Chain – staple – and horseshoe making – Chains – Conduit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-01-23
Jones, David (Department: 3725)
Chain, staple, and horseshoe making
Chains
Conduit
C248S049000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176072
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter of the invention relates to a chain link, in particular a chain link of an energy supply line guiding chain with insertable partitions dividing the central guide channel thereof.
Supply lines that lead to a movable consumer are laid in so-called energy supply line guiding chains. The energy supply line guiding chain connects with its one end to a fixed point and with its other end to the movable consumer. The energy supply line guiding chain is constructed from flexibly interconnected chain links. A chain link comprises a receiving chamber. The receiving chambers of the individual chain links form a central guide channel, in which the supply lines can be laid. Two spaced-apart, oppositely arranged chain side plates, as well as a cross plate and a cover define the receiving chamber. The plate and the cover connect to each chain side plate.
To avoid damage to the supply lines, that can be laid in the channel of the energy supply line guiding chain, it is known to subdivide the cross section of the channel and thus likewise of the receiving chamber of each chain link. Utility Model G 91 02 121.9 discloses an energy supply line guiding chain for running supply lines from a stationary terminal to a movable consumer, wherein the receiving chamber of the chain side plates is subdivided by partitions and crossbars. Each partition is arranged between two spaced-apart, oppositely positioned covers. To secure each partition to the cover, each partition comprises at its upper and lower ends a U-shaped holder that surrounds the cover. Furthermore, between the legs of the U-shaped holder, each partition comprises a pin that engages a corresponding bore of the covers, so that the partition is unable to slide in the axial direction of the covers. The cover is made as a separate component of the chain link.
DE 37 09 953 C2 discloses a further embodiment of a chain link with partitions and separating crossbars for subdividing the receiving chamber. This embodiment requires additional components, which secure the partitions to the covers. Thus, for example, an additional partition without U-shaped ends is needed, which comprises a press rib that engages a press groove of a chain side plate. Such a partition is needed for each chain side plate, so that the partitions arranged in the center region of the chain side plates are secured by the crossbars arranged between the partitions and connected to same.
Furthermore, a U-shaped chain link is known, which comprises chain side plates that are interconnected by a plate. To subdivide the receiving chamber formed by the chain link, partitions are provided that can be inserted into recesses formed in the plate.
Based on an foregoing, it is the object of the present invention to provide a chain link that facilitates subdividing the receiving chamber. In this connection, the chain link is to be produced at a favorable cost. A further object of the invention is to describe a simplest possible possibility of securing a partition in its position in a chain link. A further object of the invention it to describe an energy supply line guiding chain, that can be produced at a favorable cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by the provision of a guide chain which is composed of a plurality of pivotably interconnected chain links, and wherein each link comprises two spaced apart and parallel side plates which define a longitudinal direction along the length thereof, and a cross plate or member interconnecting the two side plates so as to form a unitary U-shaped receiving member which defines a central guide channel for the energy conducting lines. The U-shaped receiving member may be molded.
In the chain link of the present invention, the chain side plates and the plate form a one-piece structural element. The chain side plates and the plate are produced in one operation. This accomplishes a more economical production of the chain side plates and the plate. The plastic chain link of the present invention distinguishes itself in that the plate comprises at least one profiled groove extending substantially parallel to a chain side plate, and that the partition has on at least one end section at least one engaging member shaped to correspond with the profiled groove, the engaging member being insertable into the profiled groove in the axial direction of the chain side plate. The profiled groove in the plate and the engaging member on the partition accomplish a formfitting connection between the partition and the plate. The production of such a chain link is substantially simplified, since the configuration of the chain side plates and the plate as well as of the profiled groove permit a simpler design of the required die, because unmolding of the structural part in the extrusion die is simplified. To unmold the structural part it will suffice to bring up the extrusion die in two planes.
Due to the configuration of the profiled groove and the engaging member, the plastic chain link of the present invention does not require a displacement of the partition transverse of the longitudinal extent of the chain side plates, so that additional components as are needed in the prior art may be omitted.
For a formfitting connection of the partition to the plate, it is proposed to make the profiled groove with a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped cross section. The engaging member has a cross section corresponding to that of the profiled groove.
To simplify the insertion of the engaging member into the profiled groove, it is proposed to narrow the profiled groove and engaging member in their longitudinal directions. This configuration also accomplishes that the partition assumes a defined position inside the receiving chamber. The corresponding configuration of the narrowing profiled groove and engaging member accomplishes a frictionally engaging connection of the partition to the plate. Preferably, the profiled groove and engaging member are made conical.
According to a further, advantageous concept it is proposed to provide the profiled groove in a medial portion of the longitudinal direction of the chain side plates. The plate comprises a raised portion that preferably extends substantially crosswise to the axial direction of the chain side plates. In this raised portion, the profiled groove is formed. This configuration realizes a savings in material when shaping the chain link, since the plate may have only a minimally necessary thickness. Preferably, the raised portion is molded to the plate, in particular, the plate with the raised portion is made in one piece.
According to a further advantageous configuration of the chain link, it is proposed to extend the profiled groove only over part of the length of the plate or the raised portion. To secure the partition, it will suffice that the engaging member extends only over a part of the width of the partition. Preferably, the engaging member is at most as long as the profiled groove.
During the operation of an energy supply line guiding chain that is formed by chain links, shocks and vibrations of the energy supply line guiding chain may cause the partition to separate from the plate. To avoid this, it is proposed to provide the plate with a shoulder substantially extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain side plate, and the partition with a depending projection in spaced relation to its engaging member. This projection can be brought in contact with the shoulder. As a result of combining the shoulder and projection, the partition is locked in its position, so that it does not separate from the plate even by vibrations or shocks. Preferably, the shoulder is formed by the raised portion, thereby maintaining an economical production of the chain link.
According to a further, advantageous concept, it is proposed to adapt the section of the partition, which extends between the engaging member and the projection, for contacting the raised portion. This configuration realizes a large-surface forc
Alston & Bird
Jones David
Kabelschlepp GmbH
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