Support chain for a line guiding device and kit for fastening the ends of a support chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a support chain (20) for line guiding devices (1), wherein each chain link (200) has, in a first longitudinal section (201) thereof, a first receiving area (211) and, in a second longitudinal section (202), a free space and a second receiving area (212) for a joint pin (213). According to the invention, the first longitudinal section (201) of the first chain link is placed in the free space (203) of the second chain link such that the first receiving area (211) of the first chain link is aligned with the second receiving area (212) of the second chain link, the first and second chain links being pivotally connected to one another by means of a joint pin (213) received in the receiving areas (211, 212). The joint pin (213) can be inserted into the receiving areas (211, 212) from both sides in the transverse direction (Q) and can be non-destructively removed. The invention further relates to a kit for fastening the ends of a support chain (20), comprising two end links (300, 301), which have identical fastening portions (303) with two pairs of fastening projections that are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (L).

Description

[0001] Support chains for a cable guidance device and kit for the end fastening of a support chain

[0002] The invention lies in the field of cable management devices comprising a flexible sheath, in particular cable management devices for cleanroom applications, for the protected dynamic routing of supply lines such as cables, hoses, or the like between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. Such dynamic or active cable management devices protect the cables being guided against unwanted stresses during movement, usually between a stationary connection and a moving device, e.g., on a machine. They are typically linearly movable or reciprocating in a plane of movement along a longitudinal direction and typically form two essentially elongated sections and an approximately U-shaped deflection bend between them. The cable management device can, for example, be movable in the plane of movement in which the longitudinal direction and a vertical direction lie.In this case, it forms an upper run that transitions into a lower run via the deflection bend. The upper run can travel on the lower run, on a guide, or can be cantilevered.

[0003] The invention relates specifically to a support chain for such a cable guidance device and to a kit for the end attachment of a support chain.

[0004] Support chains are used to support the sheathing of cable guides, particularly for longer cable guides, especially in the extended position of a cantilevered or non-supporting section. For this purpose, a support chain can be arranged in a receiving channel of the sheathing instead of a cable. The support chain is designed to assume an extended position to form the sections as well as an arc-shaped position to form a deflection bend. The support chain can define the desired radius of the deflection bend.

[0005] Such a cable guidance device with support chains was proposed, for example, in WO 2021 / 116467 A1. A support chain of this type has a plurality of individual chain links that are articulated or pivotally connected to one another, each with, in relation to the longitudinal direction of the chain or the individual chain link, a front first longitudinal section and a complementary rear second longitudinal section. The second longitudinal section can be forked or fork-like – similar to a forked fork – with two side parts and a space between them into which the first longitudinal section of the following or adjacent chain link is inserted. This allows the following chain link to be held, at least against lateral movement.Both longitudinal sections are designed in a suitable manner to connect the chain links to each other in a predetermined, pivotal way, in particular so that a predetermined geometry of the deflection arc, especially the minimum radius of the deflection arc, is maintained. The deflection arc is typically bent approximately in a U-shape around a deflection axis running transversely to the longitudinal direction, i.e., with a deflection axis parallel to a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0006] Each chain link has an inside and an outside side relative to the deflection arc. During operation, the inside side faces the deflection axis or the opposite track, and the outside side faces away from the deflection axis or the opposite track.

[0007] These support chains ensure, in particular, that a specific radius of the deflection bend is maintained, i.e., the cables guided within the sheath are protected against kinking. Furthermore, the usable length of the cable guidance system is increased by allowing for greater unsupported lengths, usually of the upper run, thanks to the support chains.

[0008] The chain links of the support chains typically have stop surfaces for the extended position as well as stop surfaces for the curved position, i.e., surfaces of each pair of consecutive chain links that abut each other in the extended position or in the curved position. To enable such a support chain to be used in place of a cable in a receiving channel of the sheath, it typically has very compact dimensions—especially compared to conventional energy chains—at least in cross-section. A support chain of this type, however, does not itself have a receiving channel for cables.

[0009] Depending on the load weight, for example, two support chains are used laterally on the outside within a casing. Multi-layered structures are also known, comprising two or more casings stacked on top of each other.

[0010] The heavier the cables guided by the cable routing device and the greater the desired unsupported length of the upper run, the higher the requirements for the robustness of the support chain, with regard to both the bending stiffness of the individual chain links and the robustness of the joint connection and the stops, which are intended to prevent overbending of the cable routing device in the deflection bend and deflection of the upper run.

[0011] One object of the present invention is therefore to further improve the design of the support chain compared to the prior art, in particular in such a way that a longer service life of the support chain can be achieved. However, the inherently compact cross-sectional design of the support chain should not be increased, or at most only insignificantly.

[0012] In practice, the joint connections can be the weak point of the support chain. The invention also solves, among other things, the problem of improving the robustness of the joint connection.

[0013] A solution should be proposed that makes it possible to reduce friction-related wear in the joint connection.

[0014] Several aspects of the invention are proposed below, each of which can be considered independent of the other as material to the invention or as separate inventions. However, the individual aspects of the invention can be combined to particular advantage.

[0015] The terms "inside" and "outside," as well as "inward" and "outward," used below refer to the deflection arc. In this context, "inside" means radially inward, i.e., facing the deflection axis, and "outside" means radially outward, i.e., facing away from the deflection axis. The terms "front" and "back" refer to two longitudinal ends of the individual chain link and serve only as abbreviations, without any statement about function or construction, since the support chain can always move back and forth in two directions.

[0016] FIRST ASPECT

[0017] According to an independent first aspect, in a support chain of the generic type according to the preamble of claim 1, the problem is already solved in that each chain link of the plurality of chain links has in the first longitudinal section a first receptacle for a separate pivot pin and in the second longitudinal section a second receptacle for a separate pivot pin, and that for each pair of successive chain links, the first longitudinal section of the first chain link is arranged in the free space of the second chain link such that an axis of the first receptacle of the first chain link is aligned with an axis of the second receptacle of the second chain link. The first and the second chain link are pivotably connected by a separate pivot pin in the receptacles.

[0018] The two receptacles are connected to each other by pivot pins, the pivot pin being rotatably mounted in one of the receptacles. In the other receptacle, the pivot pin is preferably fixed against rotation, for example, by a positive and / or force-fit connection. The pivot pin can be inserted into both receptacles from either side in the transverse direction and can be removed or extracted non-destructively from either side, so that neither the chain link nor the pivot pin is damaged or destroyed. The second receptacle can be formed by two openings, with one opening being provided in each of the two side parts, and these openings being aligned coaxially with respect to an axis running in the transverse direction. The respective opening leads through the corresponding side part into the free space of the second longitudinal section.The hinge pin can be inserted through one of these openings and removed through the other, or removed through the same opening.

[0019] An advantage of the solution according to the invention is that, when connecting the chain links, the receptacles of the chain links are not spread apart as much as in the prior art. This reduces the stress on the receptacles, and the support chain has a longer lifespan. Furthermore, the invention allows the separate pivot pin to be manufactured, as required, from a material that is tribologically matched to the material of the chain links, thus reducing friction during operation.

[0020] In its intended operating state, where the pivot pin connects two consecutive chain links, it can be inserted through the first opening of the second receptacle of the second longitudinal section of the front chain link, through the first receptacle of the first longitudinal section of the rear chain link, which is inserted into the space of the second longitudinal section, and through the second opening of the second longitudinal section of the front chain link, so that it can be inserted and removed non-destructively from either side along the transverse direction. The pivot pin can be reused in the same function without any further work after removal.

[0021] The pivot pin can preferably be installed without tools, i.e., positioned by manually inserting or pressing it into its intended operating position, in which it pivotably connects two consecutive chain links of the support chain. Removing the pivot pin to separate the chain links can be done, for example, by pushing or knocking it out, particularly with a tool. For this purpose, the pivot pin can have a centering recess on at least one end face for positioning the tool, especially at the level of the pivot pin's axis. This allows the tool to be aligned or centered in the position where optimal force can be applied to knock out the pivot pin.

[0022] The pivot pin and one of the two mountings form a joint or a swivel joint for the pivotable connection of the two successive chain links connected by the pivot pin. For this purpose, the pivot pin can have at least one joint section for rotatable mounting in one of the mountings. The joint section is the area of ​​the pivot pin between its end faces that serves for the rotary bearing and whose surface slides against an inner surface of one of the mountings during operation.

[0023] At least the joint area of ​​the pivot pin, or the pivot pin as a whole, can be designed in a generally cylindrical shape, and preferably have at least one circular cylindrical section. The pivot pin can be predominantly circular cylindrical.

[0024] The pivot pin can have an axis of symmetry, which can define the pivot axis of the respective joint connection.

[0025] The dimension of the pivot pin in the transverse direction, or from one end to the other, is preferably smaller than or equal to the corresponding dimension of the second longitudinal section of the chain link in the transverse direction at the level of the second receptacle. That is, the dimension of the pivot pin in the transverse direction is not larger than the corresponding dimension of the second longitudinal section of the chain link in the transverse direction at the level of the second receptacle. Therefore, the pivot pin is positioned as intended in the receptacles of two chain links articulated together.

[0026] The pivot pin does not extend from the side panels of the second longitudinal section in the transverse direction. This prevents the pivot pin from rubbing against the wall of the casing in which the support chain may be housed.

[0027] The tensile force from one chain link to the next within the support chain is preferably transmitted predominantly by the pivot pins. The diameter of the pivot pin is preferably greater than 15%, and in particular greater than 30%, of a dimension of the chain link in the vertical direction or of the distance between the inside and outside of the chain link in the area between the supports. The length of the pivot pin, i.e., the distance between its ends, is preferably not greater than three times, and in particular not greater than twice, its diameter. This geometry results in a large area moment of inertia of the pivot pin, so that it can be sufficiently rigid, even if, for example, it is made of materials with a lower modulus of elasticity than the chain link.

[0028] The pivot pin is preferably secured in one of the receptacles against unintentional loosening during operation or falling out laterally, e.g. by a snap-fit ​​connection. "Secured" in this context means that the pivot pin can be removed non-destructively if necessary, but otherwise remains in its position in the receptacles.

[0029] For this purpose, i.e., for transverse securing, the pivot pin can have a detent groove, and the receptacle in which the pivot pin is secured can have a corresponding detent projection for engaging in the detent groove. The detent groove is preferably formed circumferentially around the transverse direction.

[0030] The pivot pin is preferably fixedly mounted in the first receptacle in the first longitudinal section and rotatably mounted in the second receptacle in the second longitudinal section. An advantage of this embodiment is, for example, the simplified assembly.

[0031] In the embodiment described above, the locking projection for the transverse securing of the pivot pin is preferably provided in the first longitudinal section. In another embodiment, the pivot pin can be fixedly mounted in the second receptacle in the second longitudinal section and rotatably mounted in the first receptacle in the first longitudinal section. The advantage of this embodiment lies in improved force transmission from one chain link to another during push operation and therefore in a more stable support chain operation.

[0032] The pivot pin and the receptacle in which the pivot pin is rotatably mounted can be made of different materials, preferably tribologically matched materials. These materials can belong to a tribologically optimized material pair, i.e., optimized to minimize friction and abrasion during mounting.

[0033] The chain link can be made entirely from a first material, while the separate pivot pin can be made from a second material that differs from the first. The first material can have a higher strength or stiffness than the second material. The first material can be a highly filled plastic, in particular a plastic with over 30 wt.% filler, e.g., fibers. The second material can be selected to form a tribologically optimized material pair with the first material, thus reducing friction between the pivot pin and the receptacle of the chain link, in which the pivot pin is rotatably mounted, during pivoting of the chain links connected by the pivot pin.

[0034] The hinge pin can have a centering recess at one end, preferably at both ends, which can be located, in particular, on the axis of symmetry of the hinge pin.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal section has an inner stretching stop surface, and the second longitudinal section has a base on its inner side connecting the side parts, with a stretching stop surface facing the free space, against which the inner stretching stop surface of the first longitudinal section rests in a stretched position. The stretching stop surfaces of each pair of successive chain links abut each other to limit the pivoting relative to each other in a first direction, which is opposite to a second direction, the direction of pivoting in the deflection arc; that is, they serve to counteract or prevent sagging of the support chain or bending in the direction opposite to the bending in the deflection arc.

[0036] The first longitudinal section may have an external curved stop surface on its outer side, and the second longitudinal section may have a roof connecting the side parts on its outer side with an external curved stop surface facing the open space, against which the external curved stop surface of the first longitudinal section rests in a curved position. The curved stop surfaces of each pair of successive chain links rest against each other in a curved position, i.e., in the deflection arc, to prevent further pivoting relative to each other in a second direction around the pivot axis when the maximum permissible curvature of the deflection arc or the minimum permissible radius of the deflection arc is reached.

[0037] A chain link can have both inner stretching stop surfaces and outer arc stop surfaces.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the second longitudinal section can have end-face stretching stop surfaces and end-face arc stop surfaces, wherein the end-face stretching stop surfaces of successive chain links abut each other in the stretched position and the end-face arc stop surfaces of successive chain links abut each other in the arc-shaped position. The second longitudinal section can also have front end faces and rear end faces, wherein the front end faces and the rear end faces each have end-face stretching stop surfaces and end-face arc stop surfaces. The end-face stretching stop surfaces can differ from the end-face arc stop surfaces, particularly in their position with respect to the vertical direction. On the front or rear end faces, the end-face stretching stop surfaces can extend transversely, and in particular obliquely, to the end-face arc stop surfaces.Preferably, the end-face stretching stop surfaces on the rear end faces run obliquely to the end-face arc stop surfaces on the rear end faces.

[0039] In one embodiment, each chain link of the plurality of chain links can simultaneously have inner stretching stop surfaces, end-face stretching stop surfaces, outer curved stop surfaces, and end-face curved stop surfaces. Thus, in this embodiment, a double stop is provided in both the stretched and curved positions, which is advantageous for the dimensional stability of the support chain in both the stretched and curved positions.

[0040] The front end faces of the second longitudinal section preferably extend at least predominantly laterally to the first longitudinal section, each on one side of the first longitudinal section. With respect to the transverse direction, the front end faces of the second longitudinal section preferably lie laterally to the first longitudinal section. Preferably, the front end faces of the second longitudinal section project laterally from the first longitudinal section on both sides in the transverse direction, or form areas projecting laterally from the first longitudinal section in the transverse direction; these areas can, in particular, extend over the entire height of the second longitudinal section. This allows for improved stability against torsion about the longitudinal direction during the push operation of the support chain, i.e., when chain links are pushed from the upper run into the deflection loop.

[0041] The total area of ​​the front end faces of the second longitudinal section, i.e., their combined area, can preferably comprise at least 50% of the projection area of ​​the chain link onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or at least 50% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second longitudinal section in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows the shear force to be transferred from the front chain link to the rear chain link over a larger area.

[0042] A dimension of the first longitudinal section in the vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction in the area of ​​the first mounting is preferably equal to a dimension of the second longitudinal section in the vertical direction in the area of ​​the second mounting. This allows the support chain, in its extended position, to have upper and lower, or inner and outer, surfaces that are essentially straight, thus reducing friction between the support chain and the casing in which it can be mounted.

[0043] SECOND ASPECT

[0044] According to an independent second aspect, in a generic support chain according to the preamble of claim 15, the problem is already solved in that, for each pair of successive chain links, the first longitudinal section of the first chain link is arranged in the free space of the second chain link, wherein the first longitudinal section has an inner stretching stop surface on the inside, and the second longitudinal section has a bottom connecting the side parts with a stretching stop surface facing the free space, against which the inner stretching stop surface of the first longitudinal section rests in a stretched position, and the first longitudinal section has an outer curved stop surface on the outside, and the second longitudinal section has a roof connecting the side parts with an outer curved stop surface facing the free space.where the outer arc stop surface of the first longitudinal section rests in an arc-shaped position. The second longitudinal section has front end faces and rear end faces, the front end faces of the second longitudinal section projecting laterally, in particular on both sides, of the first longitudinal section in the transverse direction. The front end faces and the rear end faces each have end-face stretching stop surfaces and end-face arc stop surfaces, the end-face stretching stop surfaces of the successive chain links resting against each other in the stretched position and the end-face arc stop surfaces of the successive chain links resting against each other in the arc-shaped position.

[0045] Thus, each chain link of the multitude of chain links simultaneously has inner stretching stop surfaces, end-face stretching stop surfaces, outer curved stop surfaces, and end-face curved stop surfaces. This provides a double stop in both the stretched and curved positions, which is advantageous for the dimensional stability of the support chain in both positions.

[0046] The front end faces can project transversely on both sides of the first longitudinal section, or form transversely projecting areas on both sides of the first longitudinal section; these areas can, in particular, extend over the entire height of the second longitudinal section. Projected onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the front end faces can flank the first longitudinal section. This allows for improved stability against torsion about the longitudinal direction during the thrust operation of the support chain, i.e., when chain links are pushed from the upper run into the deflection loop.

[0047] In an embodiment according to the first or the second aspect, the first longitudinal section has a projection extending transversely to the longitudinal direction at an end region and on the inner side, and the second longitudinal section has a recess in its base for receiving the projection in the extended position, in particular a through-hole from the free space to the outer side. In the extended position of the support chain, the projection is inserted into the recess, thereby allowing the front and rear end faces of the projection to participate in the transmission of the shear or tensile force.

[0048] The dimension of the projection or recess in the transverse direction is preferably smaller than the width of the base in the area adjacent to the recess. Thus, the recess preferably does not extend across the entire width of the base from one side wall of the second longitudinal section to the other. This increases the stability of the chain link.

[0049] The dimension of the projection or recess in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least twice as small as the corresponding dimension of the inner stretching stop surface. Thus, the chain link has a relatively long inner stretching stop surface.

[0050] In both the support chain according to the first aspect and the support chain according to the second aspect, the front end faces and the rear end faces of the second longitudinal section are preferably shaped straight or convex with respect to the axis of the second receptacle, in particular in a projection onto the plane that runs perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the front end faces can be at least predominantly planar, so that the front end face stretching stop surfaces and the front end face arc stop surfaces are co-planar on the front end faces; and the rear end faces can comprise at least two planar surface areas that are at an angle to each other and form the rear end face stretching stop surfaces and the rear end face arc stop surfaces, or vice versa.

[0052] The angle at which the front or rear end-face stretching stop surfaces lie relative to the front or rear end-face curved stop surfaces can preferably be selected taking into account the angle at which the inner stretching stop surfaces and the outer curved stop surfaces of the first longitudinal section lie relative to each other, so that a double stop is possible in both the stretched and curved positions of the two successive chain links, i.e., a stop on the inner or outer side and a stop on the end faces. This increases the robustness of the support chain and allows for a longer unsupported length of the upper run.

[0053] The area of ​​the front end faces of the second longitudinal section, or the total area of ​​the front end faces of the second longitudinal section (i.e., their combined area), can preferably comprise at least 50% of the contact area of ​​the chain link on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or at least 50% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second longitudinal section in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, particularly at the level of the front end stop surfaces. This allows the shear force to be transferred from the front chain link to the rear chain link over a larger area.

[0054] Each pair of consecutive chain links is preferably of the same construction, in particular identically designed.

[0055] Preferably, the chain links, at least over the desired longitudinal section of the support chain that is intended to be unsupported, have the proposed design or are identical in construction. For the use of identical parts, the support chain preferably consists exclusively of such or identical chain links.

[0056] In an embodiment according to the first or the second aspect, the support chain further comprises, in addition to the chain links described above, two end links for end attachment, a first and a second end link, each of the two end links having a joint section at one of its longitudinal ends. The first end link has a joint section that is identical to the first longitudinal section of the adjacent chain link, and the second end link has a joint section that is identical to the second longitudinal section of the adjacent chain link, such that the first and the second end link can each be connected to the adjacent chain link, in particular pivotably connected. Both the first end link and the second end link have a fastening section at their respective other longitudinal ends, comprising a body and two pairs of fastening projections spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.Each fastening projection extends transversely from the body to interact with a mounting receptacle in a retaining element of an end-mounting device. Two pairs of fastening projections allow for better retention of the end member by the retaining element, thus preventing the end member from tilting about an axis running in the transverse direction.

[0057] In one embodiment, the end members, particularly in the body of the fastening section, each have two bolt receptacles open in the transverse direction and spaced apart longitudinally for receiving a fastening bolt, wherein each pair of fastening projections is provided by a separate fastening bolt that passes through the corresponding bolt receptacle of the end member and projects transversely from both sides of the respective bolt receptacle. This embodiment allows the fastening bolt to be made of a different material than the material of the end member. The fastening bolt can, for example, be made of metal and the end member of a plastic, particularly a highly filled plastic.

[0058] The fastening bolt is preferably generally cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical.

[0059] The fastening bolt is preferably fixed in the bolt receptacle and can in particular be secured against falling out in the transverse direction in the bolt receptacle by friction locking and / or form locking.

[0060] In another embodiment, the fastening projections are manufactured integrally with the body of the fastening section of the end member, particularly by injection molding. This allows the use of any desired shape for the fastening projections.

[0061] A dimension of the first longitudinal section in the vertical direction, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction, is preferably substantially the same as a dimension of the second longitudinal section in the vertical direction. This allows the support chain, in its extended position, to have an upper and lower, or inner and outer, surface that is substantially flat, thus reducing friction between the support chain and the casing in which it may be housed.

[0062] The expression “essentially the same size” means in this case that a deviation of less than + / - 20%, in particular less than or equal to + / - 10%, is possible, and in any case includes “technically identical dimensions (apart from tolerances)”.

[0063] THIRD ASPECT

[0064] The independent third aspect concerns the end fastening of a support chain, in particular a support chain according to the first or the second aspect. For this purpose, a kit for the end fastening of a support chain is proposed, comprising two end links for the support chain and at least two retaining elements, preferably four retaining elements, for locking the end links longitudinally to a clamping plate of an end fastening device. At least one, preferably two, retaining elements are provided for locking an end link.Both the first end link and the second end link have a joint section at one longitudinal end of the end link, wherein the joint section of the first end link is identical to the first longitudinal section of the adjacent chain link of the support chain, and the joint section of the second end link is identical to the second longitudinal section of the adjacent chain link of the support chain, so that the first end link and the second end link can each be connected to the adjacent chain link, in particular pivotably connected, and wherein both the first end link and the second end link have a fastening section at their other longitudinal end, comprising a body and two pairs of fastening projections spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.The fastening projections of each pair, facing away from each other, extend from the body in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, for interaction with corresponding fastening receptacles in a retaining element of an end fastening device. Each retaining element has two pairs of fastening receptacles spaced apart longitudinally, wherein the fastening receptacles of each pair are spaced apart transversely and are open in a vertical direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, for at least partially receiving an associated fastening projection of one of the end members, wherein the distance between the two pairs of fastening receptacles in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the distance between the two pairs of fastening projections in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] The mounting recesses can be designed in particular as depressions that are deepened along the vertical direction.

[0066] Each retaining element preferably has two main sides, with the mounting receptacles formed on the first main side and the second main side having at least one retaining area for holding it against a clamping plate of an end-mounting device. This retaining area preferably comprises two retaining clips projecting from the second main side, each designed to engage with a narrow side of the clamping plate. This embodiment has the advantage that when an upper clamping plate is removed, the retaining elements remain held against the lower clamping plate by means of the retaining area. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the end-mounting device.

[0067] The kit may include one of the support chains according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0068] The kit can include at least two clamping plates with a clamping device for holding the clamping plates together and for exerting a clamping force on the clamping plates. The clamping device can include clamping screws, quick-release clamps with a lever mechanism, or similar devices.

[0069] In one embodiment, the end members in the body of the fastening section each have two bolt receptacles, open in the transverse direction and spaced apart longitudinally, for receiving a fastening bolt each. Each pair of fastening projections is provided by a separate fastening bolt, which passes through the corresponding bolt receptacle of the body of the end member and projects transversely from both sides of the respective bolt receptacle. This embodiment allows the fastening bolt to be made of a different material than the material of the end member or the body of the fastening section. For example, the fastening bolt can be made of metal, and the end member or the body of the fastening section of the end member can be made of a plastic, in particular a highly filled plastic.

[0070] The fastening bolt is preferably generally cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical.

[0071] The fastening bolt is preferably fixed in the bolt receptacle and can in particular be secured against falling out in the transverse direction in the bolt receptacle by friction locking and / or form locking.

[0072] In one embodiment, the fastening projections are manufactured integrally with the body of the fastening section of the end member, particularly by injection molding.

[0073] The invention further relates to a cable guidance device for the protected routing of supply lines such as cables, hoses or the like between two connection points, at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein the cable guidance device comprises a flexible covering with a number of longitudinally extending receiving channels for at least one supply line or a support chain.

[0074] The invention relates in particular to a cable management device intended for cleanroom applications, the flexible covering of which is designed to protect supply lines or support chains from dust. Such a covering is intended, in particular, to prevent abrasion from the lines, which is unavoidable during movement, from being released into the environment. Furthermore, a covering made of a suitable material can improve the overall abrasion resistance.

[0075] The cable guidance device further comprises at least one support chain, preferably two support chains, according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the at least one support chain is received in the casing. A preferred arrangement is one in which each of the support chains is received in the outer receiving channels of the casing with respect to the transverse direction.

[0076] In one embodiment, each support chain of the cable guidance device can be the support chain according to claim 20 or 21, and the cable guidance device further comprises two end-mounted end-fastening devices for securing the sheathing and the support chain at the ends, wherein each end-mounting device comprises at least two clamping plates opposite each other in the vertical direction and at least one retaining element, preferably two retaining elements from the kit according to one of claims 23 to 25, for locking an associated end link of the support chain in the longitudinal direction between the clamping plates. Preferably, each end-mounting device comprises two retaining elements opposite each other in the vertical direction and facing each other with their first main sides, wherein the associated end link is held, in particular clamped, between the main sides of the two retaining elements.

[0077] Further details and advantages of the individual aspects of the invention can be found, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features with corresponding or identical structure or function have corresponding reference numerals and are not described again if necessary. The drawings show:

[0078] FIG. 1 : a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cable guidance device in perspective view;

[0079] FIG. 2 : a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the cable guidance device in a cross-section through the covering transverse to the longitudinal direction;

[0080] FIG.3A-3D : a section of a support chain according to an embodiment in a side view along the transverse direction Q ( FIG. 3A) , in a top view along the vertical direction H ( FIG. 3B) , in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L through a pivot pin ( FIG. 3C) and in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the transverse direction Q ( FIG. 3D) .

[0081] FIG. 4 : Construction drawings of a single chain link for a support chain according to an exemplary embodiment in side view, bottom view, top view, front view and rear view;

[0082] FIG. 5A, 5B: Perspective views of the chain link according to FIG. 4; FIG. 6A-6C: an embodiment of the pivot pin in side view, front view and perspective view;

[0083] FIG. 7 : Construction drawings of a first end link for a support chain according to a first embodiment in side view, front view and rear view;

[0084] FIG. 8: Perspective views of the first end link according to FIG. 7; FIG. 9: Construction drawings of a second end link for a support chain according to the first embodiment in side view, front view and rear view;

[0085] FIG. 10 : Perspective views of the second end member according to FIG. 9;

[0086] FIG. 11 : Construction drawings of an arrangement of the first end member according to FIG. 7 between two opposing retaining elements according to an embodiment in side view, top view, front view and rear view;

[0087] FIG. 12: Perspective view of the arrangement according to FIG. 11;

[0088] FIG. 13: Perspective view of an arrangement of the second end member according to FIG. 9 between two opposing retaining elements according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 and 12;

[0089] FIG. 14 : Construction drawings of a first end link for a support chain according to a second embodiment in side view, front view and rear view;

[0090] FIG. 15: Sectional view of the first end member according to the second embodiment of FIG. 14 in section through the fastening projections; and

[0091] FIG. 16: Construction drawings of a second end link for a support chain according to the second embodiment in side view, front view and rear view.

[0092] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a dynamic, i.e., reciprocally movable, cable guide 1 for guiding supply lines 3, e.g., for power and data supply in a machine. The cable guide 1 is linearly movable between the connection points 2 and 4 and forms a movable upper run 5, a stationary lower run 6, and a moving deflection bend 7 between them. The upper run 5 is movable in the longitudinal direction L of the cable guide 1, which corresponds to the direction of extension of the guided supply lines 3. The deflection bend 7 has a predetermined deflection radius or bending radius about a deflection axis U, which runs in a transverse direction Q perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The deflection bend 7 is curved about the deflection axis U and moves in the plane in which the longitudinal direction L and the vertical direction H lie. The vertical direction H is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q.In this example, the upper run 5 is self-supporting, i.e., the upper run 5 and the lower run 6 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction H. The cable management device 1 is particularly suitable and intended for cleanrooms or other applications where the release of particles is to be reduced or avoided. For this purpose, it has one or more flexible, longitudinally L-extended sheaths 10 made of soft, elastic plastic, which enclose the supply lines 3 along their entire length between the connection points 2 and 4 in a dust-tight manner. The ends of each sheath 10 and of the lines 3 are attached to the connection points 2 and 4, e.g., with end fixing devices 8 or end terminals.

[0093] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the cable guidance device 1 comprises two flexible sheaths 10, elongated in the longitudinal direction L and stacked one on top of the other. However, their spatial orientation is arbitrary; the cable guidance device 1 can, for example, also move vertically. Each sheath 10 is designed to be tubular and sufficiently flexible, due to its suitable shape and / or material selection, to allow reversible bending of the deflection bend 7 with minimal effort and to follow the movement of a movable connector or driver with minimal resistance.

[0094] The enclosure 10 can, in particular, protect against the escape of dust particles from the enclosure 10 into the environment. Each dust-protective enclosure 10 (also called a "pod") is designed to be dust-tight and primarily serves to prevent the escape of particles, which are unavoidably generated, in particular, by abrasion of the cables and / or support chain, to the outside.

[0095] FIG. 1 further shows two end fastening devices 8, each provided at one end of the cable guide device 1. The cable guide device 1 is connected and fastened by means of the end fastening devices 8 at one of two relative movable connection points 2, 4, e.g. on a machine or system (not shown).

[0096] An end-mounting device 8 has at least two, and in the example in Fig. 1 three, clamping plates 11. In the example shown, the clamping plates 11 of each end-mounting device 8 are held together and pressed against each other by six clamping screws 309. The clamping screws 309 serve here as a clamping device. Between each pair of clamping plates 11, retaining elements 306 for support chains 20, which are described below, as well as strain relief elements for the guided supply lines 3 (not shown), are accommodated. The clamping screws 309 exert a clamping force on the clamping plates 11. The clamping plates 11 transmit the clamping force to the retaining elements 306 accommodated between the clamping plates 11 and any strain relief elements that may be present, or directly to the ends of the sheathing 10 and to the supply lines 3.

[0097] FIG. 2 shows, purely by way of example, a possible internal division of a sheath 10 of another embodiment of the cable guide device in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The sheath 10 can, for example, be composed of a plurality of individual sheath units made of plastic (not shown) or form a one-piece hose with several receiving channels 12. In FIG. 2, the sheath 10 has, by way of example, five receiving channels 12: three for one or more supply lines 3 or cable bundles, and two outer receiving channels for the support chains 20, which define the radius of the deflection bend 7 and support a free-standing length of the extended upper run 5. The sheath 10 is made of a flexible, soft-elastic plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, e.g., PE, PU, ​​TPU, PTFE, expanded PTFE, PP, or the like.The casing 10 is manufactured and has a consistently uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L along its length. The casing 10 can be produced cost-effectively as a continuous strand using suitable plastic extrusion technology and cut to a suitable length, e.g., from approximately 100 mm to approximately 1500 mm. All receiving channels 12 within the casing 10 are spatially separated from one another and lie side by side in the transverse direction Q. The casing 10 surrounds the cables 3 or support chains 20 along its longitudinal extent in a dust-tight manner, thus preventing the escape of particles that arise during operation, e.g., through abrasion or wear. The cable guide in FIG. 2 has two support chains 20 that extend along the entire length of the cable guide 1 from connection point 2 to connection point 4. In the purely exemplary arrangement according to FIG. 2 the support chains 20 are taken up in the outer receiving channels 12.

[0098] A key function of the support chains 20 is to define the radius of curvature of the deflection arc 7 or to limit its minimum radius around the deflection axis U. Another key function of each support chain 20 is to support or enable the unsupported length of the upper run 5, particularly in the fully extended position of the drive (not shown in FIG. 1). Each support chain 20 supports the casing 10, especially against sagging due to gravity, and also acts as a load-bearing element. Depending on the load weight and length, a sufficient number of support chains 20 are used in the

[0099] A cable routing device is provided.

[0100] Several support chains can be included, for example, in the inner covering 10 in FIG. 1 with respect to the deflection arc 7, and support the outer covering 10 with respect to the deflection arc 7.

[0101] The construction of the support chain 20 and the individual chain links 200 is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, 4 and 5A, 5B.

[0102] FIGS. 3A-3C show a partial length of a support chain 20 according to an embodiment, in a side view along the transverse direction Q ( FIG. 3A), in a top view along the vertical direction H ( FIG. 3B), in a cross-section through a pivot pin perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L ( FIG. 3C) and in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the transverse direction Q ( FIG. 3D).

[0103] The support chain 20 is designed as a link chain and consists of exactly one strand, which comprises a plurality of individual chain links 200 that are detachably connected to each other in pairs by a joint connection. The chain links 200 each have an inner side 220A and an outer side 220B. The inner side is understood to be the side of the chain link 200 that faces the opposite run 5, 6 if the chain link 200 is located within the upper run 5 or the lower run 6, or that faces the deflection axis U if the chain link 200 is located in the deflection arc 7. The inner side 220A lies radially inside the deflection arc 7. The outer side 220B of the chain link 200 faces away from the inner side 220A and lies radially outside the deflection arc 7, facing the opposite run 5, 6 or 6. away from the deflection axis U.

[0104] Adjacent or adjacent chain links 200 of each pair are pivotable relative to each other in a pivot direction about a pivot axis S over a limited pivot angle, e.g., approximately 5–40°, due to the articulated connection. The chain links 200 can be pivoted relative to each other between an extended position (as within the sections 5, 6) and an angled or arc-shaped position (as within the deflection arc 7), which allows the support chain 20 to be turned while maintaining a minimum permissible or possible radius of the deflection arc 7.

[0105] The swivel angle is limited in one or the opposite direction by stop surfaces of the chain links 200 – arc stop surfaces and stretch stop surfaces. The arc stop surfaces limit the swiveling of the two chain links in one direction about the swivel axis S and prevent the support chain 20, and thus the casing 10 in which the support chain 20 is housed, from bending over. This prevents the minimum permissible radius of the deflection arc 7 from being undercut and the guided supply lines 3 from being kinked. The stretch stop surfaces limit the swiveling of the two chain links in the other direction about the swivel axis S and prevent the cantilevered upper run 5 from bending downwards or sagging. This prevents curvature in the direction opposite to the curvature of the deflection arc; they ensure a straight, cantilevered upper run 5 of a specific length.Both the bow stop surfaces and the stretch stop surfaces are provided on each chain link and are explained below.

[0106] Each chain link, viewed in the longitudinal direction L, has a front, first longitudinal section 201 and a complementary rear, second longitudinal section 202. The second longitudinal section 202 has two side parts 202A, 202B spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Q, which are particularly visible in Fig. 5B, and a clearance 203 between them. Each chain link 200 has a first receptacle 211 for a joint connection in the first longitudinal section 201 and a second receptacle 212 for a joint connection in the second longitudinal section 202; in the illustrated embodiment, the two receptacles 211, 212 are round.

[0107] As can be clearly seen in FIG. 3A, the upper surface on the outside of the support chain 20 and the lower surface on the inside of the support chain 20 are relatively flat in order to minimize friction against an inner surface of the casing 10 in which the support chain 20 can be received. For this purpose, the height, i.e., the dimension of the first longitudinal section 201 in the vertical direction H in the region of the first receiving 211, is approximately equal to the height, i.e., the dimension of the second longitudinal section 202 in the vertical direction H in the region of the second receiving 212.

[0108] Each chain link 200 consists of a body that is mirror-symmetric to its longitudinal median plane (LH), so that the force transmission between the interacting end faces under tensile and shear loads takes place without components in the transverse direction Q.

[0109] The dimension of the first longitudinal section 201 in the transverse direction Q is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the second longitudinal section 202 .

[0110] The second longitudinal section 202 has two front end faces 217, which face the front chain link 200 within the support chain 20. The two front end faces 217 are of equal size and extend on both sides of the first longitudinal section 201. That is, the front end faces 217 of the second longitudinal section 202 project from the first longitudinal section 201 in the transverse direction Q on both sides, over the entire height of the first longitudinal section, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 4 in front view (the view on the right). The width of the respective front end face 217 of the second longitudinal section 202 at the height of the pivot axis S corresponds to at least 70% of the width of the first longitudinal section 201 at the height of the pivot axis S; thus, the combined width of the two front end faces 217 of the second longitudinal section 202 at the height of the pivot axis S is greater than the width of the first longitudinal section 201 at the height of the pivot axis S.

[0111] The second longitudinal section 202 also has two rear end faces 218, formed by the two side parts 202A, 202B, which face the rear chain link 200 within the support chain 20, i.e., the following chain link. The combined width of the two rear end faces 218 of the second longitudinal section 202 at the level of the pivot axis S is greater than the width of the clearance 203 at the level of the pivot axis S, as can be clearly seen in the rear view on the left in FIG. 4.

[0112] The wide end faces 217, 218 of the second longitudinal section 202 therefore have the advantage that they form larger end-face stop surfaces for limiting the pivoting angle. Since the end faces 217, 218 of the second longitudinal section 202 extend over the entire height of the chain link 200 in the illustrated embodiment, they offer sufficient surface area for both end-face stretching stop surfaces 221A, 221B, and end-face arc stop surfaces 222A, 222B, which are explained further below.

[0113] For the purpose of explanation, we will now consider, among other things, any two consecutive chain links 200 within the support chain 20, which are pivotably connected to each other.

[0114] In the assembled state, the front, first longitudinal section 201 of the rear chain link 200 of the two successive chain links is inserted into the clearance 203 in the second, rear longitudinal section 202 of the front chain link 200 between the side parts 202A, 202B, such that the receptacles 211, 212 of the two chain links are coaxially aligned. As best seen in FIG. 5B, the second receptacle 212 is provided by two coaxial circular openings 212A, 212B of the same diameter, with the opening 212A being formed as a through-hole in the side part 202A and the opening 212B as a through-hole in the side part 202B. Thus, the second receptacle 212 extends through the first opening 212A, the clearance 203, and the second opening 212B.

[0115] Each joint connection includes a joint bolt 213, which is inserted into the coaxially aligned receptacles 211, 212.

[0116] The pivot pin 213 is mounted and detachably connects each pair of adjacent or successive chain links 200 in the longitudinal direction L. The pivot pin 213 is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C. In the example shown, exactly one separate pivot pin 213 is provided for each pair of adjacent chain links 200. Each chain link 200 within the support chain 20 is in turn connected to each of its two sides or at both end regions of its longitudinal direction L by a pivot pin 213.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the first receptacle 211 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the second receptacle 212. The pivot pin 213 is therefore fixedly mounted in the first receptacle 211 of the rear chain link 200 and does not move relative to the rear chain link 200 of the two successive chain links in its intended operating position. The pivot pin 213 is rotatably mounted in the second receptacle 212 of the front chain link 200.

[0118] FIGS. 4 and 5A, 5B show a preferred embodiment of a chain link 200, which combines the first two aspects of the invention. As mentioned above, the chain link 200 has the front or first longitudinal section 201 and the rear or second longitudinal section 202. The second longitudinal section 202 has two side parts 202A, 202B, which are designed in the manner of fork tabs and form the clearance 203 between them. The first longitudinal section 201 of an adjacent subsequent chain link 200 can be inserted into the clearance 203 and largely received, cf. FIGS. 3A, 3D. At the transition to the first longitudinal section 201, the second longitudinal section 202 forms a reinforced body area that limits or closes off the clearance in the longitudinal direction L, cf. FIG. 3D.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, each chain link 200 has a base 206 on its inner side 220A in its second longitudinal section 202, connecting the side parts 202A and 202B. This base 206 acts as a lower transverse connection, stabilizing the second longitudinal section 202 and limiting the free space 203 from the inner side 220A. Furthermore, the surface of the base 206 facing the free space 203 serves as the inner stretching stop surface 210B of the second longitudinal section 202.

[0120] Furthermore, each chain link 200 has a roof 209 on its second longitudinal section 202 on the outer side 220B, connecting the side parts 202A and 202B. This roof acts as an upper transverse connection, stabilizing the second longitudinal section 202 and limiting the free space 203 from the outer side 220B. Additionally, the surface of the roof 209 facing the free space 203 serves as the outer arch stop surface 214B of the second longitudinal section 202.

[0121] The first longitudinal section 201 of the chain link 200 has an inner surface located on the inside 220A and an outer surface located on the outside 220B. The two surfaces converge towards the first longitudinal end of the chain link and are at an acute angle to each other in a side view along the transverse direction Q (Fig. 3A) and in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the transverse direction Q (Fig. 3D). The inner surface serves as the inner stretching stop surface 210A of the first longitudinal section 201. In the extended position of the two interconnected chain links 200, the inner stretching stop surface 210A of the first longitudinal section 201 of the rear chain link rests against the inner stretching stop surface 210B described above on the base 206 of the second longitudinal section 202 of the front chain link.The aforementioned outer surface of the first longitudinal section 201 serves as the outer arc stop surface 214A of the first longitudinal section 201. In the arc-shaped position, the outer arc stop surface 214A of the first longitudinal section 201 of the rear chain link rests against the above-described outer arc stop surface 214B on the roof 209 of the second longitudinal section 202 of the front chain link.

[0122] Furthermore, the second longitudinal section 202 of the chain link 200 has front and rear end faces 217 and 218, respectively. In the extended position, the front end faces 221A of the rear chain link 200 rest against the rear end faces 221B of the front chain link 200. In the fully angled position, the front end faces 222A of the rear chain link 200 rest against the rear end faces 222B of the front chain link 200. This allows for effective thrust force transmission in the extended position and in the angled / arc-shaped position. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the end faces 222A are spaced apart from the end faces in the vertical direction H.The front end-face stretching stop surfaces 221A and the rear end-face stretching stop surfaces 221B are located close to the outside 220B of the chain link, i.e., above the pivot axis S. The front end-face arc stop surfaces 222A and the rear end-face arc stop surfaces 222B, on the other hand, are located close to the inside 220A of the chain link, i.e., below the pivot axis S.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the front end faces 217 have a planar surface, therefore the front end face stretching stop surfaces 221A are co-planar with the front end face arc stop surfaces 222A.

[0124] The inner stretching stop surface 210B of the second longitudinal section 202 is parallel to the outer arc stop surface 214B of the second longitudinal section 202 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0125] Therefore, in the example shown, the maximum swivel angle is determined by the geometry of the stop surfaces of the first longitudinal section 201 and the geometry of the rear end faces 218.

[0126] The rear end-face stretching stop surfaces 221B are straight and run at an obtuse angle relative to the rear end-face curved stop surfaces 222B, which are also straight. The angle between the rear end-face stop surfaces 221B, 222B is adapted to, or selected with regard to, the angle between the inner stretching stop surface 210A of the first longitudinal section 201 and the outer curved stop surface 214A of the first longitudinal section 201, so that simultaneous contact of the end-face stop surfaces and the inner or outer stop surfaces is possible in the stretched position or in the curved position, so that in both the stretched and curved positions a double stop limits the swivel angle of the two chain links. This makes the angle limitation more robust and allows for longer unsupported lengths of the upper run.

[0127] The first longitudinal section 201 has a projection 205 at its free longitudinal end, which projects from the inner stretching stop surface 210A of the first longitudinal section 201 towards the inner surface 220A and is flush with it on the inside. The bottom 206 of the second longitudinal section 202 has a recess 207 complementary to the projection 205, which is formed as a through-hole from the free space 203 towards the inner surface 220A. The dimension of the projection 205 and the recess 207 in the longitudinal direction L is not greater than 30% of the corresponding dimension of the bottom 206. and the dimension of the projection 205 and the recess 207 in the transverse direction Q is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the base 206. In the extended position of the two successive chain links 200, the projection 205 is received in the recess 207 ( FIG. 3D).The projection 205 has front and rear end faces which abut the corresponding faces of the recess 207 and, in the extended position, participate in the transmission of the tensile or shear force from the front chain link to the rear chain link, i.e., in addition to the pivot pin 213.

[0128] Each chain link 200 is a one-piece injection-molded part made of rigid, durable plastic. The type of joint connection used in the invention allows the use of highly filled engineering plastics for the chain link, e.g., composite materials with at least 30% filler, e.g.

[0129] Reinforcing fibers.

[0130] FIGS. 6A-6C show an embodiment of a pivot pin 213, which here is essentially circular-cylindrical with an axis of symmetry defining the pivot axis S of the joint connection of two chain links 200 connected by the pivot pin 213. The pivot pin 213 has two end faces 213B and a cylindrical wall between the two end faces 213B, the wall comprising two axially spaced joint areas 213A, which are rotatably mounted in the second receptacle 212 of the front chain link of the two chain links 200 connected by the pivot pin 213 and slide on one of the two inner surfaces of the second receptacle 212, i.e., the inner surfaces of the openings 212A, 212B, when the chain links are pivoted. The inner surface of an opening 212A, 212B of the second receptacle 212 is understood to be the surface facing the pivot axis S.Axially between the joint areas 213A, the joint pin 213 has a locking groove 215 that runs around the entire circumference of the joint pin 213. In the intended installed state of the joint pin 213 for connecting two chain links 200, i.e. When the first longitudinal section 201 of the rear chain link 200 is inserted into the clearance 203 between the side parts 202A, 202B of the second longitudinal section 202 of the front chain link, and the pivot pin 213 is inserted into the coaxially aligned receptacles 211, 212 of the two chain links 200 along the transverse direction Q, the locking groove 215 of the pivot pin 213 engages with a locking projection 216 in the first receptacle 211 of the first longitudinal section 201 of the rear chain link 200. This locking connection serves to fix the pin in the transverse direction Q and prevents the pivot pin 213 from unintentionally slipping or falling out in the transverse direction Q.The pivot pin 213 can, however, be removed from its installed position without damage, for example, by being driven out with a tool. For this purpose, the pivot pin 213 has a round centering recess 213C at each of its end faces 213B for correct positioning of the tool to drive the pivot pin 213 out of the receptacles. The pivot pin 213 can be removed or driven out from both sides along the transverse direction Q – both through the first opening 212A and through the second opening 212B of the second receptacle 212. The receptacles 211, 212 of the chain links 200 do not need to be spread apart. The pivot pin 213 can be made of a different material with a lower modulus of elasticity than the highly filled plastic of the chain links 200. The material of the pivot pin is tribologically matched to the material of the chain link in order to reduce friction during storage.The pivot bolt 213 remains undamaged after disassembly or knocking out and can be reused in the same function.

[0131] The pivot pin 213 transmits the tensile force from a front chain link 200, located near the movable connection point 2, to the subsequent rear chain link 200, which is connected to the front chain link. The diameter of the pivot pin 213 is greater than 30% of the height of the chain link 200, i.e., greater than 30% of the dimension of the chain link 200 in the vertical direction H between the mounts 211, 212. The length of the pivot pin 213, i.e., the distance between its end faces 213B in the transverse direction Q, is no more than twice its diameter. Because of this geometry, the pivot pin 213 has a large area moment of inertia and is rigid in bending, even in embodiments where it is made of materials with a lower modulus of elasticity than the chain link. FIG. 3C shows a cross-section along line CC in FIG. 3A.Here, the detent projection 216 can be seen in the first image 211 of the rear chain link 200, which is detented in the detent groove 215 of the pivot pin 213.

[0132] FIG. 3C also shows that the pivot pin 213 is completely enclosed in the second recess 212 in the axial direction along the pivot axis S, which corresponds to the transverse direction Q, and does not protrude from the second recess 212 or from the side parts 202A, 202B in the transverse direction Q. The end faces 213B of the pivot pin 213 are flush with the outer surfaces of the side parts 202A, 202B in the illustrated example, i.e., the length of the pivot pin is... The distance between its end faces 213B is equal to the distance between the outer surfaces of the side parts 202A, 202B in the transverse direction Q along the axis of symmetry of the second mount 212. In other words, the dimension of the second longitudinal section 202 in the transverse direction Q at the level of the second mount 212 is equal to the dimension of the hinge pin 213 in the transverse direction Q.This prevents friction between the end faces 213B of the pivot pin 213 and the inner wall of the casing 10, in which the support chain 20 is housed (see FIG. 2). For this purpose, the pivot pin 213 can also be shorter than the distance between the outer surfaces of the side parts 202A, 202B.

[0133] For fastening the support chain 20 to the connection points 2, 4, a kit is proposed according to the third aspect, comprising two different end links 300, 301, one end link for each longitudinal end of the support chain 20. Each of the end links 300, 301 is designed on the one hand to connect to one end of the support chain 20 and on the other hand to connect to one end fastening device 8. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a first embodiment of a first end link 300 for connecting to the end of the support chain 20, which has a free second longitudinal section 202, i.e., with the end of the support chain 20, to which the last, i.e., end-ended, chain link 200 is connected with its first longitudinal section 201 to the penultimate chain link 200 by a pivot pin 213, and whose second longitudinal section 202 is free and ready for a pivot connection.The first end link 300 has a joint section 302A, which is structurally identical to a first longitudinal section 201 of a chain link 200 from the center of the support chain 20, and also has a first receptacle 211 for a pivot pin 213. The joint section 302A of the first end link 300 can be inserted into the clearance 203 of the second longitudinal section 202 of the end chain link 200, so that its first receptacle 211 aligns with the second receptacle 212 of the chain link 200, and can be connected to the chain link 200 by the same pivot pin 213 and in the same manner as described above for pivotally connecting the chain links 200 from the center of the support chain.In the illustrated embodiment, the first end link 300 has the same inner stretching stop surfaces 210A and outer stretching stop surfaces 214A as the first longitudinal section 201 of a chain link 200 from the center of the support chain 20, therefore the end link 300 is pivotably connected to the end of the support chain 20, the pivot angle being limited accordingly.

[0134] The end member 300 further comprises a fastening section 303, which connects to the joint section 302A in the longitudinal direction L. In the first embodiment of the first end member, the fastening section 303 has a body 303A with side surfaces facing away from each other in the transverse direction Q, and two bolt receptacles 305 extending in the transverse direction Q and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, each for a fastening bolt. Each of the fastening bolts is cylindrical with a cylinder axis that runs in the transverse direction Q when the fastening bolt is installed. The length of the fastening bolt in the transverse direction Q is greater than the length of the bolt receptacle 305 in the transverse direction Q, so that the fastening bolt projects from the bolt receptacle 305 on both sides and thereby forms two fastening projections 304 facing away from each other in the transverse direction Q.The second bolt receptacle 305, which is longitudinally spaced from the first bolt receptacle 305, also accommodates a fastening bolt, such that two pairs of fastening projections 304 project from the side faces of the body 303A of the fastening section 303 in the transverse direction Q. The length of each projecting fastening projection 304 in the transverse direction Q is at least 25% of the dimension of the body 303A in the transverse direction Q. The diameter of the fastening projection 304 is approximately equal to its length in the transverse direction Q. The fastening bolts are made of metal, and the end members 300, 301 are made of a highly filled plastic.

[0135] In a second embodiment of the first end member, shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the fastening projections 304 are manufactured in one piece, e.g. by injection molding, with the body 303A of the fastening section 303'.

[0136] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a first embodiment of the second end link 301 for connecting to the end of the support chain 20, which has a free first longitudinal section 201, i.e. with the end of the support chain 20, to which the last, i.e. end-side, chain link 200 with its second longitudinal section 202 is connected to the penultimate chain link 200 by a pivot pin 213 and whose first longitudinal section 201 is free and ready for a pivot connection. The second end link 300 has a joint section 302B, which is structurally identical to the second longitudinal section 202 of a chain link 200 from the center of the support chain 20, and also has two side parts 202A, 202B, a clearance 203 between them, a bottom 206, a roof 209 and a second receptacle 212 for a joint pin 213, wherein the second receptacle 212 is formed by two coaxial openings 212A, 212B in the side parts 202A, 202B.In the free space 203 of the joint section 302B of the second end link 301, a first longitudinal section 201 of the end chain link 200 can be inserted, so that the second receptacle 212 of the end link 301 is aligned with the first receptacle 211 of the chain link 200, and can be connected to the chain link 200 by the same joint pin 213 and in the same way as described above for pivotally connecting the chain links 200 from the center of the support chain. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end link 301 has the same inner stretching stop surfaces 210B, outer stretching stop surfaces 214B and end-face stop surfaces 221A, 221B, 222A, 222B as the second longitudinal section 202 of a chain link 200 from the center of the support chain 20, therefore the end link 301 is pivotably connected to the end of the support chain 20, the pivot angle being limited accordingly.

[0137] The first embodiment of the second end member 301 further comprises the same fastening section 303 as described above for the first embodiment of the first end member 300.

[0138] FIG. 10 shows on the left a second end member 301 without the fastening bolts in the fastening section 303, so that the bolt receptacles 305 are visible, with FIG. 10 on the left showing the second end member 301 with the fastening bolts inserted.

[0139] The kit for the end fastening of the support chain 20 further comprises retaining elements 306 for holding each end link 300, 301 on one of the clamping plates 11 of the end fastening device 8. Each retaining element 306 has two main sides facing away from each other in the vertical direction H, the first main side being designed for locking the fastening section 303 of an end link and the second being designed for fastening the retaining element 306 to a clamping plate 11. The first main side is adapted to the shape of the fastening section 303 of the end link 300, 301 and has two fastening receptacles 307 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, which are designed to partially receive each of the fastening projections 304, here as recesses that are open in the vertical direction H. The fastening receptacles 307 of each pair are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction Q.In the present embodiment, the second main surface of the retaining element 306 has two retaining areas 308 ( FIG. 12 or FIG. 13) which are designed as retaining clamps for gripping narrow sides of a clamping plate 11 or for engaging in a retaining groove on narrow sides of a clamping plate 11.

[0140] The same retaining elements 306 can be used for the first end member 300 and for the second end member 301.

[0141] FIGS. 11 and 12 show the first end link 300, whose fastening section 303 is received between two retaining elements 306, which are placed one above the other with their first main sides facing each other. This arrangement can be positioned between two clamping plates 11 of an end fastening device 8 (Fig. 1) and held by the retaining areas 308 on the respective clamping plate 11. The articulated section 302A of the end link 300 projects in the longitudinal direction L from the retaining elements 306, for connection with an end chain link 200 of the support chain 20, which has its second longitudinal section 202 free.Figure 13 shows the corresponding arrangement for connecting to the other end of the support chain 20 and has a second end link 301, the fastening section 303 of which is received between two retaining elements 306, wherein the joint section 302B of the end link 301 projects in the longitudinal direction L from the retaining elements 306, for connecting to an end chain link 200 of the support chain 20, which has its first longitudinal section 201 free.

[0142] The projection of the two pairs of fastening projections 304, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, and of the two pairs of corresponding fastening receptacles 307 for the fastening projections 304, is advantageous compared to arrangements with only one pair of fastening projections and fastening receptacles, because it prevents the end member 300, 301 from tilting about an axis running through the fastening projections 304 of a pair in the transverse direction Q.

[0143] FIGS. 14 to 16 show a second embodiment of the first and second end members 300', 301'. The difference between the second embodiment of the end members 300', 301' and that shown in FIG.

[0144] The difference in the first embodiment of the end members 300, 301 shown in Figures 7 to 10 lies in the design of the fastening section. As can be seen particularly in the sectional view in Figure 15, the fastening projections 304 in the fastening section 303' according to the second embodiment are formed integrally with the body 303A of the fastening section 303' or integrally with the end member 300', 301' by injection molding, and not, as in the first embodiment, provided by a separate fastening bolt. Otherwise, the end members 300', 301' according to the second embodiment essentially correspond to the end members 300, 301 described above according to the first embodiment and each comprises, in addition to the fastening section 303', a joint section 302A or 302B.

[0145] The first end link 300', shown in more detail in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, has a joint section 302A, which is identical in construction to the first longitudinal section 201 of a chain link 200 from the center of the support chain 20. The second end link 301', shown in more detail in FIG. 16, has a joint section 302B, which is identical in construction to the second longitudinal section 202 of a chain link 201 from the center of the support chain 20.

[0146] The other features, effects, and advantages of the support chain of the second embodiment are essentially identical to those of the first embodiment. Reference numerals

[0147] cable routing device

[0148] , 4 junctions

[0149] Supply line

[0150] Obertrum

[0151] Untertrum

[0152] Deflection

[0153] End mounting device

[0154] 0 Envelope

[0155] 1 clamping plate

[0156] 2 Recording channel

[0157] 0 support chain

[0158] 00 chain link

[0159] 01 first longitudinal section of the chain link

[0160] 02 second longitudinal section of the chain link 02A, 202B side parts of the chain link

[0161] 03 Free space of the chain link

[0162] 05 lead

[0163] 06 Floor

[0164] 07 Recess in the floor

[0165] 09 Roof

[0166] 10A inner stretching stop surface of the first

[0167] longitudinal section

[0168] 10B inner stretching stop surface of the second

[0169] longitudinal section

[0170] 11 first recording

[0171] 12 second recording

[0172] 12A, 212B Openings which form the second receptacle 13 Hinged bolts

[0173] 13A Joint area of ​​the joint bolt

[0174] 13B End face of the hinge bolt

[0175] 13C Centering recess

[0176] 14A Outer bow stop surface of the first

[0177] Longitudinal section 214B outer arc stop surface of the second longitudinal section

[0178] 215 Locking groove of the pivot bolt

[0179] 216 Raster projection of a recording

[0180] 217 frontal faces

[0181] 218 rear end faces

[0182] 220A Inside of the chain link

[0183] 220B Outside of the chain link

[0184] 221A Front end stretching stop surfaces 221B Rear end stretching stop surfaces 222A Front end arc stop surfaces 222B Rear end arc stop surfaces 300 First end member

[0185] 301 second terminal element

[0186] 302A, 302B Joint sections of the terminal phalanges

[0187] 303 Fastening section

[0188] 303A Body of the mounting section

[0189] 304 Fastening projection

[0190] 305 bolt holder

[0191] 306 Holding element

[0192] 307 Mounting bracket

[0193] 308 Holding area

[0194] 309 Tensioning screw

[0195] U deflection axis

[0196] H Altitude

[0197] L Longitudinal direction

[0198] S swivel axis

[0199] Q transverse direction

Claims

Claims 1. Support chain (20) for supporting a cable guidance device (1) comprising a flexible covering (10), wherein the support chain (20) can assume an extended position to form extended sections (5, 6) as well as an arc-shaped position to form a deflection arc (7) and for this purpose comprises a plurality of individual chain links (200) with a longitudinal direction (L) which are pivotably connected to one another, wherein the chain links (200) each have an inner side (220A) and an outer side (220B) with respect to the deflection arc (7), and each comprise a front first longitudinal section (201) and a complementary rear second longitudinal section (202), wherein the second longitudinal section (202) comprises two spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L). side parts ( 202A, 202B ) and a free space ( 203 ) between them, characterized in thatthat each chain link (200) of the plurality of chain links (200) has in the first longitudinal section (201) a first receptacle (211) for a hinge pin (213) and in the second longitudinal section (202) a second receptacle (212) for a hinge pin (213), wherein the second receptacle (212) is formed by two coaxial openings (212A, 212B), wherein one of the openings is provided in each of the two side parts (202A, 202B); that for each pair of successive chain links (200), the first longitudinal section (201) of the first chain link is arranged in the free space (203) of the second chain link such that an axis of the first receptacle (211) of the first chain link is aligned with an axis of the second receptacle (212) of the second chain link, wherein the first and the second chain link are pivotably connected to each other by a pivot pin (213) received in the receptacles (211, 212), wherein the pivot pin (213) is rotatably mounted in one of the receptacles (211, 212); and that the pivot pin (213) can be inserted into the receptacles (211, 212) from both sides in the transverse direction (Q) and can be removed from both sides without damage.

2. Support chain ( 20 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the pivot pin ( 213 ) has a generally cylindrical joint area which is preferably circularly cylindrical , wherein its axis of symmetry defines the pivot axis ( S ) of the respective joint connection , in particular wherein the pivot pin is generally predominantly generally cylindrical .

3. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the dimension of the pivot pin ( 213 ) in the transverse direction (Q ) is smaller than or equal to the dimension of the second longitudinal section ( 202 ) in the transverse direction (Q ) at the level of the second receptacle ( 212 ).

4. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the pivot pin ( 213 ) is secured in one of the receptacles ( 211 , 212 ) in the transverse direction ( Q ), preferably by a snap-fit ​​connection .

5. Support chain (20) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pivot pin (213) has a locking groove (215) and the receptacle (211, 212) in which the pivot pin is secured has a locking projection (216) for locking into the locking groove (215), wherein the locking groove preferably extends circumferentially around the transverse direction (Q).

6. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the pivot pin ( 213 ) is mounted in the first receptacle ( 211 ) in the first longitudinal section ( 201 ) in a rotationally fixed manner and is rotatably mounted in the second receptacle ( 212 ) in the second longitudinal section ( 202 ).

7. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the pivot pin ( 213 ) is mounted in the second receptacle ( 212 ) in the second longitudinal section ( 202 ) in a rotationally fixed manner and is rotatably mounted in the first receptacle ( 211 ) in the first longitudinal section ( 201 ).

8. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the pivot pin ( 213 ) and the receptacle ( 211 , 212 ) in which the pivot pin ( 213 ) is rotatably mounted , are made of different materials, and preferably of tribologically matched materials .

9. Support chain (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot pin (213) has a centering recess (216) at one end, preferably at both ends, which lies on the axis of symmetry of the pivot pin (213).

10. Support chain (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal section (201) has an inner stretching stop surface (210A) on the inside (220A), and the second longitudinal section (202) has a base (206) connecting the side parts (202A, 202B) on the inside (220A) with an inner stretching stop surface (210B) facing the free space (203), against which the inner stretching stop surface (210A) of the first longitudinal section (201) rests in a stretched position.

11. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal section ( 201 ) has an outer arc stop surface ( 214A ) on the outside ( 220B ) and the second longitudinal section ( 202 ) has a roof ( 209 ) connecting the side parts ( 202A, 202B ) on the outside ( 220B ) with an outer arc stop surface ( 214B ) facing the free space ( 203 ) on which the outer arc stop surface ( 214A ) of the first longitudinal section ( 201 ) rests in an arc-shaped position.

12. Support chain (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second longitudinal section (202) has front end faces (217) and rear end faces (218), wherein the front end faces (217) and the rear end faces (218) each have end-face stretching stop surfaces (221A, 221B) and end-face arc stop surfaces (222A, 222B), wherein the end-face stretching stop surfaces (221A, 221B) of successive chain links (200) abut each other in the stretched position and the end-face arc stop surfaces (222A, 222B) of successive chain links (200) abut each other in the arc-shaped position.

13. Support chain according to claim 12, characterized in that the front end faces (217) of the second longitudinal section (202) project from the first longitudinal section (201) on both sides with respect to the transverse direction (Q).

14. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that a dimension of the first longitudinal section ( 201 ) in the vertical direction ( H ) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ( L ) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q ) in the area of ​​the first receiving ( 211 ) is equal to a dimension of the second longitudinal section ( 202 ) in the vertical direction ( H ) in the area of ​​the second receiving ( 212 ).

15. Support chain (20) for supporting a cable guidance device (1) comprising a flexible covering (10), wherein the support chain (20) can assume an extended position to form extended sections (5, 6) as well as an arc-shaped position to form a deflection arc (7) and for this purpose has a plurality of individual chain links (200) with a longitudinal direction (L) which are pivotably connected to one another, wherein the chain links each have an inner side (220A) and an outer side (220B) with respect to the deflection arc (7) and each comprise a front first longitudinal section (201) and a complementary rear second longitudinal section (202), wherein the second longitudinal section (202) comprises two side parts (202A, Q) spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L). 202B ) and has a free space ( 203 ) in between , characterized in that for each pair of successive chain links ( 200 ) ,the first longitudinal section (201) of the first chain link is arranged in the free space (203) of the second chain link, wherein the first longitudinal section (201) has an inner stretching stop surface (210A) on the inside (220A) and the second longitudinal section (202) has a base (206) connecting the side parts (202A, 202B) on the inside (220A) with an inner stretching stop surface (210B) facing the free space (203), against which the inner stretching stop surface (210A) of the first longitudinal section (201) rests in a stretched position, and the first longitudinal section (201) has an outer arc stop surface (214A) on the outside (220B) and the second longitudinal section (202) has an outer ( 220B ) a roof ( 209 ) connecting the side parts ( 202A, 202B ) with an outer arched stop surface ( 214B ) facing the free space ( 203 ),the outer arc stop surface (214A) of the first longitudinal section (201) rests in an arc-shaped position, the second longitudinal section (202) having front end faces (217) and rear end faces (218), the front end faces (217) of the second longitudinal section (202) projecting from the first longitudinal section (201) on both sides with respect to the transverse direction (Q), the front end faces (217) and the rear end faces (218) each having end-face stretching stop surfaces (221A, 221B) and end-face arc stop surfaces (222A, 222B), the end-face stretching stop surfaces (221A, 221B) of the successive chain links ( 200) in the extended position lie against each other and the end-face arc stop surfaces (222A, 222B) of the successive chain links (200) lie against each other in the arc-shaped position.

16. Support chain (20) according to claim 10 or 15,characterized in that the first longitudinal section (201) has a projection (205) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) in an end region and on the inner side (220A), and the second longitudinal section (202) has a recess (207) in the base (206) for receiving the projection (205), in particular a through-hole from the free space (203) to the outer side (22OB), wherein the dimension of the recess (207) in the transverse direction (Q) is preferably smaller than the width of the base (206) in the area adjacent to the recess (207).

17. Support chain (20) according to claim 12 or 15, characterized in that the front end faces (217) and the rear end faces (218) of the second longitudinal section (202) are shaped straight or convex with respect to the axis of the second receptacle (212) and / or that the front end faces ( 217 ) are at least predominantly planar and the rear end faces ( 218 ) have at least two planar surface areas lying at an angle to each other, or vice versa .

18. Support chain (20) according to one of claims 12, 13, 15, or 17, characterized in that the area of ​​the front end faces (217) of the second longitudinal section (202) is at least 50% of the projection area of ​​the chain link onto a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or the area of ​​the front end faces (217) of the second longitudinal section (202) in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) is at least 50% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the second longitudinal section (202).

19. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the two successive chain links ( 200 ) are of identical construction, in particular identical . 20 . Support chain (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support chain (20) further comprises a first and a second end link (300, 301) for end attachment, wherein both the first end link (300) and the second end link (301) have a joint section (302A, 302B) at a longitudinal end of the end link, wherein the joint section (302A) of the first end link (300) is identical to the first longitudinal section (201) of the adjacent chain link (200), and the joint section (302B) of the second end link (301) is identical to the second longitudinal section (202) of the adjacent chain link (200), such that the first end link (300) and the second end link (301) j each can be connected to the adjacent chain link ( 200 ), and wherein both the first end link ( 300 ) and the second end link ( 301 ) have a fastening section ( 303 ) at its other longitudinal end ,comprising a body (303A) and two pairs of fastening projections (304) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the respective fastening projection (304) projects from the body (303A) in the transverse direction (Q) for interaction with a fastening receptacle (307) in a retaining element (306) of an end fastening device (310).

21. Support chain (20) according to claim 20, characterized in that the end links (300, 301) each have two bolt receptacles (305) open in the transverse direction (Q) and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) for receiving each of a fastening bolt, wherein each pair of fastening projections (304) is provided by each separate fastening bolt which is passed through the corresponding bolt receptacle (305) of the end link (300, 301) and projects on both sides from the respective bolt receptacle (305) in the transverse direction (Q).

22. Support chain ( 20 ) according to claim 20 , characterized in that the fastening projections ( 304 ) are manufactured in one piece with the body ( 303A) of the fastening section ( 303 ) of the end link ( 300 , 301 ), in particular by injection molding .

23. Support chain ( 20 ) according to one of claims 15 to 22 , characterized in that a dimension of the first longitudinal section ( 201 ) in the vertical direction ( H ) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction ( L ) and perpendicular to the transverse direction (Q ) is essentially the same as a dimension of the second longitudinal section ( 202 ) in the vertical direction ( H ).

24. Kit for the end fastening of a support chain, in particular a support chain (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first and a second end link (300, 301) for the support chain (20), wherein both the first end link (300) and the second end link (301) have a joint section (302A, 302B) at one longitudinal end of the end link, wherein the joint section (302A) of the first end link (300) is identical to the first longitudinal section (201) of the adjacent chain link (200) and the joint section (302B) of the second end link (301) is identical to the second longitudinal section (202) of the adjacent chain link (200), such that the first end link (300) and the second end link (301) can each be connected to the adjacent chain link (200), and wherein both the first The end member (300) as well as the second end member (301) has a fastening section (303) at another longitudinal end, comprising a body (303A) and two pairs of fastening projections (304) spaced apart in a longitudinal direction (L).wherein the fastening projections ( 304 ) of each pair face away from each other from the body ( 303A) in a transverse direction (Q ) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction for interaction with fastening receptacles ( 307 ) in a retaining element ( 306 ) of an end fastening device ( 310 ); at least two retaining elements (306), preferably four retaining elements (306), for locking the end members (300, 301) in the longitudinal direction (L) on a clamping plate (11) of an end fastening device (8), wherein each retaining element (306) has two pairs of fastening receptacles (307) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the fastening receptacles (307) of each pair are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (Q) and are open in a vertical direction (H) transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) and transverse to the transverse direction (Q) for at least partially receiving an associated fastening projection (304) of one of the end members (300, 301).wherein the distance between the two pairs of mounting receptacles ( 307 ) in the longitudinal direction ( L ) corresponds to the distance between the two pairs of mounting projections ( 304 ) in the longitudinal direction (L ).

25. Kit according to claim 24, characterized in that the fastening receptacles ( 307 ) are designed as recesses which are recessed in the vertical direction ( H ).

26. Kit according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that each retaining element (306) has two main sides, wherein the mounting receptacles (307) are formed on the first main side and the second main side has at least one retaining area (308) for holding on a clamping plate (11) of an end mounting device (8), wherein the at least one retaining area (308) preferably comprises two retaining clips projecting from the second main side, which are designed to interact with each narrow side of the clamping plate (11).

27. Kit according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the kit comprises a support chain ( 20 ) according to one of claims 1 to 23 and / or at least two clamping plates ( 11 ) with a clamping device for holding the clamping plates ( 11 ) together and for exerting a clamping force on the clamping plates ( 11 ).

28. Kit according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the fastening projections (304) are manufactured in one piece with the body (303A) of the fastening section (303) of the end member (300, 301), in particular by injection molding.

29. Kit according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the end members (300, 301) each have two bolt receptacles (305) open in the transverse direction (Q) and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) for receiving each of a fastening bolt, wherein each pair of fastening projections (304) is provided by each separate fastening bolt which is passed through the corresponding bolt receptacle (305) of the end member (300, 301) and projects on both sides from the respective bolt receptacle (305) in the transverse direction (Q). 30 . Cable guidance device (1), particularly for cleanroom applications, for the protected routing of supply lines (3) such as cables, hoses or the like between two connection points (2, 4), at least one of which is movable relative to the other, wherein the cable guidance device (1) comprises a flexible covering (10) with a number of longitudinally extending (L) receiving channels (12) for at least one supply line (3) each, and at least one support chain (20), preferably two support chains (20), according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the at least one support chain (20) is received in the covering (10), preferably wherein each of the support chains (20) is received in the receiving channels (12) of the covering (10) that are outer with respect to the transverse direction (Q). 20) is recorded.

31. Cable guidance device (1) according to claim 29, wherein the at least one support chain is the support chain according to claim 21 or 22, the cable guidance device (1) further comprising two end-side end fastening devices (8) for securing the covering (10) and the support chain (20) at the ends, wherein each end fastening device (8) has at least two clamping plates (11) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H) and at least one retaining element (306), preferably two retaining elements, from the kit according to one of claims 24 to 28 for locking in the longitudinal direction (L) of an associated end link (300, 301) of the support chain (20) between the clamping plates (111), wherein each end fastening device (8) preferably has two clamping plates (11) opposite each other in the vertical direction (H) includes opposing retaining elements ( 306 ) facing each other and with their first main sides facing each other ,wherein the associated end member is locked between the main sides of the two retaining elements ( 206 ).

Images