Apparatus and method for manufacturing an element of a line-guiding device, and element of a line-guiding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (300) for manufacturing an elongate element (230) of a line-guiding device (100, 200) from a plurality of sections (411, 416). The method (300) comprises: a) (S1) positioning a first section (416) in a holding position; b) (S2) injection-moulding a second section (411) in an injection-moulding cavity (413) by at least partially overmoulding the first section (416) in the holding position, thereby connecting the first section (416) to the second section (411); c) (S3) positioning the second section (411) in the holding position as a new first section (416); and d) repeating steps b) and c) in order to form the elongate element (230) from the sections (411, 416). The invention also relates to an apparatus (400) for manufacturing an elongate element (230) of a line-guiding device (100, 200), to an elongate element (230) of a line-guiding device (100, 200), and to a line-guiding device (100, 200).

Description

[0001] Device and method for manufacturing an element of a cable guidance device, as well as an element of a cable guidance device

[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for manufacturing an element of a cable management system for lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding element and a cable management system.

[0003] From WO 2016 / 042134 Al, a cable guide device for cables with a flexible sheath is known. The sheath can be made of two shell parts, one forming the top and the other the bottom. The shell parts can be permanently joined to each other, for example, by adhesive bonding or welding techniques, e.g., ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the two shell parts can be positively connected to each other.

[0004] The casing can also be composed of sections or longitudinal pieces, viewed in the longitudinal direction. The connection between two sections can be positive-locking, for example, by means of locking rings encircling one end of each section, which can engage positively in a tongue-and-groove connection. If several shell sections are provided, they can preferably be attached to one another with a certain longitudinal offset relative to each other.

[0005] The methods described in WO 2016 / 042134 Al for joining the components require separate manufacturing of the components followed by their subsequent joining in a separate manufacturing step, which involves considerable manufacturing effort. Furthermore, the positive-locking joint of the components is susceptible to the ingress of contaminants into the interior of the casing. Conversely, particles generated by abrasion, for example, can be undesirably released from the interior of the casing into the environment, which is particularly disadvantageous when the cable management device is used in a cleanroom.

[0006] In addition to a cable guidance device with a covering made of two shell parts, other cable guidance devices with different geometries are also known from the prior art. For example, WO 98 / 40645 Al describes a foldable protective element for cables, which is injection-molded or cast in one piece from plastic in a planar configuration and can be formed into a closed channel section by bending and / or folding.

[0007] WO 2008 / 125087 A discloses a cable guide device consisting of pivotably connected links, each having two opposing side parts. The side parts are connected to each other by a connecting web.

[0008] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for manufacturing an element of a cable management device, for example, a shell part of a casing of a cable management device, as well as an element and an associated cable management device, with which the manufacturing effort can be reduced. An improvement of the joint between parts of the element would also be desirable.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments.

[0010] A fundamental concept of the invention is to manufacture longitudinally extended elements of a cable management device, e.g., shell parts for producing a casing for a cable management device, preferably continuously, by means of an injection molding process through overmolding of sections. "Continuous" in this context means that a continuous element can be produced whose length is theoretically unlimited and practically limited, for example, by an interruption of the manufacturing process due to machine maintenance.

[0011] Continuous manufacturing eliminates the need for subsequent longitudinal joining of the individual parts, as the parts are joined directly during injection molding. This reduces overall manufacturing effort and allows for a higher degree of automation.

[0012] Furthermore, overmolding enables the creation of a material-bonded joining area between the individual components, thus preventing, among other things, the ingress of foreign substances and their release into the environment. Overmolding allows for the creation of a joining area that preferably extends over large portions of the components, resulting in a highly durable joint or joining area compared to butt-jointing methods. This can extend the service life of the cable management system, even under demanding conditions with high mechanical stress.Such high loads can occur during the movement of the cable management device, especially when it is equipped with several or a large number of cables, which can increase the weight of the device and also cause forces, including dynamic forces, to be exerted on the device by the guided cables during movement. This is particularly true for rapid movements, where high accelerations can occur when starting and / or decelerating the cable management device. Surprisingly, the inventive method is suitable for creating a joint between the first and second sections that withstands the aforementioned high loads while ensuring a long service life for the cable management device, especially when the joint passes through the deflection bend.The joining points can be transferred from the upper run, via the deflection bend, to the lower run as the cable guide moves, or vice versa. Furthermore, the proposed joining of the sections by overmolding increases homogeneity and uniformity during the cable guide's movement, thus reducing abrasion and wear. Joining the sections by overmolding also improves reproducibility and process reliability, contributing to consistently good process stability. The cable guide can preferably be moved in a large number of traverse movements without affecting it, for example, several hundred, 1,000, or 1000 traverses.000 travel movements between both endpoints of the travel movement, in which the upper run and the lower run are alternately extended to maximum length, wherein preferably the free end of the run that is not moved during the travel movement can be arranged in a fixed position.

[0013] The area of ​​the second part that is overmolded around the first part preferably surrounds a portion of the first part in a radial direction. The radial direction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated element. Preferably, the second part surrounds the first part radially on its outer side in the joining area, i.e., in the overmolded area, making the joining of the first and second parts particularly reliable. Optionally, though less preferably, the second part can surround the first part radially on its inner side in the overmolded area.

[0014] The proposed method enables, in particular, the continuous production of longitudinally extended elements, such as shell components or strands of chain links for an energy chain, or more generally, strands of sections for cable management systems. These elements can then be cut to size as needed, for example, as meter-long sections, and processed into, for instance, a covering. This offers the advantage of flexible production independent of the desired final dimension. In other words, individual lengths of the element, and consequently of the cable management system, can be produced easily. Furthermore, offcuts can be largely avoided. It is also possible to directly produce elements with a flexibly predefined finished dimension, thus reducing rework and waste.

[0015] The longitudinally extended element, particularly when configured as a cable management device, is especially suitable for use in cleanrooms because it avoids movable connections between different elements, such as between the first and second sections, which could otherwise generate abrasion during operation of the cable management device, such as pin-and-hole connections. This advantage is particularly relevant when the longitudinally extended element provides integral joint areas between adjacent sections of the same element or joint areas of the cable management device, preferably all joint areas of the longitudinally extended element or the cable management device.

[0016] A joint area within the meaning of the invention can be understood as an area of ​​a section which, by deformation of the same, enables a change in position of areas of the respective section adjacent to the joint area in order to coil the cable guidance device and / or to form the deflection bend, without being limited thereto.

[0017] The longitudinally extended element can have a length of hIm or h2m or h5m or h10m, preferably h20m or h50m or h100m.

[0018] The longitudinally extended element can extend over h 5% or h 10% or h 20%, preferably h 50% or h 75% or particularly preferably h 90% or practically 100% of the length of the cable guidance device.

[0019] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device.

[0020] In general, within the scope of the invention, the longitudinally extended element can also represent the direction of the conductor routing itself.

[0021] In general, within the scope of the invention, the descriptions of the cable guidance device also apply to the longitudinally extended element and vice versa.

[0022] A cable management device, as used here, refers to a device for cables, hoses, compressed air lines, information-transmitting lines such as fiber optic cables, or the like. The cable management device may have a first end for attachment to a fixed or movable connection point and a second end for attachment to a further connection point that is movable relative to the first connection point. For this purpose, the cable management device may include an end-mounting component at each end, which may have suitable end-mounting means or be designed to accommodate them in order to be attached to or secured to a consumer connection. The consumer is supplied by means of the medium that is routed through the cables, hoses, or the like within the cable management device.

[0023] The cable guidance device is preferably designed such that it can form, or does form, an upper run, a movable deflection bend, and a lower run between its ends. The ends of the cable guidance device are preferably positionally variable relative to each other, preferably with a change in the shape of the cable guidance device. When the cable guidance device or its deflection bend is moved, the upper run or the lower run can be shortened, and the other run from the group of upper and lower runs can be lengthened accordingly. When the deflection bend is moved, a section of the shortening run is transferred into the deflection bend, and a section of the deflection bend is transferred into the lengthening run, thereby changing the shape of the cable guidance device. The cable guidance device as a continuous component remains unchanged in this process.The deflection bend is arranged between the upper and lower runs and connects them. The cable guidance system thus consists of a multitude of articulated and / or reversibly deformable sections, which can, for example, represent wave crests and troughs or, in the case of an energy chain, articulated chain links. When the cable guidance system is moved, the articulated and / or deformable sections, which are transferred into or out of the deflection bend into an adjacent run, change their position relative to each other due to the movement of the joint. The deflection bend can be curved or pivotable about a deflection axis, preferably with a predetermined radius of curvature, and typically—but not necessarily—movable in the plane perpendicular to the deflection axis. The deflection axis can then be located at the center of curvature.The specifications for the cable guidance system regarding its arrangement with an upper run, a movable deflection bend, and a lower run preferably also apply generally to the longitudinally extended element, which includes specifications for flexible or reversibly deformable designs and / or designs with articulated sections. Sections of the cable guidance system, for example, its links, particularly those adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the cable guidance system, can have corresponding stops which come into contact with each other at maximum and / or minimum curvature of the cable guidance system in order to define the minimum diameter of the deflection bend or the extended position of the cable guidance system. The stops can be formed on the longitudinally extended element.An energy chain can comprise a strand of chain links, with adjacent chain links connected to each other by a joint. The links exhibit a higher bending stiffness than the joints; the links can be designed to be rigid. The longitudinal extent of the links in the longitudinal direction of the extended element or the cable guide can be significantly greater than the longitudinal extent of the joints in this direction, for example, by a factor of h1.5, h2, h3, h5, or even h10. Preferably, the joints are only subjected to bending stress during the operation of the energy chain but do not change their length in the longitudinal direction of the energy chain, as is usually the case, for example, with a corrugated hose. In the energy chain, adjacent links preferably have corresponding stops to prevent the curvature of the energy chain from interaction.To limit the arrangement of the corresponding stops in the extended arrangement of the chain and in the curved arrangement of the chain, i.e., especially in the deflection arc.

[0024] In general, the reversibly deformable or flexible design of the cable guidance device and / or the longitudinally extended element can be designed in such a way that the cable guidance device and / or the longitudinally extended element is elastically reversibly deformable or flexible.

[0025] In general, the joint areas that connect sections of the cable routing device and / or the longitudinally extended element can be designed such that they are elastically reversibly deformable or flexible. The joint areas can be deformable sections of the first and / or second segment. The joint areas can be positioned longitudinally from the end regions of the segments, particularly those arranged in a straight line, for example, in the middle region of the respective segment. Optionally, the joint areas can also be located at the ends of the segments.Between the joint areas of the cable guidance device and / or the longitudinally extended element, sections of higher stiffness can be arranged, which, particularly under the operating conditions of the cable guidance device and / or the longitudinally extended element, can be designed to be essentially non-deformable or rigid in bending. Within the scope of the invention, these sections of higher stiffness can be referred to as "link".

[0026] Preferably, the joint areas of the cable guide or the longitudinally extended element are produced as areas of the first and / or second section or of the multiple sections during the forming of the respective section according to the invention. Preferably, the joint areas are provided on sections that do not constitute a first section which was produced otherwise.

[0027] Preferably, the joint areas of the longitudinally extended element or the cable guide are integrally formed sub-areas of the respective formed area, which therefore preferably represent integral sections of the respective part and not separate components. The joint areas of the respective part are preferably produced as a sub-area of ​​the respective part during the manufacturing process step in which the respective part is also manufactured according to the inventive method.

[0028] Preferably, the joint area(s) of the respective section are spaced apart from the joining area of ​​the respective section with the attached second section, preferably spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the respective section, or arranged adjacent to the joining area. The joining area can be a section of the cable routing device different from the joint section. The joint properties of the joint area, for example its bending stiffness, are preferably not changed by the joining area. The joining area can extend by more than 5% or 10%, preferably by 15% or 20%, particularly preferably by 25% or 33%, more preferably by 50% or 75%, or particularly practically 100%, around the circumference of the first section.

[0029] The joining area can extend longitudinally along the extended element by a length greater than the wall thickness of the first and / or second section immediately adjacent to the joining area. The joining area can extend longitudinally along the extended element by a length greater than the wall thickness of the first and / or second section immediately adjacent to the joining area by a factor of h1, 5, or h2, preferably by a factor of h2, 5, h3, or h5. The extension of the joining area can be understood as the extension of a longitudinal section of the extended element. In particular, the extension of the joining area can be understood as its extension along the joint between the first and second sections.

[0030] The reversible deformability of the cable guide and / or the longitudinally extended element can be designed such that the cable guide and / or the longitudinally extended element is sufficiently flexible, for example through suitable design and / or material selection, to accommodate the predetermined curvature of the deflection bend and to follow the deflection bend's movement with minimal resistance. This can also apply if the longitudinally extended element is designed as an enclosure for the cable guide.

[0031] The longitudinal extent of the longitudinally extended element arranged or attached to the cable management device preferably extends along the longitudinal extent of the cable management device. The longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element arranged or attached to the cable management device can be parallel or coaxial to the longitudinal direction of the cable management device. Embodiments relating to the first and / or second section of the longitudinally extended element can generally apply within the scope of the invention to each of the sections of the longitudinally extended element or the cable management device.

[0032] Preferably, the first section has an undercut at its end region with respect to its longitudinal extent. When the first section is overmolded with the second section, this undercut is overmolded by a portion of the second section. The overmolded portion of the second section, which is thus located in the undercut of the first section, therefore engages a portion of the first section with respect to the longitudinal direction of the two straight sections, preferably directed radially inwards with respect to the cable guide. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the two straight sections, this creates not only a material-fit connection but also a positive-locking connection between the two sections with respect to their longitudinal directions.This allows the joining area of ​​the two sections to withstand particularly high tensile forces acting longitudinally on the joint. The longitudinally extended element of the cable management system, or the cable management system itself, therefore exhibits a particularly long service life and reliability in operation, requiring minimal maintenance.

[0033] The first section can also have several undercuts on its side facing the second section, each of which is injected behind by an area of ​​the second section or, in the case of a finished longitudinally extended element, is engaged behind.

[0034] The undercut of the first section can, for example, be a wave crest which is behind-injected by the second section. A region of the second section can thus be located, for example, in a wave trough of the first section, which is separated from the end of the first section facing the second section by at least one or more wave crests. The wave crest(s) can, in particular, be part of a tube-like casing, but are not limited to this.

[0035] The first or second section can have a projection at the end region facing the other section, extending towards the other section. Preferably, the first section has a projection at the end region facing the second section, extending towards the second section. The projection is preferably integrally formed on the respective section during the manufacturing process according to the invention. The projection is preferably overmolded by the second section during the overmolding process, with the projection preferably being located on the first section.Optionally, an extension can be provided on the second part, which, when the first part is overmolded with the second part, is produced as a partial area of ​​the second part and is materially bonded to a region of the first part. The extension can represent the core area of ​​each part that is overmolded by the other part. The joining area between immediately adjacent parts, for example, between the first and second parts, can be produced exclusively by overmolding the extension provided on one part with a partial area of ​​the second part. Alternatively or additionally, the joining area can be produced exclusively by overmolding the second part with a partial area of ​​the first part.

[0036] The extension can represent a portion of a longitudinally extended element, in particular part of a longitudinally extended element in the form of a conductor guidance device such as a sheath or an energy chain. The extension can project from the end face of the respective section with which the extension is provided towards the other section, for example, projecting from the end face of the first section towards the second section. The extension can thus have a smaller circumferential extent than the circumferential extent of the first and / or second section at the end region or at the respective end face. The extension preferably has a smaller height and / or width than the end region or the end face of the section with which the extension is provided, i.e., the section with which the extension is manufactured together.The end face can essentially extend in a plane, which can extend obliquely, preferably at an angle of >45°, >60°, or >80°, or preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the respective section. The extension can be provided, in particular, only on the lower region, for example, a bottom section, or only on a side wall region, such as a side panel or side wall, or optionally only on an upper region.

[0037] The aforementioned end region or front face of the first section can have a shape and / or outer contour and / or inner contour, similar to the middle sections of the first section in relation to its longitudinal extent. The same applies if the extension forms a part of the second section.

[0038] The extension can be integrally formed in the inventive method at a joint area of ​​the respective section, as a part of which the extension is formed.

[0039] The extension can be integrally molded onto an at least substantially rigid or flexurally stiff area of ​​the respective section, for example, the first or second section, of which the extension is formed, using the inventive method. The section of the other section, for example, the second section, which is overmolded around the other section according to the invention, can also be an at least substantially rigid or flexurally stiff area of ​​the respective other section, for example, the second section. Thus, rigid or flexurally stiff sections of the respective sections are overmolded together using the inventive method, enabling the resulting longitudinally extended element to withstand particularly high tensile forces and to be particularly reliable and durable in the operation of the corresponding cable routing device.

[0040] The extension can be part of a side wall area, an upper area, or a lower area of ​​the respective section, for example, the first or second section.

[0041] The extension can be, for example, plate-shaped or web-shaped. Each extension can be profiled, for example with a height profile, whereby the profiling can form the undercut. The profiling can, for example, be a corrugated profile. Regarding the design of the corrugated profile, reference should be made, for example, to the design of the wave crests and / or wave troughs of the tubular casing. The waves can also be angular, for example with a polygonal cross-section. The undercut can, for example, also be designed as a perforation in the extension, which is filled by a section of the second part during overmolding. The extension can also have several undercuts, which can be arranged one behind the other and / or laterally to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the extended section.

[0042] In general, the extension can have a thickening at its free end, which is overmolded or backmolded by the second section. The thickening thus has an undercut at the end facing the section of which the thickening is formed. The extension can be hook-shaped, preferably with at least two hook-shaped projections that can protrude on opposite sides of the hook.

[0043] In general, at least one undercut of the first section can also have a pocket extending towards the second section, which extends an undercut in the radial direction of the first section. This results in additional interlocking of the first and second sections, further enhancing the aforementioned advantages regarding the undercut.

[0044] The longitudinally extended element of a cable management device can, generally within the scope of the invention, also represent the cable management device itself or a longitudinal section of the cable management device. The longitudinally extended element can also be a part of a cable management device, which preferably extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable management device, and can be detachably or permanently connected to other components to form a cable management device. Such components can, for example, be crossbeams or traverses that extend in the transverse direction of the cable management device and can connect opposing side wall sections or strands of side wall sections to one another, without being limited thereto.The longitudinal section can extend over several periodically arranged areas of the cable guidance device, such as multiple sections with wave crests and troughs, chain links, and the like. Several longitudinally extended elements can also be connected to one another, for example, directly connected to each other, to form the cross-section or circumference of the cable guidance device and preferably to enclose the interior, at least partially, wherein the several longitudinally extended elements can be of identical construction or of different construction. The cable guidance device and / or the longitudinal section thereof produced according to the invention preferably has an interior space for guiding cables arranged or arrangable in the interior space.The following descriptions can also apply to a longitudinally extended element that forms or constitutes part of a cable management system. The longitudinally extended element according to the invention can, when arranged on the cable management system, externally delimit a partial area of ​​the interior or divide the interior into sub-spaces, wherein the longitudinally extended element can be arranged between two adjacent sub-spaces. These sub-spaces can be a component of the interior, thus forming at least part of it. The interior volume encompassed by the sub-spaces is therefore preferably less than or equal to the total interior volume of the cable management system. The sub-spaces can, for example, be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the cable management system, with the longitudinally extended element forming at least a partial or complete partition of the interior.The interior space can be partially or completely bounded circumferentially by areas of the cable management system or its longitudinal section. The boundary of the interior space can, for example, be designed as a cable management system that is essentially closed along its entire circumference and longitudinal extent. The boundary can also have a multitude of openings. The circumferential direction can extend around the longitudinal direction of the cable management system. The areas bounding the interior space of the cable management system or its longitudinal section can, for example, be two laterally spaced side areas between which the interior space is arranged, and / or an upper area and / or a lower area of ​​the cable management system.The upper and / or lower region can each connect the laterally spaced side regions to one another and / or extend between them, without being limited thereto. The upper region can be connected to one or both upper sections of the side regions. The lower region can be connected to one or both lower sections of the side regions. Within the scope of the invention, the side regions can also generally be referred to as "side wall regions".

[0045] The upper and / or lower section can be reversibly repositioned relative to a side section and integrally molded onto a side section. The upper and / or lower section can have fastening means for detachable attachment to a side section, which is the side section to which the upper and / or lower section is integrally molded. By repositioning the upper and / or lower section, the interior of the cable management device can be opened, for example, to accommodate cables or wires, and closed. The upper and / or lower section can, for example, be part of an enclosure for the cable management device or be designed as a cover element, such as a hinged cover for an energy chain.

[0046] The joint areas of the cable guidance device or its longitudinally extended element can be integrally formed on the side areas, for example, side walls. According to particular embodiments, the joint areas of the cable guidance device or its longitudinally extended element are integrally formed exclusively on the side areas, for example, side walls. The joint areas of the cable guidance device or its longitudinally extended element can be integrally formed on the lower areas, for example, the bottom parts. According to particular embodiments, the joint areas of the cable guidance device or its longitudinally extended element are integrally formed exclusively on the lower areas, for example, the bottom parts. Optionally, the joint areas of the cable guidance device or its longitudinally extended element can be integrally formed on the upper areas.are, according to special embodiments, exclusively molded onto the upper areas of the same.

[0047] The aforementioned upper section can be formed in two parts, with a first part of the upper section being arranged on a first side section and the other part being arranged on a side section opposite the first side section, both side sections laterally delimiting the interior of the cable management device. The two parts of the upper section can overlap each other in the transverse direction of the cable management device. The two parts of the upper section can be detachably fastened to each other to close off the interior of the cable management device. The upper section can also be formed in one piece, with fastening means at its two end sections for attachment to opposite side sections, wherein at least one of the fastening points at an end section can be detachably fastened to a side section, which can also apply to both end sections of the upper section.The upper area can, for example, form a crossbar of an energy supply chain.

[0048] According to a first embodiment, the connection of the upper and / or lower region to the side regions can be achieved by injection molding them together, preferably in the inventive step of injection molding the respective section. Optionally, only one of the upper and lower regions may be injection molded onto the side regions. According to an alternative embodiment, the connection of the side regions to the upper and / or lower regions can be achieved in a separate process step, in which, for example, separately manufactured regions from the group consisting of side regions, upper region, and lower region can be connected to the other regions of said group by suitable process steps, which may also include mechanical fastening of the regions to one another, in order to form the cable routing device or a section or part thereof.The mechanical fastening can be a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection, for example, a snap-fit ​​connection. Suitable process steps can also include manufacturing the respective area as a separate component in a separate forming process independent of the inventive method. For example, a plurality of side areas can be manufactured as a longitudinally extended element, wherein the side areas are connected to separately manufactured transverse webs at an upper and / or lower section of the side areas to form a cable guidance device. The side areas can, for example, be formed as a string of side parts of a cable guidance device, wherein the string can be designed as a longitudinally extended element according to the invention.

[0049] The "upper section" can be arranged, attached, or integrally formed vertically on an upper subsection of the side section if the section of the cable management device provided with this side section is designed as an upper run, which can extend substantially horizontally. The "upper section" is located on the side of the upper run facing away from the lower run. The same applies to the "lower section" of the cable management device, which is arranged, attached, or integrally formed vertically on a lower subsection of the side section if the section of the cable management device provided with this side section is designed as an upper run, which can extend substantially horizontally. The "lower section" is located on the side of the upper run facing the lower run, relative to the upper run.

[0050] The longitudinally extended element can be designed as a continuous strand from the lower sections of the cable guide or comprise such a strand. The continuous strand is thus arranged on the side of the upper run facing the lower run. The strand from the lower sections is preferably continuous and seamless along its entire length. The strand can form a band which can have a width that is at least substantially constant along its length. The strand can include the hinge sections that connect the links with increased stiffness. The hinge sections of the cable guide can be arranged exclusively within the strand. The strand can have alternating sections of lower stiffness, which can, for example, form hinge sections, and sections of increased stiffness, which may optionally be subsections of the links or represent links themselves.The areas of increased stiffness, particularly in the form of links, can be rigid or flexurally stiff, which is especially relevant under the operating conditions of the cable routing device, so that the areas of increased stiffness or links are essentially not deformed or not deformed at all. The strand can be profiled in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction. The strand can have fastening means for the detachable or permanent attachment of links to the strand, wherein the fastening means are preferably formed as partial sections of the first and second segments during the manufacture of the strand using the method according to the invention. The links can, for example, be U-shaped, wherein the middle leg of the U-profile can form a lower section within the meaning of the invention or a bottom section, for example also in the form of a bottom part.Optionally, side sections, which laterally delimit the interior of the cable management device, can also be attached to the fastening means. The links, as sections of increased stiffness, or the side sections can optionally be connected to each other exclusively by the strand in a tensile-bearing manner, optionally even when the cable management device is open for inserting cables, wires, and the like into the interior of the cable management device. The links or side sections can also be integrally formed on the strand or strip according to the inventive method. The strand can delimit the interior of the cable management device, for example, towards the opposite run. The strand can be designed as a sliding strip, so that when the cable management device is arranged with an upper run, deflection bend, and lower run, the strand section, as the upper run, slides on a strand section, as the lower run.The upper areas of the cable guidance device preferably do not form a continuous, one-piece strand, especially in the case of an energy chain, but this may be the case if necessary, especially in the form of a corrugated hose.

[0051] The longitudinally extended element can be designed as a continuous, one-piece strand from the upper sections of the cable management system, or it can comprise such a strand. Reference is made to the above explanations regarding the continuous strand from the lower sections. The lower sections of the cable management system preferably do not form a continuous, one-piece strand, particularly in the case of an energy chain; however, this may be the case, especially when designed as a corrugated hose.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinally extended element can be designed as a continuous strand of side sections of the cable guidance device or comprise such a strand. The strand of side sections is preferably continuous and seamless along its entire length. The side sections can laterally define the extent of the interior of the cable guidance device, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the deflection bend is arranged. The strand can include the hinge sections. The hinge sections of the cable guidance device can be arranged exclusively within the strand of side sections. The strand can have constrictions that form hinge sections, and between the constrictions, larger areas that extend over part or preferably the entire height of the side sections or the cable guidance device.The "height" is preferably the vertical extent of the cable management system when fully extended horizontally. The strand of side sections may include fasteners for the detachable or permanent attachment of the upper and / or lower sections of the cable management system or the longitudinally extended element. The upper and / or lower sections of the cable management system or the longitudinally extended element may also be integrally formed with the side sections. The cable management system may also have several laterally spaced strands of side sections, with at least one strand also serving as a partition within the interior of the cable management system. The side sections may form side components of an energy chain.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinally extended element can be designed as or comprise a single, continuous strand of hinged sections of the cable management system. The strand of hinged elements can be arranged in the lower part of the height of the side wall sections, i.e., on the portion of the side wall sections facing the lower run, for example, also at the lower end of the side wall sections. The strand of hinged elements can be arranged in the middle part of the height of the side wall sections. The strand of hinged elements can be arranged in the upper part of the height of the side wall sections, i.e., on the portion of the side wall sections facing the lower run, for example, also at the upper end of the side wall sections. The height of the side wall sections is vertical, particularly if the cable management system is arranged with the upper run positioned vertically above the lower run.The vertical direction is the direction of the gravitational effect. The central area of ​​the height of the side wall section generally extends, within the scope of the invention, preferably between 33% and 66% of the height of the side wall section. The joint area can, for example, particularly in the design of the cable guide as a corrugated hose, also extend by h 33% or h 50% or h 66% or h 75%, or at least substantially almost by the entire circumferential extent of the first and / or second section.

[0054] In general, within the scope of the invention, the sections of the cable guidance device, including the first and second sections, can be designed as a strand of several successive, for example adjacent, areas in the longitudinal direction of the cable guidance device from the group of side areas, upper areas and lower areas.

[0055] The first and second sections of the cable guidance system may be designed as a strand of several consecutive, for example adjacent, areas from the group of side areas, upper areas and lower areas in the longitudinal direction of the cable guidance system.

[0056] The elongated element can also represent an internal partition of a cable management system, by means of which the interior is divided into several sub-compartments that can, for example, be equipped independently of one another with cables, wires, and the like. The sub-compartments can then be separated from each other.

[0057] The longitudinal direction in which the element is extended can in particular correspond to a direction in which the lines to be routed between two connection points, e.g. a fixed connection point and a relatively movable connection point, are extended.

[0058] The proposed method involves manufacturing the element from several parts by injection molding from a thermoplastic material, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. The term "plastic" here refers to a polymeric material comprising one or more different polymers, e.g., in the form of a polymer blend or copolymer. The respective polymer is preferably an organic polymer.

[0059] The term "thermoplastic" refers to a plastic that can be reversibly deformed within a specific temperature range, preferably above 50°C or above 100°C. The thermoplastic is preferably processable by injection molding.

[0060] The term “thermoplastic elastomer” refers to a plastic that, at operating temperature, e.g. in a temperature range between -25 °C and 85 °C, exhibits the behavior of an elastomer, but can be plastically deformed and exhibits thermoplastic behavior when heated to a temperature above the operating temperature.

[0061] In the first process step, a first segment, which can also be considered a preform in this and the subsequent process step, is positioned in a holding position. The first segment forms part of the element to be manufactured, with several segments arranged longitudinally one behind the other and bonded together by fusion forming the entire element.

[0062] The first part, positioned in the holding position, protrudes at least partially into the injection molding cavity to allow for overmolding in the subsequent injection molding step. The holding position can optionally be formed by a cavity into which the first part is inserted. The holding position ensures a stable arrangement of the first part.

[0063] In a subsequent process step, a second part of the element is injection molded in an injection molding cavity. Each part corresponds to the section that is newly produced during a single discontinuous injection molding step. Consequently, each part, possibly with the exception of the very first and last parts as explained in more detail below, has the same geometric shape. Each part has an overmolding area and a core area, where the overmolding area is the area or section with which a previously produced part is overmolded, and the core area is the area or section that is subsequently, at least partially, overmolded during the production of the subsequent part.

[0064] The term "injection molding cavity" refers to the mold cavity, i.e., the recess or hollow space into which the molten plastic is injected and in which the molded part is formed. It is understood that the injection mold can also have several injection molding cavities, which can be used in the process according to the invention.

[0065] Simultaneously with the injection molding of the second part, the first part, which is positioned in the holding position, is at least partially overmolded. In other words, in this injection molding step, the first part is at least partially overmolded and thereby bonded to the second part. This bonding of the two parts is achieved by the plastic material of the first part being partially or fully melted during the overmolding process, thus bonding with the molten plastic material of the second part.

[0066] After the second part is injection molded, it is positioned in the holding position as the new first part, or preform. Subsequently, another part is injection molded in the injection molding cavity, at least partially overmolding the new first part (formerly the second part) and thus bonding it together. By repeating the injection molding and holding positioning steps, a shell component can be produced from any number of bonded parts. The bond with a previously manufactured part is created directly during the production of a subsequent part. In other words, an endless element can be produced.

[0067] Possibly with the exception of the very first and / or the last part, all parts can have an identical geometric shape, since they can be manufactured in the same injection molding cavity.

[0068] The very first part of an element can optionally be manufactured separately, e.g., using a different injection mold. Alternatively, the very first part can be manufactured in the same injection mold in which the rest of the element is produced, by suitable modification of the injection mold, e.g., using an interchangeable insert as described below.

[0069] The last section can be manufactured analogously to the previous sections, possibly with the exception of the very first section, and consequently have an identical geometric shape. Alternatively, however, the last section of the element can also be manufactured separately or, by suitable modification of the injection mold, be manufactured in the same injection mold in which the rest of the element is produced.

[0070] The overmolding of the first part with the second part can be carried out in such a way that an end region of the first part is overmolded with the second part, preferably in such a way that the end region of the second part at least partially or completely surrounds the end region of the first part.

[0071] The first and second sections can be designed as elongated segments, the longitudinal extensions of which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the elongated element. According to various embodiments, the elongated element can be a shell component of an enclosure for the cable routing device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the cable management device can have a preferably flexible sheath that surrounds an interior space in which the cables can be guided. The sheath can be designed in the form of a corrugated hose and have a corrugated profile to provide flexibility. The cable management device can, for example, be designed as a cable protection hose or an energy chain.

[0073] The casing of the cable management device can be formed from two opposing shell sections joined together. The shell sections can be corrugated and have identical or different profiles. The corrugated shape of the shell sections and the resulting casing can be of any type. Typically, the corrugated shape features crests and troughs, or indentations and protrusions, i.e., a corrugated profile when viewed in longitudinal section. A variety of different profiles are possible, for example, a curved profile (e.g., an approximately sinusoidal profile), an angular profile (e.g., a rectangular profile), a hybrid shape with rounded edges, etc. The cross-section of the shell sections or casing can also vary. Circular, oblong, or approximately rectangular cross-sections are possible, among others.to consider.

[0074] The two shell parts can be made of the same thermoplastic material or different thermoplastic materials, with the differences relating to parameters such as the chemical structure of the plastic, polymer chain length, additives, etc. The encapsulation can exhibit asymmetrical bending behavior with respect to the desired curvature around the deflection axis and the fundamentally undesirable, opposite curvature. The asymmetry can be such that the permissible deflection of a cantilevered area is significantly lower compared to the desired curvature, i.e., the curvature in the deflection arc. This asymmetry can be inherent in the encapsulation or achieved or increased by additional means, especially attachments. Asymmetrical bending behavior can be achieved, in particular, by making the encapsulation radially outward or...The outer surface of the shell – relative to the deflection axis – exhibits lower compressibility, particularly axially, than the radial inner surface or the inner surface of the shell; that is, the outer surface is less compressible, especially in the longitudinal direction of the shell. For example, inner shell sections with different, predetermined radii of curvature can be combined with an outer shell section that prevents deflection.

[0075] Optionally, the method can include joining two opposing shell parts to form the casing of the cable guidance device.

[0076] The shell parts can be joined or permanently joined at the interface in the longitudinal direction in various ways, e.g., after manufacturing by adhesive bonding or welding, in particular a joining technique suitable for plastics such as ultrasonic welding. However, a non-destructively detachable yet sufficiently strong connection of the shell parts is preferred, especially to allow subsequent opening of the casing.

[0077] Preferably, the interface can run longitudinally along the so-called neutral fiber, i.e., along a layer that maintains constant dimensions even when curved. This minimizes the mechanical stress at the interface or in the connection area of ​​the two shell parts. To achieve a connection in the region of the neutral fiber, shell parts with identical circumferential dimensions can preferably be joined together.

[0078] Before joining two shell sections, they can be cut to size as needed. Alternatively, the cutting can also be done after joining the two shell sections to form the casing.

[0079] As an alternative to being configured as a shell component of a cable management system's casing, the longitudinally extending element can also be configured as a different type of cable management system, e.g., as a foldable element that, after its manufacture, can be folded and / or bent to form a casing. Furthermore, the element can also be configured as a side component of a cable management system, with several side components being able to be connected to each other by connecting webs.

[0080] According to further embodiment variants, the positioning of the second part in the holding position can be carried out by grasping the injection-molded second part using a handling device, transporting it and arranging it in the holding position.

[0081] "Gripping" in this context generally means establishing a connection between the handling device and the component, enabling the component to be moved by a corresponding movement of the handling device. The handling device can preferably be designed and configured for the automated handling of components. This allows for a high degree of automation in the production of the shell parts, thereby increasing efficiency and process stability. The handling device can, for example, be attached to the injection mold.

[0082] The gripping of the second part can preferably take place before demolding from the injection mold cavity. In other words, the second part can be gripped after the two halves of the injection mold have opened, while it is still positioned in one half of the injection mold cavity, i.e., before ejection. This has the advantage that the position in which the second part is gripped is precisely defined, allowing for accurate and reproducible gripping, which subsequently enables highly accurate positioning in the holding position.

[0083] The second section can be gripped, for example, by suction using a vacuum. This has the advantage that the mechanical integrity of the second section is little or not at all affected.

[0084] The transport of the second section, particularly in a horizontal direction, can be accomplished using a rail system of the handling device. For transport in a vertical direction, the handling device can be pneumatically adjustable.

[0085] According to further implementation variants, the method can involve rolling up a fully formed section of the element, e.g.

[0086] shell part, exhibit .

[0087] A fully formed section of the element refers to one or more parts that have already been overmolded. For example, a fully formed section can protrude from the injection mold and be wound or wound onto a winding device, such as a cable drum or cable reel, at a distance from the mold. The dimensions of a roller on the winding device can be selected depending on the dimensions of the element and, if applicable, its bending behavior, e.g., its radius of curvature.

[0088] The winding process can be carried out, for example, stepwise or sectionally, whereby one winding step can wind up exactly one section. The winding can be synchronized with the injection molding cycle, i.e., after each injection molding step, a winding step occurs corresponding to the movement of the respective section from the injection molding cavity to its holding position.

[0089] Surprisingly, it has been found during the course of the invention that rollable, longitudinally extended elements of a cable management device can be manufactured using the inventive method. During the rolling process, the longitudinally extended element is constantly subjected to a tensile force, which acts particularly on the longitudinal section of the element that is located in front of the rolled-up portion in the feed direction. Surprisingly, it has been found that the connection between the first and second sections produced by the inventive method is sufficiently stable to withstand the tensile forces exerted on the longitudinally extended element during the rolling process without adversely affecting the intended use of the cable management device.This is especially true when the fully formed section of the longitudinally extended element is rolled up step by step, since dynamic acceleration forces act on the fully formed section of the longitudinally extended element during step by step.

[0090] Rolling up the item allows for space-saving storage.

[0091] According to further design variants, a fully formed section of the element, e.g., a shell part, can be supported.

[0092] To support the fully formed section of the element, inserts can be used inside the injection mold and / or a support device can be arranged outside the injection mold, e.g. between the injection mold and the winding device.

[0093] Supporting the element can help simplify handling, e.g., by promoting proper positioning of the second part in the holding position and / or proper coiling, thereby improving process stability.

[0094] According to further design variants, the very first section and / or the last section may have a geometric shape that differs from the other sections.

[0095] In other words, the geometric shape, e.g., dimensions, wall thicknesses, etc., of the first section at the start of the production of the element, referred to here as the very first section, and / or the geometric shape of the last section, i.e., the last section injection-molded before a production interruption or a production stoppage, may differ from the geometric shape of the other sections.

[0096] For example, the geometric shape of the last section can correspond to the geometric shape of the other sections in the overmolded state. Since the last section is not overmolded, a matching geometric shape of the last section with the preceding sections can be achieved, so that the last section can also be used like the preceding sections and does not have to be discarded as offcuts.

[0097] The geometric shape of the very first section can correspond to the geometric shape of the other sections without an overmolding area, since in this case there is no first section to be overmolded. This measure ensures that the geometric shape of the very first section matches that of the subsequent sections, so that the very first section can be used like the subsequent sections and does not have to be discarded as offcuts.

[0098] The very first section – and / or, correspondingly, the very last section – can, for example, be designed as an end-mounting component, which has fastening means by which the cable management device can be attached to a connection point such as a drive lug, a mounting plate, or the substrate. The other sections, such as the first and second sections of the cable management device, preferably do not have such fastening means as those provided on the end-mounting component.

[0099] The process step of overmolding, also referred to here as the "overmolding process," can generally be carried out according to a first embodiment of the invention such that, in the joining area produced by overmolding, a distinction between the first and second parts is no longer possible on the finished section of the longitudinally extended element. This lack of distinction can, in particular, relate to the fact that the transition from the first to the second part, namely the area of ​​the material-bonded connection between these two parts, i.e., the joining surface, is no longer recognizable in the joining area. This recognizability of the joining area or the joining surface can, in particular, also be achieved by considering the joining area or...The joining surface, for example also in relation to a cross-section through the joining area or the joining surface of the first and second parts, is to be assessed by visual inspection of the connection between the first and second parts, i.e., by observation by a person without further technical aids. This is without prejudice to the fact that the joining area between the first and second parts may have a greater wall thickness or generally a different cross-sectional shape than adjacent areas of the first and / or second part, whereby the adjacent area may, in particular, have the same outer contour as the joining area, and the adjacent area is formed exclusively by the first or the second part.In the case of a corrugated hose, the adjacent area can therefore be a section of the same hose that has the same contour on its outer surface (outer contour) and / or inner surface (inner contour) as the joining area. In the case of an energy chain, the adjacent area can be part of an adjacent chain link or, except for the joining area, an otherwise identical chain link that does not have a joining area.

[0100] The joining area can extend exclusively to the circumferential area of ​​the first and / or second part in which a joint area is arranged that connects both parts to each other in a hinged manner.

[0101] The median plane of the joining area can, for example, extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the extended element. The median plane of the joining area can extend entirely in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the extended element. The median plane of the joining area can also extend, at least partially, at an angle other than 90° to the longitudinal direction of the extended element, for example, at an angle between 10° and 80°, between 25° and 65°, or at an angle between 35° and 55°, e.g., at an angle of 45°. The median plane of the joining area can extend in a first section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the extended element and in a second section at an angle other than 90°, for example, in one of the aforementioned angular ranges.The joining area can thus be adapted to the structural characteristics of the longitudinally extended element and, for example, extend as much as possible across its length transversely to the longitudinal direction of the element in areas of high bending stiffness and / or low structural complexity of the longitudinally extended element and / or areas of the longitudinally extended element with reduced wall thickness, thereby increasing the service life of the longitudinally extended element. The median plane of the joining area is defined as the plane located in the center of the joining area with respect to its longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element.

[0102] According to another, second, variant, within the scope of the invention, particularly with a suitable overmolding process, a distinction between the first and second parts can be determined in the joining area between the first and second parts on the finished section of the longitudinally extended element, for example by suitable testing methods. According to the second variant, this can be achieved, for example, with a process in which the core area of ​​the first part is not completely melted, but only partially melted.This partial melting can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the core area of ​​the first part has already solidified, at least partially or completely, during the melting process (e.g., through cooling), and therefore does not melt completely during injection molding. Alternatively or additionally, the molten material of the second part, which is overmolded around the first part, can have a temperature that does not lead to the complete melting of the first part. The temperature of the molten material of the second part can thus be, for example, only slightly above the melting temperature of the material of the second part.By appropriate material testing of the joining area of ​​the first and second parts, for example using technical material testing equipment, the first and second parts can be distinguished from one another, for example due to different material stresses in the first and second parts, or by other suitable methods. Such material stresses in plastics can be detected, for example, by polarization microscopy, mechanophores, or other suitable methods. According to further embodiments, during injection molding, the wall thickness of a part can be formed in a core area such that, after overmolding the core area, a constant wall thickness is achieved along the element, e.g., a shell part.The wall thickness in the core area of ​​a section can be selected such that the wall thickness to be achieved results from the wall thickness of the core area and the wall thickness of the overmolding area of ​​the subsequent section.

[0103] A consistent wall thickness allows for consistent behavior, e.g., mechanical behavior, along the longitudinal direction of the element. Consequently, any section of the element with identical properties can be formed for subsequent use.

[0104] The area of ​​the second part that is overmolded around the first part, i.e., the overmolded or joining area, can have the same outer contour as an area of ​​the first and / or second part adjacent to the overmolded area, whereby this adjacent area is no longer part of the joining area. The outer contour here is understood to be the three-dimensional shape of the outer surface of the respective area. This "adjacent area" does not have to be directly adjacent to the joining area; rather, if the first and / or the second part exhibits a periodicity in its outer contour, it can be an adjacent area corresponding to this periodicity.Periodicity can refer to material properties of sections of the cable management system that change periodically along the longitudinal direction, for example, a periodic sequence of sections with higher and, in comparison, lower flexibility along the longitudinal direction of the cable management system, or a sequence of sections with higher and, in comparison, lower moduli of elasticity. Periodicity can also refer to the shape of sections of the cable management system that changes periodically along the longitudinal direction, for example, a periodic sequence of sections with higher and, in comparison, lower flexibility along the longitudinal direction of the cable management system.Bending stiffness due to the shape, for example, due to different wall thicknesses or the periodic arrangement of material-weakened areas such as perforations or slots. If the elongated element thus has, for example, a corrugated profile, as is the case with a corrugated hose, and the joining area between the first and second sections is located at a crest, then the crest located in the joining area can have the same outer contour as an adjacent crest of the first and / or second section, which is located outside the joining area. If the elongated element is designed, for example, as an energy chain, which has several articulated chain links, then the joining area located on a chain link can have the same outer contour as the outer contour of an adjacent chain link outside the joining area.The joint areas of the chain links can be integrally formed on the immediately adjacent chain links or their bodies, forming the elongated element or the first and / or second section, which can each comprise several chain links. The joining area is preferably located on the body of the respective chain link.

[0105] In general, the joining area can be located at a joint area, although this is less preferred.

[0106] The area of ​​the second part that is overmolded around the first part, i.e., the overmolded or joining area, can have the same internal contour as an adjacent area of ​​the first and / or second part, although this adjacent area is no longer part of the joining area. However, the joining area can also have a greater wall thickness than an adjacent area that is no longer part of the joining area. The increased wall thickness can, for example, be formed as an inwardly protruding area on the cable management device. Due to the greater wall thickness, the joining area can withstand particularly high stresses during operation of the cable management device, without negatively affecting the external appearance and dimensions of the cable management device.The external dimensions are essential for various applications, for example when the cable guidance device is moved in a guide channel.

[0107] In the case of a corrugated profile, such as a corrugated hose, the joining area between the first and second section can be located at a crest of the corrugation.

[0108] Another aspect of the invention relates to a device for manufacturing a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device, for example a shell part of a covering of a cable guidance device.

[0109] The proposed device can, for example, be suitable and used to carry out the proposed method described above. Therefore, the above explanations of the method also serve to describe the proposed device. The advantages of the proposed device correspond to those of the method and its corresponding implementation variants.

[0110] The device is designed for injection molding, using a thermoplastic material for the injection molding process.

[0111] The device comprises a holding device for holding a first component in a holding position, an injection mold with an injection mold cavity designed and configured for injection molding a second component in the injection mold cavity, at least partially overmolding a first component positioned in the holding position, and a handling device designed and configured for moving an injection-molded component from the injection mold cavity into the holding position. The longitudinally extended element is formed from the components using the device, whereby this can be done iteratively or by stepwise extending the longitudinal extent of the molded part by adding another component.The injection molding cavity has a one-sided opening facing the holding device, allowing the first part to be held inside and / or outside the injection molding cavity and, while held in the holding position, to protrude into the injection molding cavity. Completed sections of the element can be removed from the injection molding cavity through this opening and, for example, wound up.

[0112] The tightness of the injection molding cavity can be achieved by a firm, flat enclosure in the core area of ​​the first part by the two mold inserts.

[0113] The handling device can preferably be designed to be automated, enabling semi- or fully automated handling of the components. For automated handling, the handling device can be interconnected with a control unit via a signal transmission system. Based on instructions or code programmed within the control unit, the control unit can generate control signals according to one or more routines and transmit them to the handling device, thus enabling appropriate handling, such as gripping, transporting, positioning, etc. The control unit can be implemented in hardware and / or software and can be physically designed as a single or multiple component. In particular, the control unit can be part of, or integrated into, the injection mold control system.

[0114] Optionally, the holding device can be integrated into the handling device; for example, a section can be gripped by a gripper of the handling device and, while gripped, transported to the holding position and held there. The gripper can thus simultaneously serve as a holding device.

[0115] Alternatively, the holding device can be designed as a cavity in which the section is placed or arranged in a positionally stable manner. According to various embodiments, the device can have a winding device designed for winding up a finished section of the element.

[0116] According to further embodiment variants, the device can have an interchangeable insert designed for insertion into the injection molding tool, so that a very first part and / or a last part with a geometric shape different from the other parts can be injection molded.

[0117] According to further design variants, the injection mold can have a support insert to support a fully formed section of the element.

[0118] Another aspect of the invention relates to a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device, wherein the element comprises fused sections made of a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0119] Preferably, the longitudinal element of a cable management device is designed to be rollable. The longitudinal element and / or a cable management device equipped with it are then preferably wound onto a cylinder. The winding can be made by more than 270° around a central winding body, such as a cylinder. The cylinder can be a component of a winding device; optionally, the cylinder can also be merely a virtual cylinder that describes the interior of the winding of the longitudinal element. The longitudinal element and / or the cable management device equipped with it can be arranged or arranged in a plane in the wound or coiled state, optionally with several successive spiral windings.The longitudinally extended element and / or a cable guide device equipped with it can also be designed such that they can each be wound or coiled around a central winding body with several turns side by side, wherein the winding body can, for example, be designed as a cylinder, as described above. Surprisingly, it has been found in the course of the invention that the connection produced in the execution of the inventive method between the first and the second section is sufficiently stable to withstand the tensile forces exerted on the longitudinally extended element during the winding process without adversely affecting the intended use of the cable guide device. Reference is made to the corresponding descriptions of the inventive method.Surprisingly, this also applies to a longitudinally extended element or a cable guide device equipped with such an element that can be rolled up in a spiral or egg-shaped manner, whereby, in the case of egg-shaped rolling, forces acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element or cable guide device equipped with it must also be taken into account. Preferably, the sections can be completely fused together and, in particular, completely bonded together without a positive fit. For example, the overmolded sections can be bonded together across their entire width, i.e., across the entire area of ​​overlap between the core area and the overmolded area, and in particular, bonded together by the overmolding process itself.

[0120] The element can, for example, be a shell component of a casing for a cable management device.

[0121] The longitudinally extended element can, for example, be produced using the inventive method described above. The device described above can be used for producing the element. Therefore, the above explanations of the method and the device also serve to describe the proposed element. The advantages of the method and the device are correspondingly associated with the proposed element. A further aspect of the invention relates to a cable routing device with a longitudinally extended element as described above.

[0122] For example, the cable management device can have a casing formed or composed of two opposing shell parts. Each shell part has fused sections made of a thermoplastic material or is formed from corresponding sections.

[0123] The shell components of the casing can, for example, be manufactured using the method described above. The device described above can be used for manufacturing the shell components. Therefore, the above explanations of the method and the device also serve to describe the shell components of the proposed cable management system. The advantages of the method and the device are correspondingly linked to the proposed cable management system.

[0124] All of the aforementioned aspects are considered inventive in themselves and independently, and can therefore be claimed separately in divisional applications.

[0125] The expression "and / or" used here means that each of the listed elements can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if reference is made to a very first and / or a last sub-section, the explanation can refer to the very first sub-section alone, the last sub-section alone, or the very first sub-section and the last sub-section in combination.

[0126] Preferably, the longitudinally extended element has an electrical resistance of over a predefined length segment of, for example, 1 or 10 m or over its entire length.

[0127]

[0128] 50,000 ohms or 20,000 ohms, preferably 10,000 ohms or

[0129]

[0130] 6,000, particularly preferably 4,000 ohms. The aforementioned electrical resistance can alternatively exist between two sections, each of which is grounded by a suitable electrical, preferably metallic, conductor or is provided with a suitable grounding point or grounding device. In the simplest case, the grounding device can be a connection point designed for the electrical connection of an electrical conductor. The grounded sections or sections provided with grounding points or devices of the longitudinally extended element are preferably arranged uniformly along its length. An end section of the longitudinally extended element can also be connected, preferably electrically conductively, to a grounded end mounting part of the corresponding conductor guide. The longitudinally extended element thus preferably represents a continuous electrical conductor path.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinally extended element can have an electrical surface resistance R over a predefined length segment of, for example, 1 or 10 m or over its entire length. s and / or an end-to-end resistor R e and / or a point-to-point resistor R p from

[0132]

[0133] 1 x 10 10 ohms, wherein the resistance preferably

[0134]

[0135] 1 x 10 7 Ohm or

[0136]

[0137] 1 x 10 6 Ohm or

[0138]

[0139] 1 x 10 5 or 1 x 10 4 Ohm or 1 x 10 3 is, for example, in the range of 1 x 10 4 Ohms up to 1 x 10 10Ohm lies . The aforementioned electrical surface resistance can also be present over a distance in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element between two adjacent grounded or grounded elements, or over the entire length of the longitudinally extended element.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the longitudinally extended element can exhibit an electrical resistance to EPA earth and / or to an earthing point R over a predefined length segment of, for example, 1 or 10 m or over its entire length. g from

[0141]

[0142] 1 x 10 12 Ohm or

[0143]

[0144] 1 x 10 10 Ohm, preferably 1 x 10 9 Ohm or

[0145]

[0146] 1 x 10 8 exhibit . Preferably, the stated resistance lies in the range of 7.5 x 10 . 5 R g 1 x IO9 Ohm. The mentioned resistance can also be...

[0147]

[0148] 7.5 x 10 5 for example, also

[0149]

[0150] 1 x 10 4Ohm. The aforementioned resistance can also be present over a distance in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element between two adjacent grounded or grounded links and / or over the entire length of the cable management system. The longitudinally extended element or the cable management system equipped with it preferably fulfills the requirements of an ESD protection element according to EN 61340-5-1 or a corresponding national or international standard. The cable management system can optionally be understood as a working surface according to Table 1 of this EN standard. It is understood that the respective determination of the aforementioned resistances can also be carried out according to this standard. Regarding the requirements of an EPA grounding device or an EPA grounding connection point, see Section 5.Reference is made to section 3 of EN 61340-5-1:2001, regarding the resistance measurement method for testing working surfaces to section A.1 of EN 61340-5-1:2001, regarding the device for resistance measurements to Annex A.1 of DIN standard IEC 1340-4-1, regarding the design of electrodes for measuring the respective resistances to DIN 53482 and DIN IEC 60093 respectively. All of the above-mentioned standards are hereby included as reference.

[0151] The longitudinally extended element, or the cable management device equipped with it, can thus be used in areas where electrostatic charging of equipment must be avoided, for example, in the manufacture of electrical or electronic components such as semiconductor elements, printed circuit boards, or the like. This can apply, for example, to machines for manufacturing such components or machines for handling, for example, for transporting or packaging such elements. This can also generally apply to use in explosion-proof areas.

[0152] All features disclosed relating to the method for producing a longitudinally extended element are also disclosed relating to the longitudinally extended element and / or the device for producing a longitudinally extended element. Further details, advantages, and features of the invention can be found in the following explanation of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. All details and features of the embodiments are also disclosed independently or in combination generally within the scope of the invention. The drawings show:

[0153] FIG. 1 : a schematic diagram of an exemplary cable routing device in side view;

[0154] FIG. 2 : a section of an exemplary cable management system in perspective view;

[0155] FIG. 3 : a flowchart of an exemplary procedure ;

[0156] FIG. 4 : a schematic representation of an exemplary injection molding system for producing a longitudinally extended element with the injection mold open and the handling device inserted in a side view;

[0157] FIG. 5 : a schematic representation of the exemplary injection molding system of FIG. 4 with closed injection mold and extended handling device in side view;

[0158] FIG. 6 : a schematic representation of the nozzle-side mold half of an exemplary injection mold in top view;

[0159] FIG. 7 : a schematic representation of the ejector-side mold half of the exemplary injection mold of FIG. 6 in top view;

[0160] FIG. 8: a schematic representation of a core area of ​​a part to be overmolded; FIG. 9: a schematic representation of a finished section of a longitudinally extended element consisting of two parts;

[0161] FIG. 10 : a section to be overmolded in a schematic representation (half section) ;

[0162] FIG. 11 : a fully formed section of a longitudinally extended element with the part of FIG. 10 in the overmolded state (half section) ;

[0163] FIG. 12 to 14: another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device;

[0164] FIG. 15 , 16 : another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device;

[0165] FIG. 17 , 18 : another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device;

[0166] FIG. 15, 16: another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device; and

[0167] FIG. 19-21 : another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable guidance device .

[0168] Fig. 22: Schematic representations of joining areas produced according to the invention.

[0169] According to all the examples of configuration, the cable guidance device can be arranged by forming a lower run, a deflection bend and an upper run, or can be arranged during the operation of the cable guidance device.

[0170] In FIG. 1, a schematically depicted cable management device is generally designated 100. The cable management device 100 serves to protect and guide cables, hoses, or similar conductors, which are not shown in detail in the figures. Between an upper run 101 and a lower run 103, the cable management device 100 forms a deflection bend 104 with a predetermined curvature in a known manner. To prevent conductor breaks, the deflection bend 104 has, in particular, a predetermined minimum radius of curvature, thus ensuring that the permissible radii of curvature of the guided conductors are not undercut.

[0171] The deflection bend 104 is movable over a distance relative to the fixed connection 105 together with the movable connection 107. The movement essentially takes place in one plane, which here lies approximately in the plane of the drawing, and follows the movement of the movable connection 107. In the example shown, the fixed connection 105 is located on the lower run 103 and the movable connection 107 on the upper run 101. The two ends of the cable guide 100 can also be connected in reverse.

[0172] FIG. 1 further shows schematically a flexible sheath 110, which preferably completely encloses the internally routed cables in the circumferential direction and between the two connections 105, 107, and is technically dustproof. The longitudinal direction of the sheath 110 follows the extent of the sheath 110 between the two connections 105, 107. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the sheath 110 is tubular and sufficiently flexible, for example by suitable design and / or material selection, to accommodate the fixed curvature of the deflection bend 104 and to follow the movement of the deflection bend 104 with minimal resistance.

[0173] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a cable management device 200 with a casing 210. The casing 210 is preferably composed of two separately manufactured shell parts 221, 222, wherein one shell part 221 with a profile forms the inner side 211 of the casing 210 and the other shell part 222 with a profile forms the outer side 212. Each of the two shell parts 221, 222 is a longitudinally extended element 230 within the meaning of this description. The two shell parts 221, 222 are connected to each other along their longitudinal direction, so that the two shell parts 221, 222 enclose an interior space 208. In the embodiment, the connection of the two shell parts 221, 222 is realized by a material bond, e.g., by gluing or welding. Alternatively or additionally, a form-fit and / or force-fit connection is also possible. Preferably, the connection of the two shell parts 221, 222 is made along the neutral fiber 223.

[0174] The covering 210 can exhibit asymmetrical bending behavior with respect to concave and convex curvature about the deflection axis (schematically indicated by A in FIG. 1). For this purpose, the covering 210 can have corrugated, but different, profiles on its inner side 211, i.e., the broad side radially inside, and its outer side 212, i.e., the broad side radially outside.

[0175] In the illustrated embodiment, the cables (not shown in detail) are received directly within the interior 208 and guided and supported by the casing 210. Additional cable routing is not required, but may be optional.

[0176] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 for manufacturing a longitudinally extended element 230 of a cable management device 100, 200 from several sections 411, 416 made of a thermoplastic material by injection molding in an injection molding machine. In the described embodiment, a casing 210 of a cable management device 100, 200 is manufactured from two shell parts 221, 222. The method 300 comprises process steps S1 to S5, which are explained in more detail below. It is assumed here that no section of the longitudinally extended element 230, i.e., the shell part 221, 222, has yet been manufactured. The injection molding machine is restarted or put into operation for the first time. In process step S1, a very first part 416 is initially positioned in a holding position.For this purpose, the very first section 416 can be gripped by a gripper of a handling device 402. Positioned in the holding position, the very first section 416 projects at least partially into the injection molding cavity 413, in particular with a section that is to be subsequently overmolded. The very first section 416 may have been previously manufactured in the same injection molding machine by using an interchangeable insert 409, 410, which seals the injection molding cavity 413 instead of another section 416. Alternatively, the very first section 416 may also have been manufactured in another way.

[0177] In process step S2, a second part 411 is injection molded in the injection molding cavity 413. Simultaneously, the very first part 416, which projects into the injection molding cavity 413, is overmolded in its core area 860, whereby an overmolded area 870 of the second part 411 is bonded to the core area 860 of the very first part 416 by at least partially melting the plastic material in the core area 870 of the very first part 416.

[0178] In process step S3, the already fully formed section 412 of the shell part 221, 222, consisting of the very first section 416 and the second section 411, is repositioned. For this purpose, the injection-molded second section 416 is gripped by the handling device 402 before demolding from the injection molding cavity 413, transported, and arranged in the holding position as the new first section 416.

[0179] Subsequently, the process steps S2 and S3 can be repeated any number of times, so that an endless shell part 221, 222 is created.

[0180] Simultaneously with the transport of the injection-molded second section 411 from the injection molding cavity 413 into the holding position, a fully formed section 412 of the shell part 221, 222 is wound up (process step S4). The winding can be carried out incrementally over a distance by which the second section 411 is moved. Optionally, a fully formed section 412 of the shell part 221, 222 can be supported, for example, to simplify the winding up and transport of sections 411 from the injection molding cavity 413 into the holding position.

[0181] In the optional process step S5, two shell parts 221, 223 are joined to form the covering 210 by arranging the two shell parts 221, 223 opposite each other and joining them together in any way possible, e.g. by bonding or welding.

[0182] Preferably, the injection molding parameters can be selected such that a shell part 221, 223 is produced with a constant wall thickness. To achieve this, the core area 860 and the overmolding area 870 can be produced with a wall thickness such that the resulting wall thickness after overmolding corresponds to the wall thickness of the remaining part.

[0183] Using the described exemplary method 300, a longitudinally extended shell part 221, 223 of a cable guidance device 100, 200 is first obtained, which has fused sections 411, 416 made of a thermoplastic polymer material. After joining two shell parts 221, 223, a casing 210 of a cable guidance device 100, 200 is obtained.

[0184] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, an exemplary device 400 for producing a longitudinally extended element 230 of a cable guidance device 100, 200 is explained in more detail below, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as an injection molding system.

[0185] The device 400 comprises an injection mold 401 with a nozzle-side mold half 403 and an ejector-side mold half 404, in which a nozzle-side mold insert 405 and an ejector-side mold insert 406, respectively, are located. In the closed state of the injection mold 401, the two mold inserts 405 and 406 form an injection molding cavity 413 and a mold nest, respectively, into which molten thermoplastic material can be injected to form a section 411 of the element 230.

[0186] Furthermore, the device 400 includes a handling device 402 with which an injection-molded part 411 can be grasped, transported, and positioned in a holding position. When the injection mold 401 is closed, as shown in FIG. 5, the handling device 402 is in an extended state, i.e., outside the injection mold 401, for example, in a rest position. To handle an injection-molded part 411, the handling device 402 can extend into the open injection mold 401, as shown in FIG. 4, and grasp the part 411, preferably before demolding. The movement of the handling device 402 can be effected, for example, by means of a rail system (not shown) and / or pneumatically.

[0187] The injection mold 401 also has several inserts 407, 408, 409, and 410. Firstly, two support inserts are provided: a nozzle-side support insert 407 and an ejector-side support insert 408. These support inserts can be used to support a pre-formed section 412 of element 230 on the nozzle side and ejector side, respectively. The two support inserts 407 and 408 can also define a holding position in which a first section 416 to be overmolded can be held. In other words, the support inserts 407 and 408 can simultaneously function as holding devices 414a and 414b for holding a first section 416 in the holding position.

[0188] Furthermore, two interchangeable inserts can be provided: a nozzle-side insert 409 and an ejector-side insert 410. These two inserts, 409 and 410, can be inserted into the injection mold 401 if a starter or very first section is to be injection molded. The two inserts, 409 and 410, serve to close the injection molding cavity 413, which is then closed in subsequent injection molding cycles by the first section 416, which was previously injection molded and is now positioned in the holding position.

[0189] Optionally, the device 400 can also have a winding device 415, which is shown schematically in FIGS. 4 and 5. By means of the winding device 415, a fully formed section 412 of the element 230 can be wound up.

[0190] The overmolding process is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0191] FIG. 8 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of a first section 816. This first section 816 has a core area 860 at one end, i.e., an area or section that is to be overmolded.

[0192] FIG. 9 shows a section of a longitudinally extended element 830 with the first section 816 of FIG. 8 and a second section 811. Both sections 811, 816 are completely and materially bonded to each other by overmolding the core area 860 of the first section 816 in the overmolding area 870 of the second section 811. In FIG. 9, the sections belonging to the first and second sections 811, 816 are shown to be distinguishable from each other only to illustrate the overmolding process, whereas according to a first embodiment, the finished section of the longitudinally extended element 830 no longer allows a distinction between the first section 816 and the second section 811, for example, by visual inspection of the connection between the first and the second sections 811, 816, i.e., by observation by a person without further technical aids.According to another, second, variant, a distinction can be made in the joining area between the first and second parts 811, 816 if the overmolding process is carried out appropriately. According to the second variant, this can occur, for example, in a process in which the core area of ​​the first part is not completely melted, but only partially melted. This partial melting can be achieved, for example, by ensuring that the core area of ​​the first part has already solidified at least partially or completely during the initial melting process, for example, through cooling, and that the second part is overmolded around the first part at a temperature of the molten material of the second part that does not result in the first part being completely melted.The temperature of the molten material of the second part can therefore be, for example, only slightly above the melting temperature of the material of the second part 811. By suitable material investigations of the joining area of ​​the first and second parts, for example using technical material testing methods such as polarization microscopy, the first and second parts can be distinguished from each other, for example due to different material stresses in the first and second parts 811, 816.

[0193] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary first section 816 before overmolding. In analogy to FIG. 8, this first section 816 has a core area 860 at one end to be overmolded. The crest of the wave 816a forms an undercut 816b, which is overmolded by the second section 811 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sections.

[0194] FIG. 11, analogous to FIG. 9, shows a fully formed section of a longitudinally extended element 830 from the first part of FIG. 10, the core area 860 of which was overmolded in the overmolding area 870 of the second part 811 during its production, so that both parts 811, 816 are completely bonded together. The dimensions of the core area 860 correspond essentially to the dimensions of the overmolding area 870. It should be noted that in FIG. 11, the core area 860 and the overmolding area 870 are shown to be distinguishable from one another only to illustrate the overmolding process; however, a distinction in the finished injection-molded product is not possible after some process implementations, for example, where the core area is completely melted.According to other process implementations, in which, for example, the core area 860 is only partially melted or only partially melted during overmolding, the core area 860 can be distinguished from the overmolding area in the finished injection molded product by suitable testing methods.

[0195] According to Figure 11, the longitudinally extended element at the joining area 823 has the same outer contour and also the same outer diameter as a section 824 of the longitudinally extended element adjacent to the joining area; that is, the outer contour of the wave crest 825 in the joining area is the same as the outer contour of an adjacent wave crest 826. In this embodiment, the inner contour of the joining area 823 differs from the inner contour 829 of an adjacent section 824 by the inward bulge 827 into the interior 828 of the cable guide device, which is advantageous but not essential. The joining area here extends in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element by a length that is greater than the wall thickness of the first and / or second section immediately adjacent to the joining area.

[0196] Figures 12 to 14 show a section of a longitudinally extended element 1201 with first and second segments 1201a, b, wherein the longitudinally extended element forms a longitudinal section of a cable management device, which here is designed as an energy chain with articulated links. The longitudinally extended element 1201 consists of a plurality of articulated links 1202, wherein at least some or all of the links 1202 each have a lower region 1203 in the form of a base, opposing side regions 1204 in the form of side walls, and at least one upper region 1205a, b in the form of cover elements. The links 1202 form a channel with an interior space 1206 for receiving cables, wires, and the like.

[0197] The cover elements are located on the sides in their closed position relative to the interior. The multiple links 1202 form a single, continuous strand, with the lower sections 1203, in the form of the base sections, being continuously connected to one another in one piece by integrally molded hinge sections 1211 in the form of film hinges. The lower sections 1203 (base sections) and the hinge sections are thus arranged alternately with each other in the longitudinal direction of the cable management device. Each hinge section is arranged between successive lower sections (base sections) in the longitudinal direction of the element 1201. The lower sections 1203 (base sections) and both opposing side sections 1204 (side walls of the links) are formed in one piece as at least substantially rigid or flexurally stiff U-profiles under the intended load of the cable management device.The upper sections 1205a, b, in the form of cover elements of the respective link, are integrally formed on each side section 1204, here by means of a film hinge 1210, and are designed to be positionally variable relative to the side section 1204, in particular pivotable, and can be moved into a position that closes the link and a position that opens the interior 1206. Side walls and bottom parts can be made of the same material. The hinge areas can be made of the same material as the side walls and / or bottom parts or, if applicable, of a different material, which is formed, for example, by a two-component injection molding process.

[0198] On the upper section 1205a, b or cover element, a sealing element 1213 is provided in one piece, which can be detachably connected to a corresponding sealing element 1213a to form a cable guide device closed on the cover side, wherein the corresponding sealing element is arranged on the side section 1204 or the side wall of the respective link, or the upper section or cover element is formed in two parts and the sealing element is integrally formed on the cover element part of the respective link opposite the first cover element part. The upper sections 1205a, b or the cover elements of adjacent links overlap here, but this need not generally be the case within the scope of the invention.

[0199] On adjacent links 1202, corresponding stops 1219, 1222 are provided, which, in a straight or curved arrangement of the cable guide or the longitudinally extended element 1201, respectively, come into contact with corresponding stops of the adjacent link. In a straight arrangement, the stop 1219 of one link comes into contact with the stop 1220, which is provided here on the cover element. In a curved arrangement of the longitudinally extended element or the energy supply chain, the stop 1222, which is designed here as a pin, comes into contact with the stop 1224, which delimits the elongated hole of the cover element. In this case, at least one of the corresponding stops of adjacent links can be provided on a cover element 1205a, b and / or on the channel or... Interior 1206 facing inner sides and / or outer sides facing away from the channel of the side areas 1204 and / or the lower area 1203 respectively.The upper side wall, facing away from the bottom element of the link, is arranged. Furthermore, corresponding stops are provided for adjacent links, which interact in the extended and / or curved position, i.e., when arranged in a deflection bend, of the cable guide. In the exemplary embodiment, stops are provided on the cover elements 1205a, b of the adjacent links, here by means of the pin of a cover element, which engages in an elongated hole of an adjacent cover element. The cable guide is thus formed more or less as a closed wall over its entire circumference and length. An extension 1225 is integrally molded onto the free end of the section 1201a; this is done during the manufacturing of the section by injection molding. The extension projects from the end face 1227 of the respective section 1201a, b in the longitudinal direction of the extended element.In the inventive method, the extension is overmolded by a portion of the molded-on further section (e.g., second section) to form the joining area 1250. Here, the extension 1225 is molded onto a hinge area of ​​the section 1201a. The extension can be rigid in the finished section. The extension can be made of the same material as the lower section or the bottom part of the link. The extension 1225 has a projection 1225a, which can be, for example, web- or tenon-shaped, and projects transversely to the longitudinal direction of the section 1201a, more precisely in the vertical direction of the section, here towards the interior of the section. The projection 1225a thus forms an undercut in the longitudinal direction of the section 1201a, which, when joining the sections in the inventive method, is formed by a partial area of ​​the further section formed on top (e.g.The second section is overmolded, thereby creating an additional positive fit between the first and second sections in the joining area. The joining area, corresponding to the length of the overmolded longitudinal section of the extension, extends longitudinally along the element by a length greater than the wall thickness of the first and / or second section immediately adjacent to the joining area, i.e., greater than the wall thickness of the base section. The joining area between the first and second sections 1201a, b can optionally also be located elsewhere on the links 1202.

[0200] For example, the joining area 1260 (Fig. 12b, dashed line) can be formed, extending through the central region of the link 1202. This gives the joining area 1260 a greater length or circumferential extent around the link 1202 than the joining area 1250, so that the joining area 1206 can absorb even greater tensile forces in the longitudinal direction of the conduit guide. The joining area 1250 is located for the most part along its circumferential length in the rigid region of the link. The joining area 1260 can also have an undercut on one section, which is overmolded with material from the second section. The undercut can extend over the entire longitudinal extent of the joining area in the circumferential direction of the section.

[0201] For example, a joining area 1270 (Fig. 12b, dashed line) can also be formed which does not extend in a straight line, but has sections with changing directions relative to the longitudinal direction of the cable guide. At least one section of the joining area is arranged at an angle of > 0°, here approximately 45°, to the longitudinal direction of the cable guide along its circumference on the link. The given position of the joining area prevents it from extending through the cover elements, which may be mechanically less robust than the lower or bottom areas of the links. This reduces the risk of damage to the cover elements during the manufacture of the components and / or during operation of the cable guide, and allows for a simpler design of the injection mold.The cable guide itself has a single base section extending over its entire length, which connects the adjacent links. End fixing parts as connection elements (driver and fixed point) may be provided and may each be electrically grounded in accordance with the requirements of EN 61340-5-1.

[0202] The cable routing device can, for example, be designed in such a way that the total resistance over its length is approximately .

[0203] 8,000 ohms, where the point-to-point resistance R p of the cable guidance device, measured from a point of the first link to a point of the last link of the cable guidance device, each of which is arranged adjacent to the end fastening parts, in the area of ​​1 x 10 4 up to 1 x IO 10The contact point can be located in the center of the respective base element, either on the top or bottom of the respective link. This design reliably prevents electrical charges from building up in the cable guide, as the electrical charges are dissipated via the entire base element that runs over the cable guide, providing a continuous electrical conductivity path without any interruption in the material.

[0204] Fig. 14b shows the longitudinally extended element 1201 or the cable guide according to this embodiment with first and second sections 1201a, b, wherein the first and second sections 1201a, bj are each connected to a first section 1280 and a last section 1285, respectively, in the form of an end fastening part. The first and / or the last section 1280, 1285 can be manufactured as separate components. The first and / or the last section 1280, 1285 can also be integrally formed on the longitudinally extended element, particularly also in a corresponding modification of the method according to the invention. The connection can be made, for example, via the joining area 1290.

[0205] Figures 15 and 16 show a further embodiment of a longitudinally extended element of a cable management device, which is designed as a link chain or energy chain. The longitudinally extended element or link chain can be arranged, or is arranged, with a lower run 2016, a deflection bend 2017, and an upper run 2018. The longitudinally extended element is designed as a side wall segment 2001 of a cable management device 2002. The side wall sections are provided in the form of side parts 2004, wherein the side wall segment has a plurality of side parts 2004, which are integrally connected to form a continuous strand by connecting webs 2005. The connecting webs 2005 are designed to be flexible. Two opposing side wall segments 2001 are connected to each other by means of crossbeams 2019 manufactured as separate components to form the cable guidance device, thereby forming pivotably connected links 2003.The elements 2003 each have two opposing side wall areas in the form of side parts 2004, which are pivotably connected to the immediately adjacent side parts 2004 in a pivot plane E, the side parts 2004 representing longitudinal sections of the side wall segment. Several interconnected side parts 2004 form the side wall segment 2001. The side parts 2004 are each integrally connected to one another by a connecting web 2005 extending in its longitudinal direction 1 and flexible in the pivot plane E. The connecting webs 2005, together with the integrally molded intersection areas 2011, at which the connecting webs 2005 and foot webs 2008 intersect, form a single, continuous strand. The side wall segment 2001 thus forms a continuous, one-piece strand of side areas, which are connected to each other by joint areas, namely the deformable connecting webs 2005.The joint areas, in the form of reversibly deformable connecting webs, are arranged in a central region of the height of the side wall areas, for example, at their midpoint. The links 2003 can have stops on the narrow sides of the webs 210, corresponding stops 2022 and 2023 for limiting the pivot angle α, which can be arranged in areas 2006 and 2009, respectively.

[0206] The longitudinally extended element in the form of the side wall segment 2001 is formed by several sections 2050a, b, which are joined together according to the invention. The joining areas 2060 each have a projection 2064 provided at an end region of a first section, which preferably extends from the section in the longitudinal direction. When a first section 2050a is joined to a second section 2050b, the projection is overmolded with material from the second section to form the joining area. The projection 2064 is designed here as a hook, specifically with two hook-shaped projections 2060a, b (Fig. 16b). Optionally, a simple hook-shaped projection with only one hook can also be formed. The hook 2064 projects from the front face S of one section in the longitudinal direction of the elongated element, towards the next section to be formed subsequently.However, if necessary, side 2008a of the webs 2008 can also be considered the end face. The hook or hook-shaped projections each form undercuts with respect to the longitudinal direction of the side wall segment, which are overmolded with material from the second section to form the joining area. The joining area of ​​the section that overmolds the extension of the first section thus forms a receptacle 2066 for the extension when the two sections are considered independently of each other. The overmolding preferably takes place on the top and bottom of the extension. This receptacle 2066 is shown on the section according to Figure 16 to illustrate the joining process and joining area. The inside of the receptacle 2066 is then preferably molded flat, and more preferably completely, onto the extension.The inset 2066 in turn has two projections 2067 which then enclose and engage behind the projections 2065 of the extension when the joining area is formed.

[0207] The side parts can further comprise a T-shaped web 2006, 2007 extending substantially perpendicular to this connecting web 2005 in the pivot plane E, with a foot web 2008 and a cross web 2009, wherein the foot web 2008 is connected to the connecting web 2005 and the cross web 2009 is arranged at an end of the foot web 2008 opposite the connecting web 2005. The end faces of the cross webs 2009, pointing in the longitudinal direction 2001 of the connecting web 2005, form stops 2010 to limit the pivot angle a. The webs 2006, 2007 can each be equidistant from their adjacent webs and, in an extended position of the side wall segment 2001, in which the side wall segment 2001 is extended or almost extended, can be arranged perpendicular to the connecting web 2005.

[0208] The webs 2006 and 2007 can each abut opposing stops 2010 in a stretched position of the side wall segment 2001, in which the side wall segment 2001 is stretched or nearly stretched. The opposing stops 2010 can also abut opposing stops in a bent position of the side wall segment 2001, in which the side wall segment 2001 is bent in the pivot plane E.

[0209] Figures 17 and 18 show another embodiment of a longitudinally extended element 3100, which here is configured as a cable guide. The cable guide preferably consists of the longitudinally extended element 3100. The longitudinally extended element 3100 has several sections 3150, which are manufactured and connected to one another according to the invention. A longitudinal section with several segments 3110, 3112 of the cable guide is manufactured in one piece and represents a section within the meaning of the present invention. Each of the several segments has a closable holder 3123 for which at least one cable is included. With the holder open, the cable can be inserted into the interior 3130 and, in the closed position of the holder, is held transversely to the longitudinal direction L in the receiving space. The segments are connected to one another longitudinally by a flexible connection to form a deflection bend 3106.The connection between the segments comprises a first flexible strand 3120 and a second flexible strand 3120. At least one cross connector 3122, integrally formed with the strands, is provided, wherein, in the closed position, the holder extends in an arc or loop shape around the longitudinal direction L so that the two strands 3120 lie laterally to the receiving space and define a neutral fiber crossing the interior 3130. The joining areas 3175 (dashed lines) between the segments can be arranged, for example, as shown in Figure 18. The respective joining area can penetrate the cross connector 3122 and the first and second closure parts 3124, 3126. The closure parts 3124, 3126 can be connected to each other by bending the cross connector in order to close the interior and form the shape of the cable management device. If necessary, the joining areas can also be positioned differently, e.g.Only the strands 3120 penetrate in the area between the cross connectors 3122, which is significantly less preferred, since the joining areas then occupy only a very small area and the joining connection can therefore only absorb small forces. The design of the joining connection can be configured as described generally or for the other embodiments. The end region of the section, which thus, for example, penetrates the cross connector 3122 in its entire extent transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element, can have a core region which is overmolded by an overmolding area of ​​the second section to form the joining connection.

[0210] The two strands 3120 can be located approximately centrally to the side of the interior 3130 in the closed position. The strands can define a neutral fiber that crosses the receiving space at approximately half its height. Each segment 3110, in particular each holder 3123, has one or more separate cross connectors 3122. The cross connectors 3122 are partially or completely flexible and / or foldable and only assume an arc- or bow-shaped profile, for example, a rounded and / or polygonal profile, in the closed position of the corresponding holder 3123. The longitudinally extended element or the cable guide can thus be designed to be foldable. Each holder 3123 can have a mechanical closure 3124a, 3126a; 3124b, 3126b for closing the holder, wherein the closing process can be effected in particular by snapping, hooking, locking and / or the like of a closing element of the closure .Each mechanical closure 3124a, 3126a; 3124b, 3126b can have end-face stop surfaces 3140 which, in the extended position, absorb bending loads and can come into contact with stop surfaces of the adjacent segment to define the extended position of the cable routing device. Each cross connector 3222 can have two rigid longitudinal projections with end-face stop surfaces 3240 which, in the extended position, absorb bending loads.

[0211] The end regions of the longitudinally extended element or the cable guide device can, for example, be attached to the movable driver 3144 and / or the mounting plate 3116 by means of a first and / or last section, preferably in a tensile manner, and in particular in a detachable manner.

[0212] The side wall areas, which here comprise areas 3124a, b and 3126a, b, may also be designed to be foldable, so that they can be pivoted relative to the plane with the two strands 3120.

[0213] Figures 19-21 show a cable guide 4100 for guiding conductors or cables in a guide channel 4300 with an interior space. The cable guide comprises a continuous, elongated strip 4200, which can be arranged to form a lower run, a deflection section, and an upper run located above the lower run. The cable guide can be designed, for example, by appropriately forming stops 4210, 4220, such that the section of the strip on the upper run can be laid onto the section of the same strip on the lower run, so that when the cable guide is moved in its longitudinal direction, the strip section of the upper run slides on the strip section of the lower run. The strip 4200 is then designed as a sliding strip.If necessary, the guide direction can be designed such that, when the upper run is moved, it is spaced vertically apart from the lower run, i.e., the guide device is self-supporting. The guide channel 4300 consists of a plurality of mutually pivotable guide elements 4450, which are arranged on the belt or sliding belt 4200 on the side facing away from the opposite run and are detachably fastened to the belt 4200. The belt or sliding belt is designed here as a longitudinally extended element according to the invention, which consists of several sub-sections, wherein the end section of a first sub-section is overmolded by an end section of a second sub-section to form a joining area 4600. The joining area can penetrate the fastening means and / or projections provided on the belt, preferably integrally molded, thereby increasing the joining surface and thus the load-bearing capacity of the belt.The joining area can extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

[0214] Band 420 extends across the entire width of the cable management system, but this is not always mandatory.

[0215] The strip 4200 is profiled according to one embodiment and has fastening means 4060 on the upper or lower surface of the strip, for example in the form of projections, by means of which the guide members 4450 or parts thereof can be attached to or fastened to the strip. Projections can also be provided on the strip for other purposes, for example to adjust the bending properties of the strip. The fastening means or projections are manufactured as integral parts of the strip during the production of the strip or strip section by injection molding.

[0216] The guide elements 4450 can be configured such that they form a guide channel together with the belt 4200. The sliding belt can directly define the interior of the guide channel. For this purpose, separately manufactured side walls 4120 can be attached laterally to fastening projections 4350 of the belt. The fastening projections 4350 extend transversely to the belt and are web-shaped. The fastening projections 4350 are integrally molded as a component of the respective section during the injection molding process according to the invention. The fastening projections 4350 have fastening means 4360 for attaching the side parts 4120, for example, in the form of snap-in projections.

[0217] According to another embodiment, links can be attached to the band which limit the interior of the cable guidance device in cross-section in all directions, i.e. towards the band, in the direction opposite to the band and in both opposite lateral directions.

[0218] Preferably, means 4060, 4350 for the force-fit and / or form-fit fastening of the guide elements 4300 are integrally formed on the sliding band 4200. For example, the sliding band 4200 is provided with locking means 4060 by means of which the guide elements 4300 can be guided in the direction of the surface normal of the sliding band 4200 and locked onto the sliding band 4200. The sliding band 4200 can be provided with fastening means by means of which the guide elements 4300 can be fastened on the sliding band 4200 by means of displacement in a direction parallel to the plane of the sliding band. The guide elements 4300 can be provided with stops 4319, 4321, 4347 for limiting the pivot angle of adjacent sections of the sliding band 4200.

[0219] The guide elements can therefore be manufactured as separate components, independent of the belt.

[0220] The upper section 4460 of the guide members 4450 is here divided into two subsections 4463 and 4467, which overlap each other to close off the guide channel in this direction. This can also be the case for the other embodiments or generally within the scope of the invention.

[0221] Fig. 22 shows exemplary schematic representations of various variants of joining areas produced according to the invention. These joining areas can be implemented in all embodiments of the invention to connect a first section to a second section. In particular, these variants can be implemented in energy chains, and optionally also in corrugated hoses. The joined sections of the respective parts can be any sections or parts described according to the invention, including side wall sections, lower sections such as bottom sections, or the end sections of corrugated hoses or other sheathing of a cable management device. The joining point between the first and second parts is represented in the drawing by a thick line.It is understood that the shown design of the end areas of the components in the joining area does not limit the invention and that the end areas can also be designed differently.

[0222] Figure 22a shows a first section 5010 as the core piece, a second section 5020 as the overmolding piece for the first section, and a joining area 5030. The first section has an obliquely sloping area 5015 at its end, forming a pointed end.

[0223] Figure 22b shows a first section 5050 as the core piece, a second section 5060 as the overmolded piece over the first section, and a joining area 5070. The first section has a projection 5055 at its end in the joining area, which projects transversely to the first section and thus forms an undercut 5057 with respect to the joining direction and the longitudinal directions of the first and second sections. The undercut is therefore formed by a groove. During the overmolding of the first section 5050, the groove is filled with material from the second section 5060, so that after the joining area is formed, the first and second sections are simultaneously positively connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the same.

[0224] Figure 22c shows a modification of the joining area according to Figure 22b with a first section 5110 as the core piece, a second section 5120 as the overmolded piece over the first section, and a joining area 5130. Here, too, the first section has a projection 5115 at its end in the joining area, which projects transversely to the first section and thus forms an undercut 5117 with respect to the joining direction and the longitudinal extension directions of the first and second sections. The projection 5115 can project to the top surface of the first section. In its finished form, the second section 5120 forms a tab 5122 with an opening 5123 after the joining process, which receives the projection 5115. The tab thus comprises the sub-areas 5122a and 5122b. Here too, in the joining area, a portion of the first part is overmolded with material from the second part.After the joining area has been formed, the first and second parts are thus also positively connected to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0225] According to the examples in Figure 22, the joining area extends in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinally extended element by a length which is greater than the wall thickness of the first and / or second part immediately adjacent to the joining area.

[0226] It is understood that in the joining area, as is generally stated in the invention, the joining surfaces between the first and second parts are completely materially bonded together, for example by melting the first part with the material of the second part.

Claims

1. Patent claims 1. Method (300) for producing a longitudinally extended element (230, 830) of a cable guidance device (100, 200) from several sections (411, 416, 811, 816), comprising the method (300): a) ( Sl) Positioning a first segment ( 416 , 816 ) in a holding position, b) (S2) Injection molding of a second part (411, 811) in an injection molding cavity (413) with at least partial overmolding of the first part (416, 816) in the holding position for joining the first part (416, 816) with the second part (411, 811), c) (S3) Positioning the second segment (411, 811) in the holding position as the new first segment (416, 816), and d) Repeat steps b) and c) to form the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) from the segments ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ).

2. Method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinally extended element (230, 830) can be arranged in an arrangement forming an upper run (101), a movable deflecting arc (104) and a lower run (103).

3. Method ( 300 ) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) is designed as a rollable element .

4. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extended element (230, 830) is a shell part (221, 222) of a covering (210) of the cable guidance device (100, 200).

5. Method (300) according to claim 4, comprising: - (S5) Connecting two shell parts (221, 222) arranged opposite each other to form the covering (210) of the cable guidance device (100, 200).

6. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning of the second part (411, 811) in the holding position is carried out by grasping, transporting and arranging the injection-molded second part (411, 811) in the holding position by means of a handling device (402).

7. Method ( 300 ) according to claim 6, wherein the second part ( 411 , 811 ) is grasped from the injection molding cavity ( 413 ) prior to demolding.

8. Method ( 300 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - ( S4 ) Rolling up a fully formed section ( 412 ) of the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) .

9. Method ( 300 ) according to claim 6, wherein the winding is carried out stepwise and a winding step causes the winding of exactly one section ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ).

10. Method ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a fully formed section ( 412 ) of the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) is supported .

11. Method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first section and / or a last section has a geometric shape that differs from the other sections (411, 416, 811, 816).

12. Method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during injection molding, a wall thickness of a section (411, 416, 811, 816) is formed in a core area (860) such that, after overmolding, a constant wall thickness is achieved along the longitudinally extended element (230, 830).

13. Method ( 300 ) according to one of claims 1-12, wherein after injection molding the joining area has a greater wall thickness than an adjacent part area of ​​the part ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ), preferably at a part area with the same outer contour as the joining area .

14. Method ( 300 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extended element has a continuous strand of joint regions extending in its longitudinal direction, which has a plurality of joint regions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the element, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the strand.

15. Method (300) according to claim 14, wherein the continuous strand of joint regions is an alternating sequence of joint regions with other regions which have a higher bending stiffness than the joint regions.

16. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part has an undercut in the area which is overmolded by the second part for joining them, with respect to the longitudinal extent of the first part, and that during injection molding of the second part the undercut is overmolded with material of the second part.

17. Device (400) for producing a longitudinally extended element (230, 830) of a cable guidance device (100, 200), comprising the device (400): a holding device ( 414a , 414b ) for holding a first segment ( 416 , 816 ) in a holding position, - an injection mold (401) with an injection molding cavity (413) configured for injection molding a second part (411, 811) in the injection molding cavity (413) by at least partially overmolding a first part (416, 816) positioned in the holding position, and - a handling device ( 402 ) , designed to move an injection-molded part ( 411 , 811 ) from the injection molding cavity ( 413 ) into the holding position .

18. Device (400) according to claim 17, comprising: - a winding device ( 415 ) , designed for winding up a fully formed section ( 412 ) of the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ).

19. Device (400) according to claim 17 or 18, comprising: - an interchangeable insert ( 409 , 410 ) designed for insertion into the injection molding tool ( 401 ) , so that a very first part and / or a last part with a geometric shape different from the other parts can be injection molded .

20. Device (400) according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the injection mold (401) has a support insert (407, 408) for supporting a fully formed section (412) of the longitudinally extended element (230, 830).

21. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) of a cable guidance device ( 100 , 200 ), wherein the longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) comprises fused segments ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ) made of a thermoplastic polymer material .

22. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to claim 21, which has a joining area between a first part and a second part, wherein the joining area is produced by overmolding the second part around an end area of ​​the first part.

23. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to claim 21 or 22 , wherein the segments ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ) are fully joined together by material bonding and without form-fitting .

24. Longitudinally extended element (230, 830) according to any one of claims 21-23, wherein the longitudinally extended element (230, 830) is designed to be rollable.

25. Longitudinally extended element (230, 830) according to any one of claims 21-24, wherein the longitudinally extended element (230, 830) can be arranged in an arrangement with a lower run (103), a deflection arc (104), and an upper run (101), wherein the deflection arc (104) is arranged between the upper run (101) and the lower run (103) and connects them together.

26. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to one of claims 21-25 , designed as a shell part ( 221 , 222 ) of a covering ( 210 ) of a cable guidance device ( 100 , 200 ).

27. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to one of claims 21-26, wherein the joining area has a greater wall thickness than an adjacent sub-area of ​​the part ( 411 , 416 , 811 , 816 ), preferably at a sub-area with the same outer contour as the joining area .

28. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to one of claims 21-27, wherein the longitudinally extended element has a continuous strand of joint areas extending in its longitudinal direction, which has a plurality of joint areas arranged in the longitudinal direction of the element, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the strand.

29. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to claim 28, wherein the continuous strand of joint regions is an alternating sequence of joint regions with other regions which have a higher bending stiffness than the joint regions .

30. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to one of claims 21-29, wherein the first part has an undercut in the area which is overmolded by the second part for joining them, with respect to the longitudinal extent of the first part, and the undercut is overmolded with material of the second part.

31. Longitudinally extended element according to one of claims 21-30, characterized in that it has over its entire length or over a length section of 10m: (i) an electrical resistance R of 50,000 ohms and / or ( ii ) an electrical surface resistance R s or an end-to-end resistor R e or a point-to-point resistor R p of < 1 x 10 10 Ohm, and / or (iii) an electrical resistance of R g 1 x 10 12 Ohm to an EPA grounding point or EPA grounding device connected to the longitudinally extended element.

32. Longitudinally extended element ( 230 , 830 ) according to one of claims 21 to 31 , manufactured according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 16 .

33. Cable guidance device (100, 200) with a longitudinally extended element (230, 830) according to one of claims 21 to 32 or cable guidance device (100, 200) in the form of a longitudinally extended element (230, 830) according to one of claims 21 to 32.

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