Drag Chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a drag chain with a number of chain links connected together in an articulated manner for guiding a cable between two connection points, the opposing link plates and cross members of the chain links forming a receiving space for at least one cable, the drag chain being arranged and movable as a structure formed by a lower track, an upper track and a deflection area connected thereto, with the upper track resting on the lower track, the chain links of the lower track and / or the upper track being attached or attachable to additional elements, for example sliding elements, on their faces facing the respective other track. The chain has an end fixing part with connecting fastening means for fixing the end fixing part to the connection point or said chain is fixed thereby to a stationary connection point. According to the invention, at least one wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element is provided on the end fixing part of the lower track on its face facing the upper track, said ramp-shaped element having a pointed end and a wide end spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element is arranged or can be arranged on the end fixing component with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, and in the fixing arrangement of the chain the ramp-shaped element tapers away from the deflection region and an upper surface of the ramp-shaped element facing towards the upper track forms a ramp surface for the upper track.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drag chain for guiding a cable according to the generic part of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an end fixing for a drag chain according to claim 13 and a guide channel with a drag chain according to claim 14. [Background technology]

[0002] The drag chains arranged forming the lower track, the upper track and the deflection area connecting them are used in a variety of ways and in many applications have a large length of several meters or even tens of meters. For long chain lengths, the cable drag chain is usually moved with the upper track resting on the lower track, whereby the upper track slides on the lower track. The drag chain is usually arranged in a guide channel which guides the drag chain laterally during its running movement so that the upper track does not slide laterally out of the lower track. The slide rail is arranged on the guide channel and supports the upper track as it is moved over the end area of ​​the lower track, so that the length of the upper track is greater than that of the lower track. The slide rail is fixed at a certain height on the guide channel in such a way that the upper surface of the slide rail, i.e. the sliding surface, is arranged flush with the upper surface of the lower track, so that the upper track does not shift in height as it moves from the lower track onto the slide rail. This is essential for an even running movement of the chain. Such a guide channel is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,399,323.

[0003] Especially in the case of long drag chains, they are also often used with sliding elements, for example in the form of slide shoes or skids, which are sandwiched between an upper track and a lower track and project beyond the chain side plate into the opposite track. The sliding elements are generally arranged on the upper narrow faces or on the upper faces of the cross members of the chain links, which are respectively arranged facing the other track. The sliding elements act to reduce noise and / or as protection against wear when the upper and lower tracks are opposed against each other during chain running. The sliding elements may be integrally formed on the drag chain, as described for example in US Pat. No. 5,399,621 or US Pat. No. 5,499,633, or may be removably attached to the chain, as described for example in US Pat. No. 5,499,621 or US Pat. No. 5,499,633.

[0004] In order to be able to exploit the advantages of the sliding element, it is sometimes necessary in various cases to adapt the drag chain guided in the guide channel and then provide it with said sliding element. A drag chain without such a sliding element may also be replaced by another drag chain having chain plates of the same plate height and, as a consequence, usually the same height of the receiving space for the cable, and equipped with this sliding element in order to exploit the advantages of the sliding element. However, this requires that the chain link provided with this sliding element has a greater overall height than an otherwise identical chain link without this sliding element. This in fact requires that the sliding rails on the guide channel are also repositioned to their height and adapted to the higher overall height of the chain with the sliding element, so that they are again flush with the top of the chain equipped with the sliding element, i.e. at the same height. However, this requires additional assembly or adaptation work, which can be considerable in the case of long guide channels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent No. 19512105 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2007 / 121716 [Patent Document 3] DE 19647322 A1 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 415029 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 456537 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing a drag chain or a guide channel with said drag chain, which, while keeping the height of the chain link plates the same, reduces the retrofitting efforts if the drag chain is subsequently fitted with additional devices, in particular sliding elements, or if a drag chain without additional devices, in particular sliding elements, is exchanged for a drag chain with additional devices, in particular sliding elements.

[0007] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a drag chain according to claim 1, by an end fastening according to claim 13 and by a guide channel with a drag chain according to claim 14.

[0008] According to the invention, the drag chain is designed such that the end fixing piece of the lower track has at least one wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element with a pointed end and a wide end on its face facing the upper track, the pointed end and the wide end being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, i.e. also in the longitudinal direction of the ramp-shaped element, the ramp-shaped element being arranged or capable of being arranged on the end fixing piece with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, the ramp-shaped element being tapered in the direction away from the deflection region in its fixing arrangement on the chain, the upper surface of the ramp-shaped element facing the upper track forming a ramp-shaped surface for the upper track.

[0009] Thus, in the fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped elements in the chain, the wide end of the wedge-shaped ramp-shaped elements (also commonly referred to as "ramp-shaped elements") is arranged facing towards the deflection area of ​​the drag chain (also commonly referred to as "chain") and the pointed end of the ramp-shaped elements is arranged at the end of the ramp-shaped elements facing away from the deflection area of ​​the chain. The arrangement of the ramp-shaped elements thus forms a ramp-shaped slope for the upper track in the transition area between the upper surface of the slide rail, which supports the upper track and forms the sliding surface for it, and the upper surface of the lower track, on which the joint elements are provided, formed by the sliding surfaces of the slide elements. This ramp-shaped slope at least partially or preferably completely compensates for the height deviation between the upper surface of the slide rail and the upper surface of the lower track.

[0010] Preferably, the additional element that increases the overall height of the plate is at least one sliding element, whereby the invention is described. However, if desired, the additional element may be of a different design. The invention is described with reference to a sliding element as the additional element, which sliding element is particularly preferred, but in general the term "sliding element" may be replaced by the term "additional element", which additional element increases the overall height of the chain links when retrofitted to the chain.

[0011] When the upper track is extended, i.e. when it extends beyond the lower track and then moves onto the slide rail, or when the upper track is retracted in case the length of the upper track protruding from the lower track is shortened, the height deviation between the slide rail and the upper surface of the sliding element is preferably continuously compensated by the resulting ramp-type slope. Then, the lower surface of the upper track or its sliding element slides on the upper surface of the ramp-type element during chain running, which upper surface also acts as a sliding surface. Thus, the slide rails can still be kept in their assembled position, and the upper surface of the slide rail is arranged at least substantially at the height of the narrow side of the chain link plate of the lower track, so as to be technically correct for the chain without additional sliding elements. Therefore, it is not necessary to modify the height-adjustable slide rail to the full height of the higher chain link with the slide rail. By arranging the ramp-type slope, the risk of the chain links of the upper track running over the upper track through the transition area between the slide rail end area and the first chain link of the lower track, which is provided with at least one sliding element, becoming caught or landing on the chain links of the lower track, in particular on the sliding element provided on the end face or on its border edge, is reduced or eliminated, which would disturb the smooth running of the chain, in particular also when the upper track is retracted. Even without any modification or readjustment of the mounting height of the slide rail on the guide channel, a very uniform running movement of the chain is ensured not only when the upper track is retracted but also when it is extended. Furthermore, the ramp-type element reduces the wear of the sliding elements and the slide rail, in particular in the end area of ​​the slide rail arranged towards the end fixing part of the lower track, which may also occur when the upper track is extended, since otherwise the links of the upper track would undergo unsupported and uncontrolled height movements due to the height deviations in the transition area.Furthermore, the arrangement of the at least one ramp-shaped element also protects the link elements of the chain, thus extending their service life and reducing noise emissions, compared to a corresponding arrangement of the chain and guide channel without the use of the ramp-shaped element according to the invention. Preferably, a sliding element is also provided on the underside of the upper track. Preferably, at least one sliding element is provided on each link of the chain.

[0012] When referring to an "end fitting", this is the end fitting of the lower track, unless it is clear from the context.

[0013] Preferably, the ramp surface of the wedge-shaped ramp element at its wide end in its fixed arrangement on the chain is at least substantially or exactly at the height of the sliding surface of the adjacent sliding element in the longitudinal direction of the chain. As a result, there is only a small or preferably no height deviation between the ramp surface of the ramp element and the sliding surface of the sliding element, whereby a particularly smooth and uniform running of the drag chain is ensured, especially also in the transition area between the chain and the slide rail. The advantageous effects according to the invention are thus obtained in a particular manner.

[0014] Preferably, the ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element, on which the upper track moves and contacts during the running movement of the chain, is designed as a plane. This plane is preferably arranged parallel to the joint axis along which the chain links can pivot relative to one another. This results in a particularly uniform running movement of the chain, especially at high running speeds. This also avoids force components on the upper track part, which moves longitudinally on the ramp-shaped slope during chain running. "Longitudinal" here corresponds to the direction of the top-bottom arrangement of the upper and lower tracks. If necessary, the upper or sliding surface of the ramp-shaped element may have a certain curvature, which should not be excessive, since this would result in a bulging of the upper track when it is retracted relative to the lower track.

[0015] Therefore, the ramp-shaped slope along which the lower surface of the upper track can ascend preferably has a slope, preferably a uniform or constant slope, in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element relative to the end fixing part in order to be able to bridge the above-mentioned height discrepancy.

[0016] The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element is generally preferably formed in such a way that the taper is formed by a reduction in the cross section of the ramp-shaped element, more particularly by a reduction in the material height of the ramp-shaped element, more particularly by a reduction in the cross-sectional height of the ramp-shaped element, the direction of height extension of the ramp-shaped element here corresponding to the direction of height extension of the end fixing piece and / or the guide channel.

[0017] The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element preferably tapers uninterrupted or continuously, i.e., without any ridges located in the region of the ramp-shaped slope. The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element preferably tapers with a constant slope over the length of the ramp-shaped slope.

[0018] The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element may at least partially or completely form the region of the ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element, in particular in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part, particularly preferably in the arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the respective slide rail.

[0019] The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element or ramp-shaped slope extends over ≥ 5-10% or ≥ 15-20%, particularly preferably ≥ 25-35% or ≥ 50-75% of the length of the ramp-shaped element, or optionally up to 100%, which gives a particularly flat ramp-shaped slope and allows a particularly uniform and unhindered passage of the upper track of the chain over the ramp-shaped element or from the slide rail onto the lower track of the chain.

[0020] If necessary, the wide end of the ramp-shaped element may have a specific portion with an upper surface that extends horizontally, i.e. parallel to the slide rail, but which preferably only has a short length in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This horizontal portion is preferably arranged flush with the sliding surface of the link element of the lower track. This horizontal portion may extend over ≧5-10%, ≧15-20%, ≧25-50% or possibly more and / or ≦50-75% or ≦25-35% of the length of the ramp-shaped element in the mounted arrangement of the ramp-shaped element. Thereby, the fixing means of the ramp-shaped element for fixing the ramp-shaped element to the end fixing parts of the drag chain can be stably arranged on the ramp-shaped element, preferably on the horizontal portion of the ramp-shaped element, and the ramp-shaped ramp may have a relatively large longitudinal extent. This has been found to be particularly useful for the use of ramp-shaped elements.

[0021] If necessary, the wide end of the ramp-shaped element may have a specific portion with a flat underside and / or an underside that extends horizontally, i.e. parallel to the narrow side of the slide rail and / or the end fixing part, but which preferably has only a short length in the longitudinal direction of the chain. This horizontal portion can be applied particularly preferably over a part or the entire length of the overlapping area of ​​the narrow side of the end fixing part and the ramp-shaped element, preferably so as to be flat against the narrow side of the end fixing part or so as to be flat in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element. The planar underside of the ramp-shaped element is preferably provided in the disassembled state of the ramp-shaped element and / or in the mounting arrangement. This planar and / or horizontal portion of the underside of the ramp-shaped element may extend over ≧5-10%, 15-20%, 25-50% or possibly more and / or ≦50-75% or ≦25-35% of the length of the ramp-shaped element in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element. This provides a stable support of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part.

[0022] The predetermined value "≧5-10%", i.e., "≧x-y%", generally with "x" or "y" either as a predetermined number, should be generally understood in the context of the present invention as "within the range of 5%-10% or ≧10%" or "within the range of x%-y% or ≧y%". This also applies correspondingly to the predetermined value "x-y%" in the sense of "within the range of x%-y% or ≦x%".

[0023] Preferably, the drivers and / or connection points for the end fixing parts of the upper track are height-adjustable or floating-mounted with respect to their distance from the lower track, whereby the different overall heights of chain links having additionally provided sliding elements can be compensated for compared to chain links without sliding elements.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the tip of the ramp-shaped element in its fixed arrangement on the chain projects from the free end of the end fixing part of the lower track. The free end of the end fixing part is here generally the end of the end fixing part facing away from the deflection region of the chain. Due to the region of the tip of the ramp-shaped element projecting from the end fixing part, any gap between the end fixing part and the slide rail of the guide channel adjacent to the end fixing part is at least partially or completely bridged. In particular, the tip of the ramp-shaped element may be arranged overlapping the slide rail, with the lower surface of the ramp-shaped element preferably abutting against the upper surface of the slide rail. Due to the at least partial or complete bridging of this gap, the chain can run particularly uniformly in the transition region between the lower track end or end fixing part on the one hand and the slide rail on the other hand. Furthermore, this allows the ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element to be of a relatively large length, so that the ramp-shaped slope can be relatively flat, i.e. has only a slight inclination. This improves the smooth running of the chain as it passes through the transition area, thus reducing chain noise and increasing the useful life of the chain.

[0025] The ramp-shaped slope preferably has an angle of ≦20°, ≦15° or ≦10°, in particular ≦5°, ≦3° or ≦2° relative to the straight connecting line of the narrow face of the link plate of the lower track and / or relative to the underside of the ramp-shaped element in its fixed arrangement on the chain.

[0026] The height of the ramp-shaped element at its free tip may be ≦40% or ≦30%, preferably ≦20% or ≦10%, or about 5% of the height of the ramp-shaped element at its wide end.

[0027] The underside of the ramp-shaped element in the chain in its fixed position is preferably flat.

[0028] Preferably, the ramp-shaped element is disposed on a side part of the end fixture. The underside of the ramp-shaped element is preferably flush against the side part of the end fixture to stabilize the side part in position. The underside of the ramp-shaped element is the side of the ramp-shaped element opposite the ramp-shaped slope, which are angled therebetween to form a wedge.

[0029] Preferably, a ramp-shaped element is arranged for each of the two side parts of the end fixing part facing the upper track. If necessary, preferably only one ramp-shaped element may be provided, which extends across and bridges the two side parts of the end fixing part.

[0030] Generally within the scope of the present invention, the side parts of the end fixing part are preferably arranged parallel to the side plates of the lower track, preferably connected to the side parts of the chain links of the lower track adjacent to the end fixing part and fastened in a manner that absorbs tensions in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The side parts of the end fixing part are preferably articulated to the side plates of the chain end links of the lower track. An "end link of the chain or of the lower track" is generally understood as a chain link that is directly connected to the end fixing part of the chain and preferably articulated. The chain thus has two chain end links corresponding to the two end parts of the chain.

[0031] Generally, the ramp-shaped elements are preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the chain in the extension of the sliding surfaces of the sliding elements. This gives a linear, continuous, preferably straight running surface of the lower track including the ramp-shaped elements in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which running surface supports the upper track as it is moved in the transition area between the slide rail and the lower track. The slide rail arranged on the guide channel is preferably arranged in the extension of the contact surface of the lower track with the ramp-shaped elements for the upper track. The arrangement of the ramp-shaped elements on the said sides or side plates also gives the upper track the widest possible and therefore stable support.

[0032] The side parts of the end fixing part may for example be of frame-shaped design or have frame-shaped parts. The frame may be of closed design on one side facing away from or preferably towards the receiving space for the cable. The side parts of the end fixing part are preferably connected to each other by crossbars which can stabilize the end fixing part and act as spacers between the side parts. The end fixing part may have crossbars for holding strain relief elements for the cable guided by the chain. Here, at least one cross member may be arranged on the face of the end fixing part facing towards the upper track and / or on the face of the end fixing part facing away from the upper track, respectively. If necessary, one or more cross members of the end fixing part may be integrally or detachably connected to the side parts of the end fixing part. Preferably, the cross members of the end fixing part are arranged parallel to the cross members of the chain links. It is understood that at least one or more cross members of the end fixing part may be plate-shaped. Preferably, a ramp-shaped element is arranged on each of the two side parts of the end fixing part, and if necessary, a ramp-shaped element may be provided which interconnects the two side parts of the end fixing part.

[0033] Preferably, the ramp-shaped element can be or is fixed to an end fixing part of the lower track, which leads to a structurally compact design and allows the drag chain to be retrofitted in a simple manner by subsequent arrangement of the ramp-shaped element.

[0034] Preferably, the ramp-shaped elements are removably fixed or removably fixable to the end fixing parts, which makes it particularly easy to retrofit at least one or more ramp-shaped elements to a chain when the chain is retrofitted with sliding elements or when a chain without sliding elements is replaced by a chain with sliding elements.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the ramp-shaped element is arranged or fixed in a particularly removable manner on the end fixing part of the lower track. The ramp-shaped element is therefore arranged near the end of the slide rail facing the end fixing part. Thereby, the tip of the ramp-shaped element can be arranged relatively close to the fixing area of ​​the ramp-shaped element with the end fixing part, resulting in a stable design. The forces acting on the ramp-shaped element when the upper track is moved can therefore particularly preferably be absorbed by the fixing area of ​​the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part. Furthermore, the arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part provides a particularly smooth transition between the chain end link of the lower track and the slide rail, which correspondingly results in a particularly smooth running movement of the chain when the upper track passes over the slide rail from the sliding element of the lower track, or also in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the fixing of the ramp-shaped element to the end fixing part is particularly advantageous, since the end fixing part is fixed stationary, preferably in a position-invariable manner, on a connection point, such as a supporting structure or a floor of a building. Furthermore, in principle, the guide channel is also fixed to the floor or the support structure, which is preferably arranged in a fixed position. This provides a particularly simple and permanent arrangement or fixing of the ramp-shaped element to the end fixing part, since the connecting element with its fixing area is thereby subjected to particularly low mechanical stresses during chain travel, such as vibrations or other reciprocating loads. Thus, forces acting on the ramp-shaped element during chain travel can be particularly easily absorbed via the end fixing part and transmitted to the floor or the support structure.

[0036] Preferably, the end fixing part has a number of connection point fixing areas for fixing it to the connection points, whereby the end fixing part can be fixed to the connection points, preferably in a fixed position and particularly preferably in a manner that is fixed against rotation and / or displacement. The number of connection point fixing areas allows the end fixing part to be fixed to various connection points in various spatial arrangements. For example, end fixing parts of the same design may be provided at both ends of the chain, whereby the lower track or the upper track can be fixed to the respective connection point. Thus, when the end fixing part is fixed to the connection point, one of the connection point fixing areas is used for the corresponding fixing, while the other connection point fixing area is not used for fixing the end fixing part at the connection point. For example, the connection point fixing areas may be provided on the end fixing part on the upper narrow face and / or on the lower narrow face and / or on the end face of the end fixing part facing the slide rail. The narrow face of the end fixing part corresponds to the narrow face of the chain plate. According to the invention, the lamp-shaped element is preferably designed in such a way that it can be fixed in the connection point fixing area of ​​the end fixing part or for fixing to the end fixing part, preferably on a narrow side of the end fixing part. This also applies in particular to the fixing element of the lamp-shaped element. Preferably, the fixing area or element of the lamp-shaped element is configured to correspond to the connection point fixing area of ​​the end fixing part.

[0037] The fastening elements of the ramp-shaped elements which can be fastened in the connection point fastening areas of the end fastening parts are preferably designed as form-fitting and / or form-fitting means, preferably as fastening and / or locking means. This gives a particularly simple design structurally, making the retrofitting of the drag chain or the drag chain and guide channel system particularly easy and quick. Preferably, the fastening elements of the ramp-shaped elements are integrally formed therein, which facilitates the assembly of the ramp-shaped elements to the chain.

[0038] Preferably, the fastening elements of the ramp-shaped element correspond to the fastening elements of the connection point fastening area of ​​the end fastening part, so that the end fastening part can be fastened to the connection point. This makes it easier to retrofit at least one ramp-shaped element to the chain. Therefore, an additional fastening device for the ramp-shaped element to the chain is not necessarily required. The fastening elements of the ramp-shaped element for fastening the ramp-shaped element to the chain are preferably arranged on the underside of the ramp-shaped element. This simplifies the assembly of the ramp-shaped element.

[0039] Optionally, but less preferably, the ramp-shaped element may be secured to a cross member of the end fitting.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the ramp-shaped element is designed to be elastically deformable, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the ramp-shaped element is designed to be arc-shaped in the disassembled state. When the ramp-shaped element is viewed from its underside, the ramp-shaped element is preferably concave. When the ramp-shaped element is arranged or fixed to the chain, the underside of the ramp-shaped element is preferably at least substantially straight, and the tip of the ramp-shaped element can consequently counter the slide rail with a preload. This avoids vibrations or oscillations of the ramp-shaped element when the upper track moves up or away from the ramp-shaped element. This ensures a particularly safe operation of the drag chain or the system of chain and guide channel to which the ramp-shaped element is retrofitted.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, the ramp-shaped element is at least substantially rigid, which reduces or avoids vibration of the ramp-shaped element or bouncing of the ramp-shaped element when the upper track is raised or removed from the ramp-shaped element.

[0042] Preferably, the ramp surface of the ramp-shaped element or the entire ramp-shaped element is made of a material with low sliding friction and / or high wear resistance, which increases the smooth running of the chain and reduces wear when it is moved in contact with the ramp-shaped element.

[0043] Preferably, the length of the ramp-shaped element is 0.125 times or more, or 0.25 times or more, or preferably 0.5 times or more, or 0.75 times or more, and particularly preferably, the length of the ramp-shaped element is equal to or greater than the length of the end fixing part. Due to this relatively large length of the ramp-shaped element, the ramp-shaped surface may have a particularly small inclination, as a result of which the chain runs particularly smoothly when the upper track moves from the slide rail through the ramp-shaped element onto the lower track or vice versa. Thus, the advantageous effect according to the invention is obtained in a special manner. Preferably, the length of the ramp-shaped element is greater than the distance between the front end edges of the sliding elements of the upper track directly succeeding in the direction of chain travel, for example 1.15 times or more, or 1.25 times, so that when a given sliding element slides out of the ramp-shaped element, the next sliding element has already climbed up the ramp-shaped element, so that the ramp-shaped element is permanently pressed against the end fixing part and / or the guide rail by the weight of the upper track during its travel. This makes unintentional loosening of the ramp-shaped element less likely or even prevented, especially during high-speed chain running. The length of the ramp-shaped element may be 2 times or less, 1.5 times or less, or 1.25 times or less than the length of the end fixing part. Thereby, even in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element, the ramp-shaped element may have high stability against dynamic external forces that may result in undesirable vibration of the tip of the ramp-shaped element, for example, when the upper track moves up and down from the ramp-shaped element.

[0044] The peak of the ramp-shaped element is preferably not provided with fastening means for fastening the ramp-shaped element to another component such as a slide rail or a floor.

[0045] The invention further comprises an end fixing for a drag chain or for a chain according to the invention as defined in the generic part of claim 1, wherein at least one wedge-shaped ramp element is arranged or fixed to the end fixing part.

[0046] The invention further comprises a guide channel with a drag chain according to the invention as defined in the generic part of claim 1 or as an outline thereof, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The drag chain is guided laterally by the guide channel during its running in order to prevent the upper track from dropping out of the lower track and / or to ensure the running of the chain according to the direction defined by the guide channel. The running path of the chain is generally linear, but is not limited thereto, i.e. it may be, for example, arc-shaped. The guide channel has at least one slide rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide channel, on which the upper track of the chain can fall or rest. As a rule, at least one slide rail is arranged on each of the two legs of the guide channel which surround the chain on both sides and preferably guide it laterally opposite each other on both channel legs. The slide rail supports the upper track when it is extended beyond the end fixing part of the lower track, so that the upper track has a longer length than the lower track. The upper surface of the slide rail supports the upper track in this case. The slide rails preferably extend in width at least over the width of the chain link plates, preferably at least substantially over the width of the sliding elements of the chain. The slide rails are preferably arranged horizontally, but if necessary, the respective slide rails can also be arranged inclined in the horizontal spatial direction. The slide rails are preferably designed straight, particularly preferably in the free end region of the guide channel or over the entire longitudinal extent of the respective slide rail, but if necessary, the slide rails can also be designed arc-shaped with respect to their transverse and / or height extent. If necessary, instead of two slide rails on two opposite faces of the guide channel, only one slide rail can be provided, which extends at least substantially over the internal width of the guide channel. The slide rails are preferably positively fastened in the guide channel, for example by screwing or hooking. The slide rails are preferably fixed stationarily in the guide channel by fastening means.

[0047] The guide channel is generally preferably at least substantially U-shaped. The guide channel may extend over approximately the entire length of the chain, in particular with respect to the maximum run of the upper track in both running directions thereof, i.e. at the maximum length of the upper track or at the maximum length of the lower track.

[0048] Preferably, the wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element is arranged on the chain, in particular on the end fixing part, in such a way that it at least partially or preferably completely bridges the gap between the end fixing part and the slide rail. The tip of the ramp-shaped element is here preferably arranged at least substantially flush with the slide rail, so that it is arranged at the height of the upper surface of the slide rail, i.e. the abutment surface of the upper track. This substantially increases the smooth running of the chain, reduces the noise emissions during running of the chain and increases the service life of the chain in case of a height mismatch of the slide rail relative to the chain due to retrofitting of a chain with sliding elements or due to the use of a chain with additional sliding elements.

[0049] Preferably, the ramp-shaped element is arranged on the chain, in particular on the end fixing piece, in such a way that it overlaps the end region of at least one slide rail or engages with its tip on its upper surface on the slide rail. The tip of the ramp-shaped element is in loose contact with the slide rail. Preferably, the tip is in contact with the slide rail or with the upper surface of the slide rail with a certain contact pressure in order to be able to absorb the dynamic external forces that occur when the upper track moves up and down from the ramp-shaped element. The contact pressure can be exerted by having an elastic ramp-shaped element, which is concave from the underside and has a lower surface of less curvature or a straight underside in its fixed arrangement in the chain, whereby an elastic restoring force exerts the contact force. Preferably, the end region of the ramp-shaped element is in contact with the slide rail without a gap.

[0050] In its fixed arrangement in the chain, the ramp-shaped element may extend over the slide rail over 0.1 or 0.2 times its length or more, for example over about half, so that the ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element is not too steep and therefore the chain has a high running smoothness even when running at high speeds.

[0051] In the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part, preferably with the ramp-shaped element abutting the slide rail, the underside of the ramp-shaped element facing the end fixing part or the slide rail extends horizontally in the spatial direction or in a straight extension line and is flush with the upper surface of the narrow side of the end fixing part.

[0052] In general, within the scope of the present invention, chains are provided that preferably have a central connection point with respect to the chain length, i.e. so-called "center feed" chains. Thus, in the case of maximum travel of the upper track in the forward and reverse directions, the connection point and the end fixing part of the lower track are consequently located in the middle of the entire travel distance of the chain. In this case, the end area of ​​the slide rail is located adjacent to the end fixing part of the lower track, but usually with a certain gap or distance between them. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a part of a guide channel and a drag chain with a slide rail according to the invention provided with a ramp-shaped element. [Figure 1b] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a portion of a guide channel and a drag chain with a slide rail according to the invention provided with a ramp-shaped element. [Figure 1c] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a part of a guide channel and a drag chain with a slide rail according to the invention provided with a ramp-shaped element. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a guide channel with a drag chain according to the invention corresponding to FIG. 1 with the upper track resting on a slide rail. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a guide channel with a drag chain according to the invention corresponding to FIG. 1 with the upper track resting on a slide rail. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the transition area between the end fitting and the slide rail with the end fitting and the ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a perspective view from below. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the transition area between the end fitting and the slide rail in a perspective view from above, with the end fitting and the ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 4a] An end fixing part with a ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown in an exploded view in a first perspective view. [Figure 4b] An end fixing part with a ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 3 is shown in an exploded view in a second perspective view. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5 shows an end fixing part with a ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 4 in a fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element in a side view. [Figure 5b] 5 shows in plan view an end fixing part with a ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 4 in a fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element; FIG. [Figure 5c] An end fixing part with a ramp-shaped element corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 4 in a fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element is shown in a VV section according to FIG. 5b. [Figure 6a] 1 shows a lamp-shaped element according to the invention in a top view. [Figure 6b] 1 shows an end view of a lamp-shaped element according to the present invention. [Figure 6c] 1 shows a side view of a lamp-shaped element according to the invention; [Figure 6d] 1 shows a lamp-shaped element according to the invention in a view from below. [Figure 6e] 1 shows a lamp-shaped element according to the invention in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, all features of which are generally disclosed independently of one another or in combination with one another within the scope of the invention.

[0055] 1 to 6 show an exemplary embodiment of a drag chain 1 according to the invention with a ramp-shaped element 10 and its arrangement in a guide channel 50 with a sliding element 55. The drag chain 1 is also disclosed here independently of the guide channel 50. An end fixing piece 7 with the ramp-shaped element 10 is also disclosed here 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 length of the chain at opposing end positions of its run and guides the chain 1 or upper track 1b laterally during the running movement of the chain. The guide channel is provided with slide rails (sliding elements) 55 on both opposing legs 51, each of which supports an upper track that is moved on the slide rails 55.

[0057] A drag chain 1 for guiding a cable between two connection points movable relative to one another, preferably displaceable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, comprises a number of chain links 2 connected to one another in an articulated manner and consecutive to one another in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Each of the chain links 2 has opposite, laterally spaced apart link plates 3, each of which has an inner face 3a and an outer face and two narrow faces 3c, 3d opposed with respect to the link plate height. At least some, in this case all, of the chain links 2 have at least one, in this case two cross members 4 interconnecting the link plates 3 of the respective chain links, the mutually opposed link plates and cross members forming a receiving space 5 for at least one cable. The chain 1 can be positioned and moved by forming a lower track 1a, an upper track 1b and a deflection area 1c connecting them, the upper track being loaded on the lower track, as shown in FIG. 2. The chain links of the lower track and / or of the upper track, here of both tracks respectively, are equipped with an additional element (sliding element) 6 on the face facing the other track or the additional element is designed here in the form of a sliding element. The embodiment is described by means of a sliding element, which also represents a particularly preferred embodiment, but the invention is not limited thereto. The chain has an end fixing piece 7 connected to an end link 2a of the lower track 1a of the chain. The chain has an alternating arrangement of inner and outer link plates forming a link plate strand, but the invention is not limited thereto. The end fixing piece 7 has a connection point fixing area 8 for fixing the end fixing piece 7 to a connection point. Fixing means (not shown), such as a screw bolt, can be used for fixing or the end fixing piece 7 is fixed to a stationary connection point by means of said fixing means.

[0058] The sliding element 6 of the chain has a longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction L of the chain. The sliding surface 6a of the sliding element 6 may form a continuous sliding surface for the upper track 1b in the longitudinal direction L of the chain.

[0059] The end fixing piece 7 of the lower track 1a is provided on its face (side piece) 7a facing the upper track with at least one wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element 10, which has a sharp end 10a and a wide end 10b spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the chain. The ramp-shaped element 10 is arranged or can be arranged with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the chain in the end fixing piece. In its fixed arrangement in the chain 1, the ramp-shaped element 10 tapers in a direction facing away from the deflection area 1c. The upper surface 10c of the ramp-shaped element 10 facing the upper track forms a ramp-shaped surface for the upper track 1b and acts as a sliding surface for the upper track. The ramp-shaped surface or the entire ramp-shaped element consists of a material with low sliding friction and / or high wear resistance.

[0060] In this case, the ramp slope also makes an angle of about 2° with respect to the horizontal and thus with respect to the straight connecting line of the narrow face 3c of the link plate of the lower track. This angle also corresponds to the angle between the upper face 10c, i.e. the sliding face, and the lower face 10d of the ramp-shaped element 10. Here, the height of the ramp-shaped element at the free tip is about 5% of the height of the ramp-shaped element at the wide end, so that the upper face acting as the ramp surface has a long and flat inclination, which promotes the sliding of the upper track onto the ramp-shaped element. Thereby, the advantageous effects according to the present invention, such as, for example, smooth running of the chain, are obtained in a specific embodiment.

[0061] The width of the ramp-shaped element 10 at least substantially corresponds to the width of the slide rail 55 and / or the width of the sliding or additional element 6 of the lower track. However, the ramp-shaped element 10 can also extend at least substantially over the entire width of the end fixing part and / or be connected to the side part 7a of the end fixing part. This facilitates the retrofitting of the drag chain, since only one ramp-shaped element has to be retrofitted to the end fixing part 7.

[0062] In the fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element 10 of the chain, its upper surface 10c, i.e. the ramp surface, is located at the wide end 10b of the ramp-shaped element at the height of the upper surface of the additional element or of the sliding surface 6a of the adjacent sliding element 6 in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

[0063] The ramp-shaped slope 10e of the ramp-shaped element 10, over which the upper track moves and into contact during the running movement of the chain, is designed as a plane. Optionally, the wide end 10b of the ramp-shaped element further has an end portion 10f with an upper surface that extends horizontally, i.e. parallel to the connecting line of the narrow side of the slide rail 55 or the link plate at the fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element in the chain 1. The fixing means 11 of the ramp-shaped element, here in the form of a protruding pin, is preferably arranged at least partially or completely on the particularly stable end portion 10f.

[0064] In the fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element 10 on the chain 1 or on the end fixing part 7, the tip of the ramp-shaped element protrudes from the free end of the end fixing part facing away from the deflection region 1c of the chain, i.e. according to the exemplary embodiment in this case by approximately half the length of the ramp-shaped element (see Figure 5).

[0065] The lamp-shaped elements 10 are arranged in the side parts 7a of the end fixing part 7. A respective lamp-shaped element is arranged in each of the two side parts 7a, the lamp-shaped elements being formed mirror-like to one another. The description regarding "lamp-shaped element" applies to both elements. The lamp-shaped elements 10 are fixable or fixed to the end fixing part, in this particular case to its side parts. The lamp-shaped elements are removably fixable or fixed to the end fixing part 7. The fastening means 11 of the lamp-shaped elements 10 are designed as form-fitting and / or force-fitting means, in this case as fastening and / or locking means in the form of pin-shaped protrusions. The fastening means 11 of the lamp-shaped elements 10 are arranged on the underside of the lamp-shaped elements 10.

[0066] The ramp-shaped elements can be plug-mounted in the respective end fixing part 7, in particular in its side part 7a, which is generally within the scope of the invention and facilitates the assembly of the ramp-shaped elements to the chain. The plug-mounting operation may generally be performed from the open top of the channel facing and / or parallel to the upper surface 55a of the slide rail, for which purpose the ramp-shaped elements are suitably configured. The plug-mounting operation is preferably performed perpendicular to the narrow surface 7f of the side part 7a of the end fixing part 7.

[0067] Generally within the scope of the present invention, the ramp-shaped element with its fastening means is designed in such a way that it can be placed in the guide channel without dismantling the end fixation part 7 and / or can be fastened and attached to the end fixation part without removing the end fixation part 7 from its connection point 9. The fastening means 11 are preferably integrally formed in the ramp-shaped element. Preferably, the ramp-shaped element is pluggable into the end fixation part from the open top of the channel. In addition to a translational position change of the ramp-shaped element with respect to the end fixation part, the plugging-in movement may also optionally include a translational or other position change in other directions, for example in the longitudinal direction of the slide rail, which is performed when the corresponding fastening means of the ramp-shaped element are placed in their fastening receptacles in the end fixation part.

[0068] The end fixing part 7 has a number of connection point fixing areas 8a, 8b, 8c for fixing to the relevant or predetermined connection points 9, so that the end fixing part 7 can be used for fixing the chain at the connection points in various spatial positions, or for example an end fixing part of the same design can also be used for selectively fixing the end links of the upper and lower tracks. Thus, if a connection point fixing area 8a is used for fixing an end fixing part, at least one other connection point fixing area 8b is not used for said fixing of the part 7. Each of the connection point fixing areas 8a-8c can be fixed to the floor or a supporting structure in a manner that prevents rotation, for which purpose each of them has, for example, two through openings 8f for the passage of fixing means. Each of the connection point fixing areas 8a-8c is arranged on a frame-shaped part (narrow face) 7f of the end fixing part 7. The connection point fixing areas 8a and 8b are here arranged on the opposite narrow faces 7e, 7f of the side part 7a of the end fixing part, and if necessary, a further connection point fixing area 8c is optionally provided on the end face of the end fixing part, to which the ramp-shaped element 10 can be fixed, although this may be spatially disadvantageous. By using the connection point fixing areas for fixing the ramp-shaped element to the part 7, the retrofitting of the chain is significantly facilitated and no additional fixing means are required. Furthermore, due to the accessibility of the connection point fixing area 8b, which is arranged on the upper narrow face, the subsequent installation of the ramp-shaped element can be easily carried out.

[0069] The fastening means 11 of the lamp-shaped element therefore correspond to the connection point fastening areas 8 of the end fixing parts 7, preferably also with regard to their spatial distance from each other. The lamp-shaped element is in this case generally fastened or fastenable to the end fixing part in a rotationally fixed manner by means of two spaced fastening means 11. Generally, the lamp-shaped element is supported flat on the respective narrow faces of the end fixing parts.

[0070] According to one variant, the ramp-shaped element is at least substantially rigid and is preferably formed by a planar underside 10d, as shown in figures 1-5.

[0071] According to another preferred variant, as shown in Fig. 6, the ramp-shaped element 10 is formed in an arc shape in the exploded state, preferably concave when viewed from the underside 10d and elastically deformable. In the fixed arrangement of the end fixing part, the ramp-shaped element is preferably arranged stretched with a preferably planar underside 10d, as shown in Figs. 1-5. In this connection, Figs. 4 and 5 should be understood as exploded views of the end fixing part, with the ramp-shaped element in its fixed position on the chain and in contact with the slide rail according to Figs. 1 and 2. Due to the abutment of the tip 10a against the slide rail 55, the tip 10a exerts a contact force against the slide rail 55, which as a result prevents an undesired lifting of the tip from the slide rail when the chain runs.

[0072] In this case, the length of the ramp-shaped element is greater than the length of the end fixing piece, as a result of which the inclination of the upper face 10c acting as a ramp-shaped surface is particularly small.

[0073] In this case, the end fixing piece 7 has two cross pieces (narrow faces) 7e arranged in the area of ​​its narrow faces and connecting the side pieces 7a in order to stabilize the end fixing piece 7. For strain relief of the guided cable, strain relief means are provided or can be arranged on the end fixing piece. For this purpose, the end fixing piece 7 has fastening areas 7g for fastening cross pieces (not shown) to which strain relief elements can be fastened.

[0074] 1 and 2, the free ends of the slide rail 55 or of both slide rails are spaced apart from the end fixing piece 7 at the two chain legs 51 in the longitudinal direction of the chain by a gap 57. The ramp-shaped element is arranged on the end fixing piece 7 in such a way that its end region with the point 10a at least partially, in this case completely, bridges the gap 57 between the end fixing piece 7 and the slide rail 55. In this case, the ramp-shaped element 10, in its fixed position on the chain, covers the end region 55b of the slide rail and abuts against the upper surface 55a of the slide rail with a certain preload or optionally even without preload.

[0075] The taper of the ramp-shaped element is thus formed by a reduction in the cross section of the ramp-shaped element, more specifically by a reduction in the cross-sectional height of the ramp-shaped element. The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element here tapers uninterruptedly and with a constant slope over the longitudinal extent of the ramp-shaped slope. The tapered region of the ramp-shaped element here forms the ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element. In this case, the tapered region or ramp-shaped slope of the ramp-shaped element extends over about 66% of the length of the ramp-shaped element.

[0076] The horizontal part of the ramp-shaped element extends over approximately 33% of the length of the ramp-shaped element in its fixed configuration. The fastening means of the ramp-shaped element for fastening the ramp-shaped element to an end fixing part of a drag chain are arranged on the horizontal part of the ramp-shaped element. The tip of the ramp-shaped element does not have such fastening means. The upper and / or lower surface of the horizontal part of the ramp-shaped element is flat. In the mounted state of the ramp-shaped element, the upper and / or lower surface of the horizontal part of the ramp-shaped element extends parallel to the upper surface of the slide rail on which the upper track can rest and / or parallel to the narrow side of the end fixing part, with the ramp-shaped element facing or preferably flat against the narrow side of the end fixing part in the mounted configuration.

[0077] In this case, the slide rail is arranged horizontally, i.e. in the horizontal spatial direction. The slide rail is designed in a straight line.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part, in particular when the ramp-shaped element is in abutment against the slide rail, the underside of the ramp-shaped element facing the end fixing part or the slide rail extends flush with the upper side of the narrow side of the end fixing part, horizontally or in a straight extension in the spatial direction.

[0079] Any fastening of the ramp-shaped element "to the chain" should be understood as fastening in particular to the "end fixing pieces".

Claims

1. A drag chain for guiding a cable between two connection points, the chain having a number of chain links connected to each other in an articulated manner and adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, each of the chain links having mutually opposed plates laterally spaced apart from each other, having an inner side and an outer side, and having two mutually opposed narrow faces with respect to the height of the plates, at least some or all of the chain links having at least one cross member connecting the plates of the respective chain links to each other, the mutually opposed link plates and the cross member forming a receiving space for at least one of the cables, the drag chain having a plurality of chain links connected to each other in an articulated manner and adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, each of the chain links having a plurality of chain links connected to each other in an articulated manner and .... the chain can be arranged and moved by forming a lower track, an upper track and a deflection area connecting them, with the upper track resting on the lower track, the chain links of the lower track and / or the upper track are attached or can be attached to additional elements, such as sliding elements, on the side facing the other track, the chain having end fixing parts connected to the end links of the lower track of the chain and having connecting fixing means for connecting the end fixing parts to a connection point or to the chain, the chain being fixed to a stationary connection point by the end fixing parts, the end fitting of the lower track has, in its face facing the upper track, a sharp end and a wide end spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the chain, at least one wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element removably fixable to the end fitting or provided removably fixed thereto, 1. A drag chain comprising: a wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element arranged or positionable on the end fixing piece with its longitudinal direction at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, wherein in a fixed arrangement on the chain the ramp-shaped element tapers in a direction away from the deflection region and an upper surface of the ramp-shaped element facing towards the upper track forms a ramp surface for the upper track.

2. 2. The drag chain according to claim 1, wherein in the fixed arrangement of the ramp-shaped element in the chain, the ramp surface at the wide end of the ramp-shaped element is at least substantially at the height of the sliding surface of the longitudinally adjacent sliding element of the chain or at least substantially at the height of the top surface of the longitudinally adjacent further element of the chain.

3. 2. The drag chain of claim 1, wherein the pointed end of the ramp-shaped element in its fixed position in the chain projects from the free end of the end fixing piece.

4. 2. The drag chain according to claim 1, wherein the ramp-shaped element is arranged on a side part of the end fixing part.

5. A drag chain as described in claim 1, wherein the end fixing part comprises a side part having a first narrow side and an opposing second narrow side, the first narrow side facing an upper track of the drag chain and the second narrow side facing away from the upper track of the drag chain, and wherein the tip of the ramp-shaped element is spaced from the second narrow side of the end fixing part with respect to plate height.

6. The end fixing part has a plurality of connection point fixing regions for fixing to a plurality of different connection points, 2. The drag chain according to claim 1, wherein the ramp-shaped element is fixed or designed for fixing in a connection point fixing area of ​​the end fixing piece.

7. A drag chain as described in claim 6, wherein the end fixing part has a first connection point fixed to the connection point and a second fixing area fixed to the lamp-shaped element.

8. A drag chain as described in claim 1, wherein in the mounting arrangement of the ramp-shaped element on the end fixing part, the lower surface of the ramp-shaped element facing the end fixing part extends horizontally in the spatial direction or on a straight extension line and is flush with the upper surface of the narrow face of the end fixing part.

9. 2. A drag chain according to claim 1, wherein the ramp-shaped elements have integrally formed fastening means which correspond to the connection point fastening areas of the end fastening pieces.

10. The drag chain of claim 1 , wherein the ramp-shaped element is at least substantially rigid.

11. (1) The lamp-shaped element is elastically deformable, or (2) The drag chain according to claim 1, wherein the ramp-shaped element is elastically deformable and has an arc-shaped design in the disassembled state.

12. 2. The drag chain according to claim 1, wherein at least the ramp surface of the ramp element consists of a material with lower sliding friction and / or higher wear resistance compared to the material of the plates of the chain links.

13. 2. The drag chain of claim 1, wherein the length of the ramp-shaped element is at least 0.5 or at least 0.75 times the length of the end fixing piece.

14. 14. An end fixing for a drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a connecting area for connecting a chain end link, the end fitting includes at least one wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element having a pointed end and a wide end spaced apart along the length of the wedge; the ramp-shaped element is tapered toward an end facing away from the fastening area; The ramp-shaped element is removably securable to the end fitting or is provided removably secured thereto.

15. 14. A guide channel having a drag chain according to any one of claims 1 to 13, guiding the drag chain laterally during its running movement and having at least one slide rail extending in its longitudinal direction, on which the upper track of the drag chain can or does rest.

16. A guide channel having a drag chain as described in claim 15, wherein the ramp-shaped element abuts against the slide rail.

17. A guide channel as described in claim 15, wherein the wedge-shaped ramp-type element is positioned such that a ramp-shaped slope at least partially, or preferably completely, compensates for the height discrepancy between the upper surface of the slide rail and the upper surface of the lower track.

18. The guide channel of claim 15 , wherein the wedge-shaped ramp-shaped element at least partially bridges a gap between the end fixation component and the slide rail.

19. 16. The guide channel according to claim 15, wherein the ramp-shaped element covers an end region of the slide rail and abuts an upper surface of the slide rail at a fixed position of the ramp-shaped element in the chain.

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