Patents Assigned to Igus GmbH
  • Patent number: 9797473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a line guide (100; 200; 300) for protecting at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, or the like for example, for supplying a motor vehicle seat for example. A longitudinal portion with multiple segments (110, 112; 210; 310) of the line guide is produced as a single piece, and each of the multiple segments has a closable holder (123; 223; 323) for the at least one line. Thus, the line can be positioned in a receiving area (130; 230; 330) when the holder is open and is held transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) in the closed position of the holder. The segments are connected together in the longitudinal direction so as to form an elbow (106; 206) by means of a flexible connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGUS GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Strack
  • Patent number: 9685773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for a line, in particular a power chain (12), which can be turned over in such a way that a section (upper run) (16) of the power chain can be positioned above another section (lower run) (14) of the power chain and the upper run and the lower run are connected to each other by an arched section (18), wherein the guiding device has resting surfaces and lateral guiding surfaces and is provided with retaining elements (22) arranged at distances one another in the direction of travel, to which retaining elements guide rails (24) are attached preferably by means of clip connections, which guide rails bridge the distances between the retaining elements and support the lower run and/or the upper run of the line or power chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Christian Barthen
  • Publication number: 20170138440
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, hoses and the like between two connecting points that move relative to each other, comprising a plurality of tubular chain links (1), which are connected to each other in articulated fashion and made of plastic, and each of which displays a bottom wall (2), adjoining, opposite side walls (3, 4), and a cover wall (5), where the cover wall (5) is or can be detachably connected to the side walls (3, 4), the side walls (3, 4) each display a pivot pin (6) and a joint opening (7) for the articulated connection of adjacent chain links (1), the pivoting angle is limited by stops (8) in both pivoting directions, and the cover walls (5), side walls (3, 4) and bottom walls (2) overlap over the entire pivoting angle. On an energy guiding chain of this kind, the protection of the interior is to be even further improved, and handling during opening and closing of the energy guiding chain facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: IGUS GmbH
    Inventors: Thilo-Alexander JAEKER, Dominik BARTEN, Joerg DOMMNIK
  • Patent number: 9599157
    Abstract: An axial-radial sliding bearing with polymer sliding elements includes a first bearing race and a second bearing race, which are rotatable oppositely to each other about a bearing shaft, wherein the second bearing race defines a substantially U-shaped cross section for receiving the first bearing race at least in certain regions. The sliding elements are made from tribopolymer and are arranged between the first and the second bearing races. The sliding elements each have a substantially L-shaped cross section comprising an axial region having axial sliding surfaces and a radial region having radial sliding surfaces. The radial region of the sliding elements includes at least one hinge connection, which connects two segments of the radial region in a flexible manner and so as to be movable oppositely to each other. A sliding element may include at least one such hinge connection in the radial region of the sliding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Selzer
  • Patent number: 9494215
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain, with chain links (1, 2) each comprising two side straps (3, 4). The side straps (3, 4) form opposite strap strands transversely to their longitudinal direction, where at least some of the opposite side straps (3, 4) are connected to each other by cross-members (5, 6), the ends of at least some of which display a bearing area (7) with an essentially cylindrical journal (10), extending in the longitudinal direction, for pivotable mounting in a bearing seat (8) on an associated side strap (3, 4). To improve the angular stability of the side straps when the cross-member is opened, it is proposed that the journal (10) display a first flattened section (12) on its lateral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hermey
  • Patent number: 9476480
    Abstract: Energy guiding chain, whose chain links (1, 2) each consist of two side straps (3, 4) that are connected to each other by cross-members (5, 6), where the cross-members display a bearing area (7) on at least one of their ends and, seen in the longitudinal direction of the side straps (3, 4), a contact area (9) outside the bearing area. To avoid the accumulation of foreign bodies, the side (11) of the contact area of the cross-members facing from the inside of the chain outwards displays a convex curvature or a linear slope towards its contact surface (10) and encloses an angle of <90° with the inner side (3a, 4a) of the respective side strap, such that the contact surface (10) moves along the inner side of the side strap towards the inside of the chain when the cross-member is pivoted open until a completely opened position is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Thilo-Alexander Jaeker, Stefan Strack
  • Patent number: 9464689
    Abstract: This invention relates to an energy chain (100; 200 . . . 700) having a number of mutually articulated chain links (212; 312 . . . 812), at least some chain links present a housing (216; 316 . . . 816) for the feed-through of cables and hoses. Adjacent chain links are pivotable against each there by way of hinged connections in such a manner that between a fixed connector (105) and movable connector (107) of said energy chain a movable deflection zone (104) with a predetermined curvature is formed. The invention provides that a bendable tubular envelope (110; 210 . . . 810), in particular a corrugated hose or corrugated tube, surrounds the chain links in the circumferential direction and between said two connectors (105, 107) in a continuous manner. The envelope is supported and entrained by at least some chain links (212; 312 . . . 812) and is sufficiently flexible for absorbing the predetermined curvature of the deflection zone (104) and for following the reciprocating movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Dominik Barten
  • Patent number: 9435398
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding device for supply lines, such as cables, hoses and other lines, particularly for supplying machines in the offshore sector that are used under water, e.g. for supplying drill heads that essentially drill vertically downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Dominik Barten
  • Patent number: 9435464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable guide (1) comprising links (2) that are each angle-adjustable multi-axially relative to each other and connected to each other in articulated fashion, where each link (2) displays an inner part (3) with corresponding, multi-axially angle-adjustable, articulated connectors (5, 6) and a casing part (4) for peripheral delimitation of at least one guiding duct (7), and the casing part (4) encompasses at least one segment (10), which is connected to the inner part (3) by a web (20), in a manner permitting it to be pivoted open for accessing the associated guiding duct (7) on the peripheral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: igus GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Steeger
  • Patent number: 9399299
    Abstract: A guide system for supply lines for a handling apparatus, in particular for an industrial robot, having a base and a carrier member, in or on which the supply lines can be arranged. The carrier member is arranged guided displaceably reciprocatingly between a deflection position and a return position over a displacement travel (V) for length compensation in a compensating portion in two runs connected together by way of a direction-changing bend and each having a respective end connecting point. The guide system has a return device for returning the carrier member to the return position. The return device is provided with a direction-changing guide having a direction-changing element which is arranged variably in respect of position relative to the base and against which the direction-changing bend is laterally supported for guidance thereof over the displacement travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Ralf Steeger
  • Patent number: 9328795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable carrier chain (1) for carrying cables, hoses or the like, having a plurality of links (2, 3) 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 (2, 3) is formed by a joint element (5) which is elastically deformable in the angling direction of the links and which is preferably arranged in the longitudinal central plane (S2), which runs in the longitudinal direction of the cable carrier chain, of the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Blase, Thilo-Alexander Jaeker
  • Patent number: 9287694
    Abstract: The invention relates to a line guiding system (1) for accommodating and guiding supply lines between two connection points (2.1, 2.2) that can be moved relative to one another in a circular motion with respect to a rotational axis (d) over a rotational angle range, wherein the line guiding system (1) has an elongated strand (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) coupled to the connection points (2.1, 2.2), on or in which strand the supply lines can be arranged in a guided manner, and the strand (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) can be moved back and forth within the rotational angle range while guided over a circular arc, such as to form a first run (4.1), a second run (4.2), and a deflecting bend (5) that connects the first run (4.1) and the second run (4.2). In order to enable guidance of the supply lines over an increased rotational angle range, at least two strands, a first strand (3.1) and a second strand (3.2), are provided, which are arranged such as to be coupled one behind the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hermey, Robb Duff, Frank Schlögel
  • Publication number: 20160053854
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain, with chain links (1, 2) each comprising two side straps (3, 4). The side straps (3, 4) form opposite strap strands transversely to their longitudinal direction, where at least some of the opposite side straps (3, 4) are connected to each other by cross-members (5, 6), the ends of at least some of which display a bearing area (7) with an essentially cylindrical journal (10), extending in the longitudinal direction, for pivotable mounting in a bearing seat (8) on an associated side strap (3, 4). To improve the angular stability of the side straps when the cross-member is opened, it is proposed that the journal (10) display a first flattened section (12) on its lateral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: igus GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas HERMEY
  • Publication number: 20160053809
    Abstract: This invention relates to an axial-radial sliding bearing (10) with polymer sliding elements (20). The sliding bearing comprises a first bearing race (11) and a second bearing race (12), which are rotatable oppositely to each other about a bearing shaft (A), wherein the second bearing race defines a substantially U-shaped cross section for receiving the first bearing race at least in certain regions. The sliding elements (20) are made from tribopolymer and are arranged between the first and the second bearing races for uncoupling the bearing races axially and radially. The sliding elements each have a substantially L-shaped cross section comprising an axial region (21) having axial sliding surfaces and a radial region (22) having radial sliding surfaces. According to the invention, the radial region (22) of the sliding elements (20) includes at least one hinge connection (23), which connects two segments (24) of the radial region in a flexible manner and so as to be movable oppositely to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: Igus GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf SELZER
  • Patent number: 9188194
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like, comprising a number of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and are formed by mutually parallel link plates and cross members connecting the lateral link plates, the link plates being linked to form parallel strands of link plates wherein each lateral link plate strand is formed by alternating inner link plates and outer link plates. At least some of the outer link plates are provided with rollers, whereas only the inner link plates comprise limit stops which delimit the pivot angle between adjoining link plates. The energy guiding chain offers improved running behavior, which can be adjusted in a simple manner to different radii of curvature, and which can be produced economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hermey
  • Patent number: 9163667
    Abstract: A plain bearing 1 comprising a hollow-cylindrical plain bearing body and a first flange arranged at a first end of the plain bearing body and extending radially outwardly, as well as a plain bearing system comprising the plain bearing and a bearing receiving means and a method of assembling the plain bearing system. To provide a plain bearing which for a press fit in a bearing receiving means allows greater dimensional tolerances in respect of the bearing receiving means, a ring of axially extending and peripherally spaced collar portions is provided at the second end of the plain bearing body, which is in opposite relationship to the first end, which collar portions can be bent over outwardly to afford a second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Blase, Frank Blase, Ralf Selzer, Christoph Klingshirn, Gerhard Baus, Markus Feth
  • Patent number: 9163699
    Abstract: On an energy guiding chain, for guiding hoses, cables and the like, with a number of chain links (1) connected to each other in articulated fashion, said links being formed by side straps (11, 12), which are parallel to each other and connected to form parallel side strap strands, and cross-members (31) connecting them, where the side straps can be pivoted relative to each other about a pivoting axis common to two adjacent side straps, where the energy guiding chain can be traversed in such a way that it forms a loop having an upper strand, a lower strand and a deflection zone connecting them, as a result of which an inner side and an outer side in relation to the loop is defined on the chain links, and where at least one end of the cross-members (31a) on the outer side of the chain links (1) can be detached from the side strap and pivoted in order to open the chain link (1), while the cross-members (31i) on the inner side of the chain links are permanently connected to the side straps, it is envisaged that r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventor: Thilo-Alexander Jaeker
  • Patent number: 9132959
    Abstract: An endlessly circulating link conveyor with energy supply from a stationary source comprises a plurality of links (1) that are connected to one another such that they can pivot with respect to one another, jointly form a link conveyor that follows a running path over deflection rollers (6) and can be driven in circulating fashion, an energy guiding chain (30), one end of which travels with the link conveyor and the other end of which is arranged in rotating fashion within the circulatory path, and via which the link conveyor can be connected to supply lines (36), where the links (1) of the link conveyor display a channel (2) for receiving distribution lines (40) and, laterally next to the channel, a guide groove (3) for guiding the energy guiding chain (30), where the upper face of at least one of the links (1) displays a mounting surface for consumers, and one of the links (1) is equipped for connecting the travelling end (32) of the energy guiding chain (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Andreas Hermey
  • Publication number: 20150128556
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy guiding chain (1) for guiding hoses, cables and the like, comprising a number of chain links which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and are formed by mutually parallel link plates (11, 12) and cross members (21) connecting the lateral link plates, said link plates being linked to form parallel strands of link plates. The lateral link plates can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis that is common to two respectively adjacent lateral link plates. The energy guiding chain (1) can be displaced in such a way that it forms a loop having an upper strand, a lower strand, and a deflection zone connecting said two strands, thus defining an inner face and an outer face of the chain links in relation to the loop. The upper strand lies on the lower strand under at least partial contact of the inner faces of chain links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: igus GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Hermey
  • Patent number: 8806847
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding cables, flexible tubes or the like comprises a plurality of chain links (1, 2, 3) which are articulated to each other and which each include two lateral straps (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) and upper and lower cross-members (4) connecting said lateral straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Igus GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Blase, Andreas Hermey