CHAIN LINK FOR AN ENERGY GUIDING CHAIN AND AN ENERGY GUIDING CHAIN

Abstract

The invention relates to a chain link for an energy guide chain for guiding cables and the like, comprising chain links which are connected in an articulated manner. The chain link has two link plates, which are laterally spaced from each other and which have narrow sides, and at least one pivotal transverse web, which connects the link plates together in an articulated manner and which can be converted into a closed position that connects the link plates together and into an open position that at least partly releases the link plate intermediate space. At least one pivotally designed end region of the transverse web can be secured to the link plate in a latching manner. The articulated connection between the transverse web and the link plate has a substantially cylindrical joint pin with a radius (R1) over at least one part of the circumference of the pin on one of the corresponding components consisting of the transverse web and the chain link and a substantially cylindrical pin receiving area on the other of the two corresponding components.

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. At least one chain link for an energy guiding chain to guide at least of a cable or a line, the chain link comprising: hinge elements configured to form a hinged connection with a further chain link of the energy guiding chain, two chain plates laterally spaced from each other, the chain plates each extending in a longitudinal direction of the chain link and each having a narrow side, at least one transverse bar connecting the chain plates together, wherein the at least one transverse bar forms at least one pivotable hinge connection with at least one chain plate of the chain plates, and the at least one transverse bar is positionable by pivotal movement into a closed position of connecting the chain plates together and into an open position at least partially opening an intermediate space between the chain plates, wherein the at least one transverse bar has at least one pivotable end region, the at least one pivotable end region latchingly fixable to the at least one chain plate of the at least one pivotable hinge connection, wherein the at least one pivotable hinge connection comprises a hinge pin and a hinge pin receiving means, wherein the hinge pin is provided by one of the at least one transverse bar and the at least one chain plate, and the hinge pin receiving means is provided by the other of the at least one transverse bar and the at least one chain plate, wherein the hinge pin has a length, the length having a cylindrical configuration having a radius R1 and at least one recess, the at least one recess located at a side of the hinge pin that is remote from the narrow side of the at least one chain link, wherein the hinge pin receiving means has at least one latching nose which projects from a cylindrical region of the hinge pin receiving means, the cylindrical region of the hinge pin receiving means having the radius R1, and the at least one latching nose engaging into the at least one recess of the hinge pin, and wherein the at least one recess of the hinge pin is provided only over a portion of the length of the hinge pin at the side of the hinge pin that is remote from the narrow side of the at least one chain link, and the cylindrical configuration of the hinge pin cooperates with the cylindrical region of the hinge pin receiving means.

20. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the cylindrical configuration of the hinge pin latchingly cooperates with the cylindrical region of the hinge pin receiving means.

21. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the cylindrical configuration of the hinge pin is provided at opposing end regions of the hinge pin, and the at least one recess and the at least one latching nose engaging into the at least one recess are arranged spaced from the opposing end regions of the hinge pin.

22. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the hinge pin has opposing end regions, and the at least one recess and the at least one latching nose engaging into the at least one recess are arranged at at least one or at both of the opposing end regions of the hinge pin, and cylindrical configuration of the hinge pin is at a portion of the hinge pin which is different from one or both of the opposing end regions of the hinge pin.

23. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one recess and the hinge pin are of a mirror image-symmetrical configuration relative to a longitudinal axis of the transverse bar over a portion of a respective longitudinal extent, in which the hinge pin and the hinge pin receiving means cooperate.

24. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one recess of the hinge pin has an arcuate surface contour, with a same direction of curvature as that of a cylindrical surface of the cylindrical configuration of the hinge pin.

25. The chain link as set forth in claim 24, wherein the arcuate surface contour of the at least one recess is in a shape of a circular arc of a radius R2, with radius R2 being smaller than radius R1.

26. The chain link as set forth in claim 24, wherein axes of curvature of the at least one recess and the cylindrical surface of the hinge pin are arranged in mutually coaxial relationship.

27. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one latching nose engaging into the at least one recess is arranged at a side of the pin receiving means that faces towards an outside of the at least one chain plate.

28. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one latching nose engaging into the at least one recess bears against the hinge pin at least over a portion or an entire pivotal movement of the transverse bar.

29. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, further comprising an abutment which delimits a pivotal angle of the transverse bar in the open position.

30. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the hinge pin receiving means is provided by the at least one transverse bar, the hinge pin receiving means comprising a region that faces towards an inside of the at least one chain plate, the region projecting from the transverse bar in a direction towards an interior of the chain link further than a region of the hinge pin receiving means that faces towards an outside of the at least one chain plate.

31. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein a region of the hinge pin receiving means that is towards an inside of the chain link terminates with an inside of the at least one chain plate in the closed position of the at least one transverse bar.

32. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein a slot for introducing a tool is provided in the closed position of the at least one transverse bar between the at least one chain plate and a region of the hinge pin receiving means, by which tool the at least one transverse bar is leverageable off the hinge pin to release the hinge pin receiving means.

33. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one transverse bar has opposite end regions, and the at least one transverse bar forms at least one pivotable hinge connection with each chain plate of the chain plates, and each pivotable hinge connection comprising the recess in the hinge pin and the latching nose of the hinge pin receiving means that engages into the recess, respectively.

34. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein the at least one transverse bar connecting the chain plates together comprises tow opposite transverse bars connecting the chain plates together, and only one of the two opposite transverse bars is hingedly held releasably to the chain plate at at least one or both end regions of the chain link, and the opposite transverse bar is formed integrally on the chain plates.

35. The chain link as set forth in claim 19, wherein in addition to the pivotable hinge connection provided by the hinge pin and the hinge pin receiving means, there is provided a latching means which latchingly cooperate between the transverse bar in its closed position and the at least one chain plate and the latching means limits a pivotal angle of the transverse bar in the open position.

36. An energy guiding chain as set for in claim 19, further comprising a plurality of hingedly interconnected chain links.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The invention is described by way of example with reference to the Figures in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a chain link according to the invention without transverse bar;

[0036] FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the chain link of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2b shows a detailed view;

[0037] FIG. 3a shows a transverse bar of the chain link of FIG. 1 as a perspective view, FIG. 3b as a plan view, FIG. 3c as a side view, FIG. 3d with a detail thereof, FIG. 3e as a cross-sectional view and FIG. 3f as a detail thereof;

[0038] FIG. 4a shows a chain link of FIG. 1 with a transverse bar as a side view, FIG. 4b as a cross-sectional view and FIG. 4c as a detail view, in each case with the transverse bar in the closed position, and in FIGS. 4d and 4e as a detail view with the transverse bar in a partially open position;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a view of part of a chain link with hinge pin of a further embodiment; and

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a view of part of a transverse bar with pin receiving means, corresponding to the hinge pin shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] FIGS. 1 through 4 show a chain link 1 according to a first embodiment or parts thereof for an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, lines and the like, wherein the chain link has hinge elements 2 for hinged connection to further chain links of the same structure, for forming the energy guiding chain. The chain link 1 has two chain plates 3 which are laterally spaced from each other with narrow sides 4 which delimit same and which extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain link, and at least one, and here two, mutually oppositely disposed transverse bars 5 connecting the chain plates together. The chain plates have a main plane HE which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain link and thus also parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain, and extends transversely or perpendicularly to the transverse bars. At least one transverse bar 5 (here precisely one) is adapted to be pivotable, forming a hinge connection, in relation to at least one chain plate, in accordance with this example the transverse bar 5 is adapted to be pivotable with respect to both chain plates 3 or is hingedly connected to both plates 3. The transverse bar 5 can be transferred with a pivotal movement into a closed position (FIGS. 4a and 4b) connecting the chain plates together and into an open position (FIGS. 4d and 4e) which at least partially opens the intermediate space between the chain plates 3. The hinge connection between the transverse bar 5 and the chain plate 3 is thus designed to be releasable, which can apply generally in accordance with the invention. At least one pivotable end region 5a, 5b of the transverse bar 5 (here both end regions 5a, 5b) can be fixed in latching engagement to the chain plate 3 which is hingedly connected to the transverse bar. The hinge connection between the transverse bar 5 and the chain plate 3 respectively includes a hinge pin 7 and a pin receiving means 8. The hinge pin 7 is substantially cylindrical with a radius R1 over at least a part of the periphery of the pin. The hinge pin 3 is here arranged on the chain plate 3 or is formed thereon. The substantially cylindrical corresponding pin receiving means 8 is here arranged at the end region of the transverse bar.

[0042] The hinge pin 7 has at least one recess 9 at least over a portion of its length at the side of the pin that faces away from the narrow sides 4 (the pin underside), the recess 9 being set back from the cylindrical surface of the radius R1 of the pin 7. The recess is by way of example in the form of a groove with a groove depth which is constant over its extent. The pin receiving means 8 has at least one latching nose 10 which projects from the cylindrical region of the pin receiving means of the radius R1 and engages into the recess 9. In addition, in another (second) portion which cooperates with the pin receiving means of the radius R1 the hinge pin is cylindrical of a radius R1, that is to say with a cross-section in the shape of a circular arc. That cylindrical portion here forms the two end regions 7a, 7b of the pin.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the invention in addition to the hinge connection between the hinge pin and the pin receiving means of the radius R1, there is provided a latching means which cooperates in latching engagement between the transverse bar 5 in its closed position and the chain plate 3, and limits the pivotal angle of the transverse bar 5 in the open position thereof. The latching means is here formed by the above-mentioned latching nose 10 of the pin receiving means. The counterpart to the latching means is here afforded by the hinge pin, more precisely by the end region of the recess 9 (or the hinge pin region forming the recess end region).

[0044] The other (second) cylindrical portion of the pin latchingly cooperates with the pin receiving means. For that purpose, the pin receiving means surrounds the second portion of the pin over more than 180, for example about 300. As the other (second) cylindrical portion of the pin and the pin receiving means over the entire cooperating width thereof are of the radius R1, other (second) cylindrical portions of the pin and the pin receiving means cooperate in gap-free relationship, that is to say they bear against each other over their full surface area.

[0045] The recess 9 is of an arcuate surface contour, with the same direction of curvature as that of the cylindrical surface of the pin, more specifically the surface contour of the recess is in the shape of a circular arc of the radius R2, with R2 being less than RE The axes of curvature A1 and A2 of the recess and the cylindrical surface of the pin are arranged in mutually coaxially relationship. The axis of curvature A2 of the pin (axis of the cylinder) forms the pivot axis of the transverse bar 5. The recess 9 extends over more than 90 of the hinge pin periphery, for example up to about 120.

[0046] The latching nose 10 which engages into the recess 9 is arranged at the side 8a of the pin receiving means, that is towards the outside 3a of the plate.

[0047] The latching nose 10 which engages into the recess 9 bears at least over a part of or here the entire pivotal movement of the transverse bar against the hinge pin, more precisely against the curved defining surface of the recess 9.

[0048] In addition, there is an abutment 11 for limiting the pivotal angle of the transverse bar in its open position, which is here afforded by the end region 12 of the recess.

[0049] The recess 9 and the latching nose 10 which engages into same are arranged spaced from the end regions 7a, 7b of the hinge pin, the hinge pin being cylindrical of a radius R1 at its two end regions 7a, 7b.

[0050] In this arrangement the recess and the hinge pin are of a mirror image-symmetrical relationship with the longitudinal axis of the transverse bar over the portion of the respective longitudinal extent in which the pin and the pin receiving means cooperate. The portion of the pin with the inwardly set recess and the cylindrical (second) portion of the pin respectively extend over about 40-60% of the longitudinal extent of the pin.

[0051] The region 8b of the pin receiving means 8 of the transverse bar 5, that faces towards the interior of the chain plate, projects further from the transverse bar in the direction of the chain link interior I, than the region 8a of the pin receiving means 8, that faces towards the outside of the chain plate. In the closed position of the transverse bar the region 8b of the pin receiving means, that faces towards the inside of the chain plate, terminates with the inside 3b of the chain plate. The top side 5o of the transverse bar 5 is closed in particular also in the region of the pin receiving means 8, or is of an opening-free structure.

[0052] In the closed position of the transverse bar 5, between the chain plate 3 and the region of the pin receiving means, that faces towards the outside of the chain plate, there is a slot 13 for introducing a tool, by means of which the transverse bar can be levered off the hinge pin, with release of the pin receiving means.

[0053] At both end regions 5a, 5b the transverse bar 5 has hinge connections according to the invention. The two hinge regions at the transverse bar ends are preferably of the same structural configuration. Only one of the two mutually opposite transverse bars of the chain link is hingedly held to the chain plate 3 at both end regions (or possibly only one end region) thereof. The oppositely disposed transverse bar 5 is formed integrally on the chain plates 3.

[0054] As in the illustrated embodiment both chain plates can be of mirror image relationship with each other (and otherwise of the same structure) generally in accordance with the invention.

[0055] By connecting the chain links 1 with the hinge elements 2 an energy guiding chain can be assembled comprising a plurality of chain links which can be angled relative to each other. For example, the chain is or can be arranged with an upper run and a lower run and with a curved direction-changing region connecting the upper run and the lower run, as is generally known, without being restricted thereto.

[0056] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a chain plate 53 with a hinge pin 57 and a corresponding transverse bar 55 with pin receiving means 58 as a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, in other respects attention is correspondingly directed for that purpose to the foregoing description relating to FIGS. 1-4, including in relation to the further configurations of the chain link and the energy guiding chain.

[0057] In accordance with this embodiment arranged at both end regions 57a, 57b of the hinge pin 57 is a respective recess 59 and a latching nose 61, engaging into same, of the pin receiving means 58. It will be appreciated that the latching noses arranged at the end regions of the pin are arranged at the pin receiving means at the level of the end region of the pin. In this case the hinge pin 57 is cylindrical at a portion 62 which is different from the two end regions 57a, 57b of the pin, and therefore involves a cross-section in the shape of a circular arc, of a radius R1. The cylindrical portion 62 of the pin 58 is here therefore disposed in the central region of the pin. The features of these embodiments can respectively apply in accordance with the invention independently of each other or in combination with each other.