ENERGY CONTROL CHAIN

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an energy supply chain for guiding cables according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an end fastening part for an energy chain according to claim 12 and a guide channel with an energy chain according to claim 13.

[0002] Energy chains, which consist of a lower run, an upper run, and a connecting deflection section, are used in a wide variety of applications and often reach considerable lengths of several meters or even tens of meters. With long chains, the energy chain is typically moved with the upper run resting on the lower run, so that the upper run slides on top of the lower run. The energy chain is usually mounted in a guide channel, which guides the chain laterally during its movement to prevent the upper run from slipping off the lower run. Guide rails are attached to the guide channel to support the upper run when it extends beyond the end of the lower run, thus making the upper run longer than the lower run.The guide rails are fixed at a height on the guide channel such that the upper surface or sliding surface of the guide rails is aligned with the upper surface of the lower run, ensuring that the upper run experiences no height difference when it moves from the lower run onto the guide rail. This is essential for a smooth, consistent movement of the chain. Such a guide channel is described, for example, in DE 195 12 105 C1.

[0003] Especially in long energy chains, sliding elements, such as sliding shoes or skids, are often used. These are positioned between the upper and lower runs and project beyond the chain side plates towards the opposite run. The sliding elements are generally located on the upper narrow sides of the chain links facing the other run, or on the top of the crossbars. The sliding elements serve to dampen noise and / or protect against wear when the upper and lower runs rub against each other during chain movement. The sliding elements can be integrally molded onto the energy chain, as in accordance with WO 2007 / 121716 A1 or DE 196 47 322 A1, or detachably attached to the chain, as in accordance with EP 415029 A1 or EP 456537 A1.

[0004] There is sometimes a need to retrofit an energy chain guided in a guide trough with such sliding elements to take advantage of their benefits. In some cases, an energy chain without such sliding elements is replaced with another energy chain featuring chain links of the same height and, consequently, usually the same height of the cable support space, but which does have such sliding elements, in order to benefit from their advantages. However, this necessitates that the chain links equipped with such sliding elements have a greater overall height than otherwise identical chain links without them.This would require repositioning the guide rails on the guide trough and adjusting them to the greater height of the chain with sliding elements, so that the guide rails are once again aligned with, or at the same height as, the top of the chain equipped with sliding elements. However, this would entail additional assembly or conversion work, which can be considerable for long guide troughs.

[0005] DE 195 25 478 A1 describes an energy chain with a chain end link, wherein the chain end link has two side parts, each with a pivot section for the chain and two angle elements, wherein the angle elements are connected to the end fastening element side parts and the angle elements serve to fasten the chain end link and thus the entire energy chain to a fixed point or a movable point of the energy chain.

[0006] ES 2 614 782 describes an energy chain with an end fastening part, on which a force sensor is provided as a connecting link for fastening the movable end of the energy chain to a driver, wherein the force sensor measures tensile and compressive forces transmitted between the driver and a movable end of the energy chain.

[0007] DE 298 02 278 U1 describes a workplace supply device comprising a rail and a movable carriage guided thereon, and an energy chain which is fixed at one end relative to the rail and at the other end attached to the carriage. The invention is thus based on the objective of providing an energy chain or a guide trough with such an energy chain in which the conversion effort is reduced when an energy chain is subsequently equipped with additional devices, in particular sliding elements, or when an energy chain without additional devices, in particular sliding elements, is replaced by an energy chain with additional devices, in particular sliding elements, while maintaining the same chain link height.

[0008] According to the invention, the problem is solved by an energy chain according to claim 1, by an end fastening part according to claim 12 and by a guide channel with energy chain according to claim 13.

[0009] According to the invention, the energy chain is designed in such a way that the end fastening part of the lower run has at least one wedge-shaped ramp element with a pointed end and a broad end on the side facing the upper run, wherein the pointed end and broad end are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, i.e., also in the longitudinal direction of the ramp element. The ramp element is arranged or can be arranged on the end fastening part with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the ramp element tapers in the direction away from the deflection area when fastened to the chain, and the upper surface of the ramp element facing the upper run forms a ramp for the upper run. Furthermore, the ramp element is detachably fastened or detachably fastened to the end fastening part.This makes it particularly easy to retrofit a chain with at least one or more overrun elements, if the chain is retrofitted with sliding elements or replaced by a chain without sliding elements with a chain with sliding elements.

[0010] In the mounting arrangement of the ramp element on the chain, the wide end of the wedge-shaped ramp element (generally also referred to as "ram element") is positioned facing the deflection area of ​​the energy chain (generally also referred to as "chain"), and the pointed end of the ramp element is positioned at the end of the ramp element facing away from the deflection area of ​​the chain. By arranging the ramp element, a ramp ramp for the upper run is thus created in the transition area between the upper surface of the guide rail, which supports the upper run and forms a sliding surface for it, and the upper surface of the lower run, which is equipped with articulated elements and is formed by the sliding surfaces of the sliding elements. This ramp ramp at least partially, or preferably completely, compensates for the height difference between the upper surface of the guide rail and the upper surface of the lower run.

[0011] The additional device that increases the overall height of the links is preferably at least one sliding element, with reference to which the invention is explained. However, the additional device can also be designed differently. The invention is described using sliding elements as the additional device, which are particularly preferred; however, the term "sliding element" can generally also be replaced by the term "additional device" which, retrofitted to the chain, increases the overall height of the chain links.

[0012] When the upper run extends, i.e., when it extends beyond the lower run and then runs onto the guide rails, or when the upper run retracts, when its length extending beyond the lower run is shortened, the ramp ramp preferably continuously compensates for the height difference between the guide rail and the top of the sliding element. The underside of the upper run, or its sliding elements, then slides on the top of the ramp element during chain travel, which thus also acts as a sliding surface. The guide rails can therefore remain in their mounting configuration, in which the top surface of the guide rails is positioned at least substantially at the height of the narrow sides of the lower run chain links, as is technically correct for a chain without additional sliding elements.A modification of the guide rails with height adjustment to accommodate the greater height of the chain links with guide rails is therefore unnecessary. The design of the ramp reduces or eliminates the risk that, when the upper run passes over the transition area between the guide rail ends and the first chain link of the lower run (equipped with at least one sliding element), chain links of the upper run could become entangled with or come into contact with the sliding elements provided on the chain links of the lower run, particularly their ends or edges. This would impair the smooth movement of the chain, especially when the upper run is being inserted. Even without modification or readjustment of the mounting height of the guide rails on the guide channel, a very smooth movement of the chain is guaranteed both when inserting and extending the upper run.Furthermore, the ramp element reduces wear on the sliding elements and also on the guide rail, particularly at the end of the guide rail, which faces the end fastening part of the lower run. This is also the case when the upper run extends, as otherwise, due to the height difference in the aforementioned transition area, the links of the upper run would perform an uncontrolled vertical movement without support. The arrangement of the at least one ramp element also protects the chain's joint elements, thus increasing their service life and resulting in lower noise emissions, in each case compared to a corresponding arrangement of chain and guide channel without the use of a ramp element according to the invention. Preferably, sliding elements are also provided on the underside of the upper run. Preferably, at least one sliding element is provided on each link of the chain.

[0013] When reference is made to an "end fastening part", this refers to the end fastening part of the lower run, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

[0014] Preferably, the ramp surface at the broad end of the wedge-shaped ramp element is arranged in its mounting assembly on the chain at least substantially or exactly at the level of the sliding surface of the adjacent sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This results in only a slight or preferably no height difference between the ramp surface of the ramp element and the sliding surface of the sliding element, thus ensuring particularly smooth and uniform movement of the energy chain, especially at the transition area between the chain and the guide rail. The advantages of the invention arise particularly from this.

[0015] Preferably, the ramp of the ramp element, onto which the upper run travels and comes into contact during the chain's travel, is designed as a plane. This plane is preferably aligned parallel to the pivot axes around which the chain links can pivot relative to each other. This results in a particularly smooth travel motion of the chain, especially at high travel speeds. This also prevents force components acting on the upper run section, which runs onto the ramp, in the vertical direction during chain travel. The "vertical direction" here corresponds to the arrangement direction of the upper and lower runs one above the other. Optionally, the upper surface or sliding surface of the ramp element may also have a certain curvature, but this should not be too pronounced, as this could otherwise cause the upper run to rear up when it is inserted relative to the lower run.

[0016] The ramp, on which the underside of the upper run can run, therefore preferably has a slope in the mounting arrangement of the ramp element on the end fastening part, preferably a uniform or constant slope in order to be able to bridge the said height difference.

[0017] The tapered section of the ramp element is generally preferably designed such that the tapering is achieved by a reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the ramp element, specifically by a reduction in the cross-sectional height of the ramp element, or more precisely, the material height of the ramp element. The direction of the vertical extension of the ramp element corresponds to the direction of the vertical extension of the end fastening part and / or the guide channel.

[0018] The tapered section of the riser element preferably tapers continuously, i.e., without any raised sections in the riser slope. The tapered section of the riser element preferably tapers with a constant slope along the length of the riser slope.

[0019] The tapered area of ​​the ramp element can form at least partially or completely the area of ​​the ramp slope of the ramp element, particularly in the mounting arrangement of the ramp element on the end fastening part, especially preferably including the arrangement of the ramp element on the respective slide rail.

[0020] The tapered section of the ramp element, or the ramp itself, preferably extends over ≥ 5-10% or ≥ 15-20%, particularly preferably ≥ 25-35% or ≥ 50-75%, or optionally up to 100% of the length of the ramp element. This results in a particularly shallow ramp, which enables the upper chain run to pass over the ramp element or from the guide rail onto the lower chain run with exceptional smoothness and without interference.

[0021] Optionally, the wide end of the ramp element can also have a certain section with a horizontal upper surface, i.e., parallel to the guide rails, which preferably has only a short length in the chain's longitudinal direction. This horizontal section is preferably aligned with the sliding surfaces of the joint elements of the lower run. This horizontal section can extend over ≥ 5-10%, ≥ 15-20%, ≥ 25-50%, or possibly even more, and / or over ≤ 50-75%, or ≤ 25-35% of the ramp element's length in its mounting configuration. The fastening means of the ramp element for attaching it to the end mounting part of the energy chain can thus be stably arranged on the ramp element, preferably on its horizontal section, and the ramp slope can have a relatively large longitudinal extent, which has proven particularly advantageous for the ramp element's application.

[0022] Optionally, the wide end of the ramp element can also have a certain section with a flat and / or a horizontal underside, i.e., parallel to the guide rails and / or narrow sides of the end mounting part, which preferably has only a short length in the chain's longitudinal direction. This horizontal section is preferably able to be laid flat against the narrow sides of the end mounting part or is formed in the mounting arrangement of the ramp element, particularly preferably over part of the length or the entire length of the overlapping area between the narrow side of the end mounting part and the ramp element. The flat underside of the ramp element is preferably present in the disassembled state and / or in the mounting arrangement of the ramp element. This flat and / or horizontal section of the ramp element's underside can extend over ≥ 5-10% or ≥ 15-20% or ≥ 25-50% or optionallyThe overrun element may also extend beyond 50-75% or 25-35% of its length in the mounting arrangement. This ensures stable contact between the overrun element and the end fixing part.

[0023] The indication "≥ 5-10%" or, more generally, the indication "≥ xy%", with "x" or "y" being the specified number, is generally to be understood within the scope of the invention as "in the range of 5%-10% or ≥ 10%" or "in the range of x%-y% or ≥ y%", which also applies accordingly to the indication "≤ xy%", meaning "in the range of x%-y% or ≤ x%".

[0024] Preferably, the driver and / or connection point for the end fastening part of the upper run is height-adjustable or floating with respect to its distance to the lower run, so that the different height of the chain links with additional sliding elements, compared to the chain links without sliding elements, can be compensated for.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the pointed end of the ramp element protrudes from the free end of the lower run's end fixing in its mounting arrangement on the chain. The free end of the end fixing is generally the end of the end fixing facing away from the chain's deflection area. Any gap between the end fixing and the guide rail of the guide channel adjacent to the end fixing is at least partially or completely bridged by the portion of the pointed end of the ramp element that protrudes from the end fixing. In particular, the pointed end of the ramp element can also be arranged in overlap with the guide rail, with the underside of the ramp element preferably bearing against the top side of the guide rail. This at least partial or complete gap bridging ensures particularly smooth movement of the chain in the transition area between the lower run end and the upper run.This allows for the connection between the end mounting part on one side and the guide rail on the other. Furthermore, this enables the ramp of the ramp element to have a comparatively long length, resulting in a relatively shallow ramp or only a slight incline. This improves the smooth running of the chain when traversing the transition area, thereby reducing noise during chain movement and increasing the chain's service life.

[0026] The ramp preferably has an angle of ≤ 20° or ≤ 15° or ≤ 10°, in particular also ≤ 5° or ≤ 3° or ≤ 2° to that of the straight connecting line of the narrow sides of the lower run and / or to the underside of the ramp element in its fastening arrangement on the chain.

[0027] The height of the riser element at the free tip end can be ≤ 40% or ≤ 30°, preferably ≤ 20% or ≤ 10%, or approximately 5%, of the height of the riser element at the wide end.

[0028] The underside of the overrun element in its mounting arrangement on the chain is preferably flat.

[0029] Preferably, the ramp element is arranged on the side panels of the end mounting part. The underside of the ramp element preferably rests flat against the side panels of the end mounting part, thereby stabilizing it in position. The underside of the ramp element is the side of the ramp element opposite the ramp slope, with the two sides forming an angle between them, creating a wedge shape.

[0030] Preferably, a ramp element is arranged on each of the two side parts of the end mounting part that face the upper run. Alternatively, only one ramp element may be provided, which preferably extends over and bridges both side parts of the end mounting part.

[0031] The side parts of the end fastening element are generally, within the scope of the invention, preferably arranged parallel to the side plates of the lower run and preferably coupled to the side parts of the chain link of the lower run adjacent to the end fastening element, and attached to it in a way that absorbs tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The side parts of the end fastening element preferably couple pivotally to the side plates of the chain end link of the lower run. The "end link of the chain or of the lower run" is generally understood to be the chain link that couples directly to the end fastening element of the chain and is preferably pivotally connected to it. The chain thus has two chain end links, corresponding to the two end regions of the chain.

[0032] The ramp element is preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the chain, extending from the sliding surfaces of the sliding elements. This provides a continuous, preferably straight, running surface for the lower run, including the ramp element, in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This surface supports the upper run when the upper run is moving in the transition area between the guide rails and the lower run. The guide rails arranged on the guide channel are preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the contact surfaces of the lower run and the ramp element for the upper run. Furthermore, the arrangement of the ramp element on the aforementioned side surfaces or side plates provides the widest possible and therefore most stable support for the upper run.

[0033] The side parts of the end mounting bracket can, for example, be frame-shaped or have a frame-shaped section, the frame being closed on one side, facing away from or preferably towards the receiving space for the cable. The side parts of the end mounting bracket are preferably connected to each other by a crossbar, which stabilizes the end mounting bracket and can act as a spacer between the side parts. The end mounting bracket can also have a crossbar for holding strain relief elements for the cables guided by the chain. In this case, at least one crossbar can be arranged on the side of the end mounting bracket facing the upper run and / or on the side facing away from the upper run. Optionally, one or more crossbars of the end mounting bracket can be integrally or detachably connected to the side parts of the end mounting bracket.The crossbar(s) of the end fastening part are preferably arranged parallel to the crossbars of the chain links. It is understood that the at least one or more crossbars of the end fastening part may also be plate-shaped. Preferably, a ramp element is arranged on each of the two side parts of the end fastening part; optionally, a ramp element may also be provided that connects the two side parts of the end fastening part.

[0034] If the ramp element can be attached to or is attached to the end mounting part of the lower run, this results in a structurally compact design and the energy chain can be easily retrofitted by subsequent arrangements of the ramp element.

[0035] The ramp element is preferably arranged on or attached to the end mounting part of the lower run, particularly in a detachable manner. This places the ramp element close to the end of the slide rail facing the end mounting part. The pointed end of the ramp element can thus be positioned relatively close to the mounting area of ​​the ramp element on the end mounting part, resulting in a stable design. Forces acting on the ramp element during movement of the upper run can therefore be absorbed particularly effectively by the mounting areas of the ramp element on the end mounting part.Furthermore, by arranging the ramp element on the end mounting part, a particularly smooth transition between the chain end link of the lower run and the guide rail is provided, resulting in a particularly smooth movement of the chain when the upper run passes from the sliding elements of the lower run onto the guide rail, or vice versa. Attaching the ramp element to the end mounting part is also particularly advantageous because it is fixed in place and preferably in a positionally unchanging manner at the connection point, such as a supporting structure or the base of a building. In addition, the guide channel is also usually fixed in place to the substrate or a supporting structure, which are each preferably fixed in place. This allows for a particularly simple and durable arrangement.The overrun element is attached to the end mounting bracket because this design exposes the connecting element and its mounting areas to particularly low mechanical stresses during chain movement, such as vibrations or other alternating loads. Forces acting on the overrun element during chain movement can thus be easily absorbed via the end mounting bracket and transferred to the ground or supporting structure.

[0036] Preferably, the end fastening element has several connection point fastening areas for attaching it to a connection point, by means of which the end fastening element can preferably be fixed in position, and particularly preferably secured against rotation and / or displacement, at the connection point. The multiple connection point fastening areas allow the end fastening element to be attached to different connection points with varying spatial arrangements. For example, identical end fastening elements can be provided at both ends of the chain, by means of which the lower run or the upper run can be attached to the respective connection point. When the end fastening element is attached to the connection point, one of the connection point fastening areas is used for the corresponding fastening, while the other connection point fastening areas remain unused with respect to the fastening of the end fastening element at a connection point.For example, connection point attachment areas can be provided on an upper narrow side and / or a lower narrow side and / or on an end face facing the guide rails of an end mounting part, wherein the narrow sides of the end mounting part correspond to the narrow sides of the chain links. According to the invention, the ramp element is preferably designed such that it is attached to or designed for attachment to a connection point attachment area of ​​the end mounting part, preferably on a narrow side thereof. This also applies in particular to the fastening elements of the ramp element. Preferably, the fastening areas or elements of the ramp element are designed to correspond to the connection point attachment areas of the end mounting part.

[0037] The fastening elements of the ramp element, which can be fixed to a connection point of the end fastening part, are preferably designed as form-fit and / or force-fit elements, preferably as clamping and / or locking elements. This results in a particularly simple design and makes retrofitting the energy chain or the system consisting of the energy chain and guide channel particularly easy and quick. Preferably, the fastening elements of the ramp element are integrally molded onto it, which simplifies the assembly of the ramp element onto the chain.

[0038] Preferably, the fastening elements of the ramp element correspond to the fastening elements of the connection point fastening areas of the end fastening part, by means of which the latter can be fixed at a connection point. This significantly simplifies retrofitting the chain with at least one ramp element. Additional fastening devices for the ramp element on the chain are therefore unnecessary. The fastening elements of the ramp element for fixing it to the chain are preferably arranged on the underside of the ramp element. This simplifies the assembly of the ramp element.

[0039] If necessary, though less preferred, the overrun element can also be attached to a crossbeam of the end fastening part.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the ramp element is elastically deformable, and particularly preferably, the ramp element is arc-shaped when disassembled. Viewed from the underside of the ramp element, it is preferably concave. When the ramp element is arranged or attached to the chain, where the underside of the ramp element is preferably at least substantially straight, the pointed end of the ramp element can thus bear against the guide rail with a preload. This prevents vibrations or oscillations of the ramp element when the upper run approaches or moves away from the ramp element, thereby ensuring particularly reliable operation of the energy chain retrofitted with the ramp element or of the chain and guide rail system.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, the ramp element is at least substantially rigid.

[0042] This reduces or prevents vibrations of the ramp element or its rebound when the upper run hits or is carried away from the ramp element.

[0043] Preferably, the ramp surface of the ramp element or the entire ramp element is made of a material with low sliding friction and / or high wear resistance. This increases the smooth running of the chain when it is in contact with the ramp element and reduces wear.

[0044] Preferably, the length of the ramp element is greater than or equal to 0.125 times, or greater than or equal to 0.25 times, or preferably greater than or equal to 0.5 times, or greater than or equal to 0.75 times the length of the end fastening part; particularly preferred is the length of the ramp element greater than or equal to the length of the end fastening part. This comparatively large length of the ramp element allows the ramp surface to have a particularly shallow gradient, resulting in exceptionally smooth chain operation when the upper run travels from the guide rails over the ramp element onto the lower run, or when moving in the opposite direction. The advantages of the invention arise particularly from this.Preferably, the length of the ramp element is greater than the distance between the leading edges of immediately successive sliding elements of the upper run in the direction of chain travel, for example greater than or equal to 1.15 or greater than or equal to 1.25, so that when a given sliding element slides off the ramp element, the following sliding element has already driven onto the ramp element, so that the ramp element is permanently pressed against the end retaining part and / or the guide rail by the weight of the upper run during its travel, which makes unintentional release of the ramp element difficult or prevents it, especially during fast chain travel.The length of the ramp element can be less than or equal to twice the length of the end fastening part, less than or equal to 1.5 times the length of the end fastening part, which allows the ramp element to have high stability even in its mounting position, including against dynamic forces when the upper run is raised or lowered from the ramp element, which could otherwise lead to undesirable vibrations of the tip end of the ramp element.

[0045] The pointed end of the ramp element is preferably not provided with fastening means for fixing the ramp element to another component such as a slide rail or a substrate.

[0046] The invention further comprises an end fastening part for an energy chain according to the preamble of claim 1 or for a chain according to the invention, wherein at least one wedge-shaped ramp element is arranged on or attached to the end fastening part.

[0047] The invention further comprises a guide trough with an energy chain according to the preamble of claim 1 or more generally according to the present invention, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 12. During its movement, the energy chain is guided laterally by the guide trough to prevent the upper run from slipping off the lower run and / or to ensure that the chain moves in the direction specified by the guide trough, wherein the chain's path is generally linear, but not limited to this, and can, for example, also be curved. The guide trough has at least one sliding rail extending in its longitudinal direction, on which the upper run of the chain can be placed or is placed.Typically, at least one guide rail is arranged on each leg of the guide channel, which surrounds the chain on both sides and guides it laterally. These guide rails are preferably positioned opposite each other on both sides of the channel. The guide rails support the upper run of the chain when it extends beyond the end attachment area of ​​the lower run, meaning the upper run is longer than the lower run. The upper surfaces of the guide rails support the upper run in this process. The width of the guide rails preferably extends at least across the width of the chain links, and preferably at least substantially across the width of the chain's sliding elements. The guide rails are preferably arranged horizontally; however, each guide rail can optionally be arranged at an angle to the horizontal direction.The guide rails are preferably straight, particularly preferably at the free end of the guide channel or along the entire longitudinal extent of the respective guide rail. Optionally, the guide rails can also be curved with respect to their transverse and / or vertical extent. If necessary, instead of two guide rails on the two opposite legs of the guide channel, only one guide rail can be provided, which extends at least substantially across the width of the interior of the guide channel. The guide rails are preferably positively attached to the guide channel, for example by screwing or hooking. The guide rails are preferably fixed in place on the guide channel by fasteners.

[0048] The guide channel is generally preferably designed to be at least substantially U-shaped. The guide channel can generally extend over the entire chain length, particularly with respect to the maximum travel distance of the upper run in both directions of travel, i.e., with the maximum length of the upper run or with the maximum length of the lower run.

[0049] Preferably, the wedge-shaped ramp element is arranged on the chain, particularly on the end mounting part, such that it at least partially, or preferably completely, bridges a gap between the end mounting part and the guide rail. The pointed end of the ramp element is preferably arranged at least substantially flush with the guide rail, so that it is positioned at the level of the upper surface of the guide rail, i.e., the bearing surface for the upper run. This significantly improves the smooth running of the chain, reduces noise emissions during chain movement, and increases the chain's service life if a misalignment of the guide rails relative to the chain occurs due to retrofitting a chain with sliding elements or the use of a chain with additional sliding elements.

[0050] Preferably, the ramp element is arranged on the chain, particularly the end mounting part, such that it covers the end region of at least one guide rail or overlaps the guide rail on its upper surface with the tip end. The tip end of the ramp element may rest loosely against the guide rail. Preferably, the tip end bears against the guide rail or the upper surface of the guide rail with a certain contact force in order to absorb dynamic forces that occur when the upper run of the chain moves up or down from the ramp element. This contact force can be exerted by using an elastic ramp element, concave on the underside with a lesser curvature on the underside or with a straight underside, in its mounting arrangement on the chain, so that the elastic restoring force exerts a contact force. Preferably, the end region of the ramp element rests against the guide rail without any gaps.

[0051] The ramp element can extend over the guide rail by more than or equal to 0.1 times or more than or equal to 0.2 times its length, for example approximately half its length or more, in its mounting arrangement on the chain, resulting in a very low ramp angle of the ramp element and therefore very smooth running of the chain even at high travel speeds.

[0052] In the mounting arrangement of the ramp element on the end fixing part, preferably with the ramp element in contact with the slide rail, the underside of the ramp element facing the end fixing part or the slide rail extends horizontally in relation to the spatial direction or in a straight line extension and aligned with the top of the narrow side of the end fixing part.

[0053] In general, within the scope of the invention, a chain with a connection point located centrally with respect to the chain length is preferably provided, i.e., a chain with a so-called "center feed." When the upper run is at its maximum travel in the forward and reverse directions, the connection point and the end mounting part of the lower run are thus located in the middle of the entire travel path of the chain. The end regions of the guide rails are arranged adjacent to the end mounting part of the lower run, but generally with a certain gap or distance between them.

[0054] The invention is explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment. All features of the exemplary embodiment are disclosed generally within the scope of the invention, either independently of one another or in combination with one another. The figures show: Fig. 1: a section of a guide trough with slide rail and with energy guide chain according to the invention, which is provided with a ramp element in side view ( Fig. 1a ), in detailed view ( Fig. 1b ) and in perspective view ( Fig. 1c ), Fig. 2: a view of a guide trough with energy guide chain according to the invention Fig. 1 with the upper run resting on a sliding rail, in side view and in detail view ( Fig. 2a, 2b ), Fig. 3: an exploded view of the transition area between end mounting part and slide rail in a perspective view from below ( Fig. 3a ) and from above ( Fig. 3b ) with end mounting part and overrun element accordingly Fig. 1 and 2 , Fig. 4: an end fastening part with overrun element according to the Fig. 1 bis 3 exploded view in a first and a second perspective view ( Fig. 4a, 4b ), Fig. 5: an end fastening part with overrun element according to the Fig. 1 bis 4 in the mounting arrangement of the overrun element in side view ( Fig. 5a ), in top view ( Fig. 5b ) and on average VV according to Fig. 5b (Fig. 5c ), Fig. 6: a run-up element according to the invention in top view ( Fig. 6a ), front view ( Fig. 6b ), side view ( Fig. 6c ), View from below ( Fig. 6d ) and in perspective view ( Fig. 6e ).

[0055] The Figuren 1 bis 6 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an energy chain 1 according to the invention, comprising a ramp element 10 and its arrangement in a guide channel 50 with a sliding element 55. The energy chain 1 is also disclosed independently of the guide channel 50. The end fastening part 7 with ramp element 10 is also disclosed independently of the chain 1 and / or the guide channel 50.

[0056] The guide channel 50 is generally at least substantially U-shaped and has opposing legs 51. The guide channel preferably extends over the entire chain length in its opposite end travel positions and guides the chain 1 or the upper run 1b laterally during the chain's travel movement. The guide channel is provided with slide rails 55 on both opposing legs 51, each of which supports the upper run driven onto it.

[0057] The energy chain 1 for guiding cables between two mutually movable, preferably longitudinally displaceable, connection points comprises a plurality of chain links 2 articulated together and arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Each chain link 2 has opposing and laterally spaced tabs 3, each with an inner side surface 3a and an outer side surface, and with two narrow sides 3c, 3d opposite each other with respect to the tab height. At least some, here all, of the chain links 2 have at least one, here two, crossbars 4 connecting the tabs 3 of the respective chain link, wherein the opposing tabs and the crossbars form a receiving space 5 for the at least one cable.The chain 1 can be arranged and moved by forming a lower run 1a, an upper run 1b and a deflection area 1c connecting them, with the upper run placed on the lower run, as shown in . Fig. 2 The chain links of the lower run and / or upper run, here of both runs, are equipped or can be equipped on the side facing the other run with additional devices 6, which here are designed in the form of sliding elements. The exemplary embodiment is described with reference to guide elements, which also represents a particularly preferred embodiment; however, the invention is not limited to this. The chain has an end fastening part 7, which is coupled to an end link 2a of the lower run 1a of the chain. The chain has alternatingly arranged inner and outer plates, which form a plate strand; however, the invention is not limited to this.The end fastening part 7 has connection fastening areas 8 for fastening the end fastening part 7 to a connection point, for which fastening means (not shown) such as screw bolts can be used, or is attached to a fixed connection point by means of the same.

[0058] The sliding elements 6 of the chain have a longitudinal extension direction in the chain longitudinal direction L. The sliding surfaces 6a of the sliding elements 6 can form a continuous sliding surface for the upper run 1b in the chain longitudinal direction L.

[0059] The end mounting part 7 of the lower run 1a is provided on its side 7a facing the upper run with at least one wedge-shaped ramp element 10, wherein the ramp element 10 has a pointed end 10a and a broad end 10b, which are spaced apart from each other in the chain's longitudinal direction L. The ramp element 10 is arranged, or can be arranged, on the end mounting part with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the chain's longitudinal direction L. The ramp element 10 tapers in its mounting arrangement on the chain 1 in the direction away from the deflection area 1c. The upper surface 10c of the ramp element 10, facing the upper run, forms a ramp surface for the upper run 1b and acts as a sliding surface for the upper run. The ramp surface or the entire ramp element is made of a material with low sliding friction and / or high wear resistance.

[0060] The ramp angle here has an angle of approximately 2° to the horizontal and thus also to the straight line connecting the narrow sides 3c of the lower run. This angle also corresponds to the angle between the upper surface 10c, i.e., the sliding surface, and the lower surface 10d of the ramp element 10. The height of the ramp element at the free tip end is approximately 5% of the height of the ramp element at the wide end, so that the upper surface, which acts as the ramp, has a long and shallow slope, facilitating the sliding of the upper run onto the ramp element and thus providing the advantages of the invention, such as smooth chain operation, in a particularly effective manner.

[0061] The width of the ramp element 10 corresponds at least substantially to the width of the guide rails 55 and / or the width of the sliding elements or auxiliary devices 6 of the lower run. However, the ramp element 10 can also extend at least substantially across the entire width of the end mounting part and overlap and / or connect the side parts 7a of the end mounting part. This simplifies the retrofitting of the energy chain, as only one ramp element needs to be retrofitted to the end mounting part 7.

[0062] In the fastening arrangement of the ramp element 10 on the chain, the upper surface 10c or the ramp surface of the same is arranged at the wide end 10b of the ramp element at the level of the upper surface of the auxiliary device or at the level of the sliding surface 6a of the sliding element 6 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

[0063] The ramp 10e of the ramp element 10, onto which the upper run of the chain runs and comes into contact with it during the chain's movement, is designed as a plane. The widening end 10b of the ramp element also optionally has an end section 10f with a horizontal upper surface, i.e., in the mounting arrangement of the ramp element on the chain 1, parallel to the guide rails 55 or to the connecting line of the narrow sides of the link plates. The fastening means 11 of the ramp element, here in the form of projecting pins, are preferably arranged at least partially or completely on the particularly stable end section 10f.

[0064] In the fastening arrangement of the ramp element 10 to the chain 1 or to the end fastening part 7, the pointed end of the ramp element projects from the free end of the end fastening part, which faces away from the deflection area 1c of the chain, specifically in this embodiment with approximately half the length of the ramp element (see Fig. 5 ).

[0065] The overflow element 10 is arranged on the side parts 7a of the end mounting part 7. An overflow element is arranged on each of the two side parts 7a, and these are designed as mirror images of each other. The descriptions of "the overflow element" apply to both elements. The overflow element 10 can be attached to, or is attached to, the end mounting part, specifically to one of its side parts. The outlet element can be detachably attached to, or is attached to, the end mounting part 7. The fastening elements 11 of the overflow element 10 are designed as form-fit and / or force-fit elements, specifically as clamping and / or locking elements in the form of the pin-shaped projections. The fastening elements 11 of the overflow element are arranged on the underside of the overflow element 10.

[0066] The ramp element can be attached to the respective end mounting part 7, in particular to the side part 7a thereof, by pushing it onto the end mounting part. This can generally apply within the scope of the invention, which facilitates the mounting of the ramp element to the chain. The ramp element can generally be pushed onto the open top of the channel, which faces the top of the guide rail 55a and / or runs parallel to it, for which purpose the ramp element is designed accordingly. The ramp element is preferably pushed onto the narrow side 7f of the side part 7a of the end mounting part 7.

[0067] The ramp element with its fastening means is generally designed within the scope of the invention such that it can be fixed and mounted in the guide channel without disassembling the end fastening part 7 and / or without loosening the end fastening part 7 from its connection point 9 on the end fastening part. The fastening means 11 are preferably integrally formed on the ramp element. The ramp element is preferably attached to the end fastening part from the open top of the channel. In addition to the translational change in position of the ramp element relative to the end fastening part, the attachment process may optionally also include a translational or other change in position in another direction, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail, which is carried out, for example, when the corresponding fastening means of the ramp element is arranged in its mounting receptacle on the end fastening part.

[0068] The end fastening part 7 has several connection point fastening areas 8a, 8b, 8c for fastening to the connection point 9, so that the end fastening part 7 can be used to secure the chain at connection points in different spatial locations, e.g., identical end fastening parts can also be used to selectively secure the end links of the upper and lower runs. If connection point fastening area 8a is used to fasten the end fastening part, at least one other connection point fastening area 8b is unused for said fastening of part 7. The connection point fastening areas 8a-8c can each be fixed to the substrate or a supporting structure in a rotationally secure manner, for which purpose they each have, for example, two through-openings 8f for the passage of fasteners. The connection point fastening areas 8a-8c are each arranged on a frame-shaped area 7f of the end fastening part 7.The connection point fastening areas 8a and 8b are arranged on opposite narrow sides 7e, 7f of the side parts 7a of the end fastening part. Optionally, a further connection point fastening area 8c is provided on the end face of the end fastening part, to which the ramp element 10 could be attached, albeit with some spatial inconvenience. By using the connection point fastening areas to fasten and secure the ramp element to part 7, retrofitting the chain is significantly simplified, and additional fasteners are unnecessary. Furthermore, due to the good accessibility of connection point fastening area 8b, located on the upper narrow side, subsequent installation of the ramp element is easily accomplished.

[0069] The fastening means 11 of the ramp element thus correspond to the connection point fastening areas 8 of the end fastening part 7, preferably also with respect to their spatial distance from each other. The ramp element is generally fixed or can be fixed to the end fastening part in a rotationally secure manner, here by two spaced-apart fastening means 11. Generally, the ramp element rests flat against the respective narrow side of the end fastening part.

[0070] According to one variant, the run-on element is at least essentially rigid, preferably with a flat underside 10d, as in the Figuren 1 bis 5 depicted.

[0071] According to another preferred variant, as in Fig. 6 As shown, the ramp element 10 is arc-shaped in its disassembled state, preferably concave when viewed from the underside 10d, and elastically deformable. In its mounting arrangement on the end mounting part, the ramp element is preferably arranged in an extended position, with a preferably flat underside 10d, as shown in the Figuren 1 bis 5 presented, whereby in this context the Fig. 4 und 5 as exploded views of the end fastening part with overrun element in its fastening position on the chain and contact with the slide rail according to Fig. 1 and 2 To be understood, by placing the tip end 10a against the guide rail 55, the tip end 10a exerts a clamping force on the guide rail 55, thereby preventing the tip end from lifting off the guide rail when the chain is moved.

[0072] The length of the ramp element is greater here than the length of the end fastening part, which makes the slope of the upper surface 10c, which acts as a ramp surface, particularly shallow.

[0073] The end fixing element 7 has two crossbars 7e arranged in the area of ​​its narrow sides, which connect the side parts 7a and stabilize the end fixing element 7. Strain relief devices for relieving the strain on the guided line(s) are provided or can be arranged on the end fixing element. For this purpose, the end fixing element 7 has fastening areas 7g for attaching a crossbar (not shown) to which strain relief elements can be attached.

[0074] According to the Figuren 1 and 2The free ends of the guide rail 50, or of both guide rails, are spaced apart from the end fixing part 7 by a gap 57 in the longitudinal direction of the chain on the two channel legs 51. The ramp element is arranged on the end fixing part 7 such that the end section with the pointed end 10a at least partially, or in this case completely, bridges the gap 57 between the end fixing part 7 and the guide rail 55. In its fixing position on the chain, the ramp element 10 covers the end section 55b of the guide rail and rests against the upper surface of the guide rail 55a with a certain preload, or possibly without preload.

[0075] The taper of the emergence element is thus formed by a reduction in its cross-sectional area, more precisely by a reduction in its cross-sectional height. The tapered section of the emergence element narrows continuously and with a constant slope along the entire length of the emergence slope. This tapered section forms the emergence slope. The tapered section, or the emergence slope, extends over approximately 66% of the emergence element's length.

[0076] The horizontal section of the ramp element extends over approximately 33% of its length in its mounting configuration. The fasteners for attaching the ramp element to the end mounting part of the energy chain are located on this horizontal section. The pointed end of the ramp element does not have any such fasteners. The top and / or bottom surface of the horizontal section of the ramp element is flat. When the ramp element is mounted, the top and / or bottom surface of the horizontal section of the ramp element runs parallel to the upper surface of the guide rail, on which the upper run can be placed, and / or parallel to the narrow side of the end mounting part, towards which the ramp element is positioned in the mounting configuration or against which it preferably rests.

[0077] The guide rails are arranged horizontally here – that is, in the horizontal direction of space. The guide rails are designed to be straight.

[0078] In the assembly arrangement of the ramp element on the end fastening part, in particular with the ramp element resting against the slide rail, according to the exemplary embodiment the underside of the ramp element facing the end fastening part or the slide rail extends horizontally in relation to the spatial direction or in a straight line extension and in alignment with the top of the narrow side of the end fastening part.

[0079] The term "attachment of the overrun element to the chain" refers in particular to attachment "to the end fastening part".

Claims

1. Drag chain for guiding cables between two connection points, wherein the chain (1) has a plurality of chain links (2) connected to one another in an articulated manner and succeeding each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein the chain links (2) each have mutually opposite plates (3) which are spaced apart laterally from one another and each have an inner and an outer side surface (3a) and each have two narrow sides (3c,3d) which are opposite one another with respect to the plate height, wherein at least some or all of the chain links (2) have at least one crosspiece (4) which connects the plates (3) of the respective chain link (2) to one another, wherein the mutually opposite link plates (3) and the crosspieces (4) form a receiving space for the at least one cable, wherein the drag chain (1) can be arranged and moved by forming a lower track (1a), an upper track (1b) and a deflection region (1c) connecting the latter, with the upper track (1b) being placed on the lower track (1a), wherein the chain links (2) of the lower track (1a) and / or upper track (1b) are or can be fitted with additional elements (6), such as sliding elements, on the side facing the respective other track, the chain (1) having an end-securing part (7) which is coupled to an end link of the lower track (1a) of the chain (1) and which has connection-securing means (8) for securing the end-securing part (7) to a connection point or said chain is secured to a stationary connection point by means of the same, characterized in that the end-securing part (7) of the lower track (1a) has, on the side facing the upper track (1b), at least one wedge-shaped ramp-type element (10), which is or can be detachably fixed to the end-securing part, in that the wedge-shaped ramp-type element has a pointed end (10a) and a broad end (10b) which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and in that the wedge-shaped ramp-type element (10) is arranged or can be arranged on the end-securing part (7) with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein, in the secured arrangement on the chain (1), the ramp-type element (10) tapers in the direction leading away from the deflection region (1c) and the upper side of the ramp-type element (10) facing the upper track (1b) forms a ramp-type surface for the upper track (1b).

2. Drag chain according to claim 1, characterized in that in the secured arrangement of the ramp-type element (10) on the chain (1), the ramp-type surface thereof at the broad end (10b) of the ramp-type element (10) is arranged at least substantially at the level of the sliding surface of the sliding element (6) adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the chain or at least substantially at the level of the upper side of the additional element (6) adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

3. Drag chain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pointed end of the ramp-type element (10) in its secured arrangement on the chain (1) protrudes from the free end of the end-securing part (7).

4. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) is arranged on the side parts of the end-securing part (7).

5. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) can be secured or is secured to the end-securing part.

6. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the end-securing part (7) has a plurality of connection point securing regions (8a,8b,8c) for securing to various connection points and in that the ramp-type element (10) is secured to or designed for securing to a connection point securing region (8a,8b,8c) of the end-securing part (7).

7. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) preferably has integrally formed securing means (11) which correspond to connection point securing regions (8a,8b,8c) of the end-securing part (7).

8. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) is at least substantially rigid.

9. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) is elastically deformable and is preferably of arcuate design in the dismantled state.

10. Drag chain according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least the ramp-type surface of the ramp-type element (10) consists of a material with low sliding friction and / or higher wear resistance compared to the chain plate material.

11. Drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the length of the ramp-type element (10) is greater than / equal to 0.5 times or greater than / equal to 0.75 times the length of the end-securing part (7).

12. End-securing part for a drag chain (1) according to the generic part of claim 1 or according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the end-securing part (7) has a coupling region for coupling a chain end link, characterized in that the end-securing part has at least one wedge-shaped ramp-type element (10) with a pointed end (10a) and a broad end (10b) which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the wedge, and in that the ramp-type element (10) tapers towards the end facing away from the fastening region, and in that the ramp-type element (10) can be or is detachably secured to the end-securing part (7).

13. Guide channel with a drag chain (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which guides the drag chain (1) laterally during its travel movement, and wherein the guide channel (50) has at least one slide rail (55) extending in its longitudinal direction, on which the upper track (1b) of the drag chain (1) can be placed or is placed.

14. Guide channel according to claim 13, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) is arranged in such a way that the ramp-type slope thereof compensates a height offset between the upper side of the slide rail (55) and the upper side of the lower track at least partially or completely.

15. Guide channel according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the wedge-shaped ramp-type element (10) at least partially bridges a gap (57) between the end-securing part (7) and the slide rail (55).

16. Guide channel according to claim 13 to 15, characterized in that the ramp-type element (10) covers the end region of the slide rail (55) and preferably rests against the slide rail upper side in the secured arrangement of the ramp-type element (10) on the chain (1).