Line guide with support chain for clean room applications and support chain therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a line guide arrangement (1), in particular for clean room applications, which is movable forming two runs (8, 9) and a deflection arc (6). The line guide arrangement (1) comprises a flexible enclosure (10; 20; 30) having a plurality of receiving passages (24; 34) arranged parallel to one another for supply lines (22; 32), and at least one support chain (16; 26; 36) cooperating with the enclosure (10; 20; 30) to support at least one associated receiving passage (24; 34) in an extended position. According to the invention, the support chain (16; 26; 36) forms a support surface (13; 23; 33; 43), the width of which is greater than the corresponding dimension of the free cross section of the associated receiving passage (24; 34). The invention also relates to a support chain which itself forms a support surface (13; 23; 33; 43), the width of which is at least three times the distance from the opposite face of the support chain (16; 26; 36) to said support surface (13; 23; 33; 43).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a line guide arrangement, particularly for clean room applications, for the protected dynamic or active guidance of supply lines such as cables, hoses, etc. between two connection locations that are movable relative to one another. The line guide arrangement is reciprocally displaceable by forming two runs and a turning arc between the runs. The line guide arrangement is arranged in the runs in a generally straight position relative to its longitudinal direction and in the turning arc in a curved turning position. The turning arc is curved in a generally U-shaped configuration about a turning axis that typically extends transversely to the longitudinal direction L, the turning axis extending parallel to the width of the line guide arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] Known line guide configurations of this type include a flexible enclosure for enclosing the supply lines, with a plurality of juxtaposed receiving passages for at least one each supply line, the receiving passages extending in the longitudinal direction. For stability of the unsupported runs, i.e., for longer self-supporting lengths, at least one support chain extending in the longitudinal direction L is provided, which can be manufactured in particular from individual chain links and cooperates with the enclosure to support at least one, and in most cases several, associated receiving passages, especially in the linear position of the self-supporting runs.

[0003] Such a line guide arrangement is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,629,999, which has two support chains parallel to and external to the enclosure. Each of the support chains according to US Pat. No. 5,629,999 is received in a respective outer receiving passage at one of the two narrow sides of the enclosure. The number of receiving passages available between the support chains for the supply lines is limited in this case, since excessive deflection of the central part (relative to the width) of the enclosure should or must be prevented.

[0004] Since the option of widthwise expansion is not readily available here, a multi-layer construction, often three or more layers, is unavoidable, which is detrimental to avoiding unwanted wear particles between the individual layers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012100359 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a line guide configuration, in particular for clean room applications, which guides a plurality of supply lines and which is relatively easy to implement, in particular scalable in the width direction or with a small number of layers.

[0007] In the line guide arrangement according to the classification part of claim 1, the above object is already achieved in that the proposed support chain forms a support surface, the width of which is greater than the corresponding dimension of the free cross section of the associated receiving passage.

[0008] In that configuration, the support chain may extend above and / or below the associated receiving passage of the enclosure, relative to a height direction H that extends transversely to the longitudinal direction L. The support chain may, for example, be arranged in particular on a central longitudinal cross section of the receiving passage to be supported, i.e., such that the longitudinal cross section passes through the support chain.

[0009] The dimension of the support chain in the width direction W, i.e. the direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L and parallel to the deflection axis A (referred to in this case as the width of the support chain), is in this case greater than the corresponding dimension of the associated receiving passage, i.e. its width considered in the same direction. The support chain can therefore support at least one associated receiving passage, but in particular at least two or more receiving passages, to prevent sagging in a straight position.

[0010] In other words, the proposed support chain is at least wider in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L than the associated receiving passage for the supply line that it is intended to support during operation. Thus, according to the invention, the support chain has significantly larger dimensions in the width direction W than current ones.

[0011] Thus, depending on the respective width selected, the support chain can form a stable support (also indirectly by means of further intermediate layers such as enclosures) for a number of receiving passages or supply lines.

[0012] Independently of the above, the present invention also relates to a support chain according to claim 2.

[0013] The support chain is displaceable in a reciprocating direction by forming two runs and a turning arc between the runs, within which it extends in a position that is approximately straight with respect to its longitudinal direction L, which is optionally pre-oriented, and within the turning arc it extends in an arc configuration centered on the turning position or turning axis.

[0014] For that purpose, in the form of a link chain, the support chain comprises similar chain links, or in the form of, for example, a belt chain, comprises similar segments (hereinafter also referred to as chain links and considered synonymously), each two consecutive chain links being interconnected so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to the deflection axis A.

[0015] According to the invention, the support chain forms a support surface the width of which (considered in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L) is at least three times greater than the distance from the opposite face of the support chain or run to the support surface.

[0016] In other words, the width of the support surface, i.e. its dimension in the width direction W transverse to the longitudinal direction, is at least three times greater than the dimension of the chain links in the height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The chain links are therefore of a relatively flat or plate-like construction with a structural height (thickness) significantly less than the width of the support surface.

[0017] In that respect, the effective width or total width of the support surface, in particular in relation to the chain links considered, may be of a larger size than the length (longitudinal dimension) of the support surface.

[0018] Due to the appropriate width of the support surface, this configuration simultaneously provides a relatively low weight for the support chain and / or a relatively stable support for a plurality of mutually adjacent receiving channels with a small radius of the turning arc. Meanwhile, the corresponding dimensioning of the relatively wide chain links also improves lateral stability, i.e., the support chain can compensate or transmit relatively large transverse forces transverse to the longitudinal direction, thereby reducing undesirable wear in applications involving transverse movements.

[0019] Typically, the support chain has first abutment surfaces adapted to mutually support each other in a straight position to reduce deflection of the support chain in the straight position, and second abutment surfaces adapted to mutually support each other in a turning position to limit the minimum turning radius of the turning arc of the support chain. The first and second abutment surfaces each have a longitudinal dimension L and a width dimension W along the turning axis A.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the dimension of each of the first and / or second abutment surfaces in the width direction W is greater than its dimension in the longitudinal direction L.

[0021] The chain links (or segments) of the support chain can be interconnected so as to be pivotable relative to one another, in particular about a defined pivot axis. In this case, the pivot axis of a connection, for example with a bolt received in a receiving fitting, typically runs parallel to the deflection axis, in particular along the axis of symmetry of the bolt and fitting (parallel to the width direction W). Other types of pivotable connections, for example with flexible hinge connectors, are also possible.

[0022] Thus, the first and second abutment surfaces can limit pivoting movement in one direction about the pivot axis or in the other opposite pivoting direction.

[0023] To reduce the load, each chain link may have two or more first abutment surfaces for supporting two adjacent chain links to which it is connected in the chain. Correspondingly, each chain link may have two or more second abutment surfaces for supporting two adjacent chain links following the chain link under consideration in the chain. Each first or second abutment surface does not necessarily have to be flat or continuous, but may, for example, include multiple surface portions spaced apart from each other in the width direction.

[0024] The width of the support surface is preferably greater than the sum of the corresponding dimensions (widths of the free cross sections) of at least two, particularly preferably at least three, associated receiving passages, so that the support chain supports at least two or three associated receiving passages, thereby preventing the enclosure from sagging or becoming self-supporting and from sagging in a straight position. Thus, the dimension of the support surface in the width direction W in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is preferably greater than the sum of the corresponding dimensions of the free cross sections (in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of at least two associated receiving passages.

[0025] For the purpose of simplifying production and assembly, the support chain is preferably assembled from individual chain links, in particular structurally identical, which can be manufactured separately and individually, in particular from plastic, using an injection molding method, and which can be pivotally connected to one another to form the chain, for example by connecting or manufacturing hinge connections between the chain links.

[0026] The support chain preferably has a number of chain links, each of which is integral and completely solid or monolithic. Preferably, each chain link of the support chain is made of a solid body, in particular of plastic. The advantageous effect of this structure is that the chain links are flexurally stiff and strong, yet remain simple and easy to manufacture. The light weight of the entire line guide arrangement is advantageous for the relatively large self-supporting length of the upper run.

[0027] The support chain preferably has a number of chain links each having a mirror image symmetrical configuration with respect to a longitudinal center plane (perpendicular to the width direction). Preferably, each chain link of the support chain has a mirror image symmetrical configuration with respect to the longitudinal center plane.

[0028] The support chain preferably has a number of chain links, each of which is of plate-like configuration.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the dimension of a chain link in the width direction W may be at least five times (5 times or more) greater than its dimension in a height direction H perpendicular to the width direction W and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, preferably 8 times or more.

[0030] Preferably, all chain links of the support chain have a corresponding size ratio, so that the support chain can have a constant wide support surface for multiple supply lines, while at the same time being inherently lightweight.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, in the straight position of the support chain, the surface area of ​​the chain link facing the second abutment surface is flush or aligned with the surface of the next adjacent chain link to provide a joint that is as step-free and / or seamless as possible. Correspondingly, in the turning position of the support chain, a further surface area of ​​the support chain facing the first abutment surface can be flush or aligned in an arc with the surface of the next adjacent chain link. In this way, protruding edges that cause wear or pinching of the enclosure supported by the support chain and / or of any additional chain enclosure that may surround the chain are avoided.

[0032] Furthermore, the support surface of the chain link is preferably wider than the chain pitch of the support chain, i.e., the distance between two consecutive pivot axes. In this way, a relatively small turning radius can be achieved despite the wide chain, which allows for an overall low profile for the line guide arrangement. Furthermore, in this way, the polygonal effect can be reduced, or the support chain can form a turning arc that is as rounded or in the form of a partial circle as possible. This also reduces the load and unwanted wear on the supported line, especially with respect to the supported enclosure.

[0033] The support chain may preferably, but not necessarily, be in the form of a link chain. In a preferred configuration, the chain links of the support chain are pivotally interconnected by receiving fitting and bolt connections. In that case, preferably, an insertion chamfer is provided on the bolt and an insertion groove is provided on the cooperating fitting for assembling or connecting the chain links to one another, particularly in the longitudinal direction L. This allows the support chain to be assembled or installed manually or without special tools.

[0034] Preferably, the support chain has a number of chain links each designed such that the dimension of each chain link in the width direction W is greater than its dimension in the longitudinal direction L. Preferably, in this case, each chain link of the support chain is of a corresponding configuration or size. Special end members may be provided at the ends of the chain links to fix them to the connection points, and the structure of the members may vary.

[0035] Each support chain is preferably surrounded by its own flexible chain enclosure, in particular of bendable plastic, which is provided or manufactured separately from the supply line enclosure, thereby making it possible to prevent wear particles from being released by the support chain itself.

[0036] Preferably, the enclosure for the line and / or chain enclosure is of belt-like or hose-like configuration and has, on at least one of its narrow or long sides, at least one functional area extending in the longitudinal direction L. One functional area is in particular for dust-tight closing of the open state of the enclosure or chain enclosure, so that the supply line or support chain can be inserted or removed transversely to the longitudinal direction L from the receiving passage of the enclosure or chain enclosure, respectively, and, on the other hand, for opening the enclosure as required, i.e. for reopening the enclosure or chain enclosure when, for example, replacing a defective line. The functional area may in particular comprise two cooperating profile elements of the closure, which may in particular be in the form of positive-locking and / or force-locking engagement profiles.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the functional area may have at least one fastening profile for connecting the enclosure and / or chain enclosure to a further enclosure and / or chain enclosure, which is advantageous in terms of the scalability of the line guide arrangement, which can thus be expanded particularly easily in the width direction W.

[0038] The enclosure for the line and the chain enclosure, in particular as distinguished from the chain links of the support chain, can be made from a flexurally elastic plastic. In this case, the flexural stiffness of the individual chain links over their length may be higher than the flexural stiffness over the length of the enclosure. The elastic modulus of the material of the chain links is preferably higher than that of the material of the enclosure, or a stiffer or harder material is preferably used for the chain links.

[0039] Preferably, the support chain further comprises a number of chain links that are convexly rounded around the bolt and around the fitting, respectively, and that have guide surfaces adjacent to the first or second abutment surface in the longitudinal direction L, in order to form the smallest possible movement gaps with the end faces of the pivotally connected chain links. Optionally, both surfaces may form a kind of guide in response to the pivoting movement, for example for further transverse stabilization. In this case, the end faces of the chain links may have convex or concave regions that match the convexly rounded guide surfaces.

[0040] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1A] FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of a line guide configuration. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view of the line guide configuration of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of an embodiment of a line guide arrangement. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front view of a partial area of ​​a further embodiment of a line guide arrangement. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a chain link of a support chain. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a plan view of the chain link of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the chain link of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a partial area of ​​the support chain in a straight position. [Figure 5B] 1 shows a partial area of ​​the support chain in a turning position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a line guide arrangement 1 for guiding a supply line (not shown here) between a fixed connection location 2 at a base and a movable connection location 4 at a typically linearly displaceable entrainment means (not shown). The supply line may, for example, carry current, a signal, and / or an operating medium from a source at the base, i.e., the connection location 2, to a moving part of a machine to which the entrainment means is connected. FIG. 1A shows a snapshot of the line guide arrangement 1 with an upper run 8, a lower run 9, and a turning arc 6, with the upper run 8 (right side) in a straight position and a further longitudinal portion of the line guide arrangement 1 in a turning position (left side). In the turning position, the line guide arrangement 1 forms a turning arc 6 having a predetermined curvature or turning radius about a notional turning axis A. In operation, the turning arc 6 moves a predetermined distance relative to the fixed connection location 2 as the upper run 8 is displaced together with the movable connection location 4.

[0043] The line guide arrangement 1 is particularly suitable for cleanroom applications or other application fields where the release of abrasive dust and particles should be reduced or avoided. To this end, the line guide arrangement 1 comprises an elongated, flexible, and dust-tight enclosure 10 made of soft, elastic plastic, which encloses the supply lines along their entire length between connection locations 2 and 4. At the connection, the proposed enclosure 10 has multiple, i.e., at least two, tubular receiving passages for guiding at least one supply line each. The two ends of the enclosure 10 are dust-tight closed, i.e., have clamping devices 11 as end connections. The enclosure 10 is generally hose-like and, in particular, by appropriate design configuration and / or appropriate selection of materials, is sufficiently flexible to allow a reversible flexible curvature of the deflection arc 6 with low application of force and to follow the movement of the movable connection location 4 with minimal resistance. The enclosure 10 can be manufactured, in particular, by an extrusion method.

[0044] The line guide arrangement 1 further comprises a support chain 16 extending along the entire length of the line guide arrangement 1 from the connection position 2 to the connection position 4. In the example shown, the support chain 16 is arranged at the bottom of the enclosure 10 in the region of the upper run 8, inside the turning arc 6, and correspondingly at the top of the enclosure 10 in the region of the lower run 9. The support chain 16 supports the enclosure 10, in particular, against deflections caused by gravity in the straight position of the upper run 8 and also against buckling in the turning position. For the purposes mentioned at the beginning, the support chain 16 forms the support surface 13 here acting as a support for the upper run 8. The support chain 16 is of a chain-link type construction and simultaneously limits the minimum radius in the turning arc 6. The chain links 18 are pivotally connected to the next chain link 18. The support chain 16 has its own associated dust-proof chain enclosure (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0045] 1A and 1B show two end clamping devices 11 each having two clamping parts 11a, 11b, between which an enclosure 10 extends around its ends with a supply line (not shown) guided inside the enclosure 10 and closed by being axially dust-tight, for example, by a clamping screw. The clamping device 11 may at the same time provide strain relief for the line (not shown) and may be of a construction known per se, for example similar to the teaching of DE 10 2012 100 290 C1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] 1A and 1B further show two end clamping devices 101 each having two clamping portions 101 a , 101 b for the chain enclosure of the support chain 16 .

[0047] 2 and 3 show two different embodiments of the line guide arrangement 1 in front view, with the longitudinal direction extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Clamping devices are not shown here. The two embodiments differ substantially by the configuration of the enclosures 20 and 30, respectively.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a line guide arrangement 1 having three interconnected enclosures 20, each having three receiving passages 24. In this example, all enclosures 20 for a line are identical in structure. Each enclosure 20 is of belt-like configuration and has functional areas 28 extending in the longitudinal direction L laterally on both narrow or longitudinal faces. One of the functional areas 28 has two cooperating closure profiles 29 of the closure for dust-tightly closing the open state of the enclosure 20, and the supply line 22 can be introduced into or removed from the receiving passages 24 of the enclosures transversely in the longitudinal direction L by openings continuous in the longitudinal direction L between the closure profiles 29. In the open state of the enclosures 20 (not shown), all receiving passages 24 are open in the example shown in FIG. 2. Each of the enclosures 20 in FIG. 2 is integral. Each of these enclosures can also be made in two parts, each with two pairs of closing sections 29 on both narrow or longitudinal sides.

[0049] The functional areas 28 can also act to interconnect enclosures 20 and may, for example, have fixing sections 27 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction L so as to expand the line guide arrangement 1 in the width direction W. The functional areas 28 of an enclosure 20 are suitable, by means of their fixing sections 27, to cooperate with further functional areas 28 of further enclosures 20 (and / or chain enclosures, see below) in order to interconnect two enclosures 20 or to expand the number of available receiving passages in the width direction.

[0050] Each enclosure 20 includes a plurality of enclosure units 21. Each enclosure unit 21 forms the wall of a receiving passage 24 for protectively guiding a supply line 22 and is made of a flexible, soft, elastic plastic, particularly a thermoplastic, such as PE, PU, ​​TPU, PTFE, or PP. The enclosure units 21 are thin-walled with respect to the cross section of the receiving passage 24. Each receiving passage 24 has the same cross section throughout its length, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The enclosure units 21 can be inexpensively manufactured in the form of an extrusion using a suitable plastic extrusion process and cut to a suitable length, for example, from about 100 mm to about 1500 mm. The three enclosure units 21 shown in FIG. 2 can be interconnected in a material-bonded relationship so that they together form a unitary enclosure. However, the enclosure may also be manufactured as a single unit. Because the receiving passages 24 of the flexible enclosure are spatially separated from each other, no wear can occur between the supply lines 22 guided parallel therethrough. The enclosure 20 may be constructed (not shown) such that, for example, when each enclosure unit 21 has a continuous opening in the longitudinal direction L, each receiving passage is individually accessible by a closure similar to the closure profile 29.

[0051] The receiving passages 24 or 34 in Figures 2 or 3, respectively, are of generally elliptical cross section, here similar to an almond shape. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible, for example, oval, elliptical or circular.

[0052] Each of the interconnected enclosures 20 is supported by an associated support chain 26, i.e., in this example, the support chain 26 constitutes the support surface 23 for the enclosure 20 or the three receiving passages 24. In the upper run 8 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), the support chain 26 is located below the associated enclosure 20 to prevent the enclosure 20 and the lines guided therein from sagging, i.e., deflecting downwards, due to gravity. Multiple receiving passages 24 are supported by the same support chain 26, which has a relatively wide cross section, here wider than the combined cross section of the two receiving passages 24 in the associated enclosure 20.

[0053] In the turning arc 6, the support chain 26 again ensures that the bending radius or radii of the turning arc are equal to or greater than the minimum permissible value, so that the guided supply line 22 is not distorted or twisted. The support chain 26 therefore has abutments suitable for this purpose to ensure the minimum bending radius or minimum turning radius of the line guide arrangement 1 and to limit the turning angle. In the lower run 9, the support chain 26 is arranged correspondingly to the lower part of the associated enclosure 20. The reverse arrangement is also possible.

[0054] Depending on the material of the chain links 48, wear may occur during operation. To minimize the release of wear particles around the support chains 16, 26, 36, the support chains 16, 26, 36 are provided with their own flexible chain enclosures 200, 300. The chain enclosures 200, 300, like the enclosures 20, 30 of the supply lines 22, 32, are made of soft elastic plastic and have receiving passages 204, 304 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the support chains 16, 26, 36. The width of the free cross-section of the receiving spaces or passages 204, 304 for the support chains 16, 26, 36 corresponding to the dimensions of the support chains 16, 26, 36 is always greater than the corresponding dimension of the free cross-section of the associated receiving passages 24, 34 of the enclosures for the supply lines 22, 32. In its narrow or long face, the chain enclosure 200 also has a functional area 208 extending in the longitudinal direction L and two cooperating closure profiles 209 of the closure for dust-tight closure of the open state of the chain enclosure 200. The functional area of ​​the chain enclosure 200 is suitable for cooperating with a further functional area 208 of a further chain enclosure 200 in order to laterally connect two chain enclosures 200 to one another. For that purpose, the functional area 208 may have a fastening profile 211 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction L, for example a fastening profile identical to the fastening profile 27 of the enclosure 20 for the supply line 22. In this way, for example, one or more enclosures 20 may additionally be provided for the supply line 22 between two laterally spaced support chains 26 at the same height. The line guide arrangement 1 is therefore expandable in the width direction W.

[0055] 2 and 3 show line guide configurations having three enclosures 20, 30 for the supply lines, each enclosure 20, 30 being supported by an associated support chain 26, 36. Alternatively, the number of support chains 26, 36 can be reduced by having an enclosure connected laterally between two support chains in a self-supporting relationship thereto.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the line guide arrangement 1, which has three interconnected enclosures 30, each with three receiving passages 34 for the supply lines 32. The difference with the embodiment of FIG. 2 is that the enclosures 30 are made up of individual, separate enclosure units 31. To this end, each enclosure 30 has a functional area 39 along each receiving passage 34, such that, on the one hand, each receiving passage 34 can be individually opened and then closed again, and, on the other hand, the individual enclosure units 31 can be connected to each other and then separated from each other again. This allows greater flexibility than the embodiment of FIG. 2, especially in terms of maintenance or for later modifications to the line installation. The support chain 36 in FIG. 3 is designed based on the principle of the support chain in FIG. 2, and the support chain 36 is also provided with its own chain enclosure 300.

[0057] The fixing sections 207, 307 of the chain enclosures 200, 300 allow for expansion of the chain enclosures 200, 300 in the width direction W. Alternatively, the fixing sections 207, 307 of the chain enclosures 200, 300 allow for subsequent adaptation in terms of width by means of lines arranged thereon in the upper run, or by means of enclosed further support chains 26; 36 (see Figures 2 and 3) for supporting the enclosures 20; 30, or by means of separate support tracks or empty chain enclosures 200, 300 between the two chain enclosures 200, 300. It is also possible to provide support chains 26; 36 of different widths.

[0058] 4A-4C show in detail an embodiment of a chain link 48 for the support chains 16, 26, 36. The chain links 48 are of plate-like construction. Their dimensions in the longitudinal direction L and width direction W are in each case several times (here, about 8 to 10 times) greater than their dimensions in the height direction H (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and width direction W). All chain links 48 of the support chains 16, 26, 36 are preferably structurally identical. The chain links 48 are integrally manufactured from a high-strength or high-flexural rigidity plastic, for example, fiber-reinforced polyamide, using an injection molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the chain links 48 are in the form of a solid or monolithic structure, which generally increases the flexural rigidity of the chain links 48 and the support chains 16, 26, 36. However, the plastic material of the chain links 48 is relatively lightweight.

[0059] The chain link 48 has a mirror-symmetrical configuration with respect to its longitudinal center plane (see FIG. 4B) having a length direction L and a height direction H in the symmetry plane.

[0060] The chain links 48 shown in Figures 4A-4C are pivotally connected to one another by a rotation hinge. The rotation hinge comprises two cylindrical pins 47 of the chain link 48, each rotatably received in a cylindrical receiving means 45 of the next adjacent chain link 48. The pivot axis S corresponds to the cylindrical axis of the pin 47 or receiving means 45, respectively, and extends parallel to the axis A of the deflection arc 6 (Figure 1A). Each chain link 48 therefore has two cylindrical pins 47 and two cylindrical receiving means 45, the symmetry axis of the pins 47 being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L by the chain pitch from the symmetry axis of the receiving means 45 of the same chain link. The dimension of the pin 47 in the direction of the symmetry axis or pivot axis S or in the width direction W is less than its diameter, which facilitates the assembly of the support chains 16, 26, 36. To connect a chain link 48 to another chain link 48, the chain links 48 are fitted together longitudinally, in particular without tools or by hand. To facilitate their pressing into engagement, each of the pins 47 has an inclined insertion portion 47a and each of the receiving means 45 has an insertion groove 45a which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L, i.e. in the direction of the pin 47 of that chain link 48. The pin 47 of the further chain link 48 is introduced into the receiving means 45 of the first chain link 48 along the insertion groove 45a of the first chain link 48.

[0061] To limit the pivot angle, the chain link 48 has two first abutment surfaces 41 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L at corresponding first abutment surfaces 41 of the immediately preceding and following chain links 48, respectively, for abutting engagement at a straight position of the support chain (e.g., upper run 8, see FIG. 1A). Furthermore, to limit the pivot angle in the other pivot direction, the chain link 48 has two second abutment surfaces 42 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L at corresponding second abutment surfaces 42 of the immediately preceding and following chain links 48, respectively, for abutting engagement or contact at a turning position of the support chain (e.g., turning arc 6, see FIG. 1A).

[0062] The dimension of each abutment surface 41 or 42 in the width direction W is greater than the dimension of the abutment surface 41, 42 in the longitudinal direction L. In the example, in the case of the chain link 48, each of the first abutment surfaces 41 is of one-piece or cohesive construction, and each of the second abutment surfaces 42 includes two surface portions 42a, 42b spaced apart from each other in the width direction W, more specifically by the width of the first abutment surface 41. In this case, the expression width of the abutment surface is used to indicate the sum of the widths of the surface portions.

[0063] 5A and 5B show a short section of a support chain, here comprising only two pivotally interconnected chain links 48 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. The chain links 48 are interconnected by pin connections with receiving means, the pivot axis S corresponding to the axis of the pin 47 and the receiving means 45, respectively. In this example, the support surface 43 is formed by the upper surface of the chain link 48, which is outward with respect to the turning axis A (see FIG. 1A) in the turning position (as shown in FIG. 5B). The width or its dimension in the width direction W of the support surface 43 is significantly greater than the chain pitch, i.e. the longitudinal distance L between two consecutive pivot axes S.

[0064] The chain links 48 are configured such that a surface area 48a of one chain link 48 opposite the second abutment surface 42 in the height direction H of the support chain in a straight position as shown in Figure 5A terminates flush or without a step and with a minimum gap with the surface of the other next adjacent chain link 48 when the first abutment surfaces 41 of those two chain links 48 are in abutting relationship. Correspondingly, a further surface area 48b of one chain link 48 opposite the first abutment surface 41 in the height direction H of the support chain, more specifically in a turning position as shown in Figure 5B, aligns flush or without a step with the surface of the other next adjacent chain link 48 (when the first abutment surfaces 41 abut each other). Thus, during operation of the line guide arrangement 1, stoppages and abrasion at the protruding edges are avoided for the enclosures 10, 20, 30 of the supply lines supported by the support chains 16, 26, 36 and also for the chain enclosures 200, 300.

[0065] Each chain link 48 has an end face 49 that bounds the abutment surfaces 41, 42 of the chain link 48 in the longitudinal direction L toward the next chain link. As the chain links 48 pivot relative to one another, the end faces 49 of the chain links are guided past the guide surfaces 44, 46 of the adjacent chain links 48 or extend past the guide surfaces 44, 46 with a narrow gap remaining. The first guide surfaces 44 adjacent to the first abutment surface 41 in the longitudinal direction L are each convexly rounded around a pin 47 with a corresponding radius. The second guide surfaces 46 adjacent to the second abutment surface 42 in the longitudinal direction L are each convexly rounded around a receiving means 45 with a corresponding radius. The opposite end faces 49 of the guide surfaces 44, 46 may each have a corresponding concave shape. To enhance lateral stability, the guide surfaces 44, 46 may possibly cooperate with the opposing end surface 49 in the manner of a sliding guide arrangement, but a frictionless design is preferred, whereby the guide surfaces 44, 46 can abut against the opposing end surface 49 only under high lateral loads. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Line guide configuration 2 Fixed connection position 4 Movable connection position 6. Turning Arc 8 Upper Run 9 Lower Run 10 Enclosure for supply lines 11 Clamping devices for enclosures for supply lines 11a, 11b Clamp section 13 Support surface 16 Support Chain 18 Chain Link 101 Chain Enclosure Clamping Device 101a, 101b Clamp section L Longitudinal direction H Height direction Enclosure for 20;30 supply lines 21;31 Enclosure Enclosure Unit 22;32 supply line 23;33 Support surface 24;34 Receiving passage for supply line 26;36 Support Chain 27;37 Fixing sections for enclosures for supply lines 28;38 Functional area of ​​the enclosure for supply lines 29;39 Closure profiles for enclosures for supply lines 200;300 Chain Enclosure 204;304 Receiving passage for support chain 207;307 Chain enclosure fixing profiles 208;308 Chain Enclosure Functional Area 209:309 Closure profiles for chain enclosures W width direction H Height direction 41 first contact surface 42 Second contact surface 42a, 42b: surface portion of the second contact surface 43 Support surface 44, 46 Chain link guide surfaces 45 Receptor 45a Insertion groove 47 pin 47a Inclined insertion part 48 Chain Link 49 Chain link end face 48a: Surface area opposite to the second abutment surface 48b: a surface area opposite to the first abutment surface A. Direction change axis L Longitudinal direction W width direction H Height direction S pivot axis

Claims

1. A line guide arrangement (1) for clean room applications for the protected guidance of a supply line between two connection positions (2, 4), at least one of which is movable relative to the other, comprising: The line guide arrangement (1) is reciprocally displaceable by two runs (8, 9) and a turning arc (6) between the runs, the line guide arrangement (1) being in a straight position relative to its longitudinal direction (L) within the runs (8, 9) and in a curved turning position within the turning arc, the line guide arrangement (1) being a flexible enclosure (10; 20; 30) for enclosing the supply lines (22; 32), the enclosure (10; 20; 30) having a plurality of mutually juxtaposed receiving passages (24; 34) for each of at least one supply line (22; 32), said receiving passages (24; 34) extending in said longitudinal direction (L); at least one support chain (16; 26; 36) with individual integral chain links (18; 48) cooperating with said enclosure (10; 20; 30) for supporting at least one associated receiving passage (24; 34) in said straight position, Including, the integral chain links of the support chain (16; 26; 36) have first abutment surfaces (41) which support each other in the straight position and second abutment surfaces (42) which support each other in the direction change position, the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42) each having a length in the longitudinal direction (L) and a width along a width direction (W) parallel to the direction change axis (A); said support chains (16; 26; 36) form support surfaces (13; 23; 33; 43) whose width is greater than the width of the free cross section of said associated receiving passage (24; 34); A line guide configuration (1), wherein the width in the width direction of each of the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42) is greater than the length in the longitudinal direction of the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42).

2. A support chain (16; 26; 36) comprising: - it is displaceable in a reciprocating direction by the formation of two runs and a deflection arc between them, said support chain (16; 26; 36) in said runs being in a straight position relative to its longitudinal direction (L) and in a deflection position within said deflection arc, - in said deflection position, it is curved about a deflection axis (A), - comprises integral chain links (18; 48), each two successive chain links (18; 48) being pivotally interconnected, The integral chain links of the support chain (16; 26; 36) have first abutment surfaces (41) which support each other in the straight position and second abutment surfaces (42) which support each other in the direction change position, the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42) each having a length in the longitudinal direction (L) and a width along a width direction (W) parallel to the direction change axis (A), said support chain (16; 26; 36) defines a support surface (13; 23; 33; 43) the width of which is at least three times the distance of said support surface (13; 23; 33; 43) to the opposite side of said support chain (16; 26; 36); A support chain (16; 26; 36), wherein the width in the width direction of each of the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42) is greater than the length in the longitudinal direction of the first abutment surface (41) and the second abutment surface (42).

3. 2. The line guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the width of the support surface (13; 23; 33; 43) is greater than the sum of the widths of the cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of at least two associated receiving passages (24; 34).

4. 3. The support chain of claim 2, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) is made up of individual, structurally identical chain links (18; 48).

5. 5. A support chain according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the integral chain links (18; 48) are in the form of solid bodies or are monolithic, respectively.

6. 4. The line guide arrangement according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the integral chain links (18; 48), respectively, are in the form of solid bodies or are monolithic.

7. 7. The line guide arrangement of claim 1, 3 or 6, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) comprises a plurality of chain links (18; 48) each having a plate-like configuration, and / or wherein the dimension in a width direction (W) of each of the chain links (18; 48) is at least five times greater than its dimension in a height direction (H) perpendicular to the width direction (W) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

8. 8. The line guide arrangement according to claim 1, 3, 6 or 7, wherein in the straight position of the support chain (16; 26; 36) a surface area (48a) of the chain link (18; 48) opposite the mutually supporting second abutment surface (42) in the turning position is flush with a surface of the next adjacent chain link (18; 48) and wherein in the turning position of the support chain (16; 26; 36) a further surface area (48b) of the chain link (18; 48) opposite the mutually supporting first abutment surface (41) in the straight position is flush with a surface of the next adjacent chain link (18; 48).

9. 9. The line guide arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 8, wherein the support surface (13; 23; 33; 43) is of a width greater than the chain pitch of the support chain (16; 26; 36).

10. 10. The line guide arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 9, wherein the chain links (18; 48) of the support chain (16; 26; 36) are pivotally interconnected by receiving means and pin connections.

11. 11. The line guide arrangement of claim 1, 3, 6 to 10, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) has a plurality of chain links (18; 48) configured such that the dimension in the width direction (W) of each of the chain links (18; 48) is greater than its dimension in the longitudinal direction (L), respectively.

12. 12. The line guide arrangement of any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 11, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) is surrounded by its own flexible chain enclosure (200; 300).

13. said enclosure (10; 20; 30) and / or chain enclosure (200; 300) is of belt-like configuration and has, at least on one of its narrow sides, at least one functional area (28; 38; 208; 308) extending in said longitudinal direction (L) for closing the open state of said enclosure (10; 20; 30) or chain enclosure (200; 300) and for transitioning said enclosure (10; 20; 30) or chain enclosure (200; 300) to said open state, 13. The line guide configuration of any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 12, wherein the open state is a state of the enclosure (10; 20; 30) or the chain enclosure (200; 300) in which a supply line (22, 32) or a support chain (26; 36) can be inserted and removed from the enclosure (10; 20; 30) or the chain enclosure (200; 300) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

14. 14. The line guide arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said functional area (28; 38; 208; 308) comprises two cooperating closure profiles (29; 39, 209; 309) of a closure which are positive-locking and / or force-locking engagement profiles.

15. 15. The line guide arrangement according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the functional area (28; 38; 208; 308) has fastening profiles (27; 37; 207; 307) for connecting the enclosure (10; 20; 30) and / or the chain enclosure (200; 300) to a further enclosure (10; 20; 30) and / or the chain enclosure (200; 300).

16. 16. The line guide arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 15, wherein the enclosure (10; 20; 30) is made of a resilient plastic having a lower hardness than the plastic of the chain links (18; 48) of the support chain (16; 26; 36).

17. 17. The line guide arrangement of any one of claims 1, 3, 6 to 16, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) has a plurality of chain links (18; 48) each having a convex guide surface (44, 46) and defining a minimum travel gap with an opposing end surface (49).

18. 6. A support chain according to claim 2, 4 or 5, wherein in the straight position of the support chain (16; 26; 36) a surface area (48a) of the chain link (18; 48) opposite the mutually supporting second abutment surfaces (42) in the deflection position is flush with a surface of the next adjacent chain link (18; 48) and wherein in the deflection position of the support chain (16; 26; 36) a further surface area (48b) of the chain link (18; 48) opposite the mutually supporting first abutment surfaces (41) in the straight position is flush with a surface of the next adjacent chain link (18; 48).

19. 19. Support chain according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5 and 18, wherein the support surface (13; 23; 33; 43) is of a width greater than the chain pitch of the support chain (16; 26; 36).

20. 20. A support chain according to any one of claims 2, 4, 5, 18 and 19, wherein the chain links (18; 48) of the support chain (16; 26; 36) are pivotally interconnected by receiving means and pin connections.

21. 21. A support chain as claimed in any one of claims 2, 4, 5, 18 to 20, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) has a plurality of chain links (18; 48) configured such that the dimension in the width direction (W) of each of the chain links (18; 48) is greater than its dimension in the longitudinal direction (L), respectively.

22. 22. A support chain as claimed in any one of claims 2, 4, 5, 18 to 21, wherein the support chain (16; 26; 36) has a plurality of chain links (18; 48) each having a convex guide surface (44, 46) and defining a minimum travel gap with an opposing end surface (49).

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