Line protection guide suitable for cleanrooms in ESD-protected areas.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a line protection guide (1) for lines (3), such as cables and hoses, particularly for cleanroom applications, which has an elongated, flexible envelope (8) that is displaceable in the forward and backward directions, and the envelope (8) comprises at least one envelope unit (101;301) having at least one tubular receptacle (102) for guiding at least one line (3), each receptacle (102) extending longitudinally (L) in a duct-like manner from a first end to a second end. According to the present invention, the line protection guide (1) is configured to dissipate static charge over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension to enable the use of the line protection guide in an ESD-protected area, and at least one envelope unit (101) comprises a conductive or dissipative material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates, in general terms, to a line guide device for a line, i.e., a supply line such as a cable for signal or power or a pneumatic or hydraulic hose, wherein the line needs to be dynamically guided between connection points of a machine or equipment, and at least one connection point is movable relative to the other.

[0002] The present invention proposes a dynamic line guide device or line protection guide particularly suitable for use in cleanrooms, for example, in the fabrication of semiconductors or flat screens, pharmaceutical equipment, medical devices, etc. In such applications, the emission of particles by the line guide device is particularly undesirable, and this emission must be minimized to the greatest extent possible. [Background technology]

[0003] Energy guide chains are common line guide devices with a link configuration, but they release particles due to wear during operation. Even if the energy guide chain has a low-wear configuration, the guided line itself moves, bends, and rubs against itself in response to displacement during operation, releasing particles. For example, the cable sheath itself also releases particles into the environment in response to displacement. Therefore, it is known to enclose the line in a dust-proof manner.

[0004] The above-described line protection guide, also suitable for cleanroom applications, comprises a long, slender, flexible envelope that is reversible, i.e., displaceable forward and backward, between a first connection point and a second connection point movable thereto, and the envelope can form two runs and a deflection arc between the runs depending on the displacement. In this case, the proposed envelope has a number of tubular receptacles, i.e., at least one envelope unit having at least one receptacle for guiding at least one line, and each receptacle extends longitudinally in a duct-like manner from a first end to a second end of the envelope unit or envelope.

[0005] A typical line protection guide generally has end fastening devices at at least one or both ends for connecting the end of the line protection guide to a connection point. The end fastening devices may optionally also be used to seal the end of the envelope to prevent particle dispersion.

[0006] The line protection guide can be fixed or attached to the connection point at its end by two of the end fastening devices.

[0007] Longitudinal extension, in this context, generally refers to the longitudinal extension of the guided line with respect to the longitudinal direction of the line protection guide.

[0008] The above type of line protection guide is proposed by the applicant, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0009] The well-known envelopes of the above-mentioned line protection guides are generally made of insulating plastic material.

[0010] It is currently known that electrostatic charging of envelopes can occur during operation, for example, due to the movement of runs relative to each other. The problem is amplified in relation to line protection guides with two or more layers of envelopes arranged vertically to each other, where electrostatic charging can occur between layers or plies. The resulting voltage field due to a large potential difference can lead to a rapid discharge of the accumulated charge, which can cause harmful high-current sparks or discharge arcs. This is particularly undesirable in sensitive areas, i.e., areas where static electricity poses a risk (ESD protection areas), and must be avoided at all costs. This applies to many cleanroom applications, such as semiconductor fabrication or flat screen manufacturing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 148596 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0012] In light of this background and the technical problems described above, the first objective of the present invention is to propose a line protection guide that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages to at least some extent.

[0013] The present invention is based on a line protection guide having features relating to the preamble of claim 1, as known, for example, in International Publication No. 2020 / 148596.

[0014] According to the present invention, with respect to the above-mentioned type of line protection guide, it is proposed that at least one envelope unit comprises a conductive or dissipative material, in particular being made of a conductive or dissipative material to at least some extent or actually entirely, thereby enabling the use of the line protection guide in an ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection area, the line protection guide is configured to dissipate static charge over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension, in particular over its entire length.

[0015] In particular, the line protection guide may thereby comply with the requirements of standard DIN EN61340-5-1 (2017-07). The conductive or dissipative material of at least one envelope unit is, in this case in particular, 1 × 10 3 ~1 × 10 9 The material may have a surface resistance of Ω, particularly at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. The conductive or dissipative material is preferably 1 × 10⁻⁶. 3 ~1 × 10 6 Ω, particularly preferably 1 × 10⁻⁶ 4 ~1 × 10 6 It may have a surface resistance of Ω. The above values ​​for surface resistance are specified in particular in DIN EN61340-5-1 (2017-07), especially in Chapter 5.2.2.

[0016] According to the present invention, the above problems can be achieved simply by adding at least one conductive reinforcing additive to a plastic material commonly used to manufacture envelopes or envelope units, such as TPE. The additive may be selected such that the resulting plastic material of the envelope or envelope unit has a sufficient level of required properties, in particular being elastic or flexible against sustained bending fatigue stress and having a sufficiently low-wear configuration for cleanroom applications.

[0017] The line protection guide according to the present invention will not accumulate harmful static charge when, when positioned for its intended operation, it is grounded or electrically connected to a potential that acts as a reference potential (PE) for grounding purposes. Grounding can be performed, in particular, by at least one of the connection points, for example, by an end fastening device provided to connect the line protection guide to a movable machine part or a fixed point. This allows for the dissipation of critical static charge that may occur through the movement of the line protection guide. This may be sufficient to ensure that further shielding is not required for ESD-sensitive components on the machine or equipment supplied by the line protection guide.

[0018] A line protection guide typically has at least one end fastening device for connecting the end of the line protection guide to a connection point. This at least one end fastening device may also be made of a conductive or dissipative material, which may be different from or actually identical to the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit.

[0019] A conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device is in electrical contact with the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit, preferably in direct physical or mechanical contact, so that static charge can be conducted from the surface of the envelope to the end fastening device. The end fastening device may be connected in the same way as a reference potential for grounding, particularly at the stationary connection point.

[0020] The end fastening device preferably also acts to prevent or can be used to prevent particles from scattering by closing the end of the envelope.

[0021] The conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device is preferably plastic-based or consists, for the most part, of a plastic material modified by the addition of other substances, for example, to adjust its conductivity.

[0022] The conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material that is part of the end fastening device may include elastomers, particularly thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), as the plastic material.

[0023] At least one envelope unit of the line protection guide, particularly each envelope unit, may comprise a conductive or dissipative material over its entire longitudinal extension, i.e., from one end to the other end. In this regard, the envelope unit may consist, particularly over its entire longitudinal extension, of a material composition that is uniform and preferably mainly composed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0024] The envelope unit may consist of a first conductive or dissipative material. At least one component of the end fastening device may consist of a second different conductive or dissipative material. The term "material" is understood in this case to be synonymous, particularly but not necessarily, with the term "material composition", particularly a plastic composition having additives.

[0025] The conductive or dissipative material (first material) of the envelope unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material (second material) that is part of the end fastening device may be a plastic material having at least one additive to increase conductivity. Possible additives include metal particles or carbon particles, fibers, etc. In particular, carbon black according to CAS No. 1333-86-4 is a possible additive. This is a sooty material intentionally manufactured as an industrial primary material. Depending on its purpose, carbon black is a carbon modification with a high surface-to-volume ratio and is mainly used as a filter and black pigment. On the other hand, it also reliably increases conductivity. A suitable carbon black consists of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, of carbon.

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

[0027] When all additives are included, the plastic material of the envelope unit preferably has a Shore hardness in the range of 20 Shore A to 65 Shore D, particularly in the range of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A. In contrast, the plastic material used in the end fastening device has a higher hardness than that of the envelope unit.

[0028] At least one or each envelope unit may, in particular, be composed of a single unit. The envelope unit may, in this regard, form two or more tubular receptacles or, in practice, one tubular receptacle.

[0029] The envelope unit can be manufactured, in particular, by extrusion technology from a plastic composition that is preferably sufficiently dissipative / conductive for ESD protection in any case.

[0030] An envelope may comprise one or more envelope units arranged adjacent to each other or above and below each other in a plane. Multiple envelope units may share the same end fastening device or be fixed together by the same end fastening device.

[0031] At least one envelope unit may be closed circumferentially, i.e., around an axis extending longitudinally. At least one envelope unit may be closed circumferentially such that the guided line can be removed or introduced only in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] On the other hand, at least one envelope unit may preferably be opened and closed, and in particular, it may be closed circumferentially using a closing bar or closing profile after the lateral introduction of the guided line. The closing may be re-openable and re-closed.

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

[0034] At least one envelope unit may, in particular, have two occlusion profiles integrated with the envelope unit, which interact in particular to form an occlusion body for occluding at least one receptacle.

[0035] The occlusion body may be occluded in particular by form lock and / or force lock. Additives added to increase conductivity can, optionally here, advantageously improve the mechanical properties of the occlusion body, particularly by slightly increased stiffness.

[0036] An envelope unit may have multiple receptacles, and at least some of the receptacles, preferably each receptacle, may have its own designated occlusion. Each receptacle may have its own occlusion profile, and these occlusion profiles interact with each other to occlude the receptacle. Thus, different receptacles of the envelope unit can be filled independently of each other. Therefore, each receptacle can be selectively and individually opened for lateral access and then re-occluded.

[0037] The closed profile preferably has the same cross-section throughout its entire length. Therefore, the closed profile can be manufactured, for example, as an extruded profile.

[0038] In particularly advantageous embodiments, the connected closure profiles may comprise hook and claw profiles that preferably interact with each other in a return function. The closure profiles may be provided laterally between envelope units in the direction of the deflection axis, or alternatively, on the envelope units radially inward or outward with respect to the deflection axis.

[0039] In further embodiments, at least one envelope unit may have two side-facing fastening strips or fastening profiles integrated with the envelope unit, thereby enabling the envelope unit to connect to further envelope units. The fastening strips or fastening profiles can connect two or more envelope units that are laterally adjacent to each other in a plane. For direct interaction, the fastening strips may be configured to coincide with each other and connect, for example, conjugately or in a form-lock manner. The fastening strips may interact with separate fastening bars used to fasten the envelope units together.

[0040] In one preferred embodiment, at least one or each receptacle may have a rounded oval or elliptical cross-section, particularly a pointed elliptical cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction), thereby reducing deformation of the deflection arc.

[0041] If one or all of the receptacles of the envelope unit have an elliptical cross-section, the fastening strip is preferably positioned on the narrow side of the receptacle.

[0042] In one embodiment, in particular, a support chain among the individual chain links is provided within one receptacle of at least one envelope unit to support the envelope during displacement, and this support chain is configured to predetermine the deflection radius of the deflection arc and / or self-supporting run at the extended position.

[0043] The two support chains are preferably arranged, for example, in at least one layer or ply of the lateral outer receptacle. Thus, the line protection guide preferably comprises two support chains, one each particularly within the respective lateral receptacle of the envelope. The support chains may reduce or prevent the deflection of the envelope, which is particularly advantageous in the case of two or more layers of envelope units, which may be arranged vertically relative to each other. This can contribute to minimizing friction between layers and reducing electrostatic charge of the envelope.

[0044] In one embodiment, the end fastening device may have a plurality of strain relief elements, each having a clamping surface for one or more lines, and at least one of the plurality of strain relief elements is made of a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating static charge. The strain relief elements are measured in particular according to DIN EN61340-5-1 (2017-07) with a strength of 1 × 10⁻⁶ 9 It may have a volumetric low efficiency of Ω × cm or less. Therefore, in this embodiment, the strain reduction element is part of an end fastening device comprising a conductive or dissipative material, particularly a second conductive or dissipative material.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, each end-fastening device may have a plurality of retaining elements for a single support chain, at least one of the plurality of retaining elements comprising a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating static charge. This may be a third conductive or dissipative material different from the first and / or second material. The retaining elements may be configured to hold the chain links of the support chain, particularly the end chain links, against longitudinal displacement relative to the end-fastening device, and for this purpose, they may have retaining recesses for receiving locking projections of the chain links of the support chain, particularly the end links, that project transversely across the longitudinal direction.

[0046] The conductive or dissipative material of the strain-reducing element may differ from the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit and / or the conductive or dissipative material of the retaining element. Therefore, the line protection guide as a whole may comprise several different conductive or dissipative materials. At least one envelope unit may comprise a first conductive or dissipative material. At least one strain-reducing element of the end fastening device may comprise a second conductive or dissipative material. At least one retaining element of the end fastening device may comprise a third conductive or dissipative material. The first, second, and / or third materials may differ, for example, in Shore hardness, bending stiffness, or elastic modulus. The material of the envelope unit may be more flexible or more flexibly elastic than, for example, the material of the strain-reducing element and especially the retaining element.

[0047] The first, second, and / or third conductive or dissipative materials interact in this particular way to form suitable conduction paths for dissipating electrostatic charge and reference potential. In one embodiment, at least two of the three materials used may be identical or substantially identical in terms of composition.

[0048] The end fastening device preferably comprises at least two clamping plates, particularly at least two flat clamping plates, having a main surface for exerting a clamping force. The clamping force may be generated by clamping means such as clamping screws, clamping clips, or quick-release clamping devices. In one embodiment, each of the clamping plates is made of a conductive material, preferably a metal, particularly preferably aluminum. The end fastening device, particularly the clamping plates, may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to a reference potential (optionally via strain-reducing elements and / or retaining elements, etc.) to ensure grounding, i.e., the dissipation of static charge from the envelope to ground. By appropriate fastening, e.g., screwing, the clamping plates may exert a clamping force on the envelope unit, strain-reducing elements and / or retaining elements, particularly to ensure direct physical or mechanical contact for electrical contact.

[0049] A number of strain-reducing elements are preferably arranged between the opposing main surfaces of the clamp plates to transmit clamping force from the clamp plates to at least one line, and the number of strain-reducing elements and / or retaining elements preferably interact irrevocably by form-lock connections with at least one of the clamp plates. This eliminates means of generating clamping force, such as clamp screws, clamp clips, or quick-release clamping means, and allows for rapid assembly of end fastening devices, strain-reducing elements, or retaining elements connected to one of the clamp plates.

[0050] In one embodiment particularly advantageous for cleanrooms, the end-fastening device may be configured to occlude the end of the envelope to prevent particle dispersion, i.e., to technically minimize such dispersion. For example, the end-fastening device may, for instance, press the envelope against the line to be conducted, thereby occluding at least a portion of the receptacle of the envelope unit at its end in the longitudinal direction, preventing particle dispersion from this receptacle. In this embodiment, particles are dispersed minimally or not at all, even at the end of the end face of the envelope.

[0051] In one advantageous embodiment, the line protection guide each has end fastening devices at both ends relative to the envelope. At least one end fastening device is preferably connected to a reference potential for grounding, and both end fastening devices are preferably electrically grounded so that the shortest possible dissipation path is achieved over approximately half the length of the envelope unit. The two end fastening devices are preferably of a similar structure having particularly dissipative strain-reducing and / or retaining elements as described above.

[0052] In a further independent aspect, the present invention also relates to an envelope unit for a line protection guide according to independent claim 16.

[0053] The proposed envelope unit is particularly suitable for a line protection guide according to one of the embodiments described above. The proposed envelope unit has at least one tubular receptacle for guiding at least one line, the receptacle extending longitudinally in a duct-like manner from a first end to a second end.

[0054] According to the present invention, the envelope unit is configured to dissipate static charge and comprises a conductive or dissipative material. This enables the use of line protection guides, in particular, in ESD-protected areas.

[0055] The conductive or dissipative material may be, for example, a plastic modified with salts to increase its conductivity.

[0056] In this case, the envelope unit may be advantageously configured to have one or more of the above-described features that further unfold the envelope unit itself. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0057] [Figure 1A]This is a perspective view of a line protection guide with two envelopes for cleanroom applications, in a perspective view in a merely exemplary operating position with an extended self-supporting upper run, an extended stationary lower run, and a deflection arc between them. [Figure 1B] This is an example of an envelope unit having a receptacle that is closed in the circumferential direction in a cross section that spans the longitudinal direction. [Figure 1C] This is a perspective view of a fragment of an envelope unit having a circumferentially closed receptacle. [Figure 1D] This is a fragment of the support chain in the longitudinal section. [Figure 2A] An example of an end fastening device for a line protection guide shown in Figure 1A is shown in a side view. [Figure 2B] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an example of an end fastening device for a line protection guide. [Figure 2C] An example of an end member of a support chain is shown in a plan view. [Figure 2D] An example of a retaining element for an end fastening device attached to the end member of a support chain is shown in a perspective view. [Figure 3A] A front view of a further example of an envelope unit having multiple receptacles that can be individually closed and opened is shown. [Figure 3B] An example of the same thing with a line inserted is shown. [Figure 3C] A magnified view of a suitable related closure profile is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0058] Further details and advantageous effects of the present invention can be inferred from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying drawings, without limiting the above-described schematic nature.

[0059] Figure 1A shows an exemplary line protection guide 1 that guides a supply line 3 between a stationary connection point 2 on a base and a movable connection point 4 on a moving end. The moving end, though not shown in more detail, is typically displaceable linearly forward and backward in the longitudinal direction L. The supply line 3 is a cable, hose, etc., that supplies, for example, power, signals, and / or working media to moving parts of a machine. The line protection guide 1 is particularly suitable for and targeted at clean rooms or other areas of application where particle emissions must be reduced or prevented. For this purpose, the line protection guide 1 has a flexible envelope 8 extending in the longitudinal direction L, which comprises, in the illustrated example, two envelope units 101 positioned vertically relative to each other that enclose the supply line 3 in a dustproof manner along their entire length between connection points 2 and 4. The ends of each envelope unit 101 and the ends of the line 3 are fastened at the ends to connection points 2 and 4, for example, using end fastening devices 111 or end connectors. Here, the line protection guide 1 and connection points 2 and 4 are grounded, for example, by an end fastening device 111, or electrically connected and grounded. This serves to discharge any static charge that may result from the movement of the line protection guide 1, particularly the two-layer envelope 8. This prevents undesirable sudden discharges and sparks, especially in the ESD protection area. The main factors contributing to the ESD suitability of the line protection guide are the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope 8 and the selection of components of the end fastening device 111, as will be further explained below.

[0060] Figure 1A shows a bird's-eye view of the line protection guide 1, where the envelope 8 comprises a self-supporting extended upper run 5, a optionally positioned lower run 6 located on the bearing surface, and a deflection arc 7. The deflection arc 7 has a predetermined bending radius or deflection radius centered on a conceptual deflection axis U that extends in a transverse direction Q perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H. During operation, as the upper run 5 moves forward or backward in the longitudinal direction L together with the movable connection point 4, the deflection arc 7 moves forward and backward relative to the stationary connection point 2.

[0061] Figure 1B shows, by way of example only, a possible internal subdivision for one of the two envelope units 101 in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The integral envelope unit 101 constitutes a plurality of ducts as receptacles 102. In Figure 1B, the envelope unit 101 has, by way of example, five duct-shaped or tubular receptacles 102 for one or more supply lines 3 or bundles of lines and two support chains 9 within the outer receptacle, and the support chains 9 predetermine the radius of the deflection arc 7 and support the self-supporting length of the preceding upper run 5. Figure 1C shows a further example of an envelope unit having three receptacles 102. Figure 1D shows, by way of example, a fragment of the support chain 9 composed of individual chain links inserted into one another. Each adjacent chain link is pivotally connected to one another, and the possible pivot angle is defined by the limit stops of the chain links. In this way, it is not possible to have a radius of deflection below a predetermined value, and the lines are protected from excessive bending or twisting.

[0062] The envelope unit 101 has fastening strips 122A, 122B along each of its long narrow faces, and the two fastening strips 122A, 122B are complementary to each other and can be connected to each other in a joining direction corresponding to the transverse direction Q. Thereby, the envelope unit 101 can be connected to a further envelope unit or the same envelope unit having matching fastening strips. In this way, the envelope 8 can be added in the transverse direction Q.

[0063] The envelope 8 or the envelope unit 101 is made of a flexible and bendable plastic material, particularly an elastomer, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, and contains additives for increasing its conductivity. The material of the envelope is selected to be suitable for dissipation and to meet the requirements of the standard DIN EN61340-5-1 (2017-07) for ESD protection areas, and under the operating conditions of the relevant purpose, 1×10 4 ~1×10 6It has a surface resistivity of Ω. In one exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by the material comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) containing dispersed carbon black particles, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer.

[0064] In other exemplary embodiments, the material is TPE containing dispersed aluminum particles.

[0065] In other exemplary embodiments, the material is a TPE modified with salts (dopants / doping agents for polymers, particularly elastomers) to increase conductivity, or is suitable for such modification. These salts are considered particularly well-suited for cleanrooms because they can be selectively tuned to have lower abrasion than carbon black-modified particulate materials. Examples of suitable salts include lithium salts, e.g., lithium perchlorate, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, and lithium hexafluoride phosphate; tetraalkylammonium salts, e.g., tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethylammonium chloride; tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and its derivatives, or in practice, organic salts such as sodium chloride, sodium iodide, and potassium iodide. In other exemplary embodiments, the plastic material may be a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or an elastoplastic modified with carbon nanofibers or carbon nanoparticles to establish desired conductivity.

[0066] For example, it is also possible to use a TPE as a material that includes a combination of different conductivity-enhancing additives having two of the above additives, for example, carbon black particles, aluminum particles, and / or one of the above dopants or salts.

[0067] The envelope unit 101 has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, which is constant throughout. The envelope unit 101 is manufactured inexpensively as a strand product using appropriate plastic extrusion technology and can be cut to appropriate lengths, for example, about 100 mm to about 1500 mm. All receptacles 102 within the envelope unit 101 are spatially separated from each other, closed in the circumferential direction, and adjacent to each other in the transverse direction Q. The envelope unit 101 surrounds the line 3 or support chain 9 over its longitudinal extension in a dustproof manner, and thus prevents the scattering of particles, for example, through wear or abrasion.

[0068] Figures 3A-3C show further particularly preferred examples of the envelope unit 301. Here again, the envelope unit 301 is made from a flexible, bendable plastic material, preferably extruded, and has a plurality of receptacles 102 for line 3 in the closed state, for example, three (Figure 3B). The envelope unit 301 has its own closing body for each receptacle 102, here in particular, in the form of a strip-shaped closing bar having two closing profiles 311 or a conjugately connected engaging profile, i.e., a hook profile 311A ​​that can engage with a claw profile 311B. Both the hook profile 311A ​​and the claw profile 311B are provided with at least one undercut, preferably two symmetrical undercuts, and the hook profile 311A ​​and the claw profile 311B engage with each other by a return function, i.e., they are relatively easy to close or connect but require a greater force to release.

[0069] In other embodiments not shown, some receptacles 102 of the envelope unit are manufactured to be closed in the circumferential direction, for example, the receptacle to the support chain and other receptacles 102 of the envelope unit are provided with closing profiles 311 for opening and closing.

[0070] Furthermore, the envelope unit 301 similarly has fastening strips (or fastening profiles) 122A, 122B on both opposing narrow faces for modular fastening in a single layer of multiple envelope units 301 having correspondingly identical or complementary fastening profiles. The fastening strips or profiles 122A, 122B are similarly configured here as claw profiles 311B or hook profiles 311A ​​having the same or identical structure as the closing profile 311.

[0071] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of an enlarged cross-section of a hook profile 311A ​​or a claw profile 311B, which have the same structure as the closing profile 311 and fastening profiles 122A and 122. The hook profile 311A ​​and claw profile 311B have a constant cross-section throughout the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of Figure 3C) and are configured as flexible bars or strips that can bend in a deflection arc 7 (Figure 1A) about axis U. Other structural shapes of the hook profile 311A ​​or claw profile 311B, particularly those known as toothless zippers made of plastic materials, especially Ziploc® or sliding closures, are also possible options.

[0072] Figures 2A-2B show particularly preferred examples of end fastening devices 211. End fastening devices 211 can be used at both ends of line protection guide 1. It has a number of clamp plates 210 of the same structure, which are manufactured as substantially flat rectangular plates of metal, for example, extruded aluminum profiles, as shown in Figures 2A-2D. The clamp plates 210 have main surfaces 222 formed on each main side to exert clamping force, and their main directions, corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the clamp plate 210 or the transverse direction Q of the line protection guide, are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the envelope 8 (see Figure 1A). All clamp plates 210 are of a similar structure and have two long narrow sides 223 and two short narrow sides, the narrow sides 223 extending in the transverse direction Q, through which the line 3 is conducted.

[0073] The end fastening device 211 in Figures 2A-2B is a multilayer structure of multiple envelope units 101, 201 that are arranged vertically, with each layer comprising numerous modular strain relief elements 230 of different designs. In each of the four exemplary layers shown here, identical strain relief elements 230 are arranged in pairs, facing each other, between two clamp plates 210. The strain relief elements 230 have a block-like configuration, and in this example, have grooves on one main side surface that open to both sides in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, two related strain relief elements 230, in an operational arrangement facing each other with respect to the height direction H (Figure 2B), together with the envelope unit 101, form a substantially cylindrical recess having clamp surfaces 232 for force-locking one or more lines 3 (see Figure 1B) in each duct-like receptacle 102. The distortion reduction element 230 is modular and configured for interconnected opposing arrangements between the opposing main surfaces 222 of the clamp plate 210. When positioned for the intended operation, it presses the line 3 at the end of the envelope 8, preventing particles from scattering from the envelope 8 within the area of ​​the end fastening device in the longitudinal direction L. This also makes the line protection guide 1 suitable for use in a cleanroom.

[0074] Therefore, the strain-reducing element 230 is pressed against the dissipative material of the envelope 8 or envelope units 101, 301 by the clamp plate 210 and is also in electrical contact with the dissipative material of the envelope units 101, 301 and the conductive material of each clamp plate 210, i.e., the metal of the clamp plate 210. Each end fastening device 111, 211 is electrically grounded, for example, by grounding the clamp plate (see Figure 1A). The strain-reducing element 230 is injection molded from a conductive or dissipative thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that is adjusted to the specified conductivity for conductive or dissipative material for ESD protection areas according to DIN EN61340-5-1 (2017-07) by the addition of carbon particles, e.g., carbon nanoparticles, carbon fibers, silicon powder or aluminum powder or fibers. The resistivity of the material is 1 × 10⁻⁶. 4 ~1 × 10 6 The coefficient is Ω × m. The contact resistance of the distortion reduction element 230 is preferably 1 × 10⁻⁶. 6 It is less than Ω. The material of the strain reduction element 230 is different from the material of the envelope unit due to its higher bending stiffness. The static charge generated by the movement of the envelope 8 is transmitted to the ground point by the dissipative material of the envelope units 101 and 301 via the strain reduction element 230 and the metal clamp plate 210. The electrical resistance of the line protection guide relative to the ground point is 1 × 10⁻¹⁰. 9 It is less than or equal to Ω.

[0075] As shown in Figures 2C to 2D, each end chain link of the support chain 9, i.e., the end link 29, is provided with two locking projections 270 facing away from each other, and both project laterally from one of the outer surfaces of the end link 29 in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse direction Q. To lock each support chain 9 in the longitudinal direction L, the clamp plate 210 is provided with a pair of opposing chain link holding elements 233 of the same structure on the two end fastening devices 111;211 (see Figure 1A or Figure 2B).

[0076] The chain link retaining elements 233 are shown in detail in Figure 2D and each has two lateral and transversely opposed retaining recesses 234, each in the form of a semi-cylindrical groove for receiving approximately half of one cross-section of the locking projection 270 in a form lock. Thus, two chain link retaining elements 233 of the same form can each be used in pairs for end fastening of the support chain 9 in two end fastening devices, with the assistance of the end links 29 of the support chain 9. The two lateral locking projections 270 on each end link 29 each engage with the corresponding retaining recesses 234 on the associated chain link retaining element 233 for locking, thereby locking the support chain 9 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0077] Each retaining element 233 may similarly consist of a conductive or dissipative thermoplastic modified with a conductive additive. The material of the retaining elements differs from the material of the envelope units 101;301 and the material of the strain-reducing elements 230 by having higher bending stiffness and higher Shore hardness.

[0078] Each retaining element 233 has a connection region 236 on the side furthest from the retaining recess 234. Each strain-reducing element 230 has a similar connection region (not shown) on the side furthest from the clamping surface 232. The connection regions 236 interact with the narrow side of the clamping plate 210 by form-fit or force-fit connections, for example, by engaging with a T-groove on the narrow side of the clamping plate 210. In this way, even after the clamping screws 221 are removed, the strain-reducing elements 230 and retaining elements 233 remain connected to one side of the clamping plate 210 to prevent the end fastening device from falling off. This simplifies assembly. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1. Line Protection Guide 2, 4 connection points 3 lines or supply lines 5;6 Run (Upper run, Lower run) 7 Deflection Arc 8. Envelope 9. Support chain 29 End links of the support chain 101;301 Envelope Unit 102 Receptacle of the envelope unit 111;211 End fastening devices 122A, 122B fastening strips 210 Clamp Plate 221 Clamp Screw 222 Main surface of clamp plate 223 Long narrow side of clamp plate 230 Distortion Reduction Elements 232 Clamping surface of distortion reduction element 233 Retaining elements for support chains 234 Retaining recess in retaining element 236 Connection area of ​​retaining element 270 Locking projection of end link 311 Closed profile 311A Hook Profile 311B Claw profile L Longitudinal direction Q: Transverse direction H (height direction)

Claims

1. A line protection guide (1) for lines (3), such as cables, hoses, etc., particularly for cleanroom applications, having an elongated flexible envelope (8) that is displaceable before and after forming a deflection arc (7) between two runs (5, 6), the envelope (8) comprising at least one envelope unit (101; 301) having at least one tubular receptacle (102) for guiding at least one line (3), each of the receptacles (102) extending longitudinally (L) in a duct-like manner from a first end to a second end, the line protection guide having at least one end fastening device (111; 211) for connecting the ends of the line protection guide to connection points (2, 4), The line protection guide (1) is configured to dissipate static charge over at least a portion of its longitudinal extension so as to enable the use of the line protection guide in an ESD protection area, and the at least one envelope unit (101) comprises a conductive or dissipative material. The end fastening devices (111; 211) are electrically in contact with, in particular directly in contact with, the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit, and comprise a conductive or dissipative material which may differ therefrom, as a line protection guide.

2. The line protection guide according to claim 1, wherein the at least one end fastening device (111; 211) is designed to close the end of the envelope (8) to prevent particles from scattering.

3. The line protection guide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit (101; 301) and / or the conductive or dissipative material of the end fastening device (111; 211) is plastic.

4. The conductive or dissipative material, in particular the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit (101; 301), includes an elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. The line protection guide according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the at least one envelope unit (101) preferably comprises a conductive or dissipative material from one end to the other along its entire longitudinal length, and the at least one envelope unit (101) is particularly constant along its entire longitudinal length and preferably comprises a material composition mainly consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic material having additives for increasing conductivity.

6. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic material modified with salts to increase conductivity.

7. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the plastic material of the envelope unit preferably has a Shore hardness in the range of 20 Shore A to 65 Shore D, and more particularly in the range of 50 Shore A to 100 Shore A.

8. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one envelope unit (101; 301) is integrally formed and in particular forms a plurality of tubular receptacles (102).

9. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one envelope unit (101) is closed in the circumferential direction.

10. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one envelope unit (301) has two closure profiles (311) integral with the envelope unit (301), the closure profiles interact with each other to be particularly connected as a closure body for closing at least one receptacle (102), and the closure profiles (311) preferably have the same cross-section throughout the longitudinal direction (L).

11. The line protection guide according to claim 10, wherein the connected closure members (311) include hook members (311A) and claw members (311B) that interact in particular with a return function.

12. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one envelope unit (101; 301) has two opposing fastening strips or fastening profiles (122A, 122B) on both sides that are integral with the envelope unit (101; 301), thereby enabling the envelope unit (101; 301) to be connected to a further envelope unit (101; 301).

13. A line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one receptacle (102) of the at least one envelope unit (101; 301) is provided with a support chain (9) that supports the envelope (8) when it is displaced.

14. Each of the end fastening devices (111; 211) has a plurality of strain relief elements (230) having clamping surfaces (232) for one or more lines (3), and at least one of the plurality of strain relief elements (230) is made of a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating static charge, and / or Each of the end fastening devices (111; 211) has a plurality of retaining elements (233) for at least one support chain (9), and at least one of the plurality of retaining elements (233) is made of a conductive or dissipative material for dissipating static charge. The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the conductive or dissipative material of the strain-reducing element (230) is different in particular from the conductive or dissipative material of the envelope unit (101; 301) and / or the conductive or dissipative material of the holding element (233).

15. The line protection guide according to claim 14, wherein the end fastening device (111; 211) comprises at least two clamp plates (210), particularly at least two flat clamp plates (210), each having a main surface (222) for exerting a clamping force, wherein each clamp plate (210) is preferably made of a conductive material, preferably a metal, particularly preferably aluminum, the plurality of strain-reducing elements (230) are arranged between the mutually opposing main surfaces of the clamp plates (210) to transmit the clamping force from the clamp plates (210) to the at least one line (3), and the plurality of strain-reducing elements (230) and / or the plurality of retaining elements (233) preferably interact irrevocably by form-lock connections with at least one of the clamp plates (210).

16. Each of the line protection guides has end fastening devices (111; 211) at both ends for the envelope (8), and at least one end fastening device (111; 211) is connected to a reference potential for grounding, and / or The line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the above or each end fastening device (111; 211) is configured to close the end of the envelope (8) to prevent scattering of particles.

17. An envelope unit (101; 301) for a line protection guide according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the envelope unit (101; 301) has at least one tubular receptacle (102) for guiding at least one line (3), the receptacle (102) extends longitudinally (L) in a duct-like manner from a first end to a second end, The envelope unit (101; 301) is configured to dissipate static charge and comprises a conductive or dissipative material to enable use in an ESD-protected area, wherein the conductive or dissipative material is a plastic material modified with salts to increase conductivity.

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

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