Energy chain and system for guiding lines in a multi-part vehicle, in particular in an articulated bus

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy chain (1), in particular for a system for guiding lines having two carriage bodies (41, 42) coupled so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis, and to a system for guiding lines. The energy chain (1) comprises a plurality of pivotably interconnected link plates (3, 4), which form two plate strands extending in parallel and at a distance from each other, which form, together with connecting pieces extending between parallel link plates, at least one receiving space (8) for cables (9) and / or lines, characterised in that the link plates (3, 4) form a first upper plate strand and a second parallel lower plate strand, and in that, in an intended installation situation of the energy chain (1), the link plates (3, 4) are each pivotable in two pivoting directions, in each case in the same direction and in opposite directions, about a vertical axis (Z) extending perpendicularly to an approximately horizontal guide plane.

Description

[0001] Energy supply chain and system for cable routing in a multi-section vehicle, especially in an articulated bus

[0002] The invention relates to an energy supply chain, in particular for a system for guiding cables with two carriage bodies pivotably coupled about a vertical axis, comprising a plurality of pivotably connected chain links, which form two parallel and spaced-apart link strands, which together with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links form at least one receiving space for cables and / or conductors.

[0003] The invention further relates to a system for guiding cables between two car bodies pivotably coupled about at least one vertical axis in a multi-section vehicle. Multi-section vehicles include, for example, articulated buses or rail vehicles such as a low-floor tram, a streetcar, or the like. The invention relates to such a system, particularly for articulated buses, for guiding at least one supply line, especially an electrical supply line, which bridges an intermediate space between two successive car bodies.

[0004] An energy supply chain for guiding lines, such as hoses, cables or the like, between two connection points is known, for example, from DE 20 2019 100 466 Ul .

[0005] The energy guide chains known from the publication comprise several chain links, each having two opposing tabs, in particular made of plastic, which are connected to each other via at least one crossbar, wherein the energy guide chain has two tab strands, each with alternating successive inner tabs and outer tabs, wherein the inner tabs have inner overlap areas facing the inside of the chain and the outer tabs have outer overlap areas.

[0006] Typically, the crossbars bridge the end faces of the chain links. Energy chains of the type described above include end fixings with which the energy chains are connected, for example, to a fixed connection point on one side and to a movable load on the other. In this configuration, the energy chain forms an upper run and a lower run over a significant portion of the movable load's travel path, extending one above the other in a vertical guide plane. With such chains, it is advantageous if the pivoting motion of the individual chain links about a horizontal pivot axis is at least partially restricted, so that the energy chain can span a certain guide length without support.

[0007] A cable routing system for guiding several car bodies coupled in a pivotable manner about at least one axis places fundamentally different demands on the cable routing than is usually the case with systems that ensure cable routing between a fixed connection point and a defined, movable connection point.

[0008] Systems of this type are known from the prior art, e.g. from patent EP 3 386 832 Bl or patent EP 3 718 795 Bl.

[0009] The solution from EP 3 386 832 Bl is intended specifically for rail vehicles. It proposes that the cable guidance system be constructed as an energy chain consisting of mechanically coupled chain links, which hold or accommodate the cables to be guided. According to EP 3 386 832 Bl, it is proposed that the chain links be pivotable relative to each other in a guide plane, namely by means of pivot joints in the chain links that are essentially perpendicular to the guide plane and less flexible in planes perpendicular to the guide plane. The solution from EP 3 386 832 Bl can, for example, be achieved in a manner known per se using a conventional energy chain arranged laterally. Due to the chosen arrangement, this solution is not readily suitable for articulated buses, for example.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing an energy supply chain that is particularly suitable for cable management systems for guiding several car bodies coupled in a pivotable manner about at least one axis.

[0011] The invention further aims to provide an energy supply chain that is particularly suitable for a laterally positioned arrangement or, moreover, particularly for bridging two connection points in a guide plane extending essentially horizontally.

[0012] The invention further includes the sub-problem of providing an energy supply chain that ensures a special stability of the chain case or the chain cross-section.

[0013] Finally, the invention is based on the sub-objective of proposing a cable routing system for use in multi-unit vehicles, which offers good protection for the cables to be routed and is at the same time easily adaptable or can be easily adapted to the requirements of different vehicle types.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, one of the problems underlying the invention is solved by an energy supply chain with the features of claim 1.

[0015] A further sub-problem of the invention is solved by providing an energy supply chain with the features of dependent claim 15. A separately protectable, independent aspect of the invention relates to a cable management system with the features of claim 17.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are each covered by the dependent claims.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an energy chain is proposed comprising a plurality of pivotably connected chain links, forming two parallel and spaced-apart link strands which, together with connecting webs extending between the parallel chain links, form at least one receiving space for cables and / or wires. The energy chain has a first upper and a second parallel lower link strand, wherein, in a suitable installation situation, the chain links are each designed to pivot about a vertical axis extending perpendicular to an approximately horizontal guide plane in two pivot directions, in the same direction and in opposite directions, so that the energy chain can also be laid in a zigzag or S-shape.

[0018] A key aspect of the present invention is the ability to pivot in the same and opposite directions of the energy guide chain, which is essentially designed as a link chain, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient lateral stability of the arrangement, in particular such that at least a part of a guide length can be bridged in a self-supporting manner in a guide plane.

[0019] According to the invention, the energy chain is designed such that it is essentially S-shaped and articulated within a guide plane. This is achieved, in particular, with an energy chain whose chain links overlap each other in the area of ​​a joint connection. The joint connection is preferably formed by pivotably interlocking chain links. Such contours can be formed, for example, by pins and corresponding holes, or by annular projections and complementary holes, or complementary annular groove-shaped recesses.

[0020] The planes of the chain links extend approximately parallel to the guide plane, and the chain links form upper and lower boundaries parallel to each other of the receiving space or of the receiving cross-section of the guide channel s formed by the energy guide chain.

[0021] According to an advantageous and particularly preferred embodiment of the energy chain according to the invention, the chain links of at least some chain links preferably have integrally molded wings that extend essentially in a plane of the chain links, preferably transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the chain links. The distal ends of the wings each form pivot limit stops, which interact with wings of adjacent chain links in a stop position.

[0022] The wings preferably extend parallel to the guide plane and form a widening of the receiving space for the energy chain, projecting on both sides. These also simultaneously serve as pivot limit stops, defining the pivot angle of the energy chain in two different directions around the vertical axis, either in the guide plane or parallel to it.

[0023] In this way, the pivot angle of the chain links relative to each other can be defined by the shape of the wings. The wings of adjacent chain links are preferably designed such that gaps or gussets are provided between them, which ensure easy pivoting of the individual chain links with the cables accommodated therein.

[0024] The pivot limit stops can be provided exclusively by the sashes. This eliminates the need for additional stops in the central or actual tab area (between the sashes) and simplifies tab manufacturing.

[0025] The wings are preferably integrally formed in a central area of ​​the chain links. A central area of ​​the chain links within the meaning of the present invention is understood to be that area of ​​the chain link which extends on both sides by approximately half the pitch length of the chain link.

[0026] Preferably, the chain links each have two wings arranged opposite each other on their end faces, wherein the wings of a chain link are preferably arranged symmetrically with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the chain link and are further preferably mirror-symmetrical to each other.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment of the energy chain according to the invention, it is provided that the chain links are designed as identical parts, preferably as injection-molded plastic parts made of a thermoplastic material.

[0028] In its simplest form, a chain link of an energy chain can have exactly two chain plates which, via exactly two outer connecting webs, define a chain box that is essentially closed in cross-section. However, this does not preclude the possibility that at least parts of the surfaces formed by the chain plates and / or wings are open.

[0029] Preferably, the chain links each comprise overlapping areas pointing outwards and inwards, wherein the chain links can each be cranked parallel to the guide plane, so that the link strands form continuous and essentially smooth-walled contact surfaces both outwards and inwards, which is particularly important for gentle and abrasion-free guidance of the cables or wires. Preferably, the swivel limit stops are designed such that the swivel angles of opposite swivel directions about the vertical axis are approximately equal.

[0030] exhibit angle magnitude.

[0031] One embodiment of the energy supply chain according to the invention is characterized in that the wings are supported against each other at their distal ends by external connecting webs on parallel chain links, each forming a chain link.

[0032] Preferably, the chain links of adjacent, pivotally connected chain links overlap or interlock in an overlap area.

[0033] In particular, to ensure the stability of the chain cross-section or chain case with a horizontal orientation of the link strands, it can be provided that the chain links of adjacent, pivotally connected chain links interlock in such a way that the link strands are stabilized for a substantially cantilevered horizontal arrangement. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that each chain link has an end-face lip extending over at least one partial arc, which is overlapped over at least part of its circumference by at least one undercut, preferably two symmetrically arranged undercuts of the adjacent chain link.

[0034] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the energy chain according to the invention, such an undercut can be designed in such a way that it can be produced in a simple slide-less "open-close injection molding tool". For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that at least one chain link of the energy chain is provided, for example, on its inner side, with at least one, preferably two, openings symmetrically offset to a longitudinal central axis of the chain link, i.e., with openings that each have at least one step or are stepped, so that the steps each form an undercut on the outer side of the chain link. The openings preferably extend in a central region of the chain link.

[0035] The energy chain according to the invention can include connecting webs that perform various functions; for example, the outer connecting webs support the wings and provide an outer boundary for the receiving space. Furthermore, connecting webs can be provided according to the invention to divide the receiving space into different guide channels. Finally, connecting webs can be provided to further stabilize the chain links of the energy chain.

[0036] Preferably, it is provided that at least some connecting bridges are detachably connected to the chain links.

[0037] For example, at least some of the connecting bridges can be detachably locked to the wings of the chain link.

[0038] According to an advantageous embodiment of the energy chain according to the invention, at least the outer connecting webs may have locking elements (locking brackets) which are pivotably designed to move between a locking position and an unlocking position and which, in the locking position, engage an undercut of the chain link acting as a closing element. Such locking elements are known per se, for example from DE 20 2019 100 434 Ul, to which reference is made in this respect for the purpose of disclosure.

[0039] As mentioned above, at least some of the connecting webs can be designed as separating webs to divide a chain cross-section into different guide channels.

[0040] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the energy chain with regard to stability in the direction of the vertical axis, i.e., perpendicular to the guide plane, is characterized by the fact that at least some connecting webs extend between the chain links in a central area of ​​the chain plates, i.e., approximately half the pitch of the chain links, and in a central area of ​​the guide channel formed by them. Each of these connecting webs has a first locking element at its end, which interacts with a second, complementary locking element on the chain plates such that the first and / or second locking elements form a tensile restraint between parallel chain plates. These connecting webs function, on the one hand, as separating webs extending vertically in the installed position, and on the other hand, they serve to stabilize the energy chain.

[0041] Preferably, the first locking means are designed as locking pins with eccentric cams which, in the locked position, engage complementary openings in the chain links. The cams are preferably each provided at their distal ends with cylindrical bearing pins, at the distal ends of which the eccentric cams are formed. The complementary openings in the chain links preferably have elongated holes on their inner surface, the contour of which approximately corresponds to the contour of the cams. The elongated holes can, for example, each have an undercut which engages the cams when the connecting links are rotated about their longitudinal axis. In this way, a tensile restraint is provided that prevents the chain links from being driven apart.

[0042] A single, independently protectable and independent aspect of the invention concerns a

[0043] Energy chain comprising a plurality of pivotably connected chain links, forming two parallel and spaced-apart link strands, which together with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links form at least one receiving space for cables and / or conductors, wherein the energy chain has connecting webs designed as separating webs for dividing an inner cross-section, at least some of the connecting webs designed as separating webs extend in a central area of ​​the chain links between them, wherein these connecting webs each have first locking means at their ends which interact with second complementary locking means of the chain links and wherein the first and / or second locking means form a tensile restraint between parallel chain links.

[0044] Preferably, the first locking means are designed as bearing pins having eccentric cams which, in the locked position, engage complementary openings in the chain links. As with the energy chain according to the first aspect of the invention, the cams are preferably each provided at their distal ends with cylindrical bearing pins, at the distal ends of which the eccentric cams are formed. The complementary openings in the chain links preferably have elongated holes on their inner surface, the contour of which corresponds approximately to the contour of the cams. The elongated holes can, for example, each have an undercut which engages the cams when the connecting links are rotated about their longitudinal axis. In this way, a tensile restraint is provided that prevents the chain link from being driven apart in the direction of the vertical axis.

[0045] A third aspect of the invention relates to a system for cable routing in a multi-section vehicle with two car bodies pivotably coupled about a vertical axis, in particular in an articulated bus, wherein at least one electrical supply cable bridges a space between the car bodies, the system comprising: a cable routing device for guiding at least one supply cable in a guide plane, wherein the cable routing device comprises a plurality of chain links of an energy supply chain articulated to one another, a first end fastening part for attaching one end of the energy supply chain or a section thereof to one car body, and a second end fastening part for attaching a second end of the energy supply chain or a section thereof to the other car body.wherein the energy chain comprises a plurality of pivotably connected chain links, forming two parallel and spaced-apart link strands, the chain links comprising upper and lower chain links, each extending parallel to the guide plane, wherein the chain links, with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links, form at least one receiving space for cables and / or conductors, wherein the chain links are each designed to pivot about the vertical axis extending perpendicular to the approximately horizontal guide plane in two pivot directions, in the same direction and in opposite directions.

[0046] The system according to the invention preferably comprises at least one energy supply chain as described above with regard to the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0047] The invention is explained below with reference to and by way of an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0048] FIG. 1 a perspective view of the energy supply chain according to the invention,

[0049] FIG. 2 a top view of a section of the

[0050] Energy supply chain according to the invention, FIG.3 a sectional view along lines BB in FIG.2,

[0051] FIG.4 shows an end-face view of a section of the

[0052] Energy chain according to the invention,

[0053] FIG.5 shows a section along lines AA in FIG.4,

[0054] FIG.6 a top view of a section of the

[0055] Energy chain according to the invention,

[0056] FIG.7 shows a sectional view along the lines EE in FIG.6.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a connecting bridge designed for positive locking with the chain links according to the invention,

[0058] FIG.9 shows an interior view of a chain link according to the invention,

[0059] FIG.10 shows a section along lines FF in FIG.10,

[0060] FIG.11 shows a section along the lines GG in FIG.10,

[0061] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a chain link of an energy chain according to the invention from the outside.

[0062] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the chain link of the energy chain according to the invention from the inside.

[0063] FIG.14 shows a side view of a section of the energy supply chain according to the invention,

[0064] FIG.15 shows a detailed view of detail Z in FIG.14.

[0065] FIG.16 shows a section along the lines DD in FIG.15 and

[0066] FIG. 17 shows the system according to the invention on an articulated bus with a first and a second car body in various operating states. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a

[0067] An energy chain 1 according to the invention, composed of a plurality of pivotably connected chain links 2. Each chain link 2 comprises an upper and a lower chain plate 3, 4, which are designed for a horizontal arrangement as shown in FIG. 1. The spatial arrangement of the energy chain 1 with respect to a guide plane is illustrated by the coordinate system shown in FIG. 1. The axes Y and X define a substantially horizontal guide plane. The axis Z, which is oriented perpendicular to the axes Y and X, defines the pivot axis of the chain links 2, hereinafter referred to as the vertical axis.

[0068] The energy supply chain 1 is suitable and designed for a cable routing system 40 with two car bodies 41, 42 pivotally coupled about a vertical axis, as shown schematically in FIG. 17. This system can, for example, be implemented on an articulated bus whose car bodies can pivot relative to each other about a vertical or rotational axis and can assume a variable distance from each other within certain limits.

[0069] The chain links 3,4 of the energy chain 1 each comprise overlapping areas 5 in which they are pivotably connected to each other.

[0070] In the overlap areas 5, the chain links 3,4 are each provided with outwardly pointing annular groove-shaped pivot bearings 23 and inwardly pointing cylindrical pivot pins 22, wherein a pivot pin 22 engages pivotally on an inside of a chain link 3,4 into the pivot bearing 23 on the outside of the adjacent chain link.

[0071] Each chain link 2 comprises exactly two chain plates 3, 4, which are designed with integrally molded wings 6. The chain plates 3, 4 with the wings 6 and the first, outer connecting webs 7, which laterally support each other, define a receiving space 8 for cables 9 laid in a guide channel of the energy chain 1. Although the term "cable" is used below, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that this term is used to represent lines, hoses, electrical cables, or the like.

[0072] The chain links 3, 4 of the energy chain 1 according to the described embodiment are designed as identical parts made of thermoplastic material, manufactured by a plastic injection molding process. Likewise, the connecting links 7 of the energy chain 1 are made of thermoplastic material by injection molding. These can, for example, be made of a polyamide reinforced with tensile-strength short fibers. However, it is not fundamentally excluded that the energy chain 1 according to the invention is designed as a so-called hybrid chain using metal parts.

[0073] The wings 6, which are integrally formed on the end faces of the chain links 3, 4, each form a lateral extension of the receiving space 8. In the configuration of the energy supply chain according to FIG. 1, the inner cross-section or chain box of the energy supply chain 1 is not further subdivided. The boundary of the receiving space 8 is formed by two chain links 3, 4 and the two first outer connecting webs 7.

[0074] The wings 6 are each formed in a central area of ​​the chain links 3, 4 on their end faces and are mirror-symmetrical to each other with respect to a longitudinal center axis, which extends in the YX plane when the energy chain is installed in its intended position. These wings each encompass distal ends that are designed as pivot limit stops 10 of the energy chain 1 or act as such.

[0075] In FIG. 1, the energy chain 1 according to the invention is shown on the side facing the viewer about the vertical axis Z in an end-stop position, in which the inner wings 6 are abutting each other. The individual chain links 2 can be pivoted relative to each other in both the same and opposite directions, so that the energy chain 1 can be deflected in the YX plane in a substantially S-shaped manner.

[0076] The chain links 3, 4 interlock at their ends in such a way that the upper and lower link strands formed by them are stabilized in the longitudinal center axis of the energy chain 1 in the direction of the Z-axis. Central stabilization of the energy chain 1 in the receiving space 8 formed by the central area of ​​the chain links 3, 4, or in the middle or inner area of ​​the link strands, in the direction of the Z-axis, is achieved essentially by the fact that the leading or trailing end faces in the longitudinal extension of the energy chain have semicircular contours that interlock or overlap. For this purpose, the chain links 2, 3 are each provided on one side with a semicircular circumferential lip 11 that engages in a corresponding semicircular groove 12 of the adjacent chain link 3, 4.

[0077] The design of the undercut on the chain links 3,4 can be seen on the one hand in section BB and on the other hand in the view according to FIG. 9.

[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 9, each chain link 3,4 of the energy chain 1 is provided on its inner side with two offset openings 13 arranged symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis of the chain link 3,4. The openings each have a shoulder 14. The shoulders 14 form an undercut on the opposite side of the chain link 2,3, which forms the semicircular circumferential groove 12 into which the lip 11 of the adjacent chain link 3,4 engages.

[0079] As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4-5, the

[0080] According to the invention, the energy chain 1 comprises various connecting bridges with different functions. Some of the connecting bridges are designed as separating bridges 15, 16, 30 and serve to divide the inner cross-section of the energy chain into several guide channels extending parallel to and also above one another. The separating bridges 15 extend vertically between the wings 6 of the chain links 3, 4, whereas horizontally extending separating bridges 16 are also provided, which are held in correspondingly designed openings in the vertically extending separating bridges 15 or pass through them.

[0081] The separating webs designated 30 act as a second type of connecting web and primarily serve to stabilize the chain case or the receiving space 8 of the energy chain. Therefore, they extend between the chain links 3 and 4 in a central area and define an inner guide channel for the energy chain 1. These inner separating webs 30 are each provided at their ends with bearing pins 31, which have eccentric cams 32 with respect to the cross-section of the bearing pins. In a locked installation position of the separating webs 30, the cams 32 engage undercut-forming locking openings in the chain links 3 and 4. The locking openings in the chain links 3 and 4 comprise open elongated holes 33 on the inside of the chain links, the contour of which corresponds approximately to the contour of the cams 32. The elongated holes 33 each have an undercut on the outside.The undercut can be formed by a larger, approximately triangular recess 34 on the exact opposite side of the chain link 3, 4. When the connecting webs, designed as inner separating webs 30, are rotated about their longitudinal axis, the cams 32 engage behind the recesses 34 and thus lock the connecting webs 30 to the chain links 3, 4. In this way, a tensile restraint is provided, which prevents the chain links 3, 4 from being driven apart. Figures 14-16 illustrate the design of the outer

[0082] Connecting links 7 of the energy chain 1, which have locking brackets 20 for actuating the connecting links 7 by a user. The locking brackets 20 are each pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position and, in the locking position, engage with locking hooks 21 behind an undercut 22 designed as a closing element of the chain bay. FIG. 16 shows the locking brackets 20 in the unlocked position on the left, whereas on the right side the locking brackets 20 are shown in the locked position, in which they are inserted into the outer surface of the connecting links 7.

[0083] FIG. 17 illustrates various operating positions of two car bodies 41, 42 of an articulated bus, which are connected to each other by a cable routing system 40 according to the invention. A first car body 41 is, for example, designed as a leading car body and a second car body 42 as a trailing car body. The car bodies 41, 42 are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis corresponding to the vertical axis or Z-axis described above. The pivotability of the car bodies 41, 42 about the pivot axis is shown on the left side of FIG. 17 in three different end positions 1 to 3. This movement results in a pivoting in one direction or the other of the energy supply chain 1 extending between the car bodies 41, 42.

[0084] Typically, articulated buses can also pivot relative to each other about a so-called pitch axis, with the result that the upper or lower distance between the leading and the trailing car body 22, 23 increases or decreases. These different end positions 4 to 6 are shown in a top view on the right side of FIG. 17. List of reference symbols

[0085] 1 Energy supply chain

[0086] 2 chain links

[0087] 3 upper chain link

[0088] 4 lower chain links

[0089] 5 overlap areas

[0090] 6 wings

[0091] 7 outer first connecting bridges

[0092] 8 Recording room

[0093] 9 cables

[0094] 10 swivel limit stops

[0095] 11 Lippe

[0096] 12 Nut

[0097] 13 breakthroughs

[0098] 14 paragraphs

[0099] 15 dividers

[0100] 16 dividers

[0101] 20 locking clips

[0102] 21 locking hooks

[0103] 22 undercuts

[0104] 30 separating webs (second connecting webs)

[0105] 31 bearing journals

[0106] 32 cams (locking pins)

[0107] 33 elongated holes (locking openings)

[0108] 34 exceptions

[0109] 40 System for cable routing

[0110] 41 first car body

[0111] 42 second car body

[0112] X, Y, Z axes of a coordinate system

Claims

1. CLAIMS 1. Energy chain (1), in particular for a system for cable guidance with two carriage bodies (41, 42) pivotably coupled about a vertical axis, comprising a plurality of pivotably connected chain links (3, 4) which form two parallel and spaced-apart link strands which, with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links, form at least one receiving space (8) for cables (9) and / or conductors, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) form a first upper and a second parallel lower link strand, and that the chain links (3, 4) in an intended installation situation of the energy chain (1) are each designed to pivot about a vertical axis (Z) extending perpendicular to an approximately horizontal guide plane in two pivoting directions, in the same direction and in opposite directions.

2. Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) of at least some chain links (2) preferably have integrally formed wings (6) which extend substantially in a plane of the chain links (3, 4), preferably transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the chain links (3, 4), and which have distal ends which each form pivot limiting stops (10) which interact with wings (6) of adjacent chain links (3, 4) in a stop position.

3. Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) each have two wings (6) arranged opposite each other on their end faces, and that the wings (6) of a chain link (3, 4) preferably with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the Chain links (3, 4) are arranged symmetrically and are further preferably mirror-symmetrical to each other.

4. Energy chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) are designed as identical parts, preferably as injection-molded plastic parts made of a thermoplastic material.

5. Energy chain (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the pivot limiting stops (10) are designed such that the pivot angles of opposite pivot directions about the vertical axis (Z) have an approximately equal angular value.

6. Energy guidance chain (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the wings (6) are supported against each other at their distal ends by external connecting webs (7) on parallel chain tabs (3, 4) each forming a chain link (2).

7. Energy supply chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) of adjacent pivotably connected chain links (3, 4) interlock in such a form-fitting manner that the link strands are stabilized for a substantially self-supporting horizontal arrangement.

8. Energy supply chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the chain links (3, 4) of adjacent pivotably connected chain links (2) interlock in an overlap area (5).

9. Energy supply chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least some connecting links are detachably connected to the chain links (3, 4).

10. Energy supply chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least some of the connecting webs can be detachably locked to the wings (6) of the chain link (3, 4).

11. Energy supply chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer connecting webs (7) have locking brackets (20) which are pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position and which engage behind a counter bearing of the chain link (3, 4) acting as a closing element in the locking position.

12. Energy guidance chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least some of the connecting webs are designed as separating webs for dividing a chain cross-section into different guide channels.

13. Energy guidance chain ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least some connecting webs (30) extend in a central area of ​​the chain links (3, 4) between these, that these connecting webs (30) each have first locking means at their ends which cooperate with second complementary locking means of the chain links (3, 4) and that the first and / or second locking means form a tensile restraint between parallel chain links (3, 4).

14. Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first locking means are designed as locking pins which have eccentric cams (32) which, in a locked position, engage complementary openings (33) in the chain links (3, 4). 22 15. Energy chain (1) comprising a plurality of pivotably connected chain links (3, 4) forming two parallel and spaced-apart link strands which, together with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links (3, 4), form at least one receiving space (8) for cables and / or conductors, characterized in that connecting webs designed as separating webs (15, 16, 30) are provided for dividing an inner cross-section, that at least some of the connecting webs designed as separating webs (30) extend between the chain links (3, 4) in a central area, that these connecting webs (30) each have first locking means at their ends which cooperate with second complementary locking means of the chain links (3, 4) and that the first and / or second locking means form a tensile restraint between parallel chain links (3, 4).

16. Energy supply chain (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the first locking means are designed as locking pins which have eccentric cams (32) which, in a locked position, engage complementary openings (33) in the chain links (3, 4).

17. System for cable routing in a multi-section vehicle with two car bodies (41, 42) pivotally coupled about a vertical axis (Z), in particular in an articulated bus, wherein at least one electrical supply line bridges a space between the car bodies (41, 42), the system comprising: a cable routing device for routing at least one supply line in a routing plane, wherein the cable routing device is articulated The energy chain comprises 23 interconnected chain links (2) of an energy chain (1), a first end fastening part for fastening one end of the energy chain (1) or a section thereof to a car body (41, 42), and a second end fastening part for fastening a second end of the energy chain (1) or a section thereof to the other car body (41, 42), wherein the energy chain comprises a plurality of pivotably connected chain links (2) forming two parallel and spaced-apart link strands, the chain links (2) comprising upper and lower chain links (2) extending parallel to the guide plane, the chain links (2) forming at least one receiving space (8) for cables (9) and / or conductors with connecting webs extending between parallel chain links (2).wherein the chain links (2) are each designed to pivot about the vertical axis (Z) extending perpendicular to the approximately horizontal guide plane in two pivot directions, in the same direction and in opposite directions.

18. System according to claim 17, characterized in that the energy supply chain (1) has at least one of the features of the preceding claims 2 to 16.

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