DE20305487U1 - Guide for cables and hoses has two part sections which can link to one another at an angle and are connected inside the guide channel - Google Patents

Abstract

A cable guide comprises connected linked open sections arranged one behind the other along the cable to form a guide channel. Links (6,7) between the members are inside the cable guide and both linking axes (20,21) are turned around an opposite angle around the cable length.

Description

LIPPERT, STACHOW, SCHMIDT ft PARTNER Gu/ha Patent Attorneys - European Patent Attorneys - European Trademark Attorneys

P.O. Box 30 02 08, D-51412 Bergisch Cladbach 1· April 2003

Telephone +49 (0) 22 04.92 33-0
Fax +49 (0) 22 04.6 26 06

Igus injection molded parts for industry GtaobH 51147 Cologne

Cable routing

The invention relates to a cable guide made of links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and can be bent relative to one another in at least two directions, are open at the front and are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and form at least one guide channel by means of radially outer guide elements, the articulated connections of the links being arranged within the cable guide.

0 Such cable guides are used to guide cables, media lines, hoses or the like, especially in robots.

In generic cable guides, as well as in the cable guide according to the invention, the articulated connections are arranged within the cable guide, i.e. radially spaced from the respective outer guide elements; preferably the articulated connections are arranged in the center of the cable guide, i.e. centrally between at least two opposing, radially outer guide elements. This preferably applies to all articulated connections of the cable guide. Between the articulated connections and the radially outermost guide elements, at least a portion of a guide channel is thus provided for receiving cables, lines or the like. In known cable guides, the links are

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connected to one another in an articulated manner, whereby a flexible holding element in the form of a wire rope or the like is provided to hold the cable guide together and runs through the articulated connections and over the entire length of the cable guide. As a result, the center of the guide channel can only be used to a limited extent to accommodate cables or the like.

The invention is based on the object of providing a cable guide in which the center of the guide channel can be better used to accommodate cables.

The problem is solved by a cable guide in which the joint connections of the link with the two links adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide are designed as single-axis joints, with the two joint axes of a link being rotated relative to one another by an angle around the longitudinal direction of the cable guide. Due to the single-axis design of the respective joint connections, they only take up a comparatively small amount of space in the center of the cable guide, whereby the center of the cable guide is available for accommodating cables. The two single-axis joints are preferably spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide. They can be connected to one another by a preferably rigid area, which can be designed like a web. It goes without saying that the two bending directions can therefore be one direction and the other.

By arranging the joints within the cable guide, they are more or less shielded from the outside by the guide elements, so that the joints cannot be affected by unintentional external interventions or influences. Furthermore, the outside of the cable guide can be designed independently of the joints. Furthermore, the joints arranged within the cable guide can be specially adapted to the respective requirements.

which is not always possible with articulated connections arranged radially on the outside of the links, especially when taking into account high forces acting on the cable guide, in particular high tensile forces or lateral forces.

Preferably, the articulated connections are designed in such a way that they can be released independently of one another while completely separating the cable guide. This means that the cable guide can preferably be separated at any point between adjacent links, for example in order to be able to replace individual links. The rest of the cable guide preferably remains unchanged. For this purpose, suitable form-locking and/or frictional locking means can be provided on the articulated connections, which only act between two adjacent links. The form-locking means can in particular be designed as locking means.

Preferably, the articulated connections are each implemented by a joint element of a link in the form of a holding plate with preferably two fastening elements and the corresponding joint element of the adjacent link in the form of a fork that surrounds the holding plate on both sides and preferably has two corresponding fastening areas. This creates a secure joint connection that can absorb high tensile forces. This is particularly the case if two corresponding fastening areas are provided on the holding plate and on the fork. Preferably, the two fastening elements of the holding plate and the fork are each constructed identically. The joint elements are each preferably constructed in one piece.

Preferably, at least one of the corresponding joint elements is designed in the form of at least one fully enclosed tab for receiving the corresponding joint element, which preferably snaps into the fully enclosed

The corresponding fastening element can thus be completely surrounded by the tab, which means that high tensile forces can be absorbed. For this purpose, the retaining plate can be designed in the form of a tab or the corresponding joint fork can be designed in the form of a fork-shaped double tab.

The fork-shaped joint element preferably encompasses the corresponding joint element on both sides and is fixed to it on both sides so as to absorb tensile forces.

The joint axes of the cable guide are preferably at an angle of 90° to each other, but another angle can also be realized, for example an angle of 45° or 60°, without being limited to this.

Preferably, in the area of the joint elements or radially on the outside adjacent to them, at least one guide channel or several guide channels is provided, each of which is at least partially or completely surrounded by a guide channel located further outward radially. This allows the area of the guide channel adjacent to the inner joint elements to be made accessible for a separate use, for example, spring-elastic elements such as spring bars or the like extending over two or more links, preferably over the entire length of the cable guide, can be arranged in one or more guide channels, whereby the cable guide as a whole counteracts a change in position of the links with an elastic restoring force, which is of particular importance for applications in the field of robot technology. However, the at least one guide channel adjacent to the joint connection can also be made accessible for another use, for example for the optional accommodation of certain cables. The spring elements or cables preferably have no influence on the cohesion of the cable guide. The radially inner guide channels, which

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are partially or completely separated by corresponding guide elements through guide channels located further outwards, can be arranged immediately adjacent to the articulated connections. The articulated connections are preferably arranged in the center of the cable guide.

The guide channels located at different radii can be arranged within concentric circles or partial circles, whereby at any given radial height the guide channel can be divided into several circumferentially adjacent and partially or completely separate guide channels.

The guide channels at different radial distances from the joint connection can be arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction or arranged one after the other in the radial direction.

Preferably, the division of the radially innermost guide channel or guide channel group and/or a guide channel or guide channel group radially spaced from the joint connections or all of the guide channels is defined by the crossed joint elements and/or the crossed joint axes. The circumferential division of the guide channels is thus determined by the arrangement of the joint elements. The joint elements can completely delimit the respective guide channel on one side, i.e. over a circumferential extension of 60°, 90° or more, without being limited to this.

Preferably, the guide channels adjacent to the joint elements do not extend significantly or only slightly beyond the joint elements, for example over no more than 50% or no more than 25% of the radial initial extension of the joint elements from the center. The radial extension of one or all of the guide channels adjacent to the joint elements

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nals/guide channels can be dimensioned such that it does not protrude in the radial direction beyond the articulated connection, for example an articulated connection in the form of a retaining plate.
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Advantageously, the links, including the joints, are made in one piece. The entire cable guide can therefore be assembled exclusively from one-piece links.

Preferably, the links form fully closed pipe elements, possibly with the exception of slot-shaped openings for the introduction and removal of cables or the like, so that a fully closed joint pipe can be assembled using the links. Preferably, the joint pipe is fully closed in all joint positions of the links relative to one another and over its entire length. However, the links can also have a more or less open shape, as long as a secure routing of the cables within the cable guides is guaranteed.

The links can each have overlapping areas at one or both ends, which are designed in the form of a spherical cap-like section, which preferably extends completely around the cable guide. The spherical center of the spherical cap-like sections can each coincide with the center of the joint axis or the center of the respective joint connection that is assigned to the end of the respective link. The end-side spherical cap-like sections can be separated from each other by a middle section. Irrespective of this, the joint axes are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide at the level of the center of curvature of the cap-like sections and/or at the level of the greatest radial extension of the cap-like sections. The joint axes can be arranged in such a way that they form these sections of greatest radial extension.

expansion, which can be realized constructively or in mental extrapolation of existing sections.

Preferably, the links have slot-shaped openings for the introduction or removal of cables, which extend over the entire length of the link, wherein the slot-shaped openings of adjacent links are arranged at the same circumferential height, so that a continuous slot is provided over several links or over the entire length of the cable guide.

Particularly when the links form a completely closed tube, the guide elements can be provided with openings, preferably closable openings, or predetermined breaking points through which tools, in particular screwdrivers or the like, can be inserted into the guide channel so that the articulated connections can be released from the outside. The openings or predetermined breaking points, in particular closable openings, which in their normal state provide a closed tube, are preferably also arranged for the articulated connections. In this case, when the cable guide is extended, overlapping areas of adjacent links can be provided with openings or predetermined breaking points arranged in alignment with one another. The openings or predetermined breaking points can also be arranged in such a way that they are only provided on one link, for example the radially outer link, and when the links are at an angle to one another, it is possible to reach through into the interior of the cable guide. The openings are preferably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide at the level of the articulated connections.

Preferably, the openings or predetermined breaking points are arranged in the plane of a fork-shaped element, wherein the two fork ends are arranged on different sides of the plane.

To limit the bending movement of adjacent links, the guide elements are preferably provided with stop areas, for example abutting edges for the flat contact of a corresponding stop of the adjacent link. In this case, front areas of the guide elements can also serve as stop surfaces, for which purpose the guide elements can be provided with front-side indentations, whereby the webs carrying the guide elements or other elements can serve as corresponding stops. If necessary, the stops can also be provided additionally or alternatively in the area of the radially inner joint connections.

Preferably, all elements of the cable guide are constructed identically.
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The invention is described below by way of example and explained with reference to the figures. They show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of two dismantled 0 elements of a cable guide according to the invention in Mon

day orientation,

Fig. 2 Side views of a link according to Fig. 1 in two positions rotated by 90° to each other (Fig. 2a, 2b) and frontal plan views of the links according to

Fig. 2a, 2b (Fig. 2c, 2d),

Fig. 3 is a perspective view and a side view of a portion of a cable guide according to the invention.

The cable guide 1 according to the invention (Fig. 3) consists of a plurality of articulated members 2 (see Fig. 1, 2) which are open at the front and can be bent against each other in at least two directions, each of which has rotationally symmetrical outer contours according to the embodiment

A guide channel 4 is delimited to the outside by guide elements 3 located radially on the outside, which is practically completely closed here. According to the exemplary embodiment, the guide elements form sections of the rotating body that extend over the entire length of the links. Adjacent guide elements 3 are separated by slots 5 that extend over the entire length of the links, through which lines can be inserted into or removed from the guide channel. The links are mounted to one another in such a way that the slots of adjacent links merge into one another in a selected arrangement of the cable guide, e.g. in the case of a stretched cable guide, so that the entire cable guide has a slot that extends over its length (see Fig. 3a).

The joint connections of the links are formed by joint elements 6, 7, which provide single-axis joints, with the joint axes of a link each enclosing an angle of 90° with one another. Thus, only one joint axis is provided on each joint element. The joint element 6 is designed in the form of a flat holding plate 6a, on which joint pins 8 are provided on both sides. The corresponding joint element 7 is designed in the form of a fork with two opposing, fully closed tabs 9, between which the joint element 6 can be arranged so that the joint elements can be fastened to one another. For this purpose, the two joint pins 8 engage from the inside in a locking manner in the openings 9a of the tabs 9.

Adjacent to the joint elements, i.e. in the center of the cable guide, radially inner guide channels 10 are provided, the arrangement of which is defined by the angular position of the joint axes or the arrangement of the joint elements. According to the embodiment, four guide channels 10 are thus formed, each arranged in different quadrants. The radially inner guide channels do not extend radially outwards over the joint elements 6, 7, which is given as

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if, however, this may also be the case. The radially inner guide channels 10 are completely closed.

Radially outwardly extending webs 11 are formed on the joint elements or the middle connecting area of the links between them, which carry the guide elements 3 at their ends. The guide elements extend on both sides of the webs 11, so that the slots 5 are arranged in the middle area of the radially outer guide channels 12. However, the slots can also be arranged at a different location. The guide channels 10, 12, which are at different radial distances from the center 13 of the cable guide, are thus arranged in the manner of concentric circles, with the guide channels 10, 12 following one another in the radial direction. If necessary, the guide channels 10, 12 can also be arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction, i.e. "spaced apart". If necessary, a third or further sphere of guide channels located further radially outwards can also be provided.

The main guide channel 4 provided by the cable guide as a whole is thus divided into several, here 2, spheres of subordinate guide channels, each of which extends by 90° in the circumferential direction. The webs 11, which are each arranged in the middle area of the links between the two end areas 16 designed as spherical cap sections, each carry the guide elements. The guide elements extend on both sides of the webs 11. If necessary, the webs can also be widened and have passages for cables or other devices.

The links form a substantially closed tube (see Fig. 3a), for which purpose the links have end regions 15 that overlap on both sides and are designed in the form of spherical cap sections, and which are connected by a central

ner area 16. Irrespective of this, the joint axes 20, 21 of the joint areas 6, 7 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide at the level of the center of curvature of the spherical cap sections or penetrate the spherical cap sections in the areas of maximum diameter. The guide elements 3 extend over the entire circumference of the cable guide except for the slots 5. It is understood that the slots can also have a larger width if necessary. If necessary, the end areas of the links can also have a different shape, as long as an angular movement of the links relative to one another around the joint axes is possible.

In order to be able to cut the cable guide at any point if necessary without dismantling the cable guide as a whole, the guide elements 3 are provided with openings or predetermined breaking points 17, whereby the predetermined breaking points can be designed, for example, in the form of a film closure or in the form of perforated predetermined breaking points. If the links are at a suitable angle to one another (see Fig. 3b), a tool such as a screwdriver can be inserted into the guide channel through the predetermined breaking point 17 and the articulated connection can be separated independently of other connections. For this purpose, the predetermined breaking point 17 is arranged in the pivoting plane of the articulated connection so that the two fork ends are arranged on both sides of the plane and the plane extends centrally through the fork (see Fig. 2a).

The bending movement of adjacent links relative to one another is limited by the guide elements 3 (see Fig. 3b), with the front ends of the guide elements 3 coming into contact with the middle areas of the links on the outside, which act as stop areas 3a. The loads on the articulated connections are thereby minimized, and additional or alternative stops can be provided on the articulated connections if necessary.

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LIPPERT, STACHOW, SCHMIDT & PARTNER Gu/ms

Patent Attorneys * European Patent Attorneys * European Trademark Attorneys

P.O. Box 30 02 08, D-51412 Bergisch Cladbach I- April 2003

Telephone +49 (0) 22 04.92 33-0 Fax +49 (0) 22 04.6 26

Igus Injection Molded Parts for Industry GmbH 51147 Cologne

Cable routing List of reference symbols

1 Cable guide 15

1 Cable routing 2 element 3 Guide element 3a Stop area 4 Guide channel 5 slot 6 Joint element 6a Retaining plate 7 Joint element 8th Pivot pin 9 Tab 9a opening 10 Guide channel 11 web 12 Guide channel 13 center 15 End area 16 middle area 17 Predetermined breaking point 20 Articulated axis 21 Articulated axis

Claims (17)

1. Cable guide made of links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and can be bent relative to one another in at least two directions, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and form at least one guide channel by means of radially outer guide elements, the articulated connections of the links being arranged within the cable guide, characterized in that the articulated connections ( 6 , 7 ) of a link ( 3 ) with the two adjacent links are each designed as single-axis axle joints and that the two articulated axes ( 20 , 21 ) of a link are rotated relative to one another by an angle around the longitudinal direction of the cable guide. 2. Cable guide according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulated connection is designed in each case by an articulated element of a link in the form of a holding plate ( 6 a) with preferably two opposing fastening elements ( 8 ) and the corresponding articulated element as a fork ( 9 a) enclosing the holding plate on both sides with preferably two corresponding fastening elements ( 9 b). 3. Cable guide according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the articulated connections are designed as snap-in connections. 4. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a joint element ( 7 ) is designed in the form of at least one completely closed tab ( 9a ) for receiving a corresponding fastening means ( 8 ) and completely surrounds this. 5. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two joint axes ( 20 , 21 ) are rotated by 90° to each other. 6. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the region of the joint elements ( 6 , 7 ), preferably radially outwardly therefrom, at least one or more guide channels ( 10 ) which can be optionally equipped with cables are provided, which is/are at least partially surrounded by at least one guide channel ( 12 ) located radially further outward. 7. Cable guide according to claim 6, characterized in that the radially inner and radially outer guide channels ( 10 , 12 ) are arranged in the manner of concentric circles or partial circles. 8. Cable guide according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the radially innermost guide channels ( 10 ) form a group of several guide channels lying next to one another in the circumferential direction. 9. Cable guide according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the guide channels ( 10 ) adjacent to the joint elements ( 6 , 7 ) do not extend significantly or only slightly beyond the joint elements. 10. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the joint elements ( 6 , 7 ) of a link are arranged crossing one another in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and define a division of the group of the radially innermost guide channels ( 10 ). 11. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the members ( 2 ) are each made in one piece. 12. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the members ( 2 ), optionally except for at least one slot-shaped opening, form a circumferentially completely closed pipe section. 13. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the members ( 2 ) have a rotationally symmetrical envelope and end regions ( 15 ) which overlap one another in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and are designed as spherical cap-like sections. 14. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one or all of the articulated connections can be released independently of one another with complete separation of the cable guide. 15. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one guide element ( 3 ) of a link has at least one opening or predetermined breaking point ( 17 ) for the radially inward insertion of a tool into the cable guide for separating at least one articulated connection of the link ( 3 ). 16. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the guide elements ( 3 ) have stops or stop areas ( 3a ) for limiting the bending movement of the members against each other. 17. Cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the links ( 2 ) have openings ( 5 ) extending over their entire length and that the openings of adjacent links are arranged with the same circumferential height, whereby an opening is formed which extends over several links or the entire cable guide length.