Igus Gmbh

Günter Blase

Andreas Hermey

Thilo-Alexander Jaeker

Frank Blase

Harald Nehring

The invention relates to a cable carrier chain () for carrying cables, hoses or the like, having a plurality of links () which form two parallel link strands connected by transverse webs and which can be angled relative to one another by means of articulated connection, wherein the articulated connection between adjacent links () is formed by a joint element () which is elastically deformable in the angling direction of the links and which is preferably arranged in the longitudinal central plane (S), which runs in the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier chain, of the links. According to the invention, in each link strand, in each case different inner links () and outer links () alternate in the longitudinal direction of the chain (), wherein both the inner links and also the outer links are in each case of mirror-symmetrical form with respect to the vertical central plane (S) thereof which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that identical inner links () and identical outer links () can be used in both link strands. To secure adjacent inner and outer links () in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the joint elements () have mirror-symmetrical opposite end regions ().

Energy guide chain with deformable joint elements

An energy guiding chain for guiding cables, flexible tubes or the like comprises a plurality of chain links () which are articulated to each other and which each include two lateral straps () and upper and lower cross-members () connecting said lateral straps. For arranging the cross-members for easy pivoting on both lateral straps, while designing the lateral straps as slim as possible, and for guaranteeing smooth and correct sliding of the upper strand on the lower strand, it is provided that both the upper and lower cross-members () include on both ends thereof two cylindrical bearing parts () that can be inserted in pocket-like bearing receivers () arranged on the lateral strap which points towards the respective end of the cross-member, wherein said bearing receivers project on the sides of the lateral straps which point towards the interior of the chain, wherein the lateral straps include snap-action means having a snap tab that cooperates with a locking bar arranged on the respective end of the cross-member (), and wherein the cross-members () on both ends thereof in the axial direction outside of the bearing parts () each include a projection extending in the longitudinal direction of the cross-member () and with a contact surface thereof resting against the side of a lateral strap pointing towards the interior of the chain, in the locking position of the cross-member.

Energy guiding chain

The invention relates to an energy guide chain system comprising an energy guide chain for guiding cables, hoses or the like between a stationary and a movable connection point, an entrainment portion to which the energy guide chain is connected by way of the movable connection point, and a guide channel which has a hollow profile with a passage extending in the longitudinal direction for the entrainment portion, wherein the energy guide chain is guided in the guide passage in the longitudinal direction thereof in the form of two runs which are guided in mutually parallel relationship and which are connected to each other by way of a deflection region, as well as a sliding door system for a vehicle having the energy guide chain system. In order to achieve easy and reliable guidance of cables, hoses or the like in at least two directions, it is proposed that the entrainment portion has a movable arm which projects from the guide channel with a fastening side for connection to an apparatus movable relative to the guide channel, wherein the spacing between the fastening side and the guide channel is variable in a travel component in transverse relationship with the longitudinal direction of the guide channel.

Engery guide chain system and sliding door system

The invention relates to a powered guide chain system (), comprising a powered guide chain (), for guiding cables (), hoses or the like between a stationary and a mobile connection point, a driver () to which the powered guide chain () is connected via the mobile connection point, and a guide channel (), which comprises a hollow profile with a passage () for the driver (), extending in the longitudinal direction, whereby the powered guide chain () is guided into the guide channel () in the longitudinal direction thereof, forming two runs which are guided parallel to each other and connected to each other via a deviation area. The invention also relates to a sliding door system () for a vehicle, provided with said powered guide chain system (). The aim of the invention is to obtain an easy and safe guidance of cables (), hoses or the like in at least two directions. Said aim is achieved, whereby the driver () comprises a mobile arm () which protrudes from the guide channel () with a fastening side () for connection to a device movable in relation to the guide channel (), the distance between the fastening side () and the guide channel () being changeable in a travel component transverse to the longitudinal direction of the guide channel ().

Power guide chain system and sliding door system

For the purpose of improving the discharge of electrical charges via the energy guiding chain, an energy guiding chain () with a plurality of links (), which are connected to each other in articulated fashion and each display opposite side pieces () and at least one cross-member () connecting them, where the links () consist at least partly of an electrically conductive material that permits the discharge of electrical charges over at least part of the chain length, is characterized in that the links () are designed such that they are in contact with each other over the full pivoting angle on contact areas that move relative to each other and are in permanent contact and/or in that at least one connecting element () connecting two or more links to each other in each case is provided, which provides contact areas remaining in unchanging position in relation to the links, and in that the contact areas, and the areas of the links or the connecting element connecting them, form a continuous conductivity path with low electrical resistance, which extends at least over several links and permits use of the chain in ESD protection zones.

Growing community of inventors

Bergisch Gladbach, Germany

Günter Blase