Assembly of line guide systems with reversible drives

Abstract

The proposed line guide system (1) includes a line guide unit (2) with a first fixed end (3a) and a second fixed end (3b), a deflection unit (4) arranged between the first fixed end (3a) and the second fixed end (3b), and a reversible drive (24). The line guide unit (2) is arranged in a suspended manner and forms a first U-shaped section (6a) between the first fixed end (3a) and the deflection unit (4) and a second U-shaped section (6b) between the deflection unit (4) and the second fixed end (3b), wherein the drive (24) cooperates with the line guide unit (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a line guide system, in particular for guiding cables and hoses, which comprises a line guide unit, which may also be called an energy guide chain. [Background technology]

[0002] Various designs of line guide units are known from the prior art, which can be used to guide a line, such as a cable or a hose, between two components that are movable relative to one another, with the aim of preventing the line from being damaged by the movement of these components.

[0003] A conventional line guide unit is a so-called energy guide chain, which is formed by links that are pivotally connected to one another and can pivot relative to one another.

[0004] The type of arrangement and movement of the line guide units depend on many factors. Various installation variations are known from the catalog "DER GROSSE KABELSCHLEPP Energy Storage with Aluminum-Stegen Stahl / Edelstahl" by TSUBAKI KABELLSCHLEPP GmbH, 2018, pp. 74-89. Particularly in the field of storage technology with lifting and lowering movements, a so-called zigzag arrangement is preferred, as it allows for an extremely space-saving arrangement. If space is sufficient, vertically suspended or standing line guide units can be used.

[0005] In the field of storage technology, storage systems are known that operate on the paternoster principle. In this case, a storage platform is attached to two endless chains arranged opposite each other. The storage platform then passes through two reversal points, an upper reversal point and a lower reversal point, so that the platform first performs a vertical upward movement up to the upper reversal point. In the region of the upper reversal point, the platform undergoes a movement directed perpendicular to the upward movement and then performs a downward vertical movement up to the lower reversal point. At the lower reversal point, the platform is displaced perpendicular to the vertical direction so that it again reaches its initial position. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of this, the objective underlying the present invention is to describe a line guide system that provides the possibility of connecting components that perform a series of upward, lateral and downward movements, and conversely downward, lateral and upward movements, with a line guide unit within a virtual vertical plane. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a line guide system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements and configurations of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The line guide system according to the present invention comprises a suspended line guide unit having a first fixed end and a second fixed end, the fixed ends of the line guide unit preferably being at the same height relative to the same base.

[0009] A deflection unit is provided between the first and second fixed end portions, preferably arranged so that the deflection unit is not higher than the two fixed end portions.

[0010] Furthermore, the line guide system according to the invention comprises a reversibly operating drive which cooperates with the line guide unit.

[0011] The line guide unit is arranged in a suspended manner, in which the line guide unit forms a first U-shaped section between the first fixed end and the deflection unit, and a second U-shaped section between the deflection unit and the second fixed end.

[0012] Furthermore, the line guide unit has a transfer unit by means of which the line laid in the line guide unit can be led out from the line guide unit to a predetermined component, in particular to a storage platform of the storage system.

[0013] Such a configuration of the line guide unit requires that the line guide unit can be bent both counterclockwise and clockwise when the line guide unit is in an extended state, and such a line guide unit is also considered to be a line guide unit that is formed so that the line guide unit can achieve a bend radius and a back bend radius.

[0014] The line guide system according to the invention has the advantage that the line guide unit can be loaded in tension independently of the direction of rotation of the reversibly operating drive, which is particularly important, since this allows a defined movement of the line guide unit with links that can form both a bend radius and a backbend radius to be obtained.

[0015] The line guide unit is preferably formed by a plurality of links pivotally connected to one another, each link including two lateral link plates which are preferably connected to one another by two transverse webs, so that each link defines a substantially rectangular cross section within which the line can be guided.

[0016] In order to achieve a defined travel distance, it is particularly advantageous if the line guide unit has a follower which cooperates with a correspondingly formed deflection unit.

[0017] The follower preferably has a circularly shaped cross section and may be a pin-shaped element, in particular arranged in the middle of the lateral part of the link.

[0018] Preferably, the links of the line guide unit are made of plastic. The follower is also preferably made of plastic. A special design is possible in which the follower and the side parts are formed in one piece.

[0019] To increase the movement stability of the line guide unit, the deflection unit is preferably formed by a roller having axially spaced apart collars between which the line guide unit is guided, the collars preferably having radially inwardly formed recesses in which the follower engages.

[0020] For a particularly compact construction of the line guide system, a further advantageous configuration proposes that the deflection unit is connected to the drive.

[0021] The lines guided in the line guide unit can be led out of the line guide unit by a transfer unit and can be connected to a storage platform, for example. It is also possible for the line guide unit to have multiple transfer units.

[0022] The line is preferably guided in the line guide unit with a slack length, so that differences in the travel distance can be compensated for. In particular, it is preferred that the line has a slack length at the transfer unit.

[0023] The line guide system according to the invention is particularly suitable for storage systems that operate reversibly according to the paternoster principle, "reversible" in this context meaning that the paternoster principle does not operate in a cyclical manner but only passes through an upper reversal point.

[0024] The present invention and related technologies will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show particularly preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It should be noted that the size ratios in the drawings and particularly in the illustrations are merely approximate. The same reference numerals indicate the same objects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a line guide system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a link of a line guide unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the link of the line guide unit. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic view of a deflection unit with a drive; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the line guide system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial view showing a support portion of the line guide system shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] 1 shows a first embodiment of a line guide system 1. The line guide system 1 comprises a line guide unit 2. The line guide unit 2 has a first fixed end 3a and a second fixed end 3b. A deflection unit 4 is provided between the first fixed end 3a and the second fixed end 3b.

[0027] The arrangement of the line guide unit 2 is such that it is suspended. The suspended arrangement of the line guide unit 2 forms a first U-shaped section 6a, which in the illustrated embodiment extends from the first fixed end 3a to the deflection unit 4. A second U-shaped section 6b is also provided, which is formed between the deflection unit 4 and the second fixed end 3b. The line guide unit 2 has a transfer unit 7, which will be described in more detail below. The deflection unit 4 is rotatable about an axis 5. For this purpose, the deflection unit 4 can be connected to a drive (not shown in FIG. 1). In this case, the drive is designed to operate reversibly, meaning that the deflection unit 4 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. This is indicated by the arrow G in FIG. 1.

[0028] As can be seen from FIG. 1, both the first U-shaped section 6a and the second U-shaped section 6b have a bend section A. The line guide unit 2 is partially wrapped around the deflection unit 4. Regarding the curved section of the line guide unit 2 indicated by "A," if the curved region A is defined as a region having a "bend radius," the oppositely curved region B in the deflection unit 4 can be said to be a region having a "back bend radius." Figuratively speaking, the bend sections of the U-shaped sections 6a and 6b are concavely curved, and the bend sections of the line guide units in the deflection units are convexly curved.

[0029] In a preferred configuration of the line guide system, the vertical spacing of the axis 5 is equidistant to the fixed end portions 3a, 3b. Preferably, the line guide unit 2 wraps around the deflection unit 4 over an angle of 180°. A wrapping angle of 180°, in combination with the equal spacing, relative to a horizontal line, between the first fixed end portion 3a and the axis 5 and between the axis 5 and the second fixed end portion 3b, has the advantage that the strands of the first U-shaped section 6a and the second U-shaped section 6b of the line guide unit 2 run parallel to each other.

[0030] 2 shows a first embodiment of a link 10 of a line guide unit 2. A line guide unit formed from a number of links that are pivotally connected to one another is also called an energy guide chain or, for short, an energy chain.

[0031] The link 10 is formed by two lateral portions 11 a, 11 b arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another, which are joined to one another by transverse webs 12 a, 12 b, so that the link 10 defines a substantially rectangular space in which a line (not shown) may be arranged.

[0032] Each lateral part 11a, 11b is provided in its end region with a spigot 13, which faces outward with respect to the link. In the opposite region of the lateral part 11a or 11b, a hole 14 is provided. The hole 14 is formed in such a way that it is suitable and defined to receive the spigot 13 of the adjacent link. The lateral parts 11a, 11b have stops by which the swivel angle of the adjacent chain links can be limited.

[0033] As can be seen from the perspective view in Figure 2, the outer side 15a is provided with a follower 16a. The follower 16a is preferably arranged in the middle of the side part 11a. The follower 16a has a circular cross section. A corresponding follower is also provided on the outer side 15b of the side part 11b.

[0034] This or these followers can be connected to the respective side parts as separate components. Preferably, the side parts 11a, 11b and the followers 16a, 16b are formed in one piece. This can be achieved, for example, by making the side parts and the followers from plastic.

[0035] Returning to FIG. 1, the deflection unit 4 has a plurality of notches 17 which are formed to correspond to the shape of the followers 16a, 16b.

[0036] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the link 10 of the line guide unit 2. The basic structure of the link shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the structure of the link shown in Figure 2. In this respect, reference is made to the description of the link shown in Figure 2, and only the differences with respect to the embodiment of the link shown in Figure 2 will be described.

[0037] The link shown in FIG. 3 has followers 16a, 16b, which are formed from several parts. Each lateral part 11a, 11b has an outwardly directed pin 18 on which a roller 19a or 19b is arranged. To secure the roller 19a or 19b, the pin 18 has a threaded hole into which a screw 20 is screwed. Between the head of the screw 20 and the roller 19a, a retaining disk 21 is arranged, which allows the axial position of the roller 19a to be fixed. A corresponding arrangement exists in relation to the roller 19b.

[0038] The design of the follower with a rotatable roller has the advantage that friction between the follower and the recess in the deflection unit can be reduced.

[0039] 4 shows a schematic side view of the deflection unit 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the deflection unit 4 includes rollers 22. The rollers 22 have spaced apart flanges 23a, 23b. Each flange 23a, 23b has a radially inwardly directed notch 17 into which the corresponding follower 16a or 16b engages when a section of the line guide unit 2 is partially wrapped around the deflection unit 4. The flanges 23a, 23b have a larger outer radius than the rollers 22, so that the link 10 is guided between the flanges 23a, 23b.

[0040] The steering unit 4 is connected to a drive 24. The drive 24 may be indirectly or directly connected to the steering unit 4. The drive 24 may be, for example, an electric motor drive. A corresponding transmission 25 may be provided between the drive 24 and the steering unit 4.

[0041] The drive unit can also be formed, for example, by a drive belt, which is then connected to a drive of the device which acts in cooperation with the line guide system.

[0042] The deflection unit 4 is rotated by a reversible drive 24. When the deflection unit 4 rotates clockwise as shown in FIG. 1, the first U-shaped section 6a of the line guide unit 2 shortens because the followers 16a, 16b on the links of the line guide unit 2 engage in the corresponding notches 17a, 17b. At the same time, the second U-shaped section 6b of the line guide unit 2 lengthens accordingly.

[0043] When the direction of rotation of the deflection unit 4 is reversed, i.e. when the deflection unit 4 rotates counterclockwise, the second U-shaped section 6b shortens and, in turn, the first U-shaped section 6a lengthens. The rotation of the deflection unit 4 also causes the transfer unit 7 to move vertically. The transfer unit 7 is in this case designed in such a way that it can move past the deflection unit 4, so that, depending on the number of rotations of the deflection unit 4, the transfer unit 7 can move from the first U-shaped section 6a to the second U-shaped section 6b.

[0044] The lines can be led out of the line guide unit via the transfer unit 7. In that case, the lines can be connected to corresponding connections for certain devices or equipment.

[0045] A second embodiment of the line guide system is shown in a schematic diagram in Figure 5. The line guide system shown in Figure 5 also has a line guide unit 2 with a first fixed end 3a and a second fixed end 3b. Between the first fixed end 3a and the second fixed end 3b, a deflection unit 4 is formed by a roller. The roller has axially spaced apart collars, between which the line guide unit 2 is guided. The line guide unit 2 is arranged in a suspended manner.

[0046] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the diameter of the deflection unit 4 is relatively small compared to the distance between the two fixed ends 3a, 3b. To ensure that the strands of the line guide units of the U-shaped sections 6a, 6b run essentially parallel to one another, i.e., essentially perpendicularly, guide channels 25a, 25b are provided on both sides of the deflection unit 4. The guide channels 25a, 25b are shown enlarged in FIG. 6. The guide channels 25a, 25b are preferably U-shaped. Due to the dimensioning of the deflection unit 4 and the corresponding dimensioning of other geometric factors, such as the spacing between the anchoring points of the energy guide chain, the bend radii, and the backbend radii, the provision of guide channels 25a, 25b is not necessarily required. Nevertheless, it may be advantageous to provide guide and / or protective elements at various points, for example, for wind protection.

[0047] 5 shows the line guide system 1 together with a storage system that operates according to the Paternoster principle. Storage systems that operate according to the Paternoster principle have been known for a long time. For example, from DE 1 938 640 A1, an installation for parking motor vehicles that operates according to the Paternoster principle is known.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a chain 26. The chain 26 is arranged vertically and is guided via a lower sprocket 27 and an upper sprocket 28. A second chain (not shown) can be arranged parallel to this assembly and is also guided via corresponding upper and lower sprockets. A platform 29 can be arranged between and connected to both chains. The platform 29 is connected to both chains, for example, according to the gondola principle, so that the platform 29 remains horizontally aligned at all times. This paternoster principle can have multiple platforms 29.

[0049] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, the transfer unit 7 is connected to the platform 29 so that the line can be guided from the line guide unit to the platform 29 .

[0050] The drive of the deflection unit 4 is connected to the drive of the gears 27, 28, so that the transfer unit 7 moves substantially synchronously with the platform 29. In order to compensate for the difference between the travel distance between the platform 29 and the gear 28 and the travel distance between the transfer unit 7 and the deflection unit 4, the line guided from the transfer unit 7 to the platform 29 may have a slack length that compensates for such a travel stroke.

[0051] Unlike conventional storage systems based on the Paternoster principle, the platform does not move beyond the lower reversal point on the lower sprocket 27.

[0052] When the sprocket 28 is driven clockwise in accordance with the arrow C, the platform 29 moves, and simultaneously the deflection unit 4, which is coupled to the movement of the platform 29, moves, and thus the transfer unit 7 also moves. As the movement takes place vertically upwards, the deflection unit 4, the platform 29 and the transfer unit 7 pass through a reversal point where the upward movement transitions to a downward movement. Due to the design of the paternoster and the line guide system, the line guide unit undergoes a vertical movement and a combined vertical and horizontal movement.

[0053] Due to the suspended arrangement of the line guide unit and the cooperation of the drive and the line guide unit via the deflection unit, only tension forces are applied to the line guide unit. This design has the great advantage that additional guide elements, for example for the U-shaped section of the line guide unit, are not necessarily required. When the subject matter of the invention is used in conjunction with a storage system that preferably operates according to the Paternoster principle, it is also possible to achieve a reliable and reliable supply of, for example, current and signals to one or more platforms, since the lines are not only protected by the energy guide chain but are also guided in a defined manner even during complex movement sequences. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Line Guide System 2 Line guide unit 3a First fixed position end 3b Second fixed end 4 deflection units 5 axis 6a First U-shaped section 6b Second U-shaped section 7 Delivery Unit 10 chain links 11a,11b Side part 12a, 12b Transverse web 13 Spigot 14 holes 15a,15b outside 16a, 16b Entourage 17a, 17b Notch 18-pin 19a, 19b Bearings 20 screws 21 discs 22 Laura 23a, 23b Brim 24 Drive unit 25a, 25b Guide passage 26 Chain 27 sprockets 28 sprockets 29 Platform

Claims

1. 1. A line guide system comprising: a line guide unit (2) having a first fixed end (3a) and a second fixed end (3b); a deflection unit (4) arranged between the first fixed end (3a) and the second fixed end (3b); a reversible drive unit (24); Including, the line guide unit (2) is arranged in a suspended manner and forms a first U-shaped section (6a) between the first fixed end (3a) and the deflection unit (4) and a second U-shaped section (6b) between the deflection unit (4) and the second fixed end (3b); The drive unit (24) cooperates with the line guide unit (2); Line guide system.

2. 2. The line guide system according to claim 1, wherein the line guide unit (2) is formed by a plurality of links (10) pivotally connected to one another.

3. 3. The line guide system according to claim 2, wherein the line guide unit (2) has followers (16a, 16b) which cooperate with the correspondingly formed deflection units (4).

4. 4. The line guide system according to claim 3, wherein the cross section of the follower (16a, 16b) is circular.

5. 5. A line guide system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the followers (16a, 16b) are preferably arranged in the middle of the lateral portions (11a, 11b) of the link (10).

6. 6. The line guide system according to claim 5, wherein the followers (16a, 16b) and the lateral portions (11a, 11b) are formed integrally.

7. 4. The line guide system according to claim 3, wherein the deflection unit (4) comprises a roller (22) having axially spaced apart collars (23a, 23b), and the line guide unit (2) is guided between the collars (23a, 23b).

8. 8. The line guide system according to claim 7, wherein the flanges (23a, 23b) have radially inwardly formed notches (17a, 17b) into which the followers (16a, 16b) engage.

9. 2. The line guide system according to claim 1, wherein the deflection unit (4) is connected to the drive (24).

10. 2. The line guide system according to claim 1, wherein the line guide unit (2) comprises a transfer unit (7).

11. 2. The line guide system according to claim 1, wherein a line having a slack length is guided in the line guide unit (2).

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