Energy guide chain with flexible joint connector, side plate, and joint connector therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy chain (1; 101) with a flexible joint connector, lateral tabs (2, 3; 6; 103) and a joint connector (5) therefor. The lateral tabs (2, 3; 6) are symmetrical with respect to their restraining surfaces, each lateral tab (2, 3; 6) having two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with restraining surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B and 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with opposing restraining surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B and 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B). According to one embodiment, the two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) and the two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the transverse tabs (2, 3; 6), in particular with mirror symmetry with respect to the vertical plane (S1) or with rotational symmetry with respect to the longitudinal axes (H; R) of the transverse tabs (2, 3; 6). According to one embodiment, the joint connector (5) for the transverse tabs has a plate-like body with an elastically flexible joint area (52), two outwardly facing arched material areas (521, 522) with a cavity (523) therebetween, and two opposing fastening areas (51A, 51B) at the ends. The cross-sections of the fastening areas (51A, 51B) are designed for a non-rotatable interlocking connection in the fastening receivers (25; 35) and / or have flattened and / or curved contact surfaces (54) at the end faces. According to one embodiment, the energy chain (101) is designed so that the tab strands are generally made up of mutually identical tabs (103) in succession over a chain portion (130) comprising at least three or more adjacent chain links (102) with at least two tab strands (150, 160, 170).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of energy guide chains for guiding lines, e.g., cables, hoses, etc., between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. Energy guide chains usually serve for the dynamic protective guidance of supply lines to mobile consumers.

[0002] The invention particularly relates to an energy guide chain in which the side plates are interconnected by at least one elastic joint element which is moderately flexible and bendable relative to one another. [Background technology]

[0003] An energy guide chain with elastically deformable flexible joint connectors or joint elements in an angular relationship towards the side plates has already been proposed in the patent document JP 2004-104999 and has since been successfully marketed. The basic advantages of this general type of energy guide chain are a low level of operational wear, provided by the avoidance of conventional joint / pin connections between the side plates, and a high level of running smoothness due to the elastic action of the joint elements. Furthermore, considering the possibility of a relatively short chain pitch division, a low vibration displacement is also achieved in the rolling action due to the reduced polygonal effect.

[0004] Thus, energy guide chains of the general type described above are particularly, but not exclusively, suited for clean room applications.

[0005] Similar energy guide chains have already been proposed in US Pat. Nos. 5,699,229, 5,999,310, 5,999,410, and 6,099,520, but these have joint connectors formed on the plates. In comparison, the use of separate joint elements according to US Pat. No. 5,999,229 allows for more desirable plastic choices for both the plates and the joint elements, respectively.

[0006] Typically, in the known structures described above, each plate row includes articulated side plates that are mutually connected by at least one resiliently bendable joint element and are bendable relative to one another. The plate rows are interconnected and held in parallel relationship by cross bars on at least some of the opposing side plates. The cross bars and the side plates define on the outside a receiving space for the guided wire.

[0007] In the known energy guide chain, it is further provided that the side plates, on the one hand, comprise abutment surfaces in the linear relative position of the side plates - in particular in the self-supporting upper run - and, on the other hand, comprise further abutment surfaces in the fully folded relative position of the side plates - in the turning arc between the two runs of the energy guide chain - which abutment surfaces support each other.

[0008] To that end, at least one widely used structure according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,999 provides that a laterally projecting protrusion of one side plate engages with a corresponding recessed pocket of an adjacent side plate, the protrusion and the pocket cooperating in an operative abutting relationship, such that in a straight relative position, at least a first abutment surface of the protrusion cooperates with a first mating abutment surface of the pocket, and in a fully folded relative position, at least a second abutment surface of the protrusion cooperates with a corresponding second mating abutment surface of the pocket.

[0009] The design configuration of the patent document 1 has proven to be very successful. However, a disadvantage is that, depending on manufacturing tolerances, it can be difficult to achieve a configuration of the energy guide chain that is as straight as possible, especially in the upper run. This is due to the fact that two different side plates must be used in two mutually opposing plate rows that are mirror images of each other with respect to the longitudinal center plane (plane of displacement) of the energy guide chain. This therefore does not involve the same or identical side plates in both plate rows, but rather side plates that are produced separately, in particular in two mirror-image injection molds. However, this can lead to slight dimensional differences that result in uneven chain division and / or slightly different abutment geometries in both rows.

[0010] To solve this problem, Patent Document 5 proposes a further development in which the side plates of the energy guide chain are themselves symmetrical in construction, at least with respect to their contacting operating surfaces. In this respect, Patent Document 5 proposes the use of two different types of side plates in each plate row, but in both plate rows, the first and second types of side plates are used in the same way, respectively, due to their symmetry. This makes it possible to reliably eliminate differences caused by tolerances in the geometry or length of the two plate rows, so that the two runs always extend in a straight line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 02 / 086349 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1351362 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102006011229 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,204,075 [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2012 / 131033 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The energy guide chain of WO 2012 / 131033 is considered to be the most relevant state of the art, having the features set out in the classification part of claim 1. In fact, it has been found that the design according to WO 2012 / 131033 can be improved with regard to its lateral stability.

[0013] The first object of the present invention is therefore to further develop an energy guide chain of the above-mentioned general type with elastic flexible joint elements, in particular according to the classification part of claim 1 or according to WO 2012 / 131033, so that it is possible to define a chain run that extends as straight as possible and also to achieve a high level of lateral stability. According to a first aspect, this first object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 and by a side plate according to claim 16.

[0014] A second independent object of the present invention is to propose a flexible joint connector or joint element for energy guide chains of the above general type, independent of the design configuration of the side plates. This object is achieved in a second independent aspect by a joint connector according to claim 20, which can also be advantageously used in known energy guide chains according to the state of the art.

[0015] First Aspect The first object of the present invention is already achieved in the above-described energy guide chain of the general type, which has functionally symmetrical side plates, i.e., symmetrical side plates with at least their abutment surfaces, in the simplest embodiment, in that each side plate has both two protrusions and two pockets that can cooperate in an abutting relationship with the respective adjacent side plate. In this case, the two protrusions and two pockets of the same side plate are symmetrically arranged, particularly on each side plate. The symmetrical arrangement is particularly mirror-symmetrical with respect to a height plane, particularly a height central plane, of the side plate, or rotationally symmetrical with respect to a height axis, particularly a height central axis, of the side plate. Thus, a combination is proposed that includes the functionally required abutment surfaces symmetrically arranged, with the appropriate symmetrical arrangement of the two protrusions and two pockets on each identical side plate. The pockets may be in the form of recesses, or may be referred to as recesses.

[0016] A significant improvement in lateral stability can be achieved with this surprisingly simple solution, without the need for separately manufactured plates in both side plate rows that are mirror images of the longitudinal center plane of the chain, as is known, for example, from WO 02 / 086349. The symmetry of WO 2012 / 131033 additionally achieves the already known advantageous effects. In addition to the improved lateral stability, operational reliability is also increased, since breakage or separation of a joint connector cannot immediately lead to the plate being disengaged from the plate row. Using a semi-continuous chain configuration or one with two types of plates also eliminates the need for the lateral stability and / or torsional strength of the plate row to be ensured primarily by the joint elements themselves.

[0017] The protrusion engages with a recessed abutment pocket of an adjacent side plate so that in the straight relative position at least a first abutment surface of the protrusion cooperates with a first mating abutment surface of the pocket, and in the fully folded position at least a second abutment surface of the protrusion cooperates with a second mating abutment surface of the pocket.

[0018] Thus, according to the present invention, each side plate has both a protrusion that protrudes laterally and that abuts against, in particular, the first and second abutment surfaces, and a corresponding pocket that is in abutting relationship with the corresponding first and second mating abutment surfaces.

[0019] Preferably, at least in a linear relative position, the abutment surfaces and / or counter abutment surfaces or abutments cooperate to provide for an at least substantially play-free transmission of the longitudinal tensile and compressive forces of the chain, which normally alternate in reciprocating motion. In this way, the joint connector or joint element can be substantially freed from the influence of tensile and / or compressive forces, which may have a positive effect, inter alia, on the lifespan of the chain.

[0020] Essentially, at least two alternating configurations are possible according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, both rows of side plates have different outer and inner plates, with structurally identical outer plates being usable in both rows opposite each other, and structurally identical inner plates being usable in both rows opposite each other, with the outer and inner plates alternating in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment thereof, both the inner and outer plates are mirror images of themselves with respect to respective height planes extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in particular with respect to a height central plane, which height central plane extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, with at least their abutting operating abutment surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and at least approximately perpendicular to the side plates, so that identical inner plates and identical outer plates can be used in both plate rows. In this case, preferably, each inner plate may include two protrusions and two pockets, and each outer plate may include two protrusions and two pockets.

[0023] With regard to the designations of so-called outer and inner plates, it is noted that in the present invention they are essentially interchangeable, based on the consideration of which plate is arranged on the outer or inner side with its narrow side being the outer surface in the turning area. The designations adopted are merely for distinguishing terminology and do not entail any limitations in terms of protection. The terms outer plate and inner plate are here interchangeable with first type plate and second type plate, respectively.

[0024] Particularly preferably, one of the two plate surfaces or plate sides of one plate has at least two pockets, and the other of the two plate surfaces or plate sides of the same plate has at least two protrusions.

[0025] Preferably, at least one plate has at least two protrusions, preferably symmetrical with respect to the height plane, preferably projecting laterally, and in particular the at least one plate preferably has at least two pockets, preferably in the form of depressions, recesses or the like, in the height region opposite the at least two protrusions, relative to the longitudinal plane via a joint connector which may, but need not necessarily, be centrally located.

[0026] Preferably, adjacent pockets have protrusions in different height regions. Preferably, adjacent plates have pockets in different height regions.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, in the first pocket and the adjacent pocket in the height direction, a protrusion on the plate surface or plate side surface (e.g., outer side) of the first plate cooperates with a pocket on the other plate surface or plate side surface (e.g., inner side) of the adjacent plate. Preferably, in this case, in the other height direction region, a pocket on the other plate surface or plate side surface (e.g., inner side) of the first plate cooperates with a protrusion on the other plate surface or plate side surface (e.g., outer side) of the adjacent plate.

[0028] Preferably, the adjacent plates with their projections and pockets are in a so-called crossed or interlaced configuration. Preferably, in this way, two adjacent plates are already held together in all translational degrees of freedom, i.e., for example, in the longitudinal direction, in the direction of the height axis and in the direction of extension of the crossbar - apart from the play between the abutment surfaces - without any joint connectors or joint elements. In this way, in addition to increasing the lateral stability, operational reliability and possibly lifespan can be enhanced.

[0029] Preferably, two adjacent plates are already fixed to each other without joint connectors or elements so that rotation about their respective height axes relative to each adjacent plate is prevented.

[0030] Preferably, two adjacent plates are fixed to each other without joint connectors or elements so that relative rotation about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain, preferably perpendicular to the height central plane or height plane of the plates, is permitted for each adjacent plate, but preferably strictly in one direction of rotation, and opposite relative rotation is prevented. This allows for easy assembly with a high level of chain strength. In this case, if the permitted rotation directions are opposite for plates arranged in adjacent plate rows at the same height, the torsional strength of the chain can be further improved.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, both plate rows can be provided with structurally identical side plates which are preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to themselves, at least with respect to their abutment surfaces, preferably in their central plane and with respect to a height axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and at least approximately parallel to the side plates. This embodiment can in particular provide that the rotationally symmetric side plates have two protrusions projecting away from the receiving space and two protrusions projecting towards the receiving space, as well as two abutment pockets opening towards the receiving space and two abutment pockets opening away from the receiving space.

[0032] A corresponding side plate is further claimed independently in claim 16.

[0033] Preferred developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims 3 to 4, claims 7 to 15 and claims 17 to 19, respectively.

[0034] Second Aspect Furthermore, in order to achieve the second above-mentioned object, and as a further aspect which is itself considered essential to the invention, the invention also relates to a joint element or joint connector having the features of claim 20.

[0035] The joint connector according to claim 20, which is based on known features according to WO 02 / 086349, is differentiated by the present invention in that the cross-section of the fastening area is designed for a non-rotatable positive locking connection with the corresponding fastening receiving means for angular positioning or appropriate bending, and / or the fastening area at least at its end facing in the longitudinal direction has a flattened and / or curved contact surface. In this arrangement, the contact surface may in particular have a radius of curvature significantly greater than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening area, in particular greater than the radius of the periphery in the cross-section of the fastening area.

[0036] The non-rotatable fixation avoids wear and tear, which is particularly advantageous in clean room applications, and generally increases lifespan.

[0037] A flattened and / or relatively flatly curved contact surface allows for better transmission of forces, in particular compressive or thrust forces, to the joint elements, so that the contact surface may be used for stronger damping of the transition to a straight position, i.e. for greater noise reduction in particular, and / or to facilitate or implement preloading in a straight run. Both actions are particularly advantageous in combination with a split design of the bendable central joint area, which has two outwardly curved material areas opposite each other, with a hollow space arranged between them that is open on both sides.

[0038] The split central joint region may be particularly suitable for use in a joint element or joint connector component for use in an energy guide chain where the joint element or joint connector is subjected to at least occasional repeated compression. The compression can be accommodated by the increased spacing between the two opposing outwardly curved material regions. The compression can be accommodated without torque application, particularly to the fastening region or any transition region adjacent thereto.

[0039] The split central joint region can make the joint element or joint connector particularly suitable for durably withstanding torsional loads, for example about an axis perpendicular to the height plane of the energy guide chain or about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the joint element or joint connector.

[0040] The reduction in the tensile strength of the joint elements or joint connectors due to the split central joint area has been found to be substantially harmless, particularly in energy guide chains in which the abutment surfaces and / or mating abutment surfaces or abutments cooperate to accommodate, at least in a linear relative position, the longitudinal tensile forces of the chain and their transmission from one side plate directly to the next, so that the joint elements or joint connectors can be substantially free from tensile forces in their operation.

[0041] In the case of the joint connector, the cross section of the fastening areas is preferably of a generally trilobal or triangular configuration. The body of the joint connector may in particular have a plate-like transition area between each fastening area and the split central joint area.

[0042] Preferably, the joint connector is made in one piece from plastic, in particular from a flexible elastic plastic.

[0043] Suitable developments of the joint connector are described above and below.

[0044] Third Aspect The invention relates in a further independent variant to an energy guide chain according to the classification part of claim 25. The invention further relates to a side piece for forming the energy guide chain and to a method for producing the energy guide chain.

[0045] Such energy guide chains are known, for example, from WO 2014 / 161763 or WO 02 / 086349, and are used in a variety of situations. In these cases, the energy guide chain has rows of side plates, e.g., alternating inner and outer plates, but various tools, e.g., injection molding tools, must be used to form the inner and outer plates of the rows, resulting in relatively high manufacturing costs. On the other hand, two plate rows can also be assembled from only one type of plate, so that each row has plates of the same structure, but the two plate rows extending parallel to the two sides of the center of the energy guide chain are mirror images of each other. In this case, significantly different tools, e.g., injection molding tools, are required to manufacture the plates.

[0046] Furthermore, when two plate rows are produced using different tools, the two plate rows do not necessarily have exactly the same dimensions, apart from their planes of symmetry, due to production tolerances that always occur. Therefore, these production tolerances accumulate over a plate row section comprising multiple plates, resulting in slight but significant differences in the lengths of the plate rows. While this can be compensated for by clearances at the joint connections between adjacent plates in the row, such joint clearances are undesirable because they increase wear and deteriorate the running characteristics of the energy guide chain with respect to displacement. If such joint clearances were avoided, these slight differences in the lengths of the plate rows would result in a slight, typically lateral, deviation from the linear movement of the energy guide chain with displacement. However, this deteriorates the running characteristics of the chain and leads to increased wear and abrasion of the chain links, especially at the joint connections. This problem is exacerbated when the respective energy guide chains are operated, for example, under clean room conditions or at high speeds.

[0047] A further independent third object of the present invention is therefore to provide an energy guide chain of the above-mentioned general type which has improved running characteristics during the displacement of the energy guide chain, in particular with regard to lateral displacement of the chain which must be avoided during said displacement, which is subject to less wear, which is of particularly simple construction and which is suitably suitable for use in clean room conditions.

[0048] This third independent object is achieved by an energy guide chain according to claim 25 and by a side plate according to claim 39. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0049] According to this third further variant of the invention, the energy guide chain is configured such that the plate rows comprise at least three adjacent chain links and extend continuously over chain sections comprising at least two or all of the plate rows, the plate rows being generally made up of structurally identical plates in succession (hereinafter also referred to as "chain sections"), so that each plate can be selectively positioned at any position in each of the various rows of the chain sections. In particular, the chain according to the invention in this further variant has excellent running properties and further reduced wear, is suitable for operation under clean room conditions at high speeds of displacement, and is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0050] In this further variant, the use of plates of the same structure throughout several or all plate rows of a chain segment according to the present invention allows all plates of the chain segment to be selectively fitted to one of the at least two or all plate rows of the energy guide chain at any position in the respective row. Even more preferably, all plates of the chain segment can be manufactured using one and the same forming tool, in particular an injection molding tool. In this regard, the term "selectively usable" means that the arrangement of each plate in one or the other row of the chain does not affect the structure of the chain, its dimensions, and / or its functionality, and this also applies to each position within the plate rows. Therefore, production of the plates is particularly inexpensive. The plates are preferably plastic parts, in particular plastic injection molded parts, which benefit from the advantageous effects of the present invention in certain aspects due to the shrinkage properties of plastic parts during their manufacture.

[0051] Another advantageous effect is that the plate rows or energy guide chains (hereinafter also simply referred to as "chains") can be assembled more easily, since in this case it is no longer necessary to ensure that each plate is located in one plate row or the other of the chain or in a given position within the chain. This also facilitates the handling of the parts and the storage of the plates. This can apply, for example, to the manual or automated assembly of chain links or chains as a whole.

[0052] Furthermore, the more uniform running characteristics of the chain also reduce wear at the joint connections during chain movement, taking into account the avoidance of lateral chain slippage during chain movement. Lateral chain slippage is manifested by slight transverse forces acting on the chain winding means at the movable connection points where the chain ends are fixed, for example, during linear chain displacement. These transverse forces would not occur in a theoretically ideal chain. On the other hand, lateral slippage can result in the chain's displacement deviating from the target position of the displacement path. This is avoided in this further variant by the fact that all plates of the chain section according to the invention are of the same structure, thereby minimizing production and / or fitting tolerances that would otherwise occur to a greater extent if different plates were used in the chain sections, and also reducing the deviation of the lengths of the various rows of plates from the target length. Furthermore, during linear displacement, slight transverse forces, and therefore forces transverse to the direction of displacement, also act on the chain links located in the central region of the chain.

[0053] The advantageous effects of the present invention, particularly in this further variant, are achieved to some extent if the fastening means of the plates to the cross bars, the abutments and / or joint connections of the plates, especially the joint elements, are also integrally formed on the plates. Preferably, the fastening means of the plates to the cross bars and the abutments of the plates are integrally formed on the plates. In this way, the various chain links enjoy a particularly high level of dimensional precision, which also relates to the dimensional and fitting precision of the connections of the various components, such as the plates and the cross bars or joint connections, and their cooperation, such as the abutments, as well as the dimensionally accurate relationship between the plates and the chain links relative to one another. This also results in a particularly uniform stability and configuration of the various chain links of the chain section, thereby achieving to some extent the advantageous effects of the present invention, particularly in this further variant.

[0054] Preferably, each abutment, and this applies particularly preferably to all abutments of each plate, has a forming area on the respective plate, preferably in its extension, the free end of the abutment opposite the forming area not being covered by the other areas of the respective plate. This free end is permanently fixed to the plate and can only be removed from the plate by its destruction, as also applies to other plate areas integrally formed thereon. Preferably, the above-mentioned not covering of the free end of the abutment also applies to other areas provided on the plate releasably or movably in place. This allows structurally identical plates, preferably having abutments integrally formed thereon, to be easily assembled to form a plate array.

[0055] The chain is preferably arranged, or generally arrangeable, to define at least two runs, such as an upper run and a lower run, and a turning area between each of the two runs. The end areas of the chain are preferably displaceable with two connection locations that are movable relative to each other, thereby defining at least two runs that are connected or connectable to the respective connection locations. The chain is preferably displaceable in a straight line, i.e., along a straight path of displacement.

[0056] The reduction of the tolerances due to the structurally identical plates according to the invention in this further variant also applies when interconnecting various parts of a chain link, for example connecting plates with cross bars or connecting plates with joint elements, when adjacent plates are moved relative to one another in the displacement movement of the chain, for example with respect to cooperating abutments of adjacent links, or when plate portions of adjacent plates are guided past one another in the displacement movement, for example plate extensions protruding from the central plate region in the plate direction.In the context of the invention, particularly in this further variant, it has been found that the various tolerances in the fixing regions of the plates relative to the cross bars, the cooperation of adjacent abutments and the configuration of the joint connections interact and cooperate in the displacement movement of the chain to provide an optimal chain in terms of running properties, in particular with regard to slippage in displacement, wear and the resulting chain life.

[0057] Thus, a chain section having a plurality of adjacent chain links according to this further variant, which are successively constituted by mutually structurally identical plates, may be successively constituted by such structurally identical plates over 5 or more, preferably 10 or more or 50 or more plates or chain links in the longitudinal direction of the chain, particularly preferably over the entire length of each plate row of the energy guide chain.

[0058] The chain section with structurally identical plates comprises at least two or all of the plate rows of the energy guide chain. In the chain section, the plate rows extend in the longitudinal direction of the chain, preferably in a juxtaposed relationship and / or in a parallel relationship. Preferably, several or all of the plate rows of the chain section are connected to each other by at least one cross bar, which also applies to chains preferably arranged in a juxtaposed relationship. Plates in a chain section arranged opposite each other in adjacent plate rows are releasably connected to each other or connectable to each other by at least one, preferably two, or optionally three or more cross bars, which preferably applies to all plates in the chain section. Plates connected to each other by at least one, preferably at least two cross bars and arranged in adjacent or different plate rows each constitute a chain link. The chain section preferably comprises five or more, particularly preferably ten or fifty or more, consecutive chain links in the longitudinal direction of the chain or all chain links of the chain. Preferably, therefore, each chain link of a chain section has at its two ends at least one cross bar releasably connected, preferably to plates, which plates become part of the chain section.

[0059] Each plate row, i.e., each row of chain links of the chain, is generally provided in its two end regions with end fixings, which may be in the form of plates or links. These end fixings may have fixing means for fixing the respective row of plates or links to connection points, at least one or both of which are movable, often one of which is fixed. These end fixings or end members may also have strain relief means for strain-relieving fixation of the line guided by the chain. It should be noted that the end fixings or end links of these plate or chain link rows are not part of the chain section with structurally identical plates. However, these end fixings or end links may be part of the energy guide chain according to the invention, especially in this further variant. Thus, the chain section according to the invention with structurally identical plates may extend entirely between the end links or end fixings of the chain, which are arranged at mutually opposite ends of the chain.

[0060] According to the invention in this further variant, when a chain row is "completely" constructed from plates that are structurally identical to one another, it means that all of the at least two or more plate rows that a chain section comprises, and preferably all of the plate rows of a chain extending along the chain section, are constructed from plates that are structurally identical.

[0061] According to the invention in this further variant, the plate rows are "consecutively" made up of plates that are structurally identical to one another, which means that for each plate row section that is part of the chain section, all of the plates that are consecutive in the longitudinal direction of the plate row are of the same structural configuration as one another.

[0062] Preferably, the plates on both opposing narrow sides of the plate have fastening means (referred to as "fastening means") for releasably fastening the cross bars, and the fastening means of each plate for one or more cross bars are preferably structurally identical on both narrow sides and preferably integrally formed on the respective plate. This simplifies the assembly of chain links, and the integral and structurally identical plates according to this further variant of the invention, having cross bar fastening means, provide the above-mentioned advantageous effects of the invention, such as improved chain running characteristics. The plates are thus preferably designed to be selectively suitable for fitting in various rows of chains. The fastening means of the plates are preferably located in the cross-sectional area of ​​each plate between its two side surfaces. Fastening means or other areas protruding laterally from the side surfaces of the plates are avoided or preferably absent. This facilitates the use of structurally identical plates in plate rows. Furthermore, the envelope volume of the plates is reduced, thereby facilitating their storage.

[0063] Preferably, the plate fastening means for at least one cross bar are arranged in the region of the narrow plate faces or at least one or both of them, so that the cross bar can be fastened to plates selectively projecting from the inner plate face or from the outer plate face. In this way, structurally identical plates can be selectively arranged in the chain section in one of the plate rows. If two plate rows are arranged adjacent to one plate row, the plates of the central row can be selectively connected to a structurally identical cross bar in each of the adjacent plate rows.

[0064] Preferably, the fastening means of the plates relative to the transverse bars are located in the central plane of the plates. This substantially simplifies the construction of the plate rows of the chain section by using structurally identical plates according to this further variant of the invention, whereby attention to the orientation of the plates in each row does not need to be paid to this. Furthermore, in this way, when a force acts on the transverse bars, for example during chain displacement, the guided lines support the transverse bars, and the corresponding force is transmitted from the transverse bars to the central plane of the plates, thereby more uniformly stressing the joint connections between the plates. This improves the smoothness of chain movement and / or reduces wear or material fatigue at the joint connections. The central plane of the plates preferably extends parallel to the two side surfaces of the plates and is preferably equally spaced therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, the plate central plane may be arranged so that extensions arranged in the thickened regions of the respective plates and projecting from these regions in the longitudinal direction of the plates, and / or abutments provided on the plates to cooperate with adjacent plates to limit their hinge movement relative to one another, are arranged at the same lateral distance from the plate central plane and / or are particularly preferably adjacent to said plane.

[0065] Preferably, the cross bars are fixed to the plates by means of locking and / or clamping connections, such that the fixing means of the plates to the cross bars can be permanently fixed to the plates in a particularly simple manner, in particular so that they can be formed integrally therewith, whereby the plates can be easily manufactured and the chain links can be easily assembled. The plate fixing areas for the cross bars and the two cross bar end areas have corresponding clamping and / or locking means. The clamping and / or locking means are preferably arranged in receiving grooves and / or clamping receiving means for the cross bar end areas with corresponding clamping and / or locking means, the receiving grooves and / or clamping receiving means of the plates being preferably arranged on one or both narrow faces thereof.

[0066] The two fixing areas at the end regions of the cross bar for connection to the plates are preferably structurally identical and are preferably integrally formed on the cross bar, thereby eliminating the need for separate fixing means, such as screws, for fixing the cross bar to the plates, although they may be provided in some cases. Such separate fixing means also make assembly and disassembly of the cross bar more difficult and may be lost during operation. Both end regions of the cross bar may be releasably fixed to the plates. When fixed to the respective plates, the cross bar is preferably not pivotable relative to the plates, which increases the stability of the chain links and reduces wear when loosening or opening the cross bar. This is particularly true for narrow plates, i.e., their short length in the longitudinal direction of the chain, which reduces the amount of space required for the fixing areas of the cross bar on the plates but allows for a narrower turning area, i.e., a smaller radius of curvature. This can be important for many situations of use. However, such pivotability may be provided optionally. In general, the intermediate portion may optionally be disposed between the cross bar fixation area and the plate fixation area, for example to facilitate the creation of a clamping connection therebetween, although the intermediate portion is preferably configured to remain in place on the cross bar even when the cross bar is disassembled, and therefore does not need to be included or treated as a separate part in this case.

[0067] Preferably, the plates have at least one or exactly one joint connection in two longitudinally arranged plate end regions of each plate row, so that they are hinged or hingeably connected to the respective longitudinally adjacent plates of the plate row. Each joint connection of the plates can act as a receiving means for a separate joint element. The receiving means is preferably configured so that the joint element is arranged on and constrained to the receiving means in a force-locking and / or positive-locking and / or material-binding relationship. The joint element is preferably arranged on the receiving means to transmit a tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the chain, or is generally held by the plate to transmit the tensile force. When the joint element is arranged in a plate row, it can have at least two connection regions spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the plate row. Each connection region of the joint element is connected to one of two longitudinally adjacent plates of the plate row to form a joint connection. Each joint element may also be permanently fixed to the plate, for example, by adhesive, or preferably integrally formed on the plate, for example, by injection molding or two-part injection molding, thereby providing the advantageous effects of the present invention in certain embodiments. Generally, according to the present invention, the material of the joint element is different from the material of the plate, or the thickness of the plate is different. Therefore, at least one joint element may be arranged in an end region of a plate in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and at least one receiving means for a joint element of an adjacent plate may be provided in the other end region of the plate in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Optionally, the joint element and the joint receiving means for connecting to the joint element and receiving the respective adjacent plate may also be provided in the plate end region. It is possible for at least one or more joint elements to be provided only in the end region of a plate in the longitudinal direction of the chain, while at least one receiving means for one or more joint elements of an adjacent plate may be provided only in the other end region of the plate in the longitudinal direction of the plate.Optionally, joint elements may be provided at both end regions of the plates so that the joint elements of the or each plate arranged in the end region can be hingedly connected to the joint elements of the adjacent or opposite end regions of the respective plates to connect adjacent plates, preferably also to transmit tensile forces in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Adjacent plates are preferably hingedly connected to one another only by a joint connection, but possibly also by several joint connections. The respective receiving means of the plates for the joint elements are preferably permanently fixed to the body of the plate, formed integrally therewith, and / or machined from the material of the body of the plate, providing an integral connection thereto. This also provides advantageous effects according to the invention in certain embodiments, particularly with regard to running smoothness and wear in relation to chain displacements.

[0068] The inventive configuration of the joint connection is particularly advantageous in combination with the inventive configuration of the plate fixing means for the cross bars and / or plate abutments according to this further variant of the invention. Due to the structurally identical configuration of the cross bar fixing means in their overall configuration, adjacent chain members have particularly small manufacturing and fitting tolerances, in particular with regard to the plate length in the longitudinal direction of the chain and with regard to the spacing of the cross bar fixing means relative to the plate height. The plate height represents the spacing between two narrow plate faces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Due to the particularly precise design of the chain links, the joint connection is hardly subjected to high mechanical loads during the displacement movement of the energy guide chain, which reduces loads and fatigue phenomena in the joint elements.

[0069] Preferably, the plates and the joint connections and / or joint elements are configured such that the joint connections and / or joint elements undergo deformation, preferably bending and / or torsional deformation and / or length extension, during the chain displacement movement. Bending deformation is favorable due to the force transmission between the plates during the joint movement of the plates. The joint elements may also not experience at least substantial length extension during the joint movement. In this case, the joint elements are elastically bendable, or optionally plastically bendable or flexurally rigid. In response to the elastic deformation of the joint elements during the joint movement, they may exert a return force in the direction toward the initial position of the plates. This makes the chain particularly suitable for cleanroom conditions. Hole-pin connections, which lead to increased wear, are thus avoided.

[0070] Preferably, the joint connections of the plates are arranged at the ends of the plates. In this way, the plates can be particularly easily fitted to plates from different rows. In this case, the ends of the plates also refer to the ends of the thickness or central region of the plate from which at least one extension protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the plate. Each of the end joint connections can have a receiving means or joint element for a joint element of an adjacent plate. The joint element can be as wide as the plate or its thickness or central region, or it can be of a smaller width, for example less than half the width of the plate, making it possible to provide the joint connection between adjacent plates with two joint elements that can each be fixed to one of the two plates according to this further variant of the invention before the structurally identical plates are assembled together.

[0071] The plate joint connections may optionally be provided on the extensions of the plates that laterally overlap each other with respect to adjacent plates in the plate row, or may be arranged in the wall thickness or central region of each plate. For this purpose, by way of example, at least one or more laterally projecting joint elements can be provided on each plate extension, for example, projecting from each plate in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar. The overlapping joint regions of adjacent receiving means can have corresponding receiving means for the joint elements. It is also possible for both plate extensions to be provided with joint elements that are mutually connected or connectable to form the joint connection. Receiving means for the joint elements of the laterally overlapping extensions of the adjacent plates to form the joint connection can also be provided adjacent to the joint elements of the plate extensions. The joint elements are preferably deformable or elastically deformable, and in some cases preferably elastically variable in length, to be able to engage with the receiving means of the extensions of the adjacent plates, so that the plates according to this further variant of the invention can also be rotationally symmetrical as described below. Such joint connections may, for example, but without being limited to, function in the manner of a torsion joint. The joint elements may each be permanently fixed to the plates or, preferably, may be integrally formed on the plates.

[0072] Due to the arrangement of structurally identical plates according to this further variant of the invention, the abutments of the plates for cooperating with the abutments of adjacent plates are also identical in structure, and the plates are identical in structure and arrangement of the abutments. Thus, each plate according to this further variant of the invention, having an abutment in the chain section, can be selectively positioned in one of at least two plate rows. The structurally identical arrangement of the abutments of plates in different rows according to this further variant reduces the production tolerances of the plates, thereby increasing the running smoothness and reducing material fatigue for the chain links and their joint areas, and also simplifies the plate construction. This also has a particularly advantageous effect with regard to the interaction of the abutments with the joint connections and / or the fixation of the cross bar to the plates. When the abutments of adjacent plates collide with each other and limit the joint movement, forces are exerted on the plates and chain links as a whole, and these forces also act on the joint connections and fixation areas of the plates with the cross bar. Therefore, when the abutments of adjacent plates collide with one another, on the one hand, a repulsive force is generated, and on the other hand, if the abutments are not of the correct configuration and / or positioned correctly on the respective bars, a certain misalignment may occur with respect to the two plates provided with the abutments. This increases the load and material fatigue on the joint connections and / or fastening means of the plates to the transverse bars and impedes the smooth running of the chain. The structurally identical configuration of the abutments on the plates according to this further variant, which are consequently selectively arranged on one of the at least two plate rows, minimizes such disadvantages, in particular by improving the tolerance for errors.

[0073] Preferably, the abutments match each other, preferably directly, when limiting joint movement, for example when limiting pivoting movement.

[0074] Each of the abutments of the plates can be arranged at least partially in or in the region of the respective plate's thickness and / or on a plate extension extending in the direction of the plate or chain opposite the plate's thickness or central region. The abutment on a first plate can then engage in a recess in the extension of the respective adjacent plate, which recess may also preferably be called a pocket or abutment pocket.

[0075] Preferably, the plate sides are oriented parallel to one another. For this purpose, preferably, alternatively or additionally, the inner and outer plate sides are flat, particularly preferably smooth, i.e., without protruding areas, although recesses may be provided in the sides. For this purpose, preferably, alternatively or additionally, the plate fixing means for at least one or all cross bars, the joint connections for the pivotally connected adjacent plates, and the abutments that delimit the joint movement of the adjacent plates are arranged entirely between the plate sides and therefore do not protrude from there into the receiving space for the line or lines. Preferably, all of the above features are implemented in combination with one another. Due to the flat and smooth sides, on the one hand, the lines are handled particularly carefully in the chain displacement movement when they contact the sides, thereby increasing their service life and reducing wear. Thus, the plate row has a continuously flat inner or outer surface at least substantially along its length. On the other hand, plates in the form of plate-shaped parts can be stacked easily and to a low stack height, with a given number of plates supporting each other on their respective sides. The reduction in stack volume also reduces the amount of space required for storage of plates in general, and in particular in magazines in which plates are stored for chain assembly, for example, during automated chain assembly using robots or machines. As a result, plates can also be particularly easily separated from the storage stack or magazine, which facilitates reliable and rapid chain assembly.

[0076] Preferably, all chain links of the chain sections or energy guide chains are constituted only by plates, cross bars and possibly separate joint elements, so that all fastening means for the components are preferably integrally formed on the respective components, preferably without further fastening means. Particularly preferably, the joint elements are permanently connected to the plates or integrally formed therewith. As mentioned above, an intermediate section may optionally be arranged between the cross bar fastening area and the plate fastening area for the cross bar, or such an intermediate section may not exist. This significantly simplifies the construction of the chain from individual components and reduces any manufacturing and / or fitting tolerances between the components, thereby improving the running properties of the chain in its displacement movement and reducing material fatigue.

[0077] Preferably, the plates are configured such that the central region of each plate, relative to its longitudinal extent, is in the form of a thickened region that determines or substantially determines the width of the plate. The thickened region thus represents the central region of each plate relative to its longitudinal extent, i.e., its dimension in the longitudinal direction of the plate row. Preferably, the thickened region of the plate is provided with fixing means for fixing one or more cross bars to the plate, which may be of a particularly stable nature here. Preferably, extensions extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate extend from the thickened region of the plate and may be at least substantially plate-shaped. The side surfaces of each extension facing away from the plate central plane may be parts of the side surfaces of the respective plate. In this case, the thickened region has a greater thickness or material dimension than the extensions. The joint connections are preferably spaced apart from the narrow faces of the plate, preferably in the central height region of the plate, relative to the height of the plate, i.e., relative to the distance between the two mutually opposing narrow faces. However, optionally, the joint connections may also be located in the region of one of the narrow faces of the plate. The extensions can be arranged in the respective plate end regions on both sides of the respective joint connection, with one plate extension "above" the joint connection and the other plate extension "below" the joint connection, respectively. With regard to the extensions arranged in the upper part of the joint region, at a given position of the plate relative to the two plate end regions, one can be arranged on the inner or inner plate side, and the other on the outer or outer plate side. This also applies correspondingly to plate extensions arranged in the upper part of the plate end region, where one extension is arranged on the inner or first plate side, and the other extension is arranged on the outer or second plate side, in one end region, so that adjacent plates are so-called intertwined with their extensions.Alternatively, the plate extensions in the two plate end regions may each extend at least substantially across the total height of the plate, with the plate extension in one plate end region being located on the inner plate side and the plate extension in the opposite plate end region being located on the outer plate side, thereby providing so-called crank plates. When the plates are cranked or interlocked relative to each other, the extensions in two opposing plate end regions of two adjacent plates engage laterally with each other when the plates are arranged in a plate row. Abutments on the plates for limiting the joint movement of the adjacent plates are preferably located at least partially or completely on the plate extensions, and preferably, the protrusions of the plates that protrude laterally from the plate extensions engage with recesses in the extensions of the adjacent plates. The term "protruding" is generally used in the sense of "hanging out." Interlocked plates provide the plate row with particularly high stability with respect to forces acting across the plate row, and therefore the chain has good running characteristics. Cranks or interlaced plates of this kind are particularly suitable in this further variant of the invention as structurally identical plates for building up different rows of plates of a chain section or for constituting corresponding rows of plates thereof.

[0078] Preferably, the structurally identical plates in this further variant of the chain section are configured such that plates facing each other in adjacent rows of plates can have the same image of each other through translational displacement. This means that adjacently arranged plates in adjacent rows of plates differ from each other only through translational displacement and otherwise have the same orientation or direction in the plate row relative to the adjacent plates, and each plate or structurally identical plate of the chain section is configured for this purpose. This can apply to all plates of the chain section. As a result, by using structurally identical plates, the chain section in this further variant can be particularly easily constructed, and the plate rows can be particularly easily assembled. The plate rows juxtaposed to each other in the further variant result in the same structural configuration and the same orientation in the chain. This provides the advantageous effects of the present invention in a particularly pronounced manner in the further variant.

[0079] Preferably, the structurally identical plates in this further modification of the chain section are rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other, more specifically, each plate can have the same image as itself when rotated around an axis—preferably through 180 degrees—that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate, at least approximately parallel to the plate sides, and preferably in the central plane of the plate. Opposite plates in adjacent plate rows can then be arranged such that, starting from a plate in one row, the opposing plates of the adjacent row are rotated through 180 degrees around the axis of rotation. Meanwhile, plate rows can be constructed particularly easily in this way, since there is no need to pay attention to their orientation with respect to the plane of rotation when assembling the plate rows. Furthermore, adjacent plate rows can also be constructed particularly easily, since there is also no need to pay attention to the rotational orientation of each plate. This significantly simplifies the construction of the entire chain, especially when it includes more than two plate rows.

[0080] Any plate configuration that allows the plates to have the same image relative to one another through translational displacement and / or a rotationally symmetrical configuration also relates, in particular, to the configuration of the fixing means of the plates relative to at least one transverse bar, the joint connections for the pivotal connection of adjacent plates relative to one another, and the abutments of the plates for limiting the joint movement of adjacent plates. This provides the advantageous effects of the present invention in a particular manner. Optionally, other structural features of the plates, such as the arrangement of braking elements or areas of the plates that do not impair the functionality of the plates, may be arranged independently of the translational mating and / or rotational symmetry of the plates. Preferably, the translational mating and / or rotational symmetry of the plates, on the one hand, relates to each plate in its entirety, so that, according to a further variant, for example, all plates of a chain section can be or are produced in the same forming tool, such as an injection molding tool.

[0081] Preferably, the plates have braking elements adapted for abutment braking of adjacent plates of the row against each other. In this case, the braking element or elements of each plate may have, for example, elastically deformable areas. The braking elements may be, for example, compressible, for example in the form of a foam, or may be deformable, for example, but not limited to, in the form of a spring tongue. The braking elements on the plates are preferably constructed and arranged in such a way that, according to the invention, each plate can be selectively used in one of the different plate rows of the chain.

[0082] Claims 34 to 38 describe particularly advantageous embodiments of a further variant of the energy guide chain according to the invention. In this case, the chain has at least three or more rows of plates extending longitudinally and spaced apart from one another laterally. The chain section having continuously identical plates extends across at least three or all adjacent rows of plates. Therefore, the three or more rows of plates are composed exclusively of identical plates. Regarding the plate configuration, attention is drawn to the above explanation of the invention. In this regard, the advantageous effects of the invention are realized in a particular manner, since dimensional variations within one row of plates have an effect on the running smoothness of plates in the adjacent or further rows. This is because, although the movement of plates in one row can be transmitted by a crossbar connecting the row to the adjacent row, the corresponding forces of the adjacent rows cannot be offset by the dimensional differences resulting from the deformation of the chain, which are suppressed by the further rows. Therefore, the use of identical plates according to the further variant of the invention is particularly advantageous in three or more rows.

[0083] In this respect, a central plate row, designated "second plate row", is also provided in each case, flanked by other plate rows, designated "first plate row" or "third plate row", respectively. The at least three plate rows may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain. The lateral sides of the at least three plate rows may be arranged parallel to one another. By using only structurally identical plates in three or more plate rows according to a further variant of the invention, the energy guide chain can be particularly easily widened, more particularly by arranging each additional plate row, in particular so that several or all of the plate rows of the chain can be structurally identical to one another. The plate rows are interconnected by a plurality of cross bars, each of which is coupled to or fixable to plates of different plate rows, in which case not all cross bar fastening means of all plates of a chain section need to cooperate with the cross bar. The cross bars may be configured to connect plates in adjacent plate rows. Optionally, alternatively or additionally, there may be cross bars of greater length, thereby interconnecting plates of, for example, three or more plate rows, thereby simplifying the assembly of the overall chain, although on the other hand it is simpler in terms of manufacturing and handling techniques if the plate rows are interconnected by cross bars which each connect only two plates of adjacent plate rows.

[0084] In particular, in this embodiment having three or more plate rows, the plates are also configured to selectively allow for fastening thereto transverse bars which selectively protrude from one or other side of the bar and which can be fastened to structurally identical plates in other plate rows, the plates of the different plate rows being at the same lateral spacing relative to each other.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the present invention in a further variant, side plates of the energy guide chain are provided, whereby the energy guide chain according to the present invention can be constructed with the additional use of cross bars and possibly separate joint elements, but possibly without additional separate joint elements.

[0086] The invention in a further variant also relates to a method for manufacturing an energy guide chain according to the invention, in which the plates of at least two or all of the plate rows of the chain section are produced by one and the same forming tool, in particular an injection moulding tool, the plates preferably being in the form of plastic parts, in particular plastic injection mouldings.

[0087] Although the features of all three aspects, in particular the features of claims 1 to 19, the features of claims 20 to 24, and the features of claims 25 to 39, are initially disclosed and claimed independently in the context of the present invention, it should be understood that they may also be combined with one another. Thus, for example, the features of dependent claims 26 to 39 may also be advantageous with respect to the first aspect of claims 1 to 19, and vice versa, as long as they are compatible. All features of individual embodiments shown in the drawings are also considered to be disclosed in conjunction with any other embodiment, if not mutually inconsistent. All features of each of the above-described embodiments or aspects and configurations are generally disclosed independently of one another as features of the present invention and may also be considered in combination with one another, either on their own or in combination with features of other aspects, embodiments, and configurations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0088] [Figure 1] 1 shows a partial perspective view of an embodiment of an energy guide chain according to the present invention; [Figure 2A] A side view of the so-called outer plate is shown. [Figure 2B] A side view of the so-called outer plate is shown. [Figure 2C]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a chain link with two outer plates and a cross bar connecting them. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a chain link with two outer plates and a cross bar connecting them. [Figure 3A] A side view of the so-called inner plate is shown. [Figure 3B] A side view of the so-called inner plate is shown. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the inner plate. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the inner plate. [Figure 4] 2 shows an enlarged plan view of the plate row of FIG. 1 as seen from the radially outer side relative to the turning arc. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a side view of a joint connector according to an independent aspect of the present invention which is claimed as inventive in itself; [Figure 5B] 1 shows a perspective view of a joint connector according to an independent aspect of the present invention which is claimed as inventive in itself; [Figure 6A] 1 shows a diagram of a chain link with a rotationally symmetrical side plate, i.e. two structurally identical side plates, for a further second embodiment of the energy guide chain according to the invention described in DE 202020103046.9 A1. [Figure 6B] 1 shows a view of a rotationally symmetrical side plate for a further second embodiment of an energy guide chain according to the invention described in DE 202020103046.9 A1. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a view of a rotationally symmetrical side plate for a further second embodiment of an energy guide chain according to the invention described in DE 202020103046.9 A1. [Figure 7A] 1 shows a perspective view of a chain link of an energy guide chain according to the present invention; [Figure 7B] 1 shows a front view of a chain link of an energy guide chain according to the present invention. [Figure 7C]1 shows a chain link of an energy guide chain according to the present invention in a plan view. [Figure 7D] A chain link of an energy guide chain according to the present invention is shown in cross section along line BB in FIG. 7B. [Figure 7E] 7B shows a side view of the chain link shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7F] A detailed view of Figure 7E is shown. [Figure 7G] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection area between the cross bar and the plate. [Figure 8A] 8 shows a plan view of an energy guide chain with chain links as shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 8B] 8 shows a side view of an energy guide chain with chain links as shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 8C] 8 shows a perspective view of an energy guide chain having the chain links shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9A] 8D shows a top view of an example of a development of the energy guide chain of FIG. 8C having more than two parallel plate rows and cross bars connecting them. [Figure 9B] 8D shows a side view of an expanded version of the energy guide chain of FIG. 8C having more than two parallel plate rows and cross bars connecting them. [Figure 9C] 8D shows a perspective view of an expanded version of the energy guide chain of FIG. 8C having more than two parallel plate rows and cross bars connecting them. [Figure 10A] 1 shows various views of different joint connections of adjacent plates at the level of the joint connection. [Figure 10B] 1 shows various views of different joint connections of adjacent plates at the level of the joint connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following part of the description, without any limitation on the generality of the above description, in which embodiments are described in more detail by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0090] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an energy guide chain 1 according to the present invention. The energy guide chain 1 is made up of a number of side plates 2, 3 that are hingedly connected to one another and are foldable relative to one another. The side plates 2, 3 are assembled here to form two parallel plate rows that are releasably connected by upper and lower cross bars 4. Between the plate rows of the side plates 2, 3, which are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction L, and the cross bars 4, the energy guide chain 1 forms an inner receiving space that serves as a guide passage for, for example, lines or hoses.

[0091] A set of individual components consisting of two parallel mutually opposing side plates 2, 3, possibly two associated cross bars 4, and a joint connector 5 connecting the side plates 2, 3 constitutes a geometrically stable and possibly rotationally and torsionally rigid chain link as a minimum repeating chain unit, see for example Figure 2D.

[0092] The illustrated energy guide chain 1 is deformable and correspondingly displaceable to form a lower run 1A, a turning area 1C, and an upper run 1B. The normally stationary lower run 1A transitions to the moving upper run 1B in the turning area 1C. The energy guide chain 1 typically serves to supply power and / or data lines to moving machine parts. At the ends, plate rows for fastening to connecting parts have specific end connection elements 7A, 7B with connection holes. Figure 1 shows an energy guide chain 1 with a self-supporting upper run 1B, which must be supported over a certain length depending on the weight of each line.

[0093] As can be seen in Figure 1, the outer plates 2, each with a different constituent number, alternate with the inner plates 3 in the longitudinal direction of the chain in each plate row, but in both chain rows the same outer plates 2 and the same inner plates 3 are used due to their mirror symmetry, as can be seen in Figure 3.

[0094] As can be seen in more detail from Figures 2 and 3, each outer plate 2 and each inner plate 3 is itself, more particularly in a mirror-symmetrical arrangement at least in its functionally related components, in each case with respect to its height plane, in particular with respect to the height central plane S1, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L or to the neutral fiber of the energy guide chain 1. Correspondingly, the outer plates 2 and inner plates 3 can be used in left-hand or right-hand plate rows, respectively, by a 180° rotation about the height axis H, as shown in Figure 1.

[0095] As Figure 1 further shows, the hinge-like connections between the alternating outer and inner plates 2, 3 are constituted by joint elements 5. As Figure 1 shows, the joint elements 5 extend in the longitudinal direction L, preferably over substantially the entire width of the plates 2, 3, and terminate flush inwardly and outwardly with the respective side surfaces of the plates 2, 3, i.e., they do not protrude. In this regard, width denotes the dimension of the plates 2, 3 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the height axis H.

[0096] Each of the outer and inner plates 2, 3 is functionally symmetrical with itself, i.e., of symmetrical construction with respect to at least their abutment surfaces. Features that are irrelevant from a functional point of view are not critical with respect to said symmetry, or slight asymmetries in their construction with respect to such features (e.g., with respect to stamp labeling, etc.) are possible.

[0097] 2A-2D and 3A-3D show further details of the outer and inner plates 2, 3.

[0098] 2A to 2D, each of the outer plates 2 has two laterally protruding protrusions 21A, 21B and two recessed pockets 22A, 22B symmetrically with respect to the height plane S1 in a height region that is opposed to a longitudinal plane S2 that passes through the joint connector 5, which may be, but does not necessarily have to be, centrally located.

[0099] 3A to 3D, each of the inner plates 3 has two laterally protruding protrusions 31A, 31B symmetrically arranged with respect to a height plane S1, and two recessed pockets 32A, 32B in height regions facing each other with respect to a longitudinal plane S2 passing through the joint connector 5.

[0100] The outer plate 2 and the inner plate 3 are of a complementary configuration that matches each other, particularly with regard to their functional areas, in particular the abutment surfaces.

[0101] In the assembled state, the protrusions 21A, 21B of the outer plate 2 engage with appropriately sized pockets 32A, 32B, respectively, in the two adjacent connected inner plates 3. Correspondingly, the protrusions 31A, 31B of the inner plates 3 also engage with corresponding adjacent pockets 22A, 22B of the two adjacent outer plates 2.

[0102] In this arrangement, the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 3 are connected longitudinally by a bendable joint connector 5, shown in FIG. 5, which allows the outer plate 2 and the inner plate 3 to pivot, i.e., bend relative to one another, to allow a defined transition between the runs 1A, 1B in the turning arc 1C. In this case, the turning arc 1C always assumes a radius predetermined by the geometry and configuration of the plates 2, 3, particularly the spacing between the abutment surfaces, to protect the line or the like from kinking. Furthermore, a self-supporting straight position is maintained in the upper run by abutment surfaces operable in opposite bending directions in a straight relative position, particularly with respect to the upper run 1B. The abutment surfaces for the fully bent relative positions in the turning arc 1C and the straight relative positions of the upper run 1B in particular will be described later.

[0103] The abutment surfaces for the linear relative position include first inner abutment surfaces 211A, 211B (FIG. 2B) of the protrusions 21A, 21B of the outer plate 2. These first abutment surfaces 211A, 211B cooperate with corresponding first outer mating abutment surfaces 321A, 321B (FIG. 3B) of the pockets 32A, 32B of the inner plate 3 in the linear position. Reference is made to the upper run 1B in FIG. 1, where the energy guide chain is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The force between the abutment surfaces 211A, 211B and the mating abutment surfaces 321A, 321B acts on the respective pockets 32A, 32B by an expanding action, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, and is captured in a stable inclusion relationship in parts of the pockets 32A, 32B. Similarly, in the linear relative position, the first outer abutment surfaces 311A, 311B (Figure 3A) of the protrusions 31A, 31B of the inner plate 3 are in abutting relationship with the corresponding first counter abutment surfaces 221A and 221B (Figure 2A) of the respective pockets 22A and 22B of the outer plate 2.

[0104] The abutment surfaces for the fully folded relative position in the turning arc 1C include second outer abutment surfaces 212A, 212B (FIG. 2B) of the projections 21A, 21B of the outer plate 2. These second abutment surfaces 212A, 212B cooperate with corresponding second inner counter abutment surfaces 322A and 322B (FIG. 3B) of the pockets 32A and 32B, respectively, of the inner plate 3 in the fully folded relative position. The force between the abutment surfaces 212A, 212B and the counter abutment surfaces 322A, 322B advantageously acts as a compressive force on the central region of the inner plate 3. The central region may, in some cases (depending on the desired radius of the turning arc), be designed with a small thickness, as shown in FIG. 3B. Similarly, at the maximum relative pivot position of the adjacent plates 2, 3, the second inner abutment surfaces 312A, 312B (Figure 3A) of the protrusions 31A, 31B of the inner plate 3 also abut against the corresponding second counter abutment surfaces 222A and 222B (Figure 2A) in the respective pockets 22A, 22B of the outer plate 2.

[0105] 2A-3D further show the thickened central region 20 of the outer plate 2 and the thickened central region 30 of the inner plate 3, in which thinner overlapping regions 20A, 20B and 30A, 30B are held on both sides in the longitudinal direction L and to some extent in the height direction H, respectively. The relatively thin or shorter overlapping regions 20A, 20B and 30A, 30B allow the outer and inner plates 2, 3 to overlap in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in FIG. 1, thereby providing, inter alia, good lateral stability and torsional rigidity about the longitudinal direction. The overlapping regions 20A, 20B and 30A, 30B can be elongated and / or centrally located in the height direction, i.e., they grow in the longitudinal direction L, starting from a longitudinal plane S2 extending through the joint connector 5 here. The dimensions of the joint element 5 and the side plates 2, 3 are set in this case so that a narrow air gap G is achieved between the overlapping areas 20A, 20B and 30A, 30B, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 also shows that the narrow side which is on the outside in the turning arc, as shown in the plan view of Figure 4, determines the designations of the inner and outer plates, which are themselves interchangeable here (the positions would be reversed for narrow sides which are less visible).

[0106] The plates have further abutment surfaces for a long self-supporting length in the upper run 1B and good distribution of forces in the turning arc 1C. These include first end abutment surfaces 201A, 201B on the overlapping regions 20A, 20B of the outer plate 2, which are operable in abutment relationship in a straight line position with first end mating abutment surfaces 301A, 301B in the central region 30 of the inner plate 3.

[0107] Furthermore, in the direction change arc 1C, the second end abutment surfaces 302A, 302B abut against the second end mating abutment surfaces 202A, 202B on the central region 20 of the outer plate 2 in the overlapping regions 30A, 30B of the inner plate 3.

[0108] As shown in Figures 2A-3D, all abutment surfaces 201A, 201B, 211A, 211B, 212A, 212B, 302A, 302B, 321A, and 321B, and mating abutment surfaces 202A, 202B, 301A, 301B, 311A, 311B, 322A, and 322B, respectively, are curved in a congruent concave-convex relationship, preferably continuously and / or uniformly curved at least for the most part. The selected curvature depends, among other things, on the maximum pivot angle of the turning arc 1C at its fully folded position, i.e., the desired radius of the turning arc 1C. This radius is likewise selectively set by, among other things, the appropriately selected widths of pockets 22A, 22B and 32A, 32B and the spacing between the associated abutment surfaces. Figures 2A-3D illustrate configurations for relatively small radii. At larger radii, chain splits can remain uniformly small or short by enlarging the central regions 20, 30 and shortening the overlap regions 20A, 20B, 30A, 30B.

[0109] Contrary to the configuration disclosed in WO 2012 / 131033, both corresponding outer and inner plates 2, 3 according to the present invention have abutment projections 21A, 21B and 31A, 31B and abutment pockets 22A, 22B and 32A, 32B, respectively. In this way, increased lateral stability is achieved, in particular an increased torsional stiffness of the plate rows about the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally parallel rows. For example, in the event of breakage or separation of a joint connector, neither of the two plates will fall out or separate laterally, i.e. the chain will not immediately break.

[0110] In the preferred embodiment, the two opposing height regions are separated by a longitudinal plane S2, which here extends through the joint connector 5. In the outer plate 2, the pockets 22A, 22B are provided in the upper height region in FIGS. 2A-2B, respectively, while the protrusions 21A, 21B are provided in the opposite lower height region. In the inner plate 3, the protrusions 31A, 31B are provided in an inverted configuration corresponding to the upper height region in FIGS. 3A-3D, while the pockets 32A, 32B are provided in the opposite lower height region. The upper and lower positions correspond to the inverted positions of the plates 2, 3 in the runs 1A, 1B, respectively.

[0111] 2A-2D and 4 show the cross bar receiving means of the outer plate 2. The cross bar receiving means is in the form of a clamping receiving means 40 which is integral with the outer plate 2 and which defines two clamping surfaces 40A, 40B in opposing relation in the longitudinal direction L, between which a complementary fixing portion 41 of the cross bar 4 is clamped. For secure fixation, the clamping surfaces 40A, 40B advantageously have convex locking areas, as shown in Fig. 2A, which laterally lock by means of a tongue and groove connection to the end of the fixing portion 41 (Fig. 4).

[0112] Figure 1 (and in particular with reference to Figure 6) shows a further advantageous effect of the configuration of the plates 2, 3. With this configuration, the narrow faces of the plates 2, 3 facing the respective other runs 1A and 1B form an uninterrupted linear support 8 in the longitudinal direction L, so that the upper run 1B can advantageously be supported for long travel distances, for example on rollers or sliding rails.

[0113] 3A-3C show a further development example, whereby the side plates 2, 3, here in particular the inner plate 3, include deformable damping areas 9 on their narrow faces, which are arranged outward in the turning area 1C, i.e., facing away from the other runs 1A, 1B, respectively. The damping areas 9 act to damp the transition of the turning area 1C onto the horizontally placed lower run 1A, i.e., when the plate 3 hits the support, thereby reducing vibrations and noise. In this example, the damping areas 9 are of a bridge-shaped configuration that is produced integrally with the narrow faces of the inner plate 3. The damping areas 9 are advantageously in the form of arc-shaped spring elements that are stressed with pressure and connected to both sides of the narrow faces of the inner plate 3, and extend substantially longitudinally.

[0114] As can be best seen in Figure 4, in order to further increase the lateral stability and torsional strength of the upper run 1B in the straight position, the inner plate 3 is provided at its ends in the upper corner regions of the overlapping regions 30A, 30B with two oppositely arranged stiffening extensions 33 which protrude for the most part in the longitudinal direction L and which, in the straight position, respectively engage in corresponding stiffening receiving means, i.e. recesses 23, at their ends on the central region 20 of the outer plate 2.

[0115] In order to save material, reduce weight and / or optimize force flow or stability with respect to the shape in the manufacturing process, material recesses 24, 34 may be provided in the central regions 20, 30. The interface of the material recesses 24, 34 in the plate body is preferably formed in such a way as to avoid force peaks, especially at predominantly concavely curved interface surfaces, for example in the context of the manufacture of the plates 2, 3 from plastic using injection molding methods.

[0116] Furthermore, the outer and inner plates 2, 3 in the central region of the plate height, which is the same height as the longitudinal plane S2, respectively have two oppositely arranged locking receiving means 25, 35 against which the respective locking ends 51A, 51B of the joint connector 5 press in a positive-locking and forced-locking relationship. The locking receiving means 25, 35 are also mirror-symmetrical with respect to the height plane S1 and the longitudinal plane S2 and have an appropriate cross-section conjugated with the locking ends 51A, 51B, which are slightly smaller in size for a strong and durable press connection. The locking receiving means 25, 35 are continuously open in the width direction so that assembly or disassembly can be performed from both sides. The joint connector 5 is preferably slightly longer than the nominal spacing between the opposite locking receiving means 25, 35 so that the joint connector is slightly compressed in the linear position of the runs 1A, 1B.

[0117] 5A-5B show a suitable joint connector or joint element 5. The joint connector 5 is a plate-like independent component extending in the longitudinal direction L of the energy guide chain 1 and made of permanently elastic plastic. Corresponding to the plates 2 and 3, the joint element 5 is also mirror-symmetrical with respect to the height-direction central plane S1. It is a body having fixing ends 51A and 51B, a central region 52 and opposing end regions, i.e., plate-like transition regions 53 at each of the fixing ends 51A and 51B. To improve bending strength and compressibility in a straight position, the central region 52 has two outwardly curved material regions 521 and 522 in opposing relation, with a hollow space 523 disposed therebetween that is open on both sides.

[0118] The cross section of both fixing ends 51A, 51B is not cylindrical here but has an approximately trilobal or triangular configuration (in the manner of a trilobe), so that a non-rotatable positive locking connection of the fixing ends 51A, 51B in the corresponding fixing receiving means 25, 35 is guaranteed even for angular relationships or appropriate bending, i.e. no wear will occur due to friction caused by rotation.

[0119] The fixing ends 51A, 51B are significantly thickened or of very large cross section with respect to the transition region 53 in order to reliably preclude unwanted disengagement from the fixing receiving means 25, 35. This is because the size of the gap at the opening to the fixing receiving means 25, 35 corresponds to the structural height of the transition region 53 or is slightly undersized thereto in order to clamp the transition region 53 at the interface of the opening.

[0120] In the embodiment shown, the joint elements 5 connect only two plates 2, 3 to each other, here the outer plate 2 to the inner plate 3. For the fixation in the inner plate 3, the joint elements 5 have fixing areas or thickened portions 53 at their ends. The thickened portions 53, which serve for the fixation or accommodation in the fixing receiving means of the plates 2 and 3, respectively, are here approximately trilobal or triangular in shape.

[0121] Each fastening region 51A, 51B further has, at least at its end point facing in the longitudinal direction L, a flattened and / or curved contact surface 54, the radius of curvature of which is significantly greater than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening region and, in particular, significantly greater than the outer circumferential radius for a trilobal cross-section. This allows the surface 54 to, inter alia, advantageously apply a compressive force over a large area for braking by compression in the transition to a straight position or to increase the preload in the self-supporting upper run, which is increased by the elastic restoring force of the curved material regions 521, 522. Other equivalent cross-sections, for example triangular or possibly rectangular with rounded corners, are also in accordance with the invention.

[0122] 6A-6B, the teachings of DE 202020103046.9 are incorporated to the maximum extent possible, and only some differences are described here. The configuration of the plates 6 shown in Figures 6A-6B allows for continuous, structurally identical side plates 6 to be provided in succession in both plate rows.

[0123] This is achieved in particular by side plates whose abutment surfaces are themselves rotationally symmetrical about a height axis H or a rotation axis R, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the chain and preferably at least approximately parallel to the side plate 6 in its central plane.

[0124] The side plate 6 has two protrusions 61C, 61D that protrude away from the receiving space and two protrusions 61A, 61B that protrude toward the receiving space, and the side plate has two abutment pockets 62A, 62B that open toward the receiving space and two abutment pockets 62C, 62D that open away from the receiving space.

[0125] The side plates 6 can be produced using only one forming tool, as described in DE 202020103046.9, and also allow for the use of more than three rows.

[0126] FIG. 7 shows a chain link 102 of an energy guide chain 101 according to the present invention for guiding a line, the chain having a plurality of hinged interconnected chain links 102 defining a receiving space 102a for receiving and guiding at least one line (FIGS. 8 and 9). Each chain link 102 has oppositely arranged plates 103 with inner and outer or first and opposite second sides 104a,b generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chain 101 and narrow faces 105a,b. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, at least some or all of the links 102 have at least one cross bar 120 releasably interconnecting the plates 103, and as shown in FIG. 7, the at least one cross bar 120 is fixed or securable to the chain link 102 at both opposite narrow faces 105a,b of each plate 103. In both of the mutually opposing end regions 21, the cross bar 120 has fastening means 122 for releasably fastening to the plates. The plate 103 of the chain link 102 ("link") has, on each of its two narrow faces 105a,b, a fastening means 108 for releasably fastening a corresponding cross bar fastening means 122.

[0127] The plates 103 of the link 102 have joint connections 109 that are hinged or interconnected with corresponding joint connections 109 of the plates 103' of adjacent chain links 102' in the chain, optionally by means of, for example, separate joint elements 110, i.e., at least two joint connections 109 for each plate. The joint connections 109 are here arranged on the plate ends 106a,b, which is particularly advantageous but not essential. Here, the plates 103 in their two end regions 107a,b spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L of the plates, more particularly at the plate ends 106a,b, have two receiving means 109a for the connection of respective separate joint elements 110 that can be connected to corresponding joint element receiving means of adjacent plates. The joint element receiving means 109a are here arranged in thickened regions 111 of the plates 103. Each of the joint connections 109 of the plates 103 is here in the form of a holding and fixing area for connecting a separate joint element 110 .

[0128] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of the arrangement of the joint elements of the plate 103 at the level of the joint connection 109. As shown in FIG. 10A, for example, the joint elements 110 may be permanently or releasably arranged on the plate 103 at the joint connection of the plate in its end regions 107a, b, in particular at the plate ends, for example, by being integrally formed therewith. Joint element receiving means 109a for holding and fixing the joint elements of adjacent plates may be provided in mutually opposing plate end regions, in particular at their end faces. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the joint elements 110 may extend over approximately half the plate width, and the joint elements 110 and the joint element receiving means may be arranged in both plate end regions or plate ends, and they are arranged rotationally symmetrically around the rotation axis R of the plate. The joint connection with the joint element receiving means 109a in FIG. 10 may be arranged approximately halfway up the height above the plate in the thickened region 111, like the joint element receiving means in FIG. 7. Optionally, the joint connections of adjacent plates may be interconnected to form joint connection 109, such that joint elements may be provided in the end regions of both plates, for example also at the ends thereof.

[0129] The plate ends here may each extend up to the thickened region 111 of the plate 103 in the region of the joint element receiving means or may be partially or completely arranged in this region. Each plate 103 therefore has at least one end a joint element which cooperates with an adjacent, structurally identical plate to form a joint connection between them. The pivotally interconnected plates of the chain links arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain form at least two laterally spaced apart plate rows 150, 160 extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain, between which at least part of the receiving space 102a for at least one line is arranged (Figures 8 and 9). Figures 8 and 9 show only some of the joint elements 110 of the plate rows. Consecutive chain links of the energy guide chain are displaceable relative to one another by joint connections 109 between adjacent links 102 or plates 103 to form, for example, two or more runs and their connecting turning areas, such as upper run 180, lower run 181 and turning area 182 shown in Figures 8C and 9C.

[0130] The receiving space 102a is of box-shaped configuration. The plate 103 is preferably in the form of a substantially plate-shaped part. The inner and outer plate sides 104a,b are flat and smooth, with recesses recessed from the flat plate sides to conserve material and / or reduce shrinkage strain during plate production, preferably in the form of plastic plates. The fixing means 108 of the plate to at least one or all of the cross bars, the joint connections 109 for pivotally connecting adjacent plates, and the abutments that bound the joint movement of adjacent plates are located entirely between the plate sides. The plate rows 150, 160, 170 have continuous flat inner and outer surfaces at least substantially along their length.

[0131] 8 and 9, in a configuration that includes more than three adjacent chain links 102 and extends continuously across a chain portion 130 including at least two or all of the plate rows 150, 160, and 170, the entire plate row is constructed of plates that are structurally identical to one another (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9), thereby allowing each plate 103 to be selectively positioned at any position in any of the various rows of the chain portion. The plates 103 of a chain portion, i.e., all of its plate rows, are also structurally identical to one another here. A chain portion comprising structurally identical plates here extends the entire length of the plate rows 150, 160, and 170 or the chain 101. However, the end links of the chain or the end plates of the plate rows (not shown) may be of a different configuration, for example, and may additionally have fastening areas for fastening them to the winding members of the chain 1 or to the connection points of the chain, in which case these fastening areas may be provided on each of the structurally identical plates. The term "plates" of a chain section generally refers to all plates of the chain section, and this applies correspondingly to the cross bars 120. Thus, generally according to the invention, a given cross bar is selectively securable to any plate of the chain section, with plates of different, preferably adjacent, plate rows being connected by the cross bar. All cross bars 120 are releasably securable to the plates at both end regions 121 of the bar.

[0132] All plates 103 of a chain section 130 have respective fastening means 108 for at least one crossbar in the region of both plate narrow faces 105a, b, which are arranged and configured so that the crossbar 120 can be selectively fastened to the plate from one or the other of the two plate side faces 104a, b, i.e., extending away from the side faces as shown in Figures 8 and 9, which applies to both plate narrow faces. All fastening means of the plates of a chain section to the crossbars are of the same structural configuration. All crossbars of a chain section are of the same structural configuration and have at least structurally identical fastening means for connection to the plates. In the region of one or each of the plate narrow faces of each plate, multiple crossbars may also be fastened thereto, possibly by providing appropriate fastening means on each plate. The plate fastening means 108 for the crossbars, here both crossbars, are permanently and non-releasably provided on each plate, preferably integrally formed therewith. The term "integrally formed" generally includes integral construction of the fastening means 108 with the plate, which may be in the form of a recess 108a in the plate.

[0133] All of the plates 103 of the chain section 130 have respective abutments 112 that cooperate with corresponding abutments 113 of the respective adjacent chain links to limit the pivotal movement of the adjacent plates relative to one another. The abutments 112, 113 are permanently connected to the plates and preferably integrally formed therewith. Each of the abutments has a respective forming area, here in the form of an extension thereof, on the respective plate, and the free end of the abutment opposite the forming area is not completely covered by the other area of ​​the respective plate. The plates 103 are of identical structural configuration with respect to the abutments 112, 113, which also includes the configuration and arrangement of the abutments on structurally identical plates.

[0134] Each of the cross bars 120 is of at least substantially straight configuration and / or the cross bar end regions 121 are at least substantially linearly arranged relative to one another. The plate fastening regions 108 for the cross bars 120 are preferably adapted to fasten at least substantially straight cross bars.

[0135] The plate fastening means 108 for each cross bar 120 of a chain link or for all of the cross bars are here, but not exclusively, in the form of clamping and / or locking means for cooperating with the corresponding fastening means 122 of the cross bar. The plate fastening means 108 are here provided in the region of the plate relative to the cross bar end region, more precisely in the receiving grooves 108a and / or clamping receiving means of the plate, which is particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention, although said fastening means may also be of a different configuration. In this case, the receiving grooves 108a may themselves form the fastening means 108 or may be in the form of clamping and / or locking receiving means. The cross bar 120 can be received and fixed in the plate grooves 108a in a clamping-fitting and / or locking relationship, for which purpose the groove surfaces cooperate in a clamping and / or locking manner with the cross bar fastening means 122 and, optionally alternatively or additionally, with the fastening means at the groove bottom. For example, the fastening receiving means may be arranged locally in the region of or at the plate narrow face, for example in the form of a local recess or in any other suitable manner. The receiving groove 108a extends continuously from the inner plate side surface 104a to the opposite outer plate side surface 104b, i.e., here across the entire plate width. The groove 108a may optionally be partially interrupted by a bar or the like. The plate groove 108a has an open configuration at both groove ends. This gives the plate a structurally compact configuration in which a cross bar 120 can be fixed to the plate and selectively protrudes from one of the two plate side surfaces 104a,b with an end region 121. The cross bar 120 is fixed in an angularly stable relationship to the plate in this case. Angular stability may, on the one hand, relate to preventing deflection of the cross bar in the longitudinal direction of the chain, so that the chain links have a particularly stable configuration. Angular stability may alternatively or additionally relate to the cross bar 120 being accommodated and fixed to prevent its pivoting movement about the longitudinal direction L of the plate or the narrow side of the plate. Furthermore, the cross bar is fixed to the plate by its end regions to prevent longitudinal displacement of the cross bar.For this purpose, anti-displacement means 108b are provided on the plate, here in the form of protrusions, in particular locking protrusions which engage in the end regions of the cross bar. The anti-displacement means 108b are here arranged in the receiving grooves 108a. This fixation of the cross bar is particularly suitable so that the chain links have, on the one hand, high stability and, on the other hand, can be used according to the invention.

[0136] The end regions of the cross bar 120 that engage across the plate 103 by the fastening means 122 here extend from the inside of the plate beyond the central plane of the plate in a direction towards the outer plate side or coextensively therewith without protruding therefrom. The cross bar end regions that engage across the plate are here arranged completely in the cross-sectional area of ​​the plate. They here extend across the entire plate width or the entire longitudinal extent of the receiving groove. This ensures a stable and space-saving fastening of the cross bar to the plate.

[0137] The described configuration of the fixing means for the cross bars to the plates is particularly suitable for stable fixing of the cross bars to the respective plates and also for arranging it to selectively protrude from one plate side or the other.

[0138] The cross bars 120 may generally be of one-piece construction. Each of the cross bars 120 may optionally be of multi-component construction, e.g., one or both of their end regions may have a separate connecting portion 123 for connecting the cross bar to the plate 103. The fastening region between the cross bar and the plate, e.g., the cross bar end region, may be made of a different material from the cross bar body, in particular one with a higher elasticity or a lower hardness, which may be captivatingly fixed to the cross bar, e.g., by being glued thereto or integrally formed thereto, e.g., by an injection molding process, e.g., a two-part injection molding process. The connecting portion 123 is here arranged between the cross bar end region 121 and the plate 103. Upon disassembly of the cross bar 120, the connecting portion 123 remains in the cross bar or the plate 103 in an appropriate manner. This different material and / or the connecting portion 123 may improve the clamping and / or locking connection between the cross bar 120 and the plate 103 in terms of holding force.

[0139] Each plate 103 has, in its longitudinal extent, a central or central region in the form of a thickened region 111. The thickened region 111 includes fixing means 108 for fixing at least one cross bar 120. The thickened region 111 extends, in terms of the plate height, approximately or even up to the two narrow plate faces 105a, b. Extending in the longitudinal direction L1 of the plate, extensions 114, 115 extend from the thickened region 111 of the plate, and the extensions 114, 115 are at least substantially plate-shaped and have a width smaller than that of the thickened region 111 of the plate. Adjacent plates 103 in the plate rows 150, 160, 170 laterally overlap each other with their extensions 114, 115. The plate joint connections 109 are spaced from the narrow faces 105a, b and are located here in the central height region of the plate. The extensions 114, 115 are respectively arranged in both plate end regions 107a, b on either side of the joint connection, i.e. for a given plate position, one is arranged "above" the joint connection and the other is arranged "below" the joint connection, so that here four extensions 114, 115 are provided on the plate.

[0140] The plate extensions 114, 115 are arranged in an interlaced relationship here. For each plate end 106a, b, one of the extensions 114, 115 is arranged on the inner plate side surface 104a, and the other extension 114, 115 is arranged on the outer plate side surface, and this applies to both plate ends 106a, b. With respect to the longitudinal direction L of the plate for the upper extension 114 of the joint connection, one extension is arranged on the inner side of the plate and the other extension is arranged on the outer side of the plate. This also applies to the lower extension 115 of the joint connection, although the extensions are in an inverted relationship with respect to each plate side surface. However, although the plates may generally be arranged in a crank configuration, the interlaced configuration is preferable in terms of the stability of the plate array and the flexible arrangement of each plate in different plate arrays at any position around its rotation axis.

[0141] The abutments 112, 113 of each plate, which limit the mutual joint movement during chain displacement, are arranged on the plate extensions 114, 115 and project therefrom laterally and away from the extensions, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar 120 fixed to the plate. For adjacent plates in the row, the abutments 112, 113 of the plates engage in recesses 116, 117 in the adjacent plate 103 that open toward the plate side. The extent of each abutment 112, 113 in the plate height direction, i.e., the distance between the plate narrow faces, is in this case smaller than the extent of the recesses 116, 117 that receive it in the plate height direction, allowing the adjacent plates to pivot relative to each other. In this case, the abutments 112, 113 can be arranged without or almost without play in the longitudinal direction of the adjacent plate in a certain region, and during joint movement, they move beyond this region, here the thick-walled region 111 of the plate, thereby further improving the transverse stability of the plate row. The contours of the plate abutments 112, 113 and the surfaces of the adjacent links facing each other in the longitudinal direction L, here the thickened regions 111, are congruent with respect to each other. Typically, and less preferably, the abutments 112, 113 project away from the extension in the longitudinal direction L1 of the plates and may, for example, be engaged in recesses (not shown) opening towards the plate ends 106a,b to limit the joint movement.

[0142] The plates may have braking elements (not shown) of identical structural configuration on the plates, which are provided for braking when adjacent plate rows abut against each other. The braking elements can be arranged, for example, in the receiving means 114a of the plate extension 114.

[0143] The chain section 130 including the plate rows 150, 160, 170 is composed entirely of plates 103 which, by translational displacement along the longitudinal direction in which the cross bar 120 extends, may have the same image as one another in adjacent or different plate rows 150, 160, 170 of the chain 101. This may be true for all plate rows of the chain section.

[0144] The chain section 130, including the plate rows 150, 160, 170, is composed entirely of plates 103, i.e., entirely, and more specifically, of plates 103 that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotation R1 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1 of the plates and substantially parallel to at least the plate side surfaces 104a, b, and preferably extending in the central plane M1 of the plates. This therefore also applies to the fastening means 108 of the plates to the crossbar 120, the joint connections 109 of the plates for pivotal connection to adjacent plates, and the abutments 112, 113 for limiting the pivotal movement of adjacent plates relative to one another. This may also apply to all plate rows of the chain section. This allows the chain section 130 or the chain 101 to be of particularly simple construction, thereby providing the advantageous effects of the invention in a particular manner.

[0145] The fastening means 108 of each plate 103 to the cross bars 120 and / or the plate joint connections are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plate's central plane M1, here independently of one another and preferably simultaneously in the plate's central plane M1. The central plane M extends parallel to and around the plate side surfaces 104a,b. The plate extensions 114, 115 each extend to the extent of the plate's central plane M1.

[0146] 9, the energy guide chain has at least three or more laterally spaced apart plate rows 150, 160, 170 extending longitudinally of the chain, and in accordance with the present invention, the chain portion 130 extending continuously across at least a plurality of adjacent chain links is constructed continuously and entirely of structurally identical plates 103 for the three or more plate rows. At least three or all of the plate rows 150, 160, 170 extending longitudinally of the chain are constructed entirely of structurally identical plates.

[0147] In the chain 101 shown in FIG. 9, a first chain link 102a is provided for a first pair of adjacent first and second plate rows 150, 160, where plates 103 in different plate rows 150, 160 are connected to each other at both narrow faces 105a, b by releasable cross bars 120 to form the chain link 102a. Additionally, there is a second chain link 102b in which plates in different plate rows 150, 160 are not connected to each other by cross bars. In the two adjacent first and second plate rows 150, 160, the first and second chain links 102a, 102b are arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain. A third additional plate row 170 of the chain 101 also has first and second chain links 102a, 102b arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain. The second plate row 160 is located between the first row 150 and the third row 170. The second plate row 160 preferably has plates 103 releasably connected by cross bars 120 only to plates in the first plate row 150, and the second plate row 160 further has plates 103 releasably connected by cross bars 120 only to plates in the third plate row 170. The plates 103 in all three plate rows are of structurally identical construction. All plate rows are constructed consecutively of structurally identical plates.

[0148] 9, there are three or possibly more plate rows 150, 160, 170, with at least one plate row 160 disposed between two adjacent plate rows 150, 170 comprising a first plate row, a central second plate row, and a third plate row, with the second plate row 160 releasably connected to the two adjacent plate rows 150, 170 by a cross bar 120. Selected plates 103 of the second plate row 160 may be connected to either only plates in the first row or only plates in the third row, or selected plates 103 of the second plate row 160 may be releasably connected to plates in both adjacent plate rows 150, 170 by a cross bar 120.

[0149] 9, the chain links 102 in the opposing plates 103 of adjacent plate rows 150, 160, 170 are connected to cross bars 120 at both narrow faces 105a, b, respectively, while subsequent chain links 102 are not connected by cross bars. Optionally, only one cross bar 120 may be provided for each chain link 101, but in the case of links 102 arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain, it may be provided, for example, alternately on one or the other narrow faces 105a, b of adjacent plates 103 of a pair of plate rows.

[0150] 9, there are three or possibly more plate rows 150, 160, 170, with at least one plate row 160 positioned between two adjacent rows 150, 170. A second, central plate row 160 is releasably connected to the two adjacent plate rows 150, 170 by cross bars 120. The second plate row 160 has plates 103 connected to the first plate row 150 by a releasable cross bar 120 at one of the narrow faces 105a of each plate 103, and connected to a third plate row 170 by a releasable cross bar 120 at the other narrow face 105b of the same plate 103.

[0151] All plates 103 of the plate rows shown in Figures 8 and 9 are of the same structural configuration consecutively along the row. Reference is made to other parts of the description of the invention and to plates of alternative or further configurations. All plates of the various plate rows of the chain or all plate rows as shown in Figures 8 and 9 can be produced by or are correspondingly manufactured with one and the same forming tool, in particular an injection molding tool. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1 (Energy Guide) Chain 1A (lower) run 1B (upper) run 1C. Change of direction area (change of direction arc) 2 Outer plate ((side) plate) 3 Inner plate ((side) plate) 4 cross bars 5 Joint connectors (joint elements) 6 plates 8. Support 9 Braking area 7A, 7B End connection elements 20 Thick center area 20A, 20B overlapping area 21A, 21B protrusion 22A, 22B pockets 23 Stiffening receiving means (stiffening part) 24 Material recess 25 Fixing receiving means 30 Thick center area 30A, 30B overlapping area 31A, 31B protrusion 32A, 32B pockets 33 Stiffening extension 34 Material recess 35 Receptacle for fixing 40 Fastening receiving means 40A, 40B fastening surface 41 Fixing part 51A, 51B Fixing end (fixing area) 52 Central area 53 Plate-like transition region 54 (contact) surface 61A, 61B protrusion 61C, 61D protrusion 62A, 62B abutment pocket 62C, 62D Contact pocket 101 (Energy Guide) Chain 102, 102´ Chain Link 102a, b Chain link (receptive space) 103, 103´ Plate 104a (inner plate) side 104b (outer plate) side 105a,b narrow side 106a, b Plate end 107a,b end area 108 Fixing means (fixing area) 108a Recess (receiving groove) 108b Displacement accommodation fixing means 109 Joint connection part 109a Receptor 110 Joint Elements 111 Thick area 112 Contact part 113 Contact part 114, 115 Extension 114a Receptor 116, 117 Recesses 120 Cross Bar 121 End area 122 Fixing means 123 Connection part 130 Chain part 150, 160 plate rows 170 Plate Rows 180 Upper Run 181 Lower Run 182 Turning Area 201A, 201B First end abutment surface 202A, 202B Counterpart contact surface 211A, 211B Inner contact surface 212A, 212B second outer abutment surface 221A, 221B First mating contact surface 222A, 222B Second mating contact surface 301A, 301B End mating abutment surface 302A, 302B second end abutment surfaces 311A, 311B First outer abutment surface 312A, 312B second inner abutment surface 321A, 321B Outer mating contact surface 322A, 322B inner mating surface 521, 522 Curved material area 523 Hollow space G Air gap H Height axis (height direction) L Longitudinal direction R rotation axis S1 Height direction center plane (height direction plane) S2 Longitudinal plane L1 Plate longitudinal direction M1 center plane R1 rotation axis

Claims

1. An energy guide chain (1) for guiding lines, such as cables, hoses, etc., comprising two parallel plate rows, each of which includes side plates (2, 3; 6) interconnected by flexible joint connectors (5) and bendable relative to one another, said flexible joint connectors (5) being elastically deformable in the bending direction of the side plates, said plate rows being interconnected by a cross bar (4), said cross bar (4) defining, together with said side plate (2), a receiving space for the line to be guided, said side plates (2, 3; 6) including abutment surfaces which support each other in a straight relative position of said side plates (2, 3; 6) and which are bent in a fully folded relative position of said side plates (2, 3; 6). The side plates (2, 3; 6) have mutually supporting abutment surfaces, and laterally projecting protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) of the side plates (2, 3; 6) engage with recessed pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) of adjacent side plates (2, 3; 6), and in the linear relative position (1B), at least first abutment surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B) of the protrusions engage with first mating abutment surfaces of the pockets. and in said fully folded relative position at least second abutment surfaces (212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) of said projections cooperate with second mating abutment surfaces (222A, 222B; 322A, 322B) of said pockets, and all side plates (2, 3; 6) having at least these abutment surfaces are symmetrical with one another; each side plate (2, 3; 6) has at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with first and second abutment surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B and 212A, 212B; 312A, 312B) and at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with first and second mating abutment surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B and 222A, 222B; 322A, 322B); the two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) and the two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) are arranged symmetrically on the side plate (2, 3; 6), in particular mirror-symmetrically with respect to a height plane (S1) or rotationally symmetrically with respect to a height axis (H; R) of the side plate (2, 3; 6), An energy guide chain, wherein at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) of the side plates (2, 3) protrude in a direction away from the receiving space and at least two abutment pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) of the side plates (2, 3) open towards the receiving space, or vice versa.

2. 2. The energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein both plate rows are provided with different outer plates (2) and inner plates (3) as side plates, alternating in the longitudinal direction of the chain, and wherein both the inner plates (3) and the outer plates (2), respectively, are mirror-symmetrical with respect to their abutment planes, so that identical outer plates (2) and identical inner plates (3) can be used in both plate rows, with each outer plate (2) comprising two protrusions (21A, 21B) and two pockets (22A, 22B) and each inner plate (3) comprising two protrusions (31A, 31B) and two pockets (32A, 32B), in relation to their height plane (S1), which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chain and at least approximately perpendicular to the side plates.

3. 3. An energy guide chain according to claim 2, wherein the outer plates (2) and the inner plates (3) each have two mutually opposing height regions, in particular via one or more of the joint connectors (5), with respect to a longitudinal plane (S2) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and at least approximately perpendicular to the side plates (2, 3), and the outer plates (2) and the inner plates (3) are provided with respective protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) in one of the height regions and with pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) in the other opposite height region.

4. 3. The energy guide chain according to claim 2, wherein the pockets (22A, 22B) of the outer plate (2) open towards the receiving space and the protrusions (21A, 21B) of the outer plate (2) protrude in a direction away from the receiving space, and the pockets (32A, 32B) of the inner plate (3) open towards the receiving space and the protrusions (31A, 31B) of the inner plate (3) protrude in a direction away from the receiving space.

5. 2. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein in both plate rows a succession of structurally identical side plates (6) are provided which are rotationally symmetrical at least with respect to their abutment operating abutment surfaces about a height axis (H / R) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and at least approximately parallel to the side plates (6), preferably in their central plane.

6. 6. The energy guide chain of claim 5, wherein the side plate (6) has two protrusions (61C, 61D) protruding in a direction away from the receiving space and two protrusions (61A, 61B) protruding toward the receiving space, and the side plate has two pockets (62A, 62B) opening toward the receiving space and two pockets (62C, 62D) opening in a direction away from the receiving space.

7. 7. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein the cross bars (4) are releasably fixed to cross bar receiving means (40) of the side plates, each of which preferably forms a clamping receiving means (40) integral with the side plate having two clamping surfaces (40A, 40B) in opposing relationship in the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain, and wherein complementary fixing portions (41) of the cross bars are clamped or clampable between the two clamping surfaces (40A, 40B), the clamping surfaces preferably including convex locking areas.

8. The energy guide chain guides the line between connection positions, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, the energy guide chain being displaceable for relative movement of the connection positions with the formation of an upper run (1B), in particular a self-supporting upper run (1B), and a lower run (1A) which merge with each other by a turning area (1C), the side plates (2, 3) having narrow faces extending substantially in the longitudinal direction (L) and facing away from each other, preferably the narrow faces inwardly, i.e. towards the respective other run, in the turning area form an uninterrupted straight support (8) in the longitudinal direction, and / or 8. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein the narrow faces of the side plates, in particular the narrow faces of the side plates facing outwards in the turning region, i.e. facing away from the respective other runs, comprise deformable braking areas (9) for braking the transition of the turning region to the lower runs, which are facing laterally.

9. 9. Energy guide chain according to claim 8, wherein the braking area (9) comprises a bridge-like spring element integrally formed with the narrow face of the side plate and connected to said narrow face on both sides.

10. 10. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein each side plate (2, 3; 6) has a thick central region (20, 30) and at least two adjacent thinner overlapping regions (20A, 20B; 30A, 30B), the side plates overlapping the overlapping regions (20A, 20B; 30A, 30B) in the longitudinal direction (L), and further end abutment surfaces facing substantially in the longitudinal direction are provided at the ends in the central regions (202A, 202B; 301A, 301B) and at the ends in the overlapping regions (201A, 201B; 302A, 302B) cooperating in an abutting operating relationship.

11. 11. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein the first and second abutment surfaces (211A, 211B; 311A, 311B and 212A, 212B; 312a, 312b) and the cooperating first and second counter abutment surfaces (221A, 221B; 321A, 321B and 222A, 222B; 322a, 322b) and preferably further end abutment surfaces (202A, 202B; 301A, 301B; 201A, 201B; 302A, 302B) are of a congruent convex or concave curved configuration relative to one another, and in particular are curved continuously and / or without interruption.

12. 12. An energy guide chain according to claim 1, wherein the respectively connected side plates (2, 3) are held together by the joint connectors (5) with a lateral air gap (G), in particular with a lateral air gap between the opposing overlapping regions (20A, 20B; 30A, 30B).

13. 3. An energy guide chain according to claim 2, wherein in said linear relative position, two oppositely arranged protruding stiffening extensions (33) are provided on the ends of the inner or outer plates, in particular in the overlapping region, which respectively engage in corresponding stiffening receiving means (23) in the central region of the connected outer or inner plate.

14. An energy guide chain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one material recess (24, 34) having a plurality of defining surfaces, in particular a mostly concave curved surface, is provided at least in the central region (20, 30) of the wall thickness of the side plate.

15. A side plate (2, 3; 6) for an energy guide chain, the side plates being connectable to one another by flexible joint connectors (5) to form a plate row and bendable relative to one another, the side plates (2, 3) including laterally projecting protrusions and corresponding recessed pockets for cooperating at least a first abutment surface of the protrusion with a first mating abutment surface of the pocket in a straight relative position and for cooperating at least a second abutment surface of the protrusion with a second mating abutment surface of the pocket in a fully folded relative position, for connection of two side plates, The side plate, having at least its abutment surfaces, is of symmetrical construction and comprises at least two protrusions (21A, 21B; 31A, 31B) with first and second abutment surfaces and at least two pockets (22A, 22B; 32A, 32B) with first and second mating abutment surfaces, the two protrusions and the two pockets being arranged symmetrically on the side plate, in particular on the outer or inner plate with mirror symmetry about a height plane (S1) or rotational symmetry about a height axis (H, R) of the side plate, one face or side of the side plate (2, 3; 6) having the at least two pockets and the other face or side of the side plate (2, 3; 6) having the at least two protrusions.

16. 16. The side plate according to claim 15, characterized by at least one feature according to any one of claims 2 to 14.

17. 17. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a side plate according to claim 15 or 16, wherein each side plate (2, 3; 6) is made integrally from plastic, preferably the or each joint connector (5) being produced separately from a plastic that is permanently elastic or more flexible than the other side plates.

18. An energy guide chain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 and 17 or a side plate as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein each of two side plates is connected by a joint connector (5), said side plates being open in the longitudinal direction and having fixing receiving means (25; 55) into which the respective fixing ends of said joint connectors are fixed, in particular press-fitted, and preferably said joint connectors are sized with excess length so that they are compressed into the linear relative position of the runs.

19. 19. A joint connector (5) for an energy guide chain according to any one of claims 1 to 14, 17 and 18 or for a side plate according to any one of claims 15 to 18, the joint connector (5) being adapted to interconnect adjacent side plates (2, 3) in a manner that allows them to bend, and in particular having a plate-like body with an elastically flexible central joint area (52) having two outwardly curved material areas (521, 522) in opposing relationship and with a hollow space (523) open on both sides arranged between them, the body for fixing in corresponding fixing receiving means (25, 35) of the side plates comprising two mutually opposing end fixing areas (51A, 51B) with a cross section that widens towards the ends, The fastening regions (51A, 51B) at least at their longitudinal ends include flattened and / or curved contact surfaces (54) having a radius of curvature significantly greater than half the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the fastening regions.

20. 20. A joint connector according to claim 19, wherein the cross-section of the fixing areas (51A, 51B) is designed for a non-rotatable positive locking connection in the corresponding fixing receiving means (25, 35) against bending or in any suitable bending, in particular the cross-section of the fixing areas (51A, 51B) is of a generally trilobal or generally triangular configuration.

21. 21. A joint connector according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the body has a plate-like transition region (53) between each fixing region and the central joint region (52).

22. 22. Joint connector according to claim 19, 20 or 21, wherein the joint connector (5) is made in one piece from plastic, in particular from flexurally elastic plastic.

23. An energy guide chain as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, 17 and 18 or a side plate as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized by a joint connector (5) as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, which connects two adjacent side plates to each other in the longitudinal direction.

24. An energy guide chain (101) for guiding lines such as hoses, cables, etc., comprising a plurality of hinged interconnected chain links (102, 102') forming a receiving space (102a) for receiving and guiding at least one of said lines, said chain links (102, 102') having oppositely arranged plates (103, 103') with inner and outer surfaces (104a, 104b) and narrow surfaces (105a, b) generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of said energy guide chain, At least some of the links (102, 102') have at least one cross bar (120) releasably interconnecting the plates (103, 103') and having fastening means (122) for releasably fastening to the plates (103, 103') of the respective chain link (102, 102') at oppositely arranged end regions (121), the plates (103, 103') each having fastening means (108) for releasably fastening the fastening means (122) of the corresponding cross bar. and the plates (103, 103') have joint connections (109) that are hinged to one another with corresponding joint connections (109) of the plates (103') of the adjacent chain links (102'), optionally by separate joint elements (110), and the plates of the hingedly interconnected chain links arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the chain form at least two laterally spaced apart plate rows (150, 160) extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain and between which at least a part of the receiving space (120a) for the at least one line is located, and successive chain links of the energy guide chain are displaceable relative to one another by the joint connections (109) between adjacent links (102) or plates (103), and the plates include abutment surfaces that come into contact with one another in a linear relative position of the plates and abutment surfaces that come into contact with one another in a fully folded relative position of the plates, 1. An energy guide chain, comprising: a plate row including at least three adjacent chain links; a plate row extending continuously over a chain portion including at least two or all of the plate rows; a plate row being constructed continuously from generally structurally identical plates such that each plate (103) can be selectively positioned at any position in each of the various rows of the chain portion; and the structurally identical plates being rotationally symmetrical at least with respect to their abutting operating abutment planes about a height axis (H / R) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the chain and at least approximately parallel to the plates, preferably in a central plane thereof.

25. 25. An energy guide chain according to claim 24, wherein the plates (103, 103') of the chain portion (108) have fastening means (108) for the at least one cross bar (120), the fastening means (108) being arranged in at least one region of the narrow faces (105a, b) of the plates, and the cross bar (120) is selectively fastenable to the plates (103, 103') and configured to protrude from the inside or from the outside of the plates.

26. 26. An energy guide chain according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the fixing means (108) of each or all of the plates (103, 103') to the cross bar (120) are permanently and non-releasably provided on the respective plate (103, 103'), preferably integrally formed on said plate (103, 103').

27. The plates (103, 103') of the chain portion (130) have a joint connection (109), 27. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein each of the plates (103, 103') has at least one joint element (110) which cooperates with an adjacent plate (103, 103') to form a joint connection (109), and the plates (103, 103') have at least one joint element (110) permanently connected to the plate (103, 103'), preferably integrally formed therewith.

28. 28. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein each of the plates (103, 103') comprises at least one end thereof a joint element (110) cooperating with an adjacent structurally identical plate (103, 103') to provide a joint connection (109) between the plates (103, 103').

29. 29. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the plates (103, 103') of the chain portion (130) have abutment portions (112) which cooperate with corresponding abutment portions (113) of adjacent chain links to limit the joint movement of adjacent plates relative to one another, the abutment portions (112, 113) being permanently connected to the plates, preferably integrally formed therewith.

30. 30. An energy guide chain as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the chain portion (130) including the plate rows (150, 160, 170) is entirely made up of plates (103) in adjacent or different plate rows (150, 160, 170) of the chain (101) that can have the same image as one another by translational displacement along the direction in which the cross bars extend.

31. 31. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the chain portion (130) including the plate rows (150, 160, 170) is itself entirely constructed continuously from rotationally symmetric plates (103), more particularly about an axis of rotation (R1), which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L1) of the plates (103) and at least approximately parallel to the side surfaces (104a, b) of the plates, and preferably in a central plane (M1) of the plates.

32. 32. Energy guide chain according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the plates have braking elements adapted for abutment braking against mutual abutment of adjacent plates of a plate row.

33. The chain (101) has three or more laterally spaced apart plate rows (150, 160, 170) extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain; 33. An energy guide chain as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein at least three of the plate rows (150, 160, 170) extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain are chain sections (130) designed according to any one of claims 24 to 32 and are arranged continuously over at least a number of adjacent chain links.

34. a first chain link (102a) is provided for a first pair of adjacent first and second plate rows (150, 160), the plates (103) arranged in different plate rows (150, 160) being connected to each other at both end regions to a releasable cross bar (120) to form a chain link (120a), and a second chain link (120b) is provided for a second plate row (150, 160) in which the plates are not connected to each other at the cross bar, the first and second chain links (102a, 102b) being arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain in the two adjacent first and second plate rows (150, 160); a third plate row (170) of the energy guide chain (101) is provided with the first and second chain links (102a, 102b) arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the chain, the second plate row (160) is disposed between the first plate row and the third plate row (150, 170); 34. An energy guide chain according to claim 33, wherein the second plate row (160) is provided with plates (130) releasably connected by cross bars (120) preferably only to plates of the first plate row (150), and the second plate row (160) further comprises plates (103) releasably connected by cross bars (120) preferably only to plates of the third plate row (170).

35. 35. An energy guide chain according to claim 33 or 34, wherein three or more plate rows (150, 160, 170) are provided, at least one plate row (160) is disposed between two adjacent plate rows (150, 170) to form a first plate row, a central second plate row, and a third plate row, the second plate row (160) being releasably connected to the two adjacent plate rows (150, 160) by cross bars, and wherein (i) a selected plate (103) of the second plate row is connected to either only plates of the first plate row or only plates of the third plate row, or (ii) a selected plate (103) of the second plate row (160) is releasably connected to plates of both adjacent plate rows (150, 170) by cross bars (120).

36. 36. The energy guide chain according to claim 33, wherein three or more plate rows are provided, at least one plate row is arranged between two adjacent plate rows to form a first plate row, a central second plate row, and a third plate row, the second plate row being releasably connected to the two adjacent plate rows by cross bars, the second plate row having plates connected to the first plate row at one of the narrow faces by a releasable cross bar and to the third plate row at the other narrow face of the same plate by a releasable cross bar.

37. The plates (103) of the at least three adjacent plate rows are designed according to any one of claims 24 to 31, 37. An energy guide chain according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein preferably, in a chain section comprising a plurality of chain links, the plates of the three adjacent plate rows are of the same structural configuration.

Images