EP3924641A1

EP3924641A1 - End fastening part for an energy chain

Info

Publication number: EP3924641A1
Application number: EP20706193.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jörg DOMMNIK
Original assignee: Igus GmbH
Current assignee: Igus GmbH
Priority date: 2019-02-15
Filing date: 2020-02-17
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Also published as: US20220140590A1; CN113728181A; WO2020165454A1; DE202019100877U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an end fastening part (1) for an energy chain, for connecting to a link plate of a terminal chain link at one end and to a connection point on a system part at the other end. The single-piece end fastening part (1) has a main plane and comprises: an overlapping region (10) having a side wall (12) for connecting to a link plate; a frame-type fastening region (14) having a frame (16), in which a plurality of fastening holes (18) is provided, for fastening to a connection point; and, therebetween, a transition region (20), in which a concave end face (22) is provided. According to the invention, the end face (22) has at least two retaining protrusions (24), which protrude parallel to the main plane and behind which a link plate can engage such that the link plate is retained transversely to the main plane. Furthermore, the overlapping region (10) has at least one, preferably two fixing protrusions (26), which protrude from the side wall (12) perpendicularly to the main plane, for fixing a connected link plate in position in the longitudinal direction (L).

Description

End attachment part for an energy chain

The invention relates to an end attachment part for a

Line routing, in particular for an energy chain, for guiding cables, hoses or the like between two connection points.

Such end attachment parts are used to connect one hand with link plates of chain links on the end

Energy chain, and on the other hand with connection points on a fixed or movable system part or

Machine part used.

A generic end fastening part has a main plane with an extension in a longitudinal direction and in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. With one with one

Line guide connected end fastening part, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the fixed end region of the line guide. A generic end fastening part has at least three sections in relation to the longitudinal direction when viewed functionally. First, there is an overlap area with a side wall for overlapping and connecting with a link plate of an end chain link of the energy guiding chain

intended. Second, a frame-shaped fastening area is provided with a frame, in particular a circumferential one

Frame in which a plurality of mounting holes are provided parallel to the main plane, based on which the

End fastening part, in particular by screw connection, can be fastened to a connection point. Third is a

Transition area between the overlap area and the Attachment area provided. In this transition area, a concave, in particular essentially circular arc-shaped, end face is provided, mostly matching an end face of the link plate. The shape of the end face can, in particular, correspond or be complementary to the shape of the end face of the link plate.

Such end fastening parts are known, for example, from DE4313082C2 or DE9412252U1. These have an articulation area within the overlap area for the articulated connection with the link plate of the end chain link. For this purpose, the side wall of the overlap area has a hinge pin or a hinge receptacle in order to be connected to the corresponding pin or the receptacle of the link plate via a pin-hole connection. Accordingly, separate, different

End fastening parts, each with a hinge pin or with a hinge receptacle, are provided for both ends of the energy chain.

An object of the present invention is to provide a

To propose end attachment part for connecting to both one and the other end of an energy chain, and particularly preferably for connecting to each of the four

end link plates of an energy guiding chain, is suitable and can be produced easily and inexpensively. This object is achieved by an end fastening part according to claim 1.

This task is carried out with an end fastener according to the

The preamble of claim 1 has already been achieved according to the invention in that the end face in the transition area of the end fastening part extends at least two parallel to the main plane from the end face and extending over the overlap area

Has holding projections behind which a connected or to be connected link plate can grip. The retaining projections hold the connected link plate transversely to the main plane or against pivoting out of this plane. A longitudinal end of the link plate can thus, based on the direction perpendicular to the main plane, between the holding projections or between a holding projection and the Side wall of the overlap area and held in the direction perpendicular to the main plane of the end attachment part by the holding protrusion (s).

According to the invention, the overlapping area can furthermore have at least one, preferably two, fixing projections which protrude from the side wall in the direction perpendicular to the main plane and to which a connected link plate can be connected in the longitudinal direction for fixing the position.

The at least one fixing projection can be attached to the link plate to be connected with a special connecting device

Cooperate to determine the longitudinal position of the link plate connected to the end fastener. Also within the scope of the invention is a longitudinal securing of already existing conventional components of chain links, e.g. by reaching over the narrow side and holding it on both sides on a crosspiece, a fastening projection or a

Mounting recess for a crossbar.

In contrast to known end fastening parts, the end fastening part according to the invention does not require any link-specific means for connecting to the joint area of the chain link. This allows i.a. greater manufacturing tolerance when manufacturing the

End attachment part and compatibility with chain links

different sizes and chain series.

The at least one fixing projection is spaced apart from the end face and the holding projections in the longitudinal direction. The largest distance measured along the longitudinal direction can be approximately half a chain pitch of a chain link to be fastened or half the length of a connected chain link

Chain link correspond. Thus, in the connected state, the at least one fixing projection can lie in the middle of the link plate with respect to the longitudinal direction, i.e. with a mean

Flap area are connected or in the middle between the

Longitudinal ends of the chain link lie.

The part overlapping with the end mounting part or the The longitudinal end of the link plate can be accommodated at least in sections between a holding projection and the side wall or between two holding projections and thereby transversely to the

Can be fixed lengthways and optionally also transversely to the height direction. By means of a suitable form-fitting and / or force-fitting

In connection with the at least one fixing projection, the link plate can in turn be fixed or held in a fixed position in the longitudinal direction against high tensile forces.

The end attachment part according to the invention has the advantage that it can be connected both to chain links that have a hinge pin and to chain links that have a hinge receptacle. Thus, an end fastener of the same type can be used

Attachment of both ends of an energy chain

can be used in accordance with the connection points provided. The end attachment part according to the invention can optionally also be connected to a side part of a line guide corresponding to a link plate, which is not an actual link chain, since it has neither a hinge pin nor a hinge receptacle. This is the end attachment part for the end attachment

various types of cable routing can be used. This reduces the number of components.

The end face in the transition area of the end fastening part can have two first retaining projections and projecting to the main plane

at least one second protruding to the main level

Have holding projection, wherein the first holding projections can be arranged offset in the direction transverse to the main plane with respect to the at least one second holding projection. Particularly preferably, all of the retaining projections run parallel to the main plane of the end fastening part.

The first retaining projections offset from one another in the direction perpendicular to the main plane and the at least one second

Retaining protrusions allow it, especially with cranked

Link plates, optionally the outwardly or inwardly cranked end area of a link plate between the first and the at least one second retaining projection or between the Take up the side wall and the at least one second retaining projection and keep it parallel to the main plane.

The holding projections can be designed like tongues. In particular, they can extend over a small proportion of the radian dimension of the preferably circular arc-shaped end face,

especially by less than a third of the radian measure. This shape facilitates the production of the end fastening part, in particular in the injection molding process, and enables the use of less complicated or cheaper injection molds. The end face with the holding projections is arranged transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the main plane of the end fastening part. In the case of a two-dimensional overlap of the overlap area with the link plate, the end face faces the end face of the link plate. The end face does not necessarily have to have the shape of a segment of a circle; it can also have the shape of a polygonal polygon or the like. exhibit.

There are preferably several, in particular at least one pair

Fixing projections provided on the end attachment part. The

Fixing projections are preferably at a distance from one another in the height direction of the side wall or in the height direction of the

Arranged end fastener. Preferably they have

Fixing projections of a pair in relation to the longitudinal direction have the same position or are on one and the same line

arranged, which runs parallel to the height direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The fixing projections can in particular be designed for form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with a link plate to be connected.

The fixing projections are preferably integral with the

Side wall of the overlap area formed. This simplifies manufacture, simplifies assembly and increases the stability of the fastening.

Each fixing projection is preferably snap-connected with a chain link to be connected, in particular in the form of a clip for snap connection, each with one

complementary recess in the link plate. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing projections can be used as a pair

opposing claws or double snap hooks on the upper and lower narrow side of the side wall of the

Overlap area for reaching around conventional crossbars or a pin or horn for a crossbar.

In one embodiment, the fixing projections are in the direction perpendicular to the main plane of the side wall of the

End fastening part out, in particular up to a plane which extends parallel to the main plane between the first and second holding projections, so to speak with a transverse length which ends in front view between the first and second holding projections. In other words, the extension of the fixing projections in the direction perpendicular to the main plane can be greater than that

Distance of the first holding projection from the side wall and smaller than the corresponding distance between the second holding projections. This allows the link plate to be easily inserted obliquely to the main plane of the end fastening part and still provides stable longitudinal securing.

In a preferred embodiment, the end fastening part has a longitudinal center plane which runs perpendicular to the main plane of the end fastening part, at least the holding projections and the at least one fixing projection being arranged mirror-symmetrically to this longitudinal center plane. The end fastening part can in particular be mirror-symmetrical overall with respect to the

Be executed longitudinal center plane. This offers the advantage that one and the same end fastening part because of the symmetry, with each of the four ends of the strap strands one

Energy chain is connectable. Thus, at least for one or more chain types, only one embodiment of the

End attachment part necessary.

The side wall of the overlap area preferably has a dimension in the longitudinal direction starting from the end face, which is greater than half the chain pitch of one

fastening chain link. Thus, the side wall in

connected state of the end fastener to over the

protrude in the middle area of the attached chain link.

The at least one fixing projection, in particular the two

Fixing projections are preferably in a height plane

arranged, which at a distance corresponding to half

Chain division of a chain link to be attached from the

The front face lies or in a plane that intersects the central area of a connected link plate. The height plane here extends perpendicular to the main plane of the end fastening part and perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane or longitudinal direction. The distance between the height plane and the end face is understood here as the distance along the line at which the longitudinal center plane crosses the main plane.

Thus the extent of the overlap area is

End fastening part in the longitudinal direction preferably larger than half of the longitudinal extension of one to be connected

Chain link. Accordingly, the at least one fixing projection can lie in a region with respect to the longitudinal direction which overlaps with a central region of the connected link plate and can interact with this, e.g. with a complementary

Device in the middle area. If a fixing projection is designed, for example, as a clip or locking clip, it can interact with a recess or locking recess in the link plate. Alternatively, the fixing projections can be designed as a pair of snap hooks which grip around a pin for a crossbar or a crossbar.

The end fastening part can preferably be produced in one piece from plastic, in particular by injection molding, and can be produced with simple molding tools. For production by injection molding, it is useful if for each

Holding projection a respective associated opening in the

Side wall is provided, which with the respective

Retaining projection is aligned perpendicular to the main plane and its Contour, viewed in side view, outlines the contour of the associated holding projection. The area of the opening can be equal to or slightly larger than the area of the assigned

Be retaining projection. This simplifies the production of the

Retaining projections or the undercut under each

Retaining projection, making the use of easier two-part

Injection molds, especially without a slide or the like. ,

enables.

In one embodiment, the frame-shaped

Fastening area on the inside of the circumferential frame on both sides of the longitudinal center plane each have an extension for holding a C-rail, which in turn is used to fasten strain relief devices. Alternatively or additionally, a receptacle for a comb-like strain relief can be provided on the inside of the surrounding frame on both sides of the longitudinal center plane. In this way, the strain relief can be installed together with two opposing end fastening parts in one step or a factory-equipped or factory-fitted with cables.

pre-assembled energy chain can be delivered ready for connection. The inside of the frame, as well as an inside of the end fastening part as a whole, is a receiving space in the connected state of the end fastening part

Energy chain or facing the guided cables.

The side wall of the overlap area can have a significantly smaller wall thickness than the frame of the fastening area, in particular <50% of the wall thickness of the frame, including

to save material. If the overlap area is connected to a link plate, the combined wall thickness of the overlap area with the link plate can be smaller than that

The wall thickness of the frame remains.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following detailed description of preferred exemplary embodiments on the basis of the enclosed

Drawings. These show: FIG.la: a sectional view of the end portions of a

Energy guiding chain with connected end attachment parts according to a first embodiment;

FIG.lb: an enlarged detailed view according to B according to FIG.la;

FIG.lc: an enlarged detailed view according to C according to FIG.la;

FIG. 2a: a side view of the end fastening part according to the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2b: a longitudinal section A-A corresponding to FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c: a perspective view of the end fastening part according to FIG .2a; and

3: a side view of an end attachment part according to a second embodiment.

FIG.la shows two end areas of an energy guiding chain 2 with four structurally identical end attachment parts 1, which are connected to the four link plates 3 of the two end chain links 4 in order to attach them to a connection point. FIG.2b shows a longitudinal section of an unconnected

End attachment part 1.

Each end attachment part 1 is flat with a main plane perpendicular to the plane of FIG.la. In the main plane lies the longitudinal direction L, which in the connected state shown is the longitudinal direction of the chain link at the end

Energy guiding chain 2 or the lines passed through there, as well as the height direction H, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L in the main plane.

The end fastening part 1 has three functional areas in relation to the longitudinal direction L - an overlap area 10, a fastening area 14, and a transition area 20 between the overlapping area 10 and the fastening area 14

Overlap area 10 overlaps in the connected state of the

End attachment part 1 with an end link plate 3 so, to over a central area 30 of the link plate 3. The

Attachment area 14 is used for attachment to one of the

Connection points of the energy chain 2, for example at one

stationary or moving machine part. The overlap region 10 has a side wall 12 which extends parallel to the main plane and delimits the end fastening part 1 in the transverse direction perpendicular to the main plane. Of the

Fastening area 14 is essentially formed by a frame 16. The frame 16 surrounds a in the present example

Window 17, which as a continuous in the transverse direction

Opening is formed. The window 17 can be closed with a side wall similar to the side wall 12. The side wall 12 of the overlap area 10 has a significantly smaller wall thickness than the frame 16 of the fastening area 14, in the present case

Example approx. 1/6 of the wall thickness of the frame 16.

Due to the difference in wall thickness between the fastening area 14 and the overlapping area 10, the end fastening part 1 has a transition area 20

Offset 21 or a crank on, and forms an end face 22 which is substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the

End attachment part 1 runs. In the connected state, the end face 22 faces one end face of the link plate 3.

As best seen in FIG.lb and FIG.lc, are at the

End face 22, individual outstanding holding projections 24

intended. The retaining projections 24 are designed as tongues, which here run parallel to the main plane of the end fastening part 1 and are spaced apart in the direction perpendicular to the main plane to the side wall 12. An end region of the link plate 3 can accordingly be inserted and received between the holding projections 24 and the side wall 12 or engage behind them.

In FIGS. 1-3, three holding projections 24 are formed on the end face 22 - two first holding projections 24a and a second holding projection 24b. The second holding projection 24b is closer to the side wall 12 than the first holding projections 24a. Here are those First holding projections 24a in the direction perpendicular to the main plane flush with the frame 16. Thus, the outwardly or inwardly cranked end region of the link plate 3 can optionally be between the first and second holding projections 24a, 24b, as in FIG. 1c, or between the side wall 12 and the second holding projection 24b, as shown in FIG. lb. In the present example, each of the holding projections 24a, 24b extends over approximately one fifth of the arc dimension of the end face 22.

FIG. 2a shows the first embodiment of FIG

End fastening part 1 has two fixing projections 26 which

Are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal center plane M. The longitudinal center plane M runs perpendicular to the main plane of the end fastening part 1 (and perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2a). The holding projections 24 are also designed and arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane M. This symmetry allows the end fastening part 1 to be turned around in the plane parallel to the main plane, so that it can optionally fasten one or the other link strand of the energy guiding chain 2 at the end.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2b and 2c, the fixing projections 26 are each provided with a complementary recess 28 in the link plate 3 as clip connectors for snap connection or locking

educated. Each fixing projection 26 has a longitudinally slotted head with resilient latching hooks. In the

Received recess 28, the fixing projections 26 can prevent both a displacement of the end fastening part 1 in the longitudinal direction L and in the height direction H. The recesses 28 can be provided in the central region 30 of the link plate 3 of the link plate 3 or exactly in the middle with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The end attachment part 1 is made in one piece from plastic

Injection molding produced. In FIG. 2a, openings 32 can be seen behind each holding projection 24, the respective areas of which are somewhat larger than the areas of the associated holding projections 24, so that in FIG. 2a, the contour of the openings 32 behind the retaining projections 24 is visible in a side view in order to to be able to use two-part injection molds for shaping the holding projections 24a, 24b.

The frame 16 of the fastening area 14 is with

Attachment bores or holes 18 provided. Two fastening holes 18 open on each of three narrow sides of the frame 16. The fastening holes 18 open on the other hand into the window 17. The fastening holes 18 are used for fastening by screw connections, possibly with metal sockets (not shown) in the fastening holes 18, at a connection point.

As shown in FIGS. 2a, 2c, the frame 16 has on its inner side 34 on both sides of the longitudinal center plane M in each case

Extension 36 and a receptacle 38 each. On extension 36, a metal profile, e.g. a C-rail (not shown)

be connected so that the end sides of a C-rail grip the extension 36 form-fitting. The inside 34 of the frame 16 also has a matching end edge of the C-rail

Indentation 37 which flanks or borders the extension 36. Such metal profiles or C-rails are used to attach known bracket clips to relieve strain on cables. The receptacle 38 is used to attach known per se

Chain combs, also for the purpose of strain relief. Thus, one or the other type of strain relief on the end attachment part 1 can optionally be used.

3 shows an end attachment part 1 according to a modified second embodiment, which differs from the first

Embodiment differs only by the type of fixing projections 27. Here the fixing projections 27 are designed as a pair of double snap hooks 27. Each of the double

Snap hook 27 can encompass the fastening pin for a transverse web 5, which is present on the link plate 3 to be connected, on both sides with respect to the longitudinal direction and rest against an inner side of the link plate 3. Two on either side of the

Snap hooks 27 provided in pairs in the longitudinal center plane M can thus hold a link plate 3 both in the longitudinal direction and perpendicular thereto. Reference character list

1 end fastener

2 energy chain

3 chain link

4 chain link at the end

5 cross bar

10 Overlap area

12 side wall of the overlap area 14 fastening area

16 frames

17 windows

18 mounting holes

20 transition area

21 jump

22 face

24 retaining protrusions

24a first holding projections

24b second retaining projections

26, 27 fixing protrusions

28 recess

30 middle area of the link plate

32 breakthrough

34 Inside of the frame

36 appendix

37 deepening

38 Recording

L lengthwise

H height direction

M median longitudinal plane

Claims

Expectations

1. End fastening part (1) for an energy chain (2) for guiding cables, hoses or the like between two connection points, the end fastening part (1) being a

Has main level and is made in one piece with

- An overlap area (10) with a side wall (12) for connection to a link plate (3) of an end chain link (4) of the energy guiding chain (2); and

- A frame-shaped fastening area (14) with a frame (16), in which a plurality of fastening holes (18) are provided, by means of which the end fastening part (1) can be fastened to a connection point, in particular by a screw connection;

wherein in a transition area (20) between the overlap area (10) and the fastening area (14) a concave, in particular essentially circular-arc-shaped end face (22) is provided, which is not shown,

that the end face (22) has at least two holding projections (24) protruding parallel to the main plane, behind which a link plate (3) can grip in order to hold it transversely to the main plane, and that the overlapping area (10) has at least one, preferably two, fixing projections ( 26), which protrude perpendicular to the main plane from the side wall (12), to which a connected link plate (3) can be connected in the longitudinal direction (L) for fixing the position.

2. End fastening part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the end face (22) has two first retaining projections (24a) projecting towards the main plane and at least one second retaining projection (24b) projecting towards the main plane, the first retaining projections (24a) in the transverse direction offset from the main plane with respect to which at least one second retaining projection (24b) are arranged.

3. End fastening part (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that two

Fixing projections (26) are provided at a distance from one another in the vertical direction of the side wall (12) and are designed for form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with a connected link plate (3).

4. End fastening part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each fixing projection (26) for snap connection with a connected link plate (3), in particular in the form of a clip for snap connection, each with a complementary recess (28) in the Chain link (3) is executed.

5. End fastening part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, d a - d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that each

The fixing projection (26) protrudes in the direction perpendicular to the main plane from the side wall (12) to a distance between the first and second holding projections (24a, 24b).

6. end fastening part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the

The end fastening part (1) has a longitudinal center plane (M) and at least the holding projections (24) and the at least one fixing projection (26) are arranged symmetrically to this.

7. end attachment part (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (12) has a dimension in the longitudinal direction (L) starting from the Has end face (22) which is larger than half the chain pitch of a chain link (4) to be fastened or protrudes beyond the central area (30) of a connected link plate (3), and that the fixing projections (26) are arranged in a height plane which is at a distance corresponding to half the chain pitch of a chain link (4) to be attached from the end face (22) or intersects the central area (30) of a connected link plate (3).

8. End fastening part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the

End fastening part (1) is made in one piece from plastic and an associated opening (32) is provided in the side wall (12) for each retaining projection (24) which is aligned with the respective retaining projection (24) perpendicular to the main plane and whose contour corresponds to the contour of the associated Retaining projection (24) rimmed.

9. End fastening part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that on the

Inside (34) of the frame (16) on both sides two extensions (36) for holding a C-rail for strain relief and / or two receptacles (38) for a comb-like strain relief are provided.

10. End fastening part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the side wall (12) compared to the frame (16) has a significantly smaller wall thickness, in particular <50% of the wall thickness of the frame (16).