Dividing bar for internal division of energy guide chains

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) for an energy guide chain, comprising a plate-like body (13; 33; 93; 123) with two main faces and two narrow faces extending in the height direction between two end regions. At least one of the end regions (16a, 16b) is adapted for releasable fastening to a cross bar (12). A number of holding grooves (19) for plate-like shelves are provided in the main faces (15; 95; 125). According to the invention, each holding groove (19) is continuous from one narrow face (17; 97; 127) to the other, and each narrow face (17; 97; 127) has an insertion opening (170) through which a shelf (18) can be inserted into and removed from the respective holding groove (19) in both opposite assembly directions. The dividing bars (20; 30; 90; 120) further comprise fixing devices which fix the attached shelves (18) against unwanted displacement in both assembly directions and against unwanted disengagement from the respective retaining grooves (19).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of energy guide chains for guiding lines, such as cables or hoses. Energy guide chains typically serve to guide supply lines for power, data or media between a connection and a connection that is movable relative to the connection in a mobile consumer. They typically comprise a number of pivotally interconnected chain links.

[0002] The invention particularly relates to so-called dividing or separating bars for the chain links of energy guide chains. [Background technology]

[0003] At least some of the chain links are each composed of two laterally arranged, outwardly positioned side plates or sides and at least one cross bar, sometimes also called a cross member, which holds the side plates parallel. The cross bar or bars can be fixedly or releasably connected to the side plates (so-called open bars). Considered in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain, the side plates and the cross bar define a receiving space within the chain link. The chain links therefore together form a guide passage in which the line is received continuously in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] In applications with a large number of guide lines, it is advantageous to subdivide the receiving space or guide passage into separate regions, i.e., to provide a so-called internal division of the energy guide chain. This makes it possible to reduce or avoid friction between the lines, especially due to the relative movement of different curvature radii or turning arcs. Basically, lines with significantly different diameters should be guided separately from each other. The internal division of the energy guide chain also allows for a long-life configuration to distribute the weight in the case of lines with different weights.

[0005] The internal division avoids, inter alia, unwanted movements of the line, such as rotational movements in the guide passage (such as so-called "corkscrews") or misalignment of the line from above to below, which would result in the hose being crushed by, for example, heavy electrical wires.

[0006] Separation or dividing bars are provided for vertical subdivision, i.e., for dividing the width of the receiving space. They extend approximately parallel to the side plates and are generally attached to the transverse bars. Separation bars for links of energy guide chains are described, for example, in the applicant's patent application WO 02 / 04799 or WO 02 / 04799.

[0007] The horizontal division, i.e. the subdivision of the available height of the receiving space, is achieved by the provision of so-called compartment shelves (also called support shelves, insert shelves, etc.), which are similar to crossbars and can act as supports for the lines. The compartment shelves extend parallel to the crossbars, i.e. approximately perpendicular to the side plates, and are usually attached to dividing or separating bars. Compartment shelves are described in patent document 3.

[0008] The term divider bar is used herein to refer to a specialized separation bar that has multiple holders for shelves or means for attaching shelves on at least one side, and preferably both sides, and thus inherently provides a variety of possible options for selectively attaching shelves within the interior space.

[0009] A tried and tested structure for a dividing bar, which allows for fine vertical division using shelves, is also shown in the applicant's patent application JP 2004-124993. This patent application discloses a dividing bar having a plate-like body with upper and lower end regions for releasably fastening to a cross bar, two large main faces, and two opposing narrow faces extending in the height direction between the end regions. Each of the main faces is provided with a number of retaining grooves extending substantially perpendicularly in the height direction. Plate-like shelves with corresponding end portions can be inserted and retained in each of the retaining grooves. The end shelves form a kind of tongue that cooperates with the retaining grooves in the manner of a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0010] The dividing bar allows for finer division in height. The closer spacing between the retaining grooves allows for reduced module size for selective positioning of the shelves compared to a continuous receiving opening or aperture for the shelves.

[0011] Essentially, easy handling and installation of components for the internal division with a minimum of time and effort is desirable for installation work. Separate areas of the internal division of the receiving space should also be easily accessible for maintenance purposes, which generally require disassembly of the shelves, e.g., for replacing lines. Likewise, it is desirable to be able to easily change the division as needed, for example, if subdivision is to be implemented later. Previously known structures for internal division still require improvement with regard to ease of handling or usability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] German Registered Utility Model No. 29907443 [Patent Document 2] DE 4313242 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 0343192 Summary of the Invention

[0013] Taking the above-mentioned current technology as its basic starting point, the first object of the present invention is to propose a structure for internal division, in particular a dividing bar that is further developed for that purpose and that simplifies handling or makes it easier to use for assembly and maintenance.

[0014] This is achieved by the dividing bar according to claim 1, the chain link according to claim 14, and the energy guide chain according to claim 15, respectively.

[0015] According to the invention, it is proposed that in a dividing or separating bar as defined in the classifying part of claim 1, at least some, and preferably all, of the retaining grooves are of continuous construction from one narrow side to the other, each with an insertion opening in its respective narrow side. This allows the shelves to be inserted into the respective retaining groove, on both sides of the chain, from both sides or in both (moving) directions, through the corresponding insertion opening, and thus in one of two opposite assembly directions, and to be removed again in this manner. Furthermore, according to the invention, it is provided that the dividing bar has a fixing device or mechanism for fixing the attached shelf or shelves against unwanted displacement in both assembly directions and, as a result, against unwanted removal from the respective retaining groove.

[0016] The accessibility of the retaining grooves in both opposite directions provides an important practical advantage and improves ease of use, since the user does not need to be concerned with any particular assembly or disassembly direction of the shelves when inserting and removing them. Alternating operation in both directions is also possible, which can be advantageous in connection with multiple shelves arranged in a superimposed relationship with one another. There are various possible options for the locking devices, particularly those that can be operated with low application of force.

[0017] The insertion and removal of the shelves into and from the respective holding grooves can be effected in particular by translational insertion and removal perpendicular to the longitudinal or height direction of the energy guide chain.

[0018] For this purpose, the proposed dividing bar has, in at least most of the retaining grooves, preferably in each retaining groove, a first insertion opening in the narrow side and a second insertion opening in the other, opposite narrow side, i.e., the retaining groove is accessible or open on both sides. This may be provided, in particular, for all retaining grooves on both main sides. If there are two insertion openings, each retaining groove is essentially open in the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain and therefore open on both sides. Each retaining groove holds the end of a corresponding structure of shelves in a direction perpendicular to the body. The retaining grooves preferably extend between the two main faces of the body perpendicular to the height direction and parallel to the main faces. The retaining grooves may in particular be in the form of recesses in the main faces, the cross section of which perpendicular to the main faces allows a positive locking retention action, in particular in the form of a stripped connection, for example, dovetail-shaped or T-shaped.

[0019] Depending on the respective structural height, the narrow faces will form the long faces of the main faces, and the end regions will be the short faces. The directional terms "height" and "width" refer to the receiving space, in this case in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain. In this case, horizontal means the direction of the width of the receiving space, and vertical means the direction of the height of the receiving space, regardless of the actual spatial orientation of the chain links in each case. The terms "upper" and "lower" are also interpreted in an exemplary spatial arrangement rather than in an absolute sense, and are therefore interchangeable. The terms "parallel" and "perpendicular" are in this case interpreted technically but not strictly geometrically. A slight deviation of a certain angle from geometric parallelism is still considered parallel.

[0020] To avoid applying force to secure the shelves in a forced-locking relationship, a preferred embodiment provides that the locking device has a locking slider displaceable in height within the receiving means of the body between a locked position and an unlocked position, and has locking elements, each locking element associated with a retaining groove. In this regard, each locking element is displaceable into an associated retaining groove for locking cooperation with the shelf and, in particular, with an end recess of the shelf. Preferably, all required locking elements are provided on the same locking slider, such that a number of locking elements corresponding to the total number of retaining grooves is provided.

[0021] In this case, each locking element preferably cooperates with a recess in the shelf as a stop element acting as a lock or a pawl for said locking.

[0022] Locking sliders can be provided for the retaining grooves on both main surfaces, for example, centrally; locking sliders can be provided for the retaining grooves on each main surface; or locking sliders can be provided for both main surfaces, for example, on both narrow surfaces, with a common locking slider for each of the retaining grooves for locking the shelf ends. Thus, the fixing device can essentially have a locking slider located in the center of the body. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a common central locking slider is provided for the retaining grooves on both main surfaces. In this case, the plate-like body can include two plate parts, preferably of identical structure or produced in the form of the same part, each of which forms a number of continuous retaining grooves on its outer surface and a recess for a locking slider on its inner surface. The plate parts can be connected to each other by suitable connecting elements, for example, can be locked to each other by mating connecting elements, or can be fixed to each other by snap connectors, etc.

[0023] For greater simplification of operation, the locking slider may have at least one actuating protrusion protruding from a narrow side of the body, allowing easier manual operation, similar to operation by a slider button or the like. Preferably, bilateral operation is also achieved here by a locking slider having two opposing, preferably symmetrical, actuating protrusions, each protruding from one of the narrow sides of the body. In this case, the actuating protrusion may form a slider button on one side.

[0024] The locking slider is preferably integral with the locking element and optionally with the actuation projection.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the fixing device includes two locking sliders. These may be displaceable in the receiving means of the body in the height direction between a locked position and an unlocked position, and may have locking elements corresponding to the number of retaining grooves. Again, preferably, the locking elements are associated with the retaining grooves and are displaceable therein for locking cooperation with a ledge, for example, an end recess. In this embodiment, the body may have two receiving means displaceable perpendicular to the height direction for each locking slider. In this case, two receiving means and one locking slider attached thereto are provided on each main surface.

[0026] In all embodiments with one or more locking sliders, it is advantageous if each locking slider in the unlocked position projects in height by an end projection at the upper or lower end region of the body. This ensures that the locking slider can be displaced into the locked position by closing the cross bar, i.e., the shelves are reliably secured against unwanted disengagement when the cross bar and chain links are in a closed position. This also prevents or blocks unwanted unlocking when the chain links are closed (with the cross bar attached / closed on both sides), since unlocking is only possible when the cross bar is opened. Preferably, the locking sliders are of a suitable structural height, with the end projections allowing the locking slider to project alternately beyond the upper and lower end regions depending on which of the respective cross bars is opened (inner or outer diameter).

[0027] However, a suitable locking device does not necessarily have to be in the form of a locking arrangement with a slider. In a structurally simpler alternative, the locking device may have cooperating locking elements, such as locking recesses and / or locking projections, in the retaining grooves and the end regions of the shelves engaging therein. In this case, at least one locking recess and / or locking projection is preferably provided in each retaining groove for locking cooperation with a corresponding mating end locking element on the shelf. Additionally or alternatively, resilient locking tongues, preferably at the end of the shelves, may also be considered as locking elements. They may cooperate with corresponding locking edges of the locking recesses at the boundary surfaces of the locking grooves, for example. In particular, resilient locking tongues or hooks, which cooperate with respective locking edges at the boundary surfaces of the locking grooves, for example in the form of barbs, and become inoperable upon insertion, may be provided on both sides of the end regions of the shelves engaging the locking grooves, in order to lock or secure the shelves against unwanted longitudinal disengagement.

[0028] To provide a robust positive locking retention action horizontally or perpendicular to the major plane, on both major faces the retention grooves are T-shaped in each cross section perpendicular to the major plane to cooperate with corresponding protrusions on the ends of the shelves to retain the shelves. As an alternative to the T-shaped cross section, it is also possible to provide a dovetail shaped or similar cross section.

[0029] Preferably, the retaining grooves extend continuously from one narrow side to the other parallel to one another and perpendicular to the height direction. The retaining grooves are preferably provided on each main side in pairs facing away from one another at the same height, but this is not necessarily the case. So-called side sections for abutting the side plates, i.e. having a retaining groove on only one side, are considered here to be dividing bars.

[0030] Preferably, both end regions of the body have locking devices for releasable fixation by force-locking and / or positive-locking connection at the upper and lower cross bars, in which case at least one end region, preferably both end regions, may be in the form of a locking foot for locking engagement with the cross bars of a type known per se.

[0031] Preferably, the body is of mirror symmetry about its height mid-plane so that the end regions are interchangeable at the top and bottom and orientation is not a significant concern from an assembly standpoint.

[0032] With equal accessibility on both sides, this configuration preferably provides symmetrical properties with respect to the dividing bar.

[0033] Preferably, the body is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its main plane, i.e. it is particularly advantageous if a common slider or lock is used on both sides of both main faces, or the body may be axially symmetrical with respect to its central axis in the height direction, for example if a dedicated slider or lock is provided on each main face.

[0034] The present invention is particularly advantageous in terms of an interior division subdivided by a relatively large number of positions for the shelves, i.e., at least five retaining grooves are provided on each main surface, providing a large number of options, especially when using locking sliders, in which case all inserted shelves can be locked and unlocked simultaneously by a single actuation.

[0035] For further simplification, it may be provided that the two insertion openings of each retaining groove have respectively oblique or rounded inserts at opposite ends, which may in particular be provided on both sides and in pairs in a mirror-symmetrical arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis of the retaining groove.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a chain link for an energy guide chain, comprising two side plates and at least one cross bar interconnecting the side plates to define a receiving space for a line, the chain link having two or more dividing bars according to the present invention and at least one shelf held at its end by the dividing bars. The present invention further relates to an energy guide chain comprising a number of chain links, wherein at least every second chain link has a dividing bar according to the present invention. Still further, the present invention relates to a construction kit for the internal division of chain links for an energy guide chain, comprising at least two dividing bars according to the present invention and at least one corresponding shelf. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a dividing bar according to the present invention for the internal division of an energy guide chain. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 shows an exploded view of a chain link of an energy guide chain according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2A] 2 shows the chain link of FIG. 1 in a front view. [Figure 2B] The chain link of FIG. 1 is shown in cross section. [Figure 3] 1 shows an exploded view of a dividing bar according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4A]The shelves are shown in plan view. [Figure 4B] The shelf is shown in front view. [Figure 5A] 4 shows a side view of the split bar of FIG. 3 with the locking slider in the unlocked position. [Figure 5B] 4 shows a side view of the split bar of FIG. 3 with the locking slider in the locked position. [Figure 6A] A detailed view of FIG. 5A is shown. [Figure 6B] A detailed view of FIG. 5B is shown. [Figure 7A] 4 shows a front view of the dividing bar of FIG. 3 with the locking slider in the locked position with the shelf inserted. [Figure 7B] 4 shows the dividing bar of FIG. 3 in a cross-sectional view along AF with the locking slider in the locked position with the shelf inserted. [Figure 8A] 4 shows the dividing bar of FIG. 3 with the locking slider in the unlocked position. [Figure 8B] 4 shows the dividing bar of FIG. 3 with the locking slider in the locked position. [Figure 9A] 10 shows a further second embodiment of the split bar with the two locking sliders in the unlocked position. [Figure 9B] 10 shows a further second embodiment of the dividing bar with two locking sliders in the locked position. [Figure 10A] 9A-9B show the main body of the dividing bar. [Figure 10B] 9A-9B show the locking slider of the split bar. [Figure 10C] 9A-9B show shelves that fit the dividing bars. [Figure 11A] 9B shows a detailed view of the dividing bar of FIG. 9A. [Figure 11B] 9C shows a detailed view of the dividing bar of FIG. 9B. [Figure 11C] 1 shows a partial view of a dividing bar with an inserted shelf in cross section along the main plane of the shelf. [Figure 12A] 10 shows a perspective view of a further third embodiment of a dividing bar. [Figure 12B]10 shows a perspective view of a further third embodiment of a corresponding shelf. [Figure 13A] 12B shows a detailed view of the dividing bar of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13B] 1 shows a partial view of a dividing bar with an inserted shelf in cross section along the main plane of the shelf. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] 1 and 2A show an exploded view and a front view, respectively, of an exemplary internal structure of a chain link 10 of an energy guide chain 1 for actively guiding lines, such as cables and hoses (not shown). A number of chain links 10 are pivotally connected to one another to form the energy guide chain 1 in a longitudinal direction L perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2A. The longitudinal direction L corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the line to be guided. The chain link 10 here consists of individual parts and has at least two side plates 11. In each chain link 10, or for example in each second chain link 10, the side plates 11 are fixedly connected in a box-like configuration by two parallel and identical transverse bars 12, as shown in FIG. 2A, which are held at a distance in a transverse direction Q of the chain link 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to one another.

[0040] In the example shown, the cross bars 12 are detachable (called open bars). For this purpose, the cross bars 12 are detachably or pivotably fixed to the side plates 11 by means of end fixing regions, for example by means of fastening receivers on the horns 110 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the side plates 11. The cross bars 12 of the chain links 10 are spaced apart from one another in a height direction H, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q. The side plates 11 and the cross bars 12 define a receiving space 14 for the guided wire. Both cross bars 12 can therefore be in the form of open bars in order to allow access to the receiving space 14 in the open state.

[0041] The energy guide chain 1 is made up of a number of chain links 10 connected to one another in a pivotable manner in the longitudinal direction L. When guiding a line between two connection positions movable relative to one another, the energy guide chain 1 can form an upper run, a lower run and a deflection arc, which is a portion curved about a deflection axis therebetween. The structure of the energy guide chain 1 is known per se and can be of any desired structure, for example with crank-shaped side plates constituting the side plates 11 or with alternating inner and outer plates. In particular, a two-part chain link may be considered, in which the two side plates 11 and one cross bar 12 are constructed in one part, i.e., in one piece, while only the other cross bar 12 is detachable (not shown).

[0042] For internal division, it is known to provide vertical dividing bars 20 for dividing the receiving space 14 in the transverse direction Q and horizontal shelves 18 for dividing the receiving space 14 in the height direction H, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2A.

[0043] The dividing bar 20 typically has a plate-like or flat body 13 with a main plane extending in a longitudinal direction L and in a height direction H parallel to the side plates 11 when the dividing bar 20 is appropriately assembled to the chain link 10. The shelves 18 are also of plate-like construction and extend parallel to the cross bar 12 when the dividing bar 20 is appropriately assembled to the chain link 10. The dividing (separating) bars 20 and shelves 18 can be provided in the same arrangement on each n-th chain link 10, in particular on each second chain link 10, in order to provide a receiving space 14 for the line guidance that is aligned and well protected in the compartments (dividers) 140 that remain identical. The illustration in Fig. 2A is here in a simplified form for illustrative purposes only; further dividing bars 20 and further shelves 18 are typically provided.

[0044] In the height direction H, the dividing bar 20 has two end regions 16a, 16b, each having a fixing device, here a respective clip-like locking foot 160, which can be fixed in at least one of the end regions 16a, 16b to an end 23 of the cross bar 12 at a selectable position in the transverse direction Q, i.e. in the direction of the length of the cross bar 12, and in the longitudinal direction L, for example by a locking connection. Along its end 23, the cross bar 12 may have a toothed bar, as shown in Figure 1, for cooperating with the locking foot 160 of the dividing bar 20. The cross bar 12 is fixed in either the longitudinal direction L of the chain links 10 or in the direction of the width of the cross bar 12.

[0045] The shelves 18 are attached to the dividing bars 20 at selectable stages in the height direction H. In this regard, by way of example, Figures 1 and 2A show only one shelf 18 dividing a portion of the receiving space 14 between two dividing bars 20.

[0046] The main body 13 of the dividing bar 20 further has two main faces 15 that face away from each other and extend parallel to the main plane, and two narrow faces 17 that face away from each other and extend perpendicular to the main faces 15 in a height direction H from the upper end region 16a to the lower end region 16b. The main faces 15 of the main body 13 each have a plurality of identically configured retaining grooves 19 for receiving shelves 18. The retaining grooves 19 extend continuously from one narrow face 17 to the other narrow face 17, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the height direction H. Each retaining groove 19 opens in each narrow face 17 to form a respective insertion opening 170. Accordingly, a correspondingly profiled end of a shelf 18 can be inserted into and removed from each narrow face 17, i.e., in each of the two assembly directions along the longitudinal direction L.

[0047] 3 shows an exploded view of the dividing bar 30 of the first embodiment. To secure the shelves 18 against unwanted displacement in the longitudinal direction L and unintentional removal from the retaining grooves 19, the dividing bar 30 has a locking device with a locking slider 31.

[0048] The dividing bar 30 has a main body 33 that is mirror-symmetrical on a main plane (see WW in FIG. 2A) and is composed of two identical plate portions 33a. Each of the plate portions 33a is also symmetrical about a height center plane perpendicular to the main plane. Furthermore, each of the two structurally identical plate portions 33a is point-symmetrical about a central axis that extends as a dashed line in FIG. 3 through the centers of symmetry of the two plate portions 33a.

[0049] The plate portion 33a has an outer surface 35 which forms one of the main surfaces 15 of the body and the retaining groove 19, and an inner surface 36 which faces away from the outer surface 35 and has a locking projection 37a and a corresponding recess 37b as a connecting element for locking with a second plate portion 33a to form the body 33. Furthermore, the inner surface 36 has a cross-shaped recess 32. When the two plate portions 33a are assembled to form the body 33, the recess 32 forms a receiving means 34 for the locking slider 31 so that the locking slider 31 can be centrally received in the body 33.

[0050] The locking slider 31 is mounted on the receiving means 34 of the dividing bar 30 so as to be displaceable in a height direction H between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the locking slider 31 is of a cross-shaped configuration having a vertical bar 311 extending in the height direction H and a horizontal bar 312 extending perpendicular to the vertical bar 311. The terms vertical and horizontal in this case refer to the appropriate operating positions of the locking slider 31 on the chain link 10, where vertical means along the height direction H and horizontal means along the longitudinal direction L. The spatial orientation may differ depending on the respective position of the chain link or energy guide chain.

[0051] At both ends of the horizontal bar 312, the locking slider 31 has respective actuating protrusions 38 ergonomically formed for manual displacement of the locking slider 31 between the unlocked position and the locked position. When the locking slider 31 is mounted between the two plate portions 33a of the main body 33, the two actuating protrusions each protrude from the narrow face 17 of the main body 33. For this purpose, the recess 32 is also shaped like a cross and opens into the narrow face 17.

[0052] On both sides, the vertical bar 311 has a row of locking elements 39 in the form of block-like protrusions, the number of which corresponds to the number of retaining grooves 19 on each main face. The locking elements 39 protrude in a direction perpendicular to the main face and are arranged at the same vertical grid interval as the retaining grooves 19. The locking slider 31 is produced in the form of a one-piece injection molding with the locking elements 39.

[0053] When the locking slider 31 is in the locked position, the locking element 39 may extend into each of the retaining grooves 19 and be approximately centered therein.

[0054] 4A and 4B show shelves 18 in a plate-like, elongated configuration having a transverse extent Q between end portions 48. In the end view of FIG. 4B, each of end portions 48 has a respective end projection 48a extending in longitudinal direction L and complementary to the profile of retaining groove 19, which is T-shaped in the example, for insertion of end portions 48 into retaining groove 19. Other profiles, such as dovetail-shaped profiles, of retaining groove 19 and end portions 48 of shelf 18 are also possible. With this profile, inserted shelf 18 is fixed in transverse direction Q, perpendicular to the main plane of dividing bar 30.

[0055] For securing the shelf 18 in the longitudinal direction L, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the retaining groove 19, each end of the shelf 18 has a respective opening 46 for cooperating with a respective associated locking element 39. For insertion of the end 48 of the shelf 18 into the retaining groove 19, the locking slider 31 must be in the unlocked position. Once the end 48 of the shelf 18 is received in the retaining groove 19, the locking slider 31 can be displaced to the locked position in which the locking elements 39 each extend into the retaining groove 19 and engage with the end opening 46 of the shelf 18. In this position, the shelf 18 is secured in the longitudinal direction L relative to the dividing bar 30 and is not or only slightly displaceable along the retaining groove 19.

[0056] 5A and 5B (and FIGS. 6A and 6B, each showing a portion on an enlarged scale) show the dividing bar 30 in a side view along the longitudinal direction L, with the locking slider 31 in the unlocked position (FIGS. 5A, 6A) and in the locked position (FIGS. 5B, 6B). The retaining groove 19 is free in the unlocked position for insertion of the shelf 18, while the retaining groove 19 is occupied by the associated locking element 39 in the locked position.

[0057] 7A shows a side view along the longitudinal direction L of the dividing bar 30 with the shelf 18 inserted in the retaining groove 19 and the locking slider 31 in the locked position. FIG. 7B shows a cross section through the main plane of the shelf 18 extending in the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction Q. It can best be seen by examining FIGS. 7A and 7B together that the shelf 18 is secured against displacement in the height direction H and the transverse direction Q by the T-shaped profile of the retaining groove 19, on the one hand, and against displacement in the longitudinal direction L by the positive locking connection between the opening 46 of the shelf 18 and the associated locking element 39 of the locking slider 31, on the other hand.

[0058] The locking slider 31 has a point-symmetrical and mirror-symmetrical configuration with three respective planes of symmetry. In this way, it can fix the shelves 18 on both sides of the dividing bar 30 and can be unlocked in both directions along the vertical. This is particularly advantageous in the case of chain links 10 in which both cross bars 12 are in the form of open bars. Therefore, the locking slider 31 can be unlocked on each of the cross bars 12 as required.

[0059] The locking slider 31 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position in both directions along the height direction H. In addition to displacement by the actuating lug 38, the locking action can also be achieved by pressing against the vertical bar 311. For this purpose, the ends of the vertical bar 311 form end lugs 82 that can protrude from the body 33. In the unlocked position of the locking slider 31 received in the body 33, one of the end lugs 82 protrudes from the body 33, as shown in FIG. 8A, depending on the direction in which the locking slider 31 is displaced along the height direction H for unlocking. In the illustrated case, the upward insertion of the end lug 82 moves the locking slider 31 to the locked position. This can be done in particular by closing the open cross bar 12. In this way, it is possible to prevent the split bars 30 from remaining unlocked in the closed chain links 10 that are now accessible, or to prevent automatic locking from occurring.

[0060] 9A to 11C show a further second embodiment of a dividing bar 90. The difference with respect to the dividing bar 30 is that the main body 93 of the dividing bar 90 can be produced in one piece. As shown in FIG. 10A, the one-piece main body 93 has a plate-like configuration and has two main faces 95 that face away from each other and extend parallel to the main plane, and two narrow faces 97 that face away from each other and extend perpendicular to the main faces 95 in the height direction H from the upper end region 16a to the lower end region 16b. The end regions 16a and 16b are equipped with locking feet 160, as in the previous embodiment. The main faces 95 of the main body 93 each have a plurality of identical retaining grooves 19 for receiving the shelves 18. The retaining grooves 19 extend parallel to each other and consecutively from one narrow face 97 to the other perpendicular to the height direction H. Each retaining groove 19 opens at each narrow face 97 to one of two end insertion openings 170. A correspondingly profiled end of a shelf 18 can be inserted into and removed from each retaining groove 19 from each narrow face 97, i.e., in each of the two assembly directions along the longitudinal direction L or the width of the dividing bar 90 and shelf 18.

[0061] 9A-11C, dividing bar 90 for securing installed shelves 18 in retaining grooves 19 has two locking sliders 91, one for each main face 95 of body 93. Each of locking sliders 91 is displaceable in a respective receiving means 94 along longitudinal direction L. Receiving means 94 are in the form of a recess in each main face 95 of body 93. Body 93 has centrosymmetry such that dividing bar 90 can be inserted and rotated through 180 degrees in height direction H, longitudinal direction L or transverse direction Q.

[0062] Here, the two locking sliders 91 are identical. As shown in Figure 10B, the locking slider 91 is in the form of an elongated strip or bar member having a plurality of locking elements 99 in the form of protrusions. In the unlocked position of the locking slider 91 as shown in Figure 9A or as a detail in Figure 11A, the protrusions or locking elements 99 are disposed between the retaining grooves 19 in the height direction H so that the ends of the shelves 98 can be pushed into and pulled out of the retaining grooves 19.

[0063] The shelf 98 is of plate-like construction and has at its ends, for cooperation with the retaining groove 19, respective T-shaped protrusions 98a that correspond to the profile of the retaining groove 19. A further difference with respect to the first embodiment is that here, each end of the shelf 98 does not have two openings 96 that can respectively receive a locking element 99. The shelf 98 can therefore be of a mirror-symmetrical construction. The distance of each opening 96 from each long narrow face of the shelf 98 in the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the distance of each receiving means 94 from the nearest narrow face of the body 93. An embodiment in which the end-locking shelves at both ends do not have openings 96 is also conceivable.

[0064] 9B and 11B (without shelf) or 11C, when the locking slider 91 is displaced or moved in the height direction H within the receiving means 94 to the locked position, the locking element 99 extends perpendicular to the main surface 95 into the retaining groove 19. In this position of the locking slider, the shelf 98 is secured to prevent unwanted slippage along the retaining groove 19.

[0065] 12A-13B show a further embodiment of a dividing bar 120 that is produced in one piece but does not have a locking slider. As in the previous embodiment, the dividing bar 120 also has a symmetrical plate-like body 123 with two main faces 125 and two narrow faces 127. Each of the main faces 125 has a row of profiled retaining grooves 19 for receiving an end 128a of a shelf 128 and retaining it in a positive locking manner. In this embodiment, the retaining grooves 19 also extend continuously from one narrow face 127 to the other and open on both sides at the end of each narrow face 127, i.e., forming respective insertion openings 170. At their ends, the shelves 128 have protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction L that correspond to the profile of the retaining grooves 19. Here, the fixing of the shelves 128, which are inserted into the retaining grooves 19 and prevent slippage along the retaining grooves 19, is achieved by the locking engagement of locking elements. To that end, a locking projection 124 is provided on the end 128a of the shelf 128, which lockingly engages a corresponding locking recess 122 in the major surface 125 of the body 123. An inverted configuration in which the locking projection is provided on the body is also contemplated.

[0066] All the above-mentioned components of the chain link 10, in particular the dividing bars 20, 30, 90, 120, are preferably produced in the form of plastic parts using an injection molding process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] Figures 1, 2A, and 2B 1 Energy Guide Chain 10 chain links 11 Side Plate 12 Cross Bar 13 Body of the split bar 14 Receptive Space 15 Main surface of the body 16a, 16b End region of dividing bar 17 Narrow side of the body 18 shelves 19 Retaining groove 20 Divider Bars 23 End of cross bar 110 Side Plate Horn 140 Receptive Space Compartments 160 (split bar) locking foot 170 Retaining groove insertion opening H Height direction L Longitudinal direction Q transverse direction Figures 3 to 8 15 Main surface of the body 17 Narrow side of the body 18 shelves 19 Retaining groove 30 Divider Bars 31 Rock Slider 32 recess 33 Body of the split bar 34 Receptor 33a (Main body) plate part 35 (Plate part) outer surface 36 (Inner surface of plate part) 37a Locking protrusion 37b depression 38 Operating protrusion 39 Rock Elements 46 Shelf opening 48 Shelf Edge 48a Protrusions at the edges of shelves 82 Lock slider end projection 170 Retaining groove insertion opening 311 Vertical Bar 312 horizontal bar H Height direction L Longitudinal direction Q transverse direction Figures 9-11 16a, 16b End region of dividing bar 18, 98 shelves 19 Retaining groove 90 division bar 91 Rock Slider 93 Split bar body 94 Receptor 95 Main surface of the body 96 Shelf opening 97 Narrow side of the body 98a Protrusions at the edges of shelves 99 Rock Elements 160 Locking foot 170 Retaining groove insertion opening H Height direction L Longitudinal direction Q transverse direction Figures 12-13 19 Retaining groove 120 Divider Bar 122 Locking recess 123 Main Unit 124 Shelf locking protrusion 125 Main surface of the body 127 Narrow side of the body 128 shelves 128a Shelf edge 170 Retaining groove insertion opening H Height direction L Longitudinal direction Q transverse direction

Claims

1. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) for the internal division of chain links (10) of an energy guide chain, said chain links (10) having two side plates (11) interconnected by at least one cross bar (12) and defining a receiving space (14) for a line, said dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) comprising: a plate-like body (13; 33; 93; 123) having an upper end region (16a), a lower end region (16b) and two main faces (15; 95; 125) and two opposing narrow faces (17; 97; 127) extending in a height direction (H) between said end regions (16a, 16b), at least one of said end regions (16a, 16b) being adapted for releasable fixation to a cross bar (12), On both main surfaces (15; 95; 125), a number of holding grooves (19) are provided, which extend substantially perpendicular to the height direction (H) and into which the respective ends of plate-like shelves (18) for internal division can be inserted and held; each of the retaining grooves (19) is of continuous construction from one narrow side (17; 97; 127) to the other and has an insertion opening (170) in each narrow side (17; 97; 127) so that a shelf (18) can be introduced into each of said retaining grooves (19) and removed therefrom again selectively from both sides in one of two opposite assembly directions through the corresponding insertion opening (170); The dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) has a fixing device that fixes the attached shelf (18) against unwanted displacement in both assembly directions and consequently unwanted removal from each of the retaining grooves (19).

2. 2. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device comprises a locking slider (31; 91) displaceable in the height direction (H) within the receiving means (34; 94) of the body (33; 93) between a locked position and an unlocked position and having locking elements (39; 99), each locking element (39; 99) being associated with a retaining groove (19) and displaceable within said retaining groove (19) for locking cooperation with a shelf (18).

3. 3. The dividing bar (20; 30) according to claim 2, wherein the plate-like body (33) has two plate parts (33a) each having a number of continuous retaining grooves (19) formed on its outer surface (35) and a recess (32) for the lock slider (31) formed on its inner surface (36), and which can be connected to each other by connecting elements (37a, 37b).

4. Dividing bar (20; 30) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixing device comprises a locking slider (31) centrally arranged on the body (33).

5. Dividing bar (20; 30) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the locking slider (31) has at least one actuating projection (38) projecting from the narrow face (17) of the body (33).

6. 3. The dividing bar (90) according to claim 2, wherein the fixing device comprises two locking sliders (91) each displaceable in a receiving means (94) of the body (93) in the height direction (H) between a locked position and an unlocked position and having a locking element (99), each locking element (99) being associated with a retaining groove (19) and displaceable in said retaining groove (19) for fixed cooperation with a shelf (98).

7. 7. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the locking slider or sliders (31; 91) project in the height direction (H) in the unlocked position by end projections (82) at the upper or lower end regions (16a, 16b) of the body (33: 93).

8. 2. The dividing bar (120) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device has locking elements (124), and each retaining groove (19) is provided with at least one locking element for locking cooperation with a corresponding locking element (124) on a shelf (128).

9. said retaining grooves (19) have a T-shaped cross section on both main faces (15; 95; 125) and cooperate with corresponding protrusions (48a; 98a) of T-shaped cross section on the ends (48) of the shelves (18) for retaining purposes; and / or 9. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the retaining grooves (19) extend continuously in parallel relation to one another and respectively perpendicular to the height direction (H).

10. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the end regions (16a, 16b) of the body (13; 93; 123) form fixing devices for releasable fixing by force-locking and / or positive-locking relationship on the upper and lower cross bars (12).

11. said body (13; 93; 123) is of mirror symmetrical construction with respect to its height central plane; and / or the body is of mirror symmetry about its major plane; or Dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body is of axisymmetric configuration about its central height axis.

12. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least five retaining grooves (19) are provided on each of the main faces (15; 95; 125).

13. 13. A dividing bar (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the two insertion openings (170) of each retaining groove (19) have beveled or rounded insertion portions at opposite ends, respectively.

14. A chain link (10) for an energy guide chain, comprising two side plates (11) and at least one cross bar (12) interconnecting the side plates (11) and defining a receiving space (14) for a line; For the internal division of the receiving space, two dividing bars (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 are provided in a parallel relationship with the side plates (11), and at least one shelf (18) held at each end by the dividing bars (20) is provided in a parallel relationship with the cross bar (12).

15. An energy guide chain (1) comprising a plurality of chain links as described in claim 14.

16. A construction kit for the internal division of chain links (10) for an energy guide chain, comprising at least two dividing bars (20; 30; 90; 120) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and corresponding shelves (18).

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