Energy guiding chain with flexible articulated connectors, as well as side plates and articulated connectors therefor

Abstract

An energy guide chain (1; 101) with flexible articulated connectors and a side plate (2, 3; 6; 103) and an articulated connector (5) therefor. The side plate (2, 3; 6) is self-symmetrical in its stop face, each side plate (2, 3; 6) comprising two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with a stop face (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B or 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with a corresponding stop face (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B or 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B). According to an aspect, the two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) and the two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are symmetrically arranged on the side plate (2, 3; 6), in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to a height plane (S1) of the side plate (2, 3; 6) or rotationally symmetrically with respect to a height axis (H; R). According to an aspect, the articulated connector (5) for the side plate has a plate-like main body with an elastically flexible articulated region (52), two oppositely outwardly arched material regions (521, 522) with a cavity (523) therebetween and two opposite end-side fastening regions (51A, 51B). Here, the fastening regions (51A, 51B) are embodied in cross-section for a torque-proof form-fit in fastening receptacles (25; 35) and / or have a flattened and / or curved abutment face (54) on the end side. According to an aspect, the energy guide chain (101) is configured such that the chain segments (130) comprising at least two plate strands (150, 160, 170) comprising at least more than three adjacent chain links (102) are overall composed of plates (103) which are structurally identical to one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to the field of energy directing chains for guiding conduits, such as cables, hoses, or the like, between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. Energy directing chains are typically used to dynamically and protectively guide supply lines to movable consumers.

[0002] The present invention particularly relates to an energy guiding chain, wherein the side plates are interconnected by at least one predetermined flexible, elastic hinge element and are capable of bending relative to each other. Background Technology

[0003] An energy steering chain with flexible hinged connectors, or hinged elements, capable of elastic deformation in the bending direction of the side plates, has been proposed in WO 02 / 086349A1 and has been successfully implemented in the market since then. The significant advantages of this type of energy steering chain are low wear operation due to the avoidance of conventional hinged / bolted connections between the side plates and high operational smoothness due to the elastic action of the hinged elements. Furthermore, the feasibility of a relatively short chain pitch also enables low-vibration movement during rolling due to reduced polygonal effects.

[0004] Therefore, energy guiding devices of this class are particularly suitable for use in cleanrooms, but not only for this purpose.

[0005] Similar energy-guiding chains have also been proposed in EP1351362A2 and DE 10 2006 011 229 A1, or US7,204,075B2, where, however, they also feature hinged connectors molded onto the plate. In contrast, the use of separate hinge elements according to WO 02 / 086349A1 allows for a more advantageous selection of the plastic of both the corresponding plate and the hinge element.

[0006] Typically, in the aforementioned known solutions, each plate cable includes successive side plates connected to each other by at least one flexible hinge element and capable of bending relative to each other. The plate cables are interconnected and kept parallel on at least some opposing side plates by transverse tabs. The transverse tabs and side plates outwardly define a receiving space for the pipeline to be guided.

[0007] In known energy steering chains, the side plates are also provided with stop surfaces that abut against each other in the elongated relative positions of the side plates (especially in the unsupported upper section) and additional stop surfaces that abut against each other in the fully bent relative positions of the side plates (in the turning arc between the two sections of the energy steering chain).

[0008] At least in the widely adopted solution according to WO 02 / 086349A1, this is achieved by: a laterally projecting protrusion of one side panel engaging with a corresponding, recessed pocket of an adjacent side panel, wherein the protrusion and the pocket function together as a stop. This is accomplished in the following manner: in an elongated relative position, at least a first stop surface of the protrusion functions together with a first corresponding stop surface of the pocket. In a fully bent relative position, at least a second stop surface of the protrusion functions together with a corresponding second corresponding stop surface of the pocket.

[0009] The configuration according to WO 02 / 086349A1 has proven itself well. However, a drawback is that maintaining the straightest possible orientation of the energy guide chain, especially the upper section, can be difficult due to manufacturing tolerances. This is because two different side plates are used in two opposing plate cables, which are implemented with respect to the longitudinal midplane (moving plane) of the energy guide chain and are mirror-symmetrical to each other. Therefore, instead of identical or consistent side plates in both plates, separate manufacturing is required, particularly side plates manufactured in two mirror-shaped injection molds. This, however, can result in minute dimensional differences, leading to different chain pitches and / or slightly different stop geometries in the two cable sections.

[0010] To address this issue, WO2012 / 131033A1 proposes an extension whereby all side plates of the energy guiding chain should be configured symmetrically, at least with respect to the surface acting as a stop. Specifically, WO2012 / 131033A1 suggests using two different types of side plates in each cable, where both types are used equally in both cables due to their symmetry. This reliably eliminates differences in the geometry or length of the two cables caused by tolerances, ensuring a consistently straight orientation for both segments.

[0011] The energy steering chain from WO2012 / 131033A1 has the features of the preamble of claim 1 and is considered the closest prior art. In practice, it has been demonstrated that the configuration according to WO2012 / 131033A1 can be further improved in terms of its lateral stability. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the first objective of the present invention is to further develop, in particular, the energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to WO2012 / 131033A1, which has a flexible and elastic articulation element, in order to achieve both the straightest possible orientation of the segment and high lateral stability. According to the first aspect, this first objective is achieved using the features of the characteristic portion of claim 1 or the side plate according to claim 16.

[0013] A separate second objective of the invention is to provide an extension of the flexible articulated connector, or articulated element, for energy steering chains of this class, regardless of the configuration of the side plates. This objective is achieved according to the separate second aspect by the articulated connector according to claim 20, which can also be advantageously used in energy steering chains known in the prior art.

[0014] First aspect

[0015] The aforementioned task has been solved in its simplest implementation in an energy steering chain according to this category, with side plates that are functionally symmetrical (i.e., symmetrically implemented at least on their stop-like surfaces), by means of two protrusions and two pockets, which in particular can act as stop-like surfaces in conjunction with the corresponding adjacent side plates. Here, the two protrusions and two pockets of the same side plate are arranged symmetrically on the side plate, respectively. This symmetrical arrangement can be selected as mirror symmetry with respect to the height plane, particularly the mid-height plane of the side plate, or rotational symmetry with respect to the height axis, particularly the mid-height axis of the side plate. Therefore, it is proposed to combine the self-symmetrical configuration of the functionally critical stop surface with a suitable symmetrical arrangement of the two protrusions and two pockets in one corresponding and the same side plate. The pockets can be designed as, or referred to as, slots.

[0016] This surprisingly simple measure enables a significant improvement in lateral stability without the need for separately manufactured plates, mirror-images relative to the longitudinal midplane of the chain, in the two plate cables, as is known from WO 02 / 086349A1. Additionally, the advantages known from symmetry according to WO2012 / 131033A1 are realized. Besides improved lateral stability, operational safety is also enhanced, as breakage or loosening of the hinged connector does not easily cause the plate to detach from the cable. This is also achieved when using a chain configuration with half-joints, or when using this chain configuration with two plate types, where the lateral stability and / or torsional strength of each plate cable itself does not necessarily have to be primarily ensured by the hinged element.

[0017] The protrusion engages with the recess of the adjacent side plate in the bag to act as a stop, so that in the elongated relative position, it works together with the first corresponding stop of the bag at least by means of the first stop surface of the protrusion, and in the fully bent relative position, it works together with the second corresponding stop of the bag at least by means of the second stop surface of the protrusion.

[0018] Therefore, according to the invention, each side panel has a laterally projecting protrusion that serves as a stop and a corresponding pocket, the protrusion having, in particular, first and second stop surfaces, the pocket serving as a stop together with the corresponding first and second stop surfaces.

[0019] Preferably, at least in the elongated relative position, the stop surfaces and / or corresponding stop surfaces, or stops in general, work together such that they cause at least almost zero clearance in receiving tensile and compressive forces in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which typically alternate during back-and-forth movement in operation. In this way, the hinged connector, or hinged element, can be largely freed from receiving pressure and / or stress, which can particularly positively affect the chain's service life.

[0020] In principle, at least two alternative embodiments in the sense of the first aspect of the invention are feasible.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two plates each have different outer and inner plates as side plates, wherein outer plates with identical structures can be used in two opposing plates, and inner plates with identical structures can be used in two opposing plates. Here, the outer and inner plates alternate in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

[0022] In this particularly preferred embodiment, the inner plate and the outer plate are designed with at least their respective stop surfaces, which act as stop surfaces, mirror-symmetric about their height planes (especially the intermediate height planes) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, such that the same inner plate and the same outer plate can be used in both chains. The height planes are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and at least substantially perpendicular to the direction of the side plates. Preferably, each inner plate can include two protrusions and two pockets, and each outer plate can include two protrusions and two pockets.

[0023] Regarding the designations of the so-called outer and inner panels, it should be noted that they are interchangeable in principle in this invention and are currently adapted to the observation that which panel, along with the narrow side outside the turning area, is located inside or outside. The chosen names are for terminological distinction only and should not cause any limitation of protection. The terms "outer panel" and "inner panel" are interchangeable herein with either the first type of panel or the second type of panel, respectively.

[0024] Particularly preferably, one of the two sides of a plate has at least two pockets, and the other of the two sides of the same plate has at least two protrusions.

[0025] Preferably, at least one plate has at least two protrusions symmetrically with respect to the height plane, and the protrusions preferably project laterally. In particular, the at least one plate preferably has at least two pockets in a height region opposite to the at least two protrusions with respect to a longitudinal plane passing through the hinge connector, which may but need not be centered, and the at least two pockets are preferably configured as recesses, slots, or the like.

[0026] Preferably, adjacent plates have protrusions in different height regions. Preferably, adjacent plates have pockets in different height regions.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, in a height region, a protrusion disposed on the side of the first plate (e.g., the outer side) of the first plate works in conjunction with a bag disposed on the other side of the adjacent plate (e.g., the inner side). Preferably, in another height region, the bag disposed on the other side of the first plate (e.g., the inner side) and the protrusion disposed on the other side of the adjacent plate (e.g., the outer side) work in conjunction.

[0028] Preferably, adjacent plates are configured with their protrusions or pockets in an alternating manner. Preferably, this allows two adjacent plates to remain aligned with each other in all translational degrees of freedom—for example, with respect to the longitudinal direction, the direction of the height axis, and the extension direction of the lateral tabs—without hinge connectors or hinge elements (except for possible gaps between the stop surfaces). In this way, in addition to improved lateral stability, operational safety is also enhanced, and service life is increased if necessary.

[0029] Preferably, the two adjacent plates are fixed to each other without a hinge connector or hinge element, so that rotation about their respective height axis relative to their respective adjacent plates is prevented.

[0030] Preferably, two adjacent plates are fixed to each other without hinge connectors or hinge elements, allowing relative rotation about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the chain (preferably perpendicular to the mid-plane or height plane of the plates) relative to their respective adjacent plates. However, it is preferred that relative rotation is prevented only in exactly one direction of rotation. This allows for simple assembly while maintaining high chain strength. If the permitted direction of rotation is opposite to that of plates arranged in adjacent plates at the same height, the torsional strength of the chain can be further improved.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, sequentially arranged, structurally identical side plates can be provided in both plates. Here, these side plates are rotationally symmetrical about a height axis, at least with their stop surfaces, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and at least substantially parallel to the side plates, preferably running in the midplane of the side plates. In this embodiment, it is particularly possible to provide rotationally symmetrical side plates with two protrusions projecting away from the receiving space and two protrusions projecting towards the receiving space, and further, two stop pockets opening towards the receiving space and two stop pockets opening away from the receiving space.

[0032] Furthermore, protection is independently claimed for the corresponding side plate in claim 16.

[0033] Preferred extensions of the invention are described in dependent claims 3 to 4, or 7 to 15 and 17 to 19.

[0034] Second aspect

[0035] Furthermore, in order to address the second aforementioned task, as another aspect that is itself crucial to the invention, the invention also relates to a hinged element or hinged connector having the features of claim 20.

[0036] According to the present invention, the hinge connector based on the known features of WO 02 / 086349A1 according to the preamble of claim 20 is characterized in that the cross-section of the fastening region is configured to form-lock against torsion in the corresponding fastening receiver when bent or subjected to a predetermined bend; and / or, the fastening region includes a flattened and / or curved abutment surface at least at its longitudinally oriented end. Here, the abutment surface is particularly capable of having a radius of curvature significantly larger than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening region, particularly larger than the radius of the circumcircle at the cross-section of the fastening region.

[0037] Wear is avoided by using torsion-resistant fasteners, which is especially advantageous in cleanroom applications and generally increases service life.

[0038] By using flattened and / or relatively flat curved contact surfaces, better force introduction, especially pressure or thrust, is achieved into the hinge element, enabling it to also provide significant damping during transition to the elongated position, i.e., particularly for significant noise reduction and / or for supporting or inducing prestress in the elongated section. Both effects are particularly advantageous in combination with a split embodiment of a flexible central hinge region having two material regions arching outwards in opposite directions, with an open cavity on both sides between them.

[0039] The split-type central hinge area makes the hinge element, or hinge connector, particularly suitable for use in energy steering chains, where the hinge element or hinge connector is compressed at least temporarily and repeatedly. Compression can be received by widening the distance between two opposing outward arching material regions. Compression can be received, especially without causing torque acting on the fastening region or the transition region that may be adjacent to it.

[0040] The split-type central hinge area makes the hinge element or hinge connector particularly suitable for, for example, resisting torsional loads persistently around an axis perpendicular to the height plane of the energy guide chain or around an axis in the longitudinal direction of the hinge element or hinge connector.

[0041] It has been shown that the reduction in tensile strength of the hinge element or connector associated with the split-type central hinge region is largely harmless, especially in energy guiding chains, where the stop surfaces and / or corresponding stop surfaces, or stops, work together at least in the elongated relative positions, causing them to receive tensile forces in the longitudinal direction of the chain and directly transmit them to the next side plate. Thus, the hinge element or connector can significantly reduce tensile forces during operation.

[0042] In hinged connectors, the cross-section of the fastening region is preferably substantially trilobal or approximately triangular. The body of the hinged connector is particularly capable of having a plate-like transition region between each fastening region and a separate central hinged region.

[0043] Preferably, the hinged connector is made of plastic, especially flexible plastic, in one piece.

[0044] Preferred extension schemes for hinged connectors are explained above and below.

[0045] Third aspect

[0046] In another independent variation, the invention relates to an energy steering chain according to the preamble of claim 25. The invention also relates to a side component for constructing an energy steering chain and a method for manufacturing an energy steering chain.

[0047] Such energy guide chains are known, for example, from WO 2014 / 161763 A1 or WO 02 / 086349A1 and are used in many applications. These energy guide chains typically have plates, constructed, for example, of alternating inner and outer plates. However, this has the disadvantage that different tools (such as injection molding tools) must be used to construct the inner and outer plates, resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the two plates can each be composed of only one plate type, such that each plate is constructed of plates with identical structures. The plates of the two plates are then configured to be mirror images of each other about a mirror plane located in the middle of the energy guide chain and running parallel to the two sides of the plates. Here, different tools, such as injection molding tools, are also required to manufacture the plates.

[0048] Furthermore, another problem raised is that if the plates of two plates are manufactured using different tools, the two plates will not have precisely identical dimensions except for their mirror symmetry due to the always-given manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, the aforementioned manufacturing tolerances accumulate over plate sections with multiple plates, resulting in slight but still noticeable differences in length between the plates. This can be compensated for by gaps in the hinged joints between adjacent plates of a cable, which are undesirable because they lead to increased wear during energy guide chain movement, deteriorated operational performance, and so on. If such gaps are avoided, these slight length differences in the plates will result in slight, primarily lateral deformation during the energy guide chain's movement, particularly in its linear motion. This, in turn, deteriorates the chain's operating characteristics and increases wear and tear on the links, especially the hinged joints. This problem is exacerbated, for example, if the energy guide chain is operating under cleanroom conditions or at high speeds.

[0049] Therefore, as a separate third objective, the present invention is also based on the following objective: to provide an energy guiding chain according to this class, which has improved operating characteristics and low losses in the movement of the energy guiding chain, especially in terms of lateral deformation of the chain that should be avoided during the movement of the chain, and which is structurally very simple to construct, and which is preferably suitable for use in cleanroom conditions.

[0050] This independent third task is accomplished by the energy guiding chain according to claim 25 and the plate according to claim 39. Advantageous embodiments are derived from the dependent claims.

[0051] According to this further variation, the energy guiding configuration, according to the invention, is coherently arranged on a chain segment comprising at least two or all of the plate cables, which are generally composed of plates with identical structures (hereinafter also referred to as "chain segments"), such that the corresponding plates can be selectively arranged at any position in each of the different cables of the chain segment. In particular, the chain according to this further variation of the invention exhibits excellent operating characteristics and further reduced losses, and is also particularly suitable for operation at high speeds under cleanroom conditions, and can be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively.

[0052] By using plates with coherently identical structures in multiple or all chain strands of a chain segment according to the aforementioned variant, all plates in the chain segment can be selectively used at any position within the corresponding chain strand in one of at least two or all of the mentioned chain strands of the energy-guiding chain. Furthermore, all plates in the chain segment can preferably be manufactured in one and the same forming tool (especially an injection molding tool). "Selectively usable" here means that arranging the corresponding plates in one or another chain strand does not affect the chain's structure and / or its dimensions and / or its functionality, and this also applies to the corresponding positions within the chain strands. Thus, this manufacturing is particularly cost-effective for the plates. The plates are preferably plastic parts, especially plastic injection molded parts, wherein the advantages according to the invention also arise in a particular way due to the shrinkage characteristics of the plastic parts during their manufacture.

[0053] Furthermore, the following advantages arise: the plate cable, or energy guiding chain (hereinafter referred to as "chain"), can be assembled more easily because it is no longer necessary to consider whether the corresponding plate is arranged in one or more plates of the chain or in a specific position within the same plate cable. This also makes the handling and storage of the plate components easier. This, for example, makes it generally applicable to the manual or automated assembly of chain links or chains.

[0054] Furthermore, the chain's operating characteristics become more uniform, and it is also more uniform in avoiding lateral deformation during its movement, and reducing wear on the hinged joints during chain movement. The chain's "lateral deformation" is perceptible because, during chain movement, such as linear movement, a small lateral force acts on the chain actuator at the movable connection point, where the chain end is fixed; this small lateral force is theoretically non-existent in an ideal chain. On the other hand, lateral deformation can cause the chain to deviate from its desired position on the movement path during movement. This is avoided by, according to the further variation of the invention, all plates in the chain segment are structurally identical, thereby minimizing manufacturing and / or fitting tolerances that would occur if different plates were used in the chain segment, and also reducing the length deviation of different plates from the desired length. Furthermore, in this linear movement, a smaller lateral force (i.e., a force transverse to the direction of movement) acts on the links arranged in the middle region of the chain.

[0055] The advantages of the invention, particularly those of the other variants, arise to a particular degree when the fastening devices (especially hinge elements) for the stops and / or hinged connections of the transverse tabs and / or plates are integrally molded onto the plate. Preferably, the plate fastening devices for the stops of the transverse tabs and plates are integrally molded onto the plate. This results in particularly high dimensional accuracy of the different links, which in particular relates to the dimensional and fitting accuracy of the connections between different components (such as plates and transverse tabs), or their hinged connections and interactions (e.g., the stops), and the relationship of dimensional accuracy between different plates and links relative to each other. This also results in particularly uniform stability and shape configuration of the different links in the chain segment, thus the advantages of the invention are particularly evident in the other variants.

[0056] Preferably, the corresponding stop (this is particularly preferably applicable to all stops of the corresponding plate) has a molded area on the corresponding plate, for example on its continuation, wherein the free end of the stop opposite the molded area is not covered by another area of ​​the corresponding plate that is permanently fastened to the plate and thus can only be removed from the plate in the event of damage, as is the case with another plate area integrally molded on the plate. Preferably, the aforementioned missing coverage of the free stop end also applies to other areas that can be loosely or positionally disposed on the plate. Plates with the same structure and preferably integrally molded stops can thus be easily joined into plate cables.

[0057] Preferably, the chain is arranged, or generally can be arranged, in the case of constructing at least two segments (such as an upper segment and a lower segment) and a turning area between the respective two segments. The end regions of the chain are preferably movable with respect to two relatively movable connecting parts in the case of constructing at least two segments, each of which can be connected to or linked to a connecting part. The chain is preferably capable of linear movement, i.e., along a straight path.

[0058] Then, when different components of the chain links are connected to each other (e.g., when plates and transverse tabs or plates and hinge elements are connected), or when adjacent plates move relative to each other during the movement of the chain (e.g., when the stops of adjacent links act together, or when plate sections of adjacent plates, such as plate extensions extending in the plate direction from the middle plate region, are guided past each other during the movement), this reduction in tolerances produced by plates with the same structure according to the invention also occurs according to the other variant described herein. In the process of the invention, especially according to the other variant described herein, it has been proposed that, during the movement of the chain, the different tolerances in the fastening areas of the plates interact and work together with the transverse tabs, the combined action of adjacent stops, and the construction of the hinge connections, so as to provide a chain that is optimal in terms of chain operating characteristics (especially deformation during movement), wear, and therefore service life.

[0059] A chain segment having multiple adjacent links, which, according to the other variant, is composed of plates with the same structure as each other (i.e., constructed to have plates with such the same structure in a continuous manner), can extend on ≥5, preferably ≥10 or ≥50 links or plates that are successive to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, particularly preferably over the entire length of the corresponding plate cord of the energy guiding chain.

[0060] The chain segment comprising plates with identical structures includes at least two or more, or all, of the plates in the energy-guiding chain. In the chain segment, the plates preferably run side-by-side and / or parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Preferably, multiple or all plates in the chain segment are interconnected by at least one or more transverse tabs; this also preferably applies to plates arranged in pairs side-by-side. In adjacent plates, plates arranged opposite each other in the chain segment are detachably or connectably interconnected by at least one, preferably two, or if necessary, more than two transverse tabs; this preferably applies to all plates in the chain segment. Plates arranged in adjacent or different plates, interconnected by at least one, preferably at least two transverse tabs, constitute links. The chain segment comprises preferably ≥5, particularly preferably ≥10, or ≥50 links that are sequentially connected in the longitudinal direction of the chain, or all links of the chain. Therefore, each link of the preferred chain segment has at least one transverse tab, which is preferably detachably connected to plates at its two end regions, wherein these plates are part of the chain segment.

[0061] The corresponding plates or links of the chain typically have end fasteners at both ends, which can be constructed in the form of plates or links. These end fasteners can have fastening devices to secure the corresponding plates or links to connection points, wherein at least one or both connection points are movable and one of the connection points is typically fixed in position. These end fasteners or end links can also have tension-relieving devices for securing guided tubing in the chain in a tension-relieving manner. It should be understood that these end fasteners or end links of the plate or link are not part of the chain segment with the same structure as the aforementioned plates. However, these end fasteners or end links can be energy-guided chains according to the invention, particularly according to the other variant. Thus, chain segments according to the invention, with the same structure as the aforementioned variant, can extend entirely between the end fasteners or end links arranged at opposite ends of the chain.

[0062] The plate cables are “generally” composed of plates with the same structure as each other, which in the sense of the invention according to the other variant means that all the plate cables in at least two or more plate cables including the chain segment, preferably all the plate cables of the chain along the direction of the chain segment, are composed of plates with the same structure.

[0063] The plate cable is “continuously” composed of plates with the same structure as each other, which in the sense of the invention according to the other variant means that: for the segment of the corresponding plate cable that is part of the chain segment mentioned, all the plates that are consecutive to each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate cable are constructed with the same structure as each other.

[0064] Preferably, the plate has fastening devices (referred to as "fastening devices") on two opposite narrow sides of the plate for releasably securing the transverse tabs, wherein the fastening devices for the respective plates of one or more transverse tabs are preferably structurally identical to each other and are preferably integrally molded onto the plates. This simplifies the assembly of the chain links, and the aforementioned advantages according to the invention, such as improved chain operating characteristics, are obtained by using an integral and structurally identical plate with transverse tab fastening devices according to another variation of the invention. The plate is thus preferably configured to be selectively used in different strands of the chain. The fastening devices of the plate are preferably arranged in the cross-sectional area of ​​the respective plate between the two sides of the plate. Fastening devices or other areas extending laterally from the sides of the plate are avoided or preferably not provided. This simplifies the use of structurally identical plates in the plate strands. Furthermore, the enclosed volume of the plate is reduced and thus the storage of the plate is simplified.

[0065] Preferably, the plate fastening device for at least one transverse tab is arranged in a region of at least one or both narrow sides of the plate and configured such that the transverse tab can be selectively fastened to the plate in a manner that extends from the inner plate side or from the outer plate side. Thus, plates with identical structures in the chain segment can be selectively arranged in one of the plate cables. If two plate cables are arranged adjacent to one plate cable, the plate of the intermediate cable can be selectively connected to one of the adjacent plate cables using transverse tabs with identical structures.

[0066] Preferably, the fastening device for the plate used for the transverse joint is constructed in the middle plane of the plate. Thus, the structure of the chain segment's cable is significantly simplified by using a plate with the same structure as described in another variation of the invention, eliminating the need to consider the orientation of the plate within the corresponding cable. Furthermore, thus, for example, during the chain's movement, the force acting on the transverse joint by the conduit guided by the chain and its contact with the transverse joint is transmitted from the transverse joint to the middle plane of the plate, resulting in more uniform stress distribution at the hinged joints between the plates, thereby improving the chain's operational smoothness and / or reducing wear or material fatigue at the hinged joints. The middle plane of the plate preferably runs parallel to the two side surfaces of the plate and preferably has the same distance from each of these two side surfaces. Alternatively or additionally, the mid-plane of the plate is arranged such that the extensions extending longitudinally from the thick portion of the respective plate and / or the stops provided on the plate for working together with the adjacent plates (to limit their hinged movement relative to each other) are arranged at the same lateral distance from the mid-plane of the plate or particularly preferably adjacent to the mid-plane of the plate.

[0067] Preferably, the lateral tabs are fastened to the plate by means of locking and / or clamping connections, so that the fastening devices for the plate used for the lateral tabs can be permanently fastened to the plate in a particularly simple manner, especially by integral molding, thereby allowing the plate to be easily manufactured and the links to be easily assembled. For this purpose, the plate fastening area for the lateral tabs and the two lateral tab end areas have corresponding clamping and / or locking devices. The clamping and / or locking devices are preferably arranged in receiving slots and / or clamping receiving portions for the lateral tab end areas, wherein the receiving slots and / or clamping receiving portions of the plate are preferably arranged on one or both narrow sides of the plate.

[0068] The two fastening regions on the end areas of the transverse joint for connection with the plate are preferably constructed identically and preferably integrally molded onto the transverse joint, so that separate fastening devices (such as screws or the like) for securing the transverse joint to the plate are not necessary, but can be provided if needed. Such separate fastening devices also make the assembly and disassembly of the transverse joint difficult and may be lost during handling. The two end areas of the transverse joint can be fastened to the plate in a detachable manner. The transverse joint preferably cannot swing relative to the plate when fixed to the respective plate, which improves the stability of the chain links and reduces wear when the transverse joint is loosened or opened. This is particularly suitable for narrow plates, i.e., those with small lengths in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which reduces the space requirement for the fastening regions of the transverse joint on the plate, but achieves a narrower turning area, i.e., a small radius of curvature, which is important for many applications. Such oscillation is possible, however, if necessary. Generally, an intermediate piece can also be arranged between the transverse joint fastening regions and the plate fastening regions if necessary, for example, to simplify the construction of the clamping connection between them. However, the intermediate component is preferably configured such that it is intentionally retained on the transverse connector or plate when the transverse connector is disassembled, and therefore will not appear as a separate component or be treated as such a separate component.

[0069] Preferably, the plates have at least one or exactly one hinged connection at each of the two end regions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the respective plate cable, such that the plate is hingedly connected or can be connected to the corresponding adjacent plate in the longitudinal direction of the plate cable. The respective hinged connection of the plate can serve as a receiver for a separate hinge element. The receiver is preferably configured such that the hinge element is force-locked and / or form-locked and / or material-locked arranged in the receiver and is held therein to prevent loss. The hinge element is preferably arranged in the receiver in a tensile-absorbing manner in the longitudinal direction of the chain, or generally held on the plate in a tensile-absorbing manner. The hinge element can have at least two connection regions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate cable when the hinge element is arranged on the plate cable, wherein the respective connection region of the hinge element is coupled to one of the two adjacent plates in the longitudinal direction of the plate cable to form a hinged connection. The corresponding hinge elements can also be permanently fastened to the plate (e.g., by adhesive bonding), or preferably integrally molded onto the plate (e.g., in an injection molding process or a two-component injection molding process), thereby producing the advantages according to the invention in a particular way. Generally, within the scope of the invention, the material of the hinge element can be different from the material of the plate, or rather, the material of the thicker portion of the plate. Thus, at least one hinge element can be arranged on one end region of the plate about the chain longitudinal direction, while at least one receiving portion for the hinge element of the adjacent plate can be provided on the other end region of the plate about the chain longitudinal direction, wherein, if necessary, a hinge element and a hinge receiving portion can be provided on one end region of the plate to couple the hinge element and the receiving of the respective adjacent plates. At least one or more hinge elements can be provided on one end region of the plate about the chain longitudinal direction, while at least one or more receiving portions for the hinge element of the adjacent plate can be provided on the other end region of the plate along the chain longitudinal direction. If necessary, hinge elements can also be provided at both end regions of the plate, so that, in order to connect adjacent plates, the hinge element of one plate, or the hinge element of the corresponding plate arranged at one end region, can be hingedly connected to the hinge element of the adjacent plate, or the hinge element at the opposite end region of the corresponding plate. Preferably, they can also be connected in a way that absorbs tension in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Adjacent plates are preferably hinged together by only one hinge connection, or, if necessary, by multiple hinge connections. The corresponding receiving portion of the plate for the hinge element is preferably permanently fastened to the plate body or integrally molded onto the plate body, and / or machined from the material of the plate body to form an integral connection with the plate body, thereby producing advantages according to the invention in a particularly significant way, especially regarding the smoothness of operation and wear during chain movement.

[0070] The construction of the hinged connection according to the invention is particularly advantageous in combination with (especially according to another variation of the invention) the construction of the plate fasteners and / or plate stops for the transverse links according to the invention. Due to the identical configuration of the transverse link fasteners, adjacent links have particularly small manufacturing and fitting tolerances in their overall configuration, especially in terms of the length of the plate along the longitudinal direction of the chain and in terms of the distance between the transverse link fasteners and the plate height, where the plate height represents the distance between the two narrow sides of the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Through the particularly precise shape configuration of the links, the hinged connection is mechanically subjected to less load when the energy-guided chain moves, resulting in lower load and fatigue on the hinged elements.

[0071] Preferably, the plates and hinged connections and / or hinged elements are configured such that the hinged connections and / or hinged elements undergo deformation during the movement of the chain, preferably bending deformation and / or torsional deformation and / or elongation. Bending deformation is preferred due to the force transmission between the plates during the hinged movement. The hinged elements are also designed to at least substantially not undergo elongation during the hinged movement. The hinged elements can be elastically bent, or, if necessary, plastically bent or flexible. In the event of elastic deformation of the hinged elements due to the hinged movement, this hinged element can exert a restoring force in the direction toward the initial position of the plates. The chain is thus particularly suitable for cleanroom conditions. This avoids pin-and-hole connections that lead to increased wear.

[0072] The hinged connection portion of the preferred plate is arranged on the end face of the plate. This allows the plate to be selectively used in different cables with particular ease. Here, the plate end side can also refer to the end side of the thick portion or central region of the plate, with at least one or more extensions extending from the thick portion or central region of the plate in the longitudinal direction. The hinged connection portion on the end side can each have a receiving portion for a hinge element of an adjacent plate or have a hinge element itself. The hinge element can here have the width of the plate, or the width of the thick portion or central region of the plate, or it can also have a smaller width (e.g., less than or equal to half the width of the plate), such that two hinge elements can be provided on the hinged connection portion between adjacent plates, and the two hinge elements can be fastened to one of the two plates respectively before assembling the structurally identical plates together according to another variation of the invention.

[0073] The hinged connection of the plate can also be constructed on the plate's extension, which laterally overlaps with respect to adjacent plates in the plate cable and can be arranged in the thicker or central region of the respective plate. For example, for this purpose, at least one or more laterally extending hinge elements can be provided on the respective plate extension, such as extending from the respective plate in the longitudinal direction of the transverse joint. The overlapping hinged areas of adjacent receiving portions can have corresponding receiving portions for this hinge element. Hinge elements can also be provided on two plate extensions, which can be connected or linked to each other to construct the hinged connection. Adjacent to the hinge element, receiving portions for hinge elements of the laterally overlapping extensions of adjacent plates can also be provided on the plate extension to construct the hinged connection, wherein the hinge element is preferably deformable or elastically deformable, and if necessary, also elastically variable in length, so as to fit into the receiving portion of the extension of the adjacent plate, so that the plate according to another variation of the invention can also be rotationally symmetrical, as described below. Such hinged connections can function, for example, as a torsion joint, but are not limited thereto. The hinge elements can be permanently fastened to the plate individually or preferably integrally molded onto the plate.

[0074] According to the invention, and according to another variation, the stops of the plates that act in conjunction with the stops of adjacent plates are structurally identical, and the plates are structurally identical in both the construction and arrangement of the stops. Thus, according to this other variation, the corresponding plates with stops in the mentioned chain segment can be selectively arranged in one of at least two plate cables. By using the structurally identical configuration of the stops of plates in different cables according to this other variation, the manufacturing tolerances of the plates are reduced, resulting in improved operational smoothness and less material fatigue in the chain links and their hinged areas, wherein the plates are also structurally simple. This has a particular advantage in the interaction of the stops with the hinged connections and / or the lateral tabs fastening on the plates. When the stops of adjacent plates collide with each other while restricting hinged movement, a force is generally applied to the plates and chain links, and this force also acts on the hinged connections and the fastening areas of the plates with the lateral tabs. Therefore, when the stops of adjacent plates come into contact with each other, a rebound force is exerted on the one hand, and on the other hand, if the stops are not precisely constructed and / or positioned on the corresponding plates, a certain degree of misalignment will occur between the two plates with stops. This leads to increased loads on the fastening devices of the hinged joints and / or the plates used for the transverse joints, resulting in material fatigue and impairing the smoothness of chain operation. By using the same configuration of the stops on the plates according to the other variant (which can thus be selectively arranged in at least one of the two plates), such disadvantages are minimized, in particular, by the improved error tolerance.

[0075] Preferably, the stops are in direct contact with each other during limit hinge movement, such as limit swing angle.

[0076] The stops of the plates can be arranged, at least partially, on or in the thick portion of the respective plate, or on the plate extension, which extends longitudinally from the thick portion or central region of the plate along the longitudinal direction of the plate or chain. The stops of the first plate can, for example, fit into slots in the extensions of adjacent plates. These slots are preferably also referred to as pockets or stop pockets.

[0077] Preferably, the sides of the plates are oriented parallel to each other. Preferably, or alternatively, the inner and outer sides of the plates are constructed to be flat and, particularly preferably, smooth-walled, without protruding areas, which includes the ability to provide recesses on the sides. Preferably, or alternatively, the fastening devices for at least one or all the plates of the transverse joints, the hinged connections for hingedly connecting adjacent plates, and the stops for limiting the hinged movement of adjacent plates are arranged entirely between the sides of the plates, i.e., without protruding from these sides toward the receiving space of one or more pipelines. Preferably, all the features mentioned above are implemented in combination with each other. With flat, smooth sides, on the one hand, the pipelines are particularly protected when the chain moves in contact with the sides, which extends their service life and reduces wear. Thus, the plate cable has at least substantially a continuous flat inner or outer side along its length. On the other hand, the plates, as plate-like components, can thus be easily and, with a given number of plates, stacked with a small stacking height, respectively, with their sides overlapping each other. Generally, reduced stacking volume decreases the storage space required for the plates, especially in storage boxes for plates used in assembly chains, such as in automated chain assembly using robots or machinery. The plates can also be separated particularly easily from storage stacks or warehouses, which facilitates reliable and rapid chain assembly.

[0078] Preferably, the links of the aforementioned chain segment, or the energy-guiding chain, are generally composed only of plates, transverse tabs, and, if necessary, separate hinge elements, such that all fastening devices for the mentioned components are preferably integrally molded onto their respective corresponding components, and additional fastening devices are preferably absent. Particularly preferably, the hinge elements are permanently connected to or integrally molded onto the plates. Between the transverse tab fastening area and the plate fastening area for the transverse tabs, intermediate elements can be arranged if necessary, as described, or such intermediate elements may not exist. This significantly simplifies the construction of the chain from individual components and reduces the possible manufacturing and / or fitting tolerances between said components, which improves the chain's operating characteristics during its movement and reduces material fatigue.

[0079] Preferably, the plate is constructed such that the central region of the longitudinal extension of the respective plate is constructed as a thick region, which determines or critically determines the width of the plate. Thus, the thick region represents the central region of the plate with respect to its longitudinal extension (i.e., the extension dimension in the longitudinal direction of the plate cable). Fastening devices for securing at least one or more transverse tabs to the plate are preferably provided in this thick region of the plate, and these fastening devices are particularly stable in this case. Preferably, the extensions extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate originate from the thick region of the plate, and these extensions can be constructed at least substantially plate-shaped. The respective sides of the extensions facing away from the center plane of the plate can be parts of the respective sides of the plate. The thick region here has a greater thickness or material strength than the extensions. Hinged connections are preferably arranged spaced apart from the two narrow sides of the plate with respect to the height of the plate (i.e., the distance between two opposing narrow sides), preferably in the central height region of the plate. If necessary, the hinged connections can also be arranged in the region of one of the narrow sides of the plate. The extensions can be arranged on both sides of the hinge connection in the respective plate end regions. With respect to the given positions of the plates, one plate extension is "above" the hinge connection, while the other is "below" it. In the given positions of the plates, regarding the two plate end regions, for the extensions arranged above the hinge region, one extension can be arranged on the inner or side surface of the plate, while the other can be arranged on the outer or side surface. This also applies to plate extensions arranged below the hinge connection, wherein in one plate end region, one extension is arranged on the inner or first side surface, while the other is arranged on the outer or second side surface, such that adjacent plates can be said to have staggered extensions. Alternatively, the plate extensions at the two end regions of the plates can also extend at least substantially the entire height of the plates, with the plate extensions arranged on the inner side of the plate in one end region and on the outer side of the plate in the opposite end region, thus creating so-called shoulder-shaped plates. The extensions on the two end regions of the two adjacent plates facing each other are laterally overlapped in the plates of the plate cable in the interlaced or shoulder-shaped plates. Stops for limiting the hinged movement of the plates relative to adjacent plates are preferably at least partially or completely arranged on the described plate extensions, wherein, preferably, a protrusion of one plate extending laterally from the plate extension engages in a slot in the extension of the adjacent plate. Generally, "extends" should be understood in the sense of "protrusion". With regard to interlaced plates, the plate cable has particularly high stability relative to forces transverse to the plate cable, and the chain therefore has particularly good operating characteristics.Such interlaced or shoulder-shaped plates are particularly suitable for constructing different plate strands of chain segments, or for constructing corresponding plate strands of said chain segments, as different variations of the invention.

[0080] Preferably, according to another variation of the invention, the structurally identical plates in the chain segments are constructed such that, in adjacent plates, opposing plates can be mapped onto each other by translational displacement. This means that the plates arranged adjacently in adjacent plates differ only in translational displacement and, in addition, have the same orientation or orientation in the plates relative to adjacent plates, and the corresponding plates, or structurally identical plates, of the chain segment are constructed to suit this. This can be applied to all plates in the chain segment. According to the other variation, the chain segment can thus be constructed particularly simply with structurally identical plates, and the plates can be assembled particularly simply. Thus, the plates arranged side-by-side according to the other variation are structurally identical and have the same orientation in the chain. This, in a particular way, produces the advantages of the invention according to the other variation.

[0081] Preferably, according to the additional variation, the structurally identical plates in the chain segments are constructed such that the plates themselves are rotationally symmetric, more specifically, such that the corresponding plates can be mapped onto each other when rotated about an axis (preferably 180°), the axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate and at least substantially parallel to the side direction of the plate, and preferably running in the midplane of the plate. Here, the plates opposite each other in adjacent plates can be arranged such that, starting with the plate of one cable, the opposite plates of adjacent cables are arranged to rotate 180° about the axis of rotation. On the one hand, the plates can thus be constructed particularly simply because there is no need to consider their orientation about the plane of rotation when inserting the plates made of plates. Furthermore, adjacent plates can also be constructed particularly simply because there is no need to consider the rotational orientation of the corresponding plates. The structure of the entire chain is thus significantly simplified, especially when the chain includes more than two plates.

[0082] The construction of the plates (i.e., the plates can be mapped onto each other by translational displacement and / or constructed to be rotationally symmetric) particularly relates to the construction of fastening devices for plates of at least one or more transverse tabs, hinged connections for hingedly connecting adjacent plates, and stops for limiting the hinged movement of adjacent plates. The advantages of the invention according to the further variants arise in particular in this way. If necessary, other structural features of the plates can also be arranged differently from the aforementioned translational mappability and / or rotational symmetry of the plates, for example, the arrangement of damping elements or the arrangement of areas of the plates that do not impair their functionality. Preferably, the translational mappability and / or rotational symmetry of the plates, however, pertain to the overall integrity of the respective plates, such that, according to the further variants, all plates of a chain segment can be manufactured or produced in the same molding tool, such as an injection molding tool.

[0083] Preferably, the plate has damping elements configured to dampen impacts when adjacent plates of the chain collide with each other. The one or more damping elements of the respective plate can, for example, have regions capable of elastic deformation. The damping elements can be constructed complementaryly, for example, in the form of foam material or as a form of a spring tongue, but are not limited thereto. The damping elements on the plate are preferably arranged and configured such that the respective plate, according to the invention, can be selectively used in one of the different plates of the chain.

[0084] Claims 34 to 38 describe another particularly advantageous embodiment of a further variation of the energy guiding chain according to the invention. Here, the chain has at least three or more plate cables running longitudinally and laterally spaced from each other, wherein chain segments extend on at least three or all of the adjacent plate cables with plates of generally identical structure. Thus, the three or more plate cables here consist only of plates of identical structure. See the remaining embodiments of the invention for the plate configuration. The advantage of the invention arises here in a particular way because, in the case of three or more plate cables, deviations in the dimensional inaccuracies of the plates in the plate cables can affect the operational smoothness of the next or further-located plate cables, since the movement of the plates in the plate cables is also transmitted to the next cable, etc., through the transverse joints connecting the cables, but this correspondingly adjacent cable cannot compensate for the corresponding forces due to the dimensional inaccuracies by the deformation of the chain, which is hindered by the further-located cables. Therefore, the use of plates of identical structure in three or more cables according to the further-located variation of the invention is particularly advantageous.

[0085] Therefore, a central plate cable, referred to as the "second plate cable," is also provided, and another plate cable, referred to as the "first plate cable" or "third plate cable," is provided on both sides of the second plate cable. The aforementioned at least three plate cables can run parallel in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The sides of the aforementioned at least three plate cables can be arranged parallel to each other. By using only structurally identical plates in three or more plate cables according to another variation of the invention, the width of the energy guiding chain can be extended particularly easily, i.e., by separately arranging additional plate cables. In particular, multiple or all of the plate cables in this chain can be constructed with identical structures to each other. The corresponding plate cables are interconnected by multiple transverse tabs, which can be coupled to or fastened to the plates of different plate cables, respectively, wherein not all transverse tab fastening devices of all plates in the chain segment work together with or must work together with the transverse tabs. The transverse tabs can be configured such that they connect the plates in adjacent plate cables. If necessary, alternatively or additionally, the following transverse connecting pieces can be provided, which have a greater length and thus connect, for example, the plates of three or more plate cables to each other, thereby simplifying the assembly of the chain in general. However, if, on the other hand, the plate cables are connected to each other by transverse connecting pieces that connect only the two plates of adjacent plate cables, this is simpler in terms of production and processing technology.

[0086] In particular, in this embodiment with three or more cables, the plates are configured such that lateral tabs can be selectively fastened to these plates, the lateral tabs extending selectively to one or another side of the plate and fastened together with a plate of the same structure as another plate cable, wherein the plates of different plate cables have the same lateral distance from each other.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the other variant, the invention provides a side plate for the energy guide chain, by means of which the energy guide chain according to the invention can be constructed by additionally using lateral tabs and, if necessary, also using separate hinge elements, or, if necessary, without additional separate hinge elements.

[0088] Furthermore, according to another variation, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an energy guiding chain according to the invention, wherein plates of at least two or all of the plates in the chain segment are manufactured using one and the same forming tool, particularly an injection molding tool. The plates are preferably constructed as plastic parts, particularly injection molded plastic parts.

[0089] All features of the three aspects (i.e., in particular the features of claims 1-19, claims 20-24, and claims 25-39) are first disclosed and claimed independently within the scope of the invention, but can also be known in a form that can be combined with each other. Therefore, features of dependent claims 26-39 may also be advantageous for the first aspect of claims 1-19, and vice versa, provided they are compatible. All features of the various embodiments shown in the drawings are also considered to be disclosed in conjunction with any other embodiments, provided that this does not contradict each other. Generally, all features of the corresponding embodiments, or the corresponding aspects and implementations presented above, are disclosed as features of the invention independently, individually, or in combination with each other, and also in combination with features of other aspects, embodiments, or implementations. Attached Figure Description

[0090] Without limiting the generality of the above description, further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following portions of the specification, in which embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] It shows

[0092] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an embodiment of the energy guiding chain according to the present invention;

[0093] Figure 2A-2D The so-called outer panel ( Figure 2A-2B The side view, or rather, the front and perspective views of the chain link consisting of two outer plates and the transverse connecting pieces that connect them. Figure 2C-2D );

[0094] Figures 3A-3D The so-called inner plate ( Figures 3A-3B A side view, or a three-dimensional view of its inner and outer sides. Figure 3C-3D );

[0095] Figure 4 In the view relating to the radial exterior of the steering arc, Figure 1 An enlarged top view of the cable plate;

[0096] Figures 5A-5B Side and perspective views of a hinged connector according to an independent, inventive, and protected aspect of the present invention;

[0097] Figures 6A-6C : A view of a link of a chain with rotationally symmetrical side plates, or with two such plates having the same structure, for another second embodiment of the energy guiding chain according to the invention, as described in DE202020103046.9;

[0098] Figures 7A-7G In stereoscopic view ( Figure 7A ), front view ( Figure 7B Top view () Figure 7C (in) along Figure 7B ( Figure 7D The cross-section of BB of the energy guiding chain according to the present invention, according to Figure 7A Side view of the chain segment ( Figure 7E ), Figure 7E Detail view ( Figure 7F ), a cross-sectional view of the connection area between the transverse splice and the plate ( Figure 7G );

[0099] Figures 8A-8C In the top view ( Figure 8A ), side view ( Figure 8B ) and stereoscopic view ( Figure 8C The energy guiding chain in Figure 7 is composed of links from the chain shown in Figure 7.

[0100] Figures 9A-9C In the top view ( Figure 9A ), side view ( Figure 9B ) and in stereoscopic view ( Figure 9C According to ) Figure 8C An extended scheme of the energy guiding chain, which has more than two parallel plates and cables and transverse connectors connecting these plates and cables;

[0101] Figures 10A-10B A schematic diagram showing the different hinge joints of adjacent plates at different heights. Figure 10A ,10B). Detailed Implementation

[0102] Figure 1 The energy guiding chain 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. The energy guiding chain 1 consists of a plurality of hinged side plates 2, 3 that are bent relative to each other. The side plates 2, 3 are assembled into two parallel plates connected by upper and lower transverse tabs 4 (here, detachably). Between the plates formed by the longitudinally arranged side plates 2, 3 and the transverse tabs 4, the energy guiding chain 1 forms an internal receiving space, which serves as a guiding channel for, for example, a conduit or hose.

[0103] A single component consisting of two parallel, opposing side plates 2 and 3, two accompanying transverse tabs 4 if necessary, and a hinged connector 5 connecting the side plates 2 and 3 constitutes a shape-stable, torsion-resistant, and torsional-rigid link (see example...). Figure 2D () serves as the smallest repeating chain unit.

[0104] The presented energy guide chain 1 is deformable and moves accordingly as it forms the lower segment 1A, the turning area 1C, and the upper segment 1B. Typically, the lower segment 1A, which is lowered and stationary, transitions into the moving upper segment 1B in the turning area 1C. The energy guide chain 1 is typically used to supply energy lines and / or data lines to movable mechanical parts. The plate cable has special end connecting elements 7A, 7B with connecting holes on the end side for fastening to the connection points. Figure 1 The diagram shows an energy guide chain 1 with an unsupported upper section 1B, which must be supported from a certain length onwards depending on the weight of the pipeline.

[0105] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, in each plate-cable, in the longitudinal direction of chain 1, outer plates 2 and inner plates 3 of different configurations alternate. However, in two plates-cables, due to their mirror symmetry, the same outer plate 2 and the same inner plate 3 are used, as in the same case... Figure 1 It can be identified.

[0106] As can be further seen from Figures 2 and 3, each outer plate 2 and each inner plate 3 are mirror-symmetric, that is, mirror-symmetric with respect to their height plane, especially the height intermediate plane S1, at least in their functionally relevant components, where the height intermediate plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L or the neutral axis of the energy guiding chain 1. Accordingly, by rotating 180° about the height axis H, the outer plate 2 and inner plate 3 can be used in the left or right side of the cable, respectively. Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0107] If still Figure 1 As shown, the hinged connection between the alternating inner and outer plates 2 and 3 is formed by hinge element 5. Figure 1 As shown, the hinge element 5 extends in the longitudinal direction L, preferably substantially over the entire width of plates 2 and 3, and terminates flush with the respective sides of plates 2 and 3, both internally and externally, without protrusion. Width here refers to the dimension of plates 2 and 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the height axis H.

[0108] The inner and outer panels 2 and 3 are functionally symmetrical, that is, at least symmetrically configured with their stop surfaces. This symmetry is not important for features that are not related to function, or rather, slight asymmetry in the design is permissible for such features (e.g., in embossed symbols or the like).

[0109] Figure 2A-2D and Figures 3A-3D Further details of the inner panel and outer panels 2 and 3 are shown.

[0110] Outer panel 2 (see) Figure 2A-2DThe device has two laterally protruding protrusions 21A and 21B symmetrically relative to the height plane S1, and two recessed pockets 22A and 22B in the height region opposite to the longitudinal plane S2 passing through the hinge connector 5, the longitudinal plane may but need not be in the middle.

[0111] Inner panel 3 ( Figures 3A-3D The device has two laterally protruding protrusions 31A and 31B symmetrically relative to the height plane S1, and two recessed pockets 32A and 32B in the height region opposite to the longitudinal plane S2 passing through the hinge connector 5.

[0112] In particular, the outer panel 2 and the inner panel 3 are implemented in a complementary matching manner in terms of their functional areas, especially in terms of the stop surfaces.

[0113] In the assembled state, the protrusions 21A and 21B of the outer panel 2 are respectively fitted into the pockets 32A and 32B of corresponding defined sizes of two adjacent connected inner panels 3. Correspondingly, the protrusions 31A and 31B of the inner panel 3 are also fitted into the adjacent, corresponding pockets 22A and 22B of the two outer panels of these adjacent outer panels 2.

[0114] Here, each outer plate 2 and inner plate 3 is connected in the longitudinal direction by means of a flexible hinge connector 5 (shown further in Figure 5), allowing the outer plate 2 and inner plate 3 to swing or bend relative to each other to achieve the defined transition between sections 1A and 1B in the turning arc 1C. The turning arc 1C here always maintains a radius predetermined by the geometry and configuration of the plates 2 and 3, especially the distance between the stop surfaces, to protect the pipeline, in particular, from breakage. Furthermore, the unsupported elongated position in the upper section is maintained by the stop surfaces acting in the opposite bending direction, particularly in the elongated relative position of the upper section 1B. The stop surfaces for the fully bent relative position in the turning arc 1C and for the elongated relative position of the upper section 1B, in particular, are discussed below.

[0115] The stop surfaces for the relative positions of elongation include the first stop surfaces 211A and 211B inside the protrusions 21A and 21B of the outer plate 2. Figure 2B These first stop surfaces 211A and 211B are respectively in the extended position (see...). Figure 1 The upper section 1B of B) corresponds to the outer first corresponding stop surface 321A or 321B of the inner plate 3, which is the bag 32A or 32B. Figure 3B The energy guiding chain works in conjunction with the other side, and in the extended position, it is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Here, the force between the stop surface 211A or 211B and the corresponding stop surface 321A or 321B acts in an unfolded manner on the corresponding bag 32A or 32B, and is absorbed by the stabilizing frame of the bag 32A or 32B, such as... Figure 3B-3C As shown. Similarly, in the elongated relative position, the first stop surfaces 311A ​​and 311B on the outside of the protrusions 31A and 31B of the inner plate 3 ( Figure 3A ) and also the first corresponding stop surface 221A or 221B corresponding to the corresponding bag 22A or 22B of the outer panel 2 ( Figure 2A It is in a stop position.

[0116] The stop surfaces for the relative positions of complete bending in the turning arc 1C include second stop surfaces 212A and 212B outside the protrusions 21A and 21B of the outer plate 2. Figure 2B These second stop surfaces 212A and 212B, in their fully bent relative positions, respectively correspond to the inner second stop surfaces 322A or 322B of the inner plate 3, which are the corresponding inner second stop surfaces 322A or 322B of the pocket 32A or 32B. Figure 3B They work together. The force between the stop surface 212A or 212B and the corresponding stop surface 322A or 322B advantageously acts as pressure on the central region of the inner plate 3, which can also be configured to have a small thickness (depending on the desired radius of the turning arc), such as... Figure 3B As shown. Similarly, in the relative positions of the maximum swing of adjacent plates 2 and 3, the second stop surfaces 312A and 312B inside the protrusions 31A and 31B of the inner plate 3 ( Figure 3A ) and also the corresponding second corresponding stop surface 222A or 222B on the corresponding bag 22A or 22B of the outer panel 2 ( Figure 2A It is in a stop position.

[0117] Figure 2A-3D The diagram also shows a thickened central region 20 of the outer panel 2 and a thickened central region 30 of the inner panel 3, on both sides of the central region along the longitudinal direction L and partially in the height direction H, respectively maintaining thinner overlapping regions 20A, 20B or 30A, 30B. The inner and outer panels 2 and 3 are configured to overlap in the longitudinal direction L with relatively thin or narrow overlapping regions 20A, 20B or 30A, 30B, as shown. Figure 1 This design enables particularly better lateral stability and torsional stiffness around the longitudinal direction. The overlapping regions 20A, 20B, or 30A, 30B, widen in the height direction starting from the longitudinal plane S2, i.e., increase in the longitudinal direction L, where the longitudinal plane extends through the hinge connector 5 and / or can be centered. Here, the dimensions of the hinge element 5 and plates 2, 3 are set such that a narrow air gap G is achieved between the overlapping regions 20A, 20B, or 30A, 30B, as... Figure 4 As explained. Figure 4 It is also shown that on the outer narrow side of the steering arc (as in Figure 4(As shown in the top view) This causes the inner panel and outer panel 2, 3 to have interchangeable names (in the opposite, less visible narrow side, the positions are reversed).

[0118] The plate has additional stop surfaces for good force distribution in the large unsupported length of the upper section 1B, or the turning arc 1C. This includes first end-side stop surfaces 201A and 201B on the overlapping areas 20A and 20B of the outer plate 2, which, in the extended position, together with or within the stop surfaces 301A and 301B on the corresponding first end-side stop surfaces 301A and 301B on the central region 30 of the inner plate 3, act as stop surfaces.

[0119] Furthermore, in the turning arc 1C, the second end side stop surfaces 302A and 302B on the overlapping areas 30A and 30B of the inner plate 3 and the corresponding second end side stop surfaces 202A and 202B on the central area 20 of the outer plate 2 are in a stop position.

[0120] like Figure 2A-3D As shown, all stop surfaces 201A, 201B; 211A, 211B; 212A, 212B; 302A, 302B; 321A, 321B and corresponding stop surfaces 202A, 202B; 301A, 301B; 311A ​​or 311B; 322A or 322B are uniformly convex or concave, preferably at least primarily coherent and / or continuous. Here, the selected curvature depends particularly on the maximum sway angle in the fully bent position of the turning arc 1C, i.e., on the desired radius of the turning arc 1C. This radius, in turn, is selectively set particularly by the matched widths of the pockets 22A, 22B or 32A, 32B and the distance between the relevant stop surfaces, wherein... Figure 2A-3D The configuration is shown for a relatively small radius. For larger radii, the chain pitch can be kept consistently small or short by expanding the central regions 20 and 30 and shortening the overlapping regions 20A and 20B; 30A and 30B.

[0121] Unlike the configuration from WO 2012 / 131033 A1, according to the present invention, the corresponding inner and outer plates 2, 3 each have stop protrusions 21A, 21B or 31A, 31B and stop pockets 22A, 22B or 32A, 32B, respectively. This improves lateral stability and, in particular, achieves improved torsional stiffness of the plate cable around the longitudinal axis of the cable parallel to the longitudinal direction. Neither of the two plates will fall laterally or come loose, for example, in the event of breakage or loosening of the hinged connector, i.e., the chain will not easily break.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the two opposing height regions are separated by a longitudinal plane S2 (which runs through the hinge connector 5). On the outer panel 2, Figure 2A-2B Bags 22A and 22B are respectively provided in the upper height region of the inner panel 3, and protrusions 21A and 21B are respectively provided in the opposite lower height region. Conversely, on the inner panel 3, [the following is also mentioned:] Figures 3A-3D The upper height region is provided with protrusions 31A and 31B, and the lower height region is provided with bags 32A and 32B, wherein the positions “upper” and “lower” depend on the corresponding opposite positions of plates 2 and 3 in sections 1A and 1B.

[0123] In addition, Figure 2A-2D and Figure 4 The diagram shows a transverse tab receiving portion of the outer panel 2. This transverse tab receiving portion is configured as a clamping receiving portion 40 integral with the outer panel 2 and forms two clamping surfaces 40A and 40B facing each other in the longitudinal direction L. A complementary fastening section 41 clamps the transverse tab 4 between these two clamping surfaces. Advantageously, the clamping surfaces 40A and 40B have convex locking areas for reliable fastening, such as... Figure 2A As shown, it is locked in the lateral direction by means of a keyway connection with the end of the fastening section 41. Figure 4 ).

[0124] Figure 1 Another advantage of the configuration of plates 2 and 3 is shown (especially compared to Figure 6), whereby the narrow side of plates 2 and 3 facing the corresponding other segment 1A or 1B forms a straight, uninterrupted support 8 in the longitudinal direction L, so that the upper segment 1B can be advantageously supported during long travel paths, for example on rollers or slide rails.

[0125] Figures 3A-3C An additional extension is shown, according to which the side plates 2, 3 (especially the inner plate 3) include deformable damping regions 9 on the narrow sides of the turning area 1C, externally positioned or facing away from the corresponding other sections 1A, 1B. These damping regions are used to dampen the transition from the turning area 1C to the flat lower section 1A, i.e., when the plate 3 impacts the support, thus further reducing vibration and noise. In this embodiment, the damping region 9 is bridge-shaped and integrally formed with the narrow side of the inner plate 3. Advantageously, the damping region 9 is implemented as a pressure-bearing arcuate spring element, which is connected to the narrow side of the inner plate 3 on both sides and runs substantially in the longitudinal direction.

[0126] As in Figure 4As can be seen best, in order to further enhance the lateral stability and torsional strength in the extended position of the upper section 1B, two opposing reinforcing extensions 33 protruding mainly in the longitudinal direction L are provided on the end side of the upper corner region of the overlapping area 30A and 30B of the inner plate 3. The reinforcing extensions respectively fit into the corresponding reinforcing receiving part or recess 23 on the end side of the central region 20 of the outer plate 2 in the extended position.

[0127] In order to save materials, reduce weight and / or optimize force flow or shape stability during manufacturing, material recesses 24 and 34 can be provided in the central regions 20 and 30. The limiting interface of the material recess on the plate body is preferably shaped to have a limiting interface with a predominantly concave curvature in order to avoid force peaks, for example in the case of plates 2 and 3 manufactured from plastic by injection molding.

[0128] The inner and outer plates 2 and 3 also have two opposing fastening receivers 25 and 35 in the middle region of the plate height, on the plane of the longitudinal plane S2, into which the corresponding fastening ends 51A and 51B of the hinge connector 5 are force-locked and form-locked. The fastening receivers 25 and 35 are also mirror-symmetrical with respect to the height plane S1 and the longitudinal plane S2, and have a matching cross-section conjugate to the fastening ends 51A and 51B, the cross-section having a slightly insufficient dimension for durable crimping. The fastening receivers 25 and 35 are continuously open in the width direction, allowing assembly or disassembly from both sides. The nominal distance between the opposing fastening receivers 25 and 35 of the hinge connector 5 preferably has a slightly excessive length, such that the hinge connector is slightly compressed in the extended positions of the segments 1A and 1B.

[0129] Figures 5A-5B A preferred hinged connector, or hinged element 5, is shown. The hinged connector 5 is a single, plate-shaped component extending in the longitudinal direction L of the energy guiding chain 1, said component being made of permanently elastic plastic. Corresponding to plates 2 and 3, the hinged element 5 is also constructed in a mirror-symmetric manner about a height mid-plane S1. It is a body having fastening ends 51A, 51B, a central region 52, and a plate-shaped transition region 53 to each of the opposing end regions, or fastening ends 51A, 51B. To improve bending strength and compressibility in the extended position, the central region 52 has two opposing outwardly arched material regions 521, 522 together with an open cavity 523 located therebetween.

[0130] Here, the cross-sections of the two fastening ends 51A and 51B are not cylindrical, but are implemented as essentially trilobal (in a manner of equal thickness) or approximately triangular, so that even in the case of bending or a predetermined bend, the fastening ends 51A and 51B are ensured to be anti-torsionally locked in the corresponding fastening receiving portions 25 and 35, that is, they will not wear due to friction caused by rotation.

[0131] The fastening ends 51A and 51B are significantly thickened or configured to have a significantly larger cross-section relative to the transition region 53 to reliably prevent unwanted loosening from the fastening receiving portion 25; 35, because the gap size to the inlet in the fastening receiving portion 25; 35 corresponds to the structural height of the transition region 53, or is configured to have a slight dimensional deficiency compared to it, so as to clamp the transition region 53 at the limiting interface of the inlet.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge element 5 connects exactly two plates 2 and 3 to each other, specifically connecting an outer plate 3 to an inner plate 2. For fastening to the inner plate 2, the hinge element 5 has a fastening region or thickening portion 53 on its end side. The thickening portion 53 for fixing or fastening to the fastening receiving portion of the plate 2 or 3 is generally trilobal or approximately triangular.

[0133] Furthermore, each fastening region 51A, 51B has at least one flattened and / or curved abutment surface 54 at its end facing the longitudinal direction L, the radius of curvature of which is significantly greater than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening region, particularly significantly greater than the radius of the circumcircle of the trefoil cross-section. Thus, the abutment surface 54 particularly allows for the advantageous, large-area introduction of pressure for damping by compression during transition to the elongated position, or for reinforcing prestress in the unsupported upper section, which is reinforced by the elastic return force of the arched material regions 521, 522. Other similar cross-sections (e.g., triangles with rounded corners or, if necessary, quadrilateral shapes) are also within the scope of the invention.

[0134] about Figures 6A-6B Alternative embodiments are also fully incorporated into the teachings of DE 20 2020 103 046.9, with only some differences set forth herein. Utilizing Figures 6A-6B The configuration of plate 6 allows for the installation of consecutively arranged side plates 6 with identical structures in both plates.

[0135] This is achieved in particular by the fact that the side plate, together with its stop surface which acts as a stop, is rotationally symmetric about the height axis H or the rotation axis R, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the chain and at least substantially parallel to the side plate 6, preferably running in the middle plane of the side plate.

[0136] The side panel 6 has two protrusions 61C and 61D protruding away from the receiving space and two protrusions 61A and 61B protruding towards the receiving space, and the side panel has two stop pockets 62A and 62B opening towards the receiving space and two stop pockets 62C and 62D opening away from the receiving space.

[0137] Side plate 6 can be manufactured using only one mold and is also permitted for use in more than three cable sections, as described in DE20 2020 103 046.9.

[0138] Figure 7 shows a link 102 of another variation of the energy guiding chain 101 according to the invention for guiding pipelines, wherein the chain has a plurality of links 102 hinged to each other, the links being configured to receive and guide a receiving space 102a (Figures 8, 9) for receiving and guiding at least one pipeline. Each corresponding link 102 has an opposing plate 103 having inner and outer, or first and opposing, second sides 104a, b, and narrow sides 105a, b substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain 101. According to Figures 8, 9, at least some or all of the links 102 have at least one transverse tab 120 that allows the plates 103 to be detachably connected to each other; according to Figure 7, at least one transverse tab 120 is fastened or can be fastened on the link 102 on the two opposing narrow sides 105a, b of the corresponding plate 103. The transverse tab 120 has fastening devices 122 on two opposing end regions 121 for detachably fastening to the plate. The plate 103 of the link 102 (“link”) has fastening devices 108 on its two narrow sides 105a, b for loosely fastening the corresponding transverse tab fastening devices 121.

[0139] The plate 103 of section 102 has a hinged connection 109, which can be hinged to or connected in the chain to the corresponding hinged connection 109 of the plate 103' of adjacent link 102', for example by means of a separate hinge element 110, i.e., at least two hinged connection 109s on the respective plates. The hinged connection 109 is arranged here on the plate end sides 106a, b, which is particularly advantageous but not mandatory. The plate 103 here has two receiving portions 109a on two end regions 107a, b spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L of the plate (particularly on the plate end sides 106a, b) for coupling individual hinge elements 110, which can be connected to the corresponding hinge element receiving portions of adjacent plates. The hinge element receiving portions 109a are arranged here in the thick portion region 111 of the plate 103. The hinged connection portion 109 of plate 103 is configured as a holding and fastening area to couple the individual hinged elements 110.

[0140] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the arrangement of hinge elements of plate 103 at the height of hinge connection 109. According to Figure 10a, for example, on the hinge connection of the plate, on the end regions 107a, b of the same plate, especially on the end sides of the plate, the hinge element 110 can be permanently or loosely arranged on plate 103, for example, also integrally molded, and hinge element receiving portions 109a can be provided on the opposing end regions of the plate, especially on the end sides of the same plate, to hold and fix the hinge elements of adjacent plates. Alternatively, according to Figure 10b, the hinge element 110 can also extend only about half the width of the plate, and the hinge element 110 and the hinge element receiving portion can be arranged on the two end regions of the plate, or the end sides of the plate, where the hinge element and the hinge element receiving portion are arranged rotationally symmetrically about the rotation axis R1 of the plate. The hinge connection portion with hinge element receiving portion 109a according to FIG. 10 can be arranged in the same thick portion region 111 of the same plate at approximately half the height of the plate, just like the hinge element receiving portion of FIG. 7. If necessary, the hinge connection portions of adjacent plates can also be connected to each other in order to construct the hinge connection portion 109, so that hinge elements can also be provided on the end regions of the two plates, for example on the end sides.

[0141] Here, the plate end can extend into the thick portion region 111 of the plate 103, either partially or completely, within the region of the hinge element receiving portion. Therefore, the corresponding plate 103 has a hinge element on at least one end, which functions in conjunction with an adjacent plate of the same structure when a hinged connection is constructed between the plates. Plates with hinged connections to each other, arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the chain, constitute at least two plate cables 150, 160 running laterally spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the chain, with at least a portion of a receiving space 102a for at least one pipeline arranged between the plate cables (Figures 8 and 9). Only some of the hinge elements 110 of the plate cables are shown in Figures 8 and 9. The successive links of the energy guiding chain are positionally variable relative to each other due to the hinged connection 109 between adjacent links 102 or plates 103, for example, to construct two or more segments together with the turning regions that connect them, such as the upper segment 180, lower segment 181 and turning region 182 according to Figures 8c and 9c.

[0142] The receiving space 102a is box-shaped. The plate 103 is preferably constructed as a substantially plate-shaped member. The inner and outer plate sides 104a, 104b are constructed to be flat and smooth, wherein, in order to save material and / or reduce shrinkage deformation during the manufacture of the plate (preferably a plastic plate), there are recesses that recede from the flat plate sides. Fastening devices 108 for at least one or all lateral tabs, hinged connections 109 for hinged connections of adjacent plates, and stops for limiting the hinged movement of adjacent plates are arranged entirely between the plate sides. The plate cables 150, 160, 170 have at least substantially continuous flat inner and outer sides along their length.

[0143] According to Figures 8 and 9, along a chain segment 130 comprising at least three adjacent links 102 (the chain segment including at least two or all of the plate cables 150, 160, and 170), the plate cables are generally coherently (i.e., completely) constructed of plates with identical structures (as shown in Figures 8 and 9), such that the corresponding plates can be selectively arranged at any position in each of the different cables of the chain segment. The plates 103 of the chain segment (i.e., all the plate cables of the same chain segment) are here constructed with identical structures. Here, the chain segment composed of identical plates extends along the entire length of the plate cables 150, 160, and 170, or the chain 101. However, the end links of the chain, or the end plates of the cables (not shown), can be constructed differently, for example, additionally having fastening regions to secure the fastening regions to the drive members of the chain 101 or the connection points of the chain, wherein these fastening regions can also be constructed on each of the identical plates. The term "plate" in chain segment 130 typically refers to all plates of the chain segment, and this applies accordingly to the transverse tabs 120. Thus, generally within the scope of the invention, in the case of different, preferably adjacent, plate cables connected by transverse tabs, a given transverse tab can be selectively fastened to any plate of the chain segment. All transverse tabs 120 can be detachably fastened to the plates at both their end regions 121.

[0144] All plates 103 of chain segment 130 have fastening devices 108 for at least one lateral tab on or in one of the two narrow sides 105a, b, respectively. These fastening devices are arranged and configured such that the lateral tabs 120 can be selectively fastened to the plates in a manner that extends (i.e., away from the side) from one or the other side of the two plate sides 104a, b, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and this involves both narrow sides. All fastening devices for the lateral tabs of the plates of chain segment 130 are structurally identical. All lateral tabs of the chain segment are structurally identical or have at least structurally identical fastening devices for connection to the plates. Multiple lateral tabs can also be fastened, if necessary, on or in one or each narrow side of the respective plate, by providing corresponding fastening devices on the respective plates. The plate fastening devices 108 for the lateral tabs (here for two lateral tabs) are permanently and non-removably constructed on the respective plates, preferably integrally molded onto the plates. Generally speaking, "integral molding" includes the integral construction of the fastener 108 and the plate, wherein the fastener can also be constructed as a slot 108a of the plate.

[0145] All plates in plate 103 of chain segment 130 have stops 112, which work together with corresponding stops 113 of adjacent links to limit the articulated movement of adjacent plates relative to each other. Stops 112 and 113 are permanently connected to the plates, preferably integrally molded onto these plates. Each of the stops has a molded area on the corresponding plate (here, on a continuation of the plate), wherein the free end of the stop opposite the molded area is not covered by another area of ​​the corresponding plate. Plate 103 is constructed identically with respect to stops 112 and 113, which also includes the construction and arrangement of the stops on structurally identical plates.

[0146] The transverse tabs 120 are each constructed at least substantially in a straight line, and / or the end regions 121 of the transverse tabs are arranged at least substantially in a straight line relative to each other. The plate fastening region 108 for the transverse tabs 120 is preferably constructed for fastening the transverse tabs that are constructed at least substantially in a straight line.

[0147] Here, the plate fastening device 108 for the corresponding transverse tab 120, or for all transverse tabs in the chain link, is configured as a clamping and / or locking device to work in conjunction with the corresponding fastening device 122 of the transverse tab, but is not limited thereto. The plate fastening device 108 is here located in the area of ​​the plate for the end region of the transverse tab (or more precisely, the receiving groove 108a and / or clamping receiving portion), which is particularly advantageous within the scope of the invention; however, the aforementioned fastening device can also be configured in other ways. Here, the receiving groove 108a itself can be configured as a fastening device 8 and can also be configured as a clamping and / or locking receiving portion. The transverse tab 120 can be fixed in the plate groove 108a in a clamping engagement and / or locking manner, for which the groove side clamps and / or locks in conjunction with the transverse tab fastening device 122, and alternatively or additionally, a fastening device at the bottom of the groove if necessary. The clamping receiving portion can also be arranged, for example, locally in a region or on the narrow side of the plate, such as as a local recess, or in other suitable manner. The receiving groove 108a extends from the inner plate side 104a toward the opposite outer plate side 104b, i.e., it extends continuously over the entire width of the plate. The groove 108a can also be partially interrupted by a tab or the like if necessary. The plate groove 108a is constructed to be open at both ends. This gives a compact embodiment of the plate structure, on which the transverse tab 120 can be selectively extended from one of the two plate sides 104a, b and fastened to the plate at its end region 121. The transverse tab 120 is here fixed to the plate in an angularly stable manner. Angular stability can, on the one hand, involve preventing the transverse tab from deflecting in the longitudinal direction of the chain, so that the link shape is constructed particularly stably. Alternatively or additionally, angular stability can also be addressed: the transverse tab 120 is fixed to prevent it from swinging about the longitudinal direction L1 of the plate, or the narrow side of the plate. Furthermore, the transverse tab 120 is secured to the plate at its end regions in a manner that prevents displacement about the longitudinal direction of the transverse tab. For this purpose, a displacement stop 108b is provided on the plate, which is here constructed as a protrusion, particularly a locking protrusion, acting on the end regions of the transverse tab. The displacement stop 108b is here arranged in a receiving groove 108a. This securing of the transverse tab is specifically adapted so that the link has high stability on the one hand and can be used according to the invention on the other.

[0148] Here, the end region 121 of the transverse tab 120, which overlaps the plate 103 and has a fastening device 122, extends from the inside of the plate beyond the middle plane of the plate in a direction toward or to the outer side of the plate, without protruding from the outer side of the plate. Here, the overlapping end region of the transverse tab is completely arranged within the cross-sectional area of ​​the plate. Here, the overlapping end region of the transverse tab extends over the entire width of the plate, or the entire longitudinal extension of the receiving groove. This provides a stable and space-saving fastening of the transverse tab on the plate.

[0149] The described configuration for fastening transverse tabs to plates is particularly suitable for stably fastening transverse tabs to the respective plates and can also be selectively arranged to extend from the side of one or the other plate.

[0150] Generally, the transverse tab 120 can be constructed integrally. If necessary, the transverse tab 120 can also be constructed in multiple parts and, for example, have individual connectors 123 in one or both end regions for connecting the transverse tab to the plate 103. The fastening region between the transverse tab and the plate, such as the end region of the transverse tab, can also be constructed of a different material from the transverse tab body, which can in particular have higher elasticity or lower rigidity, and the material can also be securely fastened to the transverse tab without loss, for example by bonding or by integral molding such as by injection molding, for example by two-component injection molding. The connector 123 is here arranged between the end region 121 of the transverse tab and the plate 103. When the transverse tab 120 is disassembled, the connector 123 is retained on the transverse tab or plate. This alternative material and / or connector 123 can improve the clamping and / or locking connection between the transverse tab 120 and the plate 103 in terms of retaining force.

[0151] Each plate 103 has a central region (i.e., a thicker region 111) with respect to its longitudinal extension. Fastening devices 108 are provided on the thicker region 111 to fasten at least one or more transverse tabs 120. The thicker region extends with respect to the plate height into or to approximately two narrow sides 105a, b. Extensions 114, 115 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the plate originate from the thicker region 111, and these extensions are at least substantially plate-shaped and have a width slightly smaller than the thicker region 111. In adjacent plates 103 of the plates 150, 160, 170, the extensions 114, 115 of adjacent plates laterally overlap each other. Hinged connections 109 of the plates 103 are spaced apart from the narrow sides 105a, b and are arranged here in the central height region of the plate. The extensions 114 and 115 are respectively arranged on both sides of the hinge connection on the two end regions 107a and b of the plate, that is, in the given positions of the plate "above" and "below" the hinge connection, so that four extensions 114 and 115 are constructed on the plate.

[0152] The plate extensions 114 and 115 are arranged alternately: with respect to the respective plate end sides 106a and b, one of the extensions 114 and 115 is arranged on the inner plate side side 104a, while the other extension 114 and 115 is arranged on the outer plate side side. This applies to both plate end sides 106a and b. With respect to the longitudinal direction L1 of the plate, for the extension 114 above the hinged connection, one of the extensions is arranged on the inner side of the plate, while the other extension is arranged on the outer side. This also applies to the extension 115 below the hinged connection (however, with the opposite arrangement of the extensions to the respective plate side sides). Typically, the plate 103 can also be constructed, for example, in a shoulder-like shape. The staggered embodiment is preferred in terms of the stability of the plate cables and also in terms of the flexible arrangement of the respective plates in different plates at any position around their axis of rotation.

[0153] Here, the corresponding stops 112, 113 of the plates, for the articulated movement of the limits relative to each other during chain movement, are arranged on the plate extensions 114, 115 and extend laterally from the extensions, i.e., protruding from the extensions in the longitudinal direction of the transverse tabs 120 fastened to the plates. In adjacent plates of the plate cable, the stops 114, 115 of the plates engage with the slots 116, 117 of the adjacent plates 103 that open towards the side of the plates. The extensions of the corresponding stops 112, 113 in the plate height direction (i.e., the spacing on the narrow side of the plates) are here smaller than the extensions of the slots 116, 117 that receive these stops in the plate height direction, so that adjacent plates can swing relative to each other. Here, the stops 112, 113 can be arranged in the plate longitudinal direction such that there is no gap or almost no gap in the area relative to the adjacent plates, and are guided through this area (here, in the thick part region 111 of the plate) during articulated movement, thereby obtaining a further increase in the lateral stability of the plate cable. The contours of the surfaces of the stops 112 and 113 and the adjacent sections (here, the thicker region 111) pointing towards each other in the longitudinal direction L1 of the plate are configured to be consistent with each other. Typically, but less preferably, the stops 112 and 113 can also extend from the continuation in the longitudinal direction L1 of the plate and fit, for example, into slots opening toward the plate end sides 106a and b, respectively, for limited hinged movement (not shown).

[0154] The plate may have a damping element (not shown) configured to provide stopping damping when adjacent plates of the plate cable stop each other, and constructed in the same manner on the plate. The damping element may, for example, be arranged in a receiving portion 114a of the plate extension 114.

[0155] Chain segment 130, comprising plates 150, 160, and 170, is generally continuous, i.e., entirely composed of plates 103, which can be mapped onto each other in adjacent or different plates 150, 160, and 170 of chain 101 by translational displacement along the longitudinal extension direction of transverse tab 120. This can be applied to all plates in the chain segment.

[0156] Chain segment 130, comprising plates 150, 160, and 170, is generally continuous, i.e., entirely composed of plates 103, which are themselves rotationally symmetric, more precisely, rotationally symmetric about a rotation axis R1, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1 of plate 103 and at least substantially parallel to the side surfaces 104a and b of the plates, and preferably runs in the midplane M1 of the plates. This also applies to the fastening device 108 of the plates for the transverse connecting piece 120, the hinged connection 109 of the plates for hinged connection with adjacent plates, and the stops 112 and 113 for limiting the hinged movement of adjacent plates relative to each other. This can be applied to all the plates in the chain segment. Chain segment 130, or chain 101, is thus constructed in a particularly simple manner and produces advantages according to the invention in a particularly advantageous way.

[0157] The fastening devices 108 for the lateral tabs 120 and / or the hinged connections 109 of the corresponding plates 103 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plate's central plane M1, and are arranged independently, preferably simultaneously, within the central plane M1. The central plane M1 runs parallel to the plate's side surfaces 104a and b, and is centered relative to the side surfaces. Plate extensions 114 and 115 extend to the central plane M1, respectively.

[0158] According to Figure 9, the energy guiding chain 101 has at least three or more laterally spaced plates 150, 160, and 170 running longitudinally, wherein, according to the invention, chain segments 130 extending coherently over at least a plurality of adjacent links are generally coherently and entirely composed of plates 103 with respect to the three or more plates. At least three or all of the plates 150, 160, and 170 running longitudinally are entirely composed of plates with identical structures.

[0159] Regarding chain 101 according to Figure 9, a first link 102a is provided in the first pair of adjacent first and second plate cables 150, 160, wherein plates 103 arranged in different plate cables 150, 160 are interconnected on two narrow sides 105a, b using detachable transverse tabs 120 when constructing link 102a. Furthermore, a second link 102b is provided, in which plates arranged in different plate cables 150, 160 are not interconnected using transverse tabs. In two adjacent first and second plate cables 150, 160, the first and second links 102a, 102b are sequentially connected in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The aforementioned sequential first and second links 102a, b in the longitudinal direction are provided in another third plate cable 170 of chain 101. A second plate cable 160 is arranged between the first and third plate cables 150, 170. A plate 103 is provided on the second plate cable 160, preferably detachably connected only to the plate of the first plate cable 150 via a transverse connecting piece 120. The second plate cable 160 also has a plate 103 that is preferably detachably connected only to the plate of the third plate cable 170 via the transverse connecting piece 120. The plates 103 of all three plates are structurally identical to each other. All plates are continuously constructed from plates with the same structure.

[0160] According to Figure 9, three or more plates 150, 160, and 170 are provided if necessary. In the case of constructing the first, middle, second, and third plates, at least one plate 160 is arranged between two adjacent plates 150 and 170. The second plate 160 is detachably connected to the two adjacent plates 150 and 170 using a transverse connecting piece. The selected plate 103 of the second plate 160 is connected only to the plate of the first plate or only to the plate of the third plate 150 and 170, or the selected plate 103 of the second plate 160 can be detachably connected to the plates of the two adjacent plates 150 and 170 using a transverse connecting piece 120.

[0161] According to Figure 9, the links 102 on the opposing plates 103 of adjacent plates 150, 160, and 170 are connected to transverse tabs 120 on the two narrow sides 105a and b, respectively, and are not connected to transverse tabs on subsequent links 102. If necessary, only one transverse tab 120 can be provided in each link 101, and then alternated in the links 102 that are successive to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain, for example, on one or the other narrow side 105a and b of the adjacent plates 103 of the plate pair.

[0162] According to Figure 9, three or more plates 150, 160, and 170 are provided, wherein at least one plate 160 is arranged between two adjacent plates 150 and 170. The middle second plate 160 is detachably connected to the two adjacent plates 150 and 170 by means of a lateral tab 120. The second plate 160 has a plate 103, which is connected to the first plate 150 on one narrow side 105a of the corresponding plate 103 by means of a detachable lateral tab 120 and to the third plate 170 on the other narrow side 105b of the same plate 103 by means of a detachable lateral tab 120.

[0163] According to Figures 8-9, all plates 103 in the chain are constructed sequentially along the cable with identical structures. Reference should be made to other embodiments of the invention and alternative or further configurations of the plates. Different plates in the chain according to Figures 8 and 9, or all plates of all plates in all the chains, can be manufactured or are accordingly manufactured using one and the same forming tool, particularly an injection molding tool.

[0164] List of reference numerals

[0165] 1. Energy Guiding Chain

[0166] 1A lower section

[0167] 1B Upper Section

[0168] 1C Steering area or steering arc

[0169] 2 outer panels

[0170] 3 Inner Panel

[0171] 4. Lateral splicing

[0172] 5. Hinged connectors or hinged elements

[0173] 6 boards

[0174] 8 Support section

[0175] 9 Damping Region

[0176] 7A, 7B End Connecting Elements

[0177] 20 Thickened central area

[0178] Overlapping areas of 20A and 20B

[0179] 21A, 21B protrusions

[0180] Bags 22A and 22B

[0181] 23. Reinforced receiving section or reinforced section

[0182] 24 Material recess

[0183] 25 Fastening receiving part

[0184] 30 Thickened central area

[0185] Overlapping areas of 30A and 30B

[0186] 31A, 31B protrusions

[0187] 32A and 32B bags

[0188] 33. Reinforced Continuation Section

[0189] 34 Material recess

[0190] 35 Fastening receiving part

[0191] 40 Clamping receiving part

[0192] 40A, 40B clamping surfaces

[0193] 41 Fastening Section

[0194] 51A, 51B Fastening ends or fastening areas

[0195] 52 Central Region

[0196] 53. Plate-like transition area

[0197] 54. Stick to the surface

[0198] 61A and 61B protrusions

[0199] 61C and 61D protrusions

[0200] 62A, 62B stop bag

[0201] 62C, 62D stop bags

[0202] 101 Energy Guiding Chain

[0203] 102, 102' links

[0204] 102a, b links

[0205] 103, 103' board

[0206] 104a Internal panel side

[0207] 104b External panel side

[0208] 105a, b Narrow side

[0209] 106a and b plate end faces

[0210] 107a, b end regions

[0211] 108 Fastening Devices

[0212] 108a slot, receiving slot

[0213] 108b Displacement Stop Device

[0214] 109 Hinged connection

[0215] 109a Receiving Section

[0216] 110 Hinged element

[0217] 111 Thick area

[0218] 112 Stop

[0219] 113 Stop

[0220] 114, 115 Continuation Section

[0221] 114a Receiving Unit

[0222] 116, 117 slots

[0223] 120 Horizontal splicing

[0224] 121 End Region

[0225] 122 Fastening devices

[0226] 123 Connector

[0227] 130 chain segments

[0228] 150, 160 plate rope

[0229] 170 board rope

[0230] 180 Upper Section

[0231] 181 lower section

[0232] 182 Turning Area

[0233] 201A, 201B First end side stop surface

[0234] 202A and 202B correspond to the stop surfaces

[0235] The internal stop surfaces of 211A and 211B

[0236] 212A, 212B Second external stop surfaces

[0237] 221A, 221B First Corresponding Stop Surface

[0238] 222A, 222B Second Corresponding Stop Surface

[0239] 301A and 301B end side corresponding stop surfaces

[0240] 302A, 302B Second End Side Stop Surface

[0241] 311A, 311B First outer stop surface

[0242] 312A, 312B Second internal stop surface

[0243] Corresponding stop surfaces on the outside of 321A and 321B

[0244] The corresponding stop surfaces inside 322A and 322B

[0245] 521, 522 Arched material areas

[0246] 523 Cavity

[0247] G air gap

[0248] H - Height axis, or height direction

[0249] L (vertical direction)

[0250] R Rotation axis

[0251] S1 is the mid-height plane or height plane.

[0252] S2 Longitudinal Plane

[0253] L1 plate longitudinal direction

[0254] M1 intermediate plane

[0255] R1 Rotation axis

Claims

1. An energy guiding chain (1) for guiding pipelines, having two parallel plate cables, wherein, Each plate cable includes side plates (2, 3; 6), which are interconnected by means of flexible hinge connectors (5) and can be bent relative to each other. The flexible hinge connectors (5) are elastically deformable in the bending direction of the side plates, and the plate cables are interconnected by transverse tabs (4). The side plates (2, 3; 6) include stop surfaces that abut against each other in their elongated relative positions and stop surfaces that abut against each other in their fully bent relative positions. Laterally projecting protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) of the side plates (2, 3; 6) engage with recessed pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) of adjacent side plates (2, 3; 6), and in their elongated relative positions… In position (1B), the at least first stop surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B) of the protrusion work together with the first corresponding stop surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B) of the bag, and in the fully bent relative position, the at least second stop surfaces (212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) of the protrusion work together with the second corresponding stop surfaces (222A, 222B; 322A, 322B) of the bag; All side panels (2, 3; 6) are configured symmetrically with respect to their stop surfaces. Its features are, Each side panel (2, 3; 6) includes at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with first and second stop surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B or 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with corresponding first and second stop surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B or 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B). The two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) and the two bags (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are symmetrically arranged on the side plates (2, 3; 6).

2. The energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline is a cable or a flexible hose.

3. The energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) and the two bags (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are arranged on the side plates (2, 3; 6) in a mirror-symmetric manner with respect to the height plane (S1) or rotationally symmetric with respect to the height axis (H; R).

4. The energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the two plates, different outer plates (2) and inner plates (3) are provided as side plates, which alternate in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The inner plates (3) and the outer plates (2) are respectively configured with their stop surfaces, which act as stop surfaces, mirror-symmetric about their height plane (S1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, so that the same outer plates (2) and the same inner plates (3) can be used in the two plates. The height plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and substantially perpendicular to the side plates. Each outer plate (2) includes two protrusions (21A, 21B) and two pockets (22A, 22B), while each inner plate (3) includes two protrusions (31A, 31B) and two pockets (32A, 32B).

5. The energy guiding chain according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer plate (2) and the inner plate (3) each have two opposing height regions about the longitudinal plane (S2) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and substantially perpendicular to the direction of the side plates (2; 3). Protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) are provided in one height region on the outer plate (2) and the inner plate (3), while bags (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are provided in the other opposing height region.

6. The energy guiding chain according to claim 5, characterized in that, The longitudinal plane (S2) passes through one or more hinged connectors (5).

7. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The transverse connector (4) and the side plate (2) define the receiving space for the pipeline to be guided, characterized in that, At least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) of the side panel (2; 3) protrude away from the receiving space, and at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) of the side panel (2; 3) open toward the receiving space, or vice versa.

8. The energy guiding chain according to claim 4, wherein the lateral connector (4) and the side plate (2) define a receiving space for the pipeline to be guided, characterized in that, The bags (22A, 22B) of the outer panel (2) are open toward the receiving space, and the protrusions (21A, 21B) of the outer panel (2) protrude away from the receiving space. The bags (32A, 32B) of the inner panel (3) are open toward the receiving space, and the protrusions (31A, 31B) of the inner panel (3) protrude away from the receiving space.

9. The energy guiding chain according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two consecutive side plates (6) with identical structures are provided in the two plates, the side plates being rotationally symmetric about the height axis (H / R) with at least their stopping surfaces being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and substantially parallel to the direction of the side plates (6).

10. The energy guiding chain according to claim 9, characterized in that, The height axis runs in the middle plane of the side plate (6).

11. The energy guiding chain according to claim 9, wherein the lateral connector (4) and the side plate (2) define a receiving space for the pipeline to be guided, characterized in that, The side panel (6) has two protrusions (61C, 61D) protruding away from the receiving space and two protrusions (61A, 61B) protruding toward the receiving space, and the side panel has two pockets (62A, 62B) opening toward the receiving space and two pockets (62C, 62D) opening away from the receiving space.

12. The energy guiding chain according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transverse tab (4) can be loosely fastened to the transverse tab receiving part (40) of the side plate.

13. The energy guiding chain according to claim 12, characterized in that, The transverse tab (4) can be loosely fastened to the outer plate (2).

14. The energy guiding chain according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each of the transverse receiving portions forms a clamping receiving portion (40) that is one piece with the side plate. The clamping receiving portion has two clamping surfaces (40A, 40B) facing each other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain. The complementary fastening section (41) of the transverse piece is clamped or can be clamped between the two clamping surfaces.

15. The energy guiding chain according to claim 14, characterized in that, The clamping surface includes a convex locking area.

16. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The energy guiding chain guides the pipeline between the connecting parts, wherein at least one of the two connecting parts is movable relative to the other connecting part, and the energy guiding chain is movable in the process of relative movement of the connecting parts to form an upper section (1B) and a lower section (1A), the upper section and the lower section transitioning into each other via a turning area (1C), wherein the side plates (2, 3) have narrow sides facing away from each other substantially in the longitudinal direction (L).

17. The energy guiding chain according to claim 16, characterized in that, The upper section (1B) is an unsupported upper section (1B).

18. The energy guiding chain according to claim 16, characterized in that, - A support portion (8) that is built into the steering area or forms a straight line in the longitudinal direction without interruption on the narrow side facing the corresponding other section, and / or - The side plate on the narrow side of the steering region that is external or away from the corresponding other section includes a deformable damping region (9) to dampen the transition of the steering region to the flat lower section.

19. The energy guiding chain according to claim 18, characterized in that, The damping region (9) includes a bridge-shaped spring element that is integrally formed with the narrow side of the side plate, the spring element being connected to the narrow side on both sides.

20. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each pair of adjacent side plates (2, 3) are connected to each other by a separate hinge connector (5), or a longitudinal section having three or more side plates (2, 3) is connected to each other by a common hinge connector.

21. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each side plate (2, 3; 6) has a thickened central region (20; 30) and at least two thinner overlapping regions (20A, 20B; 30A, 30B) connected thereto, the side plates overlapping in the longitudinal direction (L) with the overlapping regions, wherein additional end-side stop surfaces, substantially pointing in the longitudinal direction, are disposed on the end sides of the central regions (202A, 202B; 301A, 301B) and the end sides of the overlapping regions (201A, 201B; 302A, 302B) to act together as stoppers.

22. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first and second stop surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B or 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and the first and second corresponding stop surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B or 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B) that work together with them, as well as the additional end-side stop surfaces (202A, 202B; 301A, 301B; 201A, 201B; 302A, 302B) are implemented to be convex or concave curved in a consistent manner.

23. The energy guiding chain according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first and second stop surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B or 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and the first and second corresponding stop surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B or 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B) that work together with them, as well as the additional end-side stop surfaces (202A, 202B; 301A, 301B; 201A, 201B; 302A, 302B) are implemented to be convex or concave and continuously curved in a consistent manner.

24. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The side plates (2, 3) connected by the hinge connector (5) are held on each other with a lateral air gap (G).

25. The energy guiding chain according to claim 24, characterized in that, The side plates (2, 3) connected by the hinge connector (5) are held on each other with a lateral air gap (G) between the opposite overlapping areas (20A, 20B; 30A, 30B).

26. The energy guiding chain according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two opposing, protruding reinforcing extensions (33) are provided on the end side of the inner or outer panel, and the reinforcing extensions, in their extended positions, respectively engage with the corresponding reinforcing receiving portions (23) on the central area of ​​the connected outer or inner panel.

27. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one material recess (24; 34) is provided on at least the thickened central region (20, 30) of the side plate, the at least one material recess having a plurality of limiting interfaces.

28. The energy guiding chain according to claim 27, characterized in that, The at least one material recess is configured as a limiting interface that is primarily concave and curved.

29. A side plate (2, 3; 6) for an energy guiding chain according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple side plates can be interconnected into a plate cable using a flexible hinge connector (5) and can be bent relative to each other, wherein, The side panels (2, 3) include laterally projecting protrusions and corresponding recessed pockets, such that when the two side panels are connected, at least a first stop surface of the protrusion works in conjunction with a first corresponding stop surface of the pocket in an elongated relative position, and at least a second stop surface of the protrusion works in conjunction with a second corresponding stop surface of the pocket in a fully bent relative position. Its features are, The side panel is configured symmetrically with respect to its stop surface and includes at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with first and second stop surfaces and at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with corresponding first and second stop surfaces, wherein the two protrusions and the two pockets are symmetrically arranged on the side panel, wherein one side of the side panel (2, 3; 6) has the at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B), and the other side of the side panel (2, 3; 6) has the at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B).

30. The side panel according to claim 29, characterized in that, The side plate is an outer plate (2) or an inner plate (3) for the energy guiding chain, and the two protrusions and the two bags are arranged symmetrically with respect to the height plane (S1) on the outer plate or the inner plate.

31. The side panel according to claim 29, characterized in that, The two protrusions and the two bags are rotationally symmetrically arranged on the side plate with respect to the height axis (H, R) of the side plate.

32. The side plate according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, Each side panel (2, 3; 6) is made of plastic in one piece.

33. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each side panel (2, 3; 6) is made of plastic in one piece.

34. The energy guiding chain according to claim 33, characterized in that, The hinge connector (5) is made separately from another permanently elastic plastic.

35. The energy guiding chain according to claim 33, characterized in that, The hinge connector (5) is made separately from a plastic that is more flexible than the side plate.

36. The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Each pair of side panels is connected by a hinged connector (5), wherein the side panels have an open fastening receiver (25; 25) in the longitudinal direction, and the corresponding fastening end of the hinged connector is fastened in the fastening receiver.

37. The energy guiding chain according to claim 36, characterized in that, The corresponding fastening end of the hinge connector is pressed into the fastening receiving part.

38. The energy guiding chain according to claim 36, characterized in that, The hinge connector is sized to have an extra-long portion, such that the hinge connector is compressed in the extended positions of the upper and lower segments of the energy guide chain.

39. A hinged connector (5) for an energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 1 to 28 or for a side plate according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein, The hinge connector (5) has a plate-shaped body with a flexible central hinge region (52), the body being adapted to allow adjacent side plates (2, 3) to be bent and connected to each other, wherein the body includes two opposing end-side fastening regions (51A, 51B) for fastening in corresponding fastening receivers (25, 35) of the side plates, the fastening regions having a cross-section that expands toward the end-side end, characterized in that the fastening regions (51A, 51B) include at least a flattened and / or curved abutment surface (54) at their longitudinally oriented end-side end, the radius of curvature of the abutment surface being greater than half of the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening region.

40. The hinged connector according to claim 39, characterized in that, The main body has two material regions (521, 522) that arch outwards in opposite directions, and the two material regions have a cavity (523) located therebetween that is open on both sides.

41. The hinged connector according to claim 39, characterized in that, The cross-section of the fastening regions (51A, 51B) is configured to be torsionally locked in the corresponding fastening receivers (25; 35) during bending.

42. The hinge connector according to claim 41, characterized in that, The cross-section of the fastening areas (51A, 51B) is implemented in a trilobal or triangular shape.

43. The hinge connector according to any one of claims 39 to 42, characterized in that, The main body has a plate-like transition area (53) between each fastening area and the central hinge area (52).

44. The hinge connector according to any one of claims 39 to 42, characterized in that, The hinge connector (5) is made of plastic in one piece.

45. The hinged connector according to claim 44, characterized in that, The hinge connector (5) is integrally manufactured from flexible plastic.

46. ​​The energy steering chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The device has a hinge connector (5) according to any one of claims 39 to 42, which respectively connects two adjacent side plates in the longitudinal direction to each other.

47. An energy guiding chain (1) for guiding a pipeline, having a plurality of links (102, 102') hinged to each other, the links forming a receiving space (102a) for receiving and guiding at least one pipeline, wherein, The links (102, 102') have opposing plates (103, 103') with inner and outer surfaces (104a, 104b) and narrow sides (105a, 105b) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the energy guiding chain. At least some of the links (102, 102') have at least one transverse tab (120) that allows the plates (103, 103') to be detachably connected to each other. The transverse tab has two opposing end regions (121) for detachably fastening to the respective links (102, 102'). Fastening devices (122) on plates (103, 103'), wherein each plate (103, 103') has a fastening device (108) for loosely fastening corresponding transverse tab fastening devices (122), wherein each plate (103, 103') also has a hinged connection (109), wherein the hinged connection can be hinged to the corresponding hinged connection (109) of the plate (103') of the adjacent link (102') by means of a separate hinge element (110), wherein the links arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the chain are hinged to each other. The connecting plate structure comprises at least two plate cables (150, 160) running longitudinally and laterally spaced from each other, with at least a portion of the receiving space (102a) for the at least one conduit arranged between the plate cables, wherein the successive links of the energy guiding chain are positionally variable relative to each other due to hinged connections (109) between adjacent links (102) or plates (103), wherein the plates include stop surfaces abutting each other in their elongated relative positions, and also include stop surfaces abutting each other in their fully bent relative positions. The feature is that, coherently on a chain segment (130) comprising at least two or all of the plate cables (150, 160, 170) including at least three adjacent links (102), the plate cables are coherently composed of plates with identical structures to each other, the plates being rotationally symmetric about their stopping surfaces about a height axis (H / R), the height axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and substantially parallel to the direction of the plates, such that the corresponding plates (103) can be selectively arranged at any position of each of the different cables in the chain segment.

48. The energy guiding chain according to claim 47, characterized in that, The height axis runs along the middle plane of the plate.

49. The energy guiding chain according to claim 47, characterized in that, The plates (103, 103') of the chain segment (130) have fastening devices (108) for the at least one transverse tab (120), the fastening devices being arranged in a region of at least one of the narrow sides (105a, 105b) of the plate and configured such that the transverse tab (120) is fastened to the plate (103, 103') in a manner that extends from the inner plate side or from the outer plate side.

50. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The plate fastening device (108) for the corresponding or all of the transverse tabs (120) of the plates (103, 103') is permanently and non-detachably constructed on the corresponding plates (103, 103').

51. The energy guiding chain according to claim 50, characterized in that, The plate fastening device (108) is integrally molded on the plate (103, 103').

52. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The plates (103, 103') of the chain segment (130) have a hinged connection (109), and the corresponding plates (103, 103') have at least one hinge element (110) that works together with the adjacent plates (103, 103') to form the hinged connection (109), and the plates (103, 103') have at least one hinge element (110) that is permanently connected to the plates (103, 103').

53. The energy guiding chain according to claim 52, characterized in that, The at least one hinge element (110) is integrally molded on this plate.

54. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The corresponding plates (103, 103') include a hinge element (110) on at least one end side (106a, 106b), which, when a hinge connection (109) is constructed between the plates (103, 103'), works together with adjacent plates (103, 103') of the same structure.

55. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The plates (103, 103') of the chain segment (130) have stops (112) that work together with corresponding stops (113) of adjacent chain links to limit the articulated movement of adjacent plates relative to each other, and the stops (112, 113) are permanently connected to the plates.

56. The energy guiding chain according to claim 55, characterized in that, The stops (112, 113) are integrally molded onto these plates.

57. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The chain segment (130) including the plate cables (150, 160, 170) is continuously composed of plates (103) that can be mapped onto each other in adjacent or different plate cables (150, 160, 170) of the chain (101) by translational displacement along the extension direction of the transverse tab (120).

58. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The chain segment (130) including the plate cables (150, 160, 170) is continuously formed by plates (103), which are themselves rotationally symmetric, more precisely about a rotational axis (R1) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the plates (103) and runs substantially parallel to the side surfaces (104a, 104b) of the plates (103).

59. The energy guiding chain according to claim 58, characterized in that, The axis of rotation runs in the middle plane (M1) of the plate.

60. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The plate has a damping element configured to provide stop damping when adjacent plates of the plate cable stop each other.

61. The energy guiding chain according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The chain (101) has at least three or more laterally spaced plates (150, 160, 170) running in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and chain segments (130) are arranged sequentially on a plurality of adjacent chain links, wherein at least three plates (150, 160, 170) running in the longitudinal direction of the chain are constructed.

62. The energy guiding chain according to claim 61, characterized in that, A first link (102a) is provided in a first pair of adjacent first and second plate cables (150, 160), wherein the plates (103) arranged in the two adjacent first and second plate cables (150, 160) are connected to each other by means of transverse tabs (120) that can be detached at both end regions when constructing the link (102a), and a second link (102b) is provided, in which the plates arranged in the two adjacent first and second plate cables (150, 160) are not connected to each other by means of transverse tabs, and in the two adjacent first and second plate cables (150, 160), the first and second links (102a, 102b) are connected by means of transverse tabs. 02b) The first and second links (102a, 102b) are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the chain and in another third plate (170) of the energy guiding chain (101). The second plate (160) is arranged between the first and third plates (150, 170) and a plate (103) is provided on the second plate (160) that is detachably connected to the plate of the first plate by means of a transverse tab (120). The second plate (160) also has a plate (103) that is detachably connected to the plate of the third plate (170) by means of a transverse tab (120).

63. The energy guiding chain according to claim 61, characterized in that, Three or more plate cables (150, 160, 170) are provided, wherein, in the case of constructing the first, middle, second, and third plate cables, at least one second plate cable (160) is arranged between two adjacent first and third plate cables (150, 170), wherein the second plate cable (160) is detachably connected to the two adjacent first and third plate cables (150, 170) by means of a transverse connecting piece, and (i) The selected plate (103) of the second plate cable (160) is connected only to the plate of the first plate cable (150) or only to the plate of the third plate cable (170), or (ii) The selected plate (103) of the second plate cable (160) is detachably connected to the plates of two adjacent first and third plate cables (150, 170) by means of a transverse tab (120).

64. The energy guiding chain according to claim 61, characterized in that, Three or more plate cables (150, 160, 170) are provided, wherein, in the case of constructing the first, middle, second and third plate cables, at least one second plate cable (160) is arranged between two adjacent first and third plate cables (150, 170), wherein the second plate cable (160) is detachably connected to the two adjacent first and third plate cables (150, 170) by means of a detachable lateral tab (120), and the second plate cable (160) has a plate (103) which is connected to the first plate cable (150) on one narrow side (105a) of the respective plate (103) by means of a detachable lateral tab (120) and to the third plate cable (170) on the other narrow side (105b) of the same plate (103) by means of a detachable lateral tab (120).

65. The energy guiding chain according to claim 61, characterized in that, In a chain segment comprising multiple links, the plates of three adjacent plate cables are constructed identically.

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