Clean room-suitable line protection conduit for ESD protection zones

Abstract

The invention relates to a line protection conduit (1) for lines (3), such as cables, tubes, or the like for example, in particular for a clean room application, comprising an elongated flexible sleeve (8) which can be moved back and forth, wherein the sleeve (8) comprises at least one sleeve unit (101; 301) which has at least one tubular receiving area (102) for guiding at least one line (3), and each receiving area (102) extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction (L) in the form of a channel. According to the invention, the line protection conduit (1) is designed to discharge electrostatic charges via at least one part of the longitudinal extension thereof in order to allow the use of the line protection conduit in ESD protection zones. The at least one sleeve unit (101) comprises a conductive or dischargeable material.

Description

[0001] Cleanroom-compatible cable protection for ESD protection zones

[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of cable routing devices for lines or supply lines, such as cables for signal or power supply or pneumatic or hydraulic hoses or the like, which are to be guided dynamically between connection points of a machine or system, wherein at least one connection point is movable relative to the other.

[0003] In particular, a dynamic cable routing device or cable protection guide is proposed, which is particularly suitable for use in clean rooms, for example in semiconductor or flat screen manufacturing, in pharmaceutical plants, in medical devices, etc. In such applications, the release of particles by the cable routing devices is particularly undesirable and must be minimized as far as possible.

[0004] Cable drag chains are typical link-type cable guides, but they release particles during operation due to abrasion. Even if the cable drag chain is designed to be low-abrasion, the guided cables themselves release particles during operation as they move, bend, and rub against each other. For example, the cable sheaths themselves also release particles into the environment during movement. For this reason, it is common practice to provide the cables with a dust-proof coating.

[0005] Generic cable protection guides, which are also suitable for cleanroom applications, comprise an elongated, flexible sheath that can be moved reversibly or back and forth between a first connection point and a second connection point that is movable relative to it, wherein the sheath can form two strands and a deflection bend between the strands during the movement. The proposed sheath has at least one sheath unit with a number of tubular receptacles, i.e., at least one receptacle, for guiding at least one cable, wherein each receptacle extends in a channel-like manner in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end of the sheath unit or sheath.

[0006] A generic cable protection guide typically has an end fastening device at at least one end or at both ends for connecting the cable protection guide to a connection point. The end fastening device can optionally also be used to seal the enclosure at the end to prevent the escape of particles.

[0007] The cable protection guide can be fixed or attached at the end of the connection points by two such end fastening devices.

[0008] The longitudinal extension here generally refers to the longitudinal direction of the cable protection guide, which corresponds to the longitudinal extension of the cables to be guided.

[0009] A generic line protection system has been proposed, for example, by the applicant in WO 2020 / 148596 A1.

[0010] The known sheaths of such cable protection guides are typically made of insulating plastics.

[0011] It has now been established that the sheath can become electrostatically charged during operation, e.g. due to the movement of the strands relative to one another. This problem is particularly relevant for cable protection systems which comprise layers of two or more sheaths arranged one above the other, where electrostatic charging can occur between the layers. Due to voltage fields created by large potential differences, this can lead to an abrupt discharge of the accumulated charge, which can cause harmful sparking or discharge arcs with high currents. This is particularly undesirable in sensitive areas or areas at risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD protection zones) and must be avoided at all costs. This is typically the case in many cleanroom applications, e.g. in semiconductor or flat screen production.

[0012] Against this background or the recognition of the aforementioned technical problem, a first object of the present invention is to propose a line protection system which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0013] The invention is based on a cable protection guide with the features according to the preamble of claim 1, as known, for example, from WO 2020 / 148596 A1.

[0014] According to the invention, in a generic line protection guide, it is proposed that the at least one sheath unit comprises a conductive or dissipative material, in particular at least partially or completely consists of a conductive or dissipative material, whereby the line protection guide is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges over at least part of its longitudinal extent, in particular over the entire length, in order to enable use of the line protection guide in ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection zones.

[0015] In particular, the cable protection system can thus comply with the requirements of DIN EN 61340-5-1 (2017-07). The conductive or dissipative material of the at least one sheath unit can, in particular, have a surface resistance between 1 x 10 3 and 1 x 10 9Ohm, especially at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Preferably, the conductive or dissipative material can have a surface resistance between 1 x 10 3 and 1 x 10 6 Ohm, particularly preferably between 1 x 10 4 and 1 x 10 6 Ohm. The surface resistance values ​​specified above are determined in accordance with DIN EN 61340-5-1 (2017-07), in particular Section 5.2.2.

[0016] According to the invention, the stated object can be achieved simply by adding at least one conductivity-enhancing additive to the plastic typically used to produce the sheath or casing unit, e.g., a TPE. The additive can be selected such that the resulting plastic of the sheath or casing unit continues to exhibit the necessary properties to a sufficient degree, in particular elasticity or flexibility for fatigue-induced flexural fatigue and is sufficiently abrasion-resistant for cleanroom applications.

[0017] If the cable protection guide according to the invention is grounded in its intended operating configuration or is electrically connected to a potential serving as a reference potential (PE) for grounding, it does not store any dangerous electrostatic charge. Grounding can be achieved, in particular, by at least one of the connection points, e.g., by an end fastening device provided for connecting the cable protection guide to a moving machine part or a fixed point. This allows for the dissipation of critical electrostatic charges that may arise from movement of the cable protection guide. This may even be sufficient to eliminate the need for further shielding of ESD-sensitive components on the machine or system part supplied by the cable protection guide.

[0018] The cable protection guide typically has at least one end fastening device for connecting the cable protection guide to a connection point. The at least one end fastening device can also comprise a conductive or dissipative material, which can be different from or identical to the conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit.

[0019] The conductive or dissipative material forming part of the end fastening device can be in electrical contact with the conductive or dissipative material of the casing unit, preferably also in direct physical or mechanical contact, so that the electrostatic charge can be conducted from the surface of the casing to the end fastening device. The end fastening device, in particular at the stationary connection point, can in turn be connected to the reference potential serving for grounding.

[0020] The end fastening device can preferably also serve or be used to close the end of the casing to prevent particles from escaping.

[0021] The conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device is preferably plastic-based or consists largely of plastic that is modified by the addition of other substances, e.g. to adapt its conductivity.

[0022] The conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device may comprise an elastomer as a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0023] The at least one sheathing unit, in particular each sheathing unit of the cable protection guide, can comprise a conductive or dissipative material over its entire longitudinal extent, i.e., from one end to the other. In this case, the sheathing unit can, in particular, consist of a material composition that remains constant over the entire longitudinal extent, preferably consisting predominantly of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0024] The sheath unit can consist of a first conductive or dissipative material. At least one component of the end fastening device can consist of a different second conductive or dissipative material. The term "material" is understood here, in particular but not necessarily, as a synonym for the term "material composition," in particular a plastic composition with additives.

[0025] The conductive or dissipative material of the shell unit (first material) and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device (second material) can be a plastic with at least one additive to increase conductivity. Possible additives include, for example, metallic particles or carbon particles, fibers, or similar. A particularly suitable additive is carbon black, e.g. according to CAS No.: 1333-86-4. This is carbon black specifically produced as an industrial raw material. Carbon black is, for its intended purpose, a modification of carbon with a high surface-to-volume ratio and is used primarily as a filler and as a black pigment, but has also been proven to increase conductivity. Preference is given to carbon black that consists of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, carbon.

[0026] The conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device may alternatively or additionally also be a plastic modified by salts to increase conductivity.

[0027] The plastic of the sheath unit, including all additives, preferably has a Shore hardness in the range of 20 Shore A to 65 Shore D, in particular in the range of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A. In contrast, the plastics used in the end fastening device can have a higher hardness than the hardness of the sheath unit.

[0028] The at least one or each casing unit can, in particular, be made in one piece. The casing unit can form two or more tubular receptacles, or only one tubular receptacle.

[0029] The casing unit can be manufactured in particular using extrusion technology, but in any case preferably made of a plastic composition that is sufficiently conductive for ESD protection.

[0030] The enclosure may comprise one or more sheath units arranged side by side in a plane or vertically stacked one above the other. The multiple sheath units may share the same end fastening device or be secured by the same end fastening device.

[0031] The at least one sheath unit can be circumferentially closed, i.e., around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The at least one sheath unit can be manufactured circumferentially closed, so that the cables to be guided can only be removed or inserted in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] However, the at least one sheath unit can preferably be opened and closed, in particular by means of a closure strip or closure profiles, for example, after the cable to be guided has been inserted laterally. The closure can be designed to be re-openable and re-closable.

[0033] Preferably, all envelope units of the enclosure are circumferentially closed, either openable or non-openable.

[0034] The at least one casing unit can in particular have two closure profiles which are one piece with the casing unit and which interact, in particular in an interlocking manner, as a closure for closing at least one receptacle.

[0035] The closure can, in particular, be closed with a positive and / or force-fitting action. The added additive to increase conductivity can, if appropriate, advantageously improve the mechanical properties of the closure, including by slightly increasing its rigidity.

[0036] The casing unit can have multiple receptacles, wherein at least some of the receptacles, preferably each of the receptacles, can have its own associated closure. Each receptacle can have its own closure profiles that interact to close this receptacle. This allows different receptacles of a casing unit to be filled independently of one another. Thus, each receptacle can be selectively and individually opened and closed for lateral access.

[0037] The closure profiles preferably have a uniform cross-section throughout their length. This allows them to be manufactured, for example, as extruded profiles.

[0038] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the interlocking closure profiles can comprise a hook profile and a claw profile, which preferably interact with a barb function. The closure profiles can be provided laterally in the direction of the deflection axis between the sleeve units, or alternatively, radially inward or outward relative to the deflection axis on the sleeve units.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the at least one casing unit can have two fastening straps or fastening profiles located opposite one another on both sides, which are integral with the casing unit and by means of which the casing unit can be connected to another casing unit. The fastening straps or fastening profiles can be used to connect two or more casing units laterally next to one another in a plane. The fastening straps can be designed to fit one another for direct interaction, e.g., conjugate or interlocking. They can also interact with a separate fastening strip, which is used to fasten the casing units together.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one or each receptacle can have a long, round or oval, in particular pointed oval, cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) in order to reduce deformation in the deflection curve.

[0041] If one or all of the receptacles of the casing unit have an oval cross-section, the fastening straps are preferably arranged on the narrow sides of the receptacle(s).

[0042] In one embodiment, a support chain, in particular consisting of individual chain links, is provided in a receptacle of the at least one sheathing unit for supporting the sheathing during the movement, which support chain is designed to specify a deflection radius of the deflection curve and / or to support a self-supporting strand in the extended position.

[0043] Preferably, two support chains are arranged in at least one layer, e.g., in a respective lateral outer receptacle. The cable protection guide thus preferably comprises two support chains, in particular one in each of the lateral receptacles of the sheath. The support chain can reduce or even prevent sagging of the sheath, which is particularly advantageous with two or more layers of sheath units that can be arranged one above the other. This minimizes friction between the layers, which can contribute to reducing electrostatic charging of the sheath.

[0044] In one embodiment, the end fastening device can comprise a number of strain relief elements, each with a clamping surface for one or more cables, wherein at least one strain relief element of the number of strain relief elements comprises a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating electrostatic charges. The strain relief element can have a volume resistance of less than or equal to 1 x 10 9 Ohm x cm, in particular measured according to DIN EN 61340-5-1 (2017-07). In this embodiment, the strain relief element is thus a part of the end fastening device that comprises a conductive or dissipative material, in particular a second conductive or dissipative material.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the end fastening device can have a number of holding elements, each for at least one support chain, wherein at least one holding element of the number of holding elements comprises a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating electrostatic charges. This can be a third conductive or dissipative material different from the first and / or second material. The holding element can be designed to hold a chain link, in particular an end link, of the support chain against displacement in the longitudinal direction relative to the end fastening device and, for this purpose, can have in particular a holding recess for receiving a locking projection of the chain link, in particular the end link of the support chain, projecting in the transverse direction transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0046] The conductive or dissipative material of the strain relief element can differ from the conductive or dissipative material of the sleeve unit and / or from the conductive or dissipative material of the holding element. Thus, the cable protection guide can comprise a total of several different conductive or dissipative materials: the at least one sleeve unit can comprise a first conductive or dissipative material. The at least one strain relief element of the end fastening device can comprise a second conductive or dissipative material. The at least one holding element of the end fastening device can comprise a third conductive or dissipative material. The first, second and / or third material can differ, for example, in Shore hardness or flexural rigidity or modulus of elasticity. The material of the sleeve unit can, for example, be soft-elastic orbe more flexible than the material of the strain relief element and in particular the holding element.

[0047] The first, second, and / or third conductive or dissipative materials cooperate, in particular, to dissipate electrostatic charge and form a sufficiently conductive path for dissipation to the reference potential. In one embodiment, at least two of the three materials used can be identical or substantially identical in terms of their composition.

[0048] The end fastening device preferably comprises at least two clamping plates with main surfaces for exerting a clamping force, in particular at least two flat clamping plates. The clamping force can be generated by clamping means such as clamping screws, clamping clips, quick releases or the like. In one embodiment, the clamping plates are each made of an electrically conductive material, preferably metal, particularly preferably aluminum. The end fastening device, in particular the clamping plates, can be earthed, i.e. electrically connected directly or indirectly (if necessary via strain relief elements and / or holding elements, etc.) to the reference potential in order to ensure that electrostatic charges are discharged from the sheath to earth. The clamping plates can exert a clamping force on the sheath unit(s), strain relief elements and / or holding elements, in particular by suitable fastening, e.g. screwing, in order to prevent direct physical orto ensure mechanical contact for the purpose of electrical contact.

[0049] The number of strain relief elements is preferably arranged between the mutually facing main surfaces of the clamping plates for transferring the clamping force from the clamping plates to the at least one cable, preferably wherein the number of strain relief elements and / or the number of holding elements releasably engage with at least one of the clamping plates by means of a positive fit. This allows for rapid assembly of the end fastening device, whereby the strain relief elements or the holding elements remain connected to one of the clamping plates upon removal of clamping force-causing means such as clamping screws, clamping clips, quick-release fasteners, or similar.

[0050] In an embodiment particularly advantageous for cleanrooms, the end fastening device can be designed to close the enclosure at the end to prevent the escape of particles, i.e., to technically minimize such escape. For example, the end fastening device can close at least some of the receptacles of the enclosure unit at the end to prevent particles from escaping from these receptacles in the longitudinal direction, e.g., by pressing the enclosure against the lines to be passed through. In this embodiment, only minimal particles, or no particles, escape from the front ends of the enclosure.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the cable protection guide has an end fastening device for the sheath at each end or at both ends. At least one end fastening device is preferably connected to the reference potential used for grounding; preferably, both end fastening devices are electrically grounded, so that the shortest possible discharge path is achieved over approximately a maximum of half the length of the sheath unit(s). Both end fastening devices preferably have an identical design, as described above, in particular with dissipative strain relief elements and / or retaining elements.

[0052] According to a further independent aspect, the invention also relates to a sheath unit for a cable protection guide according to independent claim 16.

[0053] The proposed sheathing unit is particularly suitable for a cable protection guide according to one of the preceding embodiments. The proposed sheathing unit has at least one tubular receptacle for guiding at least one cable, wherein the receptacle extends in a channel-like manner in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. According to the invention, the sheathing unit is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges and comprises a conductive or dissipative material. This enables use, in particular of the cable protection guide, in ESD protection zones.

[0054] The conductive or dissipative material can, for example, be a plastic modified with salts to increase conductivity.

[0055] In this case, the casing unit can advantageously be designed in such a way that it has one or more of the further developing features of the casing unit itself explained above.

[0056] Further details and advantages of the invention can be gathered, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein:

[0057] FIG.1A-1D: a perspective view of a cable protection guide for cleanroom applications, here with two sheaths, in a purely exemplary operating position with an elongated, self-supporting upper run, an elongated, stationary lower run, and a deflection bend in between (FIG.1A); an example of a sheath unit with circumferentially closed receptacles in a cross-section transverse to the longitudinal direction (FIG.1B); a fragment of a sheath unit with circumferentially closed receptacles in a perspective view (FIG.1C); and a fragment of a support chain in a longitudinal section (FIG.1D);

[0058] FIGS. 2A-2D: an example of an end fastening device for a cable protection guide according to FIG. 1A in side view (FIG. 2A) and in perspective view (FIG. 2B); an example of an end link of a support chain in plan view (FIG. 2C); and an example of a holding element of the end fastening device for the end link of the support chain (FIG. 2D) in perspective view;

[0059] FIG. 3A-3C: another example of a casing unit having a plurality of receptacles that can be individually closed and opened, in a front view (FIG. 3A); the same example with inserted lines (FIG. 3B); and an enlarged view of preferred associated closure profiles (FIG. 3C).

[0060] FIG. 1A shows an exemplary cable protection guide 1, which guides supply lines 3 between a fixed connection point 2 on a base and a movable connection point 4 on a movable carrier. The carrier is not shown in detail and is typically movable back and forth linearly along the longitudinal direction L. The supply lines 3 are cables, hoses, or the like and supply the moving part of a machine, for example, with power, signals, and / or operating media. The cable protection guide 1 is particularly suitable and intended for clean rooms or other applications in which the release of particles is to be reduced or avoided. For this purpose, it has a flexible sheath 8 extending in the longitudinal direction L, which, in the example shown, comprises two sheath units 101 arranged vertically one above the other, which enclose the supply lines 3 in a dust-tight manner along their entire length between the connection points 2 and 4.The ends of each sheath unit 101 and of the cables 3 are secured to the connection points 2, 4, e.g., with end fastening devices 111 or end connections. Here, the cable protection guide 1 is grounded at the connection points 2, 4 or electrically connected to earth, e.g., by the end fastening devices 111. This serves to discharge any electrostatic charges that may arise from movement of the cable protection guide 1, in particular the double-layer sheath 8. This prevents sudden discharges and sparking, which are particularly undesirable in ESD protection areas. The ESD suitability of the cable protection guide is primarily determined by the choice of the conductive or dissipative material of the sheath 8 and the components of the end fastening device 111, as described further below.

[0061] FIG.1A shows a snapshot of the cable protection guide 1, wherein the sheath 8 forms a self-supporting, elongated upper run 5, a lower run 6, possibly resting on a support, and a deflection bend 7. The deflection bend 7 has a predetermined bending radius or deflection radius around an imaginary deflection axis U, which runs in the transverse direction Q perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the vertical direction H. During operation, the deflection bend 7 moves back and forth relative to the fixed connection point 2 when the upper run 5 with the movable connection point 4 moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction L.

[0062] FIG. 1B shows, purely by way of example, a possible internal division of one of the two casing units 101 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The one-piece casing unit 101 forms a plurality of channels as receptacles 102. In FIG. 1B, the casing unit 101 has, by way of example, five channel-like or tubular receptacles 102 for one or more supply lines 3 or line bundles, as well as two support chains 9 in the outer receptacles, which specify the radius of the deflection bend 7 and support a self-supporting length of the extended upper run 5. FIG. 1C shows a further example of a casing unit with three receptacles 102. FIG. 1D shows, by way of example, a fragment of a support chain 9, which is composed of individual chain links inserted into one another. The respective adjacent chain links are pivotally connected to one another, wherein the possible pivot angle is limited by stops on the chain links.This ensures that the specified deflection radius cannot be exceeded and the cables are protected from overbending or kinking.

[0063] The sheathing unit 101 has a fastening strap 122A, 122B along each of its narrow longitudinal sides. The two fastening straps 122A, 122B are complementary to each other and can be connected to each other in a joining direction corresponding to the transverse direction Q. This allows the sheathing unit 101 to be connected to other sheathing units with matching fastening straps or to an identical sheathing unit. This allows the sheathing 8 to be supplemented in the transverse direction Q.

[0064] The enclosure 8 or the enclosure unit 101 is made of a flexible, soft-elastic plastic, in particular an elastomer, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, which includes additives to increase its conductivity. The material of the enclosure is conductive and is selected to meet the requirements of the standard DIN EN 61340-5-1 (2017-07) for ESD protection rooms and, under the relevant intended operating conditions, to have a surface resistance between 1 x 10 4 and 1 x 10 6 Ohm. In one embodiment, this is achieved by the material being a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer, which comprises dispersed carbon black particles.

[0065] In another embodiment, the material is a TPE comprising dispersed aluminum particles.

[0066] In another embodiment, the material is a TPE that has been modified or modified with salts, which are doping agents for polymers, especially elastomers, to increase conductivity. Such salts appear particularly well-suited for clean rooms because they can be adjusted to be less abrasive than plastics modified with carbon black or similar substances. Suitable salts include lithium salts, e.g., lithium perchlorate, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and lithium hexafluorophosphate; tetraalkylammonium salts, e.g.,

[0067] Tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethylammonium chloride; organic salts such as tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and derivatives, but also sodium chloride, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide. The plastic in other embodiments can be thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or an elastoplast modified with carbon nanofibers or carbon nanoparticles to achieve the desired conductivity.

[0068] It is also possible to use a TPE material that comprises a combination of different conductivity-enhancing additives, e.g. with two of the aforementioned additives, e.g. with soot particles, aluminum particles and / or one of the aforementioned dopants or salts.

[0069] The sheathing unit 101 has a consistently uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L over its length. The sheathing unit 101 can be manufactured inexpensively as a strand using suitable plastic extrusion technology and cut to a suitable length, e.g., from approximately 100 mm to approximately 1500 mm. All receptacles 102 within the sheathing unit 101 are spatially separated from one another, manufactured circumferentially closed, and lie adjacent to one another in the transverse direction Q. The sheathing unit 101 surrounds the lines 3 or support chains 9 in a dust-tight manner over its longitudinal extent, thus preventing the escape of particles that may arise, for example, from abrasion or wear.

[0070] FIGS. 3A-3C show a particularly preferred further example of a sheath unit 301. The sheath unit 301 is also made of flexible, pliable plastic, preferably extruded, and has several, e.g. three, receptacles 102 for lines 3 in the closed state (FIG. 3B). The sheath unit 301 has a separate closure for each receptacle 102, here in particular as a band-like closure strip with two conjugate, interlocking closure profiles 311 or engagement profiles, namely a hook profile 311A ​​that can engage a claw profile 311B. The hook profile 311A ​​and the claw profile 311B are each provided with at least one undercut, preferably two symmetrical undercuts, and engage with each other with a barb function, ie they are relatively easy to close or connect but can only be released with significantly greater force.

[0071] In other embodiments not shown, some receptacles 102 of a casing unit are made circumferentially closed, e.g. the receptacles for the support chains, and the other receptacles 102 of the same casing unit are provided with closure profiles 311 for opening and closing.

[0072] Furthermore, the casing unit 301 also has a fastening band or fastening profile 122A, 122B on each of its two opposite narrow sides for modularly fastening multiple casing units 301 with correspondingly identical or complementary fastening profiles in one layer. The fastening bands or profiles 122A, 122B are also designed as claw profiles 311B or hook profiles 311A, similar to or identical to the locking profiles 311.

[0073] FIG.3C shows schematic enlarged cross-sectional views of the hook profile 311A1 and the claw profile 311B, respectively, which are structurally identical and usable for the closure profiles 311 and for fastening profiles 122A, 122. The hook profile 311A ​​and the claw profile 311B have a consistently uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIG.3C) and are designed as flexible strips or bands that are flexible around the axis U in the deflection curve 7 (FIG.1A). Other designs of a hook profile 311A ​​or a claw profile 311B, particularly those known for toothless zippers, in particular pull, slide, or push fasteners made of plastic, are also possible.

[0074] FIGS. 2A-2B show a particularly preferred example of an end fastening device 211. The end fastening device 211 can be used at both ends of the cable protection guide 1. It has a number of identical clamping plates 210, which in FIGS. 2A-2B are made as essentially flat rectangular plates made of metal, e.g., from an aluminum extrusion profile. The clamping plates 210 form a main surface 222 on each main side for exerting a clamping force and are arranged with their main direction, which corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the clamping plate 210 or the transverse direction Q of the cable protection guide, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the casing 8 (cf. FIG. 1A). All clamping plates 210 are identical in construction and have two long narrow sides 223, which extend in the transverse direction Q and transversely to which the cables 3 are passed through, and two short narrow sides.

[0075] The end fastening device 211 in FIGS. 2A-2B has a multi-layer construction, for several sheath units 101, 201 stacked one above the other, and comprises a number of modular strain relief elements 230 of different designs in each layer. In each of the four layers shown here, pairs of identical strain relief elements 230 are arranged opposite each other between two clamping plates 210. The strain relief elements 230 are block-shaped and, in this example, have a recess on one main side that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction L. Two associated strain relief elements 230, in an operating arrangement opposite each other with respect to the vertical direction H (FIG. 2B), thereby form a generally cylindrical recess with a clamping surface 232 for the frictional retention of one or more cables 3 (cf. FIG. 1B) in the respective channel-like receptacle 102 together with the sheath unit 101.The strain relief elements 230 are modular and designed for lined-up and opposing arrangement between facing main surfaces 222 of the clamping plates 210. In the intended operating arrangement, they press the ends of the sheath 8 against the cables 3 and prevent particles from escaping from the sheath 8 in the region of the end fastening device in the longitudinal direction L. This also makes the cable protection guide 1 suitable for use in clean rooms.

[0076] The strain relief elements 230 are thus pressed against the dissipative material of the sheath 8 or the sleeve unit 101, 301 by the clamping plates 210 and are also in electrical contact with the dissipative material of the sleeve unit 101, 301 and with the conductive material of the respective clamping plate 210, ie with metal of the clamping plate 210. The respective end fastening device 111, 211 is electrically connected to earth (cf. FIG. 1A), e.g. by earthing the clamping plates. The strain relief elements 230 are injection-molded from a conductive or dissipative thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is adjusted to the prescribed conductivity for conductive or dissipative materials for ESD protection zones according to DIN EN 61340-5-1 (2017-07) by adding carbon particles, e.g., carbon nanoparticles, carbon fibers, silicon powder, or aluminum powder or fibers. The specific resistance of the material is 1 x 10 4 up to 1 x 106 Ohm x m. The volume resistance of a strain relief element 230 is preferably less than or equal to 1 x 10 6 Ohm. The material of the strain relief elements 230 differs from the material of the sheathing unit in that it has a higher flexural rigidity. The electrostatic charges generated by the movement of the sheathing 8 are transferred through the conductive material of the sheathing units 101, 301, via the strain relief elements 230, and via the metallic clamping plates 210 to the grounding point. The electrical resistance of the cable protection guide to the grounding point is 1 x 10 9 Ohm.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 2C-2D, two mutually facing locking projections 270 are provided on the respective end chain link or end link 29 of the support chain 9, each of which protrudes laterally in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse direction Q on the respective outer side surface of the end link 29. To lock the respective support chain 9 in the longitudinal direction L, a pair of identical, opposite chain link holding elements 233 are provided on the clamping plates 210, on both end fastening devices 111; 211, see FIGS. 1A and 2B.

[0078] The chain link holding elements 233 are shown in more detail in FIG. 2D and each have two holding recesses 234 located laterally and transversely opposite one another, which are designed as semi-cylindrical troughs to positively accommodate approximately half the cross-section of one of the locking projections 270. Thus, for the end fastening of the support chain 9 using its end links 29, two chain link holding elements 233 can be used in pairs as identical parts on both end fastening devices. The two lateral locking projections 270 on each end link 29 each engage in the corresponding holding recess 234 in the associated chain link holding element 233 for locking, thus locking the support chain 9 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0079] The respective holding element 233 can also be made of a conductive or dissipative thermoplastic modified with conductive additives. The material of the holding elements differs from the material of the sheath unit 101; 301 and the material of the strain relief elements 230 in that it has higher flexural rigidity and higher core hardness.

[0080] The respective retaining element 233 has connecting areas 236 on the side facing away from the retaining recesses 234. The respective strain relief element 230 has similar connecting areas (not shown) on the side facing away from the clamping surface 232. The connecting areas 235 interact with the narrow sides of the clamping plate 210 through positive or non-positive engagement – ​​for example, engaging in a T-slot on a narrow side of the clamping plate 210. As a result, even after loosening the clamping screws 221, the strain relief elements 230 and the retaining elements 233 remain connected to one of the clamping plates 210, so that the end fastening device does not fall apart. This facilitates assembly. Cleanroom-compatible cable protection guide for ESD protection zones

[0081] List of reference symbols

[0082] Cable protection routing

[0083] 2; 4 connection points

[0084] 3 Line or supply line

[0085] 5; 6 dreams (upper run, lower run)

[0086] 7 Deflection bend

[0087] 8 Wrapping

[0088] 9 Support chain

[0089] 29 End link of the support chain

[0090] 101; 301 hull unit

[0091] 102 Recording of the shell unit

[0092] 111; 211 End fastening device

[0093] 122A, 122B fastening tape

[0094] 210 clamping plate

[0095] 221 clamping screws

[0096] 222 Main surfaces of the clamping plate

[0097] 223 long narrow side of the clamping plate

[0098] 230 strain relief element

[0099] 232 Clamping surface of the strain relief element

[0100] 233 Holding element for the support chain

[0101] 234 Retaining recess in the retaining element

[0102] 235 Connection areas of the holding element

[0103] 270 Locking projection of the end link

[0104] 311 closure profile

[0105] 311A hook profile

[0106] 311B claw profile

[0107] L longitudinal direction

[0108] Q transverse direction

[0109] H Altitude direction

Claims

Cleanroom-compatible cable protection for ESD protection zones Patent claims 1. Cable protection guide (1) for lines (3), such as cables, hoses or the like, in particular for a clean room application, with an elongated, flexible sheath (8) which can be moved back and forth, in particular while forming a deflection bend (7) between two runs (5, 6), wherein the sheath (8) comprises at least one sheath unit (101; 301) which has at least one tubular receptacle (102) for guiding at least one line (3), wherein the respective receptacle (102) extends in a channel-like manner in a longitudinal direction (L) from a first end to a second end, and wherein the cable protection guide has at least one end fastening device (111; 211) for the end connection of the cable protection guide to a connection point (2, 4);characterized in that the cable protection guide (1) is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges over at least part of its longitudinal extent in order to enable use of the cable protection guide in ESD protection zones, wherein the at least one sheath unit (101) comprises a conductive or dissipative material, and in that the end fastening device (111; 211) comprises a conductive or dissipative material which is in electrical contact, in particular in direct contact, with the conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit and may differ from it.; 2. Cable protection guide according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one end fastening device (111; 211) is designed to close the end of the casing (8) against the escape of particles.

3. Cable protection guide according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit (101; 301) and / or the conductive or dissipative material of the end fastening device (111; 211) is plastic-based.

4. Cable protection guide according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the conductive or dissipative material, in particular the conductive or dissipative material of the sheathing unit (101; 301), comprises an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the at least one sheathing unit (101) preferably comprises a conductive or dissipative material over its entire longitudinal extent from one end to the other end and wherein the at least one sheathing unit (101) consists in particular of a material composition which remains constant over the entire longitudinal extent and which preferably consists predominantly of a thermoplastic elastomer.

5. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic with an additive to increase the conductivity.

6. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic modified by salts to increase the conductivity.

7. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the plastic of the sheath unit has a Shore hardness in the range from 20 Shore A to 65 Shore D, in particular in the range from 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A, has.

8. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sheath unit (101; 301) is designed in one piece and in particular forms a plurality of tubular receptacles (102).

9. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sheath unit (101) is circumferentially closed.

10. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sheath unit (301) has two closure profiles (311) which are one-piece with the sheath unit (301) and which interact, in particular interlocking, as a closure for closing at least one receptacle (102), preferably wherein the closure profiles (311) have a cross-section which is the same throughout in the longitudinal direction (L).

11. Cable protection guide according to claim 10, characterized in that the interlocking closure profiles (311) comprise a hook profile (311A) and a claw profile (311B), which interact in particular with a barb function.

12. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sheath unit (101; 301) has two fastening bands or fastening profiles (122A, 122B) lying opposite one another on both sides and forming a single piece with the sheath unit (101; 301), by means of which the sheath unit (101; 301) can be connected to a further sheath unit (101; 301).

13. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support chain (9) for supporting the sheath (8) during the movement is provided in at least one receptacle (102) of the at least one sheath unit (101; 301).

14. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end fastening device (111; 211) has a number of strain relief elements (230), each with a clamping surface (232) for one or more cables (3), wherein at least one strain relief element (230) of the number of strain relief elements comprises a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating electrostatic charges; and / or that the end fastening device (111; 211) has a number of holding elements (233), each for at least one support chain (9), wherein at least one holding element (233) of the number of holding elements comprises a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating electrostatic charges; in particular wherein the conductive or dissipative material of the strain relief element (230) differs from the conductive or dissipative material of the sheath unit (101; 301) and / or from the conductive or dissipative material of the holding element (233).

15. Cable protection guide according to claim 14, characterized in that the end fastening device (111; 211) comprises at least two clamping plates (210) with main surfaces (222) for exerting a clamping force, in particular at least two flat clamping plates (210), wherein the clamping plates (210) are preferably each made of an electrically conductive material, preferably of metal, particularly preferably of aluminum; wherein the number of strain relief elements (230) is arranged between mutually facing main surfaces of the clamping plates (210) for transmitting the clamping force from the clamping plates (210) to the at least one cable (3), preferably wherein the number of strain relief elements (230) and / or the number of holding elements (233) interact releasably by form-fitting with at least one of the clamping plates (210).

16. Cable protection guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable protection guide has an end fastening device (111; 211) for the sheath (8) at both ends. wherein at least one end fastening device (111; 211) is connected to the reference potential serving for earthing, and / or that the or each end fastening device (111; 211) is designed to close the casing (8) at the end to prevent particles from escaping.

17. Sheath unit (101; 301) for a cable protection guide according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sheath unit (101; 301) has at least one tubular receptacle (102) for guiding at least one cable (3), wherein the receptacle (102) extends in a channel-like manner in a longitudinal direction (L) from a first end to a second end; characterized in that the sheath unit (101; 301) is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges and (101) comprises a conductive or dissipative material to enable use in ESD protection zones, wherein the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic modified by salts to increase conductivity.

18. Envelope unit (101; 301) according to claim 17, characterized by one or more of the characterizing features according to one or more of claims 1 to 12.

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