Compact protective cable conduit for cleanroom applications and accommodation unit and clamping device therefor

Abstract

To provide a line protection guide suitable for clean room applications.SOLUTION: A line protective guide includes an elongated flexible housing unit 1001 that is moved to and fro while forming deflecting bend between two runs, and at least one reception means 1002 for guiding at least one line. Each reception means extends in the form of a channel in a longitudinal direction. The housing unit has, to the side on at least one receptacle, at least one functional zone extending in a longitudinal direction such that the functional zone forms a seal with two interacting profiles which are a hook profile 1011 and a claw profile 1012 to ensure a dust-tight closure of an open state in which a line can be inserted into or removed from the receptacle transversely to the longitudinal direction. Each of the housing units has a hook profile 1025 extending in the longitudinal direction on another long side in order to releasably connect to a corresponding claw profile 1022.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of line guide devices for lines such as cables, for example for signal or power or pneumatic or hydraulic hoses, etc., which are dynamically guided between two relatively movable connection positions of a machine or installation. In particular, a dynamic line guide device is proposed which is suitable for use in clean rooms, for example in the manufacture of semiconductors or flat screen displays, in pharmaceutical installations, medical equipment, etc. In such applications, particle emission by the line guide device is particularly undesirable and must be minimized to the greatest extent possible. [Background technology]

[0002] Energy guide chains are common line guide devices, but conventional link chain structures with rotary joints are not well suited for clean room applications because the link chains themselves release particles due to abrasive wear during operation. In this regard, a further developed energy guide chain suitable for clean room conditions is proposed in Patent Document 1. This energy guide chain has significantly reduced abrasion due to flexible joint connections.

[0003] However, a known problem is that the lines guided by the energy guide chains, which may be less susceptible to abrasive wear, themselves shed particles as they move, bend and rub against each other during their movement, thus, for example, the sheath of the cable itself also sheds particles into the surroundings as it displaces.

[0004] For that reason, it is known to house the lines in a dust-proof manner. A number of line guide devices further developed for that purpose for clean room applications have been proposed by the applicant in patent application WO 2005 / 024990. One of these solutions (see Figures 10 to 16 of said document) has meanwhile been made available by the applicant (igus GmbH, D-51147 Cologne) under the trade name "e-skin".

[0005] In contrast, Patent Document 5 discloses a tubular line guide that protects the line from dirt falling from the surroundings. The line guide disclosed in Patent Document 5 has a closure bar that allows the line to be replaced later. However, Patent Document 5 does not include any teaching on how the line guide is used in clean room applications.

[0006] The invention specifically relates to a line guide device or line protection guide suitable for cleanroom applications, having an elongated flexible housing that is reversibly or reciprocally displaceable, generally forming a direction-changing arc between two runs between a first connection position and a connection position that is movable relative to it, where the proposed housing has a number of receiving means of pronounced tubular configuration for guiding at least one line, each receiving means extending in the form of a channel in the longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, by means of which the protection guide is mounted in the connection position.

[0007] Line protection guides of the described general kind of that type are available, for example, from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. under the trade name "GORE® Trackless High Flex" or from Hitachi Cable America Inc. under the trade name "ChannelFLEX®" or "EcoFlex®". Variations of the latter line protection guides, which are here considered to be in the relevant general state of the art (as described in the preamble of claim 1), are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,623,999 and US Pat. No. 5,623,999.

[0008] Such line protection guides are technically simple in structure and lightweight and compact in construction. However, they have significant disadvantages in use (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Maintenance work, particularly the replacement of individual lines or individual line strands in a line guide device containing multiple lines or multiple line strands, is possible only with great effort. In particular, replacing individual lines or individual line strands with lines already properly prefabricated with the desired plugs or couplings is not possible, especially in the field. This would significantly simplify maintenance and reduce costs. In contrast, line guides of the general type described are generally completely replaced as an assembly, in which case undamaged lines must also be replaced. In addition, later modification of an installed line guide, for example, adding additional lines, is not easily possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 02 / 086349 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 042134 [Patent Document 3] German Patent No. 102012100290 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 8,662,456 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,784,259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] With that background in mind, the first object of the present invention according to the first main claim is to propose a line protection guide that is of relatively compact construction and / or light weight and that at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0011] The invention aims in particular to simplify the replacement of individual lines or individual line strands and / or the optional supporting chain, which is achieved by a line protection guide according to claim 1 and a storage unit for a line protection guide according to the further independent claim 12.

[0012] In a further aspect, independently of the main claim, an improvement in end connections, in particular commonly used clamping devices, for line guides of the general type involved, i.e. suitable for clean room applications, in particular reducing unwanted particle emissions during operation, is proposed. This is achieved by a clamping device as claimed in claim 17. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Major Claims (Line Guide including Containment Unit) In a line protection guide of the general type described, it is proposed according to the invention to have at least one or more functional areas extending longitudinally laterally of the container, in particular of the at least one receiving means, which provide additional functions insofar as the receiving means can be opened and closed as required, so that individual lines and / or supporting chains can be replaced as required.

[0014] In practice, it has proven advantageous to replace the support chain separately, especially since the support chain usually cannot be replaced or must be replaced before the supply line, and thus avoid the previously usual replacement of the entire line protection guide.

[0015] The term line strand is used in that it denotes a bundle of lines, in particular lines related to each other. In particular, partial exchange of individual line strands, which are received by one or more receiving units having one or more receiving means, is envisaged here.

[0016] To that end, it can be provided according to the invention in a first aspect that the functional area provides a closure for opening and closing one or more receiving means, in particular so that one or more lines can be inserted or removed transversely in the longitudinal direction or laterally / radially without removing the entire housing. To that end, the functional area can have two cooperating closure profiles, in particular designed to close in as dust-tight a relationship as possible, allowing an open state of the receiving means, in which a line can be inserted or removed transversely in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] In addition, according to a second aspect, it can be provided that the or a functional area includes or forms a fastening strip for releasing or engaging at least a portion of the container or receiving means, as needed. The fastening strip can be designed according to essentially any connection principle involving positive and / or forced locking engagement for a non-destructive, releasable connection to the corresponding strip or cooperating functional area. The fastening strip can, in particular, be designed in the form of a fastening bar or fastening profile. In this regard, the design configuration of the fastening strips is selected so that they are adapted to be connected to one another in a connection direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this regard, the expression transverse to the longitudinal direction particularly designates a connection or coupling direction in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the individual channel-like receiving means, such that a container serving as a replacement for new contents, for example, a new line or, in particular, one or more new support chains, can be easily adapted transversely to the rest of the device already fitted in place, without the need to release or actually remove the remaining containers from one another. Generally, for that purpose, only the end connections, for example the clamping devices therein, are opened for the replacement operation.

[0018] Both concepts of functional expansion equally allow subsequent replacement or retrofitting of lines already equipped with plug connectors, couplings, etc., for example in clean rooms, without the need to remove the entire housing to allow particles to escape in the operating position. In the first embodiment, the line can be replaced without modifying the housing. In the second embodiment, only a part of the housing together with the line in question, or in particular one or more supporting chains to be replaced, is changed. In this regard, both the replacement of individual receiving means with one or more lines or supporting chains, and the replacement of a receiving unit with a line strand are considered. Each receiving unit has at least one receiving means for one or more lines or line strands, or even for a supporting chain of a structure known per se. The receiving means can in particular be of tubular construction.

[0019] In particular for applications involving longer travel distances or containers, it is advantageous if the receiving means of at least one container unit is provided with a support chain which supports the container during displacement. In this respect, support chains known per se can be used which have a link chain structural configuration.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container comprises at least one containment unit, preferably one piece, of soft, elastic or flexible plastic. The containment unit can also be a multi-part composite, for example, comprising two symmetrical half-case or tube sections similarly divided in longitudinal cross section. A one-piece containment unit is preferred here, for example, as it can improve the sealing integrity to prevent particles from escaping.

[0021] The wall thickness and material of the container are selected so that it is flexible enough to allow for displacement. Plastics, especially thermoplastics, with a Shore hardness in the range of 20 Shore A (ShA 20) to 65 Shore D (ShD 65), especially in the range of 50 Shore A (ShA 50) to 100 Shore A (ShA 100) are preferably considered as soft elastic or flexural elastic plastics.

[0022] In a preferred configuration, at least one functional area is each integrally connected to the receiving unit (i.e., releasable only by its destruction). To this end, it can be produced either integrally with the receiving unit or separately and then joined in a materially bonded relationship by a joining process, for example, a suitable thermal joining process, especially welding. The context of the present invention particularly includes the separate production of a "simplified profile" that has, on the one hand, the functional area and, on the other hand, no functional area or fastening strip, for example, by extrusion of various, especially suitable, plastics, especially thermoplastics. The functional area, especially the closure profile, can then be joined in a materially bonded relationship longitudinally to the rest of the receiving unit to form a single part, for example, by a welding process in which plastic is welded.

[0023] In one embodiment, the container is made up of a plurality of separate container units, each of which may form exactly one receiving means and each of which may have a transverse fastening strip, e.g. a bar or profile, integral with the container unit.

[0024] In addition, the storage unit may also include a plurality of receiving means, each having a lateral fastening strip integral with the storage unit. In this way, individual storage units may be connected to one another in parallel to form a storage body. In one development, each storage unit may have two fastening strips integral with the storage unit in opposing relationship on both sides, by means of which adjacent storage units may be connected to one another in parallel. The fastening strips may be designed to cooperate directly with one another in a mating relationship, for example, in a conjugated configuration or by engaging with one another in a positive locking relationship. They may also cooperate with separate fastening bars used to fasten the storage units to one another.

[0025] In a preferred configuration, the housing is formed by a plurality of housing units, each having the same or a different number of receiving means. Optionally, each housing unit can have a number of receiving means such that a line strand can be received by exactly one housing unit. This advantageously allows individual line strands in the housing to be replaced by replacements for the respective associated housing units. In this respect, the term line strand is used in particular to denote a bundle or group of functionally interrelated lines, grouped, for example, according to wear resistance or service life.

[0026] To reduce deformation of the turning arc, each receiving means has an oval or elliptical, in particular arcuate, cross section, with the fixing strips being arranged on the short sides.

[0027] Each storage unit may also have two closure profiles that are integral with the storage unit in lateral, and in particular opposing relationship to the fastening strips.

[0028] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the closure profile of the storage unit can be closed in a positive and / or force-locking relationship by connecting to the fixing strip of an adjacent storage unit. In this way, particularly robust closure can be achieved without an additional installation step, for example, when the closure profile engaging the oppositely arranged fixing strip is oversized. Alternatively, adjacent storage units can be connected to each other in parallel by separate flexible fixing bars that cooperate with the fixing strip. In this way, the release of the closure is independent of the fixing by the fixing strip, meaning that separation of the storage units does not lead to undesired opening of adjacent storage units, thereby preventing the unintentional release of abrasive wear particles.

[0029] A further embodiment provides that the storage unit comprises subsections forming a plurality of parallel receiving means, the storage unit having a closure, in particular two closure profiles integral with the storage unit, in that way it is possible to reduce the assembly effort associated with applications in which a large number of lines are to be guided, inter alia, since each line is not provided with an individual storage unit to be adapted.

[0030] In one embodiment, each receiving means preferably has an associated dedicated closure so that all lines remain separately accessible. To that end, each receiving means may have a pair of cooperating closure profiles that are integral with the storage unit. In that way, each receiving means can be selectively and independently opened for lateral access and closed again.

[0031] When long guide lengths or particularly soft-elastic receiving bodies or receiving units are involved, it is possible to provide in at least one, preferably two laterally outer receiving means a supporting chain, in particular with individual chain links, designed to predetermine the turning radius for the turning arc and / or to support the self-supporting run in a straight position.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the fastening profile as a fastening strip is provided on the short side of the housing in the case of subdivided housing units, especially in each case integral therewith. Besides such scalability, other types of support devices can be attached to the outside of the housing's fastening profile, for example, instead of a support chain. This eliminates the need for an available receiving channel for the support function. For this purpose, a respective external support device can be connected to the fastening profile on each short side of the housing, the support device being designed with a low level of abrasive wear in order to predetermine the radius of the deflection arc and / or support the self-supporting run in a straight position. Preferably, for this purpose, each support device has a support band and a perpendicular abutment element, in particular a T-shaped abutment element, the arms of which are in abutment radially inside or in a straight position of the deflection arc. The carrier band is preferably at the height of the neutral fiber.

[0033] One embodiment provides that the container comprises a plurality of separate, circumferentially closed storage units, each of which can form exactly one receiving means. Each storage unit can have two fixing strips, which are in opposing relationship on both sides and are integral with the storage unit as functional areas for fixing. In this case, the fixing strips can be adapted to cooperate directly with each other for positive locking, for example in the manner of a zipper or slide closure, or can cooperate with a separate fixing bar in a positive and / or forced locking relationship.

[0034] According to each of the two embodiments, the containing unit, including the combined closing and fastening functions, can have a cross section that remains the same in the longitudinal direction, which allows for profile production in an extrusion process, preferably using soft elastic or flexurally elastic plastics, where the functional areas can optionally be extruded separately.

[0035] Thus, in particular, the first and second fastening strips may also have, for example, interengaging hook and claw profiles or similar suitable configurations, preferably with barb functions, so that the cross section maintains the same shape in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] The functional area serving as a closure can also be produced, for example, by extrusion, if it has two conjugated, interlocking closing profiles of plastic that remain the same throughout the entire length and cooperate as a press closure or a toothless slide closure, or preferably as a zip closure. In this case, each closure profile can include two interlocking profiles or profile elements, forming a so-called double closure. This has been found to be particularly advantageous for closures that are dust-tight in the circumferential direction and robust during dynamic operation.

[0037] The device may have two laterally opposing functional areas each having a respective fastening profile, which are preferably designed for a positive locking connection that is only releasable in the longitudinal direction, such as a tongue-and-groove connection. In this way, unintentional release during operation of the receiving unit can be avoided. In that case, the laterally opposing functional areas simultaneously each have a closure profile in addition to the fastening profile, in particular arranged in the cross section between the receiving means and the fastening profile.

[0038] Preferably, adjacent receiving means are connected or joined in parallel to one another by a band-shaped intermediate region, whereby a neutral element is predetermined. Alternatively or additionally, for each closure with a cooperating closure profile, the interface is preferably at the level of the neutral element of the receiving body. The neutral element extends, in particular, through the center of the cross section of the receiving means. In this regard, a band-shaped intermediate region that is thin compared to the structural height of the respective fastening strip can be provided between each fastening strip and the adjacent receiving means. In this way, it is possible to achieve good flexibility in the deflection arc about the desired axis, in particular with sufficient transverse stiffness. Preferably, the receiving body is designed to be substantially linearly (rather than multiaxially) displaceable.

[0039] A clamping device can be provided at the end of the housing, axially closing the housing and optionally the lines to prevent the release of dust particles. In the typical situation of at least two lines, and in most cases, the lines are guided separately from each other in their respective receiving means and are contained as dust-tight as possible by the housing. Particles are not generated at the ends either.

[0040] According to claim 12, the invention also relates to a receiving unit as an individual part for producing a receiving body according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, which receiving unit has at least one tubular receiving means, e.g. made of plastic, in particular soft elastic or flex elastic plastic, extending longitudinally in the form of a channel from a first end to a second end, for guiding at least one line, in which case the receiving unit can be regarded as a sheath that circumferentially receives the line in a dust-proof manner and generally loosely surrounds the line (as opposed to an actual insulating cable sheath).

[0041] According to a particularly advantageous combination of both of the above-mentioned aspects, it is provided that the receiving unit comprises, on its long side, two cooperating closure profiles extending longitudinally for closing the open state in as dust-tight a relationship as possible and by which lines can be introduced into or removed from the receiving means transversely to the longitudinal direction, and, on its other long side, a longitudinally extending fastening strip for releasably connecting a further receiving unit with a corresponding functional area of ​​the further receiving unit, in particular by positive-locking and / or force-locking engagement. In that regard, the receiving unit may in particular form a plurality of distinct receiving means, which are parallel and tubular, for separately guiding at least one respective line, or it may form exactly one receiving means each.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the storage unit has a first fastening profile on one long side and a second fastening profile on the other long side, the fastening profiles being designed to be releasably connected to each other in a matching relationship by a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection. This allows for releasably fastening multiple storage units with matching or paired fastening profiles of the same structural configuration to each other. In this case, the fastening profiles can be designed to be connectable to each other in a connection direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, in particular.

[0043] In particular, in the last-mentioned embodiment, the closure profile and the fastening profile have profile elements of the same cross section that are compatible or cooperate to connect with one another.

[0044] With regard to fixing profiles of the same structure, in particular bars or profiles are considered, and the storage unit can have a bar on a first long side and a profile on a second long side, and the bar of the first storage unit can be connected to the profile of the second storage unit in a positive locking relationship and / or by a forced locking relationship. In that case, the first storage unit can in particular be of the same structure as the second storage unit or can have, for example, a different number of receiving means.

[0045] In one embodiment, the storage unit has a first fastening profile on one long side and a second fastening profile on the other long side that are complementary or conjugate, or match each other but different from each other, and the fastening profiles are adapted to releasably connect by positive and / or force-locking engagement in a mutually matching relationship to releasably secure multiple structurally identical storage units to each other.

[0046] The proposed storage unit itself can advantageously have one or more of the features constituting the developments of the storage unit according to one of the attached claims 2 to 11. In addition, the storage unit can form several or exactly one tubular receiving means, which separately guides at least one respective line or line strand. This embodiment is advantageous if the storage unit is made circumferentially closed around the receiving means, so that the release of particles in the operating position is reliably prevented.

[0047] Further independent claims (end connections) In addition, and independently of the above, a general clamping device for end connections of line protection guides for clean rooms is proposed.

[0048] Known clamping devices include a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, at least one of which has an inner recess for receiving an end region of the line protection guide, with two respective opposite ends transverse to a penetration direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the line protection guide. The recesses are open to the outside at at least one first end or at both ends. Typically, pressure portions are provided in the recesses or inside thereof, which serve to hold the end region of the line protection guide in a forced-locking relationship when the clamping device is closed, for example between two oppositely arranged pressure portions.

[0049] According to the invention, it is now proposed that the pressure part is of a deformable design and protrudes or projects in the penetration direction beyond the first end of at least one clamping part, thereby forming a corner protection at said end, which in particular provides a more advantageous, for example softer, transition between the line protection guide and the respective clamping part, in which case a corresponding protrusion is provided at least in the direction of movement (longitudinal direction of the received line protection guide) in the end region or at the end facing the other clamping device, in particular on the side of the line protection guide that corresponds to the interior of the turning arc.

[0050] Tests have demonstrated that the area between the clamping device and the line protection guide sheds a significant amount of particles, due to small relative movements. With the proposed structure, it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in the escape of unwanted particles through the line protection guide or its containment.

[0051] Preferably, at least one pressure part is provided for each clamping part. Regardless, each pressure part can be made from a plastic material that is compressible and / or softer with respect to the clamping part, in particular soft-elastic or rubber-elastic or hard-elastic.

[0052] A suitable pressure portion can be inexpensively produced in the form of an extruded member, especially a hollow chamber extruded member.

[0053] A further improvement in the transition is achieved if each pressure portion, which, at least in the unloaded state, has an interior facing away from the pressure portion and which contacts the line protection guide (in a cross section parallel to the longitudinal or penetration direction) in the assembled state, forms at least one convexly curved or outwardly bulging surface.

[0054] Preferably, the pressure portions are arranged so that their longitudinal extent, perpendicular to the penetration direction, spans the entire width of the recess, in particular so that they are entirely integral.

[0055] Each pressure portion may have two rounded short sides and may preferably be in the form of a symmetrical profile member.

[0056] For easy fitting, each pressure part may have a protruding fixing rib for fixing in the transverse groove of the clamping part.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, each receiving means of the at least one clamping portion receives two structurally identical pressure portions arranged in juxtaposed relationship with one another, parallel and perpendicular to the penetration direction, preferably spaced apart from one another, whereby it can be provided that preferably one pressure portion projects at one end of the associated clamping portion and the other pressure portion projects at the other end, thereby achieving a blunted edge configuration beneficial to the line emerging therefrom.

[0058] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example and without limitation to the generality of the foregoing, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a partial view of the end region with a partial cutaway showing a first embodiment as an example of a displaceable line protection guide with a flexible housing; FIG. [Figure 1B]1 is a cross-sectional view through an individual accommodation unit showing a first embodiment as an example of a displaceable line protection guide with a flexible accommodation body; FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a front view of an end portion with an end clamping device showing a first embodiment as an example of a displaceable line protection guide with a flexible housing. [Figure 2] 1A-1C depict cross-sectional (exploded) views of further embodiments including modified individual containment units. [Figure 3A] 3 is a partial perspective view of an end region showing a development including a storage unit and an additional support device as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a development including a storage unit and an additional support device as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4A] 10 is an open cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment including a unitary storage unit subdivided to form a plurality of line receiving means. FIG. [Figure 4B] 10 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment including a unitary storage unit subdivided to form a plurality of line receiving means. FIG. [Figure 4C] 10 is a closed cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment including a unitary storage unit subdivided to form a plurality of line receiving means. FIG. [Figure 4D] 10 is a perspective view with an end clamping device showing a further embodiment including a unitary storage unit subdivided to form a plurality of line receiving means. FIG. [Figure 5] 4A-4D, which are cross-sectional views showing an example of use of an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, including two subdivided storage units connected together in parallel and an outer support chain. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment including a modified closure related to FIGS. 4-5. FIG. [Figure 7A] 10 shows a further embodiment comprising individual circumferentially closed storage units releasably connected to one another by lateral fixation profiles. FIG. [Figure 7B] 10 shows a further embodiment comprising individual circumferentially closed storage units releasably connected to one another by lateral fixation profiles. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic side view showing a typical arrangement of a line protection guide or line protection device. FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 shows an example not claimed by the present invention, in which the storage units are releasably connected to one another by lateral fixing profiles. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 shows an example not claimed by the present invention, in which the storage units are releasably connected to one another by lateral fixing profiles. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 shows an example not claimed by the present invention, in which the storage units are releasably connected to one another by lateral fixing profiles. [Figure 9D] FIG. 1 shows an example not claimed by the present invention, in which the storage units are releasably connected to one another by lateral fixing profiles. [Figure 10A] 10A-10C show further embodiments of the present invention comprising a storage unit with a plurality of individually fillable receiving means and preferred cross-sections of associated functional areas. [Figure 10B] 10A-10C show further embodiments of the present invention comprising a storage unit with a plurality of individually fillable receiving means and preferred cross-sections of associated functional areas. [Figure 10C] 10A-10C show further embodiments of the present invention comprising a storage unit with a plurality of individually fillable receiving means and preferred cross-sections of associated functional areas. [Figure 11] 10A to 10D show a further embodiment as a modification related to FIGS. 10A to 10D. [Figure 12] 10A to 10D show a further embodiment as a modification related to FIGS. 10A to 10D. [Figure 13A]10A-10C show a preferred embodiment of an end fixation device including a clamping portion for a line protection guide with a flexible housing according to a further separate portion of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 10A-10C show a preferred embodiment of an end fixation device including a clamping portion for a line protection guide with a flexible housing according to a further separate portion of the present disclosure. [Figure 13C] 10A-10C show a preferred embodiment of an end fixation device including a clamping portion for a line protection guide with a flexible housing according to a further separate portion of the present disclosure. [Figure 13D] 10A-10C show a preferred embodiment of an end fixation device including a clamping portion for a line protection guide with a flexible housing according to a further separate portion of the present disclosure. [Figure 13E] 10A-10C show a preferred embodiment of an end fixation device including a clamping portion for a line protection guide with a flexible housing according to a further separate portion of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B show further embodiments of the storage unit. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B show further embodiments of the storage unit. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B show further embodiments of the storage unit. [Figure 17] 10A-10C show examples of modifying functional regions as closures or fasteners. [Figure 18A] 1 illustrates various devices including a support chain. [Figure 18B] 1 illustrates various devices including a support chain. [Figure 19] 9A-9D show a multi-layer structure including multiple enclosures in which a containment unit 900 according to the present disclosure is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] 1A-1C show a first exemplary embodiment of a reciprocally displaceable line protection guide for a line (not shown). The guide comprises an elongated flexible housing 100 made of a plurality of individual housing units 101 made of plastic. Each housing unit 101 is made of a flexible, soft, elastic plastic, particularly a thermoplastic, such as PE, PU, ​​TPU, PTFE, expanded PTFE, or PP. Each housing unit 101 maintains the same cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L throughout its length (FIG. 1B). The housing units 101 can be inexpensively produced, for example, as extrudates from a suitable plastic extrusion process and cut to suitable lengths, for example, from about 100 mm to about 1500 mm. The structurally identical housing units 101 can form within them substantially cylindrical receiving means 102, which are of tubular configuration with wall regions 103 that are thin-gauge relative to the cross-section of the receiving means 102, for protecting and guiding the line, and for that purpose. The receiving means 102 of the flexible housing 100 are spatially separated from each other so that no ablation can occur between the parallel guided lines therein.

[0061] Each storage unit 101 has a first functional area 110 on its longitudinal side (long side), which in FIGS. 1A-1C are provided with two closure profiles 111, 112, which are mirror-symmetric, conjugated, and separated from each other in opposing relation, forming a substantially T-shaped cross section when in contact with each other. Each closure profile 111, 112 is continuous in the longitudinal direction L, e.g., the cross section here is substantially L-shaped. As shown here, the closure profiles 111, 112 can form L-shaped legs facing away from each other, or legs that are preferably arranged in a juxtaposed relationship with each other or parallel to each other to reduce the height of the closure. Between the closure profiles 111, 112, particularly in the center therebetween, the storage unit 101 has an interface or opening 113 extending in the longitudinal direction L and radially. The gap-shaped opening 113 in the loose or separate receiving unit 101 (FIG. 1B) can be widened by bending open the receiving unit 101 in order to introduce or remove a prefabricated line with a plug into or from the receiving means 102 in a transverse or transverse direction to the longitudinal direction L.

[0062] The storage unit 101 has, in diagonally opposed relation to the first functional region 110, a second functional region 120 with a fixation profile 122. The fixation profile 122 is continuous in the longitudinal direction L, e.g., is of substantially C-shaped cross section, and has an internal contour 123 sized in matching relation to the external contour of the closed closure profiles 111, 112 of the first functional region 110, but slightly smaller, in particular for positive-locking and force-locking connections. By axially pressing the fixation profile 122 against the closure profiles 111, 112 of the adjacent storage unit 103, the opening 113 thereof can be closed in an at least substantially sealed manner with respect to particles, and can be easily opened again for replacing the line. Functional regions 110, 120, now together with opening 113, by their longitudinally symmetrical cross-section, define the neutral element, i.e., the longitudinal mid-plane, of flexible enclosure 100, the length of which does not change upon bending or in turning arc 4 (FIG. 8), i.e., has no tensile / shear stresses. Additionally, the additional wall thickness in functional regions 110, 120 creates a relatively stable enclosure 100 that is displaced in a more controlled manner without appreciably affecting its reversible flexibility.

[0063] 1A and 1C further show one of two end clamping devices 130 having two clamping portions 131, 132, between which all the storage units 101 of the storage body 100, together with the lines (not shown) guided therein, are axially and dust-tightly closed at the ends, for example by means of clamping screws. The clamping device 130 can also simultaneously relieve tensile stresses in the lines (not shown) and can be of a structural configuration known per se, for example similar to the teaching of US Pat. No. 6,233,699, which is incorporated herein in this respect.

[0064] 1A shows one of the two support chains 135 with individual chain links received in the receiving means 102 of the two laterally outer storage units 101. Any support chain 135 can, on the one hand, predetermine the minimum permissible radius in the turning arc 4 (FIG. 8) in order to protect the chain from twisting, and, on the other hand, the abutment of the chain links in a straight position allows the self-supporting length of the storage body 100 to be increased in a movable run, for example in the upper run 1 (FIG. 8).

[0065] 1B, the opposing closure profiles 111, 112 are integrally connected to the wall region 103 of the storage unit 101, which is in the nature of a segment of a tube. The fixing profile 122 is also integrally connected to the upper and lower wall regions 103, 103. In particular, the closure profiles 111, 112 can be made separately from a suitable plastic and connected to the wall region 103 or the storage unit 101 in a material-bonded relationship, preferably by plastic welding, to form a composite, as an alternative to a one-piece, inexpensive production with a single material. The cross-section of the storage unit 101 or the wall region 103 can also be oval or elliptical in addition to the substantially circular shape shown. The illustrated cross-sectional shapes of the closure profiles 111, 112 and the fixing profile 122 are shown here merely as examples and can be of different designs, for example, primarily circular. The number of parallel-coupled storage units 101 as shown in Figures 1A-1C can be selected as desired to correspond to the number of lines desired, or can be subsequently expanded by functional areas 110, 120. The closure profiles 111, 112 can additionally be designed internally for opening in the form of a pressure closure (not shown here), for example according to the Ziploc® principle, in order to avoid an undesired widening of the opening 113 after separating adjacent storage units 101 (see also Figures 4A-4D).

[0066] 1A-1C further show a closure bar 105 having an internal contour corresponding to the fixing profile 122. The closure bar 105, like the fixing profile 122, serves to seal and close (in relation to the release of ablative particles) the opening 113 or the closure profiles 111, 112, which are arranged externally together with the laterally external containing unit 101.

[0067] FIG. 1C shows the fully closed operating state of the container 100, in which all of the fixing profiles 122 are connected to the opposing closed closure profiles 111, 112 in a positive locking relationship and / or by a force-locking engagement, for example by a clamping action, thereby closing the sandwiched opening 113 in a dust-tight manner and continuously in the longitudinal direction L.

[0068] Features with the same or corresponding structure or function as in FIG. 1 are shown by corresponding reference to FIGS. 2-7 and may not be described again.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a preferred alternative storage unit 201 having two functional regions 210, 220 for constructing a storage body (FIGS. 1A-1C). The storage unit 201 differs from FIGS. 1A-1C, in particular, by the different cross-sectional shape of the fastening profile 222 in the second functional region 220. The fastening profile 222 in FIG. 2 is of a regular shape or, for example, T-shaped, except for the interface or opening 213, which is in a cross-sectional, positively engaging male portion corresponding to the cross-section of the first functional region 210. Thus, the storage unit 210 is of substantially symmetrical cross-section, both vertically and horizontally in FIG. 2, relative to both longitudinal central planes, except for the opening 213 on one side. Corresponding symmetry is also desirable for uniform, distortion-free bending in the turning arc 4 (FIG. 8). Alternatively, the second functional region 210 can be identical to the first functional region 210, i.e., completely symmetrical, with openings 213 on both sides. In that case, the containment unit 201 would consist of two structurally identical half-mold parts (not shown), which can be made, for example, by an injection molding process.

[0070] Additionally, the storage units 201 allow for separation without opening adjacent storage units 201. This is achieved by securing adjacent storage units 201 (FIG. 1C) by separating the fixing bar 204 in each case. The fixing bar 204 has a uniform, symmetrical cross section throughout, e.g., H-shaped or double C-shaped. The fixing bar 204 has an internal contour 223 on both sides, here in the form of a negative shape or a positively locking female part, that matches both functional areas 210, 220. The fixing bar 204 can releasably connect two storage units 201 by positive and / or forced locking engagement, as shown in FIG. 2. At the same time, the fixing bar 204, together with the functional area 210, serves as a closure that dust-tightly closes the opening 213 between the closure profiles 211, 212. Other cross sections, in particular of the functional areas 210, 220 and the fixing bar 204, can also adequately embody the principle shown in FIG. 2.

[0071] 3A-3B show a further advantage of the symmetrical structure of the storage unit 201 of Fig. 2. Laterally on the outer storage unit 201, i.e. on the short sides of the storage body 200, it is possible to attach respective structurally identical support devices 240, which support and guide the storage units in a predetermined manner in the functional areas 210, 220, as shown in Fig. 3B. For this purpose, the support devices 240 have carrier bands 244, e.g. grooves on both sides with inner contours 223, whose cross-sections correspond to the fixing bars 204, i.e. to the cross-sections of the functional areas 210, 220.

[0072] The support device 240 is designed to predetermine the radius of the deflecting arc 4 (see FIG. 8 ) and to support the self-supporting run 1 in a straight position or to increase the possible length of the run 1. For this purpose, the support device 240 is formed by a carrier band 244 transverse to the longitudinal direction L and has on both sides perpendicular T-shaped abutment elements 245, the arms 246, 247 of the T being arranged in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 200. The upper / lower or inner / outer T-arms 246, 247 are of different lengths so that the T-arms 247 of the deflecting arc 4 abut radially inward at the desired radius, while the T-arms 246 abut in a straight position. The carrier band 244, like the fixing bar 204, is preferably arranged at the level of the neutral element of the flexible housing 200. The fixing bars 204 and the support devices 240 are made from a flexible, bendable plastic. They do not rub against the line and can therefore, if necessary, have a higher bending strength than the storage units 201, for example to maintain the radius of the turning arc 4 or to increase the self-supporting run length. Further details relating to the configuration of the support devices 240 can correspond to the teachings of WO 2008 / 125087, except for the configuration of the carrier bands 244.

[0073] In Figures 1 and 2, each storage unit 101, 201 forms exactly one receiving means 102, 202 for one or possibly several lines. Figures 4 to 6 show an embodiment in which the storage body 101 has each integral storage unit 401, 601 and includes subdivisions forming several parallel receiving means 402, 602 in the same storage unit 401, 601.

[0074] 4-5 show an alternative one-piece storage unit 401, for example, with three parallel receiving means 402, which can be individually opened (FIG. 4A) and closed (FIG. 4C) to replace or install a line. The storage unit 401 can be designed in one piece in the form of a flexible plastic profile, as shown in FIG. 4, with a cross section that remains the same overall in the longitudinal direction L. It can be manufactured in one piece, for example, by extrusion. Advantages in terms of manufacturing techniques and related to materials can be achieved if the functional areas, in particular the closure profiles 411, 412, are made separately, and possibly from a different, particularly suitable plastic, and then integrally joined with the wall areas. It is also possible to envisage a multi-component manufacturing process.

[0075] The storage unit 401 has two functional areas 420, 421 on its short sides, facing each other, which can be used to connect adjacent storage units 401 in parallel, as shown in Figure 5. The functional areas 420, 421 in Figures 4-5 are integral with the storage unit and have fixing profiles 422, 425, which are adapted for a positive and forced locking relationship with conjugated cross-sectional interlocking, as shown, for example, in Figure 1. On the open side, the fixing profile 425 is designed in two parts with an intermediate interface, for example, similar to the functional area 110 in Figures 1A-1C, with an outer contour that matches the inner contour 423 of the fixing profile 422. Alternatively, fixing using a separate fixing bar is also possible, as shown in Figures 2-3.

[0076] As shown in more detail in FIG. 4A , at one side of each of the receiving means 402 of the same receiving unit 401, the respective functional areas 410 are integrally connected to the receiving unit 403 by means of a pair of cooperating closure profiles 411, 412 disposed opposite each other. The closure profiles 411, 412 also extend in the longitudinal direction L with uniform cross-sections and serve to seal and close (in relation to particle size) each associated receiving means 402 ( FIG. 4C ). The closure profiles 411, 412 can be in the form of closure bars, including at least profile elements 414 that engage with each other in a positive locking relationship, e.g., by means of a barbed cross-sectional shape, using a suitable pressure sealing principle. The support areas 415 serve to positively lock the profile elements 414 in the closed state ( FIG. 4C ). By means of the associated closure profiles 411, 412, the receiving means 420 can be individually opened and sealed closed as required. The opening can be achieved by bending open the flexible wall region 403. Figures 4-5 show, for example, a functional region 410 in the form of a robust double closure with two profile elements 414 in each closure profile 411, 412, respectively, in order to exclude undesired opening during operation. However, undesired opening can already be avoided if the wider side of the container 400 to be opened is arranged radially inside the turning arc 4. The interface of the opening 413 between the closure profiles 411, 412 is located at the level of the neutral line (see Figure 4C).

[0077] Figure 5 shows a housing 500 comprising two housing units 401 releasably fixed in parallel relative to one another by means of their lateral functional areas 420, 421 or their fixing profiles 422, 425. Each support chain 135 can be arranged in two laterally outer receiving means 402, as described in relation to Figure 1A, for example when long lengths are involved.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a variant related to Figures 4-5, with a storage unit 601 having only one closure for all receiving means 602. For that purpose, only one functional area 610 is provided, which includes cooperating closure profiles 611, 612 on its short sides. The wall areas 603 are designed to be plate-like connected to each other on both long sides of the storage unit 601. Otherwise, the storage unit 601 corresponds to the storage unit 401.

[0079] 7A-7B show a further preferred embodiment of an accommodation body 700, which is made up of a plurality of individual, structurally identical accommodation units 701, each forming exactly one receiving means 702. In contrast to FIGS. 1-6, the accommodation unit 701 is closed in the longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction, i.e. the accommodation wall 703 extends without interruption around the receiving means 702. The wall 703 is, for example, in the form of a tube or hose, of approximately oval or circular cross section. The accommodation unit 701 is made at least mainly from a flexible, permanently elastic, bendable plastic.

[0080] The storage units 701 cannot be opened non-destructively, i.e., the line must be passed through axially or longitudinally, unlike in Figures 1 to 6. In that way, the release of unwanted particles during maintenance work can be avoided. The simplification and scalability of maintenance is achieved with storage units 101 that do not have a closing function in the receiving means 702, solely by the concept of a locking function or by functional areas 720, 721 that cooperate to lock the individual storage units 701 in parallel.

[0081] Each storage unit 701 has functional regions 720, 721, which are fabricated on either side of the closed storage wall 702 in a diagonally opposed relationship or are subsequently connected to it and extend in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. The functional regions 720, 721 each have a fastening profile or a fastening bar, as a fastening strip, that releasably connects by positive and / or forced locking engagement. The functional regions 720, 721 are adapted to cooperate to release or engage the storage unit 701 with an adjacent storage unit 701, as needed. FIG. 7B shows two connected storage units 701 by way of example. For example, fastening profiles can be used as functional regions 720, 721, which are of uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction so as to be extruded. The functional regions 720, 721 again extend in the form of strips in a plane, in opposing relationship on two sides along the wall 103. The fastening strips of the functional regions 720, 721 can be in the form of toothed zip closures, toothless sliding closures, etc. The functional regions 720, 721 may also cooperate for fastening purposes with separate fastening bars, such as those shown in FIG. 2, which connect the fastening profiles or bars. FIG. 7B shows, by way of example only, a closure slider 750 connecting / separating the functional regions 720, 721, e.g., in the form of a positive-locking toothless sliding closure, for fastening the storage unit 701. The functional regions 720, 721 can be made separately, e.g., by extrusion or injection molding, and can be integrally connected to the remaining profiles of the storage unit 701, e.g., by longitudinally continuous welding in place using a suitable procedure. Preferably, for this purpose, the storage wall 703 and the functional regions 720, 721 are made of a thermoplastic material.

[0082] Adjacent guide channels or receiving means 102...902 are suitably fixed to one another by band-like intermediate areas having functional areas in at least some of the receiving means 102...902, thereby simplifying maintenance and / or facilitating subsequent modifications of the housing.

[0083] The flexible storage units 101...901 can be made in one piece from only one plastic material, in particular in a multi-part configuration with separate areas that are subsequently connected in a material-bonding relationship, in particular welded to one another. The storage units 101...901 can optionally be made in a multi-layer structure or with a coating, for example with a special plastic on the outside that reduces friction on the long sides.

[0084] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a dynamic line guide configuration including a dust-tight enclosure 100, such as that shown in one of FIGS. 1-7, forming a movable upper run 1 and a fixed lower run 3. Between them, the enclosure 100 forms a deflecting arc 4 with a predetermined bending radius about a nominal axis A. The deflecting arc 4 moves a certain distance relative to the fixed connection 5 when the upper run 1 is displaced by the movable connection 7. However, any position in space is involved here, and the enclosure 100 can also move vertically or laterally. The two ends of the enclosure 100 are dust-tightly closed, for example, using a clamping device as shown in FIG. 1A. The enclosure 100 has an overall hose-like configuration, and, due to a particularly suitable configuration and / or suitable material selection, is sufficiently flexible to allow reversible flexible bending of the deflecting arc 4 with the application of a small amount of force and to follow the movement of the movable connection 7 with the least possible level of resistance.

[0085] 9A to 9D schematically show a housing 900 made up of a number of individual housing units 901. Each housing unit 901 forms one or more receiving means 902. In contrast to FIGS. 1 to 6, the housing unit 901 is designed with a housing wall 903 that is closed in the longitudinal direction L and in the circumferential direction, i.e., extends without interruption around the one or more receiving means 902. The wall 903 is, for example, in the form of a tube, hose, etc., and has an approximately lenticular or arcuate (or pointed elliptical) or even elliptical or circular cross section. Preferably, a lenticular cross section as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D is used to provide the receiving means 902. It can in particular be formed from two identical segments of a circle assembled with symmetrical chords relative to a neutral element. The cross-sectional shape reduces the formation of folds, i.e., abrasion of the turning arc. The containment unit 901 is made at least primarily from a flexible, permanently elastic, bendable plastic, in particular extruded, for example from expanded PTFE.

[0086] 9A-9D, the storage units 901 cannot be opened non-destructively, i.e., the lines must be threaded in the same axial or longitudinal direction, as opposed to FIGS. 1-6. This reliably avoids the release of unwanted particles during maintenance operations. Maintenance simplification and scalability are achieved using storage units 901 without a closure function in the receiving means 902, either by a simple locking concept or by functional areas 920, 921 cooperating to lock the individual storage units 901 in parallel. In that case, each storage unit 901 can have interrelated line strands, for example, so that pre-made line strands can be renewed independently of the different line strands by replacing the storage unit 901, for example, by plugging or the like.

[0087] Each storage unit 901 has functional areas 920, 921 arranged on either side in diagonally opposed relationship, made integral with or subsequently connected to the closed wall 903, and extending continuously in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in Figures 9A-9D. The functional areas 920, 921 each have fixing profiles and / or fixing bars as fixing strips, which releasably connect by positive-locking and / or force-locking engagement. The functional areas 920, 921 are adapted to cooperate to fit or separate the storage unit 901 to an adjacent storage unit 901 as required. A suitable structure is described below with reference to Figures 10A-10D.

[0088] 9B-9D show, by way of example, two connected storage units 901, where the first storage unit 901 forms three receiving means 902. In FIG. 9B, the second storage unit 901 also has three receiving means 902. In FIG. 9C, the second storage unit 901 has two receiving means 902, and in FIG. 9D there is one receiving means 902. The different number of receiving means 902 formed by the storage units 901 allows the storage units 901 to be adapted to the line strands (not shown), in particular to the number of lines (not shown) within the line strands (not shown). Thus, the required configuration of the storage units 901 with an adapted number of receiving means 902 in the storage body 900 makes it possible to replace individual line strands (not shown) as needed by replacing the storage units 901.

[0089] For example, fastening profiles can be used as functional regions 920, 921, which are of uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction L so that they can be extruded. The functional regions 920, 921 again extend in the form of strips in a plane, facing each other on two sides along the containment wall 903. The fastening strips of the functional regions 920, 921 are designed in the manner of a closure with interengaging fastening profiles, for example similar to a press-closure bag or preferably a zip-closure bag. The functional regions 920, 921 here also cooperate for fastening purposes, possibly with separate fastening bars, as in FIG. 7, which connect the fastening profiles or fastening bars.

[0090] Preferably, the functional areas 920, 921 are made integrally with the wall 903 by extrusion using a single material or from different plastics, for example using a flexible but stronger or harder plastic for the functional areas 920, 921. The functional areas 920, 921 can also be made separately, for example by extrusion or injection molding, and can be integrally connected to the remaining profile of the storage unit, for example by continuous welding in the longitudinal direction by a suitable procedure. Preferably, for that purpose the wall 903 and the functional areas 920, 921 are made from a thermoplastic material.

[0091] 10A to 10D show a further particularly preferred example of a receiving unit 1001, which represents a variant of the principle shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D . Again, the receiving unit 1001 is made from flexible, bendable plastic, preferably by extrusion, and in the closed state ( FIG. 10B ) has a plurality of receiving means 1002, for example three, for the lines 6. The receiving unit 1001 for each receiving means 1002 then has a respectively dedicated or associated functional area 1010 in the form of a closure, here in particular in the form of a strip-like closure bar having two engaging or closure profiles that engage with each other in a conjugated relationship, more particularly a hook profile 1011 that can engage with a claw profile 1012. The hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 each have at least one undercut arrangement, preferably two symmetrical undercut arrangements, and engage with each other using a barbed function, i.e., the closing or connection is relatively simple, but can only be released by applying a very large force.

[0092] In addition, on both opposite short sides, the storage unit 1001 also has respective functional areas 1020 and 1021 that serve to modularly secure a plurality of storage units 1001 in lateral position in a juxtaposed relationship with one another or in a support device (see FIG. 3A ) with corresponding structurally identical functional areas 1020 and 1021. The fastening strips or bands 1020, 1021 are also here in the form of a claw profile 1022 and a hook profile 1025, respectively, similar to or identical to the closure functional area 1010.

[0093] 10C-10D show schematic enlarged cross-sectional views of the hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012, which are identical in structure and therefore can also be used for the closure functional areas 1020 and 1021. The hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 have the same cross-section throughout in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 10C-10D) and are in the form of flexible strips or bands bendable about the axis A of the turning arc 4 (FIG. 4). The hook profile 1011 is in the form of a double hook profile symmetrical about the neutral element N, e.g., arrow-shaped, mushroom-shaped, etc., as shown here, with a corresponding rear undercut configuration or portion. The rear side 1027 can extend rearward at an angle relative to the plane of symmetry and the connection direction to improve barb action and reliably prevent undesired separation. The claw profile 1012 is of a corresponding cross-section symmetrical about the neutral element N. The claw profile 1012 has inner receiving means in a matching or conjugated relationship with the hook profile 1011 having a matching cross-section and undercut configuration, which can be designed in a small size to achieve a force-locking connection. Around its receiving means, the claw profile 1012 forms two claw-like bars or strips that engage the rear of the hook profile 1011 like jaws and quickly hold it. Other configurations of the hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 are also contemplated, particularly in the case of toothless zippers, especially Ziplock®, slide closures, or press closures made of plastic. The above-described configurations can be suitably used for the fastening functional areas 1020, 1021. A zipper 1010 or 1020, 1021 that is of substantially uniform cross-section along its entire length and includes interengaging portions that are operated without a slider is preferred because its structure can be easily realized using an extrusion process. Also, a suitable slider can be provided as a tool or aid for opening or closing purposes.

[0094] 10A to 10D, the arrangement of the closure functional area 1010 and the fixing functional areas 1020 and 1021 at the level of the neutral element N is particularly advantageous. The neutral element N, also called the zero line, is a layer of a cross section whose length does not change during bending, especially during displacement of the turning arc 4 (FIG. 8), i.e., a layer with a constant longitudinal dimension during bending.

[0095] 10C-10D, the anchoring functional regions 1020 and 1021 can be connected to one another relatively easily in a connection direction V perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, which can be substantially in the plane of the neutral fiber N. However, the anchoring functional regions 1020 and 1021 can only be separated with great difficulty in opposing relation to the direction V, so that undesired disengagement does not occur during operation.

[0096] The closure functional area 1010 and the fixing functional areas 1020, 1021 can be made of a single material together with the walls of the receiving means 1002, or can be made from a plastic with a relatively high bending stiffness, for example using an extrusion process, to increase the stability of the entire connection and receiving unit 1001.

[0097] Figure 11 shows a modified example including a receiving unit 1101 in which the securing functional areas 1120 and 1121 are designed according to the principles shown in Figures 10A-10D. The closure functional area 1110, in contrast, is in the form of a double hook engagement profile based on the principles of Figures 4A-4C. Note that the illustrations in Figures 4A-4C are not to scale, as the closure functional area 410 is shown at a greatly enlarged scale. Typically, the functional areas 1010, 1020, or 1021 or 1110, 1120, and 1121 have cross-sections in the millimeter range, e.g., structural heights of about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

[0098] Figure 12 also shows a modification to Figures 10A-10D, essentially differing in that each receiving unit 1201 of Figure 12 forms exactly one receiving means that can be opened and closed individually. Besides the corresponding closure functional area 1210, which includes a hook profile 1211 and a claw profile 1212 in each receiving means of Figure 12 similar to Figures 10A-10D, each individual receiving means has its own fastening profile on either side of each short side, for example a claw profile 1222 or a hook profile 1212.

[0099] FIG. 14 shows a development in which the receiving bodies 1401 each include only one receiving means 1402, with closure profiles 1411, 1412 provided as closure bars, each having two cooperating profile elements 1414 that engage with each other in a positive locking relationship. The profile elements 1414 are of barbed cross-section, for example, according to the principle of a suitable press closure, similar to FIGS. 4A and 6, respectively. Using the associated closure profiles 1411, 1412, the receiving means 1402 can again be individually opened and closed in a dust-tight manner as needed for replacing the line or support chain. The closure profiles 1411, 1412 have double toothed bars, each with two interengaging parallel hook bars or profile elements 1414, for a secure connection in the closed state of the receiving means 1402 (FIG. 14B). Additionally, each housing 1401 has two cooperating fastening strips or profiles 1421, 1422 arranged transversely next to the closure profiles 1411, 1412 and extending continuously in the longitudinal direction with a uniform profile. In this case, the fastening profiles 1421, 1422 have the same structural shape or the same cross-section as the closure profiles 1411, 1412. In the example of Figures 14A-14B, after opening the closure profiles 1411, 1412, the housing wall 1403 can be bent open. Independently, the individual housings 1401 can be connected to or released from each other using the fastening profiles 1421, 1422. As a deviation from Figures 9-10 and 13, however, the connection direction V of the fixing profiles 1421, 1422 is now not arranged on the neutral element but is oriented perpendicular to the neutral element N and is now in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, as Figure 14B shows.

[0100] As a variation from Figure 14, Figure 15 shows a structural arrangement in which, in the mated state, each housing 1501 is made up of two half-mold parts 1503A, each having two closure profiles 1511, 1512 and only one fastening profile 1521. However, the two connected half-mold parts 1503A are still joined or connected to each other by means of two respective lateral and functionally distinct fastening strips 1521A, 1521B, as shown in Figure 15B.

[0101] In the variant shown in Figure 16, the closure profiles 1611, 1612 correspond to those of Figures 14-15 or 4 or 6, but the fixing strips 1621, 1622 have the hook and claw profile of Figures 9 and 10C-10D, which can fit together in the connecting direction.

[0102] As a possible development of the closure profiles of FIGS. 14-16 and 4 and 6 in particular, FIG. 11 shows an enlarged schematic view of a further functional profile including cooperating functional areas 1711, 1712 based on the principle of a suitable press or zip closure. In this case, the individual closure profile elements 1714 are of identical cross-section, each having a mirror-image mushroom-head or double T-shape, and hook-engage with each other or behind each other in a double-row configuration. This design eliminates the need for separate support areas 415, as in FIG. 4. The functional areas 1711, 1712 of FIG. 17 can also be used as fastening profiles, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 14-15. A closure slider 750 (see FIG. 7B) can be provided to release or connect the functional areas 1711, 1712.

[0103] 18A-18B show various arrangements of housings, including housing units 901, similarly to, for example, Fig. 9. In Fig. 18A, the two outer lateral housing units 901 are specifically associated with two schematically shown support chains 135 and are therefore interchangeable separately with their associated housings 901. This also applies to Fig. 18B, where housings 901B associated with the support chains 135 are of a relatively larger free cross-section than line guide housings 901A, for example due to the larger size of the more robust support chains 135.

[0104] FIG. 19 shows a multi-layer structure including a plurality of containers 900-1...900-5, in which a container unit 900 according to the present invention, such as that shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, is used, and some containers 901B are provided separately relative to the support chain 135, for example in a lower layer 900-5, which is the inner layer of a turning arc.

[0105] Figures 13A to 13E finally show a flexible enclosure 1300 of the described general type for cleanroom applications according to an independent invention, which is preferably, but not necessarily, implemented according to one of the teachings of Figures 1 to 12. The enclosure 1300 is displaceable based on the principle shown in Figure 8. The two end regions 1305, 1307 of the enclosure 1300 are then connected to one another, for example at a fixed point and a movable connection point, using structurally identical clamping devices 1330 (see Figure 8).

[0106] 1A and 3A. Each clamping device 1330 has a first clamping portion 1331 and a second clamping portion 1332. Each clamping portion 1331, 1332 is plate-shaped, for example made in the form of a molded metal part, and has an internal recess or receiving means 1333 for the corresponding end region 1305 and 1307, respectively. Each of the here approximately rectangular clamping portions 1331, 1332 has two opposite end portions 1334, 1335 extending transversely, here perpendicularly, to the through-through or longitudinal direction L of the line, according to which the receiving body 1300 is fitted into the respective clamping device 1330. In the example shown, each recess or receiving means 1333 is open to the outside at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, i.e. at the ends 1334, 1335, allowing the line to pass through unhindered. With respect to the recesses or receiving means 1333, both clamping portions 1331, 1332 are preferably of the same structural configuration and differ only with respect to the screw connection that secures the two clamping portions 1331, 1332 to each other in the assembled state (Figures 13A and 13C).

[0107] As shown in the perspective view of Figure 13B and the cross-sectional view of Figure 13D (corresponding to section XIIID as seen from the front view of Figure 13C), two structurally identical pressure portions 1340 are provided within each recess 1333, respectively.

[0108] When the clamping device 1300 is closed, the pressure portion 1340 presses against the corresponding end regions 1305, 1307 of the line protection guide or housing 1300, holding them in a longitudinal forced-locking relationship. In addition, the pressure portion 1340 provides a dust-tight closure or serves as a sealing profile member to prevent particles from escaping at the open end of the housing 1300.

[0109] For that purpose, each pressure part 1340 is made from a plastic that is more compressible or softer than the material of the clamping parts 1331, 1332, in particular soft elastic or rubber elastic or possibly even hard elastic, and in particular here in the form of a hollow extrusion member having two hollow spaces with an elliptical or arcuate cross section as shown at 1345 (FIG. 13E). The desired deformability of the pressure parts 1340 can also be achieved in other ways by material selection and / or shaping.

[0110] As a result, each pressure portion 1340 is adapted to be deformable upon compression or reinforcement of the clamping portions 1331, 1332 and serves, among other things, as a tensile stress relief means for the line (not shown in Figures 13A-13E).

[0111] As best shown in FIG. 13D , in that case, each pressure portion 1340 is sized and / or configured to protrude or project in the penetration or longitudinal direction L, in particular such that the corresponding short side 1344 extends beyond the respective end 1334 and 1335 of the associated respective clamping portion 1331 and 1332. This provides edge blunting protection for the corresponding end portion, thereby preventing the line protection guide or housing 1300 from contacting the respective end 1334 and 1335. This is particularly advantageous with respect to the end 1335 ( FIG. 13A ), which is disposed inwardly relative to the configuration of the housing 1300 or toward the respective other clamping device 1330, where the housing 1300 is introduced or fitted into the respective clamping device 1330.

[0112] Tests have shown that with movement of the housing 1300 (see FIG. 8, not FIG. 13A in its deflected operating position), a critical location for unwanted particle generation, particularly due to ablation of the housing 1300, is formed in the end fixing device as it approaches turning arc 4 (FIG. 8). That problem can be alleviated by the simple criterion of providing corner protection without significant cost increase with the pressure portion 1340 proposed here.

[0113] The pressure portion 1340 protrudes beyond the critical end 1335 of the associated clamping portion 1331 and 1332, respectively, providing protection, at least in the assembled state. In this regard, the end 1335, i.e., the edge toward the housing 1300, can be partially reinforced or coated in some cases, but this is unnecessary if there is sufficient longitudinal protection provided by the protruding configuration (see FIG. 13D ), since the pressure portion thus provides a softer transition. Additionally, with respect to the material of the housing 1300, a suitable selection of the material of the pressure portion 1340 can provide a material pairing that is more advantageous in terms of abrasive wear compared to the rigid material, mostly metal, of the clamping portions 3331 and 3332, respectively. The plastic of the pressure portion 1340 can be, in particular, harder or softer and less elastic than the plastic of the housing 1300.

[0114] The protrusion to the pressure portion 1340 at the opposite free end 1334 is also advantageous in protecting the line exiting the line guide therefrom to improve the sealing against escape of particles.

[0115] Advantageously, each pressure portion 1340 in an unloaded state forms, on the inside facing away from the clamping portion, one or more convexly curved or outwardly bulging surfaces 1342 in cross section (FIG. 13D) to provide a transition or interface that is as soft as possible on the outside of the container.

[0116] The profiled pressure portions 1340 may have their longitudinal length perpendicular to the penetration direction L extending continuously across the entire width of the recess 1330, as shown in Figure 13B. Preferably, each pressure portion 1340 further has two rounded short sides 1344.

[0117] The pressure parts 1340 can be made in the form of symmetrical profile elements to make them cheap and to simplify assembly. For fastening to the clamping parts 1331, 1332, each pressure part can be provided at its rear with a protruding, e.g. toothed, fastening rib 1346 for fastening in a transverse groove of the clamping part (Fig. 13D).

[0118] Preferably, two structurally identical pressure regions 1340 are arranged in each clamping portion 1331, 1332 in a juxtaposed, parallel, spaced apart relationship (Figure 13D) with respect to each other, extending perpendicular to the penetration direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 1300.

[0119] The proposed pressure part 1340 of the clamping device 1300 provides edge protection between the clamping parts 1331, 1332, especially their ends 1335 facing towards the inside of the turning arc, and the housing 1300, as well as at the same time better protection of the lines and a reliable modular seal with regard to particle escape and / or tensile stress relief for lines of different line diameters. Thus, the number of required components is reduced and assembly is simplified by the pressure part 1340.

Claims

1. A plastic housing unit for an elongated flexible housing of a line protection guide, comprising: the storage unit is a one-piece storage unit having a subdivision means, and has a plurality of parallel receiving means extending in a channel shape in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and guiding at least one line; a receiving unit, each said receiving means having a pair of cooperating closure profiles integral with said storage unit, said closure profiles extending in said longitudinal direction from said first end to said second end, which provide a dust-tight closure of an open state in which a line can be introduced into or removed from at least one said receiving means in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction.

2. 2. The storage unit of claim 1, wherein the closure profiles maintain the same cross-sectional shape throughout the entire length and cooperate with each other in an interlocking relationship.

3. 3. The containment unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the containment unit is made from a flexible elastic plastic, and the flexible containment body can be closed at its ends by respective clamping devices to prevent particles from escaping.

4. 3. The storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each storage unit maintains the same cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction.

5. 3. The storage unit of claim 2, wherein the interengaging closure profiles comprise cooperating hook and claw profiles or two profile elements that cooperate as a pressure closure.

6. 3. A storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said receiving means are connected to one another in parallel relationship by a strip-shaped intermediate region which predefines a neutral strand.

7. 1. A line protection guide for clean room applications, comprising: an elongated flexible housing that is reciprocally displaceable by forming a circular arc that changes direction between two runs, said housing having at least one housing unit with at least one receiving means for guiding at least one line, each receiving means extending in a longitudinal channel from a first end to a second end, said housing having a plurality of said receiving means extending parallel to each other and each separately guiding at least one line, at least one of said storage units is an integral storage unit with a subdivision means, said storage unit having a plurality of parallel receiving means for guiding at least one line; at least one of the parallel receiving means has at least one functional area for opening and closing the receiving means; the functional region extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end and includes two closure profiles of a closure; one of the closure profiles cooperates with the other closure profile to provide a dust-tight closure of an open state in which a line can be introduced or removed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction; A line protection guide, wherein the two cooperating closure profiles are integral with the storage unit.

8. 8. The line protection guide of claim 7, wherein the flexible containment body is made from a bendable elastic plastic, and the flexible containment body is closable at its ends by respective clamping devices to prevent particles from escaping.

9. 8. A line protection guide according to claim 7, wherein for each said receiving means a pair of cooperating closure profiles are provided which are integral with said storage unit.

10. 9. A line protection guide according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each storage unit maintains the same cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction.

11. 8. The line protection guide of claim 7, wherein the functional areas for opening and closing each receiving means have two plastic closing profiles in an interengaging conjugate relationship and cooperating as a closure for closing the receiving means.

12. 12. A line protection guide according to claim 11, wherein the interengaging closure profiles comprise cooperating hook and claw profiles or two profile elements that cooperate as a pressure closure.

13. 9. A line protection guide according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said receiving means are connected to one another in parallel relationship by a strip-shaped intermediate region which predefines the neutral element of said deflecting arc.

14. 9. The line protection guide according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the line protection guide comprises two support chains, each of the support chains being housed in the housing.

15. 15. A line protection guide as claimed in claim 14, wherein each said support chain comprises individual chain links and / or each said support chain is housed in a chain receiving means, the chain receiving means having a free cross-section greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving means that guides the line.

16. 9. A line protection guide according to claim 7 or 8, comprising two clamping devices for fixing the elongated flexible housing at opposite axial ends.

17. 1. A line protection guide for clean room applications, comprising an elongated flexible housing that is reciprocally displaceable by forming a turning arc between two runs, the housing having at least one housing unit that guides at least one line, the housing extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, At least one of the storage units has at least one functional area for opening and closing the storage unit; the functional region extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end and includes two closure profiles of the closure; one of the closure profiles cooperates with the other closure profile to provide a dust-tight closure of an opening in which a line can be introduced or removed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction; the line protection guide further comprises two clamping devices each for connecting the ends at a connecting position, each clamping device having a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion; at least one of said storage units is a one-piece storage unit with a subdivision means and has a plurality of parallel receiving means each guiding at least one line; A line protection guide, wherein each said receiving means has a pair of cooperating closure profiles integral with said storage unit.

18. 1. A line protection guide for clean room applications, comprising: an elongated flexible housing that is reciprocally displaceable by forming a turning arc between two runs, the housing having at least one housing unit extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and guiding at least one line; At least one of the storage units has at least one functional area for opening and closing the storage unit; the functional region extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end and includes two closure profiles of the closure; one of the closure profiles cooperates with the other closure profile to provide a dust-tight closure of an opening in which a line can be introduced or removed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction; the line protection guide having at least two chain receiving means extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, each receiving at least one support chain; at least one of said storage units is a one-piece storage unit with a subdivision means and has a plurality of parallel receiving means each guiding at least one line; A line protection guide, wherein each said receiving means has a pair of cooperating closure profiles integral with said storage unit.

19. 20. The line protection guide of claim 18, wherein each said chain receiving means is attached to said storage unit.

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