Pipes and tubular conduits – Flexible – Joined sections
Reexamination Certificate
2002-12-02
2004-02-24
Brinson, Patrick (Department: 3752)
Pipes and tubular conduits
Flexible
Joined sections
C138S155000, C059S078100, C248S051000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06695014
ABSTRACT:
The invention concerns an energy guide chain for guiding hoses, cables or lines, comprising chain links each consisting of two link plates and at least one crossbar connecting the link plates, wherein link plates of adjacent chain links have pivot regions comprising mutually corresponding pivot pins and openings for receiving the pivot pins, by means of which the chain links are pivotably interconnected, and wherein the link plates of adjacent chain links have mutually overlapping overlap regions, forming lines of link plates, wherein the mutually corresponding pivot pins and openings are arranged in the overlap regions of the link plates and wherein at least one link plate is provided with a region of weakened material which permits a variation in length of the chain line beyond the play which occurs in the pivot region in all directions of the link plate.
Energy guide chains are mostly used when the movable connecting point with which at least one consumer is associated is moved linearly along the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain. Certain tolerances in the straight-line movement of the connecting point can be accommodated by the play in the pivot connections of the chain links.
In comparison, energy guide chains of the general kind set forth are used in areas of application in which the movable connecting point performs a significant motion transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain, more specifically simultaneously with or subsequently to a linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the chain. That transverse movement can be in the range of the width of a chain link or can be a multiple thereof.
GB 1 580 892 and DE 198 39 575 A1 disclose energy guide chains of the general kind set forth, in which the openings in the chain link plates for accommodating the chain link plates are oval or in the form of a slot so that the pivot regions have an increased play, in the longitudinal direction of the chain, in comparison with a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain in the main plane of the link plates. That additional play permits an increase in the length of the line of chain link plates.
Additional play in the pivot regions however involves the disadvantage that this worsens the properties of the energy guide chain, in terms of the straight-ahead movement thereof. Thus for example energy guide chains in which the top run is laid on the bottom run involve an increased danger of the top run slipping off the bottom run. Corresponding problems arise also in the case of a self-supporting top run or in other modes of operation with the energy guide chain. In addition the increased play in the pivot region means that the pivot connection between the link plates is subjected to a higher rate of wear.
Therefore the object of the present invention is to develop energy guide chains of the general kind set forth, in which the movable connecting point can perform a transverse movement with respect to the longitudinal direction of the energy guide chain, to such an effect that the energy guide chains enjoy improved properties in terms of straight-ahead movement, while being of a structurally simple design configuration and affording a long service life.
That object is attained by an energy guide chain in which the region of weakened material is in the form of an elastically deformable region of the link plate. Elastic deformation of the regions which in accordance with the invention are introduced into the link plates permits a variation in the length of the line of the chain, beyond the free play which occurs in the pivot region, but an elastic return force is opposed to the variation in length, the elastic return force improving the properties in terms of straight-ahead movement of the chain. It will be appreciated that the elastically deformable regions can also be provided in relation to openings for accommodating the pivot pins, which are of an oval cross-section, an elongate cross-section or a cross-section which is enlarged in another fashion.
The variation in length of the line of the chain can be effected by the link plates themselves experiencing a variation in length or by the connecting region of adjacent link plates being extensible. Therefore, the additional introduction of the elastically deformable region means that there can be a variation in position of a region of the energy guide chain transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chain, which is markedly greater than is permitted in itself by the free play occurring in the pivot region of the chain links, without the pivot regions being excessively loaded in continuous operation of the chain. When the energy guide chain is of a given length, the movable connecting point can thus perform a markedly greater transverse movement which, over a length of a few chain links, for example four to ten chain links, without being restricted thereto, already permits lateral displacement of the movable connecting point by the width of a chain link.
The introduction of the elastically deformable regions means that the length of the line of link plates of the energy guide chain, which is associated with those regions, can be varied when a force acts thereon, that is to say it can be stretched or upset, thereby permitting bending of the energy guide chain transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction thereof. It will be appreciated that in that way the chain link plates of the oppositely disposed line thereof are also subjected to the action of deformation forces which are to be absorbed in the pivot regions or by deformation of the link plates themselves. The elastically deformable regions of the chain can be arranged on the inwardly and/or outwardly curved side of the chain, in the event of a transverse movement thereof, so that one of the lines of link plates is upset or stretched or both lines vary their length in mutually opposite relationship, with respect to the neutral fiber of the chain.
The design configuration in accordance with the invention of the energy guide chain can be advantageous irrespective of the nature of its mounting, that is to say in a lying position but also when it is mounted in a lateral position or when the energy guide chain is disposed in a hanging or standing arrangement, that is to say when the direction-changing region which connects the mutually oppositely disposed runs forms the highest or the lowest region of the energy guide chain, or in the case of an energy guide chain which can be laid down in a zig-zag configuration. The pivot angle for example of link plates which are adjacent in a straight or angled position can be limited by abutments which are preferably arranged on the link plates and which can be formed in one piece thereon. The measures according to the invention can be implemented in relation to energy guide chains which are to be displaced linearly or along a circular arc, wherein in the latter case the chain links can be of an angled configuration, wherein the variation in length of a line portion of the chain, which goes beyond the play in the pivot regions, permits movement with a reduced or increased radius of curvature.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment there are provided link plates which between the pivot connections of the mutually oppositely disposed overlap regions of the chain link plate have elastically deformable regions extending over the entire height of the link plate, preferably perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the link plate. The elastically deformable region is preferably in the form of a cross-sectional constriction so that this region acts in the manner of a film hinge. The weakening of material can be afforded also by using a material of increased elasticity or by another element which permits a variation in length and preferably at the same time a variation in angle, which preferably exerts resilient return forces on the parts of the chain link plate which have experienced a change in position. Preferably the elasticall
Grossman Tucker Perreault & Pfleger PLLC
Igus SpritzguBteile fur die Industrie GmbH
LandOfFree
Energy guiding chain does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Energy guiding chain, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Energy guiding chain will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3339698