Line guide devices and support chains for cleanroom applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a line guide device (1) comprising an envelope (8) and a support chain (10) as well as to the support chain itself, the support chain consisting of alternating chain links (20) and a joint connector (30) having a deformable area (32) and holding together two adjacent chain links (20) pivotable relative to each other. The chain links (20) and / or the articulated connector (30) are connectable to each other and / or detachable from each other in a joint direction other than the longitudinal direction of the chain. The present invention also relates to a support chain (10) comprising chain links (20) interconnected to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces. The rear lower portion (202B) of a first adjacent chain link (20') is insertable into the front space (241) between the front upper portion (201A) and the front lower portion (201B) of each chain link (20), and the front upper portion (201A) of a second adjacent chain link (20'') is insertable into the rear space (242) between the rear upper portion (202A) and the rear lower portion (202B) of each chain link (20).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention generally relates to a line guide device, in particular for clean room applications, for the protected dynamic guidance of supply lines such as cables, hoses, etc., in the longitudinal direction between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. The dynamic or active line guide devices protect the lines, usually between a stationary connection and a mobile consumer, for example in a machine, from unintended stresses during operation. They are generally displaceable back and forth in the longitudinal direction, linearly or in the plane of operation, and generally constitute two runs extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the guide movement and a deflection arc between them. The deflection arc is generally curved in an approximately U-shape around a deflection axis extending in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The deflection arc is therefore approximately U-shaped in the plane in which the longitudinal and height directions lie. In the intended operating condition, the line guide device is reversed in the deflection arc so that one of the runs merges into the deflection arc and thereby into the other run.

[0002] The invention also relates to the support chain itself, in particular for the line guide device.

[0003] The invention specifically relates to a line guide device for clean room applications with a flexible envelope having a number of receiving ducts arranged adjacent to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction to enclose the supply lines so as to protect them from dust, each of which ducts typically receives at least one supply line. The envelope is intended in particular to prevent any material worn off from the line, which is inevitably formed during the movement movements, from being released into the environment. Furthermore, an envelope made of a suitable material can improve the overall wear behavior. [Background technology]

[0004] For stabilization or lengthening, what are known as support chains are used to support the line guides, especially in the extension position of self-supporting or unsupported runs. For this purpose, the support chains, rather than the lines, are placed in the receiving duct and can assume the extension position constituting the run and the arc position constituting the deflection arc. The support chains also predetermine the desired radius.

[0005] Depending on the load weight, for example, two support chains are used on the outer sides of the envelope. Multi-layer constructions are also known in which three or more support chains are used within the envelope of a support layer, including layers that do not have lines throughout, i.e. layers that only have support chains within the envelope of a layer.

[0006] Such a line guide device with a support chain has been proposed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,399,363. A typical support chain of this kind comprises a number of chain links which are longitudinally articulated and interconnected, each pair of adjacent or consecutive chain links being pivotably connected relative to one another in the bending direction or vice versa by an articulated joint.

[0007] The two chain links are configured to be pivotable relative to each other between an extended position and a bent position in the plane in which the longitudinal and height directions lie. The support chain thus constitutes two displaceable and substantially longitudinally extending runs and a deflection arc connecting the runs. The deflection arc is in this case conventionally approximately U-shaped in the plane in which the longitudinal and height directions lie. Such a support chain ensures, in particular, that a certain radius is maintained in the deflection arc, i.e. that the line is protected from twisting. Furthermore, the support chain allows an increase in the self-supporting length of mainly the upper run, thus increasing the overall length. Since such a support chain can be used instead of a line in the envelope, it generally has particularly small dimensions, at least in cross section, in particular compared to a conventional energy chain. The general support chain itself therefore generally preferably does not have a receiving duct for the line.

[0008] The articulated joint in the document 1 is constructed in the manner of a pin / receptacle rotary joint connection, where each chain link has two transversely projecting joint pins and two complementary joint receptacles in which the joint pins are rotatably received. The disadvantage here is that during operation, friction between the respective joint pins and joint receptacles causes particle release, which is particularly undesirable in clean rooms. As mentioned above, the support chain and the guided supply lines are inserted into the envelope. The support chain can wear out faster than the supply lines, which requires either replacing the entire envelope, opening the envelope and replacing the support chain, or providing a separate envelope unit specific to the support chain. It is therefore necessary to extend the life of the support chain. The weak points of known support chains can also be the articulated joints, which are subjected to high shear and alternating stresses during back and forth movement, for example in the case of pin / receptacle rotary joints.

[0009] Each of the chain links according to the patent application WO 2005 / 023363 has a front longitudinal section and a rear longitudinal section which are longitudinally opposed to each other and are suitably shaped to interconnect the chain links in a predefined articulation manner, in particular such that a predefined geometry of the deflection arc is maintained.

[0010] The chain link according to the patent application WO 2005 / 023363 has a space between the two side parts in the rear longitudinal section, into which the front longitudinal section of the following other rear chain link or of the adjacent chain link of the support chain can be inserted in the longitudinal direction, the chain link according to the patent application WO 2005 / 023363 has two mutually spaced recesses in the longitudinal direction, one at the top of the chain link, i.e. on the outer side of the deflection arc, and the other at the bottom, i.e. on the inner side of the deflection arc. The front longitudinal section has two convexities projecting in the height direction for the interconnection with the transverse connection. When the chain links are joined together, the lower convexity projects into the lower recess in the extended position of the two chain links and the upper convexity projects into the upper recess in the fully bent position of the two chain links.

[0011] However, in the configuration of the support chain according to the teaching of the '691 patent, between the straight position and the fully bent position there are positions of the two chain links relative to each other in which none of the convex parts interact with the concave parts or in which there is only a very small common working area, in which the chain links may become longitudinally separated from each other or overloading may result in breakage.

[0012] In the case of intended displacements, the support chain is subjected to tensile or compressive stresses, especially in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, according to DE 10 20 05 133, in said intermediate position, only tensile forces can be transmitted by the pin / bore articulated joint. In this case, the hinge pin is subjected to especially shear stresses. This reduces the maximum life span of the support chain or requires unnecessarily large structures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 116467 Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a line guide device or a support chain therefor, which has a support chain that is intended to be more robust, more suitable for the transmission of tensile and compressive forces, to have a longer service life and at the same time to have a maximally small construction, in particular in the cross section of the chain links. This object is achieved by a line guide device or a support chain according to claim 1 or 2 and independently by a support chain according to independent claim 7.

[0015] First aspect According to an independent first aspect of the general line guide device according to the preamble of claim 1 or the support chain according to the preamble of claim 2, the above object is achieved simply by the fact that the support chain is at least in a longitudinal part of a strand with successive chain links and joint connectors alternating in the longitudinal direction, each joint connector being provided with a deformable region which is elastically deformable in particular in the bending direction, each joint connector holding together two adjacent chain links in particular in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] A joint connector or joint element having a bendable or deformable region makes it possible here, inter alia, to avoid pin / receptacle articulated joints and the associated wear which are typical for link chains.

[0017] The chain links here are in particular pivotable relative to one another in the bending direction or vice versa, in particular relative to one another between an extended position and a bent position of two adjacent connected chain links.

[0018] Still further, according to the first aspect, provision can be made that at least some of the chain links and / or joint connectors of the strands are connectable and / or detachable from each other in the joint direction, not in the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thus, under normal operating conditions, the connections between the links, in particular the articulated joints, cannot be separated or disengaged non-destructively by tensile forces acting in the longitudinal direction. Such connections are robust and therefore the life of the support chain is extended.

[0019] In one particularly preferred configuration, during the pivoting of two adjacent chain links connected by a joint connector between an extended position and a bent position, the joint connector or joint element is intentionally subjected to bending stresses, the joint connector or joint element then having an elastic configuration at least in the deformable region.

[0020] The joint connectors or joint elements may in particular be configured as separate, isolated components that can be removably or non-destructively connected to the chain links. However, an alternative configuration is likewise conceivable, in which the joint connectors or joint elements are one-piece configurations of the chain links and are molded on the chain links, for example by means of two-part injection molding. At least one end region of each joint connector is here preferably removably connectable to the adjacent chain link. However, it is also conceivable that a chain link is configured by fitting together two separate components, each with a joint connector manufactured in one piece with it. In this case too, the joining direction of the link components is preferably different from the longitudinal direction and can, for example, correspond to the transverse direction.

[0021] Each chain link may have two outer faces spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, facing away from each other and bounding the chain link in the transverse direction, in which case the chain link is constructed with a continuous cross section at least in places between the outer faces, or as a solid body at least in places in the cross section.

[0022] A particularly preferred configuration is one in which the joining direction extends substantially transversely, at least between the joint connectors and the chain links.

[0023] In one embodiment, it is provided that the strand is configured as a concatenation of a plurality of chain links and separate joint connectors that are alternately interconnected and configured as separate components, each of the plurality of joint connectors preferably releasably connectable to any two adjacent chain links.

[0024] In one particularly preferred configuration, the chain links are configured according to the following independent second aspect of the invention, the preferred features of which are likewise applicable to the first aspect and vice versa.

[0025] Further advantageous features relating to both aspects are evident from the associated dependent claims.

[0026] Second Aspect Alternatively or additionally to the first aspect, the above object is achieved according to an independent second aspect by: in particular in the case of a support chain according to the preamble of claim 7, it is provided that the front upper and lower parts of each chain link are separated from one another in a height direction transverse to the longitudinal direction by a front space into which the rear lower part of a first adjacent chain link can be or is inserted, and that the rear upper and lower parts of each chain link are separated from one another in a height direction by a rear space into which the front upper part of a second adjacent chain link can or is inserted.

[0027] This allows for a robust construction of the connection of the chain links, particularly in the longitudinal direction, so that in each relative bending position the intended tensile and compressive forces are transmitted at least predominantly via the chain links themselves, so that, particularly preferably, the joint connector provided according to the first aspect is not or only slightly stressed.

[0028] Also in the case of the second embodiment, it is preferably provided that at least some of the chain links are connectable to one another and / or detachable from one another in a joint direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, rather than in the longitudinal direction, the joint direction preferably running substantially in the transverse and / or height direction, the direction in which the links are joined to one another preferably being free of significant components in the longitudinal direction, so that unintentional disengagement during operation can be reliably avoided.

[0029] In a second embodiment, the joint connector is preferably used in particular according to the first embodiment, i.e. preferably the support chain comprises a plurality of joint connectors, preferably configured as separate components, in the bending direction of the chain links, the joint connectors having particularly elastically deformable regions, in which case each of the plurality of joint connectors is particularly preferably releasably connectable to any two adjacent chain links.

[0030] In an advantageous further development of the second embodiment, it is provided that the front upper portion has an upper convexity projecting in the height direction, the rear upper portion has an upper concave portion, the rear lower portion has a lower convexity projecting in the height direction, and the front lower portion has a lower concave portion. In this case, it is further provided that the upper convexity of each chain link is configured for engagement in both the extended and bent positions in the upper concave portion of a first adjacent chain link, and the lower convexity of each chain link is configured for engagement in both the extended and bent positions in the lower concave portion of a second adjacent chain link. In this way, both tensile and compressive forces can be transmitted by the interaction of the convexity and the concave portion in the extended and bent positions.

[0031] More preferably, the upper convex part is arranged to engage in the upper recess from the rear space of one adjacent chain link towards its upper part, and the lower convex part is arranged to engage in the lower recess from the front space of the other adjacent chain link towards its lower part, with the provision that the internal height of the front space is preferably equal to or greater than the dimension of the rear lower part including the lower convex part in the height direction, and the internal height of the rear space is equal to or greater than the dimension of the front upper part including the upper convex part in the height direction. Thus, the convex parts are inserted into or brought into engagement with the corresponding recesses by joining the chain links in the transverse direction Q or in the longitudinal direction L and displacing them relative to each other in the height direction H. This can thus be achieved without distortion of the chain links and without twisting or torsion, which allows a simple assembly of the support chain, for example for preventive maintenance, and also a simple replacement of individual parts, if necessary.

[0032] The link preferably has an upper recess which forms an opening starting from the rear space towards the top and / or a lower recess which forms an opening starting from the front space towards the bottom, in this way inter alia a maximum stopping surface is provided.

[0033] It may further be advantageously provided that the upper convex portion, the lower convex portion, the upper concave portion and the lower concave portion of each chain link each have a contact surface for abutting in an attractive manner by compression and / or tension on a corresponding meshing contact surface of an adjacent chain link in the extended position and a contact surface for abutting in an attractive manner by compression and / or tension on a corresponding meshing contact surface of an adjacent chain link in the bent position, each of the restraining surfaces preferably extending transversely in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] All contact surfaces as a whole preferably extend perpendicular to the displacement plane, ie parallel to the transverse direction or such that transverse forces are avoided.

[0035] In the flexed and extended relative positions, preferably at least every two pairs of restraining surfaces interact in a force-transmitting manner, said pairs being opposite each other in a longitudinal plane relative to the centre of the link.

[0036] Advantageously, provision is made that the contact surfaces of the upper convexities or the contact surfaces of the lower convexities are at respective angles relative to one another and that the contact surfaces of the upper recesses or the contact surfaces of the lower recesses are at respective angles relative to one another, and that the difference in the angular dimensions between the angles of the upper convexities and the angles of the upper recesses and between the angles of the lower convexities and the angles of the lower recesses are preferably substantially equal or equal. The corresponding arrangement of the angles ensures simultaneous pairwise interaction of the limit stops and thus enlarges the force transmission area overall.

[0037] In a further development, provision is advantageously made that the upper convex part is configured to be flush with the upper part of the chain link in the upper recess in which it engages in the bent position, and / or the lower convex part is configured to be flush with the lower part of the chain link in the lower recess in which it engages in the extended position. Overall, the intention is to achieve a flush outer surface without protrusions in each operating position, so as to avoid damage or wear to the envelope.

[0038] A further enlargement of the surface for force transmission is achieved if each chain link has end contact surfaces in both the front and rear upper and the front and rear lower parts that are configured in the following manner: the end contact surfaces of the front and rear upper parts abut against the end contact surfaces of the front and rear upper parts of the adjacent chain link in the extended position, and the end contact surfaces of the front and rear lower parts abut against the end contact surfaces of the adjacent chain link in the bent position.

[0039] Preferably, both the front and rear spaces open into each of the outer faces or communicate in an open manner therewith, so that both spaces are accessible for insertion of the rear lower part or the front upper part and / or for insertion of the joint connectors, which facilitates and simplifies assembly and maintenance.

[0040] It is advantageous for the force flow and / or mechanical conditions if the dimension of each joint connector in the transverse direction is more than 30%, in particular 50% to 100%, of the distance between the outer sides of the chain links. The width of the joint connector is preferably substantially equal to this distance. It is also advantageous for the force flow if each joint connector extends in a central area or is centrally located opposite each other in the transverse direction between the outer sides of the chain links, so that no transverse forces can occur.

[0041] In a particularly robust embodiment, provision is made that each joint connector extends at least to some extent in the height direction between the front upper and lower parts of one of the two adjacent chain links and the rear upper and lower parts of the other of the two adjacent chain links. In this way, the joint connector simultaneously constitutes an interlock against disengagement of the chain links from their engagement. In this case, the joint connector can preferably prevent any displacement of two adjacent chain links in the height direction relative to one another through the associated joint connector, for example by preventing the movement play necessary therefor.

[0042] Further advantageous features (for both aspects) Some further preferred developments are described below, which (as well as the features mentioned above) are considered to be advantageous with respect to both central aspects of the invention.

[0043] The joint connectors are preferably configured as spring elements which exert an elastic restoring force on adjacent chain links upon bending of said chain links, which elastic restoring force results in at least a partial restoring movement of the chain links in a direction opposite to the bending direction, which results in vibration damping of the movement of the support chain and optionally the line guide as a whole.

[0044] The length of the or each of the elastically deformable regions of the joint connector in the longitudinal direction is a multiple of the thickness of the or each of the joint connectors in the height direction.

[0045] For the detachable fastening of separate joint connectors it is particularly advantageous if each joint connector has two fastening areas spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and is fastened to each of two adjacent chain links by one of the fastening areas against a longitudinal displacement. The joint connector may be configured such that at least two areas of the joint connector between the fastening areas opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction are provided with at least one different property selected from the group consisting of cross section, material thickness and elastic modulus.

[0046] Preferably, each chain link has two fastening receptacles, each for form-locking and / or force-locking interaction with a fastening area of ​​one of the joint connectors, each fastening receptacle being preferably arranged between the front upper and front lower parts or between the rear upper and rear lower parts, respectively, of each chain link and / or each fastening receptacle being openly accessible or connectable in an open manner to at least one, preferably both, sides of the chain link.

[0047] The joint connector can preferably be inserted transversely from both sides, in particular pushed, into the fastening receptacles of two adjacent chain links, which means that assembly is particularly simple.

[0048] Each fastening receptacle is advantageously located in a vertically opposite central area between the upper and lower parts, the fastening receptacles preferably being substantially the same distance from the upper and lower parts.

[0049] To further avoid wear, it is expedient if each chain link has, at each fastening receptacle, clamping surfaces facing each other and spaced apart in the height direction, in particular at the transition from the fastening receptacle to the front or rear space, which are configured for a force-locking retention of the fastening area of ​​the associated joint connector and counteract movements of the fastening area relative to the corresponding fastening receptacle, for example against transverse displacement and / or against twisting at the fastening receptacle. In this case, each joint connector may preferably have a thickened portion in the fastening area for interaction with the clamping surfaces.

[0050] In particular, in order to fix the position of the assembled joint connectors or joint elements in the transverse direction, provision can advantageously be made that each joint connector has a capturing means in the fastening region, which capturing means are configured for complementary meshing interaction with the capturing means of the associated chain link.

[0051] Preferably, all or at least part of the joint connector is configured as a substantially plate-like component or as a curved component in a plane in which the longitudinal and height directions lie.

[0052] The joint connector preferably consists of a plastic material which is elastic and exhibits long-term bending resistance relative to the chain links.The joint connector and the chain links preferably consist of different materials.

[0053] To prevent transverse forces during operation, each chain link and / or each joint connector consists of a body that is mirror-symmetrical about its longitudinal centre plane.

[0054] Each chain link preferably consists of a block member, preferably of a one-piece block member, i.e. a body without any complete internal cavity, in particular without any passages opening in the longitudinal direction, apart from the lightening tapers and openings.

[0055] The two essential or only components of the support chain, namely the chain links and the joint connector, can both preferably be manufactured as separate components, in particular of plastic material, in particular by injection moulding.

[0056] The chain links and the joint connectors can in particular be manufactured as mutually isolated separate components removably connected to each other. For the connection of the strands of the support chain, each joint connector is preferably at least removably connectable to at least one of the two chain links of an adjacent pair. However, a removable connection within a chain link is also conceivable as a variant, in particular according to the first aspect. On the other hand, a configuration of a support chain with a plurality of separate joint elements or joint connectors configured as separate components, each having two end regions for a removably connection with the chain links and at least one deformable region therebetween, is preferred.

[0057] The proposed support chain according to both the first and second aspects is particularly suitable for use in line guide devices for clean room applications. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a line guide device for clean room applications, here with two envelopes, in a merely exemplary operating position with an extending self-supporting upper run, an extending stationary lower run and a deflection arc therebetween. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of an exemplary multi-layer structure with multiple laminated envelopes for multiple lines, the support chains being housed in receiving ducts of the multiple envelopes. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a support chain in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A]FIG. 4A shows a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. 3 in a side view. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. 3 in a bottom view. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows in plan view a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D shows a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. 3 in a front view. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E shows a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. 3 in a rear view. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F shows a structural diagram of an individual chain link of the support chain according to FIG. 3 in a longitudinal section. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the chain link according to FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the chain link according to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section through part of the length of a support chain made up of chain links according to FIGS. 3 to 5 in an extended position (left in FIG. 6) and in a fully bent position (right in FIG. 6). [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a construction diagram of an individual joint element according to an exemplary embodiment in a side view for the support chain according to FIGS. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows in plan view a construction diagram of an individual joint element according to an exemplary embodiment for the support chain according to FIGS. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of a construction diagram of an individual joint element according to an exemplary embodiment for the support chain according to FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Further details and advantageous effects of individual aspects of the invention can be inferred, without limiting its general nature, from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding or identical structural or functional features have corresponding reference numerals and may not be described repeatedly.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary line guide device 1 guiding a supply line 3 (FIG. 2) between a stationary connection point 2 at a base and a movable connection point 4 at a moving end, which is not shown in detail but is generally displaceable back and forth in a linear manner in the longitudinal direction L. The supply line 3 is a cable, hose, etc., and supplies, for example, power, signals and / or operating medium to the moving parts of the machine. FIG. 1 shows a snapshot of the line guide device 1 with a self-supporting extending upper run 5, a lower run 6 that optionally resides on a supporting surface, and a deflection arc 7. The deflection arc 7 has a predetermined bending or deflection radius around a notional deflection axis U. In operation, the deflection arc 7 moves back and forth relative to the stationary connection point 2 as the upper run 5 with the movable connection point 4 advances or retreats in the longitudinal direction L.

[0061] The line guide device 1 is particularly suitable and intended for application in clean rooms or other areas where particle emissions must be reduced or prevented. For this purpose, it comprises one or more flexible envelopes 8 of flexible plastic material extending in a longitudinal direction L, which envelope encloses the supply lines 3 in a dust-proof manner along their entire length between the connection points 2 and 4. The ends of each envelope 8 and of the lines 3 are end-fastened to the connection points 2, 4, for example by means of end fastening devices 11 or end connections.

[0062] According to figure 2, each envelope 8 has a number of tubular receiving ducts 9, each for guiding at least one or more supply lines 3. Each envelope 8 is generally hose-like and is made sufficiently flexible, notably by suitable design and / or material selection, to allow a reversible flexible bending of the deflection arc 7 with the application of only slight forces and to follow the movements in the longitudinal direction L with minimal resistance.

[0063] The line guide device 1 further comprises a number of support chains 10 extending along the entire length of the line guide device 1 from the connection point 2 to the connection point 4. In a purely exemplary configuration according to FIG. 2, a multi-layer structure with a plurality of stacked envelopes 8 with lines 3 is shown. In this regard, an inner support layer facing the deflection arc 7 is provided, in which support chains 10 are provided in all of the receiving ducts 9 of the envelope 8, i.e. this inner support layer does not guide any of the lines 3. Additional support chains 10 may be arranged in the envelope 8, for example in a further layer on the outer surface, for the purpose of stabilization against transverse forces. See FIG. 2. The envelope 8 may comprise, for example, a plurality of separate envelope units removably connected to one another in the transverse direction, for example by fastening profiles or fastening bands 13 extending in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in FIG. 2. Each envelope unit may, for example, have only one receiving duct 9 in which the support chain 10 is accommodated and can be connected to further envelope units by means of fastening profiles or fastening bands 13. This allows the replacement of individual support chains 10, if necessary. With regard to the configuration of the envelope 8, reference is now made to the teaching of WO 2020 / 148300, which describes, for example with respect to Figures 9D, 10C, 10D, 13A-C and 18A, 18B, envelope units with only one receptacle and a fastening profile or fastening band for connecting the envelope units.

[0064] The central function of the support chains 10 is to predetermine the radius of curvature of the deflection arc 7 or to limit its minimum radius about the deflection axis U. A further central function of each support chain 10 is to support the self-supporting length of the upper run 5, or indeed to allow a sufficient self-supporting length, in particular in the fully extended position of the travel end (not shown in FIG. 1). Each support chain 10 in this case supports the envelope 8, in particular against deflections due to gravity in the height direction H, or has a load-bearing effect. A sufficient number of support chains 10 are provided for the load weight and length of the line guide device 1.

[0065] An exemplary embodiment of a support chain 10 according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows the support chain 10 according to the invention in its intended position, i.e. folded around a deflection axis U, which constitutes two runs extending in a longitudinal direction L, an upper run 5 and a lower run 6, and a deflection arc 7. The deflection arc 7 is approximately U-shaped in the plane of FIG. 3, in which the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H lie. The configuration of the support chain 10 determines the shape of the deflection arc 7 and of the entire line guide device 1. The deflection axis U extends perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3, i.e. in a transverse direction Q perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the height direction H. The support chain 10 is configured to support a self-supporting upper run 5, i.e. the runs 5, 6 are kept spaced apart from each other in the height direction H over the entire displacement path.

[0067] The support chain 10 is constructed as a kind of link chain and consists of only one strand 12 with a number of individual chain links 20, each of which is removably connected to one another by an articulated joint. By means of the articulated joint, the adjacent chain links 20, 20' of each pair can be bent relative to one another in a bending direction over a limited angle, for example of about 5-20°. The chain links 20, 20' can be pivoted relative to one another between an extended position (as in the runs 5, 6) and a bent position (as in the deflection arc 7), thereby enabling the support chain 10 to be folded back on itself while maintaining the minimum permissible or possible radius of the deflection arc 7.

[0068] Each articulated joint comprises a joint connector 30, each of which connects two adjacent or consecutive chain links 20, 20' in the longitudinal direction L so as to be releasably connected to each other, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 7A-7C. In the illustrated example, only one separate and isolated joint connector 30 is provided for each pair of adjacent chain links 20, 20', releasably connected at one end to one chain link 20 and at the other end to the other chain link 20'. Each chain link 20 in a strand 12 is connected for its part to one joint connector 30 at both longitudinal or end regions thereof.

[0069] Thus, the chain links 20 and the joint connectors 30 alternate longitudinally within the strand 12. Each joint connector 30 comprises a deformable central region 32, which is elastically deformable through the action of intended bending forces acting on the joint connector 30 upon displacement of the line guide device 1 or the support chain 10. In this regard, the deformable region 32 is equally elastically deformable in or against the bending direction of the associated adjacent chain link 20, 20'.

[0070] As Figures 3-5 show, adjacent chain links 20, 20' are interlocked and configured to fit inside each other in such a way that the chain links 20, 20' themselves contribute to the respective articulated joints through their shape or influence the mutual pivotal freedom. The chain links 20 interact here with each other and with the joint connectors 30 in such a way that the runs 5, 6 are kept extended in the longitudinal direction L and do not deflect downwards, and the deflection arc 7 achieves its desired radius and cannot fall below it. In the illustrated example, all the chain links 20 of the support chain 10 are of the same construction and all the joint connectors 30 are of the same construction, so that the support chain 10 can be manufactured from only two essential components.

[0071] Figures 4-5 show a first preferred embodiment of an individual chain link 20 combining two central aspects of the invention. Figure 6 shows a portion of the length of the support chain 10 in longitudinal section, both illustrating the extended and bent positions of two chain links 20. Not shown in Figure 6 is the also possible or advantageous pre-tensioning of the support chain 10 in its extended position. The configuration of the chain link 20 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4-6.

[0072] The chain link 20 is preferably constructed in one piece or in one piece, in particular made in one piece from plastic by injection moulding. However, it may also be assembled from several pieces. The chain link 20 is constructed in the form of a block having an upper part 204A, a lower part 204B, two outer sides 23 and front and rear end faces 231, 232. The dimension of the chain link 20 in the transverse direction Q, i.e. the width of the chain link 20, is approximately of the same order of magnitude as the dimension in the height direction H, i.e. the height or thickness of the chain link 20. The width of the chain link 20 may be greater than its height in order to further reduce twisting about the longitudinal direction L. In the illustrated example, the dimension in the longitudinal direction L, i.e. the length of the chain link, is at least twice the width and / or twice the height. The selected length depends on the desired chain pitch. The upper part 204A is the outer surface of the chain link 20, which is located on the side of the chain link 20 that is located on the outer side with respect to the deflection arc 7, i.e., away from the deflection axis U or the opposing run, in the intended position of the chain link 20 in the support chain 10 (see FIG. 3). The lower part 204B is the outer surface of the chain link 20, which is located on the side of the chain link 20 that is located on the inner side with respect to the deflection arc 7, i.e., toward the deflection axis U or the opposing run, in the intended position of the chain link 20 in the support chain 10 (see FIG. 3). The outer side 23 of the chain link 20 is the outer surface of the chain link 20 that borders each chain link 20 in the transverse direction Q, i.e., is spaced apart from each other and is located away from each other in the transverse direction Q. The front end face 231 faces the adjacent chain link 20' that is located in front of the chain link 20 in the support chain 10, and the rear end face 232 faces the adjacent chain link 20'' that is located behind the chain link 20 in the support chain 10. In terms of surface area, the upper portion 204A (FIG. 4C), the lower portion 204B (FIG. 4B) and the outer surface 23 (FIG. 4A) are of roughly equal order of magnitude and are at least twice the cross-sectional area of ​​the chain link 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0073] Each chain link 20 may be conceptually subdivided relative to the longitudinal direction L into a front longitudinal portion 21 (on the right side in FIG. 4 ) and a rear longitudinal portion 22 (on the left side in FIG. 4 ) (the terms “front” and “rear” serve here merely for differentiation and are in principle interchangeable). The front longitudinal portion 21 comprises a front upper portion 201A of the upper portion 204A and a front lower portion 201B of the lower portion 204B, which are separated from each other in the height direction H by a front space 241. The rear longitudinal portion 22 likewise comprises a rear upper portion 202A of the upper portion 204A and a rear lower portion 202B of the lower portion 204B, which are separated from each other in the height direction H by a rear space 242. Both the front space 241 and the rear space 242 are continuous in the transverse direction and open at each of the two outer faces 23. Thus, spaces 241 and 242 are accessible in front of each outer face 23 for insertion of the rear lower portion 202B or the front upper portion 201A, respectively, and for insertion of the joint connector 30 (see below).

[0074] For the purpose of explanation, only three mutually consecutive arbitrary chain links 20', 20 and 20'' in the support chain 10 are considered, which are pressed against each other and interconnected by joint connectors 30, with the middle chain link 20 being disposed between the first adjacent chain link, i.e., the front chain link 20', and the second adjacent chain link, i.e., the rear chain link 20'' (see FIG. 6). The front upper portion 201A of the middle chain link 20 is inserted into the rear space 242 of the front chain link 20'. The rear upper portion 202A of the middle chain link 20 is inserted into the front space 241 of the rear chain link 20''.

[0075] Adjacent chain links 20, 20', 20'' are intermeshed with one another in the longitudinal direction in such a manner as to transmit tension, tensile or compressive forces and thrust forces so that they are inseparable from one another in the longitudinal direction L at least in some, or preferably all, positions of bending relative to one another. For this purpose, the front upper part 201A has an upper convexity 206A facing upward in the height direction H, and the rear upper part 202A has an upper concave part 208A complementary to the upper convexity 206A. The upper convexity 206A engages with the upper concave part 208A in the front chain link 20', specifically from the rear space 242 of the front chain link 20' towards its upper part 204A. The rear lower part 202B has a lower convexity 206B facing downward in the height direction H, and the front lower part 201B has a lower concave part 208B complementary to the lower convexity 206B. The lower convex portion 206B engages with the lower concave portion 208B of the rear chain link 20'', specifically from the front space 241 of the rear chain link 20'' toward its lower portion 204B. The convex portions 206A, 206B are configured so that they are engaged with the corresponding concave portions 208A, 208B in both the extended and bent positions of the adjacent chain link 20, 20' or adjacent chain link 20, 20'', respectively. This allows the tensile and compressive forces in the longitudinal direction L to be transmitted to the displacement of the support chain 10 by the interaction of the convex portions 206A, 206B and the concave portions 208A, 208B, so that the joint connector 30 does not or only slightly needs to be subjected to tensile or compressive stresses.

[0076] The recesses 208A, 208B are each configured continuously in the height direction H, i.e. as openings in the height direction H through the rear upper part 202A or the front lower part 201B. However, the upper convex part 206A does not protrude beyond the upper part 204A, i.e. does not protrude beyond the upper outer edge of the upper recess 208A (i.e. does not protrude out of the recess 208A at the upper part 204A) in either the extended or bent position of the adjacent chain link 20, 20'. Similarly, the lower convex part 206B does not protrude beyond the lower part 204B, i.e. does not protrude out of the lower outer edge of the lower recess 208B (i.e. does not protrude out of the recess 208B at the lower part 204B) in either the extended or bent position of the adjacent chain link 20, 20'. In the maximum possible fully bent position, the upper projection 206A is flush with the upper portion 204A of the leading chain link 20' at its engaging upper recess 208A. In the straight or extended position, the lower projection 206B is flush with the lower portion 204B of the trailing chain link 20'' at its engaging lower recess 208B.

[0077] As can be most easily seen in FIG. 6, each chain link has contact surfaces on its convex and concave portions which, in the extended or bent position, abut against corresponding meshing contact surfaces of the adjacent chain link 20′, 20″, thereby transmitting compressive or tensile forces in the longitudinal direction L. In the extended position, the contact surface 216A of the upper convex portion 206A abuts against the meshing contact surface 218A of the upper concave portion 208A. Thus, the contact surface 216B of the lower convex portion 206B abuts against the meshing contact surface 218B of the lower concave portion 208B. In the fully or maximum possible bent position, the contact surface 226A of the upper convex portion 206A abuts against the meshing contact surface 228A of the upper concave portion 208A. Thus, the contact surface 226B of the lower convex portion 206B now abuts against the meshing contact surface 228B of the lower concave portion 208B. The contact surfaces 216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 226A, 226B, 228A, and 228B all extend parallel to the transverse direction Q but obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction L when viewed in vertical cross section.

[0078] The two contact surfaces 216A, 226A of the upper convex portion 206A are inclined at an angle αA relative to each other, and the contact surfaces 216B, 226B of the lower convex portion 206B are inclined at an angle αB relative to each other. The contact surfaces 218A, 228A of the upper concave portion 208A are inclined at an angle βA relative to each other, and the contact surfaces 218B, 228B of the lower concave portion 208B are inclined at an angle βB relative to each other. The difference in the angular dimension between the angle αA of the convex portion 206A and the angle βA of the upper concave portion 208A is equal to the difference in the angular dimension between the angle αB of the lower convex portion 206B and the angle βB of the lower concave portion 208B. In this way, in both the extended and fully bent positions, both the two contact surfaces of each chain link 20, and specifically the lower and upper ones, abut against the corresponding interlocking contact surfaces of the adjacent chain link 20', such that tensile or compressive forces are transmitted more effectively and the convex portions are less subject to stresses, particularly shear forces.

[0079] Furthermore, each chain link 20 has end contact surfaces at its end faces 231, 232. In the extended position, the end contact surface 231A of the front upper portion 201A abuts against the end contact surface 232A of the rear upper portion 202A of the front chain link 20'. In the fully bent position, the end contact surface 231B of the front lower portion 201B abuts against the end contact surface 232B of the rear lower portion 202B of the front chain link 20'. This allows for efficient thrust transmission in the extended or bent position.

[0080] The internal height of the front space 241 is slightly greater than the corresponding dimension of the rear lower part 202B, i.e. the maximum dimension in the height direction H in the region of the lower convexity 206B. The rear lower part 202B of the front adjacent chain link 20' can therefore be inserted into the front space 241 of the chain link 20, in the illustrated example specifically in both the transverse direction Q and the longitudinal direction L. The lower convexity 206B of the front chain link 20' can then be inserted downwards in the height direction H from the front space 241 into the lower recess 208B of the middle chain link 20. The internal height of the rear space 242 is likewise slightly greater than the maximum dimension of the front upper part 201A, i.e. the maximum dimension in the height direction H in the region of the upper convexity 206A. Thus, the front lower part 201B of the rear adjacent chain link 20'' can be inserted into the rear space 242 of the middle chain link 20, specifically in both the transverse direction Q and the longitudinal direction L in the illustrated example. And the upper convex part 206A of the rear chain link 20'' can be inserted upwards in the height direction H from the rear space 242 into the upper concave part 208A of the middle chain link 20. Thus, the chain links 20, 20', 20'' (before they are fixed by the joint connector 30) have two possible joining directions in the transverse direction Q and the longitudinal direction L for pressing the chain links together or disassembling them without twisting, by a subsequent movement in the height direction H. By inserting the convex parts 206A, 206B in the height direction, i.e. perpendicular to the respective joining directions, to engage with the following chain link 20, 20', 20'', a kind of interlock is realized. This may also prevent the support chain 10 from breaking apart in operation, especially in case of tensile stress, in interaction with the obliquely positioned contact surfaces 216A, 226A or 216B, 226B and 218A, 228A or 218B, 228B which pull and engage those of the lugs 206A, 206B. The end contact surfaces 231A, 231B, 232A, 232B therefore also have the effect that under thrust load the chain links 20, 20', 20'' move more strongly into the engaged position by a kind of wedge effect.

[0081] When any joint connector 30 is inserted between two chain links 20, 20', it extends between the front upper part 201A and the front lower part 201B of one chain link 20 and the rear upper part 202A and the rear lower part 202B of the front chain link 20', here occupying a part of the front space 241 of the chain link 20 and a part of the rear space 242 of the front chain link 20', so that the internal height of each space is low, in particular less than the maximum dimension of the front upper part 201A or the rear lower part 202B. As a result of this alone, the chain links 20 are reliably and irremovably fixed against unintentional separation from each other by a kind of interlock, since the projections 206A, 206B cannot be removed from the recesses 208A, 208B of the adjacent chain link without twisting or destroying the chain links 20, 20', 20''.

[0082] The chain link 20 consists of a body that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal central plane, so that force transmission between the interacting surfaces occurs in the case of tensile and thrust loads without a component in the transverse direction Q.

[0083] Figures 3 to 6 further show that each chain link 20 has, for weight saving purposes, a cutout 25, which in the example shown is configured as a substantially cylindrical passage opening on the two outer sides 23 and in a transverse direction Q centrally located between the fastening receptacles 36 as opposed to the longitudinal direction L. The cutout 25 may have a different shape in a side view such as in Figure 4A, for example an elliptical cross section. The transition between the cutout 25 and the sides 23 is preferably rounded.

[0084] 7A-7C show an exemplary embodiment of a joint connector 30, which here is configured as a substantially flat or plate-like component of plastic material. The main extent and main plane of the joint connector 30 extend in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction Q. It may be configured as a curved or partially curved component in the height direction H. The joint connector 30 has a deformable area 32 in a central area relative to the longitudinal direction L. The joint connector 30 has fastening areas 34 at each of its longitudinal ends. Each fastening area 34 serves for fastening to one of two adjacent chain links 20, 20'. The fastening areas 34 may have a uniform shape and size in the transverse direction Q. The chain link 20 likewise has two fastening receptacles 36, both spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L and facing away from each other to accommodate the fastening areas 34. Each chain link 20 may be connected with two joint connectors 30 and thereby connected to the front and rear chain links 20', 20''. One, i.e., the front fastening receptacle 36 is disposed between the front upper portion 201A and the front lower portion 201B of the chain link 20 relative to the height direction H and forms a recess of the front space 241. The other, i.e., the rear fastening receptacle 36 is disposed between the rear upper portion 202A and the rear lower portion 202B of the chain link 20 relative to the height direction H and forms a recess of the rear space 242. Each fastening receptacle 36 is preferably equidistant from the upper portion 204A and the lower portion 204B of the chain link 20. Each fastening receptacle 36 further opens into a respective one of the outer faces 23 of the chain link 20. Each fastening receptacle 36 has a uniform shape and size in the transverse direction Q and corresponds to the shape of the fastening area 34, so that the fastening area 34 can be inserted, preferably exclusively, in the fastening receptacle 36 in the transverse direction Q and is fixed therein in a form-lock manner against at least a displacement in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, any joint connector 30 can be connected to two consecutive chain links 20, 20' by insertion of the joint connector 30 between the chain links 20, 20' in the transverse direction Q and can be removed again in the transverse direction Q.The dimension of the joint connector 30 in the transverse direction Q, i.e. its width, is equal to the distance between the outer surfaces 23 of the chain links 20, so that in the intended connection state, the ends of the joint connector 30 in the transverse direction Q are flush on both sides with each of the outer surfaces 23 of the chain links.

[0085] The joint connector 30 connected to two consecutive chain links 20, 20' prevents the chain links 20, 20' from shifting relative to each other in the height direction H, and thus also prevents the disengagement of the convex parts 206A, 206B of the chain links 20 from the concave parts 208A, 208B in the adjacent chain links 20', 20''. However, the tensile and compressive forces are at least predominantly absorbed and transmitted by the interaction of the contact surfaces of the chain links 20, 20', 20'' (specifically, preferably at the same time, at least two contact surfaces per chain link, so that the forces are distributed over a larger area as described above), such that the articulated connection of the connected chain links 20 can absorb particularly high tensile / compressive forces. The above configuration is also possible in that the chain links 20, 20', 20'' cannot be connected to each other or separated from each other in the longitudinal direction L, but only approximately perpendicular thereto. In operation, the joint connectors 30 are at least predominantly subjected to bending stresses and little or no tension or compression (relieved from tension / compression stresses by the interlocking chain links 20). Thus, the joint connectors 30 may be manufactured from a different material that is particularly suited for frequent bending cycles, as opposed to the more inflexible high tensile strength chain links 20.

[0086] In the illustrated example, each fastening area 34 is configured as a cylindrical thickening relative to the central deformable area 32 and is rounded in longitudinal section. Other configurations are possible as well, for example a goblet shape or a triangular shape that prevents the fastening area 34 from rotating, which would result in wear. In the illustrated example, rotation of the fastening area 34 is also prevented in that the chain link 20 has two mutually facing clamping surfaces 37 at the fastening receptacle 36, spaced apart from each other in the height direction H, which clamping surfaces extend in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction Q, interacting with a slightly thickened portion (thickened portion) 38 at the fastening area 34 of the joint connector 30 and holding it in a force-locking manner against twisting and also against displacement in the transverse direction Q. The thickened portion 38 is therefore accommodated between the clamping surfaces 37 by a press fit or by an interference fit in the intended operating state of the support chain 10. In this way, not only is twisting of the fastening area 34 prevented in the fastening receptacle 36, but at the same time, unintentional detachment of the joint connector 30 from the support chain 10 in the transverse direction Q is also prevented. In order to remove the joint connector, a force must be applied in the transverse direction Q that is not possible under normal operating conditions.

[0087] Furthermore, each fastening area 34 and fastening receptacle 36 has a corresponding capture means 39, 39' which snap together to prevent slippage in the transverse direction Q, here taking the form, for example, of a notch or groove (capture means) 39 on the periphery of the fastening area 34 of the joint connector 30 (see Figures 7B, 7C) and a corresponding raised portion (capture means) 39' in the fastening receptacle 36 of the chain link 20 (see Figures 4D, 4E).

[0088] The joint connector 30 is configured in the manner of a hinge-like spring element, which acts like a leaf spring, i.e. is elastic, when two chain links 20 are bent. In the event of an intended deformation, i.e. a pivoting of adjacent chain links 20, 20' connected with the joint connector 30 relative to one another, the joint connector 30 exerts an elastic restoring force on these chain links 20, 20' in the direction opposite to the pivoting. This results in a uniform low-vibration displacement of the support chain 10, which in particular reduces wear on the projections 206A, 206B of the chain links and generally prevents wear from occurring.

[0089] At least the elastically or resiliently deformable area 32 or the whole joint connector 30 consists of a material different from that of the chain links 20, for example another plastic material with a different elastic modulus. The shape of the deformable area 32 also determines its elasticity. The length of the deformable area 32 in the longitudinal direction L and optionally also its width in its transverse direction Q are both multiples of the thickness of its material, i.e. the dimension in the height direction H. The bending forces due to the pivoting of the chain links 20 act on the deformable area 32 of the joint connector 30, in particular in the height direction H transverse to the longitudinal direction L. In other embodiments, the deformable area 32 may be curved in its longitudinal section to affect its flexibility or may be composed, for example, of two layers or stages separated from each other by a space in the height direction H, the layers or stages meeting at the fastening area 34. Other shapes are also possible for the longitudinal section and optionally also for the transverse section to affect the area moment of inertia of the deformable area 32.

[0090] Alternatively, on the other hand, the joint connector may be configured to be substantially free of restoring forces and may be provided at its ends with, for example, film hinge-like joint areas.

[0091] Through the inventive use of the flexible joint connector 30 in the support chain 10, it is possible in particular to avoid the typical joints / pin-articulated joints of typical support chains and therefore the wear inevitably associated therewith. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Line Guide Device 2, 4 Connection points 3 Supply Line 5, 6 runs 7 Deflection Arc 8. Envelope 9 Receptor Duct 10. Support Chain 11 End Fastening Device 12 Strand 13 Fastening profiles or fastening bands 20, 20', 20'' Chain Link 21 Front long section of chain link 22 Rear long part of chain link 23 External surface 25 (Lightweight) notch 30 Joint Connector 32 Deformable central area of ​​joint connector 34 Joint connector fastening area 36 Chain link fastening receptacle 37 Chain link clamping surface 38 Thickened areas in the fastening areas of joint connectors 39 Capturing means for joint connector 39' Chain link engagement capture means 201A Front upper part of chain link 201B Front lower part of chain link 202A Rear upper part of chain link 202B Rear lower part of chain link 204A Top of chain link 204B Lower Chain Link 206A Upper convex part 206B Lower convex part 208A Upper recess 208B Lower recess 216A, 226A Upper convex stop surface (contact surface) 216B, 226B Lower convex stop surface (contact surface) αA Angle between the restraining surfaces of the upper convex part αB Angle between the restraining surfaces of the lower convex part 218A, 228A Upper recess stop surface (contact surface) 218B, 228B Lower recess stop surface (contact surface) βA Angle between the restraining surfaces of the upper recess βB Angle between the restraining surfaces of the lower recess 231, 232 Front or rear end face of chain link 231A Front upper part end contact surface 232A End contact surface of rear upper part 231B Front lower part end contact surface 232B End contact surface of rear lower portion 241 Chain link front space 242 Space behind the chain link A The distance between the outer faces of the chain links H Height direction L Longitudinal Q Transverse direction U deflection axis

Claims

1. A line guide device (1), in particular for clean room applications, for the protected dynamic guidance of a supply line (3), such as a cable, a hose or the like, between two connection points (2, 4), at least one of which is movable relative to the other, said line guide device (1) being displaceable back and forth in a longitudinal direction (L) and constituting two runs (5, 6) and a deflection arc (7) connecting said runs which lies in a plane in which said longitudinal direction (L) and height direction (H) lie, said line guide device (1) comprising: a flexible envelope (8) having a number of receiving ducts (9) arranged adjacent to one another and extending in said longitudinal direction (L), each for at least one supply line (3); at least one support chain (10) that can be or is arranged in each receiving duct (9) to support the line guide device (1), the support chain (10) being configured to configure the runs (5, 6) and the deflection arcs (7); Equipped with said support chain (10) being at least in the longitudinal portion of a strand (12) having successive chain links (20) and joint connectors (30) alternating in said longitudinal direction (L), each of said joint connectors (30) being provided with a deformable region (32) which is elastically deformable, in particular in a bending direction, each of said joint connectors (30) holding together two adjacent chain links (20, 20'), said chain links (20, 20') being pivotable relative to one another in said bending direction or in the opposite direction, in particular between an extended position and a bent position, A line guide device (1), wherein at least some of the chain links (20) and / or joint connectors (30) of the strand (12) are connectable to each other and / or detachable from each other in a joint direction other than the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

2. A support chain (10) for supporting a line guide device (1) having a flexible envelope (8), in particular according to claim 1, said support chain (10) being arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction (L) and to define two runs (5, 6) and a deflection arc (7) connecting said runs (5, 6) lying in a plane in which the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) lie, said support chain (10) being at least in the longitudinal portion of a strand (12) having successive chain links (20) and joint connectors (30) alternating in said longitudinal direction (L), each of said joint connectors (30) being provided with a deformable region (32) which is elastically deformable, in particular in a bending direction, each of said joint connectors (30) holding together two adjacent chain links (20, 20'), said chain links (20, 20') being pivotable relative to one another in said bending direction or in the opposite direction, in particular between an extended position and a bent position, A support chain (10) in which at least some of the chain links (20) and / or joint connectors (30) of the strands (12) are connectable to each other and / or detachable from each other in a joint direction other than the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the chain links (20) has two outer sides (23) spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), facing opposite each other and bounding the chain link (20) in the transverse direction (Q), the chain link (20) being preferably constructed with a continuous cross section or as a solid body at least in places between the outer sides (23).

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

5. 5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the strand (12) is configured as a concatenation of a plurality of chain links (20) which are alternately interconnected and configured as separate components, and separate joint connectors (30), each of the plurality of joint connectors (30) being preferably removably connected to any two adjacent chain links (20, 20').

6. Each of the chain links (20) of the plurality of chain links (20) has a front longitudinal portion (21) and a rear longitudinal portion (22) relative to the longitudinal direction (L), the front longitudinal portion (21) of each of the chain links (20) being configured for form-lock interaction with the rear longitudinal portion (22) of an adjacent chain link (20) so as to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces in the longitudinal direction (L), the front longitudinal portion (21) having a front upper portion (201A) of an upper portion (204A) outer with respect to the deflection arc (7) and a front lower portion (201B) of a lower portion (204B) inner with respect to the deflection arc (7), the rear longitudinal portion (22) having a rear upper portion (202A) of the upper portion (204A) and a rear lower portion (204B) of the lower portion (204B) being configured for form-lock interaction with the rear longitudinal portion (22) of an adjacent chain link (20) so as to transmit tensile and / or compressive forces in the longitudinal direction (L), the front longitudinal portion (21) having a front upper portion (201A) of an upper portion (204A) outer with respect to the deflection arc (7) and a front lower portion (201B) of a lower portion (204B) inner with respect to the deflection arc (7), 6. The device (1, 10) according to claim 1, wherein the front upper portion (201A) and the front lower portion (201B) of each of the chain links (20) are separated from each other in the height direction (H) by a front space (241) into which the rear lower portion (202B) of a first adjacent chain link (20') can be inserted or is inserted, and the rear upper portion (202A) and the rear lower portion (202B) of each of the chain links (20) are separated from each other in the height direction (H) by a rear space (242) into which the front upper portion (201A) of a second adjacent chain link (20'') can be inserted or is inserted.

7. A support chain (10) for supporting a line guide device (1) having a flexible envelope (8) in particular according to claim 1, said support chain (10) having runs (5, 6) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a plurality of individual chain links (20) connectable or connected to each other in an articulated manner so as to form a U-shaped deflection arc (7) lying in a plane in which said longitudinal direction (L) and height direction (H) lie, every two adjacent chain links (20) being pivotable relative to each other between an extended position and a bent position, each of said plurality of chain links (20) having a front longitudinal portion (21) and a rear longitudinal portion (22) relative to said longitudinal direction (L), said front longitudinal portion (21) of each of said chain links (20) being adapted to deflect tensile and / or compressive forces in said longitudinal direction (L), said front longitudinal portion (21) having a front upper portion (201A) of an upper portion (204A) of said chain link (20) outer side with respect to said deflection arc (7) and a front lower portion (201B) of a lower portion (204B) of said chain link (20) inner side with respect to said deflection arc (7); said rear longitudinal portion (22) having a rear upper portion (202A) of said upper portion (204A) of said chain link (20) and a rear lower portion (202B) of said lower portion (204B) of said chain link (20); each of said chain links (20) having two outer sides (23) facing opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L), said outer sides bounding said chain link (20) in said transverse direction (Q); the front upper portion (201A) and the front lower portion (201B) of each chain link (20) are separated from each other in a height direction (H) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) by a front space (241) into which the rear lower portion (202B) of a first adjacent chain link (20') can be or is inserted, A support chain (10), wherein the rear upper portion (202A) and the rear lower portion (202B) of each chain link (20) are separated from each other in the height direction (H) by a rear space (242), into which the front upper portion (201A) of a second adjacent chain link (20'') can be or is inserted.

8. 8. A support chain according to claim 7, wherein at least some of the chain links (20) are connectable to one another and / or detachable from one another in a joint direction other than the longitudinal direction (L), in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), said joint direction preferably extending substantially in the transverse direction (Q).

9. 9. A support chain (10) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a plurality of joint connectors (30), preferably constructed as separate components, which in the bending direction of the chain links (20) have in particular elastically deformable regions (32), and each of the plurality of joint connectors (30) is particularly preferably releasably connectable to each of two adjacent chain links (20).

10. The front upper portion (201A) has an upper convex portion (206A) protruding in the height direction (H), and the rear upper portion (202A) has an upper concave portion (208A), The rear lower portion (202B) has a lower convex portion (206B) protruding in the height direction (H), and the front lower portion (201B) has a lower concave portion (208B), The upper convex portion (206A) of each of the chain links (20) is configured for engagement in the upper concave portion (208A) of the first adjacent chain link (20') in both the extended position and the bent position, and the lower convex portion (206B) of each of the chain links (20) is configured for engagement in the lower concave portion (208B) of the second adjacent chain link (20'') in both the extended position and the bent position, and preferably, the upper convex portion (206A) engages the upper concave portion (208A) from the rear space (242) of one of the adjacent chain links (20') toward its upper portion (204A).

10. The device (1, 10) according to claim 6, wherein the lower convex portion (206B) is configured to engage in the lower concave portion (208B) from the front space (241) of the other adjacent chain link (20'') towards its lower part (204B), and wherein an internal height of the front space (241) is particularly preferably equal to or greater than a dimension of the rear lower part (202B) including the lower convex portion (206B) in the height direction (H), and an internal height of the rear space (242) is particularly preferably equal to or greater than a dimension of the front upper part (201A) including the upper convex portion (206A) in the height direction (H).

11. 11. The device (1, 10) according to claim 10, wherein the upper recess (208A) forms an opening starting from the rear space (242) towards the upper part (204A) and / or the lower recess (208B) forms an opening starting from the front space (241) towards the lower part (204B).

12. The upper convex portion (206A), the lower convex portion (206B), the upper concave portion (208A) and the lower concave portion (208B) of each of the chain links (20) each have contact surfaces (216A, 216B, 218A, 218B) for abutting in an attractive manner by compression and / or tension on the corresponding mating contact surfaces of the adjacent chain links (20') in the extended position, and for abutting in an attractive manner by compression and / or tension on the corresponding mating contact surfaces of the adjacent chain links (20') in the bent position.

12. A device (1, 10) according to claim 10 or 11, having contact surfaces (226A, 226B, 228A, 228B) for abutting in an attractive manner by compression and / or tension on corresponding meshing contact surfaces of the connecting chain links (20'), each of the restraining surfaces (216A, 216B, 218A, 218B, 226A, 226B, 228A, 228B) preferably extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (L).

13. 13. The device (1, 10) according to claim 12, wherein the contact surfaces (216A, 226A) of the upper convex portion (206A) or the contact surfaces (216B, 226B) of the lower convex portion (206B) are at angles (αA, αB) with respect to each other, and the contact surfaces (218A, 228A) of the upper concave portion (208A) or the contact surfaces (218B, 228B) of the lower concave portion (208B) are at angles (βA, βB) with respect to each other, and the difference in angular dimension between the angles (αA, αB) of the upper convex portion (206A) and the upper concave portion (208A) and the difference in angular dimension between the angles (αB, βB) of the lower convex portion (206B) and the lower concave portion (208B) are preferably substantially equal or equal.

14. 14. A device (1, 10) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the upper convex portion (206A) is configured to be flush with the upper portion (204A) of the chain link (20') at the upper recess (208A) with which it engages in the bent position, and / or the lower convex portion (206B) is configured to be flush with the lower portion (204B) of the chain link (20'') at the lower recess (208B) with which it engages in the extended position.

15. Each of the chain links (20) has, in the front and rear upper portions (201A, 202A) and the front and rear lower portions (201B, 202B), end contact surfaces (231A, 232A) of the front and rear upper portions (201A, 202A) of the adjacent chain links (20′) in the extended position.

15. The device (1, 10) according to claim 6, wherein the end contact surfaces (231A, 232A) of the front and rear lower portions (201B, 202B) are configured to abut the end contact surfaces (231B, 232B) of the adjacent chain links (20') in a bent position.

16. 16. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein both the front and rear spaces (241, 242) communicate in an open manner within each of the outer faces (23).

17. the dimension of each of the joint connectors (30) in the transverse direction (Q) is more than 30%, in particular between 50% and 100%, of the distance (A) between the outer faces (23) of each of the chain links (20), and / or 17. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the joint connectors (30) extends in opposite central areas in the transverse direction between the outer faces (23) of the chain links (20).

18. 18. A device (1, 10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 9 to 17, wherein each joint connector (30) extends, relative to the height direction (H), at least to a certain extent between the front upper portion (201A) and the front lower portion (201B) of one of the two adjacent chain links (20) and the rear upper portion (202A) and the rear lower portion (202B) of the other of the two adjacent chain links (20).

19. 19. The device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the joint connector (30) is configured as a spring element which exerts an elastic restoring force on an adjacent chain link (20) upon bending of the chain link (20), the elastic restoring force resulting in at least a partial restoring movement of the chain link (20) in a direction opposite to the bending direction.

20. A device (1, 10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the length of the elastically deformable region (32) of each of the joint connectors (30) in the longitudinal direction (L) is a multiple of the thickness of each of the joint connectors (30) in the height direction (H).

21. 21. A device (1, 10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein each of the joint connectors (30) has two fastening areas (34) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) and is fastened to each of the two adjacent chain links (20) by one of the fastening areas (34) for any deviation in the longitudinal direction (L).

22. The device (1, 10) according to claim 21, wherein at least two regions of the joint connector (30) between the fastening regions (34) opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (L) are provided with at least one different property selected from the group consisting of cross-section, material thickness and elastic modulus.

23. 23. The device (1, 10) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein each of the chain links (20) has two fastening receptacles (36) for form-locking and / or force-locking interaction with one of the fastening areas (34), each fastening receptacle (36) being preferably arranged between the front upper part (201A) and the front lower part (201B) or between the rear upper part (202A) and the rear lower part (202B) of each of the chain links (20), respectively, and / or each of the fastening receptacles (36) preferably leads in an open manner into at least one, preferably both, of the side surfaces (23) of the chain link (20).

24. 24. The device (1, 10) of claim 23, wherein each fastening receptacle (36) is disposed in a central region relative to the height direction (H) between the upper portion (204A) and the lower portion (204B), and preferably the fastening receptacle (36) is substantially the same distance from the upper portion (204A) and from the lower portion (204B).

25. 25. The device (1, 10) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein each of the chain links (20) at each fastening receptacle (36), in particular at the transition from the fastening receptacle (36) to the front or rear space (241, 242), have mutually facing clamping surfaces (37) spaced apart from each other in the height direction (H), which clamping surfaces are configured for force-locking retention of the fastening area (34) of the associated joint connector (30) and counteract movement of the fastening area (34) relative to the corresponding fastening receptacle (36), and each of the joint connectors (30) has a thickened portion (38) in the fastening area (34) for interaction with the clamping surfaces (37).

26. A device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein each of the joint connectors (30) has a capture means (39) in the fastening region (34) configured for complementary interlocking interaction with a capture means (39') of the associated chain link (20), preferably against displacement in the transverse direction (Q).

27. A device (1, 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a portion of the joint connector (30) is configured as a substantially plate-like component or as a curved component in a plane in which the longitudinal direction (L) and the height direction (H) lie.

28. 28. The device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint connector (30) is made of a plastic material and / or the joint connector (30) and the chain links (20) are made of different materials.

29. each chain link (20) and / or each joint connector (30) consists of a body that is mirror-symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal center plane (LH); and / or 29. A device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chain link (20) consists of a block member, preferably a monolithic block member.

30. 30. A device (1, 10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each chain link (20) and each joint connector (30) consists in one piece of plastic material, in particular by injection moulding.

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