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

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable guide device (10; 20; 30) for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, etc., between a stationary fixed point (2) and a movable driver (4) relative thereto, in particular to a method and a system for monitoring an energy chain. The system (100; 200; 300) comprises a sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and an analysis device (120; 220; 320) connected to the sensor assembly so as to transmit signals. The sensor assembly is arranged and designed to non - contact detect the position of the cable guide device (20) or the energy chain (10; 30) and generate an output based thereon. According to the present invention, in the case of a self - supporting upper strand (12), the sensor assembly (110; 210) is arranged and designed to detect a strand sag depth (TD) corresponding to the vertical dimension of the sag of the self - supporting upper strand (12) relative to the horizontal extended position (LG) and generate an output based thereon, or in the case of a sliding upper strand (32), the sensor assembly (310) is arranged and designed to detect an upper strand sag depth length (TH1, TH2) corresponding to the length in which the upper strand (32) extends freely hanging between the deflection bend (3) and the placement point (P) of the upper strand (32) on the lower strand (31) and / or a strand sag depth (TD) in the region of the strand sag depth length (TH1, TH2) and generate an output based thereon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for monitoring a displaceable or dynamic line guide, such as an energy guide chain, for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, etc., between a stationary fixed point and a movable end relative thereto, generally a movable end on a movable plant or machine part. The present invention particularly relates to a system and method that enable predictive maintenance by detecting wear during the operation of a line guide device or an energy guide chain.

Background Art

[0002] A line guide device or an energy guide chain generally forms a deflection arc that moves together between a stationary lower run, an upper run, and them during displacement. For such a dynamic line guide, in particular, a distinction can be made between two basic application examples or between types of configurations.

[0003] On the one hand, a self-supporting upper run, that is, a line guide device having a configuration in which the upper run is not located on the lower run throughout its displacement path during displacement, or does not naturally slide or roll on the lower run, is known. This configuration is generally used for a relatively short displacement path, for example, less than 10 m, and requires the upper run to have an appropriate load-bearing capacity over the desired self-supporting length.

[0004] On the other hand, when the self-supporting length is insufficient and / or in the case of a long displacement path, particularly several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters, particularly generally significantly exceeding 10 m, an energy guide chain having a sliding upper run is generally used.

[0005] Application examples with a sliding upper run are understood to move as intended in such a way that, at least in the displacement along a small part of the displacement path, the upper run always contacts the lower run and / or the sliding support, e.g., on the "sliding bar" on the guide trough, and moves on the lower run or the sliding support. In this case, the upper run slides on the lower run or the sliding support, e.g., by means of special skids, or actually rolls thereon, in order to reduce friction or increase the maximum distance if the energy guide chain has track rollers.

[0006] Monitoring systems having a sensor assembly and an evaluator are already known. The evaluator is connected for signal transmission to the sensor assembly, which non - contactingly detects the position of the line guide device or the energy guide chain and, accordingly, generates an output that the evaluator evaluates. Various systems of this general design are already described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. These means are mainly and in principle designed to monitor the proper operating behavior of the line guide device or the energy guide chain during operation.

[0007] Regarding wear detection, specifically, for example, as proposed in Patent Document 3 or Patent Document 4, specific sensor modules built into the line guide device or the energy guide chain are further known. However, these means require structural changes to the energy guide chain and also require installation space available within the internal receiving space for the line. A further approach to wear monitoring is proposed in Patent Document 5, but here too, structural measures that affect the energy guide chain are required, and in fact, this approach is only suitable for sliding energy guide chains with sliding pads.

[0008] A structurally simple means for detecting wear during the operation of a line guide device or an energy guide chain, which is maximally versatile from the perspective of application and can be implemented using an existing line guide device or energy guide chain with as few structural countermeasures, modifications, or changes as possible is desired. The means is also intended to be suitable for a line guide that is not an actual energy guide chain in which chain links and line receiving spaces are located inside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to propose the above means. This object is achieved by the method and system according to claim 1 or 2, and independently thereof, specifically, in the case of a line guide device for cleanroom applications, by the assembly according to claim 13.

[0011] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to the method (procedure) or system according to the preamble of claim 1 or 2, - In the case of a self-supporting upper run, the sensor assembly detects the run sag depth or is technically appropriately arranged and configured for this purpose and, accordingly, generates one or more outputs, for example, a digital or analog signal, or - In the case of a sliding upper run, the sensor assembly detects the run drop length and / or the run drop depth over the drop length (corresponding to the length by which the upper run freely hangs between the deflection arc and the contact point between the upper and lower runs), or is technically appropriately arranged and configured for this purpose and, accordingly, generates one or more outputs, for example, digital or analog signals.

[0012] The design of this sensor assembly is structurally easy to implement without the need for design measures especially for the line guide and enables indirect wear detection by itself.

[0013] That is, the present invention is based on the practical recognition that the "tension of the upper run" or the load-bearing capacity of the upper run decreases with increasing wear or aging, and the central concept of technically exactly utilizing this change for condition or wear detection.

[0014] For this purpose, for the purpose of indirect wear detection, the evaluator can evaluate the output of the sensor assembly, confirm the detected run drop depth or the detected run drop length when a pre-determinable critical range is reached, and output a corresponding report. This can be used as a maintenance report indicated in predictive maintenance so that maintenance can be carried out in a timely manner especially when a critical decrease in the tension of the upper run or the load-bearing capacity of the upper run is detected and a failure of the machine or plant can be avoided.

[0015] The drop depth of a self-supporting upper run can reach a critical level especially in the following cases. The cases are when the drop depth corresponding to the degree to which the self-supporting upper run hangs relative to the horizontal extension position where the upper run extends horizontally in a straight line from the deflection arc becomes significantly greater than the structural height of the line guide, especially the chain link, and especially when it becomes less than or equal to the intended radius of the deflection arc. This can especially cause critical vibrations during the forward and backward movement of the upper run and significantly increase the risk of breakage of the line guide.

[0016] In the case of a sliding upper run as well, the wear phenomenon generally results in, for example, a reduction in the load-bearing capacity of the upper run or the tension of the upper run, exclusively in common chain link hinges and pin joints, etc. As practical tests have shown, this can be detected and confirmed with a technically high level of reliability in a somewhat rearwardly curved transition region, whereby the upper run transitions from the deflection arc to the contact point between the upper and lower runs in a self-supporting manner.

[0017] The critical threshold is determined empirically here according to the type of chain and can be represented, for example, by the number of chain links that (still) freely hang down at the transition point. The conclusion of critical wear can be derived, for example, depending on whether the run hanging length has decreased to less than 3 / 4 or 2 / 3 of the original number or length of the links when new, or whether a correspondingly proportional decrease in the hanging length has been identified, for example, by length measurement. A horizontal length such that the transition from the deflection arc to the contact point is (still) freely hanging above the horizontal length may be considered for this purpose.

[0018] In the simplest form, appropriate detection or measurement may be limited to identifying, in all embodiments considered here, whether the critical state, for example, whether a length or distance is below or above a specific value, or testing for this.

[0019] The evaluation of the critical wear of a sliding upper run based on the run hanging length, i.e., the length by which the upper run extends in a freely hanging manner between the deflection arc and the contact point, may also be related to such a length or a dimension proportional thereto and / or the run hanging depth across this transition region, i.e., the vertical hanging depth in the region of the run hanging length.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment is provided for a sensor assembly and / or an evaluator configured to detect the displacement direction and / or the displacement operating quantity of a line guide device or an energy guide chain, and an evaluator configured to evaluate the output in particular according to the direction or the operating quantity. The movement operating quantity or the movement direction can be communicable to the evaluator, for example, by signal transmission from a plant, a machine control system of the plant, or a machine supplied by the line guide.

[0021] For example, as proposed in WO 2013 / 156607, it is also advantageous to associate the evaluation of the output regarding the run sag depth or the run sag length with the measurement of the force at the moving end so that it can optionally proceed according to the tensile or propulsive force currently transmitted to or by the line guide.

[0022] The instantaneous movement direction and the force transmission can affect the run sag depth or the run sag length and thus may be considered in the computational evaluation.

[0023] The present invention particularly provides for an automatic detection of the run sag depth and / or the run sag length during the current operation of the line guide, for example, by using a suitable sensor system and information technology.

[0024] In a particularly simple embodiment, the sensor assembly has at least one sensor or sensing component that is stationary and arranged in at least one longitudinal portion predefined as a detection region along the displacement path when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the displacement path.

[0025] In the case of a self-supporting upper run, the detection region can preferably be located in the longitudinal portion between the fixed point and the fully extended position of the moving end, particularly in the half section facing the fixed point among the sections between the fixed point and the fully extended position of the line guide.

[0026] In the case of a sliding upper run, particularly in the case of an energy guide chain for a long displacement path, the detection area is preferably in the longitudinal portion between a fixed point and the fully retracted or retracted position of the moving end (a position where the upper run optionally does not contact or contacts with a minimum length), and particularly, can be located in the range of approximately ±10% on both sides of the path length at a position where the moving end has moved approximately 25% of the displacement path from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position.

[0027] Various suitable configurations can be considered in the vertical direction. For example, the sensor assembly can include at least one distance sensor oriented vertically in the displacement plane, particularly with respect to the displaceable upper run.

[0028] Preferably, an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device that can be adapted by an evaluator can preferably be used as the distance sensor. These are commercially available at low cost and optionally also have an appropriate interface for connection to a conventional bus system for industrial equipment, which is a conventional commercial technology.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to simplify the installation, particularly in the case of a self-supporting upper run, a distance sensor oriented vertically upward can be defined for detecting the run hanging depth. One or more distance sensors can preferably be attached to the support for the lower run adjacent to the fixed point or in the direction of the extended position away from the fixed point.

[0030] The sensor assembly can have a plurality of sensors configured identically or differently and / or arranged, for example, a plurality of sensors distributed in the detection area along the path of the upper run. The plurality of sensors enhances the reliability of detection and enables, for example, the detection of the moving direction.

[0031] In a further embodiment, in particular in the case of a sliding upper track, at least one distance sensor may be oriented vertically, in particular in order to detect the run drop length as a function of the run drop depth. For this purpose, the corresponding distance sensor may preferably be arranged on a carrier or frame that is remote from the fixed point in the direction of the retracted position. Such a configuration is preferably used together with a further detection component or sensor that detects the passage of the deflection arc and triggers an instantaneous measurement of the run drop depth as a function of the position of the deflection arc.

[0032] In particular in the case of a sliding upper track, the sensor assembly may have a number of detection components along the displacement path in a longitudinally defined section as the detection area, which are distributed in the displacement direction and oriented horizontally with respect to the energy guide chain in order to detect the run drop length. In this case, the detection components / sensors are preferably mounted vertically, preferably above the lower track, and / or in particular at the height of the sliding upper track or above the sliding upper track and in the height area below the upper part of the deflection arc, in particular below or approximately at the height of the horizontal displacement plane of the virtual deflection axis of the deflection arc, and may be mounted on the guide trough. In this case, in particular simple proximity detection components, such as light barriers or capacitive or inductive proximity switches, may be used, which are arranged, for example, at a predetermined distance from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise at least two groups of detection components, each of which has at least one, preferably a plurality of, detection components. The groups of detection components are arranged at a predetermined horizontal distance from one another in the following manner. In that manner, two adjacent groups of detection components simultaneously detect the dropping upper track on the one hand and the deflection arc on the other hand in the case of a run drop length equivalent to that of a new product, whereas in the case of a critical run drop length, the adjacent groups of detection components can no longer simultaneously detect the upper track and the deflection arc.

[0034] The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of identically configured sensors or sensing components. When a critical range is reached, the evaluator is configured to respond to evaluate a plurality of outputs to confirm the detected run sag depth or the detected run sag length. In this way, for example, a more robust identification can be performed by eliminating instances of false detection or sensor failure. To avoid false maintenance reports, for example, a cross-check by summing the detected critical states and preferably subtracting newly detected normal cases and / or a tolerance meter (the meter reading of which is compared to a threshold value) can be performed in the evaluator, for example, by calculation or by appropriate programming.

[0035] In principle, the sensor assembly and the evaluator are preferably configured such that the run sag depth or the run sag length is detected and evaluated completely automatically during ongoing operation in an ongoing manner for the purpose of indirect wear detection, and the evaluator evaluates the corresponding output completely automatically. This ongoing evaluation can take place at a single selected position along the displacement path, i.e., at the point in time when the upper run passes through this position and moves back and forth. Alternatively and / or in addition, the detection may proceed when the line guide device is stopped.

[0036] The evaluator preferably has at least one programmable processor that can be programmed for the desired evaluation. The evaluator preferably has at least one storage device in which or to which a predetermined limit value for the criticality of the run sag depth or the run sag length is stored. The limit value can be determined in advance, in particular, by calculation, empirically (by testing), or by learning at the start of use of a line guide device or energy guide chain equivalent to new.

[0037] Furthermore, the evaluator preferably has or is connected to an interface, which is configured for communication with a plurality of different network environments and / or bus systems. The evaluator is connected to the sensor assembly via a conventional industrial bus, for example, and may simultaneously have a link to a higher-level cloud storage system, such as a LAN or WLAN connection.

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

[0039] This comprises a line guide device for the protected guidance of supply lines, such as cables, hoses, etc., between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. The line guide device has a longitudinal direction, is displaceable in the forward and backward directions, forms a stationary lower run, a displaceable upper run, and a deflection arc therebetween, has a flexible envelope, in particular a low-friction envelope that can be closed in a dust-proof manner, and at least one receiving channel or a plurality of receiving channels are each arranged adjacent to one another for at least one supply line or support chain and extend in the longitudinal direction, and the line guide device is configured or arranged with a self-supporting upper run.

[0040] According to this aspect, the line guide device is distinguished in that the sensor assembly is provided with at least one sensor or sensing component that detects the run drop depth corresponding to the vertical range in which the self-supporting upper run hangs down relative to the horizontal extended position and generates an output accordingly.

[0041] Such a line guide device for cleanroom applications is proposed, for example, in WO 2016 / 042134, or in fact in WO 2020 / 148300 or WO 2020 / 148596.

[0042] In this case, in this type of line guide device, any of the support chains may be provided, optionally or in particular at least one or in particular at least two receiving channels, and the support chain defines a deflection arc in advance and is provided to support the self-supporting upper run. This type of support chain is proposed, for example, by the applicant in International Publication No. WO 2021 / 116467. According to the above central concept, the proposed sensor assembly can in this case also detect indirect wear on the line guide device, in particular on the support chain provided correspondingly thereto.

[0043] The above features relating to the first aspect can similarly be advantageously combined with the second aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] Further details and advantageous effects of the individual aspects of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying drawings, without limiting the above general nature. Corresponding or identical structural or functional components have corresponding reference numerals and may not be repeatedly described.

[0046] Figures 1A - 1B show an energy guide chain 10 of a design known per se, which is a line guide device for guiding a line (not shown) between a stationary fixed point 2 and a movable end 4 movable relative thereto. The energy guide chain 10 moves in the moving direction L over the displacement path S, here together with the linear and horizontal movement of the movable end 4. The energy guide chain 10 comprises a stationary lower run 11 and an upper run 12 displaceable as it moves. The energy guide chain 10 is deflected or folded back between the runs 11 and 12 at a deflection arc 3 of radius R, and the deflection arc 3 moves at half its speed together with the movable end 4. In Figures 1A - 1B, the energy guide chain 10 is constituted by a self - supporting upper run 12, intended to be self - supporting, i.e., not mounted on anything.

[0047] Figures 1A - 1B further schematically show a system 100 for indirect wear monitoring having a sensor assembly 110 and an evaluator 120 connected thereto by signal transmission.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1B, the sensor assembly 110 is arranged and configured to non - contact detect the run - down depth TD of the energy guide chain 10 and transmit a corresponding output to the evaluator 120. The evaluator 120 evaluates its output as to whether or not the critical degree of the run - down depth TD (generally shown in FIG. 1B) has been reached. If this is detected, the evaluator 120 outputs a corresponding report via an appropriate interface (not shown). This can be, in particular, a maintenance report or a maintenance recommendation intended for predictive maintenance. The said report or recommendation is transmitted to a higher - level system, for example, cloud means, an overall monitoring or an IoT network, etc.

[0049] The evaluator 120 can here be configured to detect the displacement direction and / or the displacement amount of the energy guide chain 10 and, in particular, to evaluate the signal from the sensor assembly 110 according to the direction or the amount of movement. For this purpose, the evaluator 120 can be connected, for example, via a bus system to a control system (not shown).

[0050] The sensor assembly 110 comprises a distance sensor 111, for example, an ultrasonic distance meter and / or a laser distance meter. The distance sensor 111 is oriented vertically downwards in FIGS. 1A - 1B to measure the run - down depth TD by the device and transmit the output to the evaluator 120 in the form of a detected measurement value for the measured distance indicating the run - down depth TD. The distance sensor 111 is arranged at the longitudinal position from the fixed point 2 to the fully extended position S of the moving end 4, in particular in the half - section facing the fixed point 2 of the section between the fixed point 2 and the fully extended position S.

[0051] FIG. 2 differs from the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1A - 1B in substantially two aspects. The line guide in the example shown in FIG. 2 is a line guide device 20 for cleanroom applications as proposed in WO 2016 / 042134 or in fact WO 2020 / 148300 or WO 2020 / 148596, the teachings of these patent documents being incorporated by reference for the sake of brevity. The line guide device 20 can be configured with or without a support chain, for example, it can be configured with a support chain according to WO 2021 / 116467, the teachings of this patent document being incorporated by reference for the sake of brevity.

[0052] It is likewise intended that a self - supporting upper run 12 be provided for the line guide device 20 as well. In FIG. 2, a similar detection principle is used for monitoring the run sag depth TD. As shown in FIGS. 1A - 1B, a sensor assembly 210 is provided, which in FIG. 2 has at least one distance sensor 111, 211 oriented vertically in the displacement plane and in particular with respect to the displaceable upper run 12. Also in FIG. 2, the distance sensor 211 can be configured as an ultrasonic distance meter and a laser distance meter. In FIG. 2, in contrast, the distance sensor 211 is oriented vertically upwards in order to detect or measure the current run sag depth TD. In this case, the distance sensor 211 can be mounted on the support part without particular effort. On the support part, the lower run 11 is placed and the end connection is fastened to the fixing point 2. The distance sensor 211 is arranged in the direction of the advancement position S near or away from the fixing point 2, usually approximately halfway along the upper run between the deflection arc 3 and the end position S of the fully advanced moving end 4 (left - hand side in FIG. 2), depending on the position where the length and sag depth of the line guide device 20 are expected to be greatest. With the configuration of FIGS. 1 - 2, a structurally simple and as a result inexpensive continuous monitoring of the current sag depth of the energy guide chain 10 or the line guide device 20 becomes possible. As soon as the critical state of the energy guide system can be identified, the evaluators 120, 220 can output predictive maintenance recommendations.

[0053] Figures 3A to 3C show the case of the energy guide chain 30 for a long displacement path having a sliding upper run 32. The sliding upper run 32 slides or rolls on the lower run 31 and / or the sliding bar 34 within a guide trough 35 (Figure 3C), which is known per se, depending on the position of the moving end 4 that is moving. Figure 3A shows, by way of example, the position of the energy guide chain 30 with the moving end 4 extended by approximately half S / 2. At that position, the upper run 32 first simply slides or rolls on the lower run 31 before transitioning towards the fully extended position S on the sliding bar 34. There is a transition region 37 between the deflection arc 3 and the contact point P of the upper run 32 on the lower run 31, across which the upper run 32 hangs freely from the deflection arc 3 to the contact point P. As wear and breakage increase, the length known here as the run hanging length of the transition region 37 decreases, which can also be represented or detected by the distance TH1 or TH2 (see Figure 3B) between the contact point P and the deflection arc 3. This is utilized according to the invention for the sliding energy guide chain 30 for indirect and predictive wear monitoring, as will be explained here based on Figures 3B to 3C.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3B, a sensor assembly 310 is provided, which is configured to detect the run hanging lengths (distances) TH1, TH2 corresponding to the length of the transition region 37 and generate an output accordingly, i.e., a signal, which are transmitted to an evaluator 320 of appropriate configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly 310 comprises simple light barriers or, for example, capacitive proximity switches, which are oriented horizontally and perpendicular to the displacement plane of the energy guide chain 30.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3C, the sensor assembly 310 has a plurality of identically configured sensors or sensor components 311A to 311D. When a critical level is reached, the evaluator 320 is correspondingly configured to evaluate a plurality of outputs to confirm the detected run drop lengths TH1 and TH2. Each of the sensor assemblies in FIG. 3C has two detection component groups each having two detection components 311A to 311B and 311C to 311D that are horizontally spaced apart. For example, the distance can be selected such that in the case of a run drop length TH1 equivalent to a new product, on the one hand, all the detection components 311A to 311B and 311C to 311D detect the upper run 32 or its transition region 37 that drop simultaneously, and on the other hand, the deflection arc 3 is detected simultaneously. When the distance is appropriately set, the upper run 32 and the deflection arc 3 can be detected, for example, in the case of a critical run drop length, not by all of the detection component groups 311A to 311B and 311C to 311D, but only by one or the other of the two detection component groups 311A to 311B or 311C to 311D. Therefore, it is possible to conclude with high reliability that the drop depth is at the critical level or that the run drop length TH2 has decreased excessively. Other configurations are also possible that have only two detection components or detection component groups such that all or a plurality of the detection components respond simultaneously only when the state is critical.

[0056] As also generally possible, as illustrated by FIG. 3C, a number of detection components 311A to 311D are distributed along the displacement direction (L) along the displacement path in a predetermined longitudinal portion or detection region EB and are horizontally oriented with respect to the energy guide chain 30. This enables a structurally simple implementation for detecting the run drop lengths TH1 and TH2. The detection components 311A to 311D can preferably be attached to the guide trough 35 above the lower run 31, particularly at the height of the sliding upper run 32, or in the height region above the sliding upper run 32 and below the upper part of the deflection arc 3 as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3B, the sensor assembly 310 is provided in a spatially bounded manner in the detection region EB in the longitudinal portion from the fixed point 2 to the fully retracted position of the moving end 4, here generally in the region of approximately ±10% on both sides of the path length of the position where the moving end 4 has moved over approximately 25% (see S / 4) of the displacement path from the fully retracted position (right side in FIG. 3B) to the fully extended position S (left side in FIG. 3B). FIG. 3C is also a schematic representation of the guide trough 35 and the sliding bar 34 provided therein, and the sliding bar 34 is arranged to coincide with the height of the upper part of the lower run 31.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 10 Energy chain with self-supporting upper run 20 Line guide device (for cleanroom applications) 30 Energy chain with sliding upper run 2 Fixed point 3 Deflection arc 4 Moving end 11;31 Lower run 12 Self-supporting upper run 32 Sliding upper run 34 Sliding bar 35 Guide trough 37 Transition region 100;200;300 Monitoring system 110;210;310 Sensor assembly 111;211 Distance sensor (e.g., ultrasonic distance meter) 120;220;320 Evaluator 311A, 311B, 311C, 311D Detection component / Proximity switch EB Detection region H Installation height L Displacement (movement) direction P Contact point (sliding upper run) R Radius S Displacement path (fully extended position) TD Run hanging depth (vertical) TH1, TH2 Run hanging length (optionally measured horizontally)

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a displaceable line guide device (10; 20; 30), in particular an energy guide chain, for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, etc., between a stationary fixed point (2) and a movable end (4) relative thereto, wherein the line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10: 30) has, during displacement, a stationary lower run (11; 31), a displaceable upper run (12; 32) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween, is configured and arranged to have a self-supporting upper run (12), or is configured and arranged to have a sliding upper run (32), and is provided with a monitoring system (100; 200; 300) comprising a sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and an evaluator (120; 220; 320) connected for signal transmission with the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly non-contactedly detects the position of the line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) and generates an output evaluated by the evaluator accordingly. In the case of the self-supporting upper run (12), the sensor assembly (110; 210) detects a run drop depth (TD) corresponding to a vertical range in which the self-supporting upper run (12) hangs down relative to a horizontal extended position (LG) and generates the output accordingly, or In the case of the sliding upper run (32), the sensor assembly (310) detects a run drop length (TH1, TH2) corresponding to a length by which the upper run (32) freely hangs down between the deflection arc (3) and a contact point (P) between the upper run (32) and the lower run (31), and / or a run drop depth (TH) in the region of the run drop length (TH1, TH2), and generates the output accordingly. and For the purpose of indirect wear detection, the evaluator (120; 220; 320) evaluates the output when a critical range is reached, confirms the detected run drop depth (TD) or the detected run drop length (TH1, TH2), and outputs a corresponding report, in particular a maintenance report for which predictive maintenance is intended.

2. Between a stationary fixed point (2) and a movable end (4) movable relative thereto, for guiding at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, etc., a line guide device (10; 20; 30), in particular a system for monitoring an energy guide chain, wherein the line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) forms a stationary lower run (11; 31), a displaceable upper run (12; 32) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween and is displaceable, The line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10) is configured and arranged to have a self-supporting upper run (12), or The line guide device or the energy guide chain (30) is configured and arranged to have a sliding upper run (32), The system (100; 200; 300) comprises a sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and an evaluator (120; 220; 320) connected for signal transmission with the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly being arranged and configured to detect the position of the line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30) non-contactly and to generate an output accordingly, the evaluator being arranged and configured to evaluate the output, In the case of the self-supporting upper run (12), the sensor assembly (110; 210) is arranged and configured to detect a run drop depth (TD) corresponding to a vertical range in which the self-supporting upper run (12) hangs down relative to a horizontal extended position (LG) and to generate the output accordingly, or In the case of the sliding upper run (32), the sensor assembly (310) is arranged and configured to detect a run drop length (TH1, TH2) corresponding to a length by which the upper run (32) freely hangs down between the deflection arc (3) and a contact point (P) between the upper run (32) and the lower run (31) and / or a run drop depth (TH) in the region of the run drop length (TH1, TH2) and to generate the output accordingly, and, The evaluator (120; 220; 320) evaluates the output when reaching the critical range, checks the detected run sag depth (TD) or the detected run sag length (TH1, TH2), and preferably outputs a corresponding report, especially a maintenance report for which predictive maintenance is intended, for the purpose of indirect wear detection.

3. The sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) and / or the evaluator (120; 220; 320) are configured to detect the displacement direction and / or the displacement amount of the line guide device (20) or the energy guide chain (10; 30), and the evaluation of the output proceeds in particular according to the direction or the amount of movement. The method or system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) comprises at least one sensor (111; 211; 311A to 311D) or a detection component that is fixedly arranged in at least one longitudinal region (ES) defined in advance as a detection region along the displacement path. Preferably, In the case of a self-supporting upper run (12), the detection region is located in the longitudinal portion between the fixed point (2) and the fully extended position of the moving end (4), in particular in the half-section facing the fixed point (2) among the sections between the fixed point (2) and the fully extended position (S). In the case of a sliding upper run (32), the detection region is located in the longitudinal portion between the fixed point (2) and the fully retracted position of the moving end (4), in particular in the region of approximately ±10% on both sides of the path length at the position where the moving end has moved approximately 25% (S / 4) of the displacement path from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position (S). The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sensor assembly comprises at least one distance sensor (111; 211) oriented in the displacement plane, in particular vertically with respect to the displaceable upper run (12), and the distance sensor preferably comprises an ultrasonic distance measuring device and / or a laser distance measuring device. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In particular, in the case of the self-supporting upper run (12), the distance sensor (211) is oriented vertically upwards in order to detect the run drop depth (TD) and is preferably mounted on the support for the lower run adjacent to or away from the fixed point (2) in the direction of the advancement position, according to the method or system of claim 5.

7. The distance sensor (111) is oriented vertically downwards in order to detect the run drop lengths (TH1, TH2) by means of the run drop depth (TD), in particular in the case of the sliding upper run (32), according to the method or system of claim 5.

8. The sensor assembly (310) has a number of sensing components (311A - 311D) along the displacement path in a longitudinally defined portion as the detection area (EB), the sensing components being distributed in the displacement direction (L) in order to detect the run drop lengths (TH1, TH2) and being oriented horizontally with respect to the energy guide chain (30), the sensing components (311A - 311D) being preferably mounted with respect to the guide trough (35) and / or above the lower run (31), in particular at the height of the sliding upper run (32) or above the sliding upper run (32) and in a height region below the upper part of the deflection arc (3), according to the method or system of any one of claims 1 to 4, in particular in the case of the sliding upper run (32), according to claim 4.

9. The sensor assembly (310) comprises a plurality of identically configured sensors or sensing components (311A - 311D), and the evaluator (320) is configured to correspondingly evaluate a plurality of outputs for verifying the detected run drop depth (TD) or the detected run drop lengths (TH1, TH2) when a critical range is reached, according to the method or system of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sensor assembly (110; 210; 310) fully automatically detects the run sag depth or run sag length during an ongoing operation, and the evaluator (120; 220; 320) fully automatically evaluates the corresponding output in an ongoing manner for the purpose of indirect wear detection. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The evaluator (120; 220; 320) has a storage device in which or to which a predetermined limit value for a specific application regarding the criticality of the run sag depth or run sag length is stored. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The evaluator (120; 220; 320) has or is connected to an interface, and the interface is configured for communication with a plurality of different network environments and / or bus systems. The method or system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A configuration for monitoring a line guide device (20) for clean room use, comprising a line guide device for the protected guidance of supply lines such as cables, hoses, etc. between two connection points at least one of which is movable relative to the other, the line guide device having a longitudinal direction (L), being displaceable in the forward and backward directions, and constituting a stationary lower run (11), a displaceable upper run (12) and a deflection arc (3) therebetween, having a flexible envelope, and a plurality of receiving channels being arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction for at least one supply line or support chain and extending in the longitudinal direction, the line guide device being configured or arranged to have a self - supporting upper run. A configuration in which the sensor assembly (220) is provided with at least one sensor or sensing component (221) for detecting the run sag depth of the upper run (12) with respect to the horizontal extended position and generating an output accordingly.

14. The support chain is provided in at least one or particularly at least two receiving channels, the support chain predefines the deflection arc, and is provided to support the self-supporting upper run (12), a configuration for monitoring the line guide device according to claim 13.

15. A configuration having the line guide device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by the characteristic configuration according to any one of claims 3 to 12.

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