Line guide and support chain for clean room applications

Abstract

A line guide (1) comprising a flexible sheath (8) and a support chain (10), and a support chain itself. The support chain (10) consists of alternately interconnected links (20) and articulated connectors (30), each of which comprises a deformable region (32) and each of which holds two adjacent links (20), which can be pivoted relative to one another, against one another. The chain links (20) and / or the articulated connectors (30) can be connected to or disconnected from each other in an engagement direction different from the longitudinal direction. A support chain (10) consisting of chain links (20) which are interconnected to transmit tension and / or pressure. The rear lower part (202B) of an adjacent first link (20 ') can be introduced into a front free space (241) between the front upper part (201A) and the lower part (201B) of the respective link (20), and the front upper part (201A) of an adjacent second link (20' ') can be introduced into a rear free space (242) between the rear upper part (202A) and the lower part (202B) of the respective link (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention generally relates to a pipeline guide device, in particular a pipeline guide device for clean room applications, which is used for the protected dynamic guidance of supply lines such as cables, hoses or the like in the longitudinal direction between two connection positions, of which at least one connection position can be moved relative to the other connection position. Such dynamic or movable pipeline guide devices protect the pipeline from unnecessary loads during movement, which is usually between a stationary connection and a movable consumer (for example on a machine). Typically, they can be moved back and forth linearly or in a movement plane along the longitudinal direction and typically form two sections that are substantially extended in the longitudinal direction of the guide and a deflection arc between them. Typically, the deflection arc is bent approximately in a U-shape around a deflection axis extending in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the deflection arc is approximately U-shaped in a plane, in which the longitudinal direction and the height direction are located. The pipeline guide device flips in the deflection arc in a given ready-to-operate state, so that one of the sections can be transferred into the deflection arc and thus into the other section.

[0002] In particular, the invention also relates to such a support chain for such a pipeline guiding device.

[0003] In particular, the invention relates to a line guide device intended for clean room applications, which has a flexible sheath which, for dust-tight enclosure of the supply lines, has a number of receiving channels arranged next to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction, in which typically at least one supply line is received in each case. The sheath should in particular prevent wear of the lines which inevitably occurs due to displacement movements from being released into the environment. Furthermore, a sheath made of a suitable material can improve the overall wear behavior. Background Art

[0004] In this case, so-called support chains are used for stabilization or for longer lengths to support the pipeline guide, in particular in the extended position of the overhanging or non-flat sections. For this purpose, the support chain can be arranged in the receiving channel instead of the pipeline and assume an extended position to form the section and an arc-shaped position to form the deflection arc, wherein the support chain also predetermines the desired radius.

[0005] Depending on the load weight, for example, two supporting chains are inserted laterally outside into the sheathing. Multi-layer structures are also known in which more than two supporting chains are inserted into the sheathing of the supporting layer, until there is a layer completely free of pipelines, that is, only supporting chains in the sheathing of one layer.

[0006] For example, WO 2021 / 116467 A1 proposes such a pipeline guide device with a support chain. This type of support chain includes a large number of chain links that are articulated or connected to each other in the longitudinal direction. Two adjacent or interconnected chain links are connected to each other in a swiveling manner in a bending direction or opposite to the bending direction through an articulated connection.

[0007] The two chain links are implemented so that they can swing relative to each other between an extended position and a bent position in a plane (in which the longitudinal and height directions are located). Therefore, the support chain can be moved by forming two sections that are essentially extended in the longitudinal direction and a deflection arc that connects the sections. Here, the deflection arc is usually essentially U-shaped in this plane (in which the longitudinal and height directions are located). According to such a support chain, it is particularly ensured that a certain radius is maintained in the deflection arc, that is, the pipeline is protected from bending. In addition, the available length is increased in that the support chain realizes a larger cantilever length of the (usually) upper section. Therefore, such a support chain can be installed in the sheath instead of the pipeline, and the support chain typically has particularly compact dimensions at least in cross section, especially compared with common energy-guiding chains. Therefore, this type of support chain itself typically and preferably does not have any receiving channel for the pipeline.

[0008] The articulated connection in WO 2021 / 116467 Al is implemented in the manner of a bolt / receiving part rotational articulated connection, wherein each chain link has two articulated bolts protruding in the transverse direction and two complementary articulated receiving parts, in which the articulated bolts are rotatably received. The disadvantage here is that during operation, particles are released due to friction between the corresponding articulated bolts and the articulated receiving parts, which is particularly undesirable in clean rooms. As mentioned above, the support chain and the guided supply pipeline are enclosed in a sheath. The support chain may wear out earlier than the supply pipeline, which either requires replacing the entire sheath or opening the sheath and replacing the support chain or requiring a separate sheath unit to be specially provided for the support chain. Therefore, there is a need to increase the service life of the support chain. The weakness of the known support chain may be the following articulated connection, which, for example, is subjected to huge shear forces and alternating loads when moving back and forth when the bolt / receiving part is rotated and articulated.

[0009] The chain link according to WO 2021 116467A1 has a front longitudinal section and a rear longitudinal section in the longitudinal direction. The two longitudinal sections are configured in a suitable manner so that the chain links are articulated to each other in a predetermined manner, in particular connected so that the predetermined geometry of the deflection arc is maintained.

[0010] The chain link according to WO 2021 116467 A1 has in the rear longitudinal section a free space between the two side parts into which further rear or adjacent chain links that are connected to one another in the supporting chain can be introduced in the longitudinal direction and two grooves spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction - one on the upper side of the chain link (that is, on the side that is located on the outside in the deflection arc) and one on the lower side (that is, on the side that is located on the inside in the deflection arc). The front longitudinal section has two projections that protrude in the height direction to cooperate with the transverse connection. When the chain links are plugged together, the lower projections extend into the lower grooves in the extended position of the two chain links, wherein the upper projections extend into the upper grooves in the completely bent position of the two chain links.

[0011] However, in the configuration of the support chain according to the teaching of WO 2021 116467 A1, between the straight position and the completely bent position there are positions of two chain links relative to each other in which none of the projections interact with the grooves or there is only a very small common interaction surface. In such a position, the chain links can separate from each other in the longitudinal direction or can break due to excessive loads.

[0012] During a given movement, the support chain is subjected to tensile or compressive loads in particular in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, according to WO 2021 116467A1, in the above-mentioned intermediate position, the transmission of tensile forces is realized only via the bolt / hole articulated connection. In particular, the articulated bolt is subjected to shear loads. This reduces the maximum service life of the support chain or requires an undesirably large-volume type of construction. Summary of the invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pipeline guide with a support chain or a support chain therefor which is more robust and better suited for transmitting tensile and compressive forces and has a longer service life and which at the same time is designed to be as compact as possible, in particular in terms of the cross section of the chain links. This object is achieved by a pipeline guide or a support chain according to claim 1 or 2 and independently of this by a support chain according to independent claim 7.

[0014] First aspect

[0015] According to an independent first aspect, in a pipeline guiding device of this type according to the preamble of claim 1 or in a supporting chain according to the preamble of claim 2, the above-mentioned task is solved in that the supporting chain consists of a cable at least in one longitudinal section, which has chain links and articulated connectors which are alternately connected to each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the articulated connectors each include a deformable area, which is in particular elastically deformable into a bending direction, wherein the articulated connectors each keep two adjacent chain links in contact with each other, in particular in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In this case, an articulated connector or an articulated element having a curved or deformable region makes it possible in particular to avoid the pin-receiving articulated connection typical for link chains and the wear that occurs as a result.

[0017] In this case, the chain links can be pivoted in particular in or counter to the bending direction relative to one another, in particular between an extended position and a bent position of two adjacent, connected chain links relative to one another.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, it can be provided in particular that at least some of the links and / or articulated connectors of the cable can be connected to one another and / or released from one another in a joining direction different from the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the connection between the links, in particular the articulated connection, cannot be separated or released without damage by tensile forces acting in the longitudinal direction under normal operating conditions. Such a connection is more secure and the service life of the support chain is thus increased.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the configuration is as follows, so that when two adjacent chain links connected by the articulated connector swing between the extension and the bending position, the articulated connector or the hinge element is subjected to bending loads in a predetermined manner. Here, the articulated connector or the hinge element has a flexurally elastic configuration at least in the deformable region.

[0020] The articulated connector or the articulated element can be embodied in particular as a separate, separate component which can be connected to the chain link releasably or non-destructively. However, an alternative configuration is also conceivable in which the articulated connector or the articulated element is a one-piece component of the chain link, for example, it is molded onto the chain link by two-component injection molding. Preferably, at least one end region of each articulated connector can be releasably connected to an adjacent chain link. However, it is also conceivable that the chain link is formed by joining two separate components, each of which includes an articulated connector manufactured in one piece with it. In this case, the joining direction of the chain link components is preferably different from the longitudinal direction and can correspond to the transverse direction, for example.

[0021] The corresponding chain link can have two outer sides which are spaced apart from each other and face away from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which delimit the chain link in the transverse direction. Here, the chain link is implemented at least partially with a continuous cross section between the outer sides or at least partially as a solid body in the cross section.

[0022] Particularly preferred is a configuration in which the joining direction, at least between the articulated connector and the chain link, extends essentially in the transverse direction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cable is constructed as an interlock of a plurality of alternately connected chain links and separate articulated connectors, which are implemented as separate components, wherein each of the plurality of articulated connectors is preferably releasably connected to two adjacent chain links.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the chain link is designed according to the following independent second aspect of the invention, the preferred features of which can also be applied to the first aspect and vice versa.

[0025] Further preferred design features in both respects emerge from the associated dependent claims.

[0026] Second aspect

[0027] Alternatively or in addition to the first aspect, the above-mentioned task according to the independent second aspect is solved in the following way: in a support chain, in particular in a support chain according to the preamble of claim 7, the front upper part and the front lower part of the corresponding chain link are separated from each other in a height direction transverse to the longitudinal direction by a front free space, and the rear lower part of the adjacent first chain link can be introduced or introduced into the front free space, and the rear upper part and the rear lower part of the corresponding chain link are separated from each other in a height direction by a rear free space, and the front upper part of the adjacent second chain link can be introduced or introduced into the rear free space.

[0028] This enables, in particular, a secure design of the connection of the chain links in the longitudinal direction, in which, in each relative position of the bend, the tensile and compressive forces are transmitted at least predominantly via the chain links themselves, so that the articulated connector, which is particularly preferably provided according to the first aspect, is not loaded or is only slightly loaded.

[0029] In the second aspect, it is also preferably provided that at least some of the chain links can be connected to one another and / or released from one another in a joining direction different from the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the joining direction preferably extends substantially in the transverse direction and / or in the height direction. In this case, the joining direction of the chain links to one another particularly preferably has no relevant component in the longitudinal direction, so that an unintentional release during operation can be reliably avoided.

[0030] In the second aspect, preferably, in particular, an articulated connector according to the first aspect is used, that is, the supporting chain preferably comprises a plurality of articulated connectors, which are preferably embodied as separate components. The articulated connector has a particularly elastically deformable region in the bending direction of the chain link. In this case, each of the plurality of articulated connectors can particularly preferably be releasably connected to two adjacent chain links, respectively.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the second aspect, it is provided that the front upper part has an upper projection protruding in the height direction and the rear upper part has an upper groove; and the rear lower part has a lower projection protruding in the height direction and the front lower part has a lower groove. Here, it is further provided that the upper projection of the corresponding chain link is configured to engage in the upper groove of the adjacent first chain link in the extended position and in the bent position, and the lower projection of the corresponding chain link is configured to engage in the lower groove of the adjacent second chain link both in the extended position and in the bent position. As a result, both in the extended position and in the bent position, tensile forces and compressive forces can be transmitted by the joint action of the projection and the groove.

[0032] Preferably, it is further provided that the upper projection is designed to engage into the upper groove from the rear free space of an adjacent chain link toward its upper side, and the lower projection is designed to engage into the lower groove from the front free space of another adjacent chain link toward its lower side, particularly preferably, wherein the clear height of the front free space is the same as or greater than the dimension of the rear lower part including the lower projection in the intrinsic height direction, and the clear height of the rear free space is the same as or greater than the dimension of the front upper part including the upper projection in the intrinsic height direction. Thus, the projection can be introduced into the corresponding groove or the engagement can be produced by joining the chain links in the transverse direction Q or in the longitudinal direction L and displacing them relative to each other in the height direction H. This can thus be achieved without bending of the chain links and without twisting or twisting thereof, and thus also allows simple assembly of the support chain and simple replacement of individual segments when necessary, for example for preventive maintenance.

[0033] Preferably, the chain link is configured such that the upper groove forms a through-hole starting from the rear free space to the upper side and / or the lower groove forms a through-hole starting from the front free space to the lower side. Thus, in particular, a maximum stop surface can be provided.

[0034] Here, it can also be advantageously provided that the upper protrusion, the lower protrusion, the upper groove and the lower groove of the corresponding chain link respectively have a contact surface for abutting against the corresponding corresponding contact surface of the adjacent chain link in an extended position to receive pressure and / or tension, and a contact surface for abutting against the corresponding corresponding contact surface of the adjacent chain link in a bent position to receive pressure and / or tension, wherein each of the stop surfaces preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0035] All contact surfaces preferably extend overall perpendicularly to the displacement plane (ie parallel to the transverse direction) in order to avoid transverse forces.

[0036] In the bent and extended relative positions, preferably at least two pairs of stop surfaces in each case interact in a force-transmitting manner, wherein the pairs are situated diametrically opposite one another in longitudinal section with respect to the center of the chain link.

[0037] Advantageously, for this purpose, the contact surfaces of the upper projection or the lower projection are at corresponding angles relative to each other, and the contact surfaces of the upper groove or the lower groove are at corresponding angles relative to each other, wherein the difference in angular size between the angles of the upper projection and the upper groove is preferably substantially equal to or equal to the difference in angular size between the angles of the lower projection and the lower groove. The corresponding configuration of the angles ensures that a plurality of stops act in pairs simultaneously and thus increases the surface for force transmission overall.

[0038] In one embodiment, it is advantageously provided that the upper projection is designed flush with the upper side of the chain link in the bent position and engages in the upper groove of the chain link, and / or the lower projection is designed flush with the lower side of the chain link in the extended position and engages in the lower groove of the chain link. Overall, a flush outer surface without projections should be achieved in every operating position in order to avoid damage or wear of the sheath.

[0039] A further increase in the surface for force transmission is achieved when the corresponding chain links have end-side contact surfaces on the front and rear upper parts and on the front and rear lower parts, respectively, and the contact surfaces are constructed so that the end-side contact surfaces of the front and rear upper parts contact the end-side contact surfaces of the adjacent chain links in the extended position, and the end-side contact surfaces of the front and rear lower parts contact the end-side contact surfaces of the adjacent chain links in the bent position.

[0040] Preferably, the front free space and the rear free space are open in each of the outer sides or open to each of the outer sides, so that the free space is respectively accessible for introducing the rear lower part or the front upper part and / or the articulated connector. This makes maintenance work easier and simpler.

[0041] It is advantageous for the flow of forces and / or mechanical ratios if the dimension of the respective articulated connector in the transverse direction is greater than 30%, in particular between 50% and 100%, of the distance between the outer sides of the respective chain links. Preferably, the width of the articulated connector is substantially the same as this distance. It is also advantageous for the flow of forces if the respective articulated connector extends in the middle region between the outer sides of the chain links with respect to the transverse direction or is arranged centered in the middle so that no transverse forces occur.

[0042] In a particularly strong embodiment, it is provided that each articulated connector extends at least partially in the height direction between the front upper part and the front lower part of one of two adjacent chain links and between the rear upper part and the rear lower part of the other of the two adjacent chain links. The articulated connector thus simultaneously forms a locking device to prevent the chain links from coming loose from their engagement. The articulated connector can thereby preferably prevent the respective two adjacent chain links from being displaced relative to one another in the height direction by the associated articulated connector, for example by blocking the movement clearance space required for this purpose.

[0043] Additional Advantageous Features (two aspects)

[0044] Some preferred developments are discussed below, which—as well as the above-mentioned features—can be regarded as advantageous for the two core aspects of the invention.

[0045] Preferably, the articulated connector is designed as a spring element which, in the event of a bending of adjacent chain links, exerts an elastic restoring force on these chain links, which results in a restoring movement of the chain links at least partially opposite to the bending direction. This achieves a damping of vibrations during movements of the support chain or, if appropriate, the pipeline guide device as a whole.

[0046] Preferably, the length of the elastically deformable region of each or a respective articulated connector in the longitudinal direction is a multiple of the thickness of the respective articulated connector in the height direction.

[0047] In particular, for the releasable fastening of the individual articulated connectors, it is advantageous if each articulated connector has two fastening regions spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and is fastened against displacement in the longitudinal direction to each of two adjacent chain links by a respective one of the fastening regions. The articulated connector can be configured such that in the longitudinal direction between the fastening regions at least two regions of the articulated connector are provided with at least one different property selected from the group consisting of cross section, material thickness, modulus of elasticity.

[0048] Preferably, each or the respective chain link has two fastening receptacles for positively and / or nonpositively cooperating with the fastening region of the respective articulated connector. Each fastening receptacle is preferably formed between the front upper part and the front lower part or between the rear upper part and the rear lower part of the respective chain link, and / or the respective fastening receptacle is preferably open on both sides to at least one of the side surfaces of the chain link or is openly accessible.

[0049] Preferably, the articulated connector can be engaged, in particular pressed, selectively from each side in the transverse direction into the fastening receptacles of two adjacent chain links, so that assembly is particularly simple.

[0050] Advantageously, the respective fastening receptacle is arranged in a middle region between the upper side and the lower side with respect to the height direction.Preferably, the fastening receptacle has substantially the same spacing to the upper side and to the lower side.

[0051] In order to avoid wear to a greater extent, it is advantageous if the respective chain link has clamping surfaces on the respective fastening receptacle, in particular at the transition from the fastening receptacle to the front or rear free space, which are spaced apart in the height direction and face each other. This configuration serves to hold the fastening region of the associated articulated connector in a force-locking manner and acts to prevent the fastening region from moving relative to the respective fastening receptacle, for example to prevent displacement in the lateral direction and / or to prevent twisting in the fastening receptacle. Here, the respective articulated connector can preferably have a thickening on the fastening region to interact with the clamping surfaces.

[0052] In particular, in order to fix the position of the assembled articulated connector or joint element in the lateral direction, it can be advantageously provided that the corresponding articulated connector has a latching device in the fastening area, which is implemented to cooperate with complementary corresponding latching devices of the associated chain link.

[0053] Preferably, all or at least some of the articulated connectors are designed as essentially plate-like components or as components that are bent in a plane (in which the longitudinal direction and the height direction lie).

[0054] The articulated connector is preferably manufactured from a plastic material which is permanently resistant to bending and which is elastic relative to the chain links. The articulated connector and the chain links are preferably manufactured from different materials.

[0055] In order to avoid transverse forces during operation, each chain link and / or each articulated connection consists of bodies that are mirror-symmetrical about their longitudinal mid-plane.

[0056] Preferably, each chain link can consist of a block, preferably a one-piece block, ie a body which, apart from the weight-reducing constriction and the aperture, has no completely internal hollow space, in particular no passage openings in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] The two essential or only components of the support chain, ie the chain link and the articulated connector, can each be manufactured inexpensively, in particular as separate components from plastic using an injection molding process.

[0058] The chain links and articulated connectors can in particular be manufactured as separate, individual components which are releasably connected to one another. Preferably, for the cross-linking of cables which form the support chain, each articulated connector can be releasably connected to at least one of the two chain links of an adjacent pair. However, in particular as a variant according to the first aspect, a releasable connection inside the chain link is also conceivable. However, preferred is a configuration of the support chain with a plurality of separate articulated elements or articulated connectors which are embodied as separate components and each have two end regions for releasably connecting to the chain links and have at least one deformable region therebetween.

[0059] The support chain proposed both according to the first aspect and according to the second aspect is particularly suitable for use in line guiding devices for clean room applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Without limiting the generality of the above description, further details and advantages of individual inventive aspects will be found in the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Features having corresponding or identical structures or functions have corresponding reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly.

[0061] It shows:

[0062] Figure 1 : A line guide for clean room applications (here with two sheaths) in a perspective view in a purely exemplary operating position, the line guide having an elongated, cantilevered upper section, an elongated, stationary lower section and a deflection arc therebetween;

[0063] Figure 2: A cross section (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of an exemplary multilayer structure with a plurality of stacked jackets for a plurality of pipelines, wherein support chains are received in receiving channels of some of the jackets;

[0064] Figure 3 : A side view of a support chain according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 4: The side view (A), bottom view (B), top view (C), front view (D), rear view (E) and longitudinal section (F) according to Figure 3 Structural view of a single link of the support chain;

[0066] Figure 5A-5B : A three-dimensional view of the chain link according to FIG. 4 ;

[0067] Figure 6 : In the extended position (in Figure 6 in the left side) and in the fully bent position (in Figure 6 on the right side of Figure 3 -5 chain links of the longitudinal section of the partial length of the supporting chain,

[0068] and

[0069] Figure 7: The basis in the side view (A), top view (B) and stereoscopic view (C) Figure 3 -5, a structural view of a single hinge element of a support chain according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 An exemplary pipeline guiding device 1 is shown, which guides the supply pipeline 3 ( Figure 2 ) is guided between a fixed connection point 2 on the base and a movable connection point 4 on the movable entraining member ( Figure 2 ). The driver is not shown in greater detail and can typically be moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction L. The supply line 3 is a movable part of a cable, a hose or the like which supplies the machine, for example, with electric current, signals and / or operating medium. Figure 1 The instantaneous shot shows a pipeline guide assembly 1 with a cantilevered, elongated upper section 5, a lower section 6 which may be located on a support, and a deflection arc 7. The deflection arc 7 has a predetermined bending radius or a deflection radius about an imaginary deflection axis U. During operation, the deflection arc 7 moves back and forth relative to the fixed connection point 2, while the upper section 5 moves back and forth with the movable connection point 4 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0071] The line guide device 1 is particularly suitable and intended for use in clean rooms or other fields of application in which the release of particles is to be reduced or avoided. For this purpose, the line guide device has one or more flexible sheaths 8 made of soft elastic plastic extending in the longitudinal direction L, which surround the supply line 3 in a dust-tight manner along its entire length between the connection points 2 and 4. Each sheath 8 and the end of the line 3 are fastened at the connection points 2, 4 at the end, for example, with an end fastening device 11 or an end connection.

[0072] according to Figure 2 Each jacket 8 has a number of tubular receiving channels 9 for guiding the respective at least one or more supply lines 3. Each jacket 8 is generally hose-like and sufficiently flexible (particularly due to a suitable configuration and / or material selection) to allow the deflection arc 7 to be reversibly and flexibly bent with little effort and to follow the movement in the longitudinal direction L with the least possible resistance.

[0073] Furthermore, the pipeline guiding device 1 has a number of support chains 10 which extend along the entire length of the pipeline guiding assembly 1 from the connection point 2 to the connection point 4. Figure 2 In a purely exemplary arrangement of , a structure with a plurality of stacked layers consisting of casing 8 and pipeline 3 is shown. Here, an inner support layer is provided facing the deflection arc 7, in which support chains 10 are provided in all receiving channels 9 of the casing 8, that is, this inner support layer does not guide the pipeline 3. In other layers, additional support chains 10, for example laterally external, can also be arranged in the casing 8 (see Figure 2 ) in order to stabilize it against transverse forces. The sheath 8 may comprise a plurality of individual sheathing units which are releasably connected to one another in the transverse direction, for example by means of fastening profiles or fastening strips 13 extending in the longitudinal direction L, for example Figure 2 . The corresponding encapsulation unit can, for example, have only one receiving channel 9 in which the support chain 10 is received and can be connected to another encapsulation unit via a fastening profile or a fastening belt 13. This allows a single support chain 10 to be replaced as required. With regard to the configuration of the encapsulation 8, the teachings from WO 2020 / 148300A1 are included by reference. In WO 2020 / 148300A1, for example, according to Figures 9D, 10C, 10D, 13A-C and 18A, 18B, an encapsulation unit having only one receiving portion and a fastening profile or a fastening belt for connecting the encapsulation unit is described.

[0074] The core function of the support chain 10 is to predetermine the radius of curvature of the deflection arc 7 or to limit its minimum radius about the deflection axis U. Another core function of each support chain 10 is to support the cantilevered length of the upper section 5 or, in particular, in the fully extended position of the driver ( Figure 1 Here, each support chain 10 supports the sheath 8, in particular prevents it from sagging in the height direction H due to gravity or acts as a load-bearing device. A sufficient number of support chains 10 are provided depending on the load weight and length of the pipeline guiding device 1.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 -7, an embodiment of the support chain 10 according to the present invention is described in more detail below.

[0076] Figure 3 The support chain 10 according to the invention is shown in a defined position, i.e. a position tilted about a deflection axis U, wherein the support chain 10 comprises two sections, an upper section 5 and a lower section 6 extending in the longitudinal direction L, and a deflection arc 7. The deflection arc 7 is Figure 3 The support chain 10 is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pipeline guide 1, and the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H are located in the plane. The configuration of the support chain 10 determines the shape of the deflection arc 7 and the entire pipeline guide device 1. The deflection axis U is perpendicular to Figure 3 The support chain 10 is configured to support the cantilevered upper section 5, that is, the sections 5, 6 are kept spaced apart from each other in the height direction H over the entire travel path.

[0077] The support chain 10 is designed as a type of chain link and consists of exactly one cable 12, which includes a large number of individual chain links 20, which are releasably connected to each other in pairs by corresponding articulated connections. Due to the articulated connection, each pair of adjacent chain links 20, 20' can be bent relative to each other at a limited angle (e.g., about 5-20°) in the bending direction. The chain links 20, 20' can be swung relative to each other between an extended position (e.g., within the sections 5, 6) and a bent position (e.g., within the deflection arc 7), which allows the support chain 10 to be turned over while maintaining the minimum permissible or possible radius of the deflection arc 7.

[0078] The corresponding articulated connection comprises an articulated connector 30 which releasably connects two adjacent chain links 20, 20', respectively, which are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction L, and which is referred to below. Figures 7A-7CExplain in more detail. For each pair of adjacent chain links 20, 20', in the illustrated embodiment, exactly one single, separate articulated connector 30 is provided, which is releasably connected with one of its ends to one chain link 20 and with its other end to the other chain link 20'. Each chain link 20 within the cable 12 is connected on its side on both sides or at its two end regions in the longitudinal direction to a corresponding articulated connector 30.

[0079] Chain links 20 and articulated connectors 30 thus alternate in the longitudinal direction within the cable 12. The respective articulated connector 30 comprises a deformable middle region 32 which can be elastically deformed under given bending forces acting on the articulated connector 30 during the movement of the pipeline guiding device 1 or the supporting chain 10. The deformable region 32 can be elastically deformed in the same manner along the bending direction of the associated adjacent chain link 20, 20' or opposite to the bending direction.

[0080] In addition, if Figure 3 5, adjacent chain links 20, 20' are configured in an alternating manner or are configured to be plugged together, so that the chain links 20, 20' themselves contribute to the corresponding articulated connection through their shape or influence the freedom of swinging relative to each other. In this case, the chain links 20 interact with each other and cooperate with the articulated connector 30 so that the sections 5, 6 remain extended in the longitudinal direction L and do not sag downward, and the desired radius of the deflection arc 7 can be reached and not dropped below. In the illustrated embodiment, all chain links 20 of the support chain 10 are configured identically, and all articulated connectors 30 are configured identically, so that the support chain 10 can be manufactured from only two basic components.

[0081] 4-5 show a preferred embodiment of a single chain link 20 which combines two core aspects of the present invention. Figure 6 A partial length of a support chain 10 is shown in longitudinal section, wherein the extension and the angulation position of two chain links 20 are illustrated visually. Figure 6 The same possible or advantageous pre-tensioning of the support chain 10 in its extended position is not shown in FIG. Figure 3 4 to 6 to explain the configuration of the chain link 20.

[0082] Preferably, the chain link 20 is designed in one piece or in one piece and is in particular manufactured from a uniform material of plastic by injection molding. However, it can also consist of multiple parts. The chain link 20 is designed in a block-like manner and has an upper side 204A, a lower side 204B, two outer side surfaces 23 and front and rear end faces 231, 232. The dimension of the chain link 20 in the transverse direction Q (that is, the width of the chain link 20) ​​and the dimension in the height direction H (that is, the height or thickness of the chain link 20) ​​are of approximately the same order of magnitude. The width of the chain link 20 can also be greater than its height in order to further reduce the torsion about the longitudinal direction L. In the embodiment shown, the dimension in the longitudinal direction L (that is, the length of the chain link) is at least twice as large as the width and / or twice as large as the height. The selected length depends on the desired chain pitch. The upper side 204A is the outer side of the chain link 20 which, in the given position of the chain link 20 within the supporting chain 10, is arranged on the side of the chain link 20 which is located outside with respect to the deflection arc 7, that is, on the side facing away from the deflection axis U or the opposite section (see Figure 3 ). Accordingly, the lower side 204B is the outer side of the chain link 20 which, in the given position of the chain link 20 within the supporting chain 10, is arranged on the side of the chain link 20 which is located inwardly with respect to the deflection arc 20, that is, on the side facing the deflection axis U or the opposite section (see Figure 3 ). The outer side surface 23 of the chain link 20 is the outer surface of the chain link 20, which delimits the corresponding chain link 20 in the transverse direction Q, that is, they are spaced apart from each other and face away from each other in the transverse direction Q. The front end side 231 faces the adjacent chain link 20' located before the chain link 20 inside the support chain 10, and the rear end side 232 faces the adjacent chain link 20" located after the chain link 20 inside the support chain 10. In terms of area, the upper side 204A ( Figure 4C )、lower side 204B( Figure 4B ) and lateral surface 23( Figure 4A ) is of approximately the same order of magnitude and is at least twice as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the chain link 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0083] The respective chain link 20 can be divided imaginarily into a front longitudinal section 21 (which is located on the right in FIG. 4 ) and a rear longitudinal section 22 (which is located on the left in FIG. 4 ) with respect to the longitudinal direction L (the terms “front” and “rear” are used here only for distinction and are in principle interchangeable). The front longitudinal section 21 comprises a front upper part 201A on the upper side 204A and a front lower part 201B on the lower side 204B, which are spaced apart from one another in the height direction H by a front free space 241. The rear longitudinal section 22, for its part, comprises a rear upper part 202A on the upper side 204A and a rear lower part 202B on the lower side 204B, which are spaced apart from one another in the height direction H by a rear free space 242. Both the front free space 241 and the rear free space 242 are continuous in the transverse direction and open on each of the two outer sides 23. Thus, the free space 241 and the free space 242 can be accessed before the corresponding outer side 23 in order to introduce the rear lower part 202B or the front upper part 201A and the hinge connector 30 (see below).

[0084] For the purpose of explanation, consider now three arbitrary chain links 20', 20 and 20" which are connected to one another within the supporting chain 10, which are plugged into one another and connected to one another via an articulated connector 30, wherein the intermediate chain link 20 is arranged between the adjacent (i.e. front) first chain link 20' and the adjacent (i.e. rear) second chain link 20" (see Figure 6 ). The front upper part 201A of the intermediate link 20' is introduced into the rear free space 242 of the front link 20'. The rear lower part 202B of the intermediate link 20 is introduced into the front free space 241 of the rear link 20".

[0085] Adjacent chain links 20, 20', 20" are staggered with each other in the longitudinal direction for transmitting tensile and compressive forces or for transmitting tensile and thrust forces, so that they are inseparable from each other in the longitudinal direction L at least in some or preferably all of the bent relative positions. For this purpose, the front upper part 201A has an upper projection 206A pointing upward in the height direction H, and the rear upper part 202A has an upper groove 208A complementary to the upper projection 206A. The upper projection 206A engages in the upper groove 208A of the front chain link 20', more precisely, from the rear free space 242 of the front chain link 20' toward its upper side 204A. Embedded. The rear lower part 202B has a lower projection 206B pointing downward in the height direction H, and the front lower part 201B has a lower groove 208B complementary to the lower projection 206B. The lower projection 206B is embedded in the lower groove 208B of the rear link 20", more precisely, from the front free space 241 of the rear link 20" toward its lower side 204B. The projections 206A, 206B are configured so that they are respectively in an embedded state with the corresponding groove 208A, 208B both in the extended position of the adjacent link 20, 20' or the adjacent link 20, 20" and in its bent position. Thus, during the movement of the supporting chain 10 , tensile and compressive forces in the longitudinal direction L can be transmitted by the interaction of the projections 206A, 206B and the grooves 208A, 208B, so that the articulated connector 30 need not be loaded or only slightly loaded with tensile or compressive forces.

[0086] The grooves 208A, 208B are each designed to be continuous in the direction of the height H, that is, as a through-opening through the rear upper part 202A or the front lower part 201B in the height direction H. However, the upper projection 206A does not protrude beyond the upper side 204A, that is, it does not protrude beyond the upper outer edge of the upper groove 208A (i.e., it protrudes from the groove 208A on the upper side 204A) neither in the extended position of the adjacent chain links 20, 20' nor in their bent position. Likewise, the lower projection 206B does not protrude beyond the lower side 204B, that is, it does not protrude beyond the lower outer edge of the lower groove 208A (i.e., it protrudes from the groove 208B on the lower side 204B) neither in the extended position of the adjacent chain links 20, 20' nor in their bent position. In the maximum possible, fully bent position, the upper projection 206A engages flush with the upper side 204 of the front link 20' in its upper groove 208A. In the straight or extended position, the lower projection 206B engages flush with the lower side 204B of the rear link 20", said lower projection engaging in the lower groove 208B of the rear link.

[0087] As in Figure 6As can be best seen in the figure, the corresponding chain links have abutment surfaces on their protrusions and grooves, respectively, which abut against the corresponding corresponding abutment surfaces of the adjacent chain links 20', 20" in the extended or bent position and thus transmit pressure or tension in the longitudinal direction L. In the extended position, the abutment surface 216A of the upper protrusion 206A abuts against the corresponding abutment surface 218A of the upper groove 208A. Correspondingly, the abutment surface 218B of the lower protrusion 206B abuts against the corresponding abutment surface 218B of the lower groove 208B. In the fully or maximum possible bent position, the contact surface 226A of the upper projection 206A contacts the corresponding contact surface 228A of the upper recess 208A. Correspondingly, the contact surface 226B of the lower projection 206B contacts the corresponding contact surface 228B of the lower recess 208B. Seen in longitudinal section, the contact surfaces 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 226A, 226B, 228A, 228B extend parallel to the transverse direction Q but obliquely to the longitudinal direction L.

[0088] The two abutment surfaces 216A, 226A of the upper protrusion 206A are inclined at an angle αA relative to each other, and the abutment surfaces 216B, 226B of the lower protrusion 206B are inclined at a corresponding angle αB relative to each other. The abutment surfaces 218A, 228A of the upper groove 208A are inclined at an angle βA relative to each other, and the abutment surfaces 218, 228B of the lower groove 208B are inclined at an angle βB relative to each other. The difference in angular size between the angle αA of the protrusion 206A and the angle βA of the upper groove 208A is equal to the difference in angular size between the angle αB of the lower protrusion 206B and the angle βB of the lower groove 208B. Therefore, both in the extended position and in the fully bent position, the two corresponding contact surfaces (more precisely, one lower and one upper) of the corresponding chain link 20 rest against the corresponding corresponding contact surfaces of the adjacent chain link 20', so that the tensile or compressive forces are transmitted more effectively and the protrusion is less loaded, in particular loaded with shear forces.

[0089] Furthermore, each link 20 has a contact surface on its end side 231, 232. In the extended position, the contact surface 231A on the end side of the front upper part 201A contacts the contact surface 232A on the end side of the rear upper part 202A of the front link 20'. In the fully bent position, the contact surface 231B on the end side of the front lower part 201B contacts the contact surface 232B on the end side of the rear lower part 202B of the front link 20'. This allows effective thrust transmission in the extended position or in the bent position.

[0090] The clear height of the front free space 241 is slightly greater than the corresponding dimension of the rear lower part 202B (that is, the maximum dimension in the height direction H in the region of the lower projection 206B). Therefore, the rear lower part 202B of the front adjacent chain link 20' can be introduced into the front free space 241 of the chain link 20, that is, in the illustrated embodiment, both in the transverse direction Q and in the longitudinal direction L. Subsequently, the lower projection 206B of the front chain link 20' can be introduced downwardly in the height direction H from the front free space 241 into the lower recess 208B of the intermediate chain link 20. The clear height of the rear free space 242 is, for its part, slightly greater than the maximum dimension of the front upper part 201A (that is, the dimension in the height direction H in the region of the upper projection 206A). Thus, the front upper part 201A of the rear adjacent link 20" can be introduced into the rear free space 242 of the intermediate link 20, more precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, both in the transverse direction Q and in the longitudinal direction L. Subsequently, the upper projection 206A of the rear link 20" can be introduced upwards in the height direction H from the rear free space 242 into the upper recess 208A of the intermediate link 20. Thus, the links 20, 20', 20" (before they are fixed by the articulated connector 30) have two possible joining directions for plugging together or disassembling without bending the links: in the transverse direction Q and in the longitudinal direction L, followed by movement in the height direction H. A type of locking is achieved by pushing the projections 206A, 206B into engagement with the following link 20, 20', 20" in the height direction (that is, perpendicular to each joining direction). This also prevents the support chain 12 from coming apart during operation, in particular in conjunction with the obliquely disposed contact surfaces 216A, 226A or 216B, 226B and 218A, 228A or 218B, 228B, which pull the contact surfaces of the projections 206A, 206B into engagement under tensile load. Accordingly, the end-face contact surfaces 231A, 231B, 232A, 232B also play a role, so that under thrust load, the chain links 20, 20', 20" are more strongly inclined into the engagement position by a wedge-like action.

[0091] When the articulated connector 30 is introduced between the two chain links 20, 20', it extends between the front upper part 241A and the front lower part 241B of one chain link 20' and the rear upper part 242A and the rear lower part 242B of the front chain link 20' and comprises a part of the front free space 241 of the chain link 20 and a part of the rear free space 242 of the front chain link 20', so that the clear height of the respective free space becomes smaller, more precisely smaller than the maximum dimension of the front upper part 201A or the rear lower part 202B. The chain links 20 are thus already securely and non-detachably fixed in a locking manner against unintentional separation from one another, since the projections 206A, 206B cannot come out of the grooves 208A, 208B of the adjacent chain links without bending or even breaking of the chain links 20, 20', 20".

[0092] The chain link 20 consists of a body that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal center plane (LH), so that the force transmission between the interacting surfaces in the case of tensile and thrust loads takes place in the transverse direction Q without components.

[0093] In addition, Figure 3-6 As can be seen in the figure, each chain link 20 has a cutout 25 for reducing weight, which in the illustrated embodiment is implemented as a substantially cylindrical passage opening in the transverse direction Q, which opens onto the two outer sides 23 and is located centrally between the fastening receptacles 36 with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The cutout 25 is preferably provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 4A In such a side view, different shapes can also be present, for example an oval cross section. The transition from the recess 25 to the side surface 23 is preferably rounded.

[0094] Figures 7A-7CAn embodiment of an articulated connector 30 is shown, which is implemented here as an articulated connector 30 made of plastic, which is basically flat or plate-like. The main extension and main plane of the articulated connector 30 extend in the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction Q. It can also be implemented as a component that is bent or partially bent in the height direction H. The articulated connector 30 has a deformable area 32 in the middle area with respect to the longitudinal direction L. The articulated connector 30 has a fastening area 34 on its longitudinal ends. Each fastening area 34 is used to fasten on one of two adjacent chain links 20, 20'. The fastening area 34 can have a constant shape and size in the transverse direction Q. The chain link 20 has two fastening receiving parts 36 that are spaced apart from each other and face away from each other in the longitudinal direction L to receive the corresponding fastening area 34. Each chain link 20 can be connected to two hinge connectors 30 and thus to the front and rear chain links 20', 20". The one or front fastening receptacle 36 is arranged between the front upper part 201A and the front lower part 201B of the chain link 20 with respect to the height direction H and forms a recess in the front free space 241. The other or rear fastening receptacle 36 is arranged between the rear upper part 202A and the rear lower part 202B of the chain link 20 with respect to the height direction H and presents a recess in the rear free space 242. The respective fastening receptacles 36 are preferably equidistant from the upper side 204A and the lower side 204B of the chain link 20. Furthermore, the respective fastening receptacles 36 open into each of the outer side surfaces 23 of the chain link 20. Each fastening receptacle 36 has a plurality of fastening receptacles 36 disposed between the upper and lower sides 204A and 204B of the chain link 20. The articulated connector 30 has a constant shape and size in the transverse direction Q and is matched to the shape of the fastening region 34, so that the fastening region 34 can be introduced into the fastening receptacle 36 (preferably only) in the transverse direction Q and is fixed in the fastening receptacle 36 at least in a form-fitting manner against displacement in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, by inserting the articulated connector 30 between the chain links 20, 20', the articulated connector 30 can be connected to two mutually connected chain links 20, 20' in the transverse direction Q and can be disconnected again in the transverse direction Q. The dimension of the articulated connector 30 in the transverse direction Q (i.e. its width) is equal to the spacing of the outer sides 23 of the chain links 20 from one another, so that in the predetermined connected state, the articulated connector 30 is flush with the corresponding outer sides 23 of the chain links on both sides in the transverse direction Q.

[0095] The articulated connector 30 connected to two consecutive links 20, 20' prevents the links 20, 20' from being displaced relative to each other in the height direction H and therefore also prevents the projections 206A, 206B of the link 20 from coming loose from the grooves 208A, 208B of the adjacent links 20', 20". However, the tensile and compressive forces are at least mainly transmitted by the joint action of the contact surfaces of the links 20, 20', 20" (more precisely, each link preferably has at least two contact surfaces at the same time, as described above, so that the forces are distributed over a larger surface), so that the articulated connection of the interlinked links 20 can withstand particularly high tensile / compressive forces. The above-described configuration is also achieved in that the chain links 20, 20', 20" cannot be connected in the longitudinal direction L, but can only be connected to each other or separated from each other essentially perpendicularly thereto. During operation, the articulated connector 30 is at least mainly loaded by bending, but only slightly or not at all by tension or pressure (relieving the tension / compression load caused by the staggered chain links 20). Therefore, the articulated connector 30 can be made of another material that is particularly suitable for frequent alternating bending, which is different from the tensile and bending-resistant material of the chain links 20.

[0096] In the embodiment shown, the respective fastening region 34 is designed as a cylindrical thickening relative to the central deformable region 32, which is slightly rounded in longitudinal section. Other shapes are also possible, such as a cup shape or a triangular shape, in order to prevent the fastening region 34 from turning, which would cause wear. In the embodiment shown, a twisting of the fastening region 34 is also prevented in that the chain link 20 has two clamping surfaces 37 on the fastening receiving portion 36, which are spaced apart from each other in the height direction H and face each other, which extend in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction Q and cooperate with a slight thickening 38 on the fastening region 34 of the articulated connector 30 and hold it in a force-locking manner against twisting but also against displacement in the transverse direction Q. Thus, in the given operationally ready state of the support chain 10, the thickening 38 is received between the clamping surfaces 37 by pressing in or in a press fit. This not only prevents the fastening area 34 from twisting in the fastening receptacle 36 , but also prevents the articulated connector 30 from accidentally coming loose from the supporting chain 10 in the transverse direction Q. To remove the articulated connector, a force in the transverse direction Q must be applied, which does not occur under normal operating conditions.

[0097] In addition, the respective fastening region 34 and the fastening receiving portion 36 have mutually corresponding latching means 39, 39' which latch with each other to prevent displacement in the transverse direction Q and are implemented here, for example, in the form of circumferential cutouts or grooves 39 on the fastening region 34 of the articulated connector 30 (see Figure 7B, 7C) and in the form of a corresponding projection 39' in the fastening receptacle 36 of the chain link 20 (see Figure 4D , 4E).

[0098] The articulated connector 30 is designed in the form of an articulated spring element, which acts in the form of a leaf spring when two chain links 20 are bent, that is, has spring-elastic properties. In the case of a given deformation, that is, when adjacent chain links 20, 20' connected to the articulated element 30 are swung relative to each other, the articulated connector 30 exerts an elastic restoring force on these chain links 20, 20' in the direction opposite to the swiveling. This achieves a low-vibration and uniform movement of the support chain 10, which in particular reduces the wear of the protrusions 206A, 206B of the chain links and generally prevents the occurrence of wear.

[0099] At least the elastically or spring-elastically deformable region 32 or the entire articulated connector 30 is made of a material different from the material of the chain link 20, for example, of another plastic with a different modulus of elasticity. In addition, the shape of the deformable region 32 also determines its spring-elastic properties. The length of the deformable region 32 in the longitudinal direction L and optionally also its width in the transverse direction Q are each a multiple of its material thickness or size in the height direction H. Bending forces during the swinging of the chain link 20 act on the deformable region 32 of the articulated connector 30, especially in the height direction H transverse to the longitudinal direction L. In other embodiments, the deformable region 32 can be designed to be curved in the longitudinal section to influence its flexibility, or can be composed of two layers or layers separated from each other by a free space in the height direction H, which layers or layers meet in the fastening region 34. Other shapes in the longitudinal section and, if necessary, also in the cross section for influencing the plane moment of inertia of the deformable region 32 are also possible.

[0100] Alternatively, the articulated connection can, however, also be designed in such a way that essentially no restoring forces are exerted, for which purpose an articulated region can be provided, for example in the form of a film hinge.

[0101] Due to the use according to the invention of the flexible articulated connector 30 in the support chain 10 , in particular the hinged / bolted articulated connections of typical support chains can be avoided, thereby also avoiding the wear that inevitably occurs at the same time.

[0102] Reference numerals list

[0103] 1Pipeline guide device

[0104] 2, 4 connector positions

[0105] 3 Supply pipeline

[0106] Sections 5 and 6

[0107] 7 Turning Arc

[0108] 8 packs

[0109] 9 receiving channels

[0110] 10 Support chain

[0111] 11 End fastening device

[0112] 12 Cable

[0113] 13 Fastening profile or fastening belt

[0114] 20, 20', 20" links

[0115] 21-link front longitudinal section

[0116] 22-link rear longitudinal section

[0117] 23 External side

[0118] 25 Space for reducing weight

[0119] 30 Articulated Connectors

[0120] 32 Deformable area of ​​the articulated connector

[0121] 34 Fastening area of ​​articulated connector

[0122] 36 Chain link fastening receiving part

[0123] 37 Clamping surface of chain link 38 Thickening in the fastening area of ​​articulated connector 39 Locking means of articulated connector

[0124] Corresponding locking device for 39' chain link

[0125] 201A front upper part of the link

[0126] 201B front lower part of the link

[0127] 202A rear upper part of the link

[0128] 202B rear lower part of the link

[0129] 204A upper side of the link

[0130] 204B underside of link

[0131] 206A upper protrusion

[0132] 206B Lower protrusion

[0133] 208A upper groove

[0134] 208B lower groove

[0135] 216A, 226A stop surface of the upper protrusion 216B, 226B stop surface of the lower protrusion αA angle between the stop surfaces of the upper protrusion αB angle between the stop surfaces of the lower protrusion 218A, 228A stop surface of the upper groove 218B, 228B stop surface of the upper groove βA angle between the stop surfaces of the upper groove βB angle between the stop surfaces of the lower groove

[0136] 231, 232 Front or rear end side of chain link

[0137] 231A Abutment surface on the end face side of the front upper part

[0138] 232A Abutment surface on the end face of the rear upper part

[0139] 231B Abutment surface on the end face side of the front lower part

[0140] 232B Abutment surface on the end face of the rear lower part

[0141] 241 Free space at the front of the link

[0142] 242 Free space at the rear of the chain link

[0143] A The distance between the outer sides of the chain links

[0144] HHeight direction

[0145] L Longitudinal direction

[0146] QHorizontal direction

[0147] U Steering Axis

Claims

1. A line guide device (1), in particular for clean room applications, for guiding a supply line (3), such as a cable, a hose or the like, in a protected manner between two connection points (2, 4), at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein: The pipeline guide device (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and can be reciprocated by forming two sections (5, 6) and a turning arc (7) connecting the sections and in a plane, wherein the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) are located in the plane, and the pipeline guide device (1) comprises: a flexible sheath (8) comprising a number of receiving channels (9) arranged next to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction (L), each for at least one supply line (3), and - at least one supporting chain (10) which can be arranged or is arranged in the receiving channel (9) for supporting the pipeline guiding device (1), wherein the supporting chain (10) is designed to form the sections (5, 6) and the deflection arc (7), characterized in that The supporting chain (10) is composed of a cable (12) at least in a longitudinal section, the cable having chain links (20) and articulated connectors (30) which are alternately connected to each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the articulated connectors (30) each include a deformable region (32) which is elastically deformable in a bending direction, wherein the articulated connector (10) each holds two adjacent chain links (20, 20') in close contact with each other, wherein the chain links (20, 20') can be swung relative to each other in the bending direction or counter to the bending direction between an extended position and a bent position, and At least some of the chain links (20) and / or articulated connectors (30) of the cable (12) can be connected to and / or released from one another in a joining direction different from the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

2. A support chain (10) having a flexible sheath (8) for supporting a pipeline guide device (1), in particular a support chain according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting chain (10) extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and is designed to form two sections (5, 6) and a deflection arc (7) connecting the sections (5, 6) in a plane in which the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) lie, and is characterized in that The supporting chain (10) consists of a cable (12) at least in a longitudinal section, the cable having chain links (20) and articulated connectors (30) which are connected to each other alternately in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the articulated connectors (30) each include a deformable region (32) which is elastically deformable in a bending direction, wherein the articulated connectors (30) each keep two adjacent chain links (20, 20') in contact with each other, wherein the chain links (20, 20') can be swung relative to each other in the bending direction or counter to the bending direction between an extended position and a bent position, and At least some of the chain links (20) and / or articulated connectors (30) of the cable (12) can be connected to one another and / or released from one another in a joining direction different from the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The respective chain link (20) has two outer sides (23) which are spaced apart from each other and face away from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the outer sides delimiting the chain link (20) in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the chain link (20) preferably has a continuous cross section at least partially between the outer sides (23) or is embodied as a solid body.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in particular according to claim 3, characterized in that The joining direction extends substantially in the transverse direction (Q).

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The cable (12) is constructed as a chain of a plurality of alternately interconnected chain links (20) and separate articulated connectors (30), the chain links and articulated connectors being implemented as separate components, wherein each of the plurality of articulated connectors (30) is preferably releasably connectable to respective two adjacent chain links (20, 20').

6. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that A plurality of chain links (20) each having a front longitudinal section (21) and a rear longitudinal section (22) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the front longitudinal section (21) of the corresponding chain link (20) is configured to cooperate in a form-locking manner with the rear longitudinal section (22) of an adjacent chain link (20) to transmit tensile forces and / or compressive forces in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the front longitudinal section (21) has a front upper part (201A) on an upper side (204A) located outside with respect to the deflection arc (7) and a front lower part (201B) on a lower side (204B) located inside with respect to the deflection arc (7), and the rear longitudinal section (22) has a front upper part (201A) on the upper side (204A) The invention relates to a chain link (20) having a rear upper part (202A) on the upper side and a rear lower part (202B) on the lower side (204B), wherein the front upper part (201A) and the front lower part (201B) of the corresponding chain link (20) are separated from each other by a front free space (241) in the height direction (H), and the rear lower part (202B) of the adjacent first chain link (20') can be introduced or introduced into the front free space, wherein the rear upper part (202A) and the rear lower part (202B) of the corresponding chain link (20) are separated from each other by a rear free space (242) in the height direction (H), and the front upper part (201A) of the adjacent second chain link (20") can be introduced or introduced into the rear free space.

7. A support chain (10) having a flexible sheath (8) for supporting a pipeline guide device (1), in particular a support chain according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting chain (10) comprises a plurality of individual chain links (20) which can be connected or are connected to each other in an articulated manner to form sections (5, 6) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a U-shaped deflection arc (7) connecting the sections in a plane, wherein the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) are located in the plane, wherein two adjacent chain links (20) can be pivoted relative to each other between an extended position and a bent position, wherein a respective chain link (20) of the plurality of chain links (20) has a front longitudinal section (21) and a rear longitudinal section (22) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the front longitudinal section (21) of the respective chain link (20) is designed to cooperate in a form-fitting manner with the rear longitudinal section (22) of an adjacent chain link (20) in order to form a U-shaped deflection arc (7) in the longitudinal direction (L). The chain link (20) is a chain link having two outer sides (23) spaced apart from each other and facing away from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the outer sides delimiting the chain link (20) in the transverse direction (Q), It is characterized in that - the front upper part (201A) and the front lower part (201B) of the respective chain link (20) are separated from each other in a height direction (H) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) by a front free space (241), into which the rear lower part (202B) of the adjacent first chain link (20') can be introduced or introduced, and - the rear upper part (202A) and the rear lower part (202B) of the corresponding chain link (20) are separated from each other in the height direction (H) by a rear free space (242), into which the front upper part (201A) of the adjacent second chain link (20") can be introduced or introduced.

8. The support chain according to claim 7, characterized in that At least some of the chain links (20) are connectable and / or disconnectable to one another in a joining direction different from the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the joining direction preferably extends substantially in the transverse direction (Q).

9. The support chain (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The supporting chain (10) comprises a plurality of articulated connectors (30), which are preferably implemented as separate components, wherein the articulated connectors (30) have a region (32) that is particularly elastically deformable in the bending direction of the chain link (20), wherein each of the plurality of articulated connectors (30) can be particularly preferably loosely connected to two adjacent chain links (20).

10. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: - the front upper member (201A) has an upper protrusion (206A) protruding in the height direction (H), and the rear upper member (202A) has an upper groove (208A); and - the rear lower member (202B) has a lower protrusion (206B) protruding in the height direction (H), and the front lower member (201B) has a lower groove (208B); wherein the upper protrusion (206A) of the corresponding chain link (20) is configured to be embedded in the upper groove (208A) of the adjacent first chain link (20') in the extended position and in the bent position, and the lower protrusion (206B) of the corresponding chain link (20) is configured to be embedded in the lower groove (208B) of the adjacent second chain link (20") in the extended position and in the bent position, Preferably, the upper protrusion (206A) is configured to be embedded in the upper groove (208A) from the rear free space (242) of an adjacent chain link (20') toward its upper side (204A), and the lower protrusion (206B) is configured to be embedded in the lower groove (208B) from the front free space (241) of another adjacent chain link (20") toward its lower side (204B), Particularly preferably, the net height of the front free space (241) is equal to or greater than the dimension of the rear lower component (202B) including the lower protrusion (206B) in the height direction (H), and the net height of the rear free space (242) is equal to or greater than the dimension of the front upper component (202A) including the upper protrusion (206A) in the height direction (H).

11. The device (1, 10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The upper groove (208A) forms a through-hole starting from the rear free space (242) to the upper side (204A), and / or the lower groove (208B) forms a through-hole starting from the front free space (241) to the lower side (204B).

12. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that The upper protrusion (206A), the lower protrusion (206B), the upper groove (208A) and the lower groove (208B) of the corresponding chain link (20) respectively have abutment surfaces (216A, 216B, 218A, 218B) for abutting against the corresponding corresponding abutment surfaces of the adjacent chain link (20') to receive pressure and / or tension in the extended position, and abutment surfaces (226A, 226B, 228A, 228B) for abutting against the corresponding corresponding abutment surfaces of the adjacent chain link (20') to receive pressure and / or tension in the bent position, wherein each of the stop surfaces (216A, 216B, 218A, 218A, 218B, 226A, 226B, 228A, 228B) preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (L).

13. The device (1, 10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The abutment surfaces (216A, 226A) of the upper protrusion (206A) or the abutment surfaces (216B, 226B) of the lower protrusion (206B) are at corresponding angles (αA, αB) relative to each other, and the abutment surfaces (218A, 228A) of the upper groove (208A) or the abutment surfaces (218B, 228B) of the lower groove (208B) are at corresponding angles (βA, βB) relative to each other, wherein the difference in angular size between the angles (αA, βA) of the upper protrusion (206A) and the upper groove (208A) is substantially equal to or equal to the difference in angular size between the angles (αB, βB) of the lower protrusion (206B) and the lower groove (208B).

14. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that The upper protrusion (206A) is implemented flush with the upper side (204A) of the chain link (20') in the bent position, and the upper protrusion is embedded in the upper groove (208A) of the chain link, and / or the lower protrusion (206B) is implemented flush with the lower side (204B) of the chain link (20") in the extended position, and the lower protrusion is embedded in the lower groove (208B) of the chain link.

15. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that The corresponding chain link (20) has end-side contact surfaces (231A, 232A, 231B, 232B) on the front upper part (201A) and the rear upper part (202A) and on the front lower part (201B) and the rear lower part (202B), respectively, and the end-side contact surfaces are constructed so that the end-side contact surfaces (231A, 232A) of the front upper part (201A) and the rear upper part (202A) In the extended position, the front upper part (201A) and the rear upper part (202A) abut against the end face side abutment surfaces (231A, 232A) of the adjacent chain link (20'), and the front lower part (201B) and the rear lower part (202B) abut against the end face side abutment surfaces (231B, 232B) of the adjacent chain link (20') in the bent position.

16. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that The front free space (241) and the rear free space (242) are open to each of the outer sides (23).

17. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that - the dimension of the respective articulated connector (30) in said transverse direction (Q) is greater than 30%, in particular between 50% and 100%, of the spacing (A) of the outer sides (23) of the respective chain links (20), preferably being substantially the same as said spacing (A), and / or A respective articulated connector (30) extends in a central region between the outer sides (23) of the chain links (20) with respect to the transverse direction (Q).

18. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 6 or 9 to 17, characterized in that Each articulated connector (30) extends at least partially between the front upper part (201A) and the front lower part (201B) of one of two adjacent links (20) and between the rear upper part (202A) and the rear lower part (202B) of the other of the two adjacent links (20) with respect to the height direction (H).

19. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that The articulated connector (30) is implemented as a spring element which, when an adjacent chain link (20) is bent, exerts an elastic restoring force on the chain link (20), which causes an at least partial restoring movement of the chain link (20) opposite to the bending direction.

20. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that The length of the elastically deformable region (32) of the respective articulated connector (30) in the longitudinal direction (L) is a multiple of the thickness of the respective articulated connector (30) in the height direction (H).

21. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The respective articulated connector (30) has two fastening areas (34) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) and is fastened to each of two adjacent links (20) by a respective one of the fastening areas (33) to prevent displacement in the longitudinal direction (L).

22. The device (1, 10) according to claim 21, characterized in that At least two regions of the articulated connector (30) are arranged between the fastening regions (34) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), the at least two regions having at least one different property selected from the group consisting of cross section, material thickness, modulus of elasticity.

23. The device (1, 10) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The corresponding chain link (20) has two fastening receptacles (36) for respectively cooperating with the fastening area (34) in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner, wherein each fastening receptacle (36) is preferably constructed between the front upper part (201A) and the front lower part (201B) or between the rear upper part (202A) and the rear lower part (202B) of the corresponding chain link (20); and / or wherein the corresponding fastening receptacle (36) is open to at least one of the side surfaces (23) of the chain link (20), preferably open to both.

24. The device (1, 10) according to claim 23, characterized in that The corresponding fastening receiving portion (36) is arranged in the middle area between the upper side (204A) and the lower side (204B) with respect to the height direction (H), preferably, wherein the fastening receiving portion (36) has substantially the same spacing to the upper side (204A) and to the lower side (204B).

25. The device (1, 10) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The corresponding chain link (20) has clamping surfaces (37) on the corresponding fastening receiving part (36), in particular on the transition part from the fastening receiving part (36) to the front free space (241) or the rear free space (242), which are spaced apart from each other in the height direction (H) and face each other, and the clamping surfaces are constructed to hold the fastening area (34) of the associated articulated connector (30) in a force-locking manner and to prevent the fastening area (34) from moving relative to the corresponding fastening receiving part (36), wherein the corresponding articulated connector (30) preferably has a thickened part (38) on the fastening area (34) to act together with the clamping surface (37).

26. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The respective articulated connector (30) has a latching device (39) in the fastening region (34), which is designed to interact with complementary counter-latching devices (39') of the associated chain link (20), preferably to prevent displacement in the transverse direction (Q).

27. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least some of the articulated connectors (30) are designed as essentially plate-like components or as components that are bent in a plane in which the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) lie.

28. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The articulated connector (30) is made of plastic, and / or the articulated connector (30) and the chain link (20) are made of different materials.

29. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each link (20) and / or each articulated connector (30) consists of a body that is mirror-symmetrical about its longitudinal median plane (LH); and / or Each chain link (20) consists of a block, preferably a one-piece block.

30. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each chain link (20) and / or each articulated connector (30) is manufactured in one piece from plastic, in particular by means of an injection molding process.

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