Method and system for indirectly detecting wear of line guide or energy guide chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a line guiding device (10; 20; the invention relates to a method and a system for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose or the like, between a stationary fixed point (2) and a driver (4) that can be moved relative thereto, in particular an energy-conducting chain. The invention relates to a line guiding device for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose or the like, between the stationary fixed point (2) and the driver (4). The system (100; 200); 300) comprises a sensor assembly (110; 210, 210; 310), and an evaluation device (120; 310) which is connected to the sensor arrangement in a signaling manner; 220; 320) which is arranged and arranged to detect, in a contactless manner, the line guiding device (20) or the energy guiding chain (10; 30) and based thereon an output is generated. According to the invention, in the case of the overhung upper section (12), the sensor arrangement (110; 210) arranged and arranged to detect a segment sag (TD) corresponding to a vertical dimension of sag of the overhung upper segment (12) relative to the horizontal elongated position (LG) and to generate an output based thereon; or in the case of a sliding upper section (32), the sensor arrangement (310) is arranged and arranged to detect a section overhang length (TH1, TH2) and / or a section sag (TD) in the region of the section overhang length (TH1, TH2) and to generate an output on the basis thereof, the section overhang length corresponding to a length in which the section overhang length (TH1, TH2) and / or a section sag (TD) in the region of the section overhang length (TH1, TH2) are arranged and / or a section sag (TD) in the region of the section overhang length (TH1, TH2). The upper section (32) extends in a suspended manner over the length between the deflection arc (3) and a placement point (P) of the upper section (32) on the lower section (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and a method for monitoring a movable or dynamic line guide, such as an energy guide chain, which is used to guide at least one line, such as a cable, a hose or the like, between a stationary fixed point and a drive element that is movable relative thereto (usually located on a movable device or machine part). In particular, the present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting wear during operation of a line guide or an energy guide chain, thereby enabling predictive maintenance. Background Art

[0002] In this method, the pipeline guide or energy guide chain usually forms a stationary lower section, a movable upper section and a moving deflection arc between the two. In this dynamic pipeline guidance, two basic applications or types of arrangements are particularly distinguished.

[0003] On the one hand, pipeline guides with a cantilevered upper section are known, i.e., a configuration in which the upper section does not lie flat on the lower section or does not slide or roll off the lower section during its entire travel path. This type of construction is usually used for relatively short travel paths, for example less than 10 m, and requires that the upper section has a corresponding load-bearing capacity over the desired cantilever length.

[0004] On the other hand, if the overhang length is insufficient and / or in particular for long travel paths of tens to hundreds of meters (in practice usually much more than 10 m), energy guide chains with a sliding upper section are mostly used. Applications with a sliding upper section are understood to be those in which, during the movement at least along a subsection of the travel path, the upper section lies flat on the lower section in sections and / or moves on a sliding support (e.g. a so-called guide rail in the sense of a guide). In this case, the upper section can slide on the lower section or the sliding support, for example by means of a special slide, or, if the energy guide chain has pulleys for reducing friction or increasing the maximum distance, the upper section can also roll.

[0005] Monitoring systems are known that have a sensor arrangement and an evaluation device that is connected to the sensor arrangement in a signaling manner, wherein the sensor arrangement detects the position of a pipeline guide device or an energy guide chain in a contactless manner and generates an output based thereon, which the evaluation device evaluates. Different systems of this general type of design are described in WO 2018 / 115449 A1 and WO 2018 / 115528 A1. In principle, these solutions are primarily designed for monitoring the correct movement behavior of a pipeline guide device or an energy guide chain during operation.

[0006] Specifically, in order to identify wear, solutions are also known in which special sensor modules are installed in pipeline guides or energy guide chains, such as those proposed in WO 2017 / 129805 A1 or WO 2019 / 201482 A1. However, these solutions require structural changes to the energy guide chain and the installation space provided for the pipeline in the internal receiving space. Another solution for monitoring wear is proposed in WO 2021 / 043668 A1, but here too structural measures need to be taken for the energy guide chain, or the solution is only applicable to sliding energy guide chains with slides.

[0007] What is desired is a structurally simple solution for detecting wear during operation of different line guides or energy guide chains, which solution is as universal as possible and can be implemented with existing line guides or energy guide chains as far as possible without structural measures or modifications or alterations. The solution should also be suitable for line guides with chain links and internal receiving spaces for lines therein, which are not actually energy guide chains. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to propose such a solution. This is achieved by a method and a system according to claim 1 or 2 and, independently of this, in particular in a line guiding device for clean room applications by an assembly according to claim 13 .

[0009] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, in the method (method) or system of the preamble of claim 1 or 2,

[0010] In the case of a cantilevered upper section, the sensor assembly detects the section sag or is arranged and technically configured accordingly for this purpose and generates one or more outputs based thereon, such as digital or analog signals; or

[0011] - In the case of a sliding upper section, the sensor assembly detects the section overhang length (which corresponds to the length of the upper section suspended between the turning arc and the placement point of the upper section on the lower section) and / or the section sag on the overhang length, or is arranged and technically configured accordingly for this purpose, and generates one or more outputs based thereon, such as digital or analog signals.

[0012] This structurally simple embodiment of the sensor arrangement, which in particular does not require any design measures on the line routing, already makes it possible to achieve indirect wear detection.

[0013] The invention is therefore based on the practical knowledge that with increasing wear or aging, the so-called upper section tension or the load-bearing capacity of the upper section decreases and on the core idea of ​​technically utilizing precisely this change for condition or wear detection.

[0014] For this purpose, the evaluation device can evaluate the output of the sensor arrangement for the purpose of indirect wear detection, in order to check the detected segment sag or the detected segment overhang length for reaching a predeterminable critical dimension and output a corresponding message. The message can be used in particular as a maintenance message for predictive maintenance, so that maintenance can be carried out when a critical reduction in the upper segment tension or the upper segment load-bearing capacity is detected and machine or system failures can be avoided.

[0015] A critical sag of the cantilevered upper section is reached in particular when the sag corresponding to the vertical dimension of the sag of the cantilevered upper section relative to the horizontal extended position in which the upper section moves linearly and horizontally away from the deflection arc is significantly greater than the structural height of the pipeline guiding device, in particular the chain link, and in particular when this sag does not exceed the expected radius of the deflection arc. In particular, critical vibrations may then also occur during the to-and-fro movement of the upper section and the risk of the pipeline guiding device breaking increases significantly.

[0016] Even in the case of sliding upper sections, wear phenomena, in particular in the articulated bolted connections of typical chain links, can very typically lead to a reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the upper section or in the tension of the upper section. As has been shown in practical tests, this is technically reliably recognizable and demonstrable, for example, in the region of the backward-bent transition, at which the upper section transitions in a suspended manner from the deflection arc to the resting point of the upper section on the lower section.

[0017] In this case, the critical threshold value can be determined empirically depending on the chain type and expressed, for example, as the number of chain links that (still) remain suspended in the transition. For example, critical wear can be inferred when the segment overhang length has been reduced to less than the original number of chain links or to less than 3 / 4 or to less than 2 / 3 of the length in the new state, or when a corresponding proportional reduction in the segment overhang length is determined in another way (for example in a length measurement method). For this purpose, for example, the horizontal length can also be taken into account, over which the transition from the deflection arc to the placement point (still) remains suspended.

[0018] In the simplest form, suitable detection or measurement in all embodiments considered here is limited to the determination of a critical state, for example to the determination or checking whether a certain length or a certain distance is undershot or exceeded.

[0019] In order to determine the critical wear in the sliding upper section based on the section overhang length (i.e. the length of the upper section that extends suspended between the turning arc and the rest point), this length itself or a dimension proportional to it and / or also the section sag in the transition area, i.e. the vertical sag in the area of ​​the section overhang length is involved.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the sensor arrangement and / or the evaluation device is configured to detect a movement direction and / or a movement motion of the line guide or energy supply chain, and the evaluation device is correspondingly configured to evaluate the output, in particular based on the direction or motion. The movement motion or the movement direction can be communicated to the evaluation device, for example, by means of signal technology from a device or machine control device of the device or machine supplied by the line guide.

[0021] For example, as proposed in WO 2013 / 156607 A1, a connection to a force measurement on the driver is also advantageous so that the output about the segment sag or segment overhang length can optionally also be evaluated based on the tensile or thrust forces currently transmitted on or through the line guide.

[0022] The instantaneous direction of movement and the force transmission influence the segment sag or segment overhang length and must therefore be taken into account in the computational evaluation.

[0023] Within the scope of the present invention, the segment sag and / or the segment overhang length is detected, in particular autonomously and automatically, during the ongoing operation of the pipeline guide, for example using suitable sensor systems and information technology.

[0024] In a particularly simple embodiment, the sensor arrangement has at least one sensor or transmitter which, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the displacement path, is arranged stationary along the displacement path in at least one longitudinal section which is intended to be the detection region.

[0025] Here, preferably in the case of a cantilevered upper section, the detection area can be located in the longitudinal section from the fixing point to the fully extended position of the driver, in particular in the half of the section between the fixing point and the fully extended position of the pipeline guide that faces the fixing point.

[0026] In the case of a sliding upper section, in particular in energy guide chains for long movement paths, the detection area may preferably be in a longitudinal section from a fixed point to a fully moved in or retracted position of the driver (in which position the upper section may not lie flat or only lie flat over a minimum length), in particular within a range of approximately + / - 10% of the stroke length with respect to a position in which the driver has travelled approximately 25% of the movement path from the fully retracted position to the fully moved out position.

[0027] Different suitable arrangements are conceivable in the vertical direction. Thus, the sensor arrangement can include at least one distance sensor which is oriented in the plane of movement and in particular vertically on the movable upper section.

[0028] Ultrasonic distance measuring devices and / or laser distance measuring devices can preferably be used as distance sensors, which are available inexpensively as commercial technology and optionally also have suitable interfaces for connection to a common bus system of the industrial installation, with which the evaluation device is preferably compatible.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to simplify installation, in particular in the case of cantilevered upper sections, provision can be made for the distance sensor to be oriented vertically upwards in order to detect the sag of the section. Preferably, one or more distance sensors can be arranged on the support for the lower section in the direction of the extended position next to the fixing point or spaced apart from the fixing point.

[0030] The sensor arrangement can have a plurality of sensors of identical or different designs and / or arrangements, for example distributed along the movement path of the upper section in the detection area. A plurality of sensors increases the reliability of the recognition and, for example, enables the recognition of the movement direction.

[0031] In another embodiment, in particular in the case of a sliding upper segment, at least one distance sensor can be oriented vertically downward, in particular in order to detect the segment overhang length by means of the segment sag. For this purpose, the corresponding distance sensor can be arranged on a support or bracket, preferably at a distance from the fixing point in the direction of the retracted position. This arrangement is preferably used together with an additional transmitter or sensor, which detects the passing of the deflection arc and triggers an instantaneous measurement of the segment sag as a function of the position of the deflection arc.

[0032] In particular in the case of a sliding upper section, the sensor arrangement can have a plurality of transmitters along the movement path in a longitudinal section predetermined as the detection area, which are arranged distributed in the movement direction and oriented horizontally to the energy guide chain in order to detect the segment overhang length. In this case, the transmitters / sensors can be arranged preferably above the lower section and / or on the guide groove in the vertical direction, in particular at the height of the sliding upper section or in the height range above the sliding upper section and below the upper side of the deflection arc, in particular below or approximately at the height of the horizontal displacement plane of the imaginary deflection axis of the deflection arc. In this case, for example, particularly simple transmitters, proximity sensors, such as light barriers, capacitive or inductive proximity switches, which are arranged, for example, at predetermined spacings in the longitudinal direction can be used.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly can include at least two transmitter groups, each having at least one, preferably a plurality of transmitters, wherein the transmitter groups are arranged at a horizontal spacing such that in an intact segment overhang length two adjacent transmitter groups can simultaneously detect the suspended upper segment on the one hand and the turning arc on the other hand, and conversely at a critical segment overhang length the adjacent transmitter groups can no longer simultaneously detect the upper segment and the turning arc.

[0034] The sensor arrangement may comprise a plurality of structurally identical sensors or transmitters, wherein the evaluation device is configured to evaluate the plurality of outputs accordingly in order to check the detected segment sag or the detected segment overhang length for reaching a critical dimension. This allows a more robust identification to be achieved, for example by excluding false identifications or sensor errors. Multiple checks or tolerance counters may also be implemented in the evaluation device, for example in a computer-technical manner or by suitable programming, in order to avoid false maintenance messages, which counter readings are compared with a threshold value, for example by means of accumulation, and are preferably reduced when a good condition is again detected.

[0035] Basically, the sensor arrangement and the evaluation device are preferably configured such that the segment sag or segment overhang length is detected fully automatically during continuous operation, and the evaluation device continuously evaluates the corresponding output fully automatically for indirect wear detection. This continuous evaluation can be performed at individually selected positions along the movement path, that is to say at each time point at which the upper segment moves back and forth at this position. Alternatively and / or additionally, the detection can also be performed when the pipeline guiding device is stationary.

[0036] The evaluation device preferably has at least one programmable processor which can be programmed for the desired evaluation. The evaluation device preferably has at least one memory in which application-specific predetermined limit values ​​for critical dimensions of the segment sag or segment overhang length are stored. The limit values ​​can be predetermined, in particular, by calculation, based on experience (from tests) or by learning when the pipeline guide or energy guide chain is put into operation in good condition.

[0037] The evaluation device also preferably has a communication interface or is connected to an interface which is provided for communication with a plurality of different network environments and / or bus systems. Thus, the evaluation device can be connected to the sensor assembly, for example, via a universal industrial bus, and at the same time have a connection to a superordinate cloud system, for example by means of a LAN or WLAN connection or the like.

[0038] According to a further independent aspect, an assembly is proposed specifically for monitoring a line guide for clean room applications.

[0039] This comprises a line guide device for protectively guiding a supply line such as a cable, a hose or the like between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein the line guide device has a longitudinal direction and is movable back and forth while forming a stationary lower section, a movable upper section and a deflection arc between the two and has a flexible sheath, in particular a sheath that is low-wear and dust-proof and can be sealed, with at least one receiving channel or a plurality of receiving channels arranged side by side and extending in the longitudinal direction for respectively at least one supply line or for a support chain, wherein the line guide device is embodied and arranged with a cantilevered upper section.

[0040] According to this aspect, the pipeline guiding device is characterized in that the sensor assembly is provided with at least one sensor or transmitter which detects segment sag and generates an output based thereon, the segment sag corresponding to the vertical dimension of the sag of the cantilevered upper segment relative to the horizontally extended position.

[0041] Such a line guiding device for clean room applications has already been proposed, for example, in WO 2016 / 042134 A1 or also in WO 2020 / 148300 A1 or WO 2020 / 148596 A1.

[0042] In this case, in such a pipeline guide device, a corresponding support chain is optionally or particularly provided in at least one, particularly in at least two receiving channels, which support chain predetermines the deflection arc and is provided for supporting the cantilevered upper section. For example, such a support chain has been proposed in WO 2021 / 116467 A1. Here, according to the core idea mentioned at the beginning, the proposed sensor assembly can also indirectly detect the wear of the pipeline guide device, in particular the wear of the support chain correspondingly provided in the pipeline guide device.

[0043] The features explained above with respect to the first aspect can also be advantageously combined with the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further details and advantages of various aspects of the present invention can be found in the following explanation of preferred embodiments based on the accompanying drawings, without limiting the generality of the above content. Features with corresponding or identical structures or functions are provided with corresponding reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly. Here is shown:

[0045] Figures 1A to 1B : A schematic side view of a cantilevered upper section in the extended position of the upper section ( Figure 1A ) and the critical sag with the upper segment ( Figure 1B), wherein the energy guidance chain is equipped with a system for indirectly identifying wear according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 : A line guide for clean room applications in a schematic side view, with two end positions of the line guide ( Figure 2 Center left: completely moved out, Figure 2 Middle right: a system for indirect identification of wear according to a second embodiment of the present invention in fully retracted state; and

[0047] Figures 3A to 3C : Schematic side view of a sliding (or rolling) upper section for long travel paths ( Figure 3A ) of a conventional energy supply chain equipped with a system for indirect wear detection according to a third embodiment of the invention (in Figure 3B ), and in the enlarged view according to Figure 3C Preferred detection areas for arranging a sensor assembly along a movement path in a schematic overall side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figures 1A to 1B A pipeline guiding device is shown for guiding a pipeline (not shown) between a stationary fixing point 2 and a driving member 4 that is movable relative thereto, in this case an energy guide chain 10 of a known construction type. With the aid of the linear and horizontal movement of the driving member 4, the energy guide chain 10 is moved along a movement direction L on a movement path S. In this case, the energy guide chain 10 is moved while forming a stationary lower section 11 and a movable upper section 12. The energy guide chain 10 is turned or tilted between the sections 11, 12 in a turning arc 3 with a radius R, which moves with it at half the speed of the driving member 4. Figures 1A to 1B In FIG. 1 , the energy guide chain 10 is cantilevered, ie is designed with a cantilevered upper section 12 which is not intended to lie flat.

[0049] Figures 1A to 1B Also schematically shown is a system 100 for indirect wear monitoring, which has a sensor arrangement 110 and an evaluation device 120 connected thereto in a signal-related manner.

[0050] like Figure 1B As shown, the sensor assembly 110 is arranged and configured to detect the segment sag TD of the energy guide chain 10 in a non-contact manner and transmit the corresponding output to the evaluation device 120, which evaluates the output to determine whether the segment sag TD (e.g. Figure 1BIf this is detected, the evaluation device 120 outputs a corresponding message via a suitable interface (not shown). This can be, in particular, a maintenance message or maintenance recommendation aimed at predictive maintenance, which is sent to a higher-level system, such as a cloud solution, an integrated monitoring or IoT network, etc.

[0051] The evaluation device 120 can be configured to detect the direction of movement and / or the movement of the energy supply chain 10 and to evaluate the signals from the sensor assembly 110 based on the direction or movement. For this purpose, the evaluation device 120 can be connected to a facility control device (not shown), for example, via a bus system.

[0052] The sensor assembly 110 includes a distance sensor 111, such as an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device, which Figures 1A to 1B The distance sensor 111 is oriented vertically downward in order to measure the segment sag TD by measurement technology and transmit the detected measured value about the measured distance as an output to the evaluation device 120, which indicates the segment sag TD. The distance sensor 111 is arranged in the longitudinal section from the fixing point 2 to the fully extended position S of the driver 4, in particular in the half of the section between the fixing point 2 and the fully extended position S facing the fixing point 2.

[0053] Figure 2 According to Figures 1A to 1B The embodiments of the present invention differ mainly in two aspects. Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, a line guide device 20 for clean room applications is proposed as a line guide, for example in WO 2016 / 042134 A1 or also in WO 2020 / 148300 A1 or WO 2020 / 148596 A1, the teachings of which are referred to by reference for the sake of brevity. The line guide device 20 can be embodied with or without a support chain, for example with a support chain according to WO 2021 / 116467 A1, the teachings of which are referred to by reference for the sake of brevity.

[0054] The pipeline guide device 20 is also intended to be implemented with a cantilevered upper section 12. Figure 2 In the example, a similar detection principle is used to monitor the segment sag TD. Figures 1A to 1B As shown, a sensor assembly 210 is provided. Figure 2 Also present in the embodiment is at least one distance sensor 111, 211 which is oriented in the displacement plane and in particular vertically toward the movable upper section 12. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the distance sensor 211 can also be implemented as an ultrasonic distance measuring device and a laser distance measuring device. Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the distance sensor 211 is oriented vertically upwards in order to detect or measure the current segment sag TD. In this case, the distance sensor 211 can be mounted without any particular effort on a support element on which the lower segment 11 is placed and on which the end connection element is fastened at the fixing point 2. The distance sensor 211 is arranged in the direction of the extended position S close to the fixing point 2 or at a certain distance therefrom, depending on the pipeline guide 20 and the position at which the strongest sag is expected, usually approximately between the deflection arc 3 and the completely extended carrier 4 ( Figure 2 1 and 2 ). With the aid of the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2 , a simple and therefore inexpensive continuous monitoring of the current sag of the energy supply chain 10 or the pipeline guide 20 can be achieved. As soon as a critical state of the energy supply system can be determined, a predictive maintenance recommendation can be issued by the evaluation device 120 , 220 .

[0055] Figures 3A to 3C The case of an energy guide chain 30 for long travel paths is shown with a sliding upper section 32 which, depending on the position of the moving driver 4, is guided in guide grooves 35 ( Figure 3C ) slide or roll down. Figure 3A The position of the energy guide chain 30 with the driver 4 at approximately halfway S / 2 is shown by way of example, in which the upper section 32 first slides or rolls only on the lower section 31 before it transitions to the guide rail 34 in the direction of the fully extended position S. Between the deflection arc 3 and the resting point P of the upper section 32 on the lower section 31 in the direction of the deflection arc there is a transition region 37, with which the upper section 32 is suspended from the deflection arc 3 to the resting point P. With increasing wear or abrasion, the length of the transition region 37 (here referred to as the section overhang) decreases, which length can also be determined by the distance TH1 or TH2 (see Figure 3C ) is shown or detected. According to the invention, this is used for indirect and preventive wear monitoring in the sliding energy guide chain 30, as in this case according to Figures 3B to 3C Explained.

[0056] like Figure 3B As shown, a sensor assembly 310 is provided, which is configured to detect the segment overhang length TH1, TH2 corresponding to the length of the transition region 37 and generate an output or signal therefrom, which is transmitted to a suitably configured evaluation device 320. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 310 comprises a simple light barrier or, for example, a capacitive proximity switch, which is oriented horizontally and perpendicularly to the movement plane of the energy guide chain 30.

[0057] like Figure 3CAs shown, the sensor assembly 310 has a plurality of structurally identical sensors or transmitters 311A ​​. . . 311D, and the evaluation device 320 is configured to evaluate the plurality of outputs accordingly in order to check the detected segment overhang lengths TH1 , TH2 for reaching a critical dimension. Figure 3C The sensor arrangement has two transmitter groups, each of which has two transmitters 311A ​​to 311B or 311C to 311D, which are arranged at a horizontal distance. For example, the distance can be selected so that, at a perfect segment overhang length TH1, all transmitters 311A ​​to 311B or 311C to 311D simultaneously detect the suspended upper segment 32 or its transition region 37 on the one hand, and simultaneously detect the deflection arc 3 on the other hand. If the distance is set appropriately, for example, at a critical segment overhang length, only one or the other of the two transmitters 311A ​​to 311B or 311C to 311D can still detect the upper segment and the deflection arc, and all 311A ​​to 311B or 311C to 311D can no longer detect the upper segment and the deflection arc simultaneously. Therefore, a critical sag or an excessively reduced segment overhang length TH2 can be reliably inferred. Other configurations are also possible, using only exactly two transmitters or transmitter groups, so that all or a plurality of transmitters respond simultaneously only in critical situations.

[0058] like Figure 3C As shown by way of example, a plurality of sensors 311A ​​... 311D can be arranged distributed along the movement direction (L) in a predetermined longitudinal section or detection area EB along the movement path and horizontally aligned with the energy guide chain 30. This allows a structurally simple implementation to detect the segment overhang lengths TH1, TH2. The transmitters 311A ​​... 311D can preferably be arranged in the guide groove 35 above the lower segment 31, in particular at the height of the sliding upper segment 32, or in a height region above the sliding upper segment 32 and below the upper side of the deflection arc 3, such as Figure 3C as shown in .

[0059] like Figure 3B As shown, the sensor arrangement 310 is spatially limited to a detection area EB in the longitudinal section from the fixing point 2 to the fully retracted position of the driver 4, here approximately within a range of approximately + / -10% of the stroke length S with respect to a position in which the driver 4 has already passed from the fully retracted position ( Figure 3B to the right side of the center) until the fully extended position S ( Figure 3B About 25% of the moving path (on the left side of the figure), see S / 4. Figure 3B Also shown schematically are the guide grooves 35 and the guide rails 34 arranged therein, which are arranged flush at the level of the upper side of the lower section 31 .

[0060] Reference numerals list

[0061] 10 Energy guide chain (with cantilevered upper section)

[0062] 20 Line Guides (for cleanroom applications)

[0063] 30 Energy Guide Chain (with sliding upper section)

[0064] 2 Fixed points

[0065] 3 Turning Arc

[0066] 4 Carrying parts

[0067] 11; 31 lower section

[0068] 12 Cantilevered upper section

[0069] 32 Sliding upper section

[0070] 34 Slide rail

[0071] 35 Guide slot

[0072] 37 Transition Zone

[0073] 100; 200; 300 monitoring system

[0074] 110; 210; 310 sensor assembly

[0075] 111; 211 distance sensor (such as ultrasonic distance measuring device)

[0076] 120; 220; 320 evaluation device

[0077] 311A; 311B; 311C; 311D Transmitter / Proximity Switch

[0078] EB detection area

[0079] H Structure height

[0080] L Moving direction

[0081] P rest point (sliding upper section)

[0082] R Radius

[0083] S Movement Path

[0084] TD section sag (vertical)

[0085] Overhang length of TH1 and TH2 sections (measured horizontally if necessary)

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a movable line guide device (10; 20; 30), in particular an energy guide chain, by means of a monitoring system (100; 200; 300), the line guide device being used to guide at least one line, such as a cable, a hose or the like, between a stationary fixed point (2) and a drive element (4) movable relative thereto, wherein: The pipeline guide device (20) or energy guide chain (10; 30) has a stationary lower section (11; 31), a movable upper section (12; 32) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween when moving, and the pipeline guide device - implemented and arranged to have a cantilevered upper section (12); or - implemented and arranged with a sliding upper section (32), The monitoring system comprises a sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and an evaluation device (120; 220; 320) connected to the sensor assembly in a signaling manner, wherein the sensor assembly detects the position of the pipeline guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) in a contactless manner and generates an output based thereon, and the evaluation device evaluates the output. It is characterized in that - in the case of a cantilevered upper section (12), the sensor assembly (110; 210) detects a section sag (TD) corresponding to a vertical dimension of the sag of the cantilevered upper section (12) relative to a horizontally extended position (LG) and generates an output based thereon; or - in the case of a sliding upper section (32), the sensor assembly (310) detects a section overhang length (TH1, TH2), and / or the section sag (TD) in the region of the section overhang length (TH1, TH2), and generates an output based thereon, the section overhang length corresponding to the length over which the upper section (32) extends suspended between the deflection arc (3) and a placement point (P) of the upper section (32) on the lower section (32); And for the purpose of indirect wear identification, the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) evaluates the output to check the detected segment sag (TD) or the detected segment overhang length (TH1, TH2) for reaching a critical dimension and outputs a corresponding message, in particular a maintenance message aimed at predictive maintenance.

2. A system for monitoring a pipeline guide device (10; 20; 30), in particular an energy guide chain, for guiding at least one pipeline, such as a cable, a hose or the like, between a stationary fixed point (2) and a drive element (4) movable relative thereto, wherein: The pipeline guide device (20) or energy guide chain (10; 30) is movable while forming a stationary lower section (11; 31), a movable upper section (12; 32) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween, and - the pipeline guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10) is embodied and arranged with a cantilevered upper section (12); or The pipeline guide or energy guide chain (30) is designed and arranged with a sliding upper section (32); The system (100; 200; 300) comprises a sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and an evaluation device (120; 220; 320) connected to the sensor assembly in a signal-technical manner, wherein the sensor assembly is arranged and configured to contactlessly detect the position of the pipeline guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) and to generate an output based thereon, and the evaluation device is arranged and configured to evaluate the output, It is characterized in that - in the case of a cantilevered upper section (12), the sensor assembly (110; 210) is arranged and configured to detect a section sag (TD) corresponding to a vertical dimension of the sag of the cantilevered upper section (12) relative to a horizontally extended position (LG) and to generate the output based thereon; or - in the case of a sliding upper section (32), the sensor assembly (310) is arranged and configured to detect a section overhang length (TH1, TH2) and / or the section sag (TD) in the region of the section overhang length (TH1, TH2), and to generate the output based thereon, the section overhang length corresponding to the length over which the upper section (32) extends suspended between the deflection arc (3) and a placement point (P) of the upper section (32) on the lower section (32); Furthermore, the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) is configured to evaluate the output in order to check the detected segment sag (TD) or the detected segment overhang length (TH1, TH2) for reaching a critical dimension and, preferably for indirect wear identification, output a corresponding message, in particular a maintenance message aimed at predictive maintenance.

3. The method or system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and / or the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) are configured to detect a movement direction and / or a movement motion of the pipeline guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) and to evaluate the output, in particular based on the direction or the movement.

4. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) comprises at least one sensor (111; 211; 311A ​​... 311D) or transmitter, which is arranged stationary along the movement path in at least one longitudinal section (ES) predetermined as a detection area, wherein preferably In the case of a cantilevered upper section (12), the detection region is located in the longitudinal section from the fixing point (2) to the fully extended position of the driver (4), in particular in the half of the section between the fixing point (2) and the fully extended position (S) facing the fixing point (2); - In the case of a sliding upper section (12), the detection area (EB) is located in the longitudinal section from the fixed point (2) to the fully retracted position of the driving member (3), in particular within a range of approximately + / -10% of the stroke length with respect to a position in which the driving member has travelled approximately 25% (S / 4) of the movement path from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position (S).

5. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sensor arrangement comprises at least one distance sensor (111; 211) oriented in a displacement plane and in particular vertically toward the movable upper section (12), wherein the distance sensor is preferably an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device.

6. The method or system according to claim 5, characterized in that: In particular, in the case of a cantilevered upper section (12), the distance sensor (211) is oriented vertically upward to detect the section sag (TD) and is preferably arranged on a support for the lower section next to or spaced apart from the fixing point (2) in the direction of the extended position.

7. The method or system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance sensor (111) is oriented vertically downward, in particular in the case of a sliding upper segment (12), in order to detect the segment overhang length (TH1, TH2) by means of the segment sag (TD).

8. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in particular according to claim 4, in the case of a sliding upper section (32), characterized in that The sensor assembly (310) has a plurality of transmitters (311A...311D) along the movement path in a longitudinal section predetermined as a detection area (EB), and the transmitters are arranged to be distributed along the movement direction (L) and horizontally aligned with the energy guide chain (30) to detect the segment overhang length (TH1, TH2), wherein the transmitters (311A...311D) are preferably arranged at the guide groove (35) and / or above the lower segment (31), in particular at the height of the sliding upper segment (32) or within the height range above the sliding upper segment (32) and below the upper side of the steering arc (3).

9. A method or system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor assembly (310) comprises a plurality of structurally identical sensors or transmitters (311A...311D), and the evaluation device (320) is configured to evaluate a plurality of outputs accordingly for checking a detected segment sag (TD) or a detected segment overhang length (TH1, TH2) for reaching a critical dimension.

10. A method or system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) detects the segment sag or segment overhang length fully automatically in continuous operation, and the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) evaluates the corresponding outputs fully automatically and continuously for indirect wear detection.

11. The method or system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The evaluation device (120; 220; 320) has a memory in which application-specific predetermined limit values ​​for critical dimensions of the segment sag or of the segment overhang length are stored.

12. The method or system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The evaluation device (120; 220; 320) has an interface or is connected to an interface which is provided for communicating with a plurality of different network environments and / or bus systems.

13. An assembly for monitoring a line guide device (20) for clean room applications, comprising a line guide device for protectively guiding a supply line such as a cable, a hose or the like between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, in, The line guide has a longitudinal direction (L) and is reciprocatingly movable while forming a stationary lower section (11), a movable upper section (12) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween and has a flexible sheath (22) with a plurality of receiving channels arranged side by side and extending in the longitudinal direction for at least one supply line or for a support chain, Wherein, the pipeline guiding device is implemented and arranged to have a cantilevered upper section (12), It is characterized in that The sensor assembly (220) is provided with at least one sensor or transmitter (221) which detects the segment sag of the upper segment (12) relative to the horizontal elongated position and generates an output based thereon.

14. The assembly with pipeline guiding device according to claim 13, characterized in that A support chain is arranged in at least one, in particular at least two, receiving channels, which support chain predetermines a deflection arc and is provided for supporting the cantilevered upper section (12).

15. The assembly with a pipeline guiding device according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that Having the features according to the characterizing part of any of the dependent claims 3 to 12.

Images