Chain – staple – and horseshoe making – Chains – Conduit
Patent
1999-09-22
2000-12-19
Jones, David
Chain, staple, and horseshoe making
Chains
Conduit
59900, 249 49, 249 75, F16G 1316
Patent
active
06161372&
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a chain link, in particular for energy guide chains, a process for the production of a chain link and an energy guide chain.
It is known to use so-called energy guide chains for guiding supply lines from a stationary connection to a movable connection. The energy guide chains are formed by chain links which are hingedly connected together. The chain links define a receiving space in the energy guide chain, in which the supply lines are laid. The supply lines may be for example electrical lines, compressed air lines or hoses.
It is known that the chain links are made from a metal material. Metal energy guide chains of that kind primarily involve special chains which are used in selected areas.
Energy guide chains are also known in which the chain links thereof are made from a plastics material. Energy guide chains with plastics chain links have the disadvantage in comparison with the known energy guide chains comprising a metal material that a self-supporting length of a plastics energy guide chain is less, in comparison with metal chains. That problem is already known. EP 0 154 882 B1 discloses an energy guide chain of plastics material, which, for relatively large line weights and/or self-supporting lengths, in addition to mutually contacting surfaces between a pivot bore and a pivot pin, slots and abutment pins, also has a support means between a comparatively large surface at the outside edge of a structure and in the inside edge a receiving means for the adjacent chain links.
The present invention is based on the problem of providing a chain link, in particular for energy guide chains for guiding supply lines, which is also capable of withstanding high loadings. A further aim of the invention is to provide an energy guide chain which permits long self-supporting lengths. A further aim of the invention is to provide a process by which chain link portions for chain links can be easily and reliably produced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The chain link according to the invention, in particular for energy guide chains for guiding supply lines, has two spaced-apart, mutually oppositely disposed, plate-shaped chain link portions and at least one transverse portion which is connected to the chain link portions. The chain link is distinguished in that at least one chain link has a core and a core sheathing which at least partially encloses the core, wherein the core is such that it is of greater strength than the core sheathing. This configuration in accordance with the invention of the chain link provides for a functional separation of the chain link. While the core of the chain link essentially determines the strength of the chain link the core sheathing which encloses the core performs other functions, for example provides for movement of the chain with a small amount of noise.
The core of the chain link preferably has at least one macroscopic structure which is of high mechanical strength. In that respect it is preferred for the configuration of the core to be in the form of a honeycomb structure. Honeycomb structures are of relatively high mechanical strength, by virtue of their configuration. A further advantage of a honeycomb structure as a core can be seen in the fact that the weight of a chain link is reduced.
Instead of or in addition to a structurally advantageous configuration of the core which has a high mechanical strength, the strength of the core can be increased relative to the core sheathing by a suitable choice of material. Thus it is proposed for example that the core comprises at least a first material which has a higher level of strength and in particular a greater modulus of elasticity than a second material of the core sheathing.
Preferably the core comprises at least a material which in comparison with at least a second material of the core sheathing has a modulus of elasticity which is at least five times and preferably ten times as great.
In accordance with a further advantageous concept it is proposed that the core is of a multi-laye
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Jones David
Kabelschlepp GmbH
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