WO2013124370A2

WO2013124370A2 - Cable guide

Info

Publication number: WO2013124370A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/053481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralf Steeger
Original assignee: Igus Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-02-23
Filing date: 2013-02-21
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: TW201339453A; WO2013124370A3; DE202012001760U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable guide consisting of open links (10) that are connected to each other in an articulated manner and can be angled relative to one another on the face end thereof, said links being arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and being provided with a cover part (16) which is connected by means of a web (14) to a central part (12) and is delimited by a guidance channel (18) for at least one cable. The cover part (16) consists of at least two segments (16a to 16c) which are detachably connected to the central part (14) in such a way that they can be removed from their operating position in order to make the at least one guidance channel (18) accessible on the peripheral side.

Description

cable management

The invention relates to a cable guide of articulated interconnected and mutually angled frontally open members, in the longitudinal direction of the

Cable management arranged one behind the other and with one

Jacket part are provided, which is connected by means of at least one web with a central part and at least one guide channel limited.

Such cable guides, which are also referred to as power transmission chains, are known for example from EP 161 6376 Bl and DE 202009005738 Ul. The casing part of each member is consistently formed in several parts in the known cable guides such that the individual

Sections that overlap each other slightly at their edge areas, taking advantage of the elasticity of the

Cable management of forming material in which it is

is usually plastic, possibly deformed using a tool that in the

Jacket surface of the member or the cable guide creates an opening through which of the cable guide

to be received lines in the at least one

Lead channel can be introduced or removed from this. In many applications, the resulting type of handling is perceived as cumbersome and time consuming, especially in those cases where replacement or replacement of the cables to be accommodated by the cable guide is more often required.

The invention is based on the object, a cable guide of the type described in the introduction to design such that the insertion or removal of the cable or other Cables in the cable guide or from the same too

simplify and thus facilitate the handling of the cable guide as a whole.

The solution to this problem can be to that effect

summarize that the shell part of at least two

There are segments which are detachably connected to the central body and optionally interconnected such that they are removable from their operating position to make the at least one guide channel circumferentially accessible. Preferably, the arrangement is such that the

Segments are pivotally mounted on the at least one web, so that by a pivoting movement in a

Position can be brought in which the

Guide channel is accessible through the shell part. Of course, it is also possible to remove the segment in its entirety from the casing part, ie to separate it from the central body or the at least one web.

An advantage achievable by the invention is that due to the separate manufacturability of the components forming the single member for each of them the most suitable for the particular stress occurring

Material can be selected. So it is expedient for the central part with the webs to use a material which under stress, in particular

Tensile stress on the cable guide, is dimensionally stable and has the required strength. On the other hand, it may be more advantageous for the components forming the jacket part to use a material which has a certain elastic compliance given the strength required for this purpose. This would be the circumstance

take into account that the outer shell part is always exposed during operation to certain shock loads, which can be better absorbed by a slightly elastic yielding material. As typical Use cases are mentioned here robots whose

Cable guides along the robot often have an extension in the vertical direction and several

subject to different stresses,

for example, by torsion by circular and

Spiral movements, whereby a significant tensile stress occurs.

The use of a material with noticeable elastic deformability for the shell part forming components is also useful because the latter whole or

predominantly by snap or snap connections that require a certain elastic deformability of at least one of the cooperating connecting parts.

On the other hand, the material forming the jacket part does not need to be as elastically deformable as in the known cable guides or cable drag chains, in which the access to the guide channel by corresponding elastic deformation of the individual, the shell part

forming sections to create a sufficiently large access opening. In any case, the invention makes it possible for the components of the member, ie

Usually central part with bars on the one hand and

Sheath part on the other hand, for the respective

Operating conditions optimal materials, ie in the

Majority of cases plastics, to select.

In the drawing, several embodiments of the invention are shown. Show it:

Show it

FIG. 1a shows several perspective views in FIG

different scales of a first

embodiment,

Fig. 2a-j several perspective views of a part the embodiment according to FIG. 1,

3a-f show several representations of a second

Embodiment, partly in perspective, partly in front and side view, Fig. 4a-c three schematic representation of a third

embodiment,

Fig. 5a-i show several representations of a fourth

Embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a side view of a portion of a

Cable management, consisting of the links according to the

Invention consists,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of this

Cable management,

Fig. 8 a - d on a larger scale, the hinge parts of

Embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 in a plurality of successive relative positions in assembling the member.

A cable guide has a plurality of hingedly interconnected in the manner of a chain and in each case practically in all directions against each other bendable frontally open members, which with a shell part in the

Essentially rotationally symmetrical outer contours are provided.

In the figures 1 and 2, an embodiment is shown, the member 10 with a three webs 14 having and integral therewith the central body 12 and one of the

Webs worn shell part 16 is provided. The webs 14 and the substantially circular shell portion 16 define three guide channels 18 for the cable to be accommodated within the member or the cable guide, etc. Each member is provided at its central body 12 with elements of a cardan joint for connecting the individual members to a cable guide or power supply chain. These connecting elements are not described in detail here, since the principle is generally known and not the subject of the invention.

The shell portion 16 is composed of three segments 16a, 16b, 16c, which are each supported by two webs 14 and detachably connected thereto. For this purpose, the segments 16a-c formed in the same way are provided at their one end with two extensions, which together form an approximately semicircular seat 22 for a holder 24, which is formed by an approximately cylindrical portion which is supported by the respective web 14 is. The figures 1 h and i can be seen that by the two

claw-shaped projections 20 formed circular arc-shaped seat extending over a little more than 180 ° such that the two hinge parts, so extensions 20 and holder 24 with slight elastic deformation in particular of the two extensions 20 are detachable from each other and plugged together again. In particular, the figures lh and i show that the abutment 32 facing away from extension 20 is disposed adjacent to the web 14. For the stop 32 facing extension 20 an opening 25 is provided in the respective web 14 (Figure 2g and 8a-d) through which this extension 20 engages. This opening is like that

dimensioned that web 14 and respective segment

For example, in the position shown in the figure Ii are pivotable. The other end of the segment 16a-c is with a circumferentially extending in the circumferential direction of the shell part 16

Lock extension provided 26 which engages in the mounted state of the parts in an edge recess 28 of the respective adjacent segment and on its underside, that is the Central body 12 facing side carries a locking projection 30 which engages behind a stop 32 in the locked position of the cooperating parts, which is supported by the respective web 14 and in the axial extension of the

pin-shaped holder 24 is arranged. Of the

Locking extension 26 and receiving him

Randausnehmung 28 are arranged and dimensioned such that the locking projection 26 in the assembled state the

Course of the peripheral surface and the frontal boundaries of the member 10 is adjusted, wherein on its inside, circumferentially extending boundary, a gap 27 remains free, in which in order to solve the locking connection a tool 29, such as a screwdriver can be introduced to the locking connection by leverage as shown in Figures lb, c, f, g, and Fig. 6 and 7 is shown. Of course, this space can be provided for the attack of a tool at the front end of the locking extension 26. Unlocking and locking occur under deformations of

interacting parts, so in particular of the stop

32 forming body on the web 14 and the locking projection 30th

The locking projection 26 having the end of the respective segment 16a-c is provided at a distance from the locking extension with a further, shorter projection 34, which in the assembled state of the parts

between the two the seat 22 for the pin-shaped

Holder 24 forming projections 20 engages, which are arranged at a distance 35 from each other. As is apparent from the drawing, in particular Figure lc, the cooperating parts of the joint thus form a kind of block, which increases the rigidity and thus the strength of the joint by external force, without the

Affect hinge function. - The attack surface

33 (Fig. Lf) is the handling, especially in the

Making the locking connection between locking extension 30 and the stop 32 facilitate by means of, for example, the thumb of a hand, the force can be applied, which is required for producing the latching connection 30, 32. In particular, the figures ld and e can be seen that the handling of the inventively designed member 10 is relatively simple, since depending on the respective requirements, the shell portion 16 forming segments 16a - c in the respectively required position by simply pivoting the respective segment to the approximately

cylindrical bracket 24, the last one

Hinge pin represents, can be brought (see.

Figures ld and e). It is also possible to use the segment

completely from the respective web 14 to solve by projections 20 and bracket 24 under corresponding, lower

Deformation in particular of the seat-supporting extensions 20 are separated from each other.

Figures 8a-d show the attachment of a segment 18a on a web 14. At the beginning of this process, the respective segment is in a position which the extensions 20 with the seat 22 which above the

pin-shaped holder 24 are such that the

Openings of the two claw-shaped projections 20 are arranged opposite to the pin 24 and aligned with this, so that when moving the parts in the in

Figure 8b shown position, in which segment and web 14 are connected to each other, the two extensions are pushed over the holder 24, wherein the claw-shaped parts of the extensions using the elastic

Deformability of the material to be widened something and spring back on reaching the end position in its final position in which they surround the bracket 24. In particular, Figures 8a to 8d can be seen that the holder 24 is provided on the upper side with a flat 19. In the course this relative introduction of the holder in the seat of the extensions passes through the stop 32 facing

Extension 20 which is located on the web opening 25th

8b shows the parts in a position in which the segment is "clipped" onto the holder

Making this clip connection, the segment is pivoted from the position of Figure 8b on the intermediate position of Figure 8c in the figure 8d, which corresponds approximately to that of Figure lh. In this position, the segment is fixed on the abutment 32 via the locking projection 30 located on the locking projection 26. The opening 25 thus represents in the course of relative pivotal movement between the web and segment also an additional guide, which also has a stabilizing function at the same time. FIGS. 8 a to d also show the distance 35 between the two extensions 20, which in the assembled state of the parts for

Recording the adapted at this distance projection 34 is used.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3a-f, the parts which correspond to those of the first exemplary embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, which are each higher by 100. Again, the central body 112 is provided with three webs 114, which are also arranged at equal intervals of 120 ° in radians, although an arrangement at unequal intervals, as in the other embodiments, is possible. Notwithstanding the first embodiment, the shell portion 116 is divided into only two segments 116a, 116b. Each of the two segments is at one end with an im

Essentially extending in the circumferential direction extension in the form of a locking tongue 136 which carries on its outer side a latching projection 131. The other end of the respective segment 116a, b is provided with an end-side recess 138, in which for the assembly of the member, the locking tongue 136 of the other Segmentes under the same elastic deformation of the same is introduced, wherein the locking tongue springs back in a conventional manner for producing a Verrieglung in a position in which the locking projection 131 engages behind a stop surface 139. As can be seen in particular Figure 3a of the drawing, the front-side recess is in the circumferential direction in one of the outer

Peripheral surface outgoing opening 140 continues, through which the latched locking tongue 136 is accessible and displaceable against the spring force of the tongue in a position in which the locking projection 130 out of engagement with the

Stop 139 of the recess 138 comes, so that both

Segments can be separated from each other.

The two segments 116 a, b are provided on the inside with a circumferentially extending groove-shaped recess 142 whose width is dimensioned such that the

correspondingly dimensioned free ends of the webs 114 of the central body are taken in the assembled member 110 of Figure 3b from the respective groove. This means that to insert or remove the from the

Kabelführung male lines, etc., the member 110 is removed, in which the connection between the two segments 116a, b is released, so that the parts are no longer held together. The holder of the central body 112 with the webs 114 in the grooves 142 of the two segments of the shell part 115 is effected by clamping or friction. In addition, by in at least one of

Guideways (s) line (s) an additional stabilization of the individual links and thus the entire cable management.

The further embodiment shown schematically in Figure 4 of the drawing, their matching with the embodiments according to Figures 1 and 2 parts

same, each provided by 200 higher reference numerals are, the central body 212 only two webs 214, which form an extended angle, that is linear. At the free end of the respective web 214, a segment 216a, 216b is mounted, which extends in radians over 180 °, that forms a semicircle. At one end, each segment is connected via a hinge-like joint 246 to the free end of the respective web 214, such that it is pivotable in the manner shown in FIG. Each bracket 216a, b is provided at its second, free end with a locking tongue 236, which is formed according to the embodiment of FIG. The respective other segment is provided at its end facing the respective web with an opening which corresponds to the opening 138 of the embodiment according to FIG.

This opening is also associated with a stop surface analogous to the abutment surface 139 of the embodiment according to FIG. 3, so that the two segments 216a, 216b can be pivoted from their position shown in FIG. 4c into that of FIG. 4a and locked in the usual way. There is also the possibility that the locking tongue 236 receiving in its operative position recess with the stop not on the other segment, but in the

To install area of the free end of the bridge.

A further embodiment is shown in Figure 5, wherein with the parts of the embodiment according to the

Figures 1 and 2 matching parts with the same, each provided by 300 higher reference numerals. Here, the central body 312 is provided with only one web 314, wherein also two approximately semicircular segments 316a, 316b are connected at one end via a hinge-like joint 346 with the free end of the web 314. Here, only one of the two segments, namely the segment 316b is provided with a locking tongue 336, which in a at the frontal free end 350 of the other segment 316a mounted recess analogous to the opening 138 of Figure 3 is insertable to lock both segments together in the manner shown in Figures 5c to 5i. Here, too, the frontal recess continues in an opening 340 extending from the outer circumferential surface, through which the latched locking tongue 336 is accessible. In particular, FIG. 5d reveals that at the free end of the web 314 one for both segments 316 a, b

common pin-shaped holder 324 is mounted, which cooperate with attached to the two segments extensions 320, where in the manner already described seating surfaces are provided, which as well as in the

embrace other embodiments, the holder 320. The hinge-like joints 246 of the embodiment according to Figure 4 may be formed in a similar manner, but with the difference that here the pin-shaped holder 224 carries only one segment 215a, b.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 member

12 central body

14 footbridge

16 casing part

16a - c segment

18 guide channel

19 flattening

20 extension

22 seat

24 bracket

25 opening

26 locking extension

27 gap

28 edge recess

29 tool

30 locking projection

32 stop

33 attack surface

34 advantage

35 distance

131 locking projection

136 locking tongue

138 recess

139 stop surface

140 opening

142, a groove-shaped recess

246 hinged joint

Claims

claims

Cable guide of articulated interconnected and mutually angled frontally open members (10) which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide and provided with a jacket part (16) which is connected by at least one web (14) with a central part (12) and at least a guide channel (18) for at least one line is limited, characterized in that the casing part (16) is made of soft ^¬ nigstens two segments (16a-c) are connected which detachably connected to the central part (12) so as to be removed from its operating position are to make the ^¬ least one guide channel (18) peripherally ^¬ accessible to make.

Cable guide according to claim 1, characterized in that the segments (16a-c) are releasably attached to the at least one web (14).

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (16a-c) at both ends are detachably connected to a web (14).

Cable guide according to claim 1, characterized in that the segments (16a-c) on a web (14) from a position in which they define the guide channel (18) are pivotable in a second position in which the guide channel limiting shell part (16). 16) has an access to the

Guide channel enabling opening (19).

5. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two segments (16a-c) of the jacket part (16) are formed in the same way.

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (16a-c) with the web (14) and / or the respective adjacent segment by means of a snap closure are connectable.

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection takes place between the segment (16a-c) and ridge (14) mounted with ^¬ means of a at the end portion of the web (14) joint part (22).

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge part as a pin-shaped holder (24) is formed.

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said seat (22) for the support (24) articulated part forming member is formed of at least one approximately semicircular inside ^¬ shaped limited extension (20).

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat (22) for holding ^¬ in the circumferential direction over less than 360 °, preferably over about 180 °, it extends such that the two parts by an approximately transverse (to the longitudinal axis of the holder 24 ) movement are separable from each other.

Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two extensions (20) forming the seat (22) are provided. are present, which have a distance (35) from each other, in which in the assembled state of the parts engages a correspondingly dimensioned projection (34) which is attached to the adjacent segment.

12. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the joints of two adjacent segments (16a-c) which is provided a segment with an edge recess (28), in which in the assembled state of the parts a correspondingly dimensioned locking extension (26) engages the other segment, which for Bil ^¬ tion of a snap closure on its the central ^¬ part (16) facing side with a locking projection (30) is provided, which engages behind the end region of the web (14) attached locking surface (32) ^¬ .

13. Cable guide according to claim 12, characterized in that the edge recess (28) on the one segment (16 a-c) and the locking ^¬ extension (26) are dimensioned on the other segment so that in the assembled state of the parts an opening remains free into which a tool is insertable to detach at least one of the segments from the web (14) or from the other segment.

14. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one web (14) relative to the cross section of the member (10) extends substantially radially. 15. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the snap connection causing locking projection (26) at that end of the respective segment (16a-c) is attached, which carries the support projection (34) which engages between the seat (22) for the holder (24) forming extensions (20) of the respective adjacent Seg ^¬ ment part. 16. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the member (10) is provided with two webs (214).

17. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket part (116; 216) is subdivided into two segments (116a, b; 216a, b).

18. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of segments (16a-c ,; 216a, b) corresponds to the number of webs (14, 214).

19. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segment (116 a, b) is provided at one end with an end projection in the form of a locking tongue (136) and at the other end with a correspondingly dimensioned frontal recess (138) a stop (139), behind which engages a locking ^¬ projection (131) of the locking tongue in the assembled state of the segments, and the lateral surface of the segment is provided at the end-side recess on ^¬ facing end portion with an opening (140) through which the locking tongue located in its operative position is accessible.

20. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two segments (116 a, b) of a member are provided on the inside with recesses (142), in which engage the correspondingly dimensioned ends of the webs (114) of the central body (112) in the assembled state of the parts to form a positive connection. 21. Cable guide according to claim 20, characterized in that the recesses (142) are groove-shaped and along the circumferential direction of the segment (116 a, b) extend.

22. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that two

Segments (316a, b) are articulated and optionally releasably connected to the end of a web (314) of the central body (312), one of which is provided at its free end with an end opening (338), in which a at the free end of the other Seg ^¬ Mentes attached locking tongue engages in the assembled state of the parts.

23. Cable guide according to claim 22, characterized in that the member (310) is provided with only one web (314).

24. Cable guide according to claim 22, wherein a common pin-shaped holder (324) is provided for the two segments (316a, b). 25. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one web (14, 114, 214, 314) is connected to the

Central body (12; 112; 212; 312) is in one piece.

26. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parts forming the member (10, 210, 310) are wholly or predominantly made of plastic.