Drive energy supply chain

Abstract

Energy guiding chain (1) for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical energy or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, between a first connection area and a second connection area which is movable relative thereto, - wherein the energy guide chain (1) has chain links (2) which are connected to one another in its longitudinal direction (L) and are pivotable relative to one another, each of which comprises two side plates (3) which are opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q) to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least some of the chain links (2) have transverse webs (4) which connect the side plates (3) to one another, so that the chain links (2) form an inner receiving space (A) for receiving and guiding the supply lines, and wherein the side plates (3) form two plate strands (5A, 5B) with side plates (3) which are each connected to one another in the longitudinal direction (L), - wherein a drive device (20) for driving the energy guide chain (1) is operatively connected thereto, characterized in that - at least on one link strand (5A, 5B), a number of side links (3) adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction (L) have a link toothing (10; 11A; 11B) formed by the side links (3); and - the drive device (20) comprises at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the plate teeth (10; 11A; 11B).

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to an energy guiding chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical power or data supply, hoses for media supply, or the like, between a first connection area and a second connection area that is movable relative thereto. The invention particularly relates to such an energy guiding chain that has a drive device that is operatively connected to the energy guiding chain for driving it.

[0002] It is known to equip energy guiding chains with additional drive devices which, in addition to the application-dependent movement, e.g. via a drive at the moving end of the energy guiding chain, mechanically transfer kinetic energy to the energy guiding chain, in particular to its chain links.

[0003] In WO 2022 / 233853 A1, for example, the applicant proposed that a drive unit can drive the energy guide chain using a special driven drive roller with radial projections that engage between the cross members or crossbars of the chain links. To prevent unwanted loosening, the cross members or crossbars are equipped with special reinforced areas in which their strength is increased compared to the sections of the cross members lying between these areas, and the drive roller engages with its radial projections between the reinforced areas of the cross members. For this type of positive-locking drive, additional components or special cross members and a drive roller with a relatively large diameter are therefore required. This solution is particularly suitable for power transmission in the deflection bend and requires a differently designed drive roller for each chain pitch, since the distance between the cross members or crossbars varies.Cross bars in the longitudinal direction depend on the chain pitch of the energy chain.

[0004] Another approach to an additional drive for the energy chain is known from patent EP2935941B1. Here it was proposed, among other things, that drive devices, each by means of a roller on the side plates of the energy chain, act on the moving strand according to the principle of a friction wheel drive. Another alternative is a circulating endless belt on which the moving strand of the energy chain rests. In both approaches, the force is transmitted to the chain links by friction or force, whereby it has proven technically difficult to achieve or even adjust the required contact forces using the chain weight alone. These approaches are intended to be suitable for long travel distances, but for longer chains that are moved at high speeds, they are unlikely to be able to prevent undesired slippage between the moving strand and the friction wheel or endless belt without further complex measures.Notwithstanding this, the speeds and powers that can be achieved using friction wheel drives are inherently limited.

[0005] A primary object of the present invention is therefore to propose an improved solution that allows for effective driving of the energy chain. The solution should be reliable and suitable for as many applications as possible, especially, but not only for particularly long travel distances. Among other things, the solution should enable the forces required to move the energy chain to no longer act exclusively via the moving end of the energy chain, which is known to lead to limitations or very high forces to be transmitted by the energy chain, especially with very long travel distances.

[0006] The object is achieved in each case by an energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or a chain link according to claim 3, by a guide channel according to claim 15, or by a use or a method according to claim 17.

[0007] In a generic energy guide chain with a drive device according to the preamble of claim 1, the simplest embodiment of the invention proposes that, at least on one link strand of the energy guide chain, at least a number of longitudinally adjoining side links have a link toothing formed by the side links or have a link toothing attached to the side links. Accordingly, the drive device comprises at least one drive unit with a drive element with teeth, which interacts positively with the link toothing provided on the side links.

[0008] One advantage of the inventive solution is that, inherently, unwanted slippage between the drive and the energy chain can be avoided. A drive concept with positive-locking power transmission to the energy chain using a toothed system also enables higher power transmission, for example, compared to friction-locked drives.

[0009] This design allows for the provision of suitable toothing, as needed, tailored to the application. This toothing is preferably integrated into the side plates and, in particular, manufactured as a single piece with them. The toothing can preferably be manufactured integrally with the side plates, particularly from plastic. If the side plates are preferably manufactured as injection-molded parts, suitable toothing can be easily incorporated into the mold, allowing the toothing to be manufactured cost-effectively and without post-processing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the link toothing is provided on the outer side of the side link, facing away from the inner receiving space. This typically provides the largest surface area of ​​the side link, which can be used for dimensioning the toothing to be integrated without significantly affecting the stability of the side link.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the toothing or a further toothing can also be formed on the upper or lower narrow side of the side plates, which runs in particular in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction.

[0012] The invention accordingly also relates to a corresponding chain link for an energy guide chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical energy or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, wherein the chain link comprises two side plates opposite one another in a transverse direction to a longitudinal direction and typically two transverse webs which connect the side plates to one another, so that the chain link forms an inner receiving space for receiving and guiding the supply lines.

[0013] According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one side link of the chain link has a link toothing for positive interaction with a drive element with teeth, wherein the link toothing is provided on the outer side of the side link, which faces away from the inner receiving space, and / or on the narrow side of the side link, which runs in particular in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction, and is preferably formed integrally with the side link.

[0014] Various positive-locking drive elements can be used for power transmission, in particular pinions or gears, but also drive belts with teeth or toothed belts.

[0015] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the tab teeth on the outside of the side tab are manufactured in one piece with the side tab.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the or another link plate toothing on the narrow side of the side plate can be manufactured in one piece with it.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pitch of the link plate toothing can be significantly smaller than the chain pitch of the energy chain, preferably with p / T ≤ 0.33, in particular p / T ≤ 0.25. The chain pitch is determined by the typically periodic distance between the pivot axes of the articulated connection of the chain links or side plates. To create effective drives, preferred embodiments are therefore those with link plate toothing whose pitch (periodic distance from tooth to tooth) is significantly smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the side plates.

[0018] In a simple embodiment, it can be provided that the link plate toothing is designed as a straight toothing and / or in such a way that a positive force transmission in both directions of the moving strand, ie in a forward and a backward direction, can be transferred to the side link by means of the link plate toothing and drive element.

[0019] The link toothing preferably has a tooth width direction that is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy chain.

[0020] If a link toothing is formed on the outside of the side link, the tooth width is preferably at least 25% of the link height of the side link, so that a suitable dimensioning of the toothing can be achieved.

[0021] If a link toothing is formed on the narrow side of the side link, the tooth width is preferably at least 40% of the link width of the side link in the transverse direction or the dimension of the narrow side in the transverse direction.

[0022] In an embodiment which avoids interfering edges or protects the toothing against unwanted influences, it can be provided that the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing lie in a plane flush with an outer surface of the outside of the side plate or with an outer surface of the narrow side of the side plate or are slightly offset inwards with respect to the outer surface.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, particularly for energy chains that can be moved in a laterally supported manner, the link plate toothing can be formed on the outside of the side plate, and the tooth width can be only a portion of the side plate height. Thus, a flat sliding surface can be formed on the outside of the side plate next to the toothing at least on one side, preferably on both sides, which is advantageous for guiding the link plate strand and / or, for example, for the link plate strand to slide onto a laterally positioned application.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one drive unit may have a pinion or gear as the drive element, wherein the pinion interacts positively with the link plate toothing. The toothed link plate strand and the pinion or gear act in particular in the manner of a rack and pinion drive, wherein the rack essentially represents a segmentally bendable rack formed from the side plates of the energy chains.

[0025] In a further embodiment, it can be provided additionally or alternatively that at least one drive unit has a drive belt with teeth, , as a drive element, wherein the drive belt with its teeth, in particular its external teeth, interacts positively with the plate teeth.

[0026] In particular, a toothed belt with internal teeth and external teeth or a double toothed belt can be used as a drive belt, so that the drive belt can in turn be driven on the inside by means of a pinion or gear.

[0027] By means of drive belts with teeth, a positive engagement can be achieved over a greater length of the link plate strand.

[0028] In a practical embodiment, it is provided that the energy guide chain can be moved back and forth, forming a first strand, a second strand and a deflection bend which connects both strands, wherein at least one strand or only one strand is movable.

[0029] In one variant, the energy guide chain can be arranged so that it can move laterally, in particular with the outer sides of the side plates, which have the plate teeth and form an underlying plate strand, resting on a support. A pinion or a drive belt with teeth can be arranged in the support in order to interact with the teeth, e.g. of the underlying plate strand, for the purpose of transmitting drive power to the plate strand using the plate teeth. In an advantageous arrangement with an energy guide chain and a guide trough with two laterally opposite side walls and a trough base between them, the energy guide chain moves laterally, arranged in the guide trough, so that at least one strand can move on a running surface of the trough base.In this case, it is preferably provided that the channel floor has at least one guide surface with a step that counteracts a deviation of the first run from its desired position and / or with a ramp that counteracts a deviation of the first run from its desired position, and that the at least one guide surface is arranged laterally adjacent to the running surface of at least the first run. This allows high speeds of the driven run without it breaking away from the desired path or swerving.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the energy guide chain can be moved back and forth, forming an upper run, a lower run, and a deflection bend connecting both runs. The upper run can be moved in a sliding or rolling manner, typically initially on the lower run and then resting on a support, toward the maximum extended end position. To interact with the toothing on the link plate strand, a pinion or a drive belt with toothing is advantageously arranged in the support or laterally on the support, e.g., in the side walls of a guide trough or guide channel, in order to interact with the toothing on the link plate strand of the upper run.

[0031] Thus, a guide trough for an energy guiding chain according to the invention is also proposed. The guide trough typically has two laterally opposite side walls and at least one support surface between them. Particularly in the case of long travel distances, the energy guiding chain is arranged in such a guide trough so that at least one strand can travel on a running surface of the support surface, e.g. the trough floor. According to the invention, the guide trough is equipped with a drive unit and at least one drive element with teeth, in particular a pinion or drive belt with teeth, is provided in the support surface and / or in one of the side walls, wherein the drive element is arranged and configured to interact with a plate toothing on the plate strand of the energy guiding chain for the purpose of drivingly transmitting power to the energy guiding chain.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the energy chain, assembly, or guide trough has a drive element that is operatively connected to a controllable electric drive motor. In this case, the speed and / or torque and / or angle of rotation can be controlled in a suitable manner using suitable control or regulation technology.

[0033] The drive element, in particular the pinion, preferably has an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the energy chain, in particular horizontal or vertical.

[0034] Furthermore, a use or a method is proposed in which an arrangement with an energy guide chain and a drive device for driving an energy guide chain is set up and used according to the invention such that at least on one link strand of the energy guide chain, a number of longitudinally adjoining side links (3) have link toothing, and the drive device comprises one or more drive units, each with at least one drive element with toothing, in particular a pinion or a drive belt with toothing. The drive element, with its toothing, engages positively with the link toothing on the link strand of the energy guide chain and can thus effectively and effectively transmit force to the energy guide chain.

[0035] The above embodiments can be particularly advantageously applied to chain links for energy chains which are made in one piece or in one part from a plastic, preferably from an injection-moldable thermoplastic, in particular from fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or engineering polymer.

[0036] All of the features mentioned above and explained below as advantageous are considered relevant to the invention, either individually or independently, and also in advantageous combination, and can therefore constitute the subject matter of a divisional application.

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention—without limiting the scope of protection—can be found in the following, more detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, purely by way of example: Fig. 1A-1E: Views of a laterally movable energy guide chain with a drive device, in partial longitudinal section ( Fig. 1A); in front view of the guide trough ( Fig. 1B) according to the section line (BB); in enlargements ( Fig. 1C, Fig. 1D) of the longitudinal section according to areas C and D from Fig. 1A; and with a side view ( Fig. 1E) to a single side plate with teeth, according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2A-2D: Views of a chain link according to 3 a second embodiment with several teeth, on the outside and on the narrow sides of the side plates, in perspective view ( Fig. 2A), in side view ( Fig. 2B), in plan view ( Fig. 2C) and in a front view ( Fig. 2D) of the chain link; Fig. 3A-3B: Views of an energy guide chain that can be moved with a sliding or rolling upper run on a support, with a drive device according to a third embodiment, with a toothed belt drive for positively driving the moving upper run in a schematic side view ( Fig. 3A) and in the enlarged schematic side view of the toothed belt drive; Fig. 4A-4B: Views of a fourth embodiment with a drive device with opposing pinions, each of which is provided with a toothing on the outer sides of the side plates according to Fig. 1E or Fig. 2A-2D, as a variant or supplement to the drive concepts from Fig. 1A-1E or Fig. 3A-3B; and Fig. 5A-5B: another embodiment of an endlessly circulating, closed energy guide chain, which is arranged laterally and is provided with a drive device similar to the drive concept of Fig. 1A-1E.

[0038] As initially Fig. 1A-1E or Fig. 3A-3B, the energy guide chain has chain links 2 which are linked together in the longitudinal direction L and pivotable relative to each other. The chain links each have two side plates opposite one another in a transverse direction Q to the longitudinal direction L. In at least some of the chain links 2, e.g. every second chain link or all chain links 2, as in Fig. 1A-1E, crosspieces 4 are firmly connected to the side plates 3 and hold them parallel to each other in two opposing plate strands 5A, 5B. The chain links 2 form an inner receiving space A for accommodating and guiding the supply lines (not shown) selected depending on the application. Thus, the side plates 3 form two plate strands 5A, 5B, each with a plurality of side plates 3 connected to each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] Fig. 1A-1E show, with only partially shown energy guiding chain 1, a first example of a drive device 20 for driving the energy guiding chain 1. The drive device 20 comprises several drive units 21A... 21D, which are distributed along the travel path of the energy guiding chain 1 on a supporting guide groove 40. The energy guiding chain 1 is in Fig. 1A-1E arranged laterally movable, with the outer sides 13 of the side plates 3, here of the underlying plate strand 5A, arranged in the guide trough 40, and at least one strand movable on a running surface 42 on the trough bottom of the guide trough 40.

[0040] How best to use the Fig. 1C-1E, the side plates 3 of the chain links 4 have, at least in the lower plate strand 5A, an integrated plate toothing 10, which is manufactured in one piece with the individual side plates 3. Each drive unit 21A... 21D has Fig. 1A-1E a pinion 22, which is arranged in the support or protrudes through the channel bottom 42 ( Fig. 1C) and interacts with the toothing 10 of the underlying plate strand 5A. In the example from Fig. 1A-1E, the channel floor 42 forms a guide surface with two steps 43A, 43B, which counteract any deviation of the strands from the desired path or target position via the drive units 21A... 21D. In addition, the deflection bend 9 is raised by the area between the steps 43A, 43B, so that the driven strand descends to the area with the drive units 21A... 21D.

[0041] How best to Fig. 1E, the side plate 3 can be manufactured as a single piece with the plate teeth 10 as an injection-molded plastic part. In the example from Fig. 1A-1E, the link plate toothing 10 is provided centrally and only on the outer side 13 of the side link plate 3. Depending on the desired direction of movement of the moving end of the energy chain 1, the pinions 22 are driven accordingly and, in the manner of a rack and pinion drive, positively transmit the drive force to the link plate strand 5 so that the moving strand can be moved in the desired direction by means of the drive device 20. The lateral arrangement of Fig. 1A-1E allows particularly high speeds.

[0042] Fig. 2A-2D show another embodiment of a chain link 4 for an energy chain 1. In the example from Fig. 2A-2D, at least one of the side plates (shown on both) has a first integrated plate toothing 10 on the outer side 13 of the side plate 3, which is manufactured in one piece with the side plate 3. Furthermore, the side plate 3 has in Fig. 2A-2D each show two further link toothings with a narrower tooth width b, namely an upper link toothing 11A on the upper narrow side 13A and a lower link toothing 11B on the lower narrow side 13B of the side link 3, which is also manufactured in one piece with the side link 3, e.g. when forming the link in the injection mold. The construction of the side link from Fig. 2A-2D can be combined with a wide range of drive concepts.

[0043] Fig. 3A-3B show another drive concept for an energy chain. Here, the drive device has one or more toothed belt drives, each with a drive unit 31 that has an endlessly rotating drive belt 32 with teeth, in particular a double toothed belt with internal teeth and external teeth, as the drive element. The drive belt 32 is driven at its internal teeth by a drive pinion 34, which, for example, like the pinion in Fig. 1A-1E is driven by a controllable electric motor M. In the example from Fig. 3A-3B, an energy guiding chain 1 for particularly long travel distances is guided in a guide trough, so that the energy guiding chain 1 can be moved back and forth with its upper run 7, first on the lower run 8 and then over a support 35 of the guide trough 40. The upper run 8 can move exclusively in a sliding or rolling manner using rollers.

[0044] In the example from Fig. 3A-3B, the toothing 10A on a narrow side 13A is used for positive driving by means of the drive belt 32. The upper run 7, which is movable on the support 35, engages with the side plates of the drive belt, so that its external toothing interacts with the toothing 10 to drive the upper run. Several drive units 31 can be provided distributed along the travel path and, if necessary, combined with other drive concepts, such as those from Fig. 1A-1E or Fig. 4A-4B.

[0045] Fig. 4A-4B show a further embodiment of the drive device. Here, chain links 2 are used which are equipped with a link toothing 10 on the outer sides 13 of the link plates on both link strands 5A, 5B. Thus, on both sides of the driven strand, e.g., the movable upper strand as shown in Fig. 3A-3B, a drive unit 21A, 21B with a pinion 22 is provided to ensure reliable engagement of the gears. In contrast to Fig. 1A-1E are the motor rotation axis of the electric motor M and the rotation axes of the pinions 22 Fig. 4A-4B not horizontally but vertically. Otherwise, essentially identical drive units 21A, 21B can be used. When using side plates with multiple teeth, as in Fig. 2A-2D, the drive concept can be Fig. 4A-4B e.g. with the one from Fig. 3A-3B can be used in combination.

[0046] Fig. 5A-5B show a further embodiment with an endlessly rotating energy guide chain, which is provided with two drive units 21A, 21B in the arrangement and construction analogous to Fig. 1A-1E interact with a link toothing 10 on the outer side 13 of the side links 3 and transmit drive-effective force to the energy guide chain.

[0047] How Fig. 1E illustrates the pitch p of the link toothing 10 or 11A; 11B is preferably significantly smaller than the chain pitch T of the energy chain, with p / T ≤ 0.33, in particular p / T ≤ 0.25, preferably applying. The link toothing 10, 11A, 11B is designed as a straight toothing with a tooth width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the energy chain, and either in the direction of the link height for toothing 10 on the outer side 13 or in the transverse direction Q for toothing 11A, 11B on the narrow sides 13A, 13B.

[0048] How best to Fig. 1E and Fig. 2A-2D, the link plate toothing 10, 11A, 11B is preferably designed such that the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing 10; 11A; 11B lie in a plane flush with an outer surface of the outer side 13 or with an outer surface of the narrow side 13A, 13B of the side link 3, or possibly only slightly offset inwards with respect to the outer surface in question.

[0049] The link plate toothing 10 on the outer side 13 of the side plate preferably has a tooth width b which is only a portion of the link plate height H of the side plate 3, so that a flat sliding surface is formed on both sides next to the toothing 10 on the outer side of the side plate 3, which is suitable for lateral sliding ( Fig. 1A-1E) is advantageous. The same applies to the plate teeth 11A, 11B on the narrow side 13A, 13B, whereby here a sliding surface preferably remains only on one side.

[0050] Further preferred features can be gathered from the drawings or specified in the subclaims by the person skilled in the art. List of reference symbols 1 energy chain 2 chain links 3 side flaps 4 crossbar 5A, 5B Strap strand (from side straps) 7 first run / upper run 8 second run / lower run 9 Deflection bend 10 Link teeth (on the outside) 11A, 11B Link teeth (on narrow side) 13 Outside (side flap) 13A, 13B narrow side (side flap) 20 Drive device 21A... 21D; 31 drive unit 22 pinion (drive element) 32 double toothed belt (drive element) 34 drive pinions (double toothed belt) 35 edition (for upper drum) 40 guide trough 41A, 41B side walls 42 channel bottom A recording room b Tooth width (toothing) B Tab width H Tab height L longitudinal direction M electric motor Q transverse direction R Motor rotation axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2022 / 233853 A1

[0003] EP 2935941B1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Energy guiding chain (1) for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical energy or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, between a first connection area and a second connection area which is movable relative thereto, - wherein the energy guide chain (1) has chain links (2) which are connected to one another in its longitudinal direction (L) and are pivotable relative to one another, each of which comprises two side plates (3) which are opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q) to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least some of the chain links (2) have transverse webs (4) which connect the side plates (3) to one another, so that the chain links (2) form an inner receiving space (A) for receiving and guiding the supply lines, and wherein the side plates (3) form two plate strands (5A, 5B) with side plates (3) which are each connected to one another in the longitudinal direction (L), - wherein a drive device (20) for driving the energy guide chain (1) is operatively connected thereto, characterized by , that - at least on one link strand (5A, 5B), a number of side links (3) adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction (L) have a link toothing (10; 11A; 11B) formed by the side links (3); and - the drive device (20) comprises at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the plate teeth (10; 11A; 11B). [2] Energy guide chain according to claim 1, dgd the link toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outer side (13) of the side links (3), which faces away from the inner receiving space (A), and / or on at least one of the narrow sides (13A, 13B) of the side links (3), which runs in particular in the longitudinal direction (L). [3] Chain link for an energy guide chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical energy or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, wherein the chain link comprises two side plates (3) opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q) to a longitudinal direction (L) and two crosspieces (4) which connect the side plates (3) to one another, so that the chain link (2) forms an inner receiving space (A) for receiving and guiding the supply lines, characterized by in that at least one side plate (3) has a plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) for positive interaction with a drive element having a toothing, wherein the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outer side (13) of the side plate (3), which faces away from the inner receiving space (A), on at least one of the narrow sides (13A, 13B) of the side plates (3). [4] Energy guiding chain according to claim 1 or 2 or chain link according to claim 3, dgd the side plate (3) is made in one piece with a plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B), in particular from plastic and / or as an injection-molded part, wherein preferably - the link plate toothing (10) on the outer side (13) of the side plate (3) is made in one piece with the latter; and / or - the link plate teeth (11A, 11B) on the narrow side (13A, 13B) of the side plate (3) are made in one piece with the latter. [5] Energy guiding chain (1) or chain link (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, dgd - the pitch (p) of the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is significantly smaller than the chain pitch (T) of the energy chain, preferably with p / T ≤ 0.13, in particular p / T ≤ 0.25; and / or - the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is designed as a straight toothing, preferably with a tooth width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the energy guide chain. [6] Energy guiding chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, dgd - the link plate toothing (10) is formed on the outside of the side link plate (3) and the tooth width (b) is at least 25% of the link plate height (H) of the side link plate (3); - the link plate toothing (11A; 11B) is formed on the narrow side of the side link plate (3) and the tooth width (b) is at least 40% of the link plate width (B) of the side link plate (3) in the transverse direction. [7] Energy guide chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, dgd the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing (10; 11A; 11B) lie in a plane flush with an outer surface of the outer side (13) of the side link (3) or with an outer surface of the narrow side (13A, 13B) of the side link (3), or are slightly offset inwards with respect to the outer surface. [8] Energy guide chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 7, dgd the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outside of the side plate (3) and the tooth width (b) is only a portion of the plate height (H) of the side plate (3), and at least on one side, preferably on both sides next to the toothing, a flat sliding surface is formed on the outside of the side plate (3). [9] Energy guide chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 8, dgd at least one drive unit (21; 21A... 21D) has a pinion (22) as a drive element, wherein the pinion (22) interacts positively with the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B), in particular in the manner of a rack and pinion drive. [10] Energy guide chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 8, dgd at least one drive unit (31) has a drive belt (32) with teeth, in particular with internal teeth and external teeth, as a drive element, wherein the drive belt (32) with its teeth, in particular its external teeth, interacts in a form-fitting manner with the plate teeth (10; 11A; 11B). [11] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 10, dgd the energy guiding chain is movable back and forth to form a first strand (7), a second strand (8) and a deflection bend (9) which connects both strands, wherein at least one strand (7) is movable. [12] Energy guiding chain according to claim 11, dgd the energy guiding chain is arranged laterally movable, in particular with the outer sides of the side plates (3), which have the plate toothing and form an underlying plate strand, resting on a support, and a pinion or a drive belt with toothing is arranged in the support and interacts with the toothing, in particular of the underlying plate strand. [13] An arrangement comprising an energy guiding chain according to claim 10 and a guide channel (40) with two laterally opposite side walls (41A, 41B) and a channel bottom (42) therebetween; wherein the energy guiding chain (1) is arranged laterally in the guide channel (40), and at least one strand is movable on a running surface of the channel bottom; characterized by that the channel bottom (40) has at least one guide surface with a step (43A, 43B) which counteracts a deviation of the first run from its desired position and / or with a ramp which counteracts a deviation of the first run from its desired position, and the at least one guide surface is arranged laterally adjacent to the running surface (13) of at least the first run. [14] Energy guiding chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 10, dgd the energy guiding chain is movable back and forth to form an upper run (7), a lower run (8) and a deflection bend (9) which connects both runs, wherein the upper run (8) is movable in a sliding or rolling manner resting on a support (35) and a pinion (22) or a drive belt (32) with teeth is arranged in or laterally on the support (35) and cooperates with the teeth (10; 11A; 11B) on at least one plate strand (5A, 5B) of the upper run. [15] Guide trough (40) for an energy guide chain according to one of claims 1-12, in particular for an arrangement according to claim 13, with two laterally opposite side walls (41A, 41B) and a support surface (35) therebetween; wherein the energy guide chain (1) is arranged in the guide trough, and at least one strand (7) is movable on a running surface of the support surface (35); characterized by , that the guide channel (40) has a drive unit (wherein at least one drive element with teeth, in particular with a pinion or drive belt with teeth, is arranged in the support surface and / or in one of the side walls and is designed to interact in a form-fitting manner with a plate toothing of the energy guide chain. [16] Energy guiding chain, arrangement or guide trough according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element (22; 32) is operatively connected to a controllable electric drive motor (M). [17] Use of a drive device (20) for driving an energy chain (1), characterized by that at least on one link strand (5A, 5B) of the energy guide chain (1) a number of side links (3) adjoining one another in the longitudinal direction (L) have a link toothing (10; 11A, 11B), and - the drive device (20) comprises at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, in particular a pinion (22) or a drive belt (32) with teeth, which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the plate teeth (10; 11A, 11B) and transmits drive-effective force to the energy guide chain (1).

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