DE202019101817U1 - Connector unit for a guide channel of an energy chain - Google Patents

Abstract

Connector unit (10) for gutter pieces (2) of a guide channel (1) for guiding an energy chain, wherein the gutter pieces are extended in a longitudinal direction (L) and in the mounting position define an interior space within which an energy guiding chain can be moved, comprising the connector unit (10)
- An angular support (12) having a first leg (12A) and a second leg (12B), wherein at least one of the legs (12A, 12B) has a support portion (14A, 14B), which faces the interior in the mounting position for supporting an outside of a gutter piece (2), and
- At least one retaining element (20A, 20B) for securing a gutter piece on the support (12) with a holding surface facing away from the interior (22) for a front end (4) of a gutter piece; wherein the front end (4) between the holding surface of the holding member and the associated support region of the carrier is insertable; characterized in that the at least one retaining element (20A, 20B) as a separate component is releasably attachable to a holder (16) of the carrier and that the holder (16) and the holding element (20A, 20B) are designed so that the holding surface ( 22) of the support member (20A, 20B) in a fixed mounting position relative to the associated support portion (14A, 14B) of the carrier is offset outwardly with respect to the interior to deform the front end of a recorded gutter piece to the outside.

Description

The invention generally relates to the field of guide channels for energy guiding chains and more particularly to a connector unit for channel pieces of a guide channel for guiding an energy guiding chain.

Energy guiding chains serve to dynamically and protectively guide flexible supply lines, e.g. for electricity, gases, liquids and the like, e.g. to supply the mobile consumer or to connect relatively movable connection points. On the design of the energy chain itself, it does not matter here.

For depositing and guiding of such energy guiding chains guide channels are used, in particular for long travel distances, depending on the type of chain, e.g. from 5m to 12m path length. They support the quiet, low-friction running of the cable drag chains. Guide channels can be found e.g. in conveyor technology, in crane systems and other machines where an energy consumer travels long distances. Guide troughs are typically pieced together from gutter pieces that extend in a longitudinal direction and, in the assembled position, define an interior space within which the energy guiding chain can be moved.

In conventional guide troughs, two opposite side parts with L-shaped mounting angles on a support structure, e.g. a subsoil or a substructure constructed of C-profiles. This type of mounting is mainly used in connection with side parts in the form of extruded special profiles, e.g. made of aluminum. Such special profiles offer advantages and many functions are quite costly to manufacture. In addition, the assembly process is quite expensive. At the junction of successive side parts or gutter pieces, interference edges are to be avoided which could damage the energy supply chain. Due to their inherent dimensional stability, extruded special profiles can in principle be installed end-to-end without jamming edges. However, an interference edge-free butt joint requires a precise assembly process or adjustments in uneven support structure.

As an alternative to extruded special profiles, gutter pieces, e.g. Side parts, used, which are made by forming from sheet metal, in particular steel sheet. These are cheaper to manufacture and, if necessary, more tolerant of deformation or unevenness.

A generic connector unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is made WO 00/63584 A1 known and is sold under the trade name "gutter system SP " offered by the applicant. This connector unit allows a butt joint by simply mating gutter pieces, especially side panels made of sheet steel. In this solution, an angular support in the form of a mounting bracket is provided with a first leg and a second leg and the front end of a gutter piece can be inserted between the holding surface of a holding member and the associated support region of the carrier. However, the holding elements themselves form smaller interference edges and it is a sufficient dimensional stability in the cross section of the gutter pieces or sufficient play in the recording required. Due to the design, this connector unit offers only a limited stable attachment of the gutter pieces, which is not suitable for all applications, especially not for very long travel distances> 50m.

It is an object of the present invention to develop a generic connector unit so that interference edges are reliably avoided and at the same time a more robust attachment is achieved. In this case, the assembly is preferably further simplified or accelerated and a solution are proposed which is particularly suitable for gutter pieces, which are made in the forming of sheet metal.

According to the invention the object is already achieved in that on the one hand the at least one retaining element as a separate component releasably fastened to a holder of the carrier and on the other hand, the holder and the holding element are designed so that the holding surface of the holding element in a fixed mounting position relative to the associated support region of Carrier is offset with respect to the interior to the outside.

Due to the offset in the outward direction, the retaining element in the course of its attachment to the associated holder deform the frontal end of a recorded gutter piece to the outside.

This achieves, on the one hand, that the corresponding joint or the front end of the gutter piece is displaced away from the interior, within which an energy guiding chain can be moved, to the outside, so that even with a smaller dimensional accuracy of the profile the gutter piece itself can not form a disturbing edge. On the other hand, a robust attachment of the gutter pieces is achieved on the carrier by frictional clamping of the front end in the same course.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier forms a receptacle in which the holding element in the assembly position at least partially or completely inserted in the outward direction and / or can be fixed adjustable in the direction perpendicular to a support surface of the support region and the longitudinal direction. In this case, the receptacle preferably has a sufficient depth transversely to the longitudinal direction, so that the retaining element is at least partially or completely retractable therein, that is, the retaining element itself can not form any interfering edge.

For a favorable deformation of the end-side end portions of the gutter pieces, it is advantageous if the holding element, in particular its holding surface, is arranged with a sufficiently large intermediate clearance at a distance in the longitudinal direction to the associated support region of the carrier, wherein in particular the recording in the longitudinal direction is dimensioned correspondingly larger than the dimension of the holding element in the longitudinal direction. The free space may preferably be dimensioned such that its dimension corresponds in the longitudinal direction at least the effective dimension of the support surface.

Particularly preferred is a clamping device for fixing the retaining element is provided on the holder of the carrier. In this way, the front end of a recorded gutter piece can be deformed by tensioning the holding element to the outside during the attachment of the retaining element. Different tensioning devices may be considered, e.g. However, as an alternative to a clamping device, it is also conceivable to insert the groove pieces obliquely behind the staggered holding surface with a fixed holding element on one limb of the support and by pivoting the gutter piece a deformation of the end region of the gutter piece to achieve. On the other leg of the carrier, however, should then be provided with a clamping device, if necessary, a releasable holding element.

A very robust and yet inexpensive clamping device can be realized by simple screw connection, each with a plurality of fastening screws and corresponding thread on each holder. During assembly, a uniform deformation on all connector units can be achieved by a given torque limitation. The fastening screws are preferably countersunk in countersunk shots of the retaining element, and screwed in the internal thread on the holder of the carrier.

Preferably, two legs of the gutter piece are equally attached according to the approach of the invention. For this purpose, a further development provides that the first leg of the carrier has a substantially vertical support region for a lateral region of the gutter piece and the second leg of the carrier has a substantially horizontal support region for a lower region of the gutter piece, and that a first holding element with a holder cooperates on the first leg to deform with the holding surface of the frontal end of the lateral portion of a recorded gutter piece to the outside and a second holding member with a holder on the second leg cooperates with the holding surface, the front end of the lower portion of a recorded gutter piece to the outside deform.

The holding element may have different configurations. In a preferred embodiment, each holding element is strip-like, in particular in the manner of a transitional profile, as known for the attachment of sheet-like floor coverings at their interfaces executed. The holding element may in particular be designed in the manner of a strip with a T-like cross-sectional profile, e.g. with two of one or possibly more central reinforcing webs projecting areas which form the retaining surfaces on the underside.

Furthermore, the holding element has an inner surface facing or facing away from the inner surface. This may preferably be tapered in cross-section or convex, e.g. be executed rounded inner surface.

In the mounted mounting position, the inner surface of the retaining element adjoins the inner space or is offset outwardly relative to the latter, so that the retaining element can not form a disruptive edge in the Immenraum.

Mechanically favorable is a design in which the holding surface extends obliquely to the longitudinal direction, in order to achieve a flat abutment of the held end portion of the gutter piece. By contrast, the support region should form a surface parallel to the longitudinal direction, in order to ensure the most level possible progression of the gutter pieces between the support regions of two successive supports.

Preferably, the connector unit is designed so that it connects two longitudinally successive gutter pieces together and fastened together. For this purpose, a preferred embodiment provides that the carrier and the holding element are symmetrical with respect to a main plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with both sides each having a support region on the support and a holding surface on the holding element, so that two longitudinally successive gutter pieces, respectively be fastened between a holding surface of the holding element and the associated support region of the carrier. However, this design is not absolutely necessary at the ends of the guide trough.

The carrier may, depending on the shape of the gutter pieces, be designed as an L-shaped or U-shaped frame, preferably made of metal for a robust attachment. The separate holding elements are preferably designed as plastic molded parts, in particular as injection-molded parts, which allows a higher design freedom with inexpensive production.

In one embodiment, the support is designed as a U-shaped frame and has a double frame with two parallel first flat legs and two parallel second flat legs. This construction can e.g. made of sheet metal by forming. The support surfaces can be formed by narrow sides of the flat legs. Between the legs arranged in the longitudinal direction and relative to the support surfaces outwardly offset transverse plates may be held, which together form the holder for the associated holding element. In this case, each transverse plate may preferably have a thread for the releasable attachment of a holding element.

The invention furthermore relates to a guide channel for guiding an energy guiding chain, comprising a plurality of successive channel pieces which are each extended in a longitudinal direction and serve to delimit an inner space within which an energy guiding chain can be moved. For this purpose, the gutter pieces form a lateral and / or lower guide surface.

According to the invention, a connector unit according to one of the preceding embodiments is provided, which connects two successive channel pieces and fixes these on a support structure.

The proposed connector unit is particularly suitable for gutter pieces, which are manufactured as sheet metal profiles, in particular made of sheet steel in the forming process.

For easier deformability or reduction of the required fastening force on the holding element, it is in L-shaped or U-shaped gutter pieces, i. If the gutter pieces each comprise at least one side wall and a bottom wall, it is advantageous to provide a cut in the longitudinal direction at both front ends between the side wall and the bottom wall, so that the end region of the side wall and the bottom wall are each easier to deform outwardly due to the cut-out connection.

The connector unit may be used for gutter pieces that are used in pairs as opposed side panels or substantially one another L -shaped cross section. In this case, the guide channel is constructed in the longitudinal direction in sections of two opposing gutter pieces with L-shaped cross-section. In this type of construction, two gutter pieces opposite each other as separate side parts can each be connected and mounted in pairs with two corresponding gutter pieces by means of a connector unit.

The connector unit can also be used for channel pieces in the form of a trough section, a channel or with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, from which the guide channel is constructed in sections in the longitudinal direction. In this design, exactly two consecutive gutter pieces can be connected and assembled by a connector unit.

In intended use, the proposed connector unit is used in an arrangement with a guide channel and an energy chain, which is movable in the guide channel, in particular with a sliding on the lower strand or rolling upper strand movable or possibly also laterally in the guide channel lying movable.

The connector units allow with the holding elements at the same time the robust attachment of the gutter pieces on the carrier, i. can be used to install gutter pieces of a guide trough on a support structure. In this case, each channel piece is fastened at both ends to a connector unit by being frictionally clamped with holding elements and against the support areas.

• 1: eine Seitenansicht eines Längsabschnitts einer Führungsrinne mit Verbindereinheiten gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2A-2D: die Verbindereinheit nach 1 in vergrößerter Seitenansicht (2A), in Schnittdarstellung (2B) entsprechend der Schnittebene B-B aus 2A parallel zur Längsrichtung; sowie in 2C bzw. 2D jeweils in vergrößertem vertikalen bzw. horizontalen Teilquerschnitt entsprechend Bereichen C bzw. D aus 2B; und
• 3 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindereinheit, speziell für eine Führungsrinne mit seitlich liegender Energieführungskette.

Further features and advantages of the invention can be found without limiting the scope of protection of the following, more detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Here are purely exemplary:

• 1 a side view of a longitudinal section of a guide channel with connector units according to a first embodiment;
• 2A-2D : the connector unit after 1 in enlarged view ( 2A) , in section ( 2 B) according to the cutting plane BB 2A parallel to the longitudinal direction; as in 2C or. 2D each in enlarged vertical or horizontal Partial cross section corresponding to areas C and D respectively 2 B ; and
• 3 A second embodiment of a connector unit according to the invention, especially for a guide channel with side lying energy supply chain.

The overview in 1 shows a section of a guide trough 1 from gutter pieces 2 , here in the form of side parts with L-shaped cross-section made of sheet steel, with the side wall 3A visible. The guide trough 1 is in the longitudinal direction L from a plurality of sections, each with two opposing gutter pieces 2 composed, between which an energy chain in the longitudinal direction L guided is movable. For known general structure of a guide trough and the arrangement of an energy chain, the lesson is made WO 00/63584 A1 included. The gutter pieces 2 are by inventive, identical connector units 10 connected with each other with respect to 2A-2D be explained in more detail.

The connector unit 10 includes a carrier 12 which is designed as a frame made of metal and comprises a double frame with two parallel vertical legs 12A , made of flat steel, and two parallel horizontal legs 12B , made of flat steel. In shots 15 on the flat thighs 12A . 12B are horizontally or vertically arranged transverse plates 16 parallel to the longitudinal direction L held in a double frame, for example, after screwing the respective parallel legs 12A . 12B together. The transverse plates 16 are identical and are approximately in the middle of the width of the flat legs 12A . 12B ,

The transverse plates 16 each leg each form a holder for one of two separate associated holding elements 20 how closer in 2B-2D to see.

As 2C shows form the horizontal legs 12B of the carrier 12 on its inner narrow side a horizontal surface, which serves as a support area 14B for the bottom of the bottom wall 3B of the gutter piece 2 serves. In a recording 15 of the carrier 12 between the parallel lower thighs 12B and the transverse plates there 16 forms is a holding element 20B used horizontally. The holding element 20B is manufactured as a mold-like molded part from injection molding and has on the outside two inclined holding surfaces 22 , The holding element 20B is by means of several in the holding element 20B countersunk mounting screws 18 that in corresponding threads 19 on the horizontal cross plates 16 are screwed against these transverse plates 16 braced. It pulls each holding surfaces 22 of the holding element 20B in each case a frontal end 4 , in 2C the bottom wall 3B , away from the interior and spans the corresponding end 4 of the gutter piece 2 against the surface of the support area 14B ,

The structure of the vertical leg is also corresponding 12A and the mode of action of a further, associated holding element 20A as closer in 2D shown. Here are the vertical legs 12A of the carrier 12 on its inner narrow side a vertical surface, which serves as a support area 14A for a sidewall 3A of the gutter piece 2 serves. In a recording 15 between the parallel lateral thighs 12A and transverse plates 16 is a second holding element 20A added. Also this holding element 20A is manufactured as a mold-like molded part from injection molding and has on the outside two inclined holding surfaces 22 , The holding element 20A is by means of several recessed mounting screws 18 and corresponding threads 19 at the here vertical cross plates 16 bolted and against the transverse plates 16 or clamped the carrier. It pulls each holding surface 22 of the holding element 20A in each case a frontal end 4 , in 2D the side wall 3A , away from the interior and spans the corresponding end 4 of the gutter piece 2 against the corresponding support surface of the support area 14A of the vertical leg 12A ,

For a smooth deformation, the end-side corner areas between the side wall 3A and bottom wall 3B through an incision 5 cut. In addition, this is a sufficiently dimensioned space 17A . 17B is on both sides between the holding elements 20A . 20B and thighs 12A . 12B intended.

How out 2C-2D further apparent, are the inner surfaces 23 the recorded in the recordings holding elements 20A . 20B quasi-aligned or laterally slightly offset outwards relative to the guide-effective inner surface of the side walls 3A or floor walls 3B , With respect to a main plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L are both the carrier 10 as well as the retaining element 20A . 20B Symmetrically designed around both sides, as described above, a frontal end 4 the side or bottom wall 3A . 3B a gutter piece 1 clamp. With the bracing of the gutter pieces 1 on two connector units 10 (see. 1 ), these are at the same time robust and attached without play. In each case a few connector units or a common connector unit 10 can have two L-shaped side panels as gutter pieces 2 connect.

3 shows a further embodiment of a connector unit 30 with a U-shaped cross section with two vertical legs 12A in front view parallel to the longitudinal direction. The construction otherwise corresponds 2A-2D , The connector unit 30 is particularly suitable for one Guide channel of a lateral lying energy transport chain as in DE 20 2017 106 108 U1 (See there in particular 3A-3 ), to the teaching of which reference is made.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

guide trough

2

gutter piece

3A

Side wall

3B

bottom wall

4

frontal end

5

incision

10

connector unit

12

carrier

12A, 12B

leg

14A, 14B

support area

15

admission

16

Holder (cross plates)

17A, 17B

free space

18

mounting screws

19

inner thread

20A, 20B

holding member

22

holding surface

23

palm

A

accommodation space

L

longitudinal direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 0063584 A1 [0006, 0032]
• DE 202017106108 U1 [0039]

Claims (15)

Connector unit (10) for gutter pieces (2) of a guide channel (1) for guiding an energy chain, wherein the channel pieces are extended in a longitudinal direction (L) and in mounting position define an interior space within which an energy guiding chain can be moved, comprising the connector unit (10). an angular support (12) having a first leg (12A) and a second leg (12B), at least one of the legs (12A, 12B) having a support portion (14A, 14B) facing the interior in the assembled position for supporting one Outside of a gutter piece (2), and - at least one retaining element (20A, 20B) for fastening a gutter piece to the carrier (12) with a holding surface (22) facing away from the interior for a front end (4) of a gutter piece; wherein the front end (4) between the holding surface of the holding member and the associated support region of the carrier is insertable; characterized in that the at least one retaining element (20A, 20B) as a separate component is releasably attachable to a holder (16) of the carrier and that the holder (16) and the holding element (20A, 20B) are designed so that the holding surface ( 22) of the support member (20A, 20B) in a fixed mounting position relative to the associated support portion (14A, 14B) of the carrier is offset outwardly with respect to the interior to deform the front end of a recorded gutter piece to the outside. Connector unit after Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier (12) forms a receptacle (15), in which the holding element (20A, 20B) is inserted in the assembly position at least partially or completely in the outward direction and / or in the direction perpendicular to the support region (14A, 14B). and longitudinal direction (L) is adjustably fastened. Connector unit after Claim 1 or 2 , especially after Claim 2 , characterized in that the holding element (20A, 20B), in particular the holding surface (22), with an intermediate free space (17A, 17B) is arranged at a distance in the longitudinal direction to the associated support region (14A, 14B) of the carrier, wherein in particular the Receiving (15) in the longitudinal direction (L) is dimensioned correspondingly larger than the holding element (20A, 20B). Connector unit after Claim 1 . 2 or 3 , characterized in that a tensioning device (18, 19) for fixing the holding element (20A, 20B) on the holder (16) is provided so that the front end (4) of a recorded gutter piece by tensioning the holding member (20A, 20B) to the outside is deformed, wherein the tensioning device preferably comprises a screw connection, each with a plurality of fastening screws (18) and corresponding threads (19) on each holder (16). Connector unit according to one of Claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first leg (12A) of the carrier comprises a substantially vertical support portion (14A) for a lateral portion of the gutter piece (2) and the second leg (12B) of the carrier a substantially horizontal support portion (14B) for a lower portion Has a portion of the gutter piece (2), and in that a first holding member (20 A) with a holder (16) on the first leg (12 A) cooperates with its holding surface (22) to deform the front end of the lateral portion of a recorded gutter piece outwards and a second holding element (20B) with a holder (16) on the second leg (12B) cooperates with its holding surface (22) to deform the front end of the lower portion of a recorded gutter piece to the outside. Connector unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each holding element (20A, 20B) is designed like a strip, in particular with a T-like cross-sectional profile and / or an inner surface facing the interior (23), preferably a cross-section bevelled or convex inner surface which adjoins the interior in the mounted mounting position or is offset outwards relative thereto. Connector unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding surface (22) is designed obliquely to the longitudinal direction (L) and the support region (14A, 14B) forms a surface parallel to the longitudinal direction; and / or the carrier (12) and the holding element (20A, 20B) are symmetrical with respect to a main plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) with a support region (14A, 14B) on both sides on the carrier and a holding surface (22) on the holding element, thus two successive channel pieces in the longitudinal direction (L), in each case between a holding surface (22) of the holding element and the associated support region of the carrier can be fastened. Connector unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (12) is designed as an L-shaped or U-shaped frame made of metal and each holding element (20A, 20B) is designed as a plastic molded part, in particular as an injection molded part. Connector unit according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the carrier (12) is designed as a frame and comprises a double frame with two parallel first flat legs (12A) and two parallel second flat legs (12B), with longitudinal plates (16) arranged on the flat legs and offset outwardly from the support surfaces, which form the holder for the associated holding element. Guide channel (1) for guiding an energy chain, comprising a plurality of successive channel pieces (2) each extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and for limiting an interior, within which a power transmission chain is movable, a lateral (3A) and / or lower guide surface ( 3B), characterized in that a connector unit (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th each two consecutive gutter pieces (2) connects and this attached to a support structure. Guide trough after Claim 10 , characterized in that the gutter pieces (2) are produced as sheet metal profiles, in particular made of sheet steel in the forming process. Guide trough after Claim 11 , characterized in that the channel pieces (2) each comprise at least one side wall (3A) and a bottom wall (3B), wherein each of the two front ends between the side wall and bottom wall has an incision (5) in the longitudinal direction. Guide trough (1) to Claim 10 . 11 or 12 Characterized in that -the guide trough (1) is constructed in the longitudinal direction in sections of two opposing channel members (2) with L-shaped cross section and two opposed as separate side parts gutter pieces each connected in pairs with two corresponding gutter pieces by a connector unit (10) and are mounted; or - the guide channel (1) in the longitudinal direction sections of individual one-piece gutter pieces in channel shape or with U-shaped cross section is constructed and in each case exactly two consecutive gutter pieces are connected and mounted by a connector unit (10). Arrangement with a guide trough (1) according to one of Claims 10 to 13 and an energy guiding chain, which can be moved in the guide channel, in particular can be moved with a top strand which slides off or rolls on the bottom strand, or can be moved laterally in the guide channel. Use of connector units (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 for mounting gutter pieces (2) of a guide groove (1) on a supporting structure, wherein each gutter piece (2) is fastened on both sides (4) to a connector unit (10) by frictionally restraining it against supporting areas (14A, 14B) with retaining elements (20) becomes.

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