Method and system for indirectly detecting wear of a cable guide device or energy chain
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023717463
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-25
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing monitoring systems for cable routing devices or energy chains require structural changes and are not suitable for all types of cable routing, especially for self-supporting designs and long travel distances, limiting their applicability and ease of implementation.
A method and system that use a sensor arrangement to detect strand sag or slope length in both self-supporting and sliding upper strands, generating digital or analog signals for indirect wear detection without modifying the energy chain, allowing for predictive maintenance by evaluating the output to determine critical wear conditions.
Enables reliable and non-invasive wear detection in various cable routing devices, including those without structural modifications, facilitating timely maintenance and preventing system failures by assessing changes in upper strand tension and load-bearing capacity.
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Method and system for the indirect detection of wear of a cable guide device or energy guide chain
[0002] The invention generally relates to a system and a method for monitoring a movable or dynamic cable guide, such as an energy chain, for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, hose, or the like, between a stationary fixed point and a relatively movable carrier, typically on a moving system or machine part. The invention particularly relates to a system and a method for detecting wear during operation of the cable guide device or energy chain, thus enabling predictive maintenance.
[0003] The cable guiding system or energy guiding chain typically consists of a stationary lower run, a movable upper run, and a moving deflection bend in between. In such dynamic cable guiding systems, two basic applications or types of arrangement are distinguished.
[0004] On the one hand, cable guide systems with a cantilevered upper run are known, i.e., designs in which the upper run does not rest on the lower run during its entire travel, nor does it slide or roll off. This design is typically used for relatively short travel distances, e.g., < 10 m, and requires a corresponding load-bearing capacity of the upper run over the desired cantilevered length.
[0005] On the other hand, if the unsupported length is not sufficient and / or particularly for long travel distances, in practice typically » 10m, from a travel distance of several tens to several hundred meters, energy chains with a sliding upper run are usually used. Applications with a sliding upper run are understood to be those in which, when moving at least along a partial section of the travel path, the upper run travels in sections on the lower run and / or on a sliding support, e.g. so-called sliding rails on a guide rail. The upper run can slide on the lower run or the sliding support, e.g. by means of special sliding skids, or can roll if the energy chain has rollers to reduce friction or increase the maximum travel.
[0006] Monitoring systems comprising a sensor arrangement and an evaluation device are already known. The sensor arrangement is connected to the sensor arrangement via signal transmission. The sensor arrangement detects the position of the cable guide device or energy chain without contact and, depending on this, generates an output that the evaluation device evaluates. Various systems of this general type have already been described in WO 2018 / 115449 A1 and WO 2018 / 115528 A1. These solutions are fundamentally and primarily designed to monitor the proper movement behavior of the cable guide device or energy chain during operation.
[0007] Specifically for wear detection, solutions are also known in which special sensor modules are installed in the cable guide device or energy guide chain, as proposed in WO 2017 / 129805 A1 or WO 2019 / 201482 A1. However, these solutions require structural modifications to the energy guide chain and available installation space in the internal housing for the cables. Another approach for wear monitoring was proposed in WO 2021 / 043668 A1, but this also requires structural modifications to the energy guide chain, and this approach is only suitable for sliding energy guide chains with sliding shoes.
[0008] A simple design solution for detecting wear during operation of various cable guide systems or energy chains is desirable. It is as versatile as possible and can be implemented with an existing cable guide system or energy chain without requiring structural changes, modifications, or alterations. The solution should also be suitable for cable guides that are not actual energy chains, but rather have chain links and internal space for cables.
[0009] A first object of the invention is therefore to propose such a solution. This is achieved by a method and a system according to claims 1 and 2, respectively, and independently thereof, especially in a cable routing device for cleanroom applications, by an arrangement according to claim 13.
[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, it is therefore proposed, in a method or system according to the preamble of claim 1 or 2, that in the case of a self-supporting upper run, the sensor arrangement detects a run sag or is arranged and technically set up accordingly for this purpose and generates one or more outputs, e.g. digital or analogue signals, depending on this; or in the case of a sliding upper run, the sensor arrangement detects a run hang length (corresponds to the length over which the upper run hangs freely between the deflection bend and a contact point of the upper run on the lower run) and / or the run sag over the hang length or is arranged and technically set up accordingly for this purpose, and generates one or more outputs, e.g. digital or analogue signals, depending on this.
[0011] This simple design of the sensor arrangement, which can be implemented without any modifications to the cable routing, allows for indirect wear detection. The invention is based on the practical realization that with increasing wear and aging, the so-called upper strand tension, or the load-bearing capacity of the upper strand, decreases, and the core idea of technically exploiting this change for condition and wear detection.
[0012] For this purpose, the evaluation device can evaluate the output(s) of the sensor array for indirect wear detection to check the detected strand sag or the detected strand hang length for reaching a predeterminable critical level and issue a corresponding message. This can be used, in particular, as a maintenance message aimed at predictive maintenance, so that if a critical decrease in the upper strand tension or load-bearing capacity of the upper strand is detected, maintenance can be carried out in a timely manner and a machine or system failure can be avoided.
[0013] A critical sag of a cantilevered upper run can occur, in particular, when the sag, corresponding to the vertical extent of the sag of the cantilevered upper run relative to a horizontally stretched position in which the upper run would run straight horizontally from the deflection bend, has become significantly greater than the overall height of the cable guide, particularly the chain links, and especially when this height falls below the intended radius of the deflection bend. This can lead to, among other things, critical vibrations when the upper run moves back and forth, and the risk of cable guide breakage increases significantly.
[0014] Even with a sliding upper run, signs of wear, for example in the joint-pin connection of typical chain links, typically lead to a reduction in the upper run load-bearing capacity or upper run tension. As practical tests have shown, this can be reliably detected and proven in the area of the approximately backward-curved transition, over which the upper run transitions freely from the deflection bend to the contact point of the upper run on the lower run. A critical threshold can be empirically determined depending on the chain type and can be expressed, for example, in the number of chain links that are (still) freely hanging in the transition. For example, critical wear can be concluded if the run hang length has reduced to less than 3 / 4 or less than 2 / 3 of the original number of links or length when new, or a correspondingly proportional reduction of the run hang length can be achieved by other means, e.g.is determined by means of a length measurement. For this purpose, for example, the horizontal length above which the transition from the deflection curve to the touchdown point (still) remains freely suspended can be considered.
[0015] In the simplest form, a suitable detection or measurement in all embodiments considered here can be limited to the detection of a critical condition, e.g. to the detection or testing of whether a certain length or a certain distance has been exceeded or undercut.
[0016] To assess critical wear on a sliding upper run, use the run hang length, i.e. the length over which the upper run extends freely suspended between the deflection bend and the contact point, refer to this length as such or a dimension proportional to it and / or to the run sag over this transition area, i.e. the vertical sag in the area of the run hang length.
[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor arrangement and / or the evaluation device are configured to detect the direction of travel and / or movement of the cable guide device or energy chain, and the evaluation device is configured accordingly to evaluate the output, in particular depending on the direction or movement. The travel movement or direction of travel can be communicated to the evaluation device, for example, via a signal from the system or machine control system of the system or machine supplied by the cable guide.
[0018] A connection with a
[0019] Force measurement on the driver, as proposed, for example, in WO 2013 / 156607 A1, so that the evaluation of the output(s) regarding the strand sag or strand hang length can also be carried out depending on the tensile or shear force currently transmitted to or through the cable guide.
[0020] The current direction of travel and power transmission can influence the strand sag or strand slope length and must therefore be taken into account in the computational evaluation.
[0021] The invention particularly includes automatic, automated detection of the strand sag and / or strand hang length during ongoing operation of the cable routing, e.g. using suitable sensors and information technology.
[0022] In a particularly simple embodiment, the sensor arrangement has at least one sensor or transmitter which is arranged stationary, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the travel path, in at least one longitudinal section along the travel path predetermined as the detection area.
[0023] In the case of a self-supporting upper run, the detection area can preferably be located in the longitudinal section from the fixed point to the fully extended position of the driver, in particular in the half of the section between the fixed point and the fully extended position of the cable guide facing the fixed point.
[0024] In the case of a sliding upper run, in particular in an energy chain for long travel distances, the detection area can preferably be in the longitudinal section from the fixed point to the fully retracted or retracted position of the driver (position in which the upper run may not be in contact or is only in contact over a minimal length), in particular in the range of approximately + / -10% of the travel length around the position in which the driver has covered approximately 25% of the travel distance from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position.
[0025] In the vertical direction, various suitable arrangements are possible. For example, the sensor arrangement can comprise at least one distance sensor aligned in the travel plane and, in particular, vertically, toward the movable upper strand.
[0026] The distance sensor used can preferably be an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device, which are commercially available at low cost, if necessary also with a suitable interface for connection to a common bus system for industrial devices, with which the evaluation device is preferably compatible.
[0027] Furthermore, to simplify installation, especially in the case of a cantilevered upper run, the distance sensor can be aligned vertically upwards to detect run sag. One or more distance sensors can preferably be mounted on the support for the lower run, in the direction of the extended position, next to the fixed point or at a distance from the fixed point.
[0028] The sensor arrangement can comprise several identically constructed or differently designed and / or arranged sensors, e.g., distributed in the detection area along the travel path of the upper strand. Multiple sensors increase the reliability of detection and enable, for example, detection of the direction of travel.
[0029] In a further embodiment, particularly in the case of a sliding upper strand, at least one distance sensor can be directed vertically downward, in particular to detect the strand sag using the strand sag. For this purpose, a corresponding distance sensor can preferably be arranged on a support or frame in the direction of the retracted position at a distance from the fixed point. Such an arrangement is preferably used with a further sensor or encoder, which detects the passage of the deflection bend and triggers a momentary measurement of the strand sag as a function of the position of the deflection bend.
[0030] Particularly in the case of a sliding upper run, the sensor arrangement can have a number of sensors in a longitudinal section along the travel path predetermined as the detection area, which are provided distributed in the direction of travel and aligned horizontally on the energy guide chain in order to detect the run hang length. The sensors can be mounted vertically, preferably above the lower run and / or on a guide trough, in particular at the height of the sliding upper run or in a height range above the sliding upper run and below the top side of the deflection bend, in particular below a horizontal travel plane of the imaginary deflection axis of the deflection bend or approximately at its height. Particularly simple sensors, proximity sensors, e.g. light barriers, capacitive or inductive proximity switches, can be used here, which are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.
[0031] In one embodiment, the sensor arrangement can comprise at least two sensor groups, each with at least one, preferably several sensors, wherein the sensor groups are arranged at a horizontal distance such that two adjacent sensor groups, with a new strand hang length, simultaneously detect the hanging upper strand and the deflection bend, and with a critical strand hang length, the adjacent sensor groups can no longer detect the upper strand and the deflection bend simultaneously.
[0032] The sensor arrangement can comprise a plurality of identical sensors or transmitters, with the evaluation device being set up to evaluate a corresponding plurality of outputs to check the detected strand sag or the detected strand hang length for whether a critical level has been reached. This allows more robust detection to be achieved, e.g. by excluding false detections or sensor errors. A multiple test and / or a tolerance counter, e.g. by adding up detected critical states and preferably reducing them when good cases are detected again, the counter reading of which is compared with a threshold value, can also be implemented in the evaluation device, e.g. by computer technology or suitable programming, in order to avoid false maintenance messages.
[0033] In principle, the sensor arrangement and evaluation device are preferably configured so that the strand sag or strand drop length are recorded fully automatically during operation, and the evaluation device continuously evaluates the corresponding outputs for indirect wear detection. This continuous evaluation can be performed at a single selected position along the travel path, i.e., at the time the upper strand passes this position or returns to this position. Alternatively and / or additionally, the recording can also take place when the cable guide device is at a standstill.
[0034] The evaluation device preferably has at least one programmable processor that can be programmed for the desired evaluation. The evaluation device preferably has at least one memory in which an application-specific, predetermined limit value of a critical extent of the strand sag or strand drop length is or will be stored. The limit value can be predetermined, in particular, mathematically, empirically (from tests), or by learning during commissioning of a new cable guide device or energy guide chain.
[0035] The evaluation device preferably also has a communications interface or is connected to an interface configured for communication with several different network environments and / or bus systems. For example, the evaluation device can be connected to the sensor array via a standard industrial bus and simultaneously have a connection to a higher-level cloud system, e.g., via a LAN or WLAN connection or similar.
[0036] According to a further independent aspect, an arrangement is proposed specifically for monitoring a cable routing device for clean room applications.
[0037] This comprises a cable guide device for the protected guidance of supply lines, such as cables, hoses or the like, between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein the cable guide device has a longitudinal direction and can be moved back and forth to form a stationary lower run, a movable upper run and a deflection bend therebetween and has a flexible casing, in particular a low-abrasion and dust-tight sealable casing, with at least one receiving channel or a number of receiving channels arranged next to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction, each for at least one supply line or for a support chain, wherein the cable guide device is designed and arranged with a self-supporting upper run.
[0038] According to this aspect, the cable guide device is characterized in that a sensor arrangement is provided with at least one sensor or sensor which detects a strand sag, corresponding to the vertical extent of the sag of the self-supporting upper strand relative to a horizontal stretched position, and generates an output depending thereon.
[0039] Such cable routing devices for clean room applications have been proposed, for example, in WO 2016 / 042134 Al, or also in WO 2020 / 148300 Al or WO 2020 / 148596 Al.
[0040] In such a cable guide device, a support chain can be provided optionally, or in particular in at least one, particularly in at least two, receiving channels, which defines the deflection curve and is intended to support the self-supporting upper strand. Such a support chain has been proposed, for example, in WO 2021 / 116467 A1. According to the core concept mentioned above, the proposed sensor arrangement can also indirectly detect wear on the cable guide device, in particular corresponding to the support chains provided therein.
[0041] The features explained above for the first aspect can also be advantageously combined with the second aspect.
[0042] Further details and advantages of the individual aspects of the invention can be found, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features with corresponding or identical structure or function have corresponding reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly. Herein:
[0043] FIG.1A-1B: in schematic side view, a conventional energy guiding chain with a self-supporting upper run, in the extended position of the upper run (FIG.1A) and with critical sag of the upper run (FIG.1B), the energy guiding chain being equipped with a system for indirect wear detection according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG.2: a schematic side view of a cable guide device for clean room applications, with a system for indirect wear detection according to a second embodiment of the invention, in both end positions of the cable guide device (left in FIG.2: fully extended, right in FIG.2: fully retracted); and
[0045] FIG.3A-3C: in a schematic side view, an instantaneous position of a conventional energy guide chain with a sliding (or rolling) upper run (FIG.3A) for long travel paths, which is equipped with a system for indirect wear detection (in the enlargement from FIG.3B) according to a third embodiment of the invention, and in a schematic overall side view according to FIG.3C a preferred detection area for arranging the sensor arrangement along the travel path.
[0046] FIGS. 1A-1B show a cable guiding device, in this case a power guide chain 10 of a known design, for guiding cables (not shown) between a stationary fixed point 2 and a carrier 4 that is movable relative to it. The power guide chain 10 moves with the linear and horizontal movement of the carrier 4, in the direction of travel L over the travel path S. The power guide chain 10 moves while forming a stationary lower run 11 and a movable upper run 12. The power guide chain 10 is deflected or turned over between the runs 11, 12 in a deflection bend 3 with radius R, which moves at half the speed of the carrier 4. In FIGS. 1A-1B, the power guide chain 10 is self-supporting, i.e. with a self-supporting upper run 12, which is not intended to rest on anything.
[0047] FIGS.1A-1B further schematically show a system 100 for indirect wear monitoring, with a sensor arrangement 110 and an evaluation device 120 connected to the sensor arrangement by signal technology.
[0048] The sensor arrangement 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, is arranged and configured to detect the strand sag TD of the energy chain 10 without contact and to transmit a corresponding output to the evaluation device 120, which evaluates the output to determine whether a critical degree of strand sag TD (approximately as shown in FIG. 1B) has been reached. If this is detected, the evaluation device 120 outputs a corresponding message via a suitable interface (not shown). This can, in particular, be a maintenance message or maintenance recommendation aimed at predictive maintenance, which is transmitted to a higher-level system, e.g., a cloud solution, a comprehensive monitoring or IoT network, or the like.
[0049] The evaluation device 120 can be configured to detect the direction of travel and / or movement of the energy chain 10 and evaluate the signals from the sensor arrangement 110, in particular depending on the direction or movement. For this purpose, the evaluation device 120 can be connected to the system control system (not shown), for example, via a bus system.
[0050] The sensor arrangement 110 comprises a distance sensor 111, e.g., an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device, which is oriented vertically downward in FIGS. 1A-1B, in order to measure the strand sag TD and to transmit, as an output, a measured value for the measured distance, which indicates the strand sag TD, to the evaluation device 120. The distance sensor 111 is arranged in the longitudinal section from the fixed point 2 to the fully extended position S of the driver 4, in particular in the half of the section between the fixed point 2 and the fully extended position S facing the fixed point 2.
[0051] FIG.2 differs from the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS.1A-1B essentially in two aspects. In the example of FIG.2, a cable guide device 20 for cleanroom applications is proposed as the cable guide, such as in WO 2016 / 042134 A1, or also in WO 2020 / 148300 A1 or WO 2020 / 148596 A1, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference for brevity. The cable guide device 20 can be designed with or without support chains, e.g., with support chains according to WO 2021 / 116467 A1, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference for brevity.
[0052] The cable guide device 20 is also designed, as intended, with a self-supporting upper strand 12. In FIG. 2, a similar detection principle is used for monitoring the strand sag TD. As in FIG. 1A-1B, a sensor arrangement 210 is provided, which in FIG. 2 also has at least one distance sensor 111, 211 aligned in the travel plane and, in particular, vertically, onto the movable upper strand 12. In FIG. 2, the distance sensor 211 can also be designed as an ultrasonic distance measuring device and a laser distance measuring device. In FIG. 2, however, the distance sensor 211 is aligned vertically upwards in order to detect or measure the current strand sag TD. The distance sensor 211 can be mounted without any special effort on a support on which the lower strand 11 is placed and on which the end connection at the fixed point 2 is fastened.The distance sensor 211 is mounted in the direction of the extended position S near the fixed point 2 or at a distance from it, depending on the length of the cable guide device 20 and the position at which the greatest sag is expected, typically approximately halfway along the upper run between the deflection bend 3 and the end position S of the fully extended driver 4 (left in FIG. 2). Using the arrangement shown in FIG. 1-2, a structurally simple and thus inexpensive continuous monitoring of the current sag of the energy guiding chain 10 or the cable guide device 20 can be realized. As soon as a critical condition of the energy guiding system is detected, the evaluation device 120, 220 can issue predictive maintenance recommendations.
[0053] FIGS. 3A-3C show the case of an energy guiding chain 30 for long travel distances with a sliding upper run 32 which, depending on the position of the moving driver 4, slides or rolls on the lower run 31 and / or on slide rails 34 in a guide groove 35 known per se (FIG. 3C). FIG. 3A shows, by way of example, a position of the energy guiding chain 30 with the driver 4 at approximately halfway S / 2, in which the upper run 32 initially only slides or rolls on the lower run 31 before transitioning to the fully extended position S on slide rails 34. Between the deflection bend 3 and the contact point P of the upper run 32 on the lower run 31 facing the deflection bend, there is a transition region 37 with which the upper run 32 hangs freely from the deflection bend 3 to the contact point P. With increasing wear and tear, the length, here called the strand slope, of the transition area 37 is reduced, which is also determined by the distance TH1 or TH2 (cf. FIG.3C) between the contact point P and the deflection bend 3. This is utilized according to the invention in a sliding energy chain 30 for indirect and preventive wear monitoring, as now explained with reference to FIGS. 3B-3C.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3B, a sensor arrangement 310 is provided, which is configured to detect a strand hang length TH1, TH2 corresponding to the length of the transition region 37 and, depending thereon, to generate outputs or signals that are transmitted to an evaluation device 320 of a suitable configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor arrangement 310 comprises simple light barriers or, for example, capacitive proximity switches, which are aligned horizontally and perpendicularly to the travel plane of the energy chain 30.
[0055] The sensor arrangement 310 has, as shown in FIG. 3C, several identical sensors or sensors 311A...311D, and the evaluation device 320 is configured to evaluate several outputs to check whether the detected strand hang length TH1, TH2 has reached a critical level. The sensor arrangement of FIG. 3C has two sensor groups, each with two sensors 311A-311B or 311C-311D, which are arranged at a horizontal distance. The distance can be selected, for example, such that, with a strand hang length TH1 as good as new, all sensors 311A-311B or 311C-311D simultaneously detect the hanging upper strand 32 or its transition area 37, on the one hand, and simultaneously detect the deflection bend 3, on the other. If the distance is set appropriately, for example in the case of a critical run slope length, only one or the other of the two sensor groups 311A-311B or 311C-311D, upper run 32 and deflection bend 3 can be detected, but no longer by all 311A-311B or 311C-311D.311C-311D upper run and deflection bend simultaneously. This allows reliable detection of a critical sag or an excessively decreasing run hang length TH2. Other designs are also possible, with just two sensors or sensor groups, so that all or several sensors respond simultaneously only in the critical condition.
[0056] In general, as FIG. 3C shows by way of example, a number of sensors 311A... 311D can be arranged distributed in the direction of travel (L) in the predetermined longitudinal section or detection area EB along the travel path and aligned horizontally with the energy guide chain 30. This allows for a structurally simple implementation for detecting the strand slope length TH1, TH2. The sensors 311A... 311D can preferably be mounted on the guide trough 35 above the lower strand 31, in particular at the level of the sliding upper strand 32, or in a height range above the sliding upper strand 32 and below the top side of the deflection bend 3, as shown in FIG. 3C.
[0057] As shown in FIG.3B, the sensor arrangement 310 is spatially limited in a detection area EB in the longitudinal section from the fixed point 2 to the fully retracted position of the driver 4, here approximately in the range of approximately + / -10% of the travel length S around the position at which the driver 4 has traveled approximately 25% of the travel path, cf. S / 4, from the fully retracted position (right in FIG.3B) to the fully extended position S (left in FIG.3B). FIG.3B also schematically shows a guide channel 35 and the slide rails 34 provided therein, which are arranged in alignment at the level of the upper side of the lower rim 31.
[0058] List of reference symbols
[0059] 10 Energy chain (with self-supporting upper run)
[0060] 20 cable routing device (for clean room applications)
[0061] 30 Energy chain (with sliding upper run)
[0062] 2 fixed point
[0063] 3 deflection bends
[0064] 4 drivers
[0065] 11; 31 lower strand
[0066] 12 cantilevered upper run
[0067] 32 sliding upper run
[0068] 34 Slide rail
[0069] 35 guide trough
[0070] 37 Transition area
[0071] 100; 200; 300 surveillance system
[0072] 110; 210; 310 sensor arrangement
[0073] 111; 211 Distance sensor (e.g. ultrasonic rangefinder)
[0074] 120; 220; 320 evaluation device
[0075] 311A, 311B, 311C, 311D encoder / proximity switch
[0076] EB detection area
[0077] H Installation height
[0078] L Travel direction
[0079] P Touchdown point (sliding upper run)
[0080] R radius
[0081] 5 Travel path
[0082] TD strand sag (vertical)
[0083] TH1, TH2 strand slope length (measured horizontally if necessary)
Claims
Method and system for the indirect detection of wear of a cable management device or energy supply chain PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method for monitoring a mobile Cable guidance device (10; 20; 30), in particular an energy chain, for guiding at least one cable, such as a cable, hose or the like, between a stationary fixed point (2) and a carrier (4) that is movable relative to it, wherein the cable guidance device (20) or energy chain (10; 30) has a stationary lower run (11; 31), a movable upper run (12; 32) and a deflection bend (3) in between, and is designed and arranged with a cantilevered upper run (12); or is designed and arranged with a sliding upper run (32), by means of a monitoring system (100; 200; 300) comprising a sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) and an evaluation unit (120; 220; 320) which is connected to the sensor arrangement by means of a signal, wherein the sensor arrangement detects the position of the cable guidance device (20) without contact.Energy supply chain (10; 30) detects and generates an output depending on this, which the evaluation device evaluates, characterized in that in the case of a free-standing upper run (12), the sensor arrangement (110; 210) detects a run sag (TD) corresponding to the vertical extent of the sag of the free-standing upper run (12) relative to a horizontal stretched position (LG) and generates the output depending on this;. or that, in the case of a sliding upper run (32), the sensor arrangement (310) detects a run slope length (TH1, TH2) corresponding to the length over which the upper run (32) extends freely between the deflection bend (33) and a contact point (P) of the upper run (32) on the lower run (31), and / or detects the run sag (TD) in the area of the run slope length (TH1, TH2) and generates the output accordingly; and that the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) evaluates the output for the purpose of indirect wear detection to check whether the detected run sag (TD) or the detected run slope length (TH1, TH2) has reached a critical level and issues a corresponding message, in particular a maintenance message aimed at predictive maintenance. System for monitoring a cable management device (10; 20; 30), in particular an energy chain, for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, hose or the like., between a stationary fixed point (2) and a carrier (4) that is movable relative to it, wherein the cable guidance device (20) or energy chain (10; 30) is movable, forming a stationary lower run (11; 31), a movable upper run (12; 32) and a deflection arc (3) in between, and the cable guidance device (20) or energy chain (10) is designed and arranged with a cantilevered upper run (12); or the cable guidance device or energy chain (30) is designed and arranged with a sliding upper run (32); the system (100; 200; 300) comprising a sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) and an evaluation device (120; 220; 320), which is connected to the sensor arrangement via a signal system, wherein the sensor arrangement is arranged and configured. to detect the position of the cable guidance device (20) or energy supply chain (10; 30) without contact and to generate an output depending on this, and the evaluation device is arranged and configured to evaluate the output, characterized in that, in the case of a cantilevered upper run (12), the sensor arrangement (110; 210) is arranged and configured to detect a run sag (TD) corresponding to the vertical extent of the sag of the cantilevered upper run (12) relative to a horizontal stretched position (LG) and to generate the output depending on this;or that, in the case of a sliding upper run (32), the sensor arrangement (310) is arranged and configured to detect a run sag length (TH1, TH2) corresponding to the length over which the upper run (32) extends freely between the deflection bend (3) and a contact point (P) of the upper run (32) on the lower run (32), and / or the run sag (TD) in the area of the run sag length (TH1, TH2) and to generate the output accordingly; and that the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) is configured to evaluate the output to check whether the detected run sag (TD) or the detected run sag length (TH1, TH2) has reached a critical level and preferably to issue a corresponding message for indirect wear detection, in particular a maintenance message aimed at predictive maintenance.
3. Method or system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) and / or the evaluation device (120; 220; 320) is configured to detect the direction of travel and / or the movement of the cable guidance device (20) or energy supply chain (10; 30), and the evaluation of the output is dependent in particular on the direction or movement.
4. Method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) comprises at least one sensor (111; 211; 311A... 311D) or encoder, which is arranged stationary in at least one longitudinal section (ES) predetermined as a detection area along the travel path, wherein preferably, in the case of a cantilevered upper run (12), the detection area lies in the longitudinal section from the fixed point (2) to the fully extended position of the driver (4), in particular in the half of the distance between the fixed point (2) and the fully extended position (S) facing the fixed point (2); in the case of a sliding upper run (12), the detection area (EB) lies in the longitudinal section from the fixed point (2) to the fully retracted position of the driver (4), in particular in the area of approximately + / -10% of the path length around the position at which the driver has traveled approximately 25% of the travel path (S / 4) from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position (S). Method orSystem according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor arrangement comprises at least one distance sensor (111; 211) aligned in the plane of travel and, in particular, vertically, towards the movable upper run (12), wherein the distance sensor preferably comprises an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device. Method or system according to claim 5, characterized in that, in particular in the case of a cantilevered upper run (12), the distance sensor (211) is aligned vertically upwards to detect run sag (TD) and is preferably mounted on the support for the lower run in the direction of the extended position next to the fixed point (2) or at a distance from the fixed point (2). Method or system according to claim 5, wherein characterized in that the distance sensor (111) is vertically oriented downwards, particularly in the case of a sliding upper run (12) in order to detect the run slope length (TH1, TH2) by means of run sag (TD). Method or system according to one of claims 1 to 4, in particular according to claim 4 in the case of a sliding upper run (32), characterized in that the sensor arrangement (310) has a number of encoders (311A... 311D) in a longitudinal section predetermined as a detection area (EB) along the travel path, which are distributed in the direction of travel (L) and are horizontally aligned on the energy chain (30) in order to detect the run hanging length (TH1, TH2), wherein the encoders (311A... 311D) are preferably mounted on a guide channel (35) and / or above the lower run (31), in particular at the level of the sliding upper run (32) or in a height range above the sliding upper run (32) and below the top of the deflection arc (3).A method or system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (310) comprises several identical sensors or encoders (311A... 311D) and the evaluation unit (320) is configured to evaluate several outputs for checking whether the detected tubular sag (TD) or tubular length (TH1, TH2) has reached a critical level. A method or system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (110; 210; 310) detects tubular sag or tubular length fully automatically during operation and the evaluation unit (120; 220; 320) continuously evaluates the corresponding outputs fully automatically for indirect wear detection. A method or system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (120; 220; 320) has a memory in which a... A method or system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (120; 220; 320) has an interface or is connected to an interface which is configured for communication with several different network environments and / or bus systems. An arrangement for monitoring a cable management device (20) for cleanroom applications, comprising a cable management device for the protected routing of supply lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like, between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein the cable management device has a longitudinal direction (L) and forms a stationary sub-run (11).a movable upper run (12) and an intermediate deflection bend (3) that is movable back and forth, and a flexible covering (22) with a number of adjacent and longitudinally extending receiving channels for at least one supply line or for a support chain, wherein the cable guidance device is designed and arranged with a self-supporting upper run (12), characterized in that a sensor arrangement (220) is provided with at least one sensor or encoder (221) which detects a sag of the upper run (12) relative to a horizontal stretched position and generates an output depending on this. Arrangement with cable guidance device according to claim 13, characterized in that a support chain is provided in at least one, and in particular in at least two, receiving channels, which defines the deflection bend and is provided for supporting the self-supporting upper run (12). Arrangement with cable guidance device according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized by the characterizing features according to one of subclaims 3 to 12.