Line guide devices for cleanroom applications

Abstract

The present invention relates to a line guide device (1) for a line (10) in cleanroom applications, comprising an elongated, flexible envelope (11) displaceable back and forth between a first connection point (7) and a second connection point (5) movable relative thereto, in particular forming a deflection arc (4) between two runs (2, 3). The envelope (11) has at least one removable and reclosable connection area (14A, 14B) for insertion or removal of the line (10) when the connection area is open. When closed, the envelope encloses an internal space (15) for housing one or more lines in a dust-tight manner. According to the present invention, a functional material (101; 201; 301; 401) is provided in the envelope (11) to reduce the number of free particles in the internal space (15). The functional material may, in particular, retain particles operationally released in the internal space and / or counteract the operational release of particles in the internal space.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a line guide device for cleanroom applications, configured for dynamic and protected guidance of supply lines, such as cables, hoses, etc., in cleanroom applications. The universal line guide device comprises an elongated flexible envelope displaceable back and forth between a first connection point and a second connection point movable relative thereto. The line guide device typically forms two runs interposed with a displaceable deflection arc of a certain minimum radius and can move, for example, in a vertical plane or in a linear shape. [Background technology]

[0002] The equipment used in clean rooms should emit minimal particles into the environment during operation, which is especially relevant for mobile equipment.Regarding line guide devices, US Pat. No. 5,399,433 and, as a further development, US Pat. No. 5,499,433 propose as line guide devices an energy guide chain suitable for clean rooms which minimizes wear-related emissions of particles by the energy guide chain.

[0003] However, as a result of the required back and forth movement, not only the line guide device but also the guided line itself will release particles over the course of the operating period. An improved line guide device in this respect has been proposed by the applicant in patent application WO 2005 / 023966. The line guide device described therein (see Figures 3A-3D and 12-16 of said patent application WO 2005 / 023966) is available from the applicant under the trade name "e-skin".

[0004] This universal line guide device has an envelope consisting of opposing outer shells with two opposing removable and reclosable connection areas for insertion or removal of lines when open. When closed, the envelope encloses an inner interior space which acts to receive one or more lines in a dust-proof manner. Thus, no particles of the particle size that would be of significant impact in cleanroom applications are released during operation. The envelope itself is also optimized for cleanroom use.

[0005] A significant advantage over other previously known solutions is that the line guide device can be opened in sequence as required to newly replace individual lines, i.e. the line guide device does not have to be completely replaced together with all of the lines.

[0006] If such a line guide device or a comparable line guide device is opened for maintenance purposes, for example to replace a faulty line, particles operationally released in the interior space, especially from the line, during the previous operation period may enter the surrounding environment, i.e. the clean room. Such contamination is obviously undesirable, since it requires complex cleaning measures or extends downtime. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] WO 02 / 086349 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 131033 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 042134 Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore a first object of the present invention to propose an improved line guide device with regard to the abovementioned contamination problems. This object is achieved by a line guide device as claimed in claim 1. The dependent claims reveal advantageous further developments.

[0009] In the case of a line guide device according to the preamble of claim 1, the object is achieved by simply providing a functional material within the envelope which serves or is effective in reducing the number of free particles in the internal space.

[0010] The reduction achieved by the present invention is to be understood in a relative sense and relates to comparative measurements carried out in both cases by suction of the inner space after the same operating period in a line guide device according to the present invention and in a line guide device structurally identical thereto and in which the same lines are filled in the inner space but no functional material is present, in which case in particular the number and size of particles per unit of air can be measured according to the standard DIN EN ISO 14644-1.

[0011] The reduction may be realized in particular by two modes of action, i.e. by using a functional material that as if captures or holds the particles operatively released in the interior space, and / or by using a functional material that opposes the operative release of particles by lines that are specifically guided in the interior space. Likewise, the invention encompasses the use of one functional material that realizes both modes of action, or indeed the combination of two materials that each have one of these effects.

[0012] The at least one functional material may in this case in particular be arranged or mounted separately or in addition to the actual envelope and lines housed in the interior space.

[0013] The envelope encloses the interior space of the line guide device in a dust-tight manner both longitudinally and circumferentially between the ends. The dust-tight envelope effectively prevents particles from escaping when closed. In this context, dust-tight does not necessarily mean airtight or sealed in such a way that nothing can penetrate or leak. Rather, dust-tight means technically impervious to the escape of particles of particle sizes that are of major impact in cleanroom applications, for example in the case of conventional solutions, through friction, wear or movement.

[0014] For the purposes of the present invention, there are generally different options for introducing the particle-reducing functional material: for this purpose, inserts, inlays, layers, fillings, padding etc. may be provided in the interior space that comprise or are integral with the particle-reducing functional material.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, a coating of a functional material may also be provided on at least each appropriate portion of the inner wall of the envelope.

[0016] In one embodiment, the functional inlay is provided in the form of a textile structure, in particular a nonwoven fabric, which has an attraction and / or adhesion effect for the particles. In particular, a textile structure with electrostatic action, preferably with polymeric fibers, can be provided as functional material. The charge has an attractive effect on the particles, which in this case can be achieved or maintained by the operational movement of the nonwoven fabric or textile structure relative to the envelope and / or the guided line. Suitable nonwoven fabrics are known, for example, for cleaning purposes. Microfibers of polyethylene and / or polyester can be considered. The textile structure can be provided, for example, with a coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which is permanently tacky and strengthens the adhesion effect, or allows the particles to adhere to the fibers even if the charge decays.

[0017] The functional materials may include, inter alia, pressure sensitive adhesives, for example, from natural or synthetic rubbers or acrylates, or indeed from polyurethanes and silicones. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesives should have permanent surface tack over extended periods of operation (and within the application temperature range).

[0018] In a further embodiment, gel, closed-cell foam and / or pressure-sensitive adhesive can be introduced as functional material into the envelope at least in each location. In this case, the functional material can be introduced in particular as a highly viscous functional filling or functional layer. The filling in this case does not have to completely fill the free internal space (without lines) cross-sectionally and / or longitudinally.

[0019] The corresponding functional materials, in particular gels, foams or pressure-sensitive adhesives, preferably have an adhesive action or permanent tack at least under the intended environmental or operating conditions, in particular at temperatures in the range of 5°C to 60°C, at least 10°C to 50°C.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, a functional layer with a particle-reducing functional material may simply be applied at each location, in particular to the inner wall of the envelope. Preferably, a material separate from the envelope and the line, i.e. not a coating bonded to the envelope interior or line exterior, is used as the functional material.

[0021] As an example of a functional material against the dynamic release of particles in the internal space, in particular by the guided lines, it is additionally or alternatively possible to provide a tribopolymer that reduces the coefficient of friction. In order to keep the construction simple, this can be provided as a functional inlay or slide film, in particular between adjacent lines, for example centrally on the neutral axis or indeed towards the exterior between the lines and the inner wall of the envelope.

[0022] A simple solution from a structural or manufacturing point of view is to place at least one elongated tape-like functional insert or at least one elongated tape-like functional inlay in the internal space. In this case, existing envelopes, for example according to figures 3A-3D or 12-16 of patent document 3, can be used without modification.

[0023] A suitable functional material may be provided in the interior space over at least the majority of the length of the envelope, and this may also be continuous or uninterrupted between the two connection points depending on the arrangement in the storage space, although provision may also be made that the functional material is distributed lengthwise with interruptions at each appropriate location, for example in the case of using a separating web to divide the interior.

[0024] For example, only one functional insert, only one functional inlay, only one functional layer, etc. may be provided with functional material at the neutral axis height in the envelope, or indeed, for example, two functional inserts, functional inlays, etc. are provided within the envelope in such a manner that they are opposed to each other with respect to the neutral axis.

[0025] The functional material preferably forms at least one functional surface facing the internal space and / or the line to be guided and has, for example, a particle-retaining or adhesive and / or friction coefficient reducing mode of action.

[0026] In order to simplify maintenance operations, the functional material is embodied so as to be removable from the inside of the envelope and / or from the guided lines, in particular easily removable by hand or without the use of tools.

[0027] The functional material is preferably provided in a reusable form, for example, a removable insert, inlay, or the like.

[0028] For a reclosable connection or corresponding closure, the connection area preferably comprises two closure strips which are continuous in the longitudinal direction and have interlocking profiles, which interact in the form of a pressure closure, a sliding closure, etc., allowing the opening of the envelope over its entire length, the closure strips being preferably located substantially at the neutral axis height.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the line guide is adapted or retrofitted according to the invention with a functional material, for example in one of the above-mentioned embodiments, according to the principle of figures 3A-3D or 12-16 of WO 2005 / 023363. In this case, the envelope is removably assembled to two opposing shells of plastic material, in particular in each case parts of two shells of different corrugated profiles. Here the shell parts connected together in the length direction delimit a continuous internal space in which the functional material is provided.

[0030] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention can be inferred, without limiting the scope of protection, from the following description of a number of preferred exemplary embodiments based on the attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a line guide device according to a first exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a line guide device according to a second exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] 13 shows a schematic cross-section through a line guide device according to a third exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a line guide device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5A] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view is shown to clarify the arrangement of functional materials relative to the longitudinal direction of the line guide device. [Figure 5B] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view is shown to clarify the arrangement of functional materials relative to the longitudinal direction of the line guide device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] 1-4 and 5A-5B are schematic representations of a line guide device 1 (FIGS. 5A-5B). It is used for the protected guidance of cables, hoses or similar lines, generally designated 10 (see FIGS. 1-4). Between an upper run 2 and a lower run 3, the line guide device 1 variably or dynamically forms a deflection arc 4 of a certain curvature about a deflection axis. In order to prevent line destruction, the deflection arc 4 has in particular a certain minimum radius of curvature, thus ensuring that the radius of curvature is not less than the permissible radius of curvature for the guided line 10. The deflection arc 4 moves over a certain distance with a connection 7 relative to a fixed connection 5, which here is movable, for example linearly, for example in a vertical plane. In the illustrated example, the movable connection 5 is by way of example located on the upper run 2 and the fixed connection 7 on the lower run 3. The upper run 2 is preferably self-supporting, i.e. has a self-supporting length.

[0033] The line guide device 1 comprises an envelope 11, which is embodied in the form of a corrugated hose and has a corrugated profile, which on the one hand gives it flexibility and on the other hand predetermines the radius of the deflection arc 4. The envelope 11 is embodied according to figures 12-16 of patent document 3, i.e. as assembled in two shell parts 12A, 12B that are engaged together.

[0034] Shells 12A, 12B are made of a resilient plastic having long term resistance to bending, and are preferably injection molded from a thermoplastic material.

[0035] The shell has connecting strips 14A, 14B on both sides, arranged opposite each other at the neutral axis 13, for example by means of teeth according to US Pat. No. 5,399,363 (see FIG. 3). The connecting strips 14A, 14B form removable and reclosable connection areas on both sides. In this way, the envelope 11 can be opened laterally over its entire length for the insertion or removal of lines. The connecting strips 14A, 14B act as dust-proof closures.

[0036] When the envelope 11 is closed, it defines or bounds a continuous interior space 15 in a longitudinal and circumferential dust-proof manner. The interior space 15 serves to house the plurality of lines 10. With regard to further structural details of the envelope 11, the teachings of US Pat. No. 6,399,323 (in particular Figures 12-16 thereof) are incorporated herein for the sake of brevity.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1, in order to reduce the number of free particles in the interior space 15, two opposing tape-like functional inlays 100A, 100B are provided in each position, which have as functional surface a thin flexible backing (not shown) with a functional material 101 on the surface facing the inner surface. Here, the functional material 101 may be in the form of, for example, a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc., and has an adhesive effect or tack against particles that are operationally released in the interior space and have a significant impact on the clean room. It should be assumed that the released particles move quasi-randomly in the interior space in response to the displacement of the line guide device 1, so that for a sufficiently long period of time, most of the particles are "captured" by the functional material 101 of the functional inlays 100A, 100B and remain adhered there. This particle will therefore not leak out even if it is opened. The functional inlays 100A, 100B may be provided over most of the length of the line guide device 1, here on the inner wall of the envelope 11, or may be distributed longitudinally over smaller portions, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5A, so as to reduce additional weight and minimize material costs.

[0038] In the variant of Fig. 2, a nonwoven fabric having an electrostatic attraction effect with respect to free dust particles is provided as functional inlay 200. The functional inlay 200 and / or adhesive effect are provided. For example, polyethylene and / or polyester microfibers can be used here as functional material 201 in the nonwoven fabric, preferably with an adhesive coating, for example a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The functional inlay 200 of Fig. 2 can be arranged in the middle, in particular at the neutral axis height 13, and can extend continuously over the entire length of the line guide device 1 or envelope 11, for example according to Fig. 5B. A further advantage of this arrangement is that friction can be prevented between the lines 10 that are not arranged at the neutral axis height 13 (longitudinal planes that do not undergo length correction in the deflection arc 4), as in Fig. 2, and wear is correspondingly further reduced.

[0039] In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, a functional filler 300 consisting of a gel 301 is provided as functional material. A suitable gel 301 is permanently flowable so that the cut for replacing the line is reclosed. Furthermore, the gel 301 can be embodied with a tack or permanent adhesion to hold the particles. The gel can be, for example, in the form of a suitable gel from the product range Relicon® of Hellermann-Tyton GmbH, D-25436 Tornesch, Germany. The lines can also be held at a distance and without friction by the gel 301. Alternatively, closed-cell permanently adhesive foams can also be used for weight reduction. Mixtures with pressure-sensitive adhesives can also be considered to achieve an adhesive action or permanent adhesion.

[0040] In a further embodiment according to FIG. 4, three elongated functional inlays 400A, 400B, 400C are provided as functional material in the form of a sliding film of a tribopolymer 401 which reduces the coefficient of friction. Suitable tribopolymers are available, for example, under the trade name iglidur tribo-tape liner from igus (D-51147 Cologne). According to FIG. 4, two such functional inlays 400A, 400B can be provided in each case between the inner wall 11A of the envelope 11 and the line 10 to be guided. The further functional inlay 400C is provided approximately centrally at the neutral axis 13. The functional inlays 400A, 400B, 400C of the tribopolymer 401 act to address the cause of the operational release of particles in the internal space, i.e. by preventing wear between the lines to a large extent. Thereby, the functional inlays 400A, 400B, 400C are preferably provided continuously in the length direction (see FIG. 5B).

[0041] In the arrangement according to FIG. 4, in addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the functional inlays 400A, 400B, 400C, for example in addition to the intermediate functional inlay 400C, a nonwoven fabric 200 may also be used according to FIG. 2 and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive 101 may be used according to FIG. 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 Line Guide Device 2 Upper Run 3 Lower Run 4 Deflection Arc 5, 7 connection points 10 lines (e.g. power supply cables) 11. Envelope 11A Inner wall 12A, 12B (Envelope) Outer Part 13 Neutral axis 14A, 14B Connection Strips 15. Interior Space 100A, 100B; 200 Functional Inlays 101;201;301;401 Functional materials 300 Functional fillers 400A~400C Functional Inlay

Claims

1. A line guide device (1) for a line (10) in a cleanroom application, comprising: a first connection point (7) and a second connection point (5) movable relative thereto, the first connection point (7) being displaceable back and forth and comprising an elongated flexible envelope (11); said envelope (11) having at least one removable and reclosable connection area (14A, 14B) for the insertion or removal of a line (10) when said connection area is open, said envelope (11) enclosing in a dust-proof manner an internal space (15) for housing one or more lines, said envelope (11) has on its inside a functional material (101; 201; 301; 401) for retaining particles operatively released in said internal space and / or for resisting the operative release of particles in said internal space, said functional material reducing the number of free particles in said internal space (15); A line guide device (1), wherein the functional material is embodied such that it is removable from the interior of the envelope and / or from the line to be guided.

2. 2. The line guide device of claim 1, wherein a functional insert, functional inlay (100A, 100B; 200; 400A-400C), functional layer or functional filler (300) containing or consisting of the functional material is provided in the internal space (15).

3. 2. The line guide device according to claim 1, wherein the coating of functional material is provided at least at each location on the inner wall (11A) of the envelope (11).

4. 3. The line guide device according to claim 2, wherein a textile structure having particle attraction and / or adhesion properties is provided as the functional inlay.

5. 3. The line guide device of claim 2, wherein a gel, closed cell foam and / or pressure sensitive adhesive is incorporated into the envelope at least at each location.

6. The line guide device of claim 5 , wherein the gel, foam or pressure sensitive adhesive has an adhesive or permanent tack.

7. 6. The line guide device of claim 5, wherein a functional layer having a particle reducing functional material is simply applied at each appropriate location.

8. A line guide device as described in claim 2, wherein the functional material is a tribopolymer that reduces the coefficient of friction, and the functional inlay (400A, 400B, 400C) is embodied as a slide film of the tribopolymer.

9. A line guide device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one elongated tape-shaped functional insert or at least one elongated tape-shaped functional inlay is arranged in the internal space (15) as a functional inlay (200; 400A to 400C).

10. 10. The line guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional material (201; 401) is provided in the interior space over at least the majority of the length of the envelope.

11. 11. The line guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the functional material (101) forms at least one functional surface facing the interior space and / or the line to be guided.

12. A line guide device described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the line is a cable or a hose.

13. 13. A line guide device according to claim 1, wherein the connection region comprises two closure strips having interlocking profiles and which are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

14. 14. The line guide device according to claim 13, wherein the envelope (11) has two opposing outer shells (12A, 12B) of plastic material delimiting the continuous interior space (15), the two opposing outer shells (12A, 12B) being removably assembled.

15. A line guide device as described in claim 7, wherein the functional layer having a particle-reducing functional material is applied to an inner wall (11A) of the envelope.

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