Energy chain having a drive

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy chain (1) comprising chain links (2) which are pivotable relative to one another and which each have two side plates (3) which lie opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q) and transverse connection pieces (4) which connect said side plates and form an inner receiving space (A) for guiding the supply lines, wherein the side plates (3) form two plate sections (5A, 5B) with side plates (3) which are connected to one another in each case in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a drive device (20) for driving the energy chain (1) is in operative connection with said energy chain, wherein at least on one plate section (5A, 5B) a number of side plates (3) adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction (L) have plate teeth (10; 11A; 11B) which are formed by the side plates (3); and the drive device (20) has at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, said drive element (22; 32) interacting in a form-fitting manner with the plate teeth (10; 11A; 11B). The invention further relates to a corresponding chain link (2) and to a guide channel (40) for the energy chain.

Description

[0001] Energy chain with drive

[0002] The invention generally relates to an energy chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical power or data supply, hoses for media supply, or the like, between a first connection area and a second connection area that is movable relative to it. The invention particularly relates to such an energy chain which has a drive device that is operatively connected to the energy chain for driving it.

[0003] It is known to equip energy chains with additional drive devices which, in addition to the application-dependent movement, e.g. via a driver at the moving end of the energy chain, mechanically transfer kinetic energy to the energy chain, in particular to its chain links.

[0004] In WO 2022 / 233853 Al, the applicant proposed, for example, that a drive unit can drive the energy chain by means of a driven special drive roller with radial projections that engage between the crossbeams or cross members of the chain links. To prevent unwanted loosening, the crossbeams or cross members are equipped with special reinforced areas where their strength is increased compared to the sections of the crossbeams located between these areas, and the drive roller engages with its radial projections between these reinforced areas of the crossbeams. This type of positive-locking drive therefore requires additional components or special crossbeams and a drive roller with a relatively large diameter. This solution is particularly suitable for power transmission in deflection bends and requires a differently designed drive roller for each chain pitch, since the distance between the crossbeams or cross members varies.The longitudinal crossbars depend on the chain pitch of the energy chain. Another approach to an additional drive for the energy chain is known from patent EP2935941B1. This patent proposes, among other things, that drive devices act on the moving section of the energy chain by means of a roller on the side plates, according to the principle of a friction wheel drive. Another alternative proposes a continuous circulating belt on which the moving section of the energy chain rests. In both approaches, the force is transmitted to the chain links by friction or force, but it proves technically difficult to achieve or even adjust the required contact forces solely through the weight of the chain. These approaches are intended to be suitable for long travel distances, but are likely to result in undesirable slippage between the moving section and the friction wheel in longer chains traveling at high speeds.Endless belts cannot be avoided without further complex measures. Regardless, the speeds and power achievable with friction wheel drives are inherently limited.

[0005] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to propose an improved solution that enables the effective driving of the energy chain. The solution should be reliable and suitable for as many applications as possible, particularly, but not exclusively, for very long travel distances. Among other things, the solution should allow the forces necessary for moving the energy chain to no longer act solely on the moving end of the energy chain, which, as is known, leads to limitations or very high forces to be transmitted by the energy chain, especially with very long travel distances.

[0006] The problem is solved in each case by an energy supply chain according to claim 1 or a chain link according to claim 3, by a guide channel according to claim 15 or also by a use or a method according to claim 17.

[0007] In the simplest embodiment of an energy chain with a drive device according to the preamble of claim 1, it is proposed that at least on one link strand of the energy chain, at least a number of longitudinally adjoining side links have a link toothing which is formed by the side links or has a link toothing attached to the side links. Accordingly, the drive device comprises at least one drive unit with a drive element having teeth which interacts positively with the link toothing provided on the side links.

[0008] An advantage of the solution according to the invention is that, by its very nature, undesirable slippage between the drive and the energy chain can be avoided. Furthermore, a drive concept with positive-locking power transmission to the energy chain via a toothed connection makes it possible to transmit higher power, for example, compared to friction-based drives.

[0009] This design allows for the provision of suitable toothing as required for the application, preferably integrated into the side tabs and, in particular, manufactured as a single piece with them. The toothing can preferably be manufactured integrally with the side tabs, especially from plastic. If the side tabs are preferably manufactured as injection-molded parts, suitable toothing can be readily incorporated into the mold, allowing for cost-effective production without post-processing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the serrations are provided on the outside of the side plates, facing away from the inner receiving space. This typically offers the largest surface area of ​​the side plate available for dimensioning the serrations to be integrated, without significantly affecting the stability of the side plate.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, the toothing or further toothing can also be formed on the upper or lower narrow side of the side flaps, which runs particularly in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0012] The invention therefore also relates to a corresponding chain link for an energy supply chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical power or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, wherein the chain link comprises two side plates opposite each other in a transverse direction to a longitudinal direction and typically two cross webs which connect the side plates to each other, so that the chain link forms an inner receiving space for receiving and guiding the supply lines.

[0013] According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one side plate of the chain link has a toothed link for positive locking interaction with a toothed drive element, wherein the toothed link is provided on the outside of the side plate, which is facing away from the inner receiving space and / or on the narrow side of the side plate, which in particular extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions, and is preferably formed integrally with the side plate.

[0014] Various positive-locking drive elements are suitable for power transmission, in particular pinions or gears, but also toothed drive belts or toothed belts.

[0015] In one embodiment, it may be provided that the tab serration on the outside of the side tab is manufactured in one piece with it.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the or a further tab serration on the narrow side of the side tab can be manufactured in one piece with it.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pitch of the link teeth can be significantly smaller than the chain pitch of the energy chain, preferably with p / T 0.33, in particular p / T 0.25. The chain pitch is determined by the typical periodic distance between the pivot axes of the articulated connection of the chain links or side plates. For effective drive systems, embodiments with a link toothing whose pitch (periodic distance from tooth to tooth) is significantly smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the side plates are preferred. In a simple embodiment, the link toothing can be designed as straight teeth and / or such that a positive-locking force transmission in both directions of the moving section, i.e., in a forward and a reverse direction, can be transferred to the side plate via the link toothing and drive element.

[0018] The toothed linkage preferably has a tooth width direction that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy chain.

[0019] If a toothed flange is formed on the outside of the side flange, the tooth width is preferably at least 25% of the flange height of the side flange, so that a suitable dimensioning of the toothing can be achieved.

[0020] If a tab toothing is formed on the narrow side of the side tab, the tooth width is preferably at least 40% of the tab width of the side tab in the transverse direction or the dimension of the narrow side in the transverse direction.

[0021] In an embodiment that avoids interfering edges or protects the toothing against unwanted influence, it can be provided that the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing lie flush in a plane with an outer surface of the outside of the side flap or with an outer surface of the narrow side of the side flap, or are slightly offset inwards relative to the outer surface.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, particularly for laterally mounted energy chains, the toothed link is formed on the outside of the side link, and the tooth width is only a fraction of the link height. This allows for a flat sliding surface to be formed on the outside of the side link, at least on one side, and preferably on both sides, next to the toothed link. This sliding surface is advantageous for guiding the link strand and / or, for example, for allowing the link strand to slide against a laterally mounted application.

[0023] In one embodiment, it may be provided that at least one

[0024] The drive unit has a pinion or gear as its drive element, wherein the pinion interacts positively with the link teeth. The toothed link chain and the pinion or gear act in a manner similar to a rack and pinion drive, with the rack essentially being a segmentally articulated rack formed from the side links of the energy chains.

[0025] In a further embodiment, it can additionally or alternatively be provided that at least one drive unit has a toothed drive belt as a drive element, wherein the drive belt with its teeth, in particular its external teeth, interacts positively with the link teeth.

[0026] A toothed belt with internal and external teeth or a double toothed belt can be used as a drive belt, so that the drive belt can in turn be driven on the inside by means of a pinion or gear.

[0027] A positive engagement over a greater length of the linkage can be achieved by means of toothed drive belts.

[0028] In a practically common embodiment, the energy chain is provided to be movable back and forth by forming a first strand, a second strand and a deflection arc which connects both strands, wherein at least one strand or only one strand is movable.

[0029] In one variant, the energy chain can be arranged to move laterally, in particular with the outer surfaces of the side plates, which have the toothed linkage and form a lower link strand, resting on a support. A sprocket or a toothed drive belt can be arranged in the support to interact with the toothing, e.g., of the lower link strand, for the purpose of transmitting power to the link strand via the toothed linkage. In an advantageous arrangement with an energy chain and a guide channel with two laterally opposing side walls and a channel base between them, the energy chain moves laterally within the guide channel, such that at least one strand is movable on a running surface of the channel base.It is preferably provided that the channel bottom has at least one guide surface with a step that counteracts a deviation of the first track from its intended position and / or with a ramp that counteracts a deviation of the first track from its intended position, wherein the at least one guide surface is arranged laterally adjacent to the running surface of at least the first track. This allows high speeds of the driven track without it breaking out of or veering off course.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the energy chain can be moved back and forth, forming an upper run, a lower run, and a deflection arc connecting both runs. The upper run is typically moved first on the lower run and then resting on a support, either sliding or rolling, in the direction of its maximum extended end position. Advantageously, a pinion or a drive belt with teeth in or laterally on the support, e.g., in the side walls of a guide trough or channel, is arranged to interact with the teeth on the link chain of the upper run.

[0031] A guide channel for an energy chain according to the invention is therefore proposed. The guide channel typically has two laterally opposed side walls and at least one support surface between them. Particularly for long travel distances, the energy chain is arranged in such a guide channel so that at least one strand can travel on a running surface of the support surface, e.g., the channel base. According to the invention, the guide channel is equipped with a drive unit, and at least one toothed drive element, in particular a pinion or toothed drive belt, is provided in the support surface and / or in one of the side walls. The drive element is arranged and configured to interact with a toothed link on the link strand of the energy chain for the purpose of effective power transmission to the energy chain.In an advantageous embodiment, the energy chain, arrangement, or guide trough has a drive element that is operatively connected to a controllable electric drive motor. Suitable control technology can be used to appropriately regulate the speed and / or torque and / or angle of rotation.

[0032] The drive element, in particular the pinion, preferably has an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the energy chain, in particular horizontal or vertical.

[0033] Furthermore, a use or method is proposed in which an arrangement with an energy chain and a drive device for driving an energy chain is configured and used according to the invention such that at least on one link strand of the energy chain, a number of longitudinally adjoining side links have a link toothing, and the drive device comprises one or more drive units, each with at least one drive element with teeth, in particular a pinion or a drive belt with teeth. The drive element engages positively with the link toothing on the link strand of the energy chain and can thus effectively and efficiently transmit force to the energy chain.

[0034] The above embodiments are particularly advantageously applicable to chain links for energy chains that are manufactured in one piece or in one part from a plastic, preferably from an injection-moldable thermoplastic, in particular from fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or technical polymer.

[0035] All the aforementioned features and those subsequently described as advantageous are considered, individually or independently, and also in advantageous combination, as relevant to the invention and can therefore constitute the subject matter of a divisional application.

[0036] Further features and advantages of the invention – without limiting the scope of protection – can be seen in the following, more detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. These show purely exemplary examples:

[0037] FIG. 1A-1E: Views of a laterally movable energy chain with a drive unit, in partial longitudinal section (FIG. 1A); in front view of the guide channel (FIG. 1B) along the section line (BB); in enlargements (FIG. IC, FIG. ID) of the longitudinal section along areas C and D from FIG. 1A; and with a side view (FIG. IE) of a single toothed side plate, according to a first embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 2A-2D: Views of a chain link according to a second embodiment with multiple teeth, on the outside and on the narrow sides of the side plates, in perspective view (FIG. 2A), in side view (FIG. 2B), in top view (FIG. 2C) and in a front view (FIG. 2D) of the chain link;

[0039] FIG. 3A-3B: Views of an energy chain movable on a support with a sliding or rolling upper run and a drive device according to a third embodiment, with a toothed belt drive for positive-locking driving of the moving upper run in schematic side view (FIG. 3A) and in the enlarged schematic side view of the toothed belt drive;

[0040] FIG. 4A-4B: Views of a fourth embodiment with a drive unit having opposing pinions, each of which engages with teeth on the outer sides of the side plates according to FIG. IE or FIG. 2A-2D, as a variant or supplement to the drive concepts from FIG. 1A-1E or FIG. 3A-3B; and

[0041] FIG. 5A-5B: another embodiment of an endlessly circulating, closed energy chain, which is arranged laterally and equipped with a drive device similar to the drive concept from FIG. 1A-1E.

[0042] As can be seen from FIGS. 1A-1E or FIGS. 3A-3B, the energy chain has chain links 2 that are linked together in the longitudinal direction L and can pivot relative to each other. Each chain link has two side plates opposite each other in a transverse direction Q to the longitudinal direction L. In at least some of the chain links 2, e.g., every second chain link or all chain links 2, as in FIGS. 1A-1E, transverse webs 4 are fixedly connected to the side plates 3 and hold them parallel to each other in two opposing link strands 5A, 5B. The chain links 2 form an internal receiving space A for receiving and guiding the supply lines selected according to the application (not shown). Thus, the side plates 3 form two link strands 5A, 5B, each with a plurality of side plates 3 connected to each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0043] FIGS. 1A-1E show, with only a partial representation of the energy chain 1, a first example of a drive unit 20 for driving the energy chain 1. The drive unit 20 comprises several drive units 21A... 21D, which are distributed along the travel path of the energy chain 1 on a supporting guide channel 40. In FIGS. 1A-1E, the energy chain 1 is arranged to be laterally movable, with the outer surfaces 13 of the side links 3, here of the lower link strand 5A, positioned in the guide channel 40, wherein at least one strand is movable on a running surface 42 on the bottom of the guide channel 40.

[0044] As best seen in FIGS. 1C-1E, the side plates 3 of the chain links 4 have, at least in the lower plate section 5A, an integrated plate toothing 10, which is manufactured as a single piece with the individual side plates 3. Each drive unit 21A... 21D has a pinion 22 in FIGS. 1A-1E, which is arranged in the support or protrudes through the channel base 42 (FIG. IC) and engages with the toothing 10 of the lower plate section 5A. In the example from FIGS. 1A-1E, the channel base 42 forms a guide surface with two steps 43A, 43B, which counteract a deviation of the track sections from the desired path or target position via the drive units 21A... 21D. In addition, the deflection arc 9 is raised through the area between the stages 43A, 43B, so that the driven section descends to the area with drive units 21A... 21D.

[0045] As best seen in FIG. IE, the side link 3 can be manufactured as a single injection-molded plastic part together with the link teeth 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1A-1E, the link teeth 10 are located centrally and only on the outer side 13 of the side link 3. Depending on the desired direction of movement of the moving end of the energy chain 1, the pinions 22 are driven accordingly and transmit the drive force to the link string 5 in a positive-locking manner, similar to a rack and pinion drive, so that the moving section can be moved in the desired direction by means of the drive unit 20. The laterally positioned arrangement shown in FIG. 1A-1E allows for particularly high speeds.

[0046] FIGS. 2A-2D show another embodiment of a chain link 4 for an energy chain 1. In the example from FIGS. 2A-2D, at least one of the side plates (shown on both) has a first integrated toothed plate 10 on the outer surface 13 of the side plate 3, which is manufactured integrally with the side plate 3. Furthermore, the side plate 3 in FIGS. 2A-2D has two additional toothed plates with a narrower tooth width b, namely an upper toothed plate 11A on the upper narrow side 13A and a lower toothed plate 11B on the lower narrow side 13B of the side plate 3, which are also manufactured integrally with the side plate 3, e.g., during the forming of the plate in the injection mold. The design of the side plate from FIGS. 2A-2D is particularly versatile and can be combined with various drive concepts.

[0047] FIGS. 3A-3B show another drive concept for an energy chain. Here, the drive unit has one or more toothed belt drives, each with a drive unit 31 that has an endlessly rotating drive belt 32 with teeth, in particular a double toothed belt with internal and external teeth, as the drive element. The drive belt 32 is driven at its internal teeth by a drive pinion 34, which, for example, is driven by a variable-speed electric motor M, as is the pinion in FIGS. 1A-1E. In the example from FIGS. 3A-3B, an energy chain 1 is guided in a guide channel for particularly long travel distances, so that the energy chain 1, with its upper run 7, can first be moved back and forth on the lower run 8 and then over a support 35 of the guide channel 40. The upper run 8 can move either by sliding or by rolling on rollers.

[0048] In the example from FIG. 3A-3B, the toothing 10A on a narrow side 13A is used for positive-locking drive by means of the drive belt 32. The upper run 7, which rests on the support 35 and moves freely, engages with the drive belt via its side links, so that its external teeth interact with the toothing 10 to drive the upper run. Several drive units 31 can be provided distributed along the travel path and can optionally be combined with other drive concepts, such as those from FIG. 1A-1E or FIG. 4A-4B.

[0049] FIGS. 4A-4B show another embodiment of the drive device. Here, chain links 2 are used, which are equipped with toothed links 10 on the outer sides 13 of both link strands 5A, 5B. This allows a drive unit 21A, 21B with a pinion 22 to be provided on each side of the driven run, e.g., the movable upper run as in FIGS. 3A-3B, to ensure reliable engagement of the teeth. In contrast to FIGS. 1A-1E, the motor axis of rotation of the electric motor M and the axes of rotation of the pinions 22 in FIGS. 4A-4B are not horizontal, but vertical. Otherwise, essentially identical drive units 21A, 21B can be used. When using side links with multiple teeth, as in FIGS. 2A-2D, the drive concept from FIGS. 4A-4B can be used in combination with the one from FIG. 3A-3B, for example.

[0050] FIGS. 5A-5B show a further embodiment with an endlessly circulating energy chain, which interacts with two drive units 21A, 21B in the arrangement and construction analogous to FIGS. 1A-1E with a link toothing 10 on the outside 13 of the side links 3 and transmits force to the energy chain in a driving effect.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. IE, the pitch p of the link teeth 10 or 11A; 11B is preferably significantly smaller than the chain pitch T of the energy chain, where preferably p / T 0.33, especially p / T 0.25. The link teeth 10, 11A, 11B are designed as straight teeth with a tooth width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the energy guide chain, either in the direction of the link height for toothing 10 on the outside 13 or in the transverse direction Q for toothing 11A, 11B on the narrow sides 13A, 13B .

[0052] As can best be seen from FIG. IE and FIG. 2A-2D, the tab toothing 10, 11A, 11B is preferably designed such that the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing 10; 11A; 11B lie flush in a plane with an outer surface of the outer surface 13 or with an outer surface of the narrow side 13A, 13B of the side tab 3, or may be only slightly offset inwards from the outer surface under consideration.

[0053] The serrations 10 on the outer surface 13 of the side tab preferably have a tooth width b that is only a fraction of the tab height H of the side tab 3, so that a flat sliding surface is formed on both sides next to the serrations 10 on the outer surface of the side tab 3, which is advantageous for lateral sliding (FIG. 1A-1E). The same applies to the serrations 11A, 11B on the narrow side 13A, 13B, although here a sliding surface preferably remains only on one side.

[0054] Further preferred features can be determined by a person skilled in the art from the drawings or specified in the dependent claims. List of reference numerals

[0055] 1 Energy supply chain

[0056] 2 chain links

[0057] 3 side flaps

[0058] 4 crossbars

[0059] 5A, 5B Tab strand (from side tabs)

[0060] 7 first tower / upper tower

[0061] 8 second trum / lower trum

[0062] 9 deflection bends

[0063] 10. Torsioned tabs (on the outside)

[0064] 11A, 11B Torsion lugs (on narrow side)

[0065] 13 Outer side (side flap)

[0066] 13A, 13B Narrow side (side flap)

[0067] 20 Drive unit

[0068] 21A... 21D; 31 Drive unit

[0069] 22 pinions (drive element)

[0070] 32 Double toothed belts (drive element)

[0071] 34 drive pinions (double toothed belt)

[0072] 35th edition (for Obertrum)

[0073] 40 guide channel

[0074] 41A, 41B Side walls

[0075] 42 channel bottom

[0076] A. Receiving space b. Tooth width (gearing)

[0077] B Tab width

[0078] H Tab height

[0079] L Longitudinal direction

[0080] M electric motor

[0081] Q transverse direction

[0082] R Motor axis

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 28 August 2025 (28.08.2025) 1. Energy supply chain (1) for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical power or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like, between a first connection area and a second connection area that is movable relative to it, - wherein the energy supply chain (1) has chain links (2) adjoining one another in its longitudinal direction (L) and pivotable relative to one another, each of which comprises two side plates (3) opposite each other in a transverse direction (Q) to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least a part of the chain links (2) have transverse webs (4) which connect the side plates (3) to each other, so that the chain links (2) form an internal receiving space (A) for receiving and guiding the supply lines and wherein the side plates (3) form two plate strands (5A, 5B) with side plates (3) connected to each other in the longitudinal direction (L), - wherein a drive device (20) for driving the energy supply chain (1) is operatively connected to it, characterized in that - at least on one tab strand (5A, 5B) a number of longitudinally connected side tabs (3) have a tab toothing (10; 11A; 11B) formed by the side tabs (3); and - the drive device (20) comprises at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, which engages positively with the tab teeth (10; 11A; 11B).

2. Energy chain according to claim 1, characterized in that the tab toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outside (13) of the side tabs (3) which faces away from the inner receiving space (A), and / or on at least one of the narrow sides (13A, 13B) of the side tabs (3) which runs in particular in the longitudinal direction (L). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 3. Chain link for an energy supply chain for receiving and guiding supply lines, such as cables for electrical power or data supply, hoses for media supply or the like. , wherein the chain link comprises two side plates (3) opposite each other in a transverse direction (Q) to a longitudinal direction (L) and in particular two transverse webs (4) which connect the side plates (3) to each other, so that the chain link (2) forms an inner receiving space (A) for receiving and guiding the supply lines, characterized in that at least one side plate (3) has a plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) for positive locking interaction with a drive element with teeth, wherein the plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outside (13) of the side plate (3) which faces away from the inner receiving space (A), and / or on at least one of the narrow sides (13A, 13B) of the side plates (3).

4. Energy chain according to claim 1 or 2 or chain link according to claim 3, characterized in that the side plate (3) is manufactured in one piece with a plate toothing (10; 11A; 11B), in particular from plastic and / or as an injection-molded part, wherein preferably - the tab serration (10) on the outside (13) of the side tab (3) is manufactured in one piece with it; and / or - the tab toothing (11A, 11B) on the narrow side (13A, 13B) of the side tab (3) is manufactured in one piece with it.

5. Energy supply chain (1) or chain link (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that - the pitch (p) of the link teeth (10; 11A; 11B) is significantly smaller than the chain pitch (T) of the energy chain, preferably with p / T 0.13, especially p / T 0.25; and / or - the tab toothing (10; 11A; 11B) is designed as a straight toothing, preferably with a tooth width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the energy chain.

6. Energy chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) - the tab teeth (10) are formed on the outside of the side tab (3) and the tooth width (b) is at least 25% of the tab height (H) of the side tab (3); - the tab teeth (11A; 11B) are formed on the narrow side of the side tab (3) and the tooth width (b) is at least 40% of the tab width (B) of the side tab (3) in the transverse direction.

7. Energy chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head surfaces of the teeth of the toothing (10; 11A; 11B) lie flush in a plane with an outer surface of the outside (13) of the side tab (3) or with an outer surface of the narrow side (13A, 13B) of the side tab (3) or are slightly offset inwards relative to the outer surface.

8. Energy chain or chain link according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the toothed link (10; 11A; 11B) is formed on the outside of the side link (3) and the tooth width (b) is only a proportion of the link height (H) of the side link (3) and at least on one side, preferably on both sides, a flat sliding surface is formed on the outside of the side link (3) next to the toothing.

9. Energy chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 8, characterized in that at least one drive unit (21; 21A... 21D) has a pinion (22) as a drive element, wherein the pinion (22) interacts positively with the link teeth (10; 11A; 11B), in particular in the manner of a rack and pinion drive.

10. Energy chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 8, characterized in that at least one drive unit (31) has a drive belt (32) with teeth, in particular with internal teeth and external teeth, as a drive element, wherein the drive belt (32) with its teeth, in particular its external teeth, interacts positively with the link teeth (10; 11A; 11B). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 11. Energy supply chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 10, characterized in that the energy supply chain is movable back and forth by forming a first section (7), a second section (8) and a deflection arc (9) which connects both sections, wherein at least one section (7) is movable.

12. Energy chain according to claim 11, characterized in that the energy chain is arranged to be laterally movable, in particular with the outer sides of the side plates (3) which have the plate teeth and form a lower plate strand, resting on a support, and a pinion or a drive belt with teeth is arranged in the support and interacts with the teeth, in particular of the lower plate strand.

13. Arrangement with an energy chain according to claim 10 and a guide channel (40) with two laterally opposing side walls (41A, 41B) and a channel base (42) between them; wherein the energy chain (1) is arranged laterally in the guide channel (40), and at least one strand is movable on a running surface of the channel base; characterized in that the channel base (40) has at least one guide surface with a step (43A, 43B) that counteracts a deviation of the first strand from its intended position, and / or with a ramp that counteracts a deviation of the first strand from its intended position, and the at least one guide surface is arranged laterally adjacent to the running surface (13) of at least the first strand.

14. Energy chain according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 10, characterized in that the energy chain is movable back and forth by forming an upper run (7), a lower run (8) and a deflection arc (9) which connects both runs, wherein the upper run (8) is movable by sliding or rolling on a support (35), and a pinion (22) or a drive belt (32) with teeth is arranged in or laterally on the support (35) and AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) with the toothing (10; 11A; 11B) on at least one tab strand (5A, 5B) of the upper run.

15. Guide channel (40) for an energy chain according to one of claims 1-12, in particular for an arrangement according to claim 13, with two laterally opposing side walls (41A, 41B) and a support surface (35) between them; wherein the energy chain (1) is arranged in the guide channel and at least one strand (7) is movable on a running surface of the support surface (35); characterized in that the guide channel (40) has a drive unit, wherein at least one drive element with teeth, in particular with a pinion or drive belt with teeth, is arranged and configured in the support surface and / or in one of the side walls to engage positively with a toothed linkage of the energy chain.

16. Energy chain, arrangement or guide channel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element (22; 32) is operatively connected to a controllable electric drive motor (M).

17. Use of a drive device (20) for driving an energy chain (1) , characterized in that at least on one link strand (5A, 5B) of an energy chain (1) a number of longitudinally connected side links (3) have a link toothing (10; 11A, 11B), and - the drive device (20) comprises at least one drive unit (21A... 21D; 31) with a drive element (22; 32) with teeth, in particular a pinion (22) or a drive belt (32) with teeth, which engages positively with the link teeth (10; 11A, 11B) and transmits force to the energy chain (1) in a driving manner. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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