Flexible cover plate for power supply cables - uses self supporting plates hinged together between fixed point and machine tool

摘要

The cover plates for the power supply cables for a machine tool are formed from individual plates (9, 10), with curved ends. The radius of curvature of these ends is such that the ends (9b, 10b) of one plate fit inside the end (9c, 10c) of an adjoining plate to form links of a chain. The plates are joined by side links (8) with rounded ends which fit inside the curved ends Adjacent links are joined together by a pivot bolt (11). The power cables pass between the plates and each pair of plates can move relative to the adjacent pairs to suit the shape taken up by the flexible cable. The cover plates can also be used to protect the guide rails of a machine tool when they are not covered by the slide.