Compact line guide for clean room applications and method of manufacturing and jacket unit thereof

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a line guide for clean room applications, comprising an electrical line and a longitudinally flexible sheath which is movable back and forth, in particular in the case of a turning arc between two sections, the flexible sheath having a plurality of parallel receiving portions for at least one line each, each receiving portion extending channel-like in the longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end; the method comprising at least the steps of providing at least one line bundle consisting of continuous lines and providing a flexible sheath; characterized in that the sheath is prefabricated, the line bundle is introduced into the receiving portions of the prefabricated sheath, the prefabricated sheath comprises at least one sheath unit having two jointly acting closing contours of a closure for a dust-tight closure in the open state, and the line bundle is inserted laterally and longitudinally into the open sheath; or the prefabricated sheath comprises at least one sheath unit which is manufactured circumferentially closed, and the line bundle is pulled in longitudinally into the closed sheath unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of line guiding devices for pipelines, such as cables or pneumatic or hydraulic hoses for signal or current supply, or the like, whereby the pipeline should be dynamically guided between two relatively movable connection points of a machine or equipment. In particular, a line guiding device suitable for use in cleanrooms is proposed, for example in semiconductor or flat panel display manufacturing, in pharmaceutical plants, in medical devices, and so on. In such applications, the release of particles due to the line guiding device is particularly undesirable and must be minimized as much as possible. Background Technology

[0002] Energy steering chains are typical pipeline guiding devices, but traditional energy steering chains with rotating hinges are not very suitable for cleanroom applications because the links themselves release particles due to wear during operation. WO02 / 086349A1 proposes an energy steering chain that further develops this technology and is suitable for cleanroom applications. Due to the use of flexible hinge connections, this energy steering chain significantly reduces the release of wear particles.

[0003] However, a known problem is that the conduits guided in what may be low-wear energy steering chains also release particles during operation because the conduits move, bend, and rub against each other while in motion. For example, the cable sheath itself releases particles into the environment while in motion.

[0004] For this reason, it is known to enclose the piping in a dustproof manner. The applicant, in WO 2016 / 042134A1, proposed several extended piping guide devices for this purpose for cleanroom applications. One of these solutions (see Figures 10-16) is now available from the applicant (igus GmbH, D-51147). The product name is "e-skin". Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention now particularly relates to a pipeline guiding device or pipeline protection guiding device suitable for cleanroom applications, having a longitudinally elongated flexible sheath capable of reversible or reciprocating movement, typically capable of reversible or reciprocating movement between two sections forming a turning arc between a first connection point and a relative connection point. Here, the proposed sheath has a plurality of tubularly presented receiving portions for guiding at least one pipeline, wherein each receiving portion extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end in a channel manner, and the protection guiding device, together with the receiving portion, is mounted at the connection point.

[0006] This type of pipeline protection and guiding device is exemplified by the product name "WLGore & Associates". Under "Trackless High Flex", or under the product name "ChannelFLEX" by Hitachi Cable America Inc. TM "or EcoFlex" TM "The following is available. The latter variation of the pipeline protection guide device is considered here as general prior art, as illustrated, for example, in DE 10 2012 100290B4 and US 8,662,456 B2."

[0007] Typically, these known pipeline protection guiding devices are manufactured by laminating the pipeline between two membranes and then welding the membranes together to form a sheath. This type of production is known, for example, from WO 2004 / 049509 A2 (thereafter on page 11). It is also known to extrude the pipeline, especially the cable, into an additional sheath, as described, for example, in EP 0490 022 A2 or DE 11 2014005 554T5.

[0008] These types of conduit protection guides are technically simple to construct, compact in structure, and lightweight. However, compared to, for example, WO2016 / 042134 A1, they have significant disadvantages in use. Maintenance, especially replacing individual conduits or lines in conduit guides comprising multiple conduits or lines, is extremely time-consuming. In particular, individual conduits or lines cannot be replaced in the field with conduits pre-assembled to the desired plugs or connectors. Replacing individual conduits or lines with pre-assembled conduits to the desired plugs or connectors would greatly simplify maintenance and reduce costs. Instead, these types of conduit guides are typically updated entirely as a package, therefore, intact conduits must also be replaced. Furthermore, subsequent modifications to the installed conduit guides, such as adding other conduits, are not easily implemented.

[0009] In this context, the first task is to propose a relatively compact and / or lightweight pipeline guiding device that at least partially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the present invention aims to simplify the replacement and / or subsequent modifications of individual pipelines or individual pipeline lines.

[0010] In addition, a novel manufacturing method for this pipeline guiding device should be proposed.

[0011] First aspect

[0012] A method is proposed for manufacturing a pipeline guiding device for cleanroom applications, the pipeline guiding device having electrical conductors and a longitudinally elongated flexible sheath capable of reciprocating, particularly when a turning arc is formed between two sections, wherein the flexible sheath has a plurality of parallel receiving portions for at least one pipeline, wherein each receiving portion extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end in a channel-like manner; the method includes at least the following steps:

[0013] - Provide at least one conduit bundle consisting of continuous conduits; and

[0014] - Flexible packaging is available.

[0015] According to the present invention, the sheath is prefabricated, and the wiring harness is introduced into the receiving part of the prefabricated sheath, wherein

[0016] - The prefabricated sheath includes at least one, and more particularly multiple sheath units, each sheath unit having two cooperating closed profiles for dustproof closed-open states, with the tubing bundle being embedded laterally and longitudinally into the open sheath;

[0017] or

[0018] - The prefabricated sheath includes at least one, and more than one, sheath unit manufactured in a circumferentially closed manner, and the tubing bundle is pulled into the closed sheath unit in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] Therefore, these pipelines are not laminated or extruded together to form flat ribbon cables that are locked together with material, and thus can be easily and non-destructively replaced individually.

[0020] According to a further core concept, the sheath is prefabricated separately and a wiring harness is introduced into at least some receiving sections, wherein the sheath forms an outer cover for the wiring harness.

[0021] Another decisive advantage is that the cable bundle does not require its own outer sheath or has no such sheath. This saves unnecessary weight and allows for a reduction in the diameter of the cable bundle. Therefore, more cables can be embedded with the same cross-section of the receiving section.

[0022] Therefore, the basis of this invention is surprisingly simple in achieving a separate outer sheath, which, due to standard requirements, primarily provides mechanical protection for the conductors but is redundant for this type of conduit guiding device. This can be easily achieved by the sheath itself, i.e., by replacing it. Thus, the conduit bundle has a common sheath, and there are no additional outer sheaths between the conductor itself and the sheath.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the facility according to the invention, the conduit bundle consisting of continuous conduits comprises a core bundle consisting of at least two stranded cores, each core having its own insulation portion.

[0024] In particular, it can be configured so that all pipeline bundles do not have their own outer sheath.

[0025] The wiring harness can be configured to include an outer separator layer made of a material with sliding properties, preferably a fluoropolymer material on the outer side. This makes it particularly easy to pull it into a closed, manufactured (non-openable) sheath.

[0026] The outer separator layer can be implemented as a bandierung, particularly made of a PTFE-containing membrane or a strip of FTFE-containing nonwoven fabric. The bandierung can have at least one winding, particularly two windings in opposite directions. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to form the separator layer by enclosing the membrane parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0027] Preferably, the cable bundle comprises at least two highly flexible stranded cables, particularly stranded cables with a single wire diameter of <0.1 mm, especially ≤0.08 mm, and / or ultra-fine stranded cables, which is advantageous for a very long service life under multiple bending changes.

[0028] It can be configured such that the cable bundle includes at least two stranded cables having an insulation portion made of a fluoropolymer, such as PTFE, PFA, PVDF, ETFE, FEP or similar material, which provides its own sliding effect even without a wrapping portion, so as to, for example, make pulling in easier and / or reduce internal wear.

[0029] Tensile-resistant core elements can be provided in the cable harness, for example, to make it easier to pull in, or to avoid a central cavity when the cable harness is twisted with five or more cores.

[0030] The cable harness can include a core cable harness made of at least six strands or bundles of core wires.

[0031] In the method of using an openable sheath, after the cable harness is introduced, the open sheath can be closed in a dustproof manner by means of a closed profile.

[0032] It can be configured such that each sleeve unit is prefabricated and has two one-piece fastening straps on both sides, including the step of connecting the prefabricated sleeve units together in parallel to form a sleeve.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention offers the inherent advantage that each wiring harness can be alternatively introduced into the corresponding receiving part of the prefabricated sheath.

[0034] Furthermore, the prefabricated sleeve can be configured to have multiple sleeve units manufactured with a closed profile that functions together, especially sleeve units extruded in one piece in the open state; and / or sleeve units manufactured with multiple circumferential closures, especially sleeve units extruded as closed profiles.

[0035] It can be configured such that: each sleeve unit has two opposing, one-piece fastening straps, by means of which adjacent sleeve units are connected in parallel to each other; and / or the sleeve is composed of sleeve units made of flexible plastic, wherein each sleeve unit has a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] Second aspect

[0037] Based on an aspect that can be advantageously combined with the foregoing, but is also presented as an independent invention, a novel plastic sheath unit is proposed, namely a longitudinally flexible sheath for a pipeline guiding device, wherein the sheath unit forms at least one receiving portion for guiding at least one pipeline, the receiving portion extending longitudinally in a channel-like manner from a first end to a second end, and having a sheath wall made of flexible plastic.

[0038] The second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the sheath unit includes a first fastening band on one longitudinal side and a second fastening band on the other longitudinal side, wherein the fastening bands are matched to each other for a releasable connection, and the fastening bands are configured to be more flexible relative to the sheath wall, wherein the fastening bands are in particular made of a plastic that is harder than the sheath wall and / or have a configuration that is particularly more flexible.

[0039] This configuration offers considerable advantages in the practical operation of connecting and disconnecting individual sheath units, and also allows for a more robust yet non-destructive detachable connection.

[0040] In one extended embodiment, the fastening band and the sheath wall are manufactured as a single piece, consisting of a first plastic for the sheath wall and a harder second plastic for the fastening band, particularly in a co-extrusion process or by subsequent material locking between the fastening band and the sheath wall.

[0041] The sheath unit can also have at least one sliding friction reducing layer, at least on the outer side of the sheath wall and / or on the fastening band. In particular, for this purpose, a layer made of a third plastic having a smaller coefficient of friction than the first and second plastics can be used. The third plastic is preferably polyethylene, especially PE-HMW or PE-UHMW.

[0042] The coefficient of friction for plastic is a measured value obtained for hardened steel, with a roughness of Rz = 2.4 mm, a surface pressure between 0.15 and 1 MPa, and a sliding speed of 0.5 m / s.

[0043] For example, the sheath unit can be made from three different plastics in a three-extrusion process.

[0044] If the fastening band is implemented with conjugate positive and negative cross sections, the sliding friction reduction layer can be provided at least on the outside of the negative fastening band.

[0045] Alternatively or supplementally, the sliding friction reduction layer can cover at least one side of the main portion of the outer surface of the sheath wall.

[0046] It is advantageous if the sliding friction reducing layer has a thickness less than 20% of the sheath wall thickness.

[0047] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the sheathing unit is made of a single material from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), particularly from TPS, TPU, or TPO. The sheathing unit is preferably made of a TPE suitable for manufacture in a hot extrusion process.

[0048] Each receiving section can be provided with two longitudinally extending, cooperating closure strips for dustproof closure of the open state, wherein the tubing can be inserted into or removed from one of the receiving sections in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0049] Preferably, the fastening straps are configured to be interconnected in a connection direction that is transverse to longitudinal, so that multiple sleeve units having matching fastening straps can be loosely fastened by connecting the fastening straps in the connection direction that is transverse to longitudinal.

[0050] Combining the two configurations mentioned last, it is particularly practical in operation if the closure band can be closed or opened by a force that is substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the fastening band.

[0051] Other features

[0052] The pipeline protection and guiding device also proposes that the sheath, especially on the side of at least one receiving part, has at least one or more functional areas extending in the longitudinal direction, which provide additional functions, namely, the receiving part can be opened as needed, or a single receiving part can be selectively and completely replaced with a new pipeline, or a single sheath unit can be selectively and completely replaced with a new pipeline.

[0053] "Pipeline" can be understood as a bundle of pipelines, especially a continuous bundle of pipelines. In particular, it refers to the intention to partially replace a single pipeline, which is received by one or more encapsulation units with one or more receiving sections.

[0054] This can be achieved by providing a functional area with a closure for opening and closing one or more receivers, so that one or more lines can be inserted or removed laterally or radially, especially without disassembling the entire casing. Specifically, the functional area can have two co-operating closure profiles configured to close as dust-proofly as possible and to allow the receiver to be opened, in which the lines can be inserted or removed laterally in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Alternatively or supplementarily, according to the basic concept of the second aspect, the functional area or one functional area includes or forms a fastening band for loosening or installing at least a portion of the sleeve or receiving part as needed. In principle, the fastening band can be implemented according to any connection principle, by form-locking and / or force-locking, for non-destructive, detachable connection with the corresponding band or cooperating functional area. In particular, the fastening band can be implemented as a fastening strip or fastening profile.

[0056] Both of these approaches for functional expansion also allow for subsequent replacement or modification of pipelines already equipped with connectors, couplings, or similar devices without completely removing the casing to prevent particulate matter from escaping from the operating environment (e.g., in a cleanroom). Firstly, pipelines can be replaced without altering the casing. Secondly, only a portion of the casing is replaced along with the pipeline involved. Here, it is possible to replace individual receiving sections with one or more pipelines, or to replace the entire casing unit along with a pipeline line.

[0057] Each sheathing unit has at least one receiving portion for one or more pipelines or conduits. The receiving portion can, in particular, be tubular.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sheath comprises at least one sheath unit made of a soft, elastic or flexurally elastic plastic, the sheath unit preferably being implemented as a single piece. The sheath unit can also be composed of multiple pieces, for example, consisting of two symmetrical half-sleeves or similarly longitudinally divided tubes. A single-piece sheath unit is preferred here and improves, for example, the sealing performance, preventing particle escape.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, at least one functional area is integrally connected to the sheathing unit (i.e., detachable only by breaking). For this purpose, the functional area can be manufactured directly integrally with the sheathing unit, or it can be manufactured separately and then locked to the sheathing unit material by a joining process, such as by a suitable thermal bonding process (especially welding). Within the scope of the invention, in particular, a "simplified profile" without functional areas is manufactured separately on the one hand, and the functional areas are manufactured separately on the other hand, for example, by extrusion from different particularly suitable plastics, especially thermoplastics. The functional area can then be shape-locked to other parts of the sheathing unit in the longitudinal direction to form a single component, for example, by a welding process for welding plastics.

[0060] In one embodiment, particularly according to the second aspect, the sheath comprises multiple independent sheath units. Each sheath unit can respectively constitute a receiving portion and has a lateral fastening band, such as a strip or profile, integral with the sheath unit. Furthermore, the sheath unit can also include multiple receiving portions and have lateral fastening bands integral with the sheath unit. In this way, individual sheath units can be connected parallel to each other to form a sheath. In an extended embodiment, each sheath unit can have two lateral, integral fastening bands, by means of which adjacent sheath units can be connected parallel to each other. The fastening bands can be fitted together in a matching, for example, conjugate, or form-locking manner for direct mutual action. The fastening bands can also work in conjunction with individual fastening strips used for the mutual fastening of the sheath units.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the sheath is composed of a plurality of sheath units, each having the same or different number of receivers. Optionally, a single sheath unit can have multiple receivers, such that one sheath unit can receive exactly one tubing thread. This advantageously allows for the replacement of individual tubing threads within the sheath by changing the correspondingly assigned sheath unit. Here, bundles or groups of functionally related tubing (e.g., grouped according to wearability or service life) are referred to as tubing threads.

[0062] Each sheath unit can have two closed profiles that are one piece with the sheath unit, in the lateral direction, especially opposite to the fastening band.

[0063] In one embodiment, the closed profile of the sheath unit can be closed by form-locking and / or force-locking connection with the fastening bands of adjacent sheath units. This allows for a particularly secure closure, for example, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps if the closed profile fitted into the opposing fastening bands is too large. Alternatively, adjacent sheath units can be connected parallel to each other by separate, flexible fastening strips that work in conjunction with the fastening bands. In this way, the loosening and tightening (second aspect) of the closure (first aspect) are separate, meaning that separation of a sheath unit cannot lead to the accidental opening of adjacent sheath units, thus preventing the accidental release of abrasive particles.

[0064] In another embodiment, the sheathing unit comprises partitions forming a plurality of parallel receiving portions, and the sheathing unit has closures (first aspect), particularly at least two closure profiles integrally formed with the sheathing unit. In this way, assembly costs can be reduced, especially in applications with a large number of pipelines to be guided, because it is not necessary to provide a separate sheathing unit for each pipeline. In this embodiment, each receiving portion preferably has its own associated closure so that all pipelines can be accessed separately. For this purpose, a pair of cooperating closure profiles can be integrally formed with the sheathing unit on each receiving portion.

[0065] In the case of a sheath or sheath unit with a long guide length or particularly soft and flexible, a support chain, consisting of a single link, can be provided in at least one, preferably two, laterally outward receiving sections, which implement a turning radius for a preset turning arc and / or support an unsupported segment in the extended position.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, a fastening profile, acting as a fastening band, is provided on each narrow side of the sleeve, particularly as part of the divided sleeve units. Besides scalability, different types of support devices can be externally mounted to the fastening profile of the sleeve in this manner, or alternatively, as a support chain. Therefore, no available receiving channel is required for the support function. For this purpose, external support devices can be connected to the fastening profile on each narrow side of the sleeve, implemented with low wear to pre-determine the turning radius of the steering arc and / or support unsupported sections in the extended position. Preferably, each support device has a support band and a stop element perpendicular to it, particularly a T-shaped stop element, whose T-arm is located radially inward in the steering arc or in the stop in the extended position. The support band is preferably at the height of the neutral axis.

[0067] In particular, according to the second aspect of having a fastening function (or not having an opening function), one embodiment is configured such that the sleeve comprises a plurality of independent, circumferentially closed sleeve units. Each sleeve unit can constitute exactly one receiving portion. Each sleeve unit can have two fastening straps, one piece with the sleeve unit, positioned on opposite sides as a fastening functional area. Here, the fastening straps can be implemented to work together in a form-locking manner for direct mutual engagement, for example, in the form of a zipper or sliding closure or similar, or to work together in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner with the individual fastening straps.

[0068] The sheathing unit (which also has a combination of closing and fastening functions) based on each of these two aspects can have a cross-section that remains constant in the longitudinal direction. This allows for the manufacture of profiles using an extrusion process, preferably with soft or flexible plastics. Here, functional areas can be extruded separately if necessary.

[0069] For example, if a functional area has two conjugate, longitudinally continuous, unchanging closed profiles made of plastic that fit together, and these closed profiles function together as pressure-sealed or toothless sliding-sealed portions, then the functional area serving as a sealing portion can be manufactured, for example, by extrusion. Each closed profile can include two mating profiles, thereby forming a double sealing portion.

[0070] According to the second aspect, two laterally opposed functional areas can be provided, each having a fastening profile, wherein the fastening profile preferably implements a form-locking connection, such as a keyway connection or a similar connection, which can only be released in the longitudinal direction. This can prevent unintentional detachment of the housing unit during operation.

[0071] Preferably, adjacent receiving sections are connected or coupled parallel to each other through a strip-shaped intermediate region with a pre-defined neutral axis. Alternatively or additionally, the interface is preferably located at the height of the neutral axis of the enclosure relative to each closure of the jointly functioning closed profile. The neutral axis should extend centrally through the cross-section of the receiving section.

[0072] On the end side, a clamping device can be provided on the sheath, which closes the sheath and, if necessary, seals the pipeline in the axial direction to prevent dust particles from escaping. In a typical application, at least two pipelines, and often a large number of pipelines, are guided separately in their respective receiving sections and are enclosed by the sheath as dust-proof as possible. No particles should escape from the end side.

[0073] The invention also relates to a sheath unit as a single component for manufacturing a sheath. The sheath unit is made of plastic, particularly a soft, elastic or flexurally elastic plastic, and has at least one tubular receiving portion for guiding at least one conduit, the receiving portion extending longitudinally in a channel-like manner from a first end to a second end.

[0074] Based on the combined configuration of the two aspects mentioned at the beginning: the sheathing unit includes two cooperating closed profiles extending longitudinally on one longitudinal side for a dust-proof closed-open state, in which the tubing can be inserted into or removed from the receiving part transversely in the longitudinal direction; and on the other longitudinal side includes a longitudinally extending fastening band for a releasable connection to another sheathing unit by means of a corresponding functional area of ​​the other sheathing unit, particularly by form-locking and / or force-locking. Here, the sheathing unit can form a plurality of receiving parts, particularly parallel and tubular, for separately guiding at least one corresponding tubing, or each forming exactly one receiving part.

[0075] In one embodiment, only the second aspect (fastening function) is provided. In this embodiment, the sleeve unit has a first fastening profile on one longitudinal side and a second fastening profile on the other longitudinal side, and the fastening profiles are matched to each other to perform a detachable connection by form-locking and / or force-locking, thereby detachably fastening multiple sleeve units with the same fastening profile to each other. In the case of fastening profiles with the same structure, strips or profiles are particularly considered, wherein the sleeve unit can have a strip on the first longitudinal side and a profile on the second longitudinal side, wherein the strip of the first sleeve unit can be connected to the profile of the second sleeve unit by form-locking and / or force-locking. Here, the first sleeve unit can be constructed in the same way as the second sleeve unit, or, for example, have a different number of receiving parts.

[0076] In another embodiment, the sheathing unit has a first fastening profile on one longitudinal side and a second fastening profile on the other longitudinal side, wherein the fastening profiles are mutually matched to perform a detachable connection by form locking and / or force locking, so as to detachably fasten multiple sheathing units with the same structure to each other.

[0077] Furthermore, the sheathing unit can form multiple or exactly one tubular receiving section for separately guiding at least one corresponding conduit or conduit line. This embodiment is advantageous if the sheathing unit is manufactured in a closed manner around the receiving section in the circumferential direction, thereby reliably preventing the escape of particles at the operating position. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, other details and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter:

[0079] Figure 1A-1B A first embodiment of a movable pipeline protection guide with a flexible sheath, in a partial view of the end region, shows a partial break ( Figure 1A ), and the typical arrangement of pipeline protection guides or pipeline guides in a schematic side view.

[0080] Figure 2 An example of a bundle of four single-core wires twisted together to form a continuous conduit;

[0081] Figure 3 : By according to Figure 2 The wrapping portion formed by the opposite winding of stranded single-core wires is used to manufacture cable bundles without their own outer sheath.

[0082] Figure 4 :according to Figure 3 The schematic method steps of pulling the pipeline bundle into a closed prefabricated sheath unit are used to manufacture a sheath for a dynamic pipeline guiding device for dust protection.

[0083] Figures 5A-5B As an alternative method step, lateral placement based on Figure 3 The tubing bundle is connected to the openable sheath unit. Figure 5B The exemplary closed state of two sheathing units, which are subsequently connected to each other, is used to manufacture a sheath for a dynamic pipeline guiding device for dust protection. Figures 5A-5B A preferred variation of the prefabricated sheath unit, which can be opened or closed, is shown;

[0084] Figure 6 According to a purely schematic perspective view Figure 4 or Figures 5A-5B The casing is manufactured based on the principle of [the principle of the casing].

[0085] Figures 7A-7C A preferred variant of the closed prefabricated enclosure unit (as a so-called single-compartment);

[0086] Figures 8A-8C A variation of the sheathing unit, featuring sliding friction reduction layers in different regions on the outer side;

[0087] Figures 9A-9D Other embodiments include a casing unit having multiple receiving sections.

[0088] Furthermore, the sheathing units are detachably connected to each other via a lateral fastening profile;

[0089] Figure 10A-10D A particularly preferred embodiment has a preferred cross-section of a sheathing unit and associated functional areas, the sheathing unit having a plurality of individually fillable receiving portions; and

[0090] Figure 11-12 As Figure 10A-10D Other embodiments of the variant. Detailed Implementation

[0091] Figure 1A-1B A first embodiment of a reciprocating pipeline protection guide for a pipeline (not shown) is schematically illustrated. The pipeline protection guide has a longitudinally extending flexible sheath 100, which consists of a plurality of individual sheath units 101 made of plastic. Each sheath unit 101 is made of a flexible, soft, elastic plastic, particularly a thermoplastic, such as PE, PU, ​​TPU, PTFE, expanded PTFE, PP, or similar materials. Each sheath unit 101 has a constant cross-section extending through it perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The sheath unit 101 can be inexpensively manufactured as a cable product, for example, using suitable plastic extrusion technology, and cut to suitable lengths, for example, from about 100 mm to about 1500 mm. Structurally identical sheath units 101 form a generally cylindrical receiving portion 102 internally for the protective guidance of the pipeline; for this purpose, the sheath unit is implemented as a tubular wall region 103 with a thin wall relative to the cross-section of the receiving portion 102. The receiving portions 102 of the flexible sheath 100 are spatially separated from each other, so that no wear can occur between the parallel lines therein.

[0092] Figure 1A Also shown is one of two end-side clamping devices 130 with two clamping members 131, 132, between which all the sheathing units 101 of the sheath 100, together with the tubing (not shown) guided therein, are dustproofly locked in the end-side and axial directions, for example by means of clamping screws. The clamping device 130 can simultaneously reduce the tension on the tubing (not shown) and can be implemented using known construction methods, such as those similar to the teachings introduced in this regard from DE 10 2012 100 290B4.

[0093] Figure 1A One of two support chains 135 is shown, which is received in the receiving portions 102 of two laterally external sheathing units 101 and consists of a single link. The optional support chain 135 can, on the one hand, pre-determine the turning arc 4 (…). Figure 1B The minimum permissible radius is set to prevent bending, and on the other hand, the movable section, such as the upper section 1, can be increased by stopping the link in the extended position. Figure 1B The unsupported length of the sleeve 100 in )

[0094] Figure 1B A dustproof sleeve 100 is schematically shown (e.g., according to...) Figure 1A An extension of a dynamic pipeline guiding device (one of which) is provided, the pipeline guiding device forming a movable upper section 1 and a fixed lower section 3. Between them, a sheath 100 forms a turning arc 4 with a predetermined bending radius around an imaginary axis A. As the upper section 1 moves with the movable joint 7, the turning arc 4 moves relative to the fixed joint 5 along a single segment. However, the spatial position is arbitrary, and the sheath 100 can also move vertically or laterally. Both ends of the sheath 100 are sealed in a dustproof manner, for example by means of... Figure 1A The clamping device. The sleeve 100 is integrally tubular and implemented with sufficient flexibility, especially through appropriate configuration and / or material selection, allowing reversible flexible bending of the turning arc 4 with minimal force expenditure and following the movement of the movable joint 7 with minimal resistance.

[0095] Figures 9A-9D A casing 900, consisting of a plurality of individual casing units 901, is schematically shown. Each casing unit 901 constitutes one or more receiving units 902. Figure 5A Conversely, in 5B, the sheathing unit 901 is closed in both the longitudinal direction L and the circumferential direction, i.e., implemented with a sheathing wall 903 that continuously surrounds one or more receiving portions 902. The sheathing wall 903 is implemented, for example, in the form of a tube, a flexible tube, or a similar form, having a lens-shaped or double-pointed ellipse, or also an elliptical, oblong, or circular cross-section. Preferably, according to... Figures 9A-9D A lens-shaped cross-section is used for the configuration of the receiving section 902. In particular, this can be formed by two identical circular segments assembled on a chord symmetrical about the neutral axis. This cross-sectional shape reduces wrinkle formation, i.e., wear in the turning arc. The sheathing unit 901 is made at least primarily of a flexible, permanently elastic, and resilient plastic, especially extruded, for example, from expanded PTFE.

[0096] according to Figures 9A-9D The encapsulation unit 901 cannot be opened in a non-destructive manner, i.e., it is related to... Figure 11Unlike section 12, the conduit must be threaded in either the axial or longitudinal direction. However, this reliably prevents unintentional particle escape during maintenance. Maintenance is simplified and scalable thanks to the sheath unit 901, which lacks a sealing function on the receiving section 902, relying solely on a fastening mechanism or functional areas 920, 921 that work together to parallelly fasten individual sheath units 901. Here, each sheath unit 901 can, for example, have a matching conduit line, allowing for the replacement of pre-installed conduit lines with plugs or the like independently of different conduit lines by changing the sheath unit 901.

[0097] according to Figures 9A-9D Each sheath unit 901 has functional areas 920 facing each other on both sides. These functional areas are either manufactured as a single piece with a closed sheath wall 903 or subsequently connected to the sheath wall and extend through the longitudinal direction L. Functional areas 920 and 921 each have a fastening profile and / or fastening strip as a fastening band for releasable connection by form-locking and / or force-locking. Functional areas 920 and 921 are implemented in conjunction to detach or attach sheath unit 901 to adjacent sheath units as needed. The following describes... Figure 10A-10D Explain the appropriate construction method.

[0098] Figure 9B-9D An example is shown with two connected sheathing units 901, wherein the first sheathing unit 901 constitutes three receiving sections 902. Figure 9B In the middle, the second encapsulation unit 901 also has three receiving units 902. Figure 9C In the middle, the second packaging unit 901 has two receiving parts 902, while Figure 9D The sleeve unit 901 has a receiving section 902. Different numbers of receiving sections 902 formed by the sleeve unit 901 allow the sleeve unit 901 to match conduit lines (not shown), and in particular, to match the number of conduits (not shown) within the conduit lines (not shown). Therefore, by configuring an appropriate number of receiving sections 902 within the sleeve unit 901 as needed, it is possible to replace individual conduit lines (not shown) as needed by replacing the sleeve unit 901.

[0099] For example, fastening profiles can be used as functional areas 920 and 921, which have a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction L to achieve extrusion. Functional areas 920 and 921 also extend in a strip-like form, opposite each other on both sides of the casing wall 903 in a plane. The fastening strips of functional areas 920 and 921 are implemented in a pressure-sealing manner, having fastening profiles that engage with each other, similar to, for example, a pressure-sealed bag. Functional areas 920 and 921 work together for fastening, and if necessary, separate fastening strips connect the fastening profiles or fastening strips.

[0100] Preferably, functional regions 920 and 921 are integrally manufactured with the housing wall 903 via an extrusion process, or from a uniform material, or from different plastics; for example, functional regions 920 and 921 may use flexible but strong or rigid plastics. Functional regions 920 and 921 can be manufactured separately, for example by extrusion or injection molding, and integrally connected to the remaining contour of the housing unit 901, for example by through-welding in the longitudinal direction using suitable techniques. Preferably, the housing wall 903 and functional regions 920 and 921 are made of thermoplastic plastic.

[0101] Figure 10A-10D Another particularly preferred embodiment of the sheathing unit 1001 is shown, the sheathing unit being Figure 5A A variation of the principle in 5B. The sheathing unit 1001 here is also made of flexible, resilient plastic, preferably extruded, and has multiple, for example, three receiving portions 1002 for the conduit 6 in a closed state. Figure 10B Here, the sheathing unit 1001 has a corresponding functional region 1010 for each receiving part 1002, which is implemented as a closure portion, particularly as a strip-shaped closure bar, having two conjugate closure or mating profiles therein, namely hook-shaped profiles 1011, which can fit into claw-shaped profiles 1012. Hook-shaped profiles 1011 and claw-shaped profiles 1012 are each provided with at least one undercut, preferably two symmetrical undercuts, and fit into each other with a barb function, i.e., relatively easy to close or connect, but can only be loosened with significantly greater force.

[0102] Furthermore, the sheathing unit 1001 also has corresponding functional areas 1020 or 1021 on two opposing narrow sides, for modularly fastening multiple sheathing units 1001 with corresponding functional areas 1020 or 1021 having the same structure laterally side by side in one position or on a support device. The fastening bands or strips 1020, 1021 are also implemented here as claw-shaped profiles 1022 or hook-shaped profiles 1025, similar to or structurally identical to the enclosed functional area 1010.

[0103] Figure 10C-10DA schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of hook-shaped profile 1011 and claw-shaped profile 1012 is shown. These hook-shaped and claw-shaped profiles can also be structurally identically used to enclose functional areas 1020 and 1021. Hook-shaped profile 1011 and claw-shaped profile 1012 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction... Figure 10C-10D The plane) has a constant cross-section and is implemented as a flexible strip or flexible band, the flexible strip or flexible band in the turning arc 4 ( Figure 1B The hook-shaped profile 1011 is flexible around axis A. The hook-shaped profile 1011 is implemented as a symmetrical double-hook profile relative to the neutral axis N, such as the arrow shape, mushroom head shape, or similar shape shown here, and each has a corresponding undercut or lateral concave portion on the dorsal side. The dorsal side 1027 can extend rearward at an angle relative to the plane of symmetry and the connection direction to enhance the effect as a barb or reliably prevent unintentional loosening. The claw-shaped profile 1012 is correspondingly symmetrical in cross-section relative to the neutral axis N. The claw-shaped profile 1012 has an internal receiving portion that matches or is conjugate to the hook-shaped profile 1011, which has a matching cross-section and undercut, wherein the receiving portion can be implemented undersized to achieve force locking. Around this receiving portion, the claw-shaped profile 1012 forms two claw-shaped strips or bands that grip and hold the rear of the hook-shaped profile 1011 like pliers. Other structural forms, such as the hook-shaped profile 1011 or the claw-shaped profile 1012, may also be considered, particularly toothless zippers made of plastic, especially those with known designs of sliding or pressure-sealed sections. These structural forms can be used interchangeably for fastening functional areas 1020 and 1021. Preferably, zippers 1010 or 1020 and 1021 are those with mutually mating components having a substantially uniform cross-section along their entire length and operating without a slider, as this structural form can be easily achieved through an extrusion process.

[0104] like Figure 10A-10D As shown, it is particularly advantageous to arrange the closed functional area 1010 and the fastening functional area 1020 or 1021 at the height of the neutral axis N. The neutral axis N, also called the zero line, refers to the neutral line at the height of the neutral axis, especially at the turning arc 4 ( Figure 1B A cross-sectional layer whose length does not change during the movement of a bending process, that is, a layer that maintains a constant size in the longitudinal direction when bending.

[0105] The enclosed functional area 1010 and the fastening functional area 1020 or 1021 can be manufactured in the same way as the wall material of the receiving part 1002, or made of a relatively flexible plastic, for example, by a co-extrusion process, in order to increase the overall stability of the connection and the sheath unit 1001.

[0106] Figure 11A variation with a sleeve unit 1101 is shown, in which the fastening functional areas 1120 or 1121 are based on... Figure 10A-10D The principle is implemented as described above. Instead, the fastening functional area 1110 is implemented as a double-hook mating profile. Typically, functional areas 1010, 1020, or 1021, or 1110, 1120, or 1121 have a structural height in the cross-section in the range of millimeters, for example from 1.5 mm to about 3 mm.

[0107] Figure 12 It also shows relative to Figure 10A-10D The basic difference between the variants is that... Figure 12 Each of the enclosing units 1201 forms a receiving section that can be individually opened and closed. In addition to the corresponding closing functional area 1210, it has a similar... Figure 10A-10D The hook-shaped profile 1211 and the claw-shaped profile 1212, in Figure 12 In this process, each individual receiving part also has its own fastening profile on each narrow side, for example, a claw-shaped profile 1222 or a hook-shaped profile 1221.

[0108] Back Figure 2-6 A preferred manufacturing method for a flat strip tubing is now proposed, the flat strip tubing being usable as a... Figure 1A-1B Piping guidance devices used in cleanrooms.

[0109] Figure 2-3 Multiple single-core wires 20 are shown, comprising highly flexible stranded tubing having a single-wire diameter of ≤0.08 mm for each strand 21. The single-core wires 20 are stranded in a manner known per se, particularly in that the laying length is adapted to the stranded tubing. Each strand has its own suitable insulation portion 22. The stranding structure of the single-core wires 20 (…) Figure 2 (The right side of the middle) is then wrapped, preferably with two strips or tapes made of PTFE membrane 23, which are wound in opposite directions, such as... Figure 3 As shown on the right.

[0110] The resulting pipeline bundle 30 ( Figure 3 The left side of the cable harness (30) does not have its own outer casing and can be supplied, for example, from a cable manufacturer. The technology used to manufacture this cable harness 30 ( Figure 3 The left side of the cable harness (as described above) is known in itself, but (unlike relevant standards) an outer sheath is intentionally omitted here, which is typically applied to the cable harness 30 by extrusion. The cable harness can further have components not shown here, such as a braided layer for shielding, a tensile core element, etc.

[0111] Figure 4This illustrates one of two steps in manufacturing a pipeline guiding device for cleanroom applications in the sense of this invention. According to... Figure 4 Prefabricated enclosures are provided. Taking multiple enclosure units 901 as an example, as described above... Figures 9A-9C The description is as follows. Therefore, the prefabricated sheath 900 has at least one circumferentially closed sheath unit 901, which has one or more receiving portions 902. In the case of the closed-formed sheath unit 901, the cable bundle 30 is loosely, or rather, with free space from the sheath wall 903, pulled longitudinally L into the closed sheath unit, for example, using a traction cable or suitable technique. The sheath unit 901 can be connected to or before the sheath 900 (see reference). Figures 9A-9D This allows for the manufacture of a conduit guiding device with multiple electrical wires 30, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram.

[0112] Alternatively, such as Figures 5A-5B As shown, an openable and closable sheathing unit 501 can be used, which has two cooperating closed profiles 511 and 512 with closure portions. In relation to... Figure 11 In the variant shown here, the closed portion 510 has only one contour strip that fits into it, but other features are... Figure 11 quite.

[0113] The closure 510 is used to close the open state in a dustproof manner. In the open state, the sheath unit 501 can be manufactured by extrusion.

[0114] According to Figures 5A-5B In the manufacturing method, for example, according to Figure 2-3 The provided conduit bundle 30 is inserted laterally into the open sheath unit 501, and then as follows: Figures 5A-5B The closed sheath unit 501 is shown. Similarly, in this manner, it is possible to manufacture a unit having multiple electrical conductors 30 (such as...). Figure 5B The diagram schematically shows a pipeline guiding device with only two pipelines (30). The sheath unit 501 can be connected to or preceding the sheath 500 (see reference). Figure 5B ).

[0115] Figures 7A-7B It shows in Figure 4 Enlarged views of two variations of the preferred sheathing unit 901 used, wherein the surrounding sheathing wall 903 is made of the same material as the functional areas 920, 921 for lateral fastening. Figure 7C A variation is shown in which functional areas 920, 921 (as illustrated in Figures 9-10) are instead made of a different plastic that is harder than the sheath wall 903.

[0116] Figures 8A-8CA sliding friction reducing layer made of a third plastic, particularly PE-HMW or PE-UHMW, is shown, having a relative relationship with the first and second plastics ( Figure 7C A lower coefficient of slip. This manufacturing process can be achieved, for example, using a triple extrusion process with three different plastics. Figure 8A In this case, the sliding friction reduction layer 801 is only provided on the outside of the sheath wall 903.

[0117] exist Figure 8B In the middle, a sliding friction reduction layer 802 is also completely surrounding the functional areas 920 and 921 used for lateral fastening.

[0118] Figure 8C It shows the Figures 5A-5B A variation, the sliding friction reduction layer 803 almost completely surrounds the male hook connector 521, but is not on it. It can also be located inside the receiving section ( Figures 8A-8C (not shown in the image), that is, on the side of the sheath wall 503 or 903 facing the pipeline 30, an additional sliding friction reduction layer, especially PE-HMW or PE-UHMW, is provided.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a line guide for clean room applications, the line guide having an electrical line and a flexible sleeve (100; 500; 900) which is reciprocally movable with a turning arc (4) between two sections (1, 3), wherein, The flexible jacket (100; 500; 900) has a plurality of parallel receiving sections (902; 1002; 1102) for at least one pipeline each, wherein each receiving section (902; 1002; 1102) extends channel-like in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end; the method comprises at least the steps of: - providing at least one pipeline bundle (30) consisting of continuous pipelines; and - providing the flexible jacket (100; 500; 900); characterized in that the jacket (100; 500; 900) is prefabricated and the pipeline bundle (30) is introduced into the receiving sections (902; 1002; 1102) of the prefabricated jacket (100; 500; 900), wherein the at least one pipeline bundle (30) consisting of continuous pipelines comprises a core bundle made of at least two stranded core wires (20) each having its own insulation (22), wherein the at least one pipeline bundle (30) does not have a corresponding own outer covering, wherein - the prefabricated jacket (100; 500) comprises at least one jacket unit (101; 501) having two jointly acting closure contours (511, 512) of a closure (510) for dust-tight closure of an open state, and the pipeline bundle (30) is inserted into the open jacket (100; 500) transversely to the longitudinal direction (L); or - the prefabricated jacket (900) comprises at least one jacket unit (901) manufactured circumferentially closed, and the pipeline bundle (30) is pulled into the closed jacket unit (901) in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the pipeline bundle (30) comprises an outer separating layer (23) of a material having sliding properties, wherein the material having sliding properties comprises a fluoropolymer on the outside.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The outer separating layer (23) is embodied as a wrap-around.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The wrap-around consists of a strip of PTFE-containing film or PTFE-containing nonwoven.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The wrap-around has at least one winding.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, - the pipeline bundle (30) comprises at least two highly flexible stranded pipelines and / or ultrafine stranded pipelines; and / or - the pipeline bundle (30) comprises at least two stranded pipelines having an insulation (22) made of a fluoropolymer; and / or - the pipeline bundle (30) has a tensile core element.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The fluoropolymer is PTFE, PFA, PVDF, ETFE or FEP.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, The pipeline bundle (30) comprises stranded pipelines having a single wire diameter of < 0.1 mm.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The pipeline bundle (30) comprises a core bundle consisting of at least six layer-stranded or bundle-stranded core wires (20).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The open jacket (100; 500) is closed dust-tight by means of the closure contours (511, 512) after the introduction of the pipeline bundle (30).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each jacket unit (101; 501; 901) is prefabricated and has two oppositely situated fastening strips (520, 521; 920, 921) in one piece with the jacket unit (101; 501; 901), the method comprising the step of connecting the prefabricated jacket units (101; 501; 901) parallel to one another into a jacket (100; 500; 900).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each tube bundle (30) is introduced replaceably into a corresponding receiving portion (902; 1002; 1102) of the prefabricated jacket (100; 500; 900).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The prefabricated jacket (500; 900) - has a plurality of jacket units (501) which are respectively manufactured with a jointly acting closed profile (511, 512); and / or - has a plurality of jacket units (901) which are respectively manufactured closed in the circumferential direction; and / or - each jacket unit (501; 901) has two oppositely situated fastening strips (520, 521; 920, 921) in one piece with the jacket unit (501; 901), by means of which fastening strips adjacent jacket units (501; 901) can be connected parallel to one another; and / or - the jacket (500; 900) consists of jacket units (501; 901) made of a flexurally elastic plastic, wherein each jacket unit (501; 901) has a constant cross section in the longitudinal direction (L).

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The jacket unit (501) is a jacket unit (501) which is extruded in one piece in an open state.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein, The jacket unit (901) is a jacket unit (901) which is extruded as a closed profile.

15. A pipeline guide for a pipeline, having a longitudinally flexible sheath (100; 500; 900) reciprocally movable with a turning arc (4) between two sections (1, 3), and having a plurality of receptacles (902; 1002; 1102) for at least one pipeline each, wherein Each receiving portion (902; 1002; 1102) extends channel-like in the longitudinal direction (L) from a first end to a second end; characterized in that the jacket (100; 500; 900) is prefabricated separately and in at least some receiving portions (902; 1002; 1102) respectively a tube bundle (30) is introduced, wherein at least one tube bundle (30) consisting of continuous tubes comprises a bundle of at least two twisted core wires (20) which respectively have their own insulation (22), wherein the at least one tube bundle (30) does not have a corresponding own outer jacket, wherein the jacket (100; 500; 900) forms an outer jacket for the tube bundle (30), wherein the tube bundle (30) comprises an outer separating layer (23) of a material having sliding properties, wherein the material having sliding properties comprises a polymer on the outside.

16. The line guide of claim 15, wherein, The tube guide device is suitable for clean room applications.

17. The line guide of claim 15, wherein, Each tube bundle of continuous tubes comprises a bundle of at least two twisted core wires which respectively have their own insulation; and each tube bundle (30) does not have a corresponding own outer jacket.

18. The line guide of claim 15, wherein, The outer separating layer is embodied as a wrap.

19. The line guide of claim 18, wherein, The wrap consists of a strip of PTFE-containing film or PTFE-containing nonwoven.

20. The line guide of claim 19, wherein, The wrap has at least one winding. The wrap consists of a strip of PTFE-containing film or PTFE-containing nonwoven. The wrap has at least one winding.

21. The line guide device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that - the line bundle (30) comprises at least two high-flexibility stranded lines, and / or ultrafine stranded lines; and / or - the line bundle (30) comprises at least two stranded lines having an insulation made of a fluoropolymer; and / or - the line bundle (30) has a tensile core element.

22. The line guide of claim 21, wherein, The fluoropolymer is PTFE, PFA, PVDF, ETFE or FEP.

23. The line guide of claim 21, wherein, The line bundle (30) comprises stranded lines having a single wire diameter of < 0.1 mm.

24. The line guide of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The line bundle (30) comprises a core bundle consisting of at least six layers of stranded or bundled core wires (20).

25. The line guide of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, Each line bundle (30) is replaceably introduced into a corresponding receiving portion (902; 1002; 1102) of the prefabricated sheath (100; 500; 900).

26. The line guide of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein, The prefabricated sheath (500; 900) - has a plurality of sheath units (501) which are respectively manufactured with jointly acting closed profiles (511, 512); and / or - has a plurality of circumferentially closed manufactured sheath units (901); and / or - each sheath unit (501; 901) has two oppositely situated, one-piece fastening strips (520, 521; 920, 921) with the sheath unit (501; 901), by means of which adjacent sheath units (501; 901) can be connected parallel to one another; and / or - the sheath (500; 900) consists of sheath units (501; 901) made of a flexurally elastic plastic, wherein each sheath unit (501; 901) has a constant cross section in the longitudinal direction (L).

27. The line guide of claim 26, wherein, The sheath unit (501) is a one-piece extruded sheath unit (501) in the open state.

28. The line guide of claim 26, wherein, The sheath unit (901) is a closed profile extruded sheath unit (901).

29. A line guide for a clean room manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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