the locking element from unintentionally detaching from the crossbar when it is in its unlocked position. This significantly improves the handling of the crossbar during assembly or the assembly process itself. Because the anti-ejection devices are located on the locking section of the locking element, they can only engage when the locking element is in its unlocked position. This allows for simple and low-friction operation of the locking element.Furthermore, the arrangement of the anti-removal devices in the guide channel for the locking element or its locking section prevents damage to or decoupling of these devices by external force. The anti-removal devices are thus protected even in the unlocked position of the locking element. The anti-removal devices on the holding area of ​​the crossbar or the locking element or its locking section can, for example, be designed as interlocking projections. The anti-removal device or the corresponding projection on the locking element or its locking section can preferably bear against a surface of the crossbar holding area for the locking element, thereby improving the seating of the locking element during its pivoting movement and allowing it to move in the guide with virtually no play.It is generally understood that other projections, contact areas or the like may also be provided on the locking section, which may bear against a guide surface of the crossbar holding area for the locking element, in order to ensure backlash-free running of the locking element or section during its pivoting movement.

[0022] The locking element is particularly preferably lockable and unlockable by manual actuation. The design of the locking element according to the invention is specifically adapted for this purpose. The free end area of ​​the actuating section of the locking element can be easily grasped manually to actuate the locking element. A finger grip area can easily be provided on the crossbar for this purpose. Since the actuating end of the locking element faces the center of the crossbar, the design according to the invention provides sufficient space to arrange a corresponding finger grip area for the actuating section on the crossbar.

[0023] The invention further encompasses a side part of a chain link of an energy chain, comprising a retaining section for the releasable attachment of a crossbar, and optionally a crossbar, wherein the side part has laterally spaced, large-area side surfaces and upper and lower narrow sides connecting the side surfaces, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the retaining section for the crossbar has a recess open towards one side surface for receiving a locking element of a crossbar for the locked attachment of the crossbar to the side part, in order to secure the crossbar against displacement from the side link in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. The side part can also be a side part with an attached crossbar.

[0024] The crossbar can be preferably designed according to the invention, but can also have a different design.

[0025] It is understood that each side part has joint areas spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the side part for connection with a corresponding adjacent side part and its respective joint area. However, the invention is not limited to specific shapes of side parts or designs of joint connections. The side parts can be configured as alternating inner and outer tabs, as cranked side tabs, as laterally abutting side tabs, or in other ways. The joint areas can be configured as pin-recess joints or pin-hole joints, but also as elastically or torsionally deformable joint elements that connect adjacent side parts, whereby adjacent side parts may or may not overlap each other.The chain can be arranged in the manner of an upper run, a deflection area and a lower run through the joint areas of the side parts, whereby the chain arranged in this way can be straight, curved or arranged in another manner.

[0026] According to the invention, the retaining section of the side part for the crossbar is designed such that the crossbar can be loosely inserted into the retaining section of the side part for the crossbar from a direction perpendicular to the narrow side of the side part extending in the chain longitudinal direction, in the area where the retaining section is arranged, until the crossbar reaches its intended position, in which it can be locked to the side part with a locking element. The locking element can be mounted on the crossbar in a positionally variable manner. The crossbar can thus be loosely inserted into the retaining section perpendicular to the narrow side of the side part, which is provided with the crossbar retaining section, preferably in a direction from outside the chain link towards the chain link, until it reaches its intended position in order to lock it to the side part. The crossbar is designed as described within the scope of the invention.This applies to both side pieces of each chain link and to both ends of the crossbar. The crossbar can thus be easily guided from the outside, perpendicular to the narrow sides running lengthwise along the chain, and positioned parallel to the connecting line of the opposing retaining areas of the two side pieces to be joined by the crossbar. Because the crossbar is inserted loosely into its designated position, no additional force is required, such as would be necessary when overcoming a locking mechanism or similar. Furthermore, the crossbar can be guided parallel to its designated position in its connecting position to the two side pieces, resulting in particularly easy handling and quick assembly or disassembly.It is therefore not necessary to first fix the crossbar in one of the holding areas of one of the two side parts and then, for example, to connect the other holding area of ​​the crossbar with the corresponding holding area of ​​the side part by means of a pivoting movement. With the inventive design of the side parts, handling the crossbar to lock it to the two side parts is thus significantly faster. In particular, both holding areas of the crossbar can be coupled simultaneously with the holding areas of the opposing side parts of a chain link, which is particularly advantageous in terms of handling.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the side part can be designed such that the holding area or section for the crossbar has two lateral recesses, each open on two sides: one towards the narrow side of the side part on which the holding area is located, and the other in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Each recess has a bearing surface towards the inside of the chain link for the holding projections of the crossbar engaging in the recess. The respective recess forms an undercut in the crossbar holding section, preventing a gap between the side part and the crossbar in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. This narrow side is a narrow side running in the longitudinal direction of the chain. When the energy chain is arranged on a flat surface, the corresponding recess is therefore open upwards when considering the upper crossbar.A corresponding section of the crossbar's retaining area can thus be inserted into this recess like a tenon-shaped projection. Furthermore, the recesses are open in the chain's longitudinal direction, so that the crossbar can be forked at its end with two hook-shaped projections, the free ends of which are oriented towards the crossbar's central longitudinal axis. The recesses also have a base area that limits the insertion depth of the hook-shaped projections of the crossbar. Each recess also forms an undercut in the crossbar retaining section, which, when a portion of the crossbar's retaining element is positioned, prevents the crossbar from separating from the side piece in the crossbar's longitudinal direction.The two recesses are thus essentially each designed as a shaft, open upwards with respect to the adjacent narrow side and also in the longitudinal direction of the chain, so that a fork-shaped retaining area of ​​the crossbar, with its projecting projections extending towards the crossbar's central axis, can be inserted into the shaft-shaped recesses from above. This design has proven particularly advantageous for a secure and quick-to-use connection between the crossbar and the side parts.

[0028] Preferably, both side parts are designed according to the invention with respect to the two holding areas of a crossbar or with respect to the two opposite crossbar ends of both crossbars of a chain link.

[0029] The receiving area of ​​the side panel for the transverse web, which receives the locking element of the transverse web, is preferably arranged with respect to the longitudinal extent of the side panel between the two aforementioned double-sided open recesses of the receiving area for the transverse web. It is understood that instead of a recess, a projection may also be provided on the side panel, which is engaged by the locking element of the transverse web to secure the transverse web to the side panel.

[0030] All embodiments relating to a crossbar according to the invention also refer to the combination of the crossbar with a side part or of the crossbar on a chain link. All embodiments relating to a side part according to the invention also refer to the combination of the side part with a crossbar according to the invention. Preferably, the chain link has two side parts spaced apart from each other, which are connected to each other by two crossbars. Here, one, and particularly preferably both, of the crossbars of the chain link can be designed as crossbars according to the invention. The design of the side part according to the invention can particularly preferably relate to both side parts of a chain link.

[0031] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment. All features of the exemplary embodiment are also disclosed independently of one another and generally within the scope of the invention. Identical components are designated with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures show: Figure 1: a perspective view of two incomplete chain links of an energy supply chain, in which the second side parts are missing, wherein the crossbars and the side parts are designed according to the invention; Figure 2: a perspective view of a crossbar according to the invention with a locking element locked on one side and unlocked on the other; Figure 3: a cross-sectional view of the crossbar according to the invention Figure 2 (Figure 3a) ) and a detailed view of the crossbar according to Figure 3a (Figure 3b ), Figure 4: a top view of the crossbar according to Figure 2with locking element locked on one side (left) and unlocked locking element (right), Figure 5: connection area of ​​a crossbar according to the invention with a side part according to the invention with the crossbar locked, Figure 6: a perspective view of a side part according to the invention Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two incomplete chain links 2 of an energy supply chain 1, in which the second side parts 3 of each chain link, i.e., in the illustration the front side parts which would be connected to the free ends of the crossbars 4, are missing. The crossbars 4 and the side parts 3 are designed here according to the invention. The side parts of the chain are shown here according to Fig. 1as alternating inner and outer parts. It should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to this shape of the side parts with regard to the side parts and the coupling of the crossbars to the side parts, as already noted in the general descriptions of the invention. The side parts 3 have hinge areas 5 in order to be articulated to the two adjacent side tabs of a string of side tabs, as shown in Fig. 1This is indicated by way of example, so that the energy chain can be arranged in a configuration with an upper run, a deflection area, and a lower run. However, the design of the joint connections is in no way limiting to the invention; the joint connections can, for example, also be integrally formed in one or both adjacent side parts. The chain links 2 are provided here with both an upper and a lower crossbar in the design according to the invention, but it is also possible, for example, for only the upper or only the lower crossbar to be designed according to the invention, and the other crossbar to be formed differently, for example, also on the side plates.

[0033] The crossbar 4 serves to detachably connect two side parts 3 of a chain link 2 of an energy chain 1, wherein the crossbar 4 has at least one or both of its ends 6 a fastening area 7 for detachable attachment to the respective side part 3. The fastening area 7 of the crossbar includes a locking element 8 which can be moved into a locking position V and an unlocking position E (see Fig. 2), wherein in the locking position V the crossbar 4 is permanently locked to the side part 3 and in the unlocking position E the crossbar 4 can be released from the side part 3. The locking element 8 comprises an actuating section 9 for selectively moving it into its locking or unlocking position, as well as a locking section 10 for engaging the side part 3. The fastening area 7 of the crossbar is designed here in the form of a fork head, with two laterally spaced hook-shaped projections 7a and a locking element 8 arranged between them.

[0034] The locking element 8 is designed as a pivoting part. When the locking element 8 is actuated, the locking section 10 is moved, at least in part of its movement, from the locking position V to its unlocking position E or vice versa in a pivoting motion.

[0035] The holding area 11 of the crossbar 4 for the locking element 8 has an arc-shaped guide 12 which, when the locking element 8 is actuated, causes a pivoting movement of the same at least over part or the complete movement of the locking element 8 between its locking position and its unlocking position.

[0036] The arc-shaped guide 12 of the transverse web retaining area for the locking element has an upper arc-shaped guide 12a facing the upper surface of the transverse web and a lower arc-shaped guide 12b facing away from the upper surface of the transverse web, each for (jointly) guiding the locking element in a pivoting movement. The arc-shaped guides 12a, 12b are designed here as circular arc guides, which preferably have the same center point. The arc-shaped guides 12a, 12b are designed here as guide surfaces; however, they can also be designed as webs or in another way.

[0037] The locking section 10 of the locking element 8 is arc-shaped. The upper and / or lower boundary surfaces 13a, 13b of the locking section 10 are adapted to the contours of the upper and lower guides 12a, 12b and each has at least substantially the same curvature. With regard to the upper boundary surface 13a of the locking element 8, it is sufficient that a projection, such as the projection 17 acting as a captive feature, rests against the upper guide surface 12a during the pivoting movement, preferably over the entire pivoting movement, or is slightly spaced from it.

[0038] The locking section 10 of the locking element 8 is arranged in the arcuate guide 12 of the crossbar holding area 11 for the locking element 8.

[0039] The actuating area 9 of the locking element 8 projects laterally from the locking section 10 thereof, for example at an angle of approximately 120°. In the locking position V, the actuating area 9 of the locking element 8 is completely enclosed within the cross-section of the transverse web 4 (see Figs. 2 and 3a ).

[0040] The locking element 8 is designed as an essentially rigid component.

[0041] The locking section 10 of the locking element 8 has a flat contact surface 14 at its end area for contact with the holding area of ​​the side part ( Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 ). This can be loose in the locking position or, preferably, rest against the holding area of ​​the side part with a certain preload.

[0042] Corresponding locking means 15 are provided for securing the locking element in its locked position. The corresponding locking means 15a are provided on the locking element 8, more precisely on the locking section 10. The corresponding locking means 15b are provided on the other hand on the crossbar retaining area 16 of the side part 3 for the locking element 8 or on the crossbar 4, preferably in the arcuate guide 12 or the guide channel of the crossbar for the locking element or for the locking section 10. This allows the locking element 8 to be locked in its locked position.

[0043] The retaining area 11 of the crossbar 4 for the locking element 8 has anti-removal means 17 that cooperate with the locking element 8 and are preferably arranged in the guide channel of the arcuate guide for the locking element. The anti-removal means 17 are designed here as interlocking projections 17a and 17b. The anti-removal means 17 prevent the locking element from unintentionally detaching from the crossbar, particularly in the unlocked position.

[0044] The locking element 8 can be locked and unlocked here by manual operation.

[0045] The Figure 1 and 6Figure 1 shows a side part 3 of a chain link 2 of an energy chain 1 with a retaining section 20 for the releasable attachment of a crossbar 3, and, in combination with this, a fixed crossbar 4. The side part 3 has laterally spaced large-area side surfaces 21 and upper and lower narrow sides 22 connecting the side surfaces 21, which run in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The retaining section 20 for the crossbar has a recess 23 open towards one side surface for receiving a locking element 8 of a crossbar 3 for the locked attachment of the crossbar 4 to the side part 3, in order to secure the crossbar against displacement from the side plate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. Instead of the recess, the upper wall area 23a, which defines the recess, may optionally be provided on the side part.The retaining section 20 can be designed as a horn projecting laterally from the side parts, as shown, so that the side part can also be relatively thin and thus weight-saving. However, the retaining section 20 can also be partially or completely integrated into the side part. The two retaining sections 20 of the side part are mirror-symmetrical about plane B.

[0046] The retaining section 20 of the side part 3 for the crossbar 4 is designed such that the crossbar can be loosely inserted into the retaining section of the side part for the crossbar from a direction perpendicular to the narrow side 22 of the side part running in the chain direction, in the area where the retaining section is located, until the crossbar reaches its intended position, in which it can be locked to the side part with a locking element. Thus, no resistance is encountered when inserting the fastening area 7 of the crossbar into the retaining section 20, as would be the case, for example, with a snap-fit ​​connection where a locking resistance must be overcome.

[0047] The retaining section 20 for the crossbar 4 has two lateral recesses 25, each open on two sides: one side towards the narrow side of the side panel (reference 26) on which the retaining area is located, and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the chain (reference 27). The recesses 25 are thus shaft-like and run perpendicular to the narrow sides 22 of the side panels 3 with the shaft axis, so that fastening projections of the crossbar's fastening area can be loosely inserted into the respective shaft from above until the crossbar reaches its intended position for locking it to the side panel. Each recess 25 has a bearing surface 28 towards the inside of the chain link for hook-shaped retaining projections 30 of the crossbar's fastening areas engaging in the recess; the bearing surface thus acts as a kind of base.The respective recess 25 further forms an undercut 28 of the crossbar retaining section, which prevents a separation of the side part and the crossbar in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. The laterally projecting projections 31 of the retaining projections 30 thus engage in the shaft-like recesses 25 of the side part retaining areas 20 and thereby secure the crossbar both against separation from the side parts in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar and against displacement in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

[0048] This design of the retaining section 20 for the crossbar also has the particular advantage that it only protrudes relatively little into the interior of the chain, despite being located on the inner side surface of the side part, so that the interior of the energy chain is only relatively slightly restricted by the retaining section, which makes it much easier to equip the chains with cables or to remove cables from the chain.

[0049] Both side parts can be designed identically with respect to the two holding areas of a crossbar or with respect to the two opposite crossbar ends of both crossbars of a chain link, in particular according to claims 13 and / or 14 and the associated description.

[0050] In general, the invention relates to the following embodiments, which are hereby generally disclosed within the scope of the invention: 1. A crossbar for the detachable connection of two side parts of a chain link of an energy chain, wherein the crossbar has at least at one or both of its ends a fastening area for detachable attachment to the respective side part, and wherein the fastening area of ​​the crossbar comprises a locking element which can be moved into a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein in the locking position the crossbar is permanently locked to the side part and in the unlocking position the crossbar can be detached from the side part, wherein the locking element comprises an actuating section for selectively moving it into its locking or unlocking position, and a locking section for locking engagement with the side part. characterized bythat the locking element is designed as a pivoting part and, when the locking element is actuated, the locking section is moved at least in part of its movement from the locked position to its unlocked position or vice versa in a pivoting movement. 2. Crossbar according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the holding area of ​​the crossbar for the locking element has an arcuate guide which, when the locking element is actuated, causes a pivoting movement of the same at least over part or the entire movement of the locking element between its locked position and its unlocked position. 3.4. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 or 2, characterized in that the arcuate guide of the crossbar holding area for the locking element has an upper arcuate guide facing the upper surface of the crossbar and a lower arcuate guide facing away from the upper surface of the crossbar, each for guiding the locking element in a pivoting movement. 5. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking section of the locking element is arcuate. 6. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking section of the locking element is guided in the arcuate guide of the crossbar holding area for the locking element. 7. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating area of ​​the locking element projects laterally from the locking section thereof.8. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking element is designed as a substantially rigid component. 9. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 7, characterized in that the locking section of the locking element has a flat contact surface at its end region for bearing against the retaining area of ​​the side part. 10. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 8, characterized in that, on the one hand, the locking element and, on the other hand, the crossbar retaining area of ​​the side part for the locking element or the crossbar itself have corresponding detent means for fixing the locking element in its locked position. 11. Crossbar according to embodiment 9, characterized in that the detent means are arranged in the guide channel of the arcuate guide for the locking element.12. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, characterized in that the holding area of ​​the crossbar has anti-loss means cooperating with the locking element, which are preferably arranged in the guide channel of the arc-shaped guide for the locking element. 13. Crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking element can be locked and unlocked by manual actuation.Side part of a chain link of an energy chain with a retaining section for the releasable fixing of a crossbar, and optionally with a crossbar, in particular with a crossbar according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the side part has laterally spaced large-area side surfaces and upper and lower narrow sides connecting the side surfaces, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the retaining section for the crossbar has a recess open in the direction of a side surface for receiving a locking element of a crossbar for locking the crossbar to the side part in order to secure the crossbar against a spacing from the side tab in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. characterized bythat the retaining section of the side part for the crossbar is designed such that the crossbar can be loosely inserted into the retaining section of the side part for the crossbar from a direction perpendicular to the narrow side of the side part running in the chain longitudinal direction, in the area in which the retaining section is arranged, until the crossbar reaches its intended position, in which it can be locked to the side part with a locking element. 14.Side part according to embodiment 13 with a transverse web, in particular with a transverse web according to one of embodiments 1 to 12, characterized in that the retaining section for the transverse web has two lateral recesses, each of which is open on two sides, namely on one side towards the narrow side of the side part on which the retaining area is arranged, and on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the chain, that the recesses each have a bearing surface towards the inside of the chain link for retaining projections of the transverse web engaging in the recess, and that the respective recess forms an undercut of the transverse web retaining section, which prevents a gap between the side part and the transverse web in the longitudinal direction of the transverse web. 15. Chain link of an energy chain with a transverse web according to one of embodiments 1 to 12 and / or with a side part according to one of embodiments 13 and / or 14. 16.Chain link of an energy chain according to embodiment 15, wherein both side parts are designed according to embodiment 13 and / or 14 with respect to the two holding areas of a crossbar or with respect to the two opposite crossbar ends of both crossbars of a chain link. 17. Energy chain with chain links according to one of embodiments 15 or 16. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1 Energy chain 2 Chain link 3 Side part 4 Crossbar 5 Joint area 6 End 7 Mounting area 7a, 7b Hook-shaped projections 8 Locking element 9 Actuating section 10 Locking section 11 Holding area 12 Arc-shaped guide 12a Upper arc-shaped guide 12b Lower arc-shaped guide 13a Upper boundary surface 13b Lower boundary surface 14 Contact surface 15 Detent means 15a, 15b Corresponding detent means 16 Crossbar holding area 17 Anti-loss means 17a, 17b Interlocking projections 20 Holding section 21 Side surface 22 Narrow side 23 Recess 23a Upper wall area 25 Recess 26 Narrow side of side part 27 Chain longitudinal direction 28 Contact surface / undercut 30 Holding projections 31 laterally projecting ledges V Locking position E Unlocking position

Claims

1. Chain link (2) of an energy guide chain, wherein the chain link (2) has two side portions (3) and a crossbar (4) for detachable connection of the two side portions (3) of the chain link, wherein the crossbar (4) has a fixing region (7) at both of its ends for releasable fixing to the respective side portion (3), and wherein the fixing region (7) of the cross member (4) each comprises a locking element (8) which can be moved into a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein in the locking position the crossbar (4) is inseparably locked to the side portion (3) and in the unlocking position the crossbar (4) can be detached from the side portion (3), wherein the locking element (8) comprises an actuating section (9) for selectively moving it into its locking or unlocking position, and a locking portion (10) for locking engagement with the side portion (3), wherein both side portions (3) each have a holding portion (20) for releasably securing a crossbar (4), wherein the side portion (3) has laterally spaced large-area side surfaces (21) and upper and lower narrow sides (22) connecting the side surfaces (21), which narrow sides run in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and wherein the holding portion (20) for the crossbar (4) has a recess (23) open in the direction of a side surface (3) for receiving the locking element (8) of the crossbar (4) for locking the crossbar (4) to the side portion (3), or wherein the holding portion (20) for the cross member (4) has a projection which can be engaged by the locking portion of the crossbar from below in order to secure the crossbar (4) against spacing from the side tab (3) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar(4) , characterized in that the locking element (8) of the crossbar (4) is designed as a pivotal part and, when the locking element (8) is actuated, the locking portion is moved at least in part of its movement from the locking position to its unlocking position or vice versa in a pivoting movement, and that on both side portions (3), with respect to the two holding regions of a crossbar (4), the holding portion (20) of the side portion (3) for the crossbar (4) is designed in such a way that the crossbar (4) can be loosely inserted in the holding portion (20) of the side portion (3) for the crossbar (4) from the direction perpendicular to the narrow side (22) of the side portion (3) until it reaches the intended position of the crossbar in which it can be locked to the side portion with a locking element (8).

2. Chain link according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding region (11) of the crossbar (4) for the locking element (8) has an arcuate guide which, when the locking element (8) is actuated, causes the locking element (8) to pivot at least over part of or the entire movement of the locking element (8) between its locked position and its unlocked position.

3. Chain link according to claim 2, characterized in that the arcuate guide of the crossbar holding region (11) for the locking element (8) has an upper arcuate guide (12a) facing the upper side of the crossbar and a lower arcuate guide (12b) facing away from the upper side of the crossbar, each for guiding the locking element in a pivoting movement.

4. Chain link according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the arcuate guide (12) is designed as a guide channel in which the locking portion (10) of the locking element (8) is guided.

5. Chain link according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper arcuate guide (12a) facing the upper side of the crossbar and the lower arcuate guide (12b) facing away from the upper side of the crossbar form the guide channel for the locking element (8) between them and that the locking element (8) is guided in the guide channel.

6. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the locking portion (10) of the locking element (8) is arcuate.

7. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking portion (10) of the locking element (8) is guided in the arcuate guide of the crossbar holding region (11) for the locking element (8).

8. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating portion (9) of the locking element (8) protrudes laterally from the locking portion (10) thereof.

9. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the locking element (8) is designed as a substantially rigid component.

10. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking portion (10) of the locking element (8) has a flat contact surface (14) at its end region for contact with the holding region (11) of the side portion (3).

11. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking element (8) on the one hand and the crossbar holding region (11) of the side portion (3) for the locking element (8) or the crossbar (4) on the other hand have corresponding latching means (15) for fixing the locking element (8) in its locking position.

12. Chain link according to claim 11, characterized in that the latching means (15) are arranged in the guide channel of the arcuate guide for the locking element (8).

13. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the holding region (11) of the crossbar (4) has retaining means (17) which interact with the locking element (8) and are preferably arranged in the guide channel of the arcuate guide for the locking element (8).

14. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the locking element (8) can be locked and unlocked by manual operation.

15. Chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the holding portion (20) for the crossbar (5) has two lateral recesses, each of which is open on two sides, namely on one side towards the narrow side (22) of the side portion on which the holding region is arranged and on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the chain, in that the recesses each have a support surface (26) for holding projections (27) of the crossbar (4) engaging in the recess, and in that the respective recess forms an undercut (26) of the crossbar holding portion which prevents spacing between the side portion (3) and the crossbar (4) in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar.

16. Energy guide chain with chain links according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Method for fixing a crossbar (4) to a chain link (2) of an energy chain according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, in order to fix the crossbar (2) to the side portions (3) of the chain link, the crossbar (4) is loosely inserted in the holding portion (20) of the side portion (3) for the crossbar from a direction perpendicular to the narrow side (22) of the side portion (3) running in the longitudinal direction of the chain, in the region where the holding portion (20) is arranged, until it reaches the intended position of the crossbar in which it can be locked to the side portion with a locking element (8) and wherein, when the locking element (8) of the crossbar (4), which is designed as a pivotal part, is actuated, the locking portion is moved at least in a part of its movement from the locking position to its unlocking position or vice versa in a pivoting movement.