阅读说明：本技术 能量引导链的多件式的链环以及用于此的横向接片和侧板 (Multi-part chain link of an energy guiding chain, and cross-piece and side plate therefor ) 是由 J·多姆尼克 于 2020-02-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于能量引导链(1)的链环(10)的结构类型,该能量引导链用于可运动地导向管线。链环(10)由多个单件(2A,2B,3)组成,即由塑料制成的两个侧板(2A,2B)以及至少一个、尤其两个用于使侧板能松脱地连接的横向接片(3),侧板具有朝向链环的内部的内侧(I)、背离其的外侧(A)和两个基本上平行于纵方向伸展的窄侧(4A,4B),横向接片具有中间件(7)并且在两侧在横向接片的每个端部上具有紧固区段(6)。侧板(2A,2B)在至少一个窄侧上具有用于力锁合地紧固横向接片的相应的紧固区域、即夹紧接收部(5),夹紧接收部具有两个在纵方向(L)上对置的夹紧面(5A,5B),至少一个单独的横向接片(3)的互补地成形的紧固区段(6)夹紧在所述夹紧面之间。根据本发明,每个横向接片(3)在每个紧固区段(6)上具有两个支撑突出部(12),支撑突出部分别具有用于贴靠在侧板(2A,2B)的内侧上的支撑面(13),以实现牢固的连接。还提出,侧板(2A,2B)在紧固区域(5)之间的中间区域中具有在板体中的特别的功能凹空(24,25),功能凹空使附加功能或应用扩展变容易。(The invention relates to a construction type of a chain link (10) for an energy guiding chain (1) for movably guiding a pipeline. The chain link (10) consists of a plurality of individual parts (2A, 2B, 3), namely two side plates (2A, 2B) made of plastic and at least one, in particular two, transverse webs (3) for the releasable connection of the side plates, which have an inner side (I) facing the interior of the chain link, an outer side (A) facing away from it and two narrow sides (4A, 4B) running essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction, which transverse webs have an intermediate part (7) and on both sides at each end of the transverse webs a fastening section (6). The side plates (2A, 2B) have, on at least one narrow side, a corresponding fastening region for the non-positive fastening of the crosspiece, namely a clamping receptacle (5) having two clamping surfaces (5A, 5B) lying opposite one another in the longitudinal direction (L) between which a complementarily shaped fastening section (6) of at least one individual crosspiece (3) is clamped. According to the invention, each transverse web (3) has two support projections (12) on each fastening section (6), each support projection having a support surface (13) for resting against the inner side of a side plate (2A, 2B) in order to achieve a secure connection. It is also proposed that the side plates (2A, 2B) have special functional recesses (24, 25) in the plate body in the intermediate region between the fastening regions (5), which facilitate additional functions or application expansion.)

1. Chain link of an energy guiding chain (1) for guiding a pipeline, such as a hose, a cable or the like, between two joint positions, at least one of which is relatively movable, wherein the chain link (10) is assembled from a plurality of individual pieces (2A, 2B, 3) having two side plates (2A, 2B) each having a plate body made of plastic with an inner side (I) facing the interior of the chain link, an outer side (A) facing away from the interior and two narrow sides (4A, 4B) running substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and at least one separate cross web (3), in particular two opposite separate cross webs (3), for releasably connecting the side plates, wherein the at least one cross web (3) comprises an intermediate piece (7) and on both sides on each end a fastening section (6),

wherein the side plates each have a respective fastening region on at least one, in particular on both narrow sides, which fastening regions interact with the fastening sections of the transverse webs in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner,

wherein each fastening region of a side panel (2A, 2B) comprises a clamping reception (5) in the panel body having two opposite clamping faces (5A, 5B) of the panel body in the longitudinal direction (L) between which a complementarily shaped fastening section (6) of the at least one individual transverse web (3) is clamped;

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the at least one crosspiece (3) is produced in one piece from plastic and has two support projections (12) which, in the end regions, engage on the respective fastening section (6) or project on both sides relative to the intermediate part (7), each having a support surface (13) for resting on the inner side of the side plates (2A, 2B).

2. The chain link according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the two fastening sections (6) of a cross-piece (3) comprises two longitudinally directed corresponding clamping surfaces (6A, 6B) which are complementarily configured to the clamping surfaces (5A, 5B) and each of the two fastening sections (6) comprises a solid material area running between the corresponding clamping surfaces (6A, 6B).

3. The chain ring according to claim 2, characterized in that the solid material region of the fastening section (6) has a material thickness in the direction of the longitudinal axis (M) of the cross-piece (3) which is substantially equal to the material thickness of the side plates (2A, 2B) around the clamping receptacle (5) and/or has a greater material thickness in the height direction (H) relative to the plate-like middle region (7) of the cross-piece.

4. The chain link according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that each clamping reception (5) (6) has an elongated and longitudinally extending transverse locking projection (5C) and a complementary elongated transverse locking slot (6C) corresponding to each fastening section (6), which transverse locking projection and transverse locking slot are held against movement perpendicular to the plate main plane, and in particular the support faces (13) of the support projections (12) are held against the inner side of the side plates (2A, 2B), respectively.

5. The chain link according to claim 4, characterized in that the transverse locking protrusion (5C) and the transverse locking groove (6C) extend in the longitudinal direction over at least a major portion of the spacing between the clamping surfaces (5A, 5B) or corresponding clamping surfaces (6A, 6B) and/or taper in the direction of the plate main plane.

6. The chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two clamping receivers (5) on the narrow sides (4A, 4B) of a side plate (2A, 2B) are identically shaped, in particular centrally shaped and symmetrically shaped with respect to a plate height mid-plane (A-A), wherein the two clamping faces (5A, 5B) each have at least one convex and/or concave face area.

7. The chain ring according to claim 6, characterized in that each clamping face (5A, 5B) has a convex face area, which is preferably the main face portion of the clamping face and which widens towards the narrow side (4A, 4B), and the corresponding clamping face (6A, 6B) is embodied with at least one corresponding concave face area, wherein at least the face areas (5A, 5B; 6A, 6B) are preferably embodied circularly in cross section.

8. The chain loop according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each clamping reception (5)

-in the form of an edge recess on the narrow side (4A, 4B) open on both sides to the inner side (I) and the outer side (a) of the side plate (2A, 2B); and/or

-embodied as a coherent edge recess integrally in the plate body at least partially between an inner side (I) and an outer side (a).

9. The chain ring according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chain ring comprises two side plates (2A, 2B) and two opposite, separate cross webs (3) for releasably connecting the side plates (2A, 2B) to each other, and each side plate (2A, 2B) and each cross web (3) are manufactured as a one-piece body made of plastic, in particular as injection-molded parts without undercuts.

10. A crosspiece (3) for a chain link (10) of an energy guiding chain, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the crosspiece (3) is produced as a one-piece body made of plastic, extending along a longitudinal axis (M), in particular symmetrically with respect to a middle plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, has a plate-like middle part (7) and on both sides on each end a fastening section (6) for connection to a side plate, characterized in that,

-each of the two fastening sections (6) comprises two corresponding clamping surfaces (6A, 6B) directed away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross-piece for co-acting with complementary clamping surfaces (5A, 5B) of the side plates (2A, 2B) and comprising solid material areas running between the corresponding clamping surfaces; and

the crosspiece has two support projections (12) which engage in the end regions on the respective fastening section (6) and project on both sides relative to the intermediate piece (7), each of said support projections having a support surface (13) for resting on the inner side of the side plates (2A, 2B).

11. Cross-piece according to claim 10, characterized in that between the intermediate piece (7) and each fastening section (6), adjacent to the respective fastening section, on both sides, a passage hole (30) is provided, respectively, which passes vertically through the cross-piece (3), so that the chain link can be fastened by means of the cross-piece at the joint point by means of a screw connection (32).

12. The crosspiece according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it has two reinforcing struts, in particular adjacent to the passage opening, running toward the center of the panel-type intermediate part and being produced in one piece with a body made of plastic, starting from each fastening section, in particular on the outer side.

13. Cross member according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the cross member (3) has a plate-type intermediate part (7) and, proceeding from each support projection (12), a reinforcing strut (14) which extends to the plate-type intermediate part (7).

14. A side plate (2A; 2B) for a link (10) of an energy guiding chain, in particular according to claim 1, comprising a plate body made of plastic having an inner side (I), an outer side (A) facing away from the inner side and two narrow sides (4A, 4B) running substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side plate;

wherein the panel body has two overlapping regions (21A, 21A; 21B, 22B) for the articulated connection to a respective overlapping region of a respective longitudinally adjoining side panel (2A; 2B), and an intermediate region (23A; 23B) between the overlapping regions, which preferably has a greater wall thickness than the overlapping regions; wherein the side plates each have a fastening region (5) for a transverse web on each narrow side,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the plate body has two passage openings (24) from the outer side (A) to the inner side (I), which are arranged in an intermediate region (23A; 23B) between the fastening regions (5) and each open into an associated functional recess (25) in the plate body, which has an increased diameter relative to the passage openings (24) and is arranged on the inner side (I) of the plate body.

15. The side plate according to claim 14, characterized in that the passage openings (24) and the functional hollows (2%) are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal middle plane of the side plate (2A; 2B) and with respect to a height middle plane (A-A) of the side plate.

16. The side plate according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that each passage opening (24) is circular in the cross section and the associated functional recess (25) is arranged coaxially thereto and has a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, cross section.

17. Assembly for fastening an end of an energy guiding chain (1) at a joint point, comprising a chain link (10) with two side plates (3A, 3B) according to any one of claims 14 to 16 and two opposite cross-pieces connecting the two side plates to each other,

wherein an associated end fastening (50) is provided for each side plate, said end fastening comprising a base plate (51) which is designed to be fastened to the connecting point and to overlap the crosspiece (3) and comprises a locking pin (53) for fixing in the longitudinal direction, said locking pin fitting into a functional recess (25) of the associated side plate.

18. An assembly for guiding a chain with external line-spreading energy, comprising a plurality of chain links with side plates according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least on the outer side (a) of some of the side plates (2A; 2B) of the plate cable there is provided in each case a retaining adapter (60) for mounting an external line (61), in particular for a bellows holder (62), which is fastened by means of a connector (40) which acts into or is retained in the functional recess.

19. An assembly for expanding the receiving space of an energy-guiding chain (1), comprising a plurality of chain links consisting of two side plates (2A; 2B) according to one of claims 14 to 16 and two opposing cross webs (3) which connect the two side plates to one another, wherein at least some of the chain links have laterally mounted expansion arms (70) on both side plates which are connected to the respective side plate (2A; 2B) by means of the functional recess (25) by means of a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection, in particular a clip-on connection (40), wherein in each case two expansion arms (70) are preferably connected by means of a cross web (3) of the same construction as the chain link.

20. Parallel assembly of two energy-guiding chains (1) consisting of chain links (10) with side plates (2A; 2B) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least some of the side plates (2A; 2B) in the plate strands of one energy-guiding chain are fastened to one another with side plates (2A; 2B) in laterally adjoining plate strands of the other energy-guiding chain by means of a connector (80) which acts into or is held in a functional recess (25).

21. An energy guiding chain, comprising: the chain link according to any one of claims 1 to 9; the cross-piece of any of claims 10 to 13; the side plate according to any one of claims 14 to 16 and/or the assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

Technical Field

In general, the invention relates to an energy guiding chain for dynamically guiding a pipeline, such as a hose, a cable or the like, between two joint positions, at least one of which is relatively movable with respect to the other joint position. Such energy-guiding chains comprise a plurality of links which are linked in the longitudinal direction of the energy-guiding chain and which are connected to one another in a sequential and in each case pivotable manner. In this case, the side plates of the chain link can be connected to one another in a pivoting manner by means of a swivel joint connection to form a plate cable on each side of the energy-guiding chain.

The invention relates in particular to an energy guiding chain with links which are assembled from a plurality of individual parts, namely essentially from two side plates and at least one and in particular two separately opposing cross webs which releasably connect the two side plates to one another. Each side plate has a plate body made of plastic, which has an inner side facing the interior of the chain link, an outer side facing away from the interior, and two narrow sides running substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain. The individual cross-webs serve as cross-bars for connecting the side panels and can have essentially every suitable configuration. The releasable connection of the individual crosspieces to the plates makes it possible in particular to facilitate the insertion and, if necessary, also to allow the lines to be replaced during production and maintenance.

Background

In a chain link consisting of a plurality of, in particular, four individual parts, the releasable connection between the individual cross webs and the side plates is achieved by: each individual or produced as a single piece crosspiece comprises a fastening section on both sides at each end, and the side plates each have a corresponding fastening region on each of their narrow sides, which fastening regions interact with the fastening sections of the crosspiece in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.

A type of construction of this type which has proven suitable in practice is proposed in patent DE 3531066C 2 or US 4, 813, 224. The side plates have inwardly projecting latching noses or latching corners with a substantially hexagonal cross section as fastening regions for the transverse webs. The transverse webs snap into the latching noses or latching corners with corresponding end-side latching recesses. This type of construction allows a strong and fatigue-resistant connection between the side panels and the transverse webs. They are also received in an otherwise effective configuration with a four-piece link made of plastic, as illustrated for example in patent EP0803032B 1.

However, due to the complex component geometry, this type of construction of the fastening sections on the transverse webs or the fastening regions on the side plates requires relatively expensive shaping tools in the case of production by injection molding technology. Furthermore, the inwardly projecting latching noses can make it difficult to insert or remove the line under the framework of production or maintenance.

Solutions without inwardly protruding fastening areas on the side plates are known from the heterogeneous field of energy guiding chains consisting of metal plates, however, the production processes of said energy guiding chains differ in all aspects of the kind of production process for plastic plates. It has been proposed, for example in patent US 4,104,871A, that the side plates (here the fork-shaped double plates) are fastened to the transverse webs by a screw connection. However, this solution is only conditionally suitable for links consisting of plastic parts and (despite the presence of such proposals as in DE 102004017742 a 1) has hitherto hardly been accepted in practice.

In energy-guiding chains with links composed of plastic parts, a pivotable connection between pivotable transverse or opening links is proposed for two-part links, in which the fastening regions on the side plates do not project inward or project inward only slightly, as in DE 4313075 a1, for example. The pivot journal is here loosely pivotably snapped into a receptacle on the narrow side and in the closed state the connection is ensured by inwardly projecting snap lugs on the side plates. However, this type of construction is only suitable for two-part links with a side plate which is produced in one piece or from one of the two crosspieces. This is likewise relatively expensive in terms of manufacturing technology.

A solution is proposed in patent DE 4121433C 1, which avoids inwardly projecting parts of the fastening area on the side panels. In this case, recesses for receiving the ends of the crosspieces are provided on the opposite edges of the side plates, which are provided in the region of the recesses with side recesses and projections recessed at a distance from the edges of the plates for connection with the complementarily shaped ends of the crosspieces. In this case, additional locking means are provided to counter the unintentional release of the undercut and the projection, in order to achieve a positive connection with the undercut and the projection. This solution is structurally very complex, in particular with regard to the injection-molded production of the side plates and the crosspieces, and is therefore cost-intensive and furthermore disadvantageous in terms of manual handling due to the separate locking means.

Chain rings according to the preamble of claim 1, i.e. with clamping receivers on the narrow sides of the side plates, have been proposed in publications DE 102008060466 a1 and DE 102006027246 a 1. In this solution, the clamping receptacle serves to fasten a crosspiece which is produced completely or at least partially from an extruded or tab-free profile made of metal, in particular aluminum. This type of construction requires the transverse webs to be cut to the desired width of the chain link as required and increases the material costs in particular. An earlier, similar solution can already be found in the older publication EP 0384153 a2, in which the light metal tube sections are tensioned in a form-locking manner as crosspieces in the receiving portions of the panels. For this purpose, as is also the case in DE 102008060466 a1, the side plates have a complicated, manufactured geometry with undercut portions.

Disclosure of Invention

A first task according to a first aspect of the invention therefore consists in proposing, in an energy-guiding chain having a multi-piece link, in particular a four-piece link, a releasable fastening between two side plates and at least one of two cross pieces of a type that is improved over the prior art described above. The connection should be as strong as possible and the side plates and the transverse webs should still be able to be produced by relatively simple injection-moulding tools.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by an energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or a crosspiece according to claim 10.

In an energy guiding chain of this type or a chain link according to the preamble from claim 1, it is provided first: the fastening region of the side plate for fastening the transverse webs comprises a clamping receptacle or an edge recess in the plate body, which is recessed in the narrow side of the side plate and which has two clamping surfaces lying opposite one another in the longitudinal direction, between which a complementarily shaped fastening section of the transverse webs for fastening together with the side plate can be clamped. In particular, this makes it possible to achieve a fixed, in particular angularly stable or immovable fastening which is not undesirably released during operation.

The plate body thus forms clamping surfaces, and the inserted fastening sections and thus the crosspieces are held in a stable manner by these clamping surfaces. This allows a fixed connection by force or friction locking (in the form of a clamping or crimping connection), wherein a relatively high clamping or pressing force can be achieved by using the stronger plate body compared to the crosspiece and the more inherent elasticity of the plastic. By means of the receptacles or recesses according to the invention, the side plates themselves form a claw or a clip into which geometrically simple complementary fastening sections, for example made of solid material, can be clamped or pressed, wherein the entire plate body can exert a correspondingly high clamping or pressing force. In contrast, in the prior art, typically only the crosspieces exert a holding force, which, however, have a relatively small material thickness in the region of the force transmission.

The complementary fastening section of the transverse web can have an excess in cross section in the receiving space or recess. However, the transverse webs should preferably be able to be assembled by hand (ideally without tools) and possibly removed with tools, for example by being pried apart with the aid of a flat screwdriver, only at high force expenditure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in order to solve the first-mentioned object, in combination with the aforementioned clamping receptacle of the side plate according to claim 1, there is further provided: at least one transverse web is produced in one piece from plastic and has in the end region joined to each fastening section or between the fastening sections and the intermediate piece two support projections which each have a support surface for resting on the inner side of the side plate. The two supporting projections project in particular on both sides relative to the intermediate piece, i.e. each form a projection extending in the longitudinal direction of the side plate or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the transverse web itself.

A particularly rigid and secure connection between the side plates and the crosspieces is achieved by the combination of the clamping receptacles in the side plates and the supporting projections on the crosspieces, which are supported on the inside on the side plates.

In order to form such a supporting projection, the cross section of the transverse webs perpendicular to their longitudinal axis is embodied so as to be widened or enlarged both in the longitudinal direction of the side plates or the energy guiding chain and inwardly toward the receiving space in the chain link.

In a side view, the measurement of the effective surface area of each of the two support surfaces for the contact-type support preferably relates to at least 33%, preferably at least 40%, respectively, of the open cross section of the clamping receptacle.

The proposed fixed connection between the side plates and the transverse webs can be implemented in all three spatial directions (i.e. in relation to the longitudinal direction, in relation to the height direction and in relation to the transverse direction or the thickness direction of the side plates) as free as possible, in particular in a torsion-resistant or torsion-resistant manner, in order to ensure a stable, fatigue-resistant box shape of the chain link.

In addition to the force closure according to the invention, a form closure, a latching connection or the like can additionally be provided by the receptacle or the hollow profile.

Furthermore, due to the use of edge-side receptacles or recesses in the side plates, the need for providing laterally projecting portions of the fastening section is superfluous, and simpler shaping tools can be used both for the production of the side plates and for the transverse webs.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides in the case of the side plates at least one fastening region, in particular two opposing fastening regions, each comprising a clamping receptacle in the plate body, which has two longitudinally opposing clamping surfaces formed by the plate body, between which the complementarily shaped fastening sections of the transverse webs are fastened, in particular clamped or pressed, in a positive-locking manner.

In this case, each narrow side runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side plates, which in the extended position corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain. The clamping receptacle is recessed in the respective narrow side and can be embodied in particular as an edge recess in the narrow side.

In a preferred embodiment, in order to protect the individual crosspieces against displacement perpendicular to the main plane of the plate, provision is made for: each clamping receptacle has an elongated and longitudinally extending transverse locking projection for holding the transverse web in the direction of its longitudinal axis by fitting into a complementary elongated transverse locking groove in the fastening section. Equivalent to this is an opposite embodiment in which each clamping receptacle has an elongated and longitudinally extending transverse locking slot in order to hold the transverse web against movement perpendicular to the main plane of the plate by means of a complementary elongated transverse locking projection which engages on the fastening section of the transverse web.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the clamping receptacles or the fastening sections of the transverse webs are enlarged perpendicular to the main plane of the plate toward the outside or have an enlarged cross section, for example a keyway connection in the shape of a dovetail groove. Alternatively or additionally, provision can also be made for: the fastening section overlaps a corresponding recess on the outside of the side plate with an end-side projection projecting toward the plate center. The two last-mentioned configuration possibilities also allow, for example, the pretensioning of the support projection with its support surface against the inner side of the side plate.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the crosspiece produced as a single piece, which corresponds to the two fastening sections, has two corresponding clamping surfaces directed away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crosspiece for interacting with complementary clamping surfaces of the side plates. For a particularly secure fastening between the crosspiece and the side panel, a crosspiece according to independent claim 10 is proposed.

In this case, each of the two fastening sections has two corresponding clamping surfaces which are directed away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crosspiece for interacting with complementary clamping surfaces of the side plates. In this case, the crosspiece furthermore has in particular two support projections which each have a support surface for resting against the inside of the side plates. Such a support projection can be joined to each fastening section in the end region or arranged at both sides in a projecting manner relative to the intermediate piece and is preferably produced in one piece, in particular in one piece, with the crosspiece.

In this case, the crosspiece has in particular at least one solid material region which continues between the corresponding clamping surfaces in order to receive the holding force exerted by the clamping receptacle. The fastening section can be embodied as a solid body at least in some regions, in particular predominantly, continuously or continuously, in itself, with the exception of, for example, transverse locking grooves. The fastening section is preferably produced continuously from solid material in the space between its corresponding clamping surfaces, which results in a firm clamping connection or crimping in the clamping receptacle. Here, "continuous" relates to the longitudinal direction of the side plates or to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transverse webs.

The transverse web can in particular be produced as a one-piece body made of plastic, which extends along the longitudinal axis, in particular symmetrically with respect to a center plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The transverse webs typically have a plate-like intermediate piece and on both sides, on each end, a fastening section for connection to a side plate.

The opposite fastening sections are preferably identical in construction and are designed symmetrically, so that the transverse webs can be fastened to the opposite side plates in both rotational orientations.

In a preferred embodiment, the solid material region of the fastening section has a material thickness in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the transverse web or perpendicular to the main plane of the plate, which material thickness is substantially equal to the material thickness of the side plate in the region around the clamping receptacle. Preferably, the solid material region has a greater material thickness in the height direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis than the plate-like central region of the transverse web, in order to achieve a force-fitting fastening in the clamping receptacle that is as secure as possible.

In order to prevent a displacement perpendicular to the main plane of the plate or in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the transverse web, each clamping receptacle or each fastening section can have an elongate transverse locking projection extending in the longitudinal direction and, corresponding to each fastening section or each clamping receptacle, a complementary elongate transverse locking groove. In this case, it is preferred that the transverse locking projection projects from the underside of the clamping receptacle and that the transverse locking groove is provided as a recess, in particular on the underside, in the fastening section of the transverse web. Furthermore, a good protection against pivoting about the height direction (axis in the main plane of the plate, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is achieved by the elongate extension. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the transverse locking projection and the transverse locking groove extend in the longitudinal direction over at least a major portion of the distance between the clamping surfaces.

The transverse locking projection and the transverse locking groove enable the support surface of the support projection to be held or fixed in force-transmitting contact against the inner side of the side plate. Due to the transverse locking projection and the transverse locking groove, a slight pretensioning of the supporting projection with its supporting surface against the inner side of the side plate can optionally also be achieved, for example.

For the autonomous orientation or centering of the cross webs when they are inserted into the side plates, it is advantageous if the cross locking projections and the cross locking grooves taper or taper towards the plate main plane.

Preferably, the two clamping receptacles are identically shaped on the narrow sides of the side plates and are arranged in particular centrally and symmetrically with respect to the plate height mid-plane.

The clamping surfaces can each have at least one convex and/or concave surface region. In a preferred embodiment, the following are provided: each clamping surface of the clamping receptacle has a convex surface region, which preferably forms the main surface portion of the clamping surface. The face portion can in particular be widened toward the narrow side or away from the plate center, for example in the shape of a funnel or a trumpet or the like. Accordingly, the corresponding clamping surface of the transverse web preferably has at least one corresponding concave surface region. The concave surface region of the clamping receptacle can be embodied in the direction of the free interior of the clamping receptacle, for example, in a bulging manner.

This design in particular facilitates the insertion of the crosspiece into the clamping receptacle of the side plate or the connection of the crosspiece to the clamping receptacle of the side plate (for example, by simple pressing or striking in the height direction). Depending on the design, the connection can also be made variable by slight rotation about the longitudinal axis of the crosspiece. In addition to the preferably predominantly convex surface region of the clamping surface, this surface region can merge into a special, preferably less concave region, in order to achieve additional latching in the height direction if necessary.

The convex and/or concave surface region is preferably embodied as a circle in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crosspiece or in the main plane of the plate, as a result of which manufacturing tolerances are less limited.

The clamping receptacle can have essentially any shape, as long as a stable force-fitting connection is achieved. However, the clamping receptacles can be embodied in particular in the form of edge recesses on the narrow sides which open on both sides to the inside and to the outside of the side plates or at least predominantly as slits (that is to say partially or in most cases continuously open from the inside to the outside). The clamping receptacle can preferably be embodied as an edge recess in the plate body in one piece, so that in the region of the clamping receptacle, no part of the plate body projects laterally. This facilitates the insertion and removal of the pipeline when the crosspieces are open or not yet fastened.

For a rigid (winkelsteif) connection (in particular to prevent play in the height direction), it is advantageous if each transverse web has a plate-like intermediate piece and, in the end region, is joined to each fastening section and has two support projections projecting on both sides relative to the intermediate piece, each having a support surface for resting on the inner side of the side plate. The crosspiece can preferably have a reinforcing brace starting from each support projection, which extends toward the center of the plate-type intermediate part and is produced in one piece with the intermediate part. Such a reinforcing brace reinforces the support tab against bending without requiring a significant increase in the material thickness of the cross-piece. For an advantageous force flow, such reinforcing struts can converge toward one another in a curved manner in particular toward the center and be formed integrally or monolithically with the crosspiece on the outer side thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the chain link is composed of four main components (i.e., two side plates and two opposed, separate and preferably identically configured cross-tabs) for releasably interconnecting the side plates.

In this case, due to the proposed configuration of the connection or fastening, each side plate and each crosspiece can be produced cost-effectively as a one-piece body (in particular without undercut) made of plastic, for example as an injection-molded part without undercut, i.e. using inexpensive so-called guide-free injection-molded tools and with a low cycle time.

An independent task according to the invention, which is to be regarded as an independent second aspect, is to extend the functionality of the chain links or side plates in the energy guiding chain. This is achieved by a side plate according to claim 14.

A side panel of this type according to the second aspect has a panel body made of plastic, which has an inner side, an outer side facing away from the inner side and two narrow sides running substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the side panel; the panel body has two overlapping regions (each for the articulated connection to a corresponding overlapping region of a respective longitudinally adjacent side panel) and an intermediate region between the overlapping regions. The intermediate region can have an at least locally greater wall thickness relative to the overlap region. In addition, the side panels each have a fastening region for a transverse web on each narrow side, in which fastening region a separate transverse web is releasably fastened, or in which a transverse web produced integrally with the side panels is attached.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides: the plate body made of plastic has two passage openings from the outside to the inside, which are arranged in the middle region between the fastening regions, that is to say in the region of the plate height and the plate length between the fastening regions. According to the invention, each channel opening has an associated functional recess in the plate body, into which the channel opening opens toward the inside. Here, in general, the functional recess has an increased diameter relative to the passage opening and is arranged as a recess or depression on the inner side of the plate body.

In chain rings with metal plates, it is known to provide holes in the central area of the plates, in particular for fastening cross-pieces or cross-bars by screwing (as shown for example in US 4, 104, 871A) or also for screwing the plate halves of a forked plate made of steel plate.

However, a second aspect of the invention proposes a plate body made of plastic with two passage openings, each with an associated enlarged functional recess on the inner side of the plate. The functional recess can be produced by injection molding with little effort, and the functional recess provides the possibility of a versatile and at the same time simple use for fastening the functional part to the side plate. In this case, for example, the functional hollow bottom can serve as an outer edge of the passage opening that is deepened relative to the inside for a snap connection, a clip connection, or the like.

The passage openings and the functional recesses are preferably embodied identically to one another and are arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal mid-plane of the side plate (parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly intersecting the plate main plane) and with respect to a height mid-plane thereof (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicularly intersecting the plate main plane).

In a particularly simple and practical embodiment, each passage opening is circular in cross section and the associated functional recess is arranged coaxially thereto. The functional recess can have a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, cross section and can therefore be used, for example, as a hexagonal head for a standard hexagonal nut or screw or a clamping portion of the like.

The side plate according to the second aspect, which has the passage opening and the functional recess or functional recess associated with the passage opening, offers a large number of possible uses.

For example, a new assembly for fastening the energy-conducting link ends to the connecting points can be provided, which has an associated end fastener on each end-side plate, said end fastener comprising a locking pin for fixing in the longitudinal direction, which locking pin engages into a functional recess of the associated side plate. The end fastening can have a base plate which is fastened to the joint point and which overlaps the transverse webs, for example.

The expansion of the receiving space of the energy guiding chain can also be simplified. For this purpose, an extension arm can be attached laterally to each of the two side plates on at least some of the chain links, said extension arm being connected to the respective side plate by means of a form-locking and/or force-locking connection, in particular a clip connection, by means of a passage opening and a functional recess. Such extension arms can be formed at the other end regions in such a way that they can be connected, preferably in pairs, by transverse webs to form what is known as an extension clamp. Here, the cross-piece can be of the same construction as the cross-piece of the chain ring according to the first aspect described above, for example.

Furthermore, two energy guiding chains consisting of chain links (with side plates according to the second aspect) can be fastened to each other simply and without expensive special pieces. In this case, at least some of the side plates in the plate strands of one energy guiding chain and the side plates in the laterally adjoining plate strands of the other energy guiding chain can be fastened to one another by means of connectors which act into the functional recess through the aligned passage openings or are held in the functional recess, respectively.

For example, it is also possible to extend the energy guiding chain with external lines without the side plates being fixed (according to a principle similar to WO 2016/146706 a 1), wherein retaining adapters for mounting external lines, in particular for a bellows holder, are provided in each case at least on the outer sides of some of the side plates of the cable. According to a second aspect of the invention, the retaining adapter can be fastened, in contrast to WO 2016/146706 a1, without a part projecting beyond the side plate by means of a connector which acts through the passage opening into the functional recess or is held therein.

The components of the second aspect described above are purely exemplary and not exhaustive.

A further independent object according to the third aspect of the invention is to provide an energy guiding chain in which the end fastening can be produced particularly cost-effectively, but is stable. This is achieved by a crosspiece for a chain link of an energy guiding chain, which, between its intermediate piece and each end-side fastening section, has a passage opening on both sides, which passes perpendicularly through the body of the crosspiece, in each case adjacent to the respective fastening section, in particular tangentially thereto or partially intersecting it.

According to such a passage hole, the chain link with the cross piece according to the third aspect can be fastened directly to the joint point by means of a simple screw connection and by means of the cross piece itself, for example by means of a long rod bolt, with which the passage hole is dimensioned in a matched manner.

The arrangement of the passage openings in the respective longitudinally extending end regions of the crosspieces in this case achieves a force-locking at least partially or in most cases by the body of the side plates, so that the crosspieces, despite their fastening function, can have a relatively small material thickness.

In this case, the transverse web is preferably produced as a one-piece body made of plastic, which extends along the longitudinal axis, in particular symmetrically with respect to a center plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Typically, the crosspiece has a plate-like intermediate piece and, on both sides, on each end, a fastening section for connection to the side plate, wherein the fastening sections can be implemented, for example (but not compulsorily), according to this aspect, which results in a particularly secure connection and good force transmission into the side plate.

In order to increase the bending strength of the crosspiece, it can have two reinforcing struts, in particular on the outer side, starting from each fastening section, which extend in particular adjacent to the passage opening toward the center of the plate-type intermediate part and are produced in one piece with the body made of plastic. The material thickness of the transverse webs can therefore be further reduced despite the fastening function.

All the above features or aspects can be considered inventive independently and individually and can be used advantageously independently of one another in different energy guidance chains for dynamically guiding a pipeline. In the case of the so-called full-web chain version, all the chain links each have two crosspieces, whereas in the case of the half-web chain version, only every second chain link has two crosspieces. The aspects of the invention mentioned therein are applicable to both chain types and not only to bent side plates but also to inner and outer plates which follow one another in alternation. Furthermore, the proposed aspects can basically also be applied to two-piece chain links (that is to say to chain links in which the two side plates are produced in one piece with a transverse web), but are particularly advantageous in four-piece chain links. In the four-piece link, the side plates and the crosspieces can be produced as substantially flat components with particularly simple shaping tools and at a high cycle rate.

Drawings

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, without restricting the above, with reference to the attached drawings. Shown here are:

FIGS. 1A-1C: individual link plates or side plates in a side view from the outside (fig. 1A), in a side view from the inside (fig. 1B) and in a top view (fig. 1C);

FIGS. 2A-2C: individual cross tabs or opening tabs in the bottom view (fig. 2A), side or front view (fig. 2B) and top view (fig. 2C);

FIGS. 3A-3C: side view (fig. 3A) and a link with side plates and cross-pieces according to fig. 1-2 in a cross-section with loose cross-pieces (fig. 3B) and a cross-section of a closed link with end fastening bolts (fig. 3C);

FIG. 4: a perspective view of the linked chain link and a partial view of different functional components on or in the chain link (with side plates and cross-pieces according to fig. 1-2); and

FIGS. 5 to 8: the different functional components of fig. 4, i.e. the end fasteners in side and top views (fig. 5); a retaining adapter for a bellows holder in a different view (fig. 6); an extension arm for receiving the space expansion in a front view and a side view (fig. 7), and a clip-on connector for coupling a cable strap in a different view (fig. 8).

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A-3C show the construction of a four-piece link 10 for an energy guiding chain 1 for dynamically guiding a hose, cable or the like (not shown) between two joint positions. The chain link 10 is rectangular or box-shaped in cross-section (e.g. according to fig. 3B shown from section line B-B of fig. 3A) and encloses a receiving space for the guided pipeline. For this purpose, the chain link 10 is assembled from two separate side plates 2A, 2B, which are formed in mirror-symmetrical fashion, and in each case two identical separate crosspieces 3 (fig. 3C). The side plates 2A, 2B and the transverse webs 3 are produced in one piece from an injection-moldable plastic (for example, a polymer optionally having reinforcing fibers).

For fastening the crosspiece 3, each side plate 3A, 3B has, on the two narrow sides 4A, 4B, a clamping receptacle 5 which is deepened in the plate body on the edge side and has two clamping surfaces 5A, 5B which are opposite in the longitudinal direction L and which are formed by the plate body of the side plate 3A, 3B. Between the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B, the complementarily shaped fastening section 6 of the associated crosspiece 3 is clamped on the respective narrow side 4A, 4B, see fig. 3A, section lines a-a and B-B. The fastening section 6 is pressed or pushed into the corresponding clamping receptacle 5 with a slight excess, if necessary, and with great effort (preferably without tools).

In this case, each of the two fastening sections 6 on the opposite longitudinal ends of the crosspiece 3 has two corresponding clamping surfaces 6A, 6B which point in the longitudinal direction L or run approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis M of the crosspiece 3 and which are designed as counter-parts or are configured complementarily to the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B.

As can be seen from fig. 1A to 3C, all the clamping receptacles 5 on the narrow sides 4A, 4B of the side plates 2A, 2B are each identically shaped and arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the clamping receptacle 5 is embodied symmetrically with respect to a middle plane parallel to the plate height H (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L). Correspondingly, the two fastening sections 6 of the crosspiece 3 are also identical and are each symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center plane (including the center axis M) of the crosspiece 3. The transverse webs 3 are generally embodied symmetrically with respect to their transverse plane (perpendicular to the central axis M) and with respect to their longitudinal plane. As shown in more detail in fig. 2A to 2C, each fastening section 6 is produced between its corresponding clamping surfaces 6A, 6B predominantly from solid material and has associated therewith and adjoining regions of solid material perpendicular to the longitudinal axis M. As shown in more detail in fig. 3B, the material thickness of the fastening section 6 in the direction of the center axis M (or perpendicular to the main plane of the plate) is substantially equal to the material thickness of the side plates 2A, 2B in the region of the plate body immediately surrounding the clamping receptacle 5, so that the fastening section 6 ends flush with the outer side a and the inner side I of the side plates 2A, 2B. Furthermore, the fastening section 6 has a greater material thickness in the height direction H (plane of fig. 1B/2B) than the plate-like central region 7 of the crosspiece 3.

Fig. 1A to 1C show the geometry of the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B, which here have a predominantly convex or bulging surface region which widens in the height direction H towards the narrow sides 4A, 4B in order to facilitate the engagement of the fastening section 6. In this case, the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B are approximately in the form of an eighth-circle or a tangent function in a side view (fig. 1A-1B), and other curves are possible. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B run in a geometrically cylindrical manner with an enveloping curve perpendicular to the main plane of the plate, as shown in fig. 1C, a widening to the outer side a is also possible. The counter-clamping surfaces 6A, 6B are embodied at least with correspondingly concave surface areas. The convex and concave surface regions of the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B and of the corresponding clamping surfaces 6A, 6B are embodied in a circular manner at least in a cross section of the receiving part 5 or of the fastening section 6 perpendicular to the central axis M (i.e. in the main plane of the plate, in a plane parallel to fig. 1A/1B), which also avoids notch stresses. In the lower region of the recess 5, the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B can cross the inflection point toward the center of the plate into a small surface portion, which is embodied concavely in order to achieve an additional latching function with the corresponding partial region of the corresponding clamping surface 6A, 6B. The depth of each recess 5 is slightly greater than the material thickness of the fastening section 6 in the height direction, so that, when the crosspiece 3 is inserted, a narrow insertion gap 8 remains on the outer side a of the side plates 2A, 2B, which narrow insertion gap enables the force-fitting fixed insertion of the crosspiece to be pried open, for example by means of a screwdriver.

As fig. 2A to 2C further show, the crosspiece 3 has a plate-like intermediate piece 7 with a comparatively thin base plate 9. In both end regions, the crosspiece 3 is connected to each fastening section 6 and has two lateral support projections 12 on both sides opposite the intermediate piece 7. The support projection 12 projects from the base plate 9 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis M in the longitudinal direction L and also projects toward the interior space or plate center. The support projections 12 each form a support surface 13 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis M for bearing against the inner side I of the side plates 2A, 2B for a twist-proof connection thereto and also for slightly overlapping the end regions (fig. 4) of adjoining side plates as a transverse shield. For material saving, the transverse webs 3 have a plurality of reinforcing struts on their side facing away from the interior of the chain link 10. An outer reinforcing strut 14 extends from each support projection 12 and is curved toward a generally central reinforcing strut 15 centrally in the intermediate piece 7. The inner reinforcing struts 16 also merge into the central reinforcing struts 15 in a curved manner from the edge regions of the fastening section 6. The reinforcing struts 14, 15, 16 are produced as one piece with the base plate 9, as are the fastening sections 6. The reinforcing struts 14, 15, 16 allow the base plate 9 to be implemented with a small wall thickness, that is to say, in particular, a reduction in the chain weight.

As can best be seen from fig. 1A to 1C and 3B to 3C, each clamping receptacle 5 has a transverse locking projection 5C extending in the longitudinal direction L, which, together with a complementary, elongate transverse locking groove 6C on the underside of the fastening section 6, protects the transverse web 3 against movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis M. In the embodiment shown here, the transverse locking projection 5C passes completely between the clamping surfaces 5A, 5B and the transverse locking groove 6C correspondingly passes completely through to the corresponding clamping surface 6A, 6B. In addition, additional reinforcement is achieved against pivoting of the fastening section 6 about the height axis of the side plates 2A, 2B, if the structural length in the longitudinal direction L is sufficient. As fig. 3B shows, the transverse locking projection 5C and the transverse locking groove 6C are tapered or tapered away from the plate center, which enables centering and requires less limited manufacturing tolerances.

The clamping receptacles 5 of the side plates 2A, 2B and the corresponding fastening sections 6 of the or those crosspieces 3 enable a secure, torsion-resistant fastening between the crosspieces 3 and the side plates 2A, 2B and at the same time allow, on the basis of a relatively simple geometry, a simplification of the injection molding tool compared to prior art connection solutions.

The second inventive aspect is now explained in more detail with reference to fig. 1A-8, in particular with reference to fig. 4.

The side plates 2A, 2B each have two overlapping regions 21A, 22A or 21B, 22B with a pivot pin projecting in one piece therein or a receptacle formed therein. The two overlap regions are intended in a known manner for the articulated connection to a corresponding overlap region 22A, 21A or 22B, 21B of a respective longitudinally adjacent side panel 2A or 2B, respectively, which is of identical construction here, as can be seen, for example, in fig. 3A. Between the overlap regions 21A, 22A or 21B, 22B, the side plates 2A, 2B each have a central region with a partially greater wall thickness than the overlap regions.

According to a second aspect, each side plate 2A, 2B has two identical passage openings 24 (here, cylindrical bores) in the plate body from the outside to the inside, which are provided in the intermediate region 23A or 23B or between the fastening regions or the clamping receptacles 5. The passage openings 24 are located centrally on the height mid-plane (see a-a in fig. 3A) of the side plate 2A or 2B and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane or at equal distances to the narrow sides 4A, 4B.

According to a second aspect, each passage opening 24 has a functional recess 25 which is coaxially associated in the plate body of the side plate 2A or 2B. Each functional recess 25 opens out into a channel opening 24 or vice versa, as can be seen in fig. 3A to 3B. As can best be seen from fig. 1B, the functional recess 25 has an increased diameter relative to the passage opening 24 and is arranged on the inner side I.

In contrast to the passage opening 24, which is circular in cross section, the functional recess 25 has a hexagonal cross section (as shown in fig. 1B) in order to achieve a form-locking connection with a co-acting component, for example a hexagonal connector. Furthermore, the enlarged functional recess 25 forms a support surface 27 in the body of the side plate 2A, 2B as a bottom surface surrounding the passage opening 24, on which a snap connection, a clip connector or the like can act or can act behind the clamping passage opening 24, as explained below by way of example. The functional cavity 25 extends the side plate 2A; 2B or to implement a modular building system for a particular application of the energy guiding chain 1.

Fig. 3B and 4 show an exemplary assembly for end fastening, wherein an associated end fastener 50 is provided on each side plate 2A, 2B. The end fastener 50 is produced as a one-piece plastic part and has a base plate 51, which is provided with an end-side hexagonal recess for the threaded connection to the connection point. The base plate 51 has a lower recess 52, with which it overlaps the crosspiece 3, see fig. 3B. In the central region projecting in the height direction H, a locking bolt 53 in the form of a hexagon is provided for fixing in the longitudinal direction, which locking bolt engages in the functional recess 25 of the associated side plate 2A or 2B in the assembled state (to the right in fig. 3B).

Fig. 4 (bottom) shows, in conjunction with fig. 6, only a partial section of the energy guiding chain 1, by way of example, an assembly for expanding the energy guiding chain 1 with an external line, which is guided in a bellows 61. A bellows 61 is fastened on the outside of each nth side plate 2A or 2B by means of a bellows holder 62 (e.g. of a commercially common construction type). To this end, fig. 6 shows a special retaining adapter 60 with a receptacle 63 for receiving a bellows holder 62. On the rear side of the base plate 64, a clip-on connector 40 is provided, which is provided with a lever that is assigned to the passage opening 24 and a latching hook for the functional recess 25. The clip-on connector 40 acts through the passage opening 24 into the functional recess 25 and acts behind the support surface 27 or is held thereon.

Fig. 4 shows, by way of example only, the components for expanding the receiving space by means of a multi-part expansion bracket, in a partial section of the energy guiding chain 1. Here, extension arms 70 are mounted on at least some of the links 10, respectively on the outer side a and on the two side plates 2A, 2B (see fig. 7). The extension arm 70 has an upper part 71 with an upper grip receiving part 5 (the same as the grip receiving part 5 described above for the side plates 2A, 2B). The upper ends of the two spreading arms 70 can therefore be connected by means of the crosspiece 3, so that an spreading clamp (fig. 4 top left) is formed on one side of the link plate 10, in which additional lines or hoses, for example with a larger diameter, can be guided. The outwardly bent lower part 72 of the extension arm 70 has two inwardly oriented clip-on connectors 40 which engage in the functional recesses 25 of the respective side plate 2A, 2B in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection and act behind the support surface 27. The extension arm 70 is produced integrally from plastic with the clip-on connector 40.

Fig. 4 (on the right) shows, in conjunction with fig. 8, only exemplary components for extending the energy guiding chain 1 by means of a parallel connection to a further energy guiding chain 1 on the chain link 10. For this purpose, the side plates 2A; 2B are fastened to one another in laterally adjoining plate cables by means of passage openings 24 with functional recesses 25, analogously to fig. 5 to 6, with little assembly effort. For this purpose, fig. 8 shows in particular a double-sided chain connector 80, which has a base plate 81 on which clip-on connectors 40 (as described for fig. 6 to 7) are arranged on both sides. With such a chain plate connector 80, two or more energy guiding chains 1 can be fastened to each other in parallel particularly easily, for example for guiding a larger number of pipelines. Here, the chain plate connector 80 likewise uses (here on both sides, respectively) two passage openings 24 with functional recesses 25 for fastening.

Finally, a third aspect that enables a cost-effective end fastening without additional parts such as end fasteners is also illustrated by means of fig. 3B-3C and fig. 2A-2C.

For this purpose, the crosspiece 3 has a passage opening 30 between the intermediate piece 7 and each fastening section 6. The passage openings 30 are arranged adjacent to the respective fastening section 6 (slightly intersecting it in fig. 3B to 3C). The passage opening 30 passes vertically through the body of the crosspiece 3, so that the chain link 10 can be fastened at the joint point with only one fastening bolt 32 passing through the crosspiece 3 on both sides. The head of the fastening screw 32 can be supported at least partially on the fastening section 6 (fig. 3C), so that a tensioning or clamping force is transmitted to the side plates 2A, 2B or via the side plates 2A, 2B. For better stability, the crosspieces 3 each have, starting from the fastening section 6, an inner reinforcing strut 16, which runs adjacent to the passage opening 30 toward the center piece 7 and merges into the center reinforcing strut 15. The head of the fastening bolt 32 can also be supported partially on the reinforcing brace 16.

List of reference numerals

1 energy guide chain

2A; 2B side plate

3 transverse web

4A, 4B narrow side (side panel)

5 clamping the receiving part

5A, 5B clamping surfaces

5C lateral locking tab

6 fastening section (cross connecting piece)

6A, 6B corresponding clamping surfaces

6C transverse locking groove

7 middle zone

8 lead-in gap

9 base plate

10 chain ring

12 support projection

13 bearing surface

14, 15, 16 reinforced diagonal brace

21A, 22A; 21B, 22B overlap region

23A; 23B middle region

24 channel opening

25 function hollow

30 (for fastening bolts) passage holes

32 fastening bolt

40-clamp type connector

50 end fastener

51 base plate

52 recess

53 locking bolt

60 holding adapter

61 corrugated pipe

62 bellows holder

63 (for bellows holder) receiving part

64 base plate

70 expansion arm

71 upper part

72 lower part

80 chain plate connector

81 substrate

A outer side

I inside

L longitudinal direction

H height direction