Abstract
A conduit for lines, such as cables or hoses, particularly in a clean room application. The conduit has an elongate, flexible casing which can be moved to and fro, particularly while forming a deflecting bend between two runs, and at least one receptacle for guiding at least one line, with each receptacle extending in the form of a channel in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end. One feature of the invention consists in the fact that the casing has, to the side on at least one receptacle, at least one functional zone extending in a longitudinal direction, which functional zone forms a seal with two interacting sealing profiles to ensure a dust-tight closure of an open state, in which open state a line can be inserted into or removed from the receptacle transversely to the longitudinal direction. A further feature consists in the fact that the individual casing has a fastening profile extending on another longitudinal side in the longitudinal direction for a detachable connection to a corresponding fastening profile of a further casing. The invention further relates to a special clamping device for connecting the end of the casing, which clamping device comprises a deformable pressure piece which protrudes at the end beyond a clamping piece and forms a corner protection.
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A line protective guide for at least one line for a clean room application, the line protective guide comprising: an elongate flexible encasement which is displaceable reciprocatingly with a formation of a direction-changing arc between two runs, wherein the flexible encasement is closable at a first end and a second end by a respective clamping device against escape of particles, wherein the encasement includes at least one encasing unit which forms at least one tubular receiving means to guide at least one line, wherein the at least one tubular receiving means extends channel-like in a longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end, the encasement comprising a plurality of such tubular receiving means, which extend parallel to each other to separately guide at least one line, respectively, wherein the at least one encasing unit laterally at the at least one tubular receiving means has at least one functional region, which extends in the longitudinal direction and which includes two closure profiles of a closure, and wherein one of the closure profiles co-operates with another of the closure profiles for dust-tightly closing an opened state in which at least one line is introducible or removable transversely relative to the longitudinal direction.
24. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the at least one encasing unit is formed of plastic, and formed in one piece.
25. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the at least one encasing unit is formed of plastic, to which the at least one functional region is integrally connected.
26. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the encasement comprises a plurality of encasing units and each encasing unit of the plurality of encasing units has two fixing strips which are in opposite relationship on both sides and which are in one piece with the encasing unit, respectively, and wherein adjacent encasing units of the plurality of encasing units are connectable together in parallel relationship by the fixing strips.
27. The line protective guide according to claim 26, wherein each encasing unit of the plurality of encasing units has two closure profiles in one piece with the encasing unit, respectively.
28. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the at least one encasing unit is a one-piece encasing unit with subdivision means which form a plurality of tubular receiving means, and the two closure profiles are in one piece with the at least one encasing unit.
29. The line protective guide according to claim 28, wherein a pair of co-operating closure profiles, in one piece with the at least one encasing unit, is provided for each tubular receiving means of the plurality of tubular receiving means, respectively.
30. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the at least one encasing unit comprises a plurality of encasing units, and each encasing unit of the plurality of encasing units has a cross-section which remains same in the longitudinal direction.
31. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the two closure profiles of the closure are formed of plastic and are in interengaging conjugate relationship.
32. The line protective guide according to claim 31 wherein the two closure profiles include a hook profile and a claw profile which co-operate with a barb function and/or each closure profile of the two closure profiles includes two profile elements.
33. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the at least one functional region comprises two laterally oppositely disposed functional regions which each have a respective fixing profile, wherein the fixing profiles are of mutually matching relationship which forms a releasable connection by positively locking and/or force-locking relationship.
34. The line protective guide according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of tubular receiving means are connected together in parallel relationship by strip-shaped intermediate regions which predetermine a neutral fibre and/or an interface of the two closure profiles is disposed at a level of a neutral fibre.
35. An encasing unit for an elongate flexible encasement of a line protective guide, comprising: the encasing unit is formed of plastic, the encasing unit forms at least one receiving means to guide at least one line, which extends channel-like in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, the encasing unit at one longitudinal side includes two co-operating closure profiles which extend in the longitudinal direction for dust-tightly closing an opened state in which at least one line is introducible into or removable from the at least one receiving means transversely to the longitudinal direction and at least at the other longitudinal side includes a fixing profile extending in the longitudinal direction for a releasable connection to a further encasing unit.
36. The encasing unit according to claim 35, wherein the closure profiles and/or the fixing profile are of a cross-section which is same throughout in the longitudinal direction and respectively co-operate in interengaging relationship.
37. The encasing unit according to claim 35, wherein the encasing unit forms a plurality of tubular receiving means to separately guide at least one line, respectively.
38. The encasing unit according to claim 37, wherein the encasing unit at one longitudinal side has a first fixing profile and at another longitudinal side a second fixing profile and the first and second fixing profiles are of a mutually matching configuration which forms a releasable connection by positively locking and/or force-locking connection relative to each other to fix a plurality of structurally identical encasing units releasably to each other.
39. The encasing unit according to claim 35, wherein the encasing unit forms precisely one tubular receiving means to guide at least one line and/or the encasing unit is produced closed in the peripheral direction around the receiving means and/or the receiving means has two co-operating closure profiles extending in the longitudinal direction.
40. A clamping device for end connection to the line protective guide, according claim 23, at a connecting location, the clamping device comprising: a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, wherein at least one of the first or second clamping portion has an inside recess to receive an end region of the line protective guide and two respective opposite ends transversely to a through-pass direction, wherein the recess opens at at least one first end outwardly, and at least one pressure portion to hold an end region of the line protective guide in force-locking relationship when the clamping device is closed is provided in the recess of the at least one of the first or second clamping portion, wherein the at least one pressure portion is of a deformable configuration and projects or protrudes in the through-pass direction beyond a first end of the at least one of the first or second clamping portion so that the pressure portion forms a corner protection at the first end, and wherein the at least one pressure portion in a non-loaded state forms at least one convexly curved surface at an inside facing away from the at least one of the first or second clamping portion for bearing against the line protective guide.
41. The clamping device according to claim 40, wherein the at least one pressure portion is made from a plastic material which is compressible and/or softer in relation to the first and second clamping portions.
42. The clamping device according to claim 40, wherein each of the first and second clamping portion has an inside recess, respectively, to receive the end region of the line protective guide, wherein the at least one pressure portion to hold an end region of the line protective guide in force-locking relationship when the clamping device is closed provided in the recess of the at least one of the first or second clamping portion further comprises at least one pressure portion to hold an end region of the line protective guide in force-locking relationship when the clamping device is closed provided in a recess of each of the first and second clamping portion, respectively.
43. The clamping device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one pressure portion provided in the recess of each of the first and second clamping portion, respectively, in a non-loaded state, forms at least one convexly curved surface at an inside facing away from the first and second clamping portion and in cross-section parallel to the through-pass direction, respectively, and/or is arranged with a longitudinal extent extending perpendicularly to the through-pass direction over an overall width of the recess, respectively.
44. The clamping device according to claim 42, wherein the at least one pressure portion provided in the recess of each of the first and second clamping portion, respectively has two rounded narrow sides.
45. The clamping device according to claim 40, wherein each of the first and second clamping portion has an inside recess, respectively, to receive the end region of the line protective guide, wherein received in each recess of the the first and second clamping portion in mutually juxtaposed relationship are two structurally identical pressure portions which are arranged parallel and perpendicular to the through-pass direction.
46. The line protective guide according to claim 23, comprising two end clamping devices which fix the encasement at the ends in an axial direction.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] Further details and features of the invention will be apparent without limitation on the generality of the foregoing from the description hereinafter of preferred embodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0057] FIGS. 1A-1C show a first embodiment by way of example of a displaceable line protective guide having a flexible encasement, as a partial view of an end region, partly broken-away (FIG. 1A), as a cross-section through individual encasing units (FIG. 1B) and as a front view of an end having an end clamping device (FIG. 1C),
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment with individual encasing units which are modified in relation to FIGS. 1A-1C as a cross-sectional view (exploded),
[0059] FIGS. 3A-3B show a development with encasing units as shown in FIG. 2 and additional support devices exploded as a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3B) and a perspective partial view of an end region (FIG. 3A),
[0060] FIGS. 4A-4D show a further embodiment with a one-piece encasing unit subdivided to form a plurality of line receiving means, in the opened state in cross-section (FIG. 4A) and as a perspective view (FIG. 4B) and closed as a cross-section (FIG. 4C) and as a perspective view with an end clamping device (FIG. 4D),
[0061] FIG. 5 shows an example of use with an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D with two subdivided encasing units which are coupled together in parallel and outward support chains as a cross-section,
[0062] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a further embodiment with a closure which is modified in relation to FIGS. 4-5,
[0063] FIGS. 7A-7B show a further embodiment with individual peripherally closed encasing units which are releasably connected together by lateral fixing profiles,
[0064] FIG. 8 shows a typical arrangement of a line protective guide or line protective device as a diagrammatic side view,
[0065] FIGS. 9A-9D show an example which is not claimed according to the invention with encasing units connected together releasably by lateral fixing profiles,
[0066] FIGS. 10A-10D show a further embodiment of the invention with an encasing unit having a plurality of receiving means which can be individually filled and preferred cross-sections of associated functional regions,
[0067] FIGS. 11-12 show further embodiments as variants in relation to FIGS. 10A-10D,
[0068] FIGS. 13A-13E show a preferred embodiment of an end fixing device with clamping portions for a line protective guide with flexible encasement according to a further independent part of the present disclosure,
[0069] FIGS. 14-16 show further embodiments of encasing units,
[0070] FIG. 17 shows a modification of a functional region as a closure or fixing, and
[0071] FIGS. 18A-18C show various arrangements with support chains.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] FIGS. 1A-1C diagrammatically show a first embodiment by way of example of a reciprocatingly displaceable line protective guide for lines (not shown). It has an elongate flexible encasement 100 which is composed of a multiplicity of individual encasing units 101 produced from plastic. Each encasing unit 101 is made from a flexible soft-elastic plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, for example PE, PU, TPU, PTFE, expanded PTFE, PP or the like. Each encasing unit 101 over its length is of a cross-section which remains the same throughout (FIG. 1B) perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L. The encasing unit 101 can be produced for example inexpensively as an extrusion in a suitable plastic extrusion process and can be cut to an appropriate length, for example from about 100 mm to about 1500 mm. The structurally identical encasing units 101 form in the interior thereof a substantially cylindrical receiving means 102 for protective guidance of a line and for that purpose are of a tubular configuration with wall regions 103 which are of thin gauge in relation to the cross-section of the receiving means 102. The receiving means 102 of the flexible encasement 100 are spatially separated from each other so that no abrasion can occur between lines guided in parallel therein.
[0073] Each encasing unit 101 at a longitudinal side has a first functional region 110 which in FIGS. 1A-1C comprises two closure profiles 111, 112 which are conjugate in mirror-image symmetry and which are in opposite separate relationship and which in a condition of jointly bearing against each other form a cross-section approximately of a T-shape. Each closure profile 111, 112 is continuous in the longitudinal direction L and here is approximately L-shaped for example in cross-section. As shown here the closure profiles 111, 112 can form L-limbs facing away from each other or L-limbs which are preferably disposed in each other or in juxtaposed relationship in parallel to reduce the height of the closure. Between the closure profiles 111, 112, in particular centrally therebetween, the encasing unit 101 has an interface or an opening 113 which extends in the longitudinal direction L and radially. The opening 113 in gap form of a loose or separate encasing unit 101 (FIG. 1B) can be widened by bending open the encasing unit 101 in order to introduce a line prefabricated with plugs laterally or transversely relative to the longitudinal direction L into the receiving means 102 or to remove it therefrom.
[0074] The encasing unit 101, in diametrally opposite relationship to the first functional region 110, has a second functional region 120 comprising a fixing profile 122. The fixing profile 122 is continuous in the longitudinal direction L and for example is of a substantially C-shaped cross-section with an internal contour 123 which is sized in matching relationship with the external contour of the closed closure profiles 111, 112 of the first functional regions 110, in particular with a slight undersize for a positively locking and force-locking connection. By axially pushing the fixing profile 122 on to the closure profiles 111, 112 of an adjacent encasing unit 103 the opening 113 thereof can be closed so as to be at least substantially sealed in relation to particles and can be easily opened again to replace a line. The functional regions 110, 120, here together with the opening 113, by virtue of their longitudinal sectional plane of symmetry, define the neutral fibre of the flexible encasement 100, that is to say the longitudinal central plane, the length of which does not change upon bending or in the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 8), that is to say it has no tensile/thrust stress. In addition the additional wall thickness at the functional regions 110, 120 creates a comparatively stable encasement 100 which is displaced in a more controlled fashion without perceptibly adversely affecting the reversible flexibility thereof.
[0075] FIGS. 1A and 1C further show one of two end clamping devices 130 with two clamping parts 131, 132, between which all encasing units 101 of the encasement 100 together with lines (not shown) guided therein are dust-tightly closed off at the end and in the axial direction, for example by clamping screws. The clamping devices 130 can at the same time also provide for tensile stress relief of the lines (not shown) and can be of a per se known structural configuration, for example similarly to the teaching of DE 10 2012 100 290 B4 which is here incorporated in that respect.
[0076] FIG. 1A shows one of two support chains 135 which is accommodated in the receiving means 102 of the two laterally outer encasing units 101 and comprises individual chain links. Optional support chains 135 on the one hand can predetermine the minimum permissible radius at the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 8) to protect the chain from kinking and on the other hand by virtue of abutments for the chain links in the straight position can increase the self-supporting length of the encasement 100 in the moveable run, for example in the upper run 1 (FIG. 8).
[0077] As indicated in FIG. 1B the opposite closure profiles 111, 112 are connected in one piece to the wall regions 103 of the encasing unit 101, that are in the nature of a segment of a tube. The fixing profile 122 is also connected in one piece with the upper wall region 103 and the lower wall region 103. In particular the closure profiles 111, 112, as an alternative to an inexpensive production in one piece involving unitary material, can be produced separately from a suitable plastic and connected in material-bonded relationship to wall regions 103 or the encasing units 101 to form a composite material, preferably by plastic welding. The cross-section of the encasing units 101 or wall regions 103, besides the illustrated approximately circular shape, can also be of an elongatedly round or oval shape. The illustrated cross-sectional shapes of the closure profiles 111, 112 and the fixing profile 122 are shown here purely by way of example and can be of a different design, for example predominantly round. The number of parallel-coupled encasing units 101 as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C can be selected as desired to match the number of desired lines or can be subsequently enlarged by virtue of the functional regions 110, 120. The closure profiles 111, 112 can additionally be designed at the inside for opening purposes (not shown here) in the form of a pressure closure, for example in accordance with the Ziploc® principle or the like in order to avoid unwanted widening of the opening 113 after separation of the adjacent encasing unit 101 (see also FIGS. 4A-4D).
[0078] FIGS. 1A-1C further show a closure bar 105 with an internal contour corresponding to the fixing profile 122. The closure bar 105 serves (in relation to the discharge of abrasion particles) for sealingly closing the opening 113 or closure profiles 111, 112 disposed at an outside with a laterally outer encasing unit 101, similarly to the fixing profile 122.
[0079] FIG. 1C illustrates the completely closed operating state of the encasement 100, in which all fixing profiles 122 are connected in positively locking relationship and/or by force-locking engagement, for example a clamping action, to the opposite closed closure profiles 111, 112 and close the interposed opening 113 dust-tightly and continuously in the longitudinal direction L.
[0080] Features involving a structure or function identical to or corresponding to FIG. 1 are denoted by corresponding references in FIGS. 2 to 7 and are possibly not described again.
[0081] FIG. 2 shows a preferred alternative encasing unit 201 having two functional regions 210, 220 for the construction of an encasement (FIGS. 1A-1C). The encasing unit 201 differs from FIGS. 1A-1C in particular by a different cross-sectional shape of the fixing profile 222 in the second functional region 220. The fixing profile 222 in FIG. 2 is of a positive shape or is a male positively locking portion with a cross-section for example of T-shape except for the interface or opening 213 and corresponding to the cross-section of the first functional region 210. Thus the encasing unit 210, in relation to both longitudinal central planes, vertically and horizontally in FIG. 2, is of a substantially symmetrical cross-section, except for the opening 213 at one side. Corresponding symmetry is also desirable for uniform torsion-free flexing in the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 8). Alternatively the second functional region 210 could be identical to the first functional region 210, that is to say fully symmetrically with an opening 213 at both sides. In that case the encasing unit 201 would be composed of two structurally identical half-shell portions (not shown) which can be produced for example by injection moulding processes.
[0082] In addition the encasing unit 201 permits separation without opening the adjacent encasing unit 201. That is achieved by fixing of adjacent encasing units 201 (FIG. 1C) in each case by means of a separate fixing bar 204. The fixing bar 204 is of a symmetrical cross-section which is uniform throughout, for example of a H-shape or a double C-shape. At both sides the fixing bar 204 has an internal contour 223 matching both functional regions 210, 220, here in the form of a negative shape or a female positively locking portion. The fixing bar 204 can releasably connect two encasing units 201 by positively locking engagement and/or force-locking engagement, as FIG. 2 shows. At the same time the fixing bar 204 together with the functional region 210 serves as a closure for dust-tightly closing the opening 213 between the closure profiles 211, 212. Other cross-sections, in particular of the functional regions 210, 220 and the fixing bar 204, can also suitably embody the principle shown in FIG. 2.
[0083] FIGS. 3A-3B show a further advantage of the symmetrical structure of the encasing unit 201 in FIG. 2. It is possible to mount laterally to the outer encasing units 201, that is to say the narrow sides of the encasement 200, a respective structurally identical support device 240 for supporting and definedly guiding the encasing units at the functional regions 210, 220, as shown in FIG. 3B. For that purpose the support device 240 has a carrier band 244 of a cross-section corresponding to the fixing bar 204, that is to say matching the cross-section of the functional regions 210, 220, for example grooves on both sides with an internal contour 223.
[0084] The support device 240 is designed to predetermine the radius of the direction-changing arc 4 (see FIG. 8) and to support the self-supporting run 1 in the straight position, or to increase the possible length of the run 1. For that purpose the support device 240, transversely to the longitudinal direction L, has on both sides T-shaped abutment elements 245 which are formed with the carrier band 244 and which are perpendicular thereto, with T-arms 246, 247 disposed in the longitudinal direction L of the encasement 200. The upper/lower or inner/outer T-arms 246, 247 are of different lengths so that the T-arms 247 in the direction-changing arc 4 abut radially inwardly at the desired radius and the T-arms 246 are in abutment in the straight position. The carrier band 244, like the fixing bar 204, is preferably disposed at the level of the neutral fibre of the flexible encasement 200. The fixing bar 204 and the support device 240 are made from flexible, flexurally elastic plastic or plastics. They do not rub against the lines and if required can therefore be of greater flexural strength than the encasing units 201, for example to maintain a radius in the direction-changing arc 4 or to increase the self-supporting run length. Further details relating to the configuration of the support device 240 can correspond to the teaching of WO 2008/125087 A1, except for the configuration of the carrier band 244.
[0085] In FIGS. 1 and 2 each encasing unit 101, 201 respectively forms precisely one receiving meas 102, 202 for one or possibly a plurality of lines. FIGS. 4 to 6 show embodiments in which the encasement 101 respectively has a one-piece encasing unit 401, 601 with subdivisions for forming a plurality of parallel receiving means 402, 602 in the same encasing unit 401, 601.
[0086] FIGS. 4-5 show an alternative one-piece encasing unit 401 having for example three parallel receiving means 402 which can be respectively individually opened (FIG. 4A) and closed (FIG. 4C) to replace or introduce lines. The encasing unit 401 is designed in one piece in the form of a flexible plastic profile with a cross-section which remains the same throughout in the longitudinal direction L, as shown in FIG. 4. It can be manufactured for example from one piece by extrusion. Advantages in respect of manufacturing technology and in relation to material can be achieved if the functional regions, in particular closure profiles 411, 412 are produced separately and possibly from particularly suitable different plastic and are subsequently joined in one piece to the wall regions. It is also possible to envisage a multi-component manufacturing process.
[0087] At the narrow sides the encasing unit 401 has two functional regions 420, 421 which are in opposite relationship at both sides and with which adjacent encasing units 401 can be connected to each other in parallel, as shown in FIG. 5. The functional regions 420, 421 in FIGS. 4-5 have fixing profiles 422, 425 which are in one piece with the encasing unit and which are adapted for positively locking and force-locking relationship with a cross-section interengaging in conjugate fashion, for example similarly to FIG. 1. The fixing profile 425 at the side to be opened is designed in two parts with an intermediate interface, for example similarly to the functional region 110 in FIGS. 1A-1C, with an external contour matching the internal contour 423 of the fixing profile 422. Alternatively fixing by means of separate fixing bars, similarly to FIGS. 2-3, is also possible.
[0088] As FIG. 4A shows in greater detail at one side of each of the plurality of receiving means 402 of the same encasing unit 401 a respective functional region 410 is connected in one piece to the encasing unit 403 with an oppositely disposed pair of cooperating closure profiles 411, 412. The closure profiles 411, 412 also extend in the longitudinal direction L with a uniform cross-section and serve for sealingly closing (in relation to particle size) the respectively associated receiving means 402 (FIG. 4C). The closure profiles 411, 412 can be in the form of a closure bar including at least profile elements 414 which engage into each other in positively locking relationship, for example with a barb shape in cross-section, on the principle of a suitable pressure closure, or the like. Support regions 415 serve for positively locking latching of the profile elements 414 in the closed state (FIG. 4C). By means of associated closure profiles 411, 412 the receiving means 420 can be individually opened and sealingly closed as required. Opening can be effected by bending open the flexible wall region 403. FIGS. 4-5 show a functional region 410 which is in the form of a robust double closure respectively comprising two profile elements 414 at each closure profile 411, 412, for example to exclude unwanted opening in operation. Unwanted opening however can already be avoided if the wide side to be opened of the encasement 400 is disposed radially inwardly in the direction-changing arc 4. The interface of the opening 413 between the closure profiles 411, 412 is arranged at the level of the neutral fibre, see FIG. 4C.
[0089] FIG. 5 shows an encasement 500 comprising two encasing units 401 which are fixed to each other releasably and parallel by means of their lateral functional regions 420, 421 or their fixing profiles 422, 425. A respective support chain 135, as described in relation to FIG. 1A, can be arranged in the two laterally outer receiving means 402, for example when a great length if involved.
[0090] FIG. 6 shows a variant in relation to FIGS. 4-5 having an encasing unit 601 which has only one closure for all receiving means 602 jointly. For that purpose there is provided only one functional region 610 with cooperating closure profiles 611, 612 at a narrow side. The wall regions 603 are designed to be connected together plate-like at both wide sides of the encasing unit 601. Otherwise the encasing unit 601 corresponds to the encasing unit 401.
[0091] FIGS. 7A-7B show a further preferred embodiment of an encasement 700 which is made up of a multiplicity of individual, structurally identical encasing units 701 which respectively form precisely one receiving means 702. In contrast to FIGS. 1-6 the encasing units 701 are closed in the longitudinal direction L and in the peripheral direction, that is to say with an encasing wall 703 which extends without interruption around the receiving means 702. The wall 703 is for example in the form of a tube or a hose or the like of approximately oval or round cross-section. The encasing units 701 are at least predominantly made from flexible, permanently elastically bendable plastic.
[0092] The encasing units 701 cannot be non-destructively opened, that is to say lines have to be passed therethrough axially or in the longitudinal direction, unlike FIGS. 1-6. Unwanted discharge of particles during maintenance operations can be avoided in that way. A simplification in maintenance and expandability is achieved with the encasing units 101 without a closure function at the receiving means 702 solely by the concept of the fixing function or only functional regions 720, 721 cooperating for parallel fixing of individual encasing units 701.
[0093] Each encasing unit 701 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B has functional regions 720, 721 which are produced at both sides in diametrally opposite relationship with the closed encasing wall 703 or subsequently connected thereto and extended in the longitudinal direction L. The functional regions 720, 721 respectively have as the fixing strip a fixing profile or a fixing bar for releasable connection by positively locking engagement and/or force-locking engagement. The functional regions 720, 721 are adapted to cooperate, for release or fitment of an encasing unit 701 from or to an adjoining encasing unit 701 as required. FIG. 7B shows by way of example two connected encasing units 701. It is possible for example to use fixing profiles as functional regions 720, 721, which are of a uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction to permit extrusion. The functional regions 720, 721 here too extend in strip form in a plane in opposite relationship at two sides along the wall 103. The fixing strips of the functional regions 720, 721 can be in the manner of a toothed zip closure, a toothless sliding closure or the like. The functional regions 720, 721 cooperate for fixing purposes, possibly also with a separate fixing bar as in FIG. 2, which connects the fixing profiles or fixing bar. FIG. 7B diagrammatically shows a closure slider 750 for connecting/separating functional regions 720, 721 which, for fixing the encasing units 701, purely by way of example, are for example in the form of positively locking toothless sliding closures. The functional regions 720, 721 can be produced separately, for example by extrusion or injection moulding, and can be integrally connected to the remaining profile of the encasing units 701, for example they can be welded in place continuously in the longitudinal direction using a suitable procedure. Preferably for that purpose the encasing wall 703 and the functional regions 720, 721 are made from a thermoplastic material.
[0094] Adjacent guide channels or receiving means 102 . . . 902 are accordingly fixed to each other by band-like intermediate regions which have a functional region at least at some receiving means 102 . . . 902 that simplifies maintenance and/or facilitates a subsequent modification in the encasement.
[0095] The flexurally elastic encasing units 101 . . . 901 can be produced in a unitary material from only one plastic material, in particular in a multi-part configuration comprising separate regions which are then connected in material-bonded relationship, in particular being welded together. The encasing units 101 . . . 901 can possibly be produced in a multi-layer structure or with a coating, for example with an external special plastic for reducing friction at the wide sides.
[0096] FIG. 8 diagrammatically shows a configuration of a dynamic line guide with dust-tight encasement 100, for example as shown in one of FIGS. 1 to 7, forming a moveable upper run 1 and a stationary lower run 3. Between them the encasement 100 forms a direction-changing arc 4 with a predetermined bending radius about a notional axis A. The direction-changing arc 4 travels over a distance relative to a stationary connection 5 when the upper run 1 is displaced with the moveable connection 7. Any position in space however can be involved here, and the encasement 100 can also move vertically or laterally. The two ends of the encasement 100 are dust-tightly closed, for example with clamping devices as shown in FIG. 1A. The encasement 100 is overall of a hose-like configuration and is sufficiently flexible, inter alia by virtue of being of a suitable configuration and/or by a suitable choice of material, to allow reversible flexible curvature of the direction-changing arc 4 with a small amount of applied force, and to follow the travel movement of the moveable connection 7 with the lowest possible level of resistance.
[0097] FIGS. 9A-9D diagrammatically shows an encasement 900 which is made up of a multiplicity of individual encasing units 901. The encasing units 901 each form one or more receiving means 902. In contrast to FIGS. 1-6 the encasing units 901 are closed in the longitudinal direction L and in the peripheral direction, that is to say, being designed with an encasing wall 903 which extends without interruption around the one or more receiving means 902. The wall 903 is for example in the form of a tube, a hose or the like, with an approximately lens-shaped or ogival (or vesica piscis/double-pointed oval) or also oval or round in cross-section. Preferably the lens-shaped cross-section shown in FIGS. 9A-9D is used to provide the receiving means 902. That can be formed in particular from two identical segments of a circle which are assembled at their chords symmetrically relative to the neutral fibre. That cross-sectional shape reduces fold formation, that is to say abrasion in the direction-changing arc. The encasing units 901 are at least predominantly made from flexible, permanently elastic, bendable plastic, in particular being extruded, for example from expanded PTFE.
[0098] Encasing units 901 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D cannot be non-destructively opened, that is to say lines have to be passed through same axially or in the longitudinal direction, unlike FIGS. 1-6. Unwanted discharge of particles during maintenance operations can thereby be reliably avoided. A simplification in maintenance and expandability is achieved with the encasing units 901 without a closure function at the receiving means 902, solely by the concept of the fixing function or the functional regions 920, 921 which cooperate for parallel fixing of individual encasing units 901. In that case each encasing unit 901 can for example have an interrelated line strand in order to renew a line strand prefabricated with plugs or the like independently of a differing line strand, by means of replacement of an encasing unit 901.
[0099] Each encasing unit 901 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D has functional regions 920, 921 which are disposed in diametrally opposite relationship on both sides and which are either produced in one piece with the closed wall 903 or are subsequently connected thereto and which extend continuously in the longitudinal direction L. The functional regions 920, 921 each have as a fixing strip a fixing profile and/or a fixing bar for a releasable connection by positively locking and/or force-locking engagement. The functional regions 920, 921 are adapted to cooperate for detaching or fitting an encasing unit 901 as required to or from an adjoining encasing unit 901. A suitable structure is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 10A-10D.
[0100] FIGS. 9B-9D show by way of example two connected encasing units 901, a first encasing unit 901 forming three receiving means 902. In FIG. 9B a second encasing unit 901 also has three receiving means 902. In FIG. 9C the second encasing unit 901 has two receiving means 902 while in FIG. 9D there is one receiving means 902. A different number of receiving means 902 which are formed by an encasing unit 901 permits adaptation of an encasing unit 901 to a line strand (not shown), in particular to the number of lines (not shown) within a line strand (not shown). Thus a configuration according to requirements of encasing units 901 with an adapted number of receiving means 902 within an encasement 900 makes it possible for an individual line strand (not shown) to be replaced as required by the replacement of an encasing unit 901.
[0101] It is possible to use for example fixing profiles as functional regions 920, 921, which are of a uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction L, to permit extrusion. The functional regions 920, 921 here too extend in strip form in a plane in opposite relationship at two sides along the encasing wall 903. The fixing strips of the functional regions 920, 921 are designed in the manner of a closure with interengaging fixing profiles, similar for example to press-closure bags or preferably zip-closure bags. The functional regions 920, 921 here cooperate for fixing purposes, possibly also with a separate fixing bar as in FIG. 7 which connects the fixing profiles or fixing bar.
[0102] Preferably the functional regions 920, 921 are produced in one piece with the walls 903 by extrusion, either using a unitary material or from different plastics, for example with a flexible but stronger or harder plastic for the functional regions 920, 921. The functional regions 920, 921 can be produced separately, for example by extrusion or injection moulding, and can be integrally connected to the remaining profile of the encasing unit, for example being welded continuously in the longitudinal direction by a suitable procedure. Preferably for that purpose the wall 903 and the functional regions 920, 921 are made from a thermoplastic material.
[0103] FIGS. 10A-10D show a particularly preferred further example of an encasing unit 1001 representing a variant of the principle shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. In this case also the encasing unit 1001 is made from flexible bendable plastic, preferably by extrusion, and has a plurality of, for example three, receiving means 1002 for lines 6 in the closed state (FIG. 10B). In that case the encasing unit 1001 for each receiving means 1002 has a respective dedicated or associated functional region 1010 which is in the form of a closure, here in particular in the form of a strip-like closure bar with two engagement profiles or closure profiles which engage into each other in conjugate relationship, more specifically a hook profile 1011 which can engage into a claw profile 1012. The hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 are each provided with at least one undercut configuration, preferably two symmetrical undercut configurations, and engage into each other with a barb-like function, that is to say they are relatively easy to close or connect but are to be released only with the application of a markedly greater force.
[0104] In addition at both opposite narrow sides the encasing unit 1001 also has a respective functional region 1020 and 1021 which serves for modular fixing of a plurality of encasing units 1001 with correspondingly structurally identical functional regions 1020 and 1021 in a position laterally in mutually juxtaposed relationship or at a support device (see FIG. 3A). The fixing strips or bands 1020, 1021 are here also in the form of a claw profile 1022 and a hook profile 1025 respectively, similarly or identical to the closure functional regions 1010.
[0105] FIGS. 10C-10D show diagrammatic enlarged cross-sectional views of the hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 which being of identical structure can also be used for the closure functional regions 1020 and 1021 respectively. The hook profile 1011 and the claw profile 1012 are of a cross-section which remains the same throughout in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 10C-10D) and are in the form of flexible strips or bands which are bendable about the axis A in the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 4). The hook profile 1011 is in the form of a symmetrical double-hook profile with respect to the neutral fibre N, for example as shown here of an arrowhead shape, a mushroom shape or the like and has respective correspondingly rear undercut configurations or undercut portions. The rear sides 1027 can extend rearwardly inclinedly at an angle with respect to the plane of symmetry and the connecting direction in order to enhance the action as a barb and to reliably prevent unwanted detachment. The claw profile 1012 is of corresponding cross-section symmetrically with respect to the neutral fibre N. The claw profile 1012 has an inner receiving means in matching or conjugate relationship with the hook profile 1011 with a matching cross-section and undercut configurations, wherein the receiving means can be designed with an undersize to achieve a force-locking connection. Around that receiving means the claw profile 1012 forms two claw-like bars or strips which engage behind the hook profile 1011 like a jaw and hold it fast. Other forms of a hook profile 1011 and a claw profile 1012 can also be considered, in particular as in the case of toothless zip fasteners, in particular ziplock, sliding or press closures made of plastic. The foregoing configuration can be appropriately used for the fixing functional regions 1020, 1021. Zip fasteners 1010 or 1020, 1021 with interengaging parts which are of a substantially uniform cross-section over their entire length and which are operated without a slider as that structure can be easily implemented using an extrusion process are preferred. It is also possible to provide a suitable slider as a tool or an aid for opening or closing purposes.
[0106] An arrangement of the closure functional regions 1010 and fixing functional regions 1020 and 1021 at the level of the neutral fibre N as in FIGS. 10A-10D is particularly advantageous. The neutral fibre N, also referred to as the zero line, is the layer in the cross-section whose length does not change upon bending, in particular upon displacement of the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 8), that is to say the layer involving a constant dimension in the longitudinal direction upon curvature.
[0107] As is particularly clearly visible from FIGS. 10C-10D the fixing functional regions 1020 and 1021 can be relatively easily connected together in a connecting direction V which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, wherein the connecting direction V can be substantially in the plane of the neutral fibre N. The fixing functional regions 1020 and 1021 however can only be detached with very great difficulty in opposite relationship to the direction V so that unwanted release does not occur in operation.
[0108] The closure functional regions 1010 and fixing functional regions 1020 and 1021 can be produced with a unitary material with the walls of the receiving means 1002 or can be produced from a comparatively more flexurally stiff plastic, for example using an extrusion process, for example to increase the stability of the connections and the encasing unit 1001 overall.
[0109] FIG. 11 shows a modification with an encasing unit 1101 in which the fixing functional regions 1120 and 1121 are designed in accordance with the principle shown in FIGS. 10A-10D. The closure functional regions 1110 in contrast are in the form of double hook engagement profiles based on the principle of FIGS. 4A-4C. It is to be noted here that the view in FIGS. 4A-4C is not true to scale as the closure functional regions 410 are shown there on a greatly enlarged scale. Typically the functional regions 1010, 1020 or 1021 or 1110, 1120 and 1121 are of a structural height in cross-section in the millimetre range, for example from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
[0110] FIG. 12 again shows a modification over FIGS. 10A-10D with the essential difference that each encasing unit 1201 in FIG. 12 forms precisely one receiving means which can be individually opened and closed. Besides a corresponding closure functional region 1210 with a hook profile 1211 and a claw profile 1212 similarly to FIGS. 10A-10D at each receiving means in FIG. 12 each individual receiving means also has at both sides at each narrow side its own fixing profile, for example a claw profile 1222 or a hook profile 1212.
[0111] FIG. 14 shows a development with encasements 1402 each with only one receiving means 1402 in which closure profiles 1411, 1412 are provided as closure bars, each having two cooperating profile elements 1414 which engage into each other in positively locking relationship. Those profile elements 1414 are for example of a cross-section in barb form, in accordance with the principle of a suitable press closure or the like, similarly to FIG. 4A and FIG. 6 respectively. By virtue of associated closure profiles 1411, 1412 the receiving means 1402 can here too be individually opened as required and dust-tightly closed for replacement of a line or support chain. The closure profiles 1411, 1412 have a doubled toothed bar each having two interengaging parallel hook bars or profile elements 1414 for a secure fixed connection in the closed state of the receiving means 1402 (FIG. 14B). In addition each encasement 1401 has two cooperating fixing strips or profiles 1421, 1422, arranged laterally beside the closure profiles 1411, 1412 and also extending continuously in the longitudinal direction with a uniform profile. In this case the fixing profiles 1421, 1422 are of the same structural shape or the same cross-section as the closure profiles 1411, 1412. In the example of FIGS. 14A-14B the encasing wall 1403 can be bent open after opening of the closure profiles 1411, 1412. Independently thereof individual encasements 1401 can be connected together or released from each other by way of the fixing profiles 1421, 1422. As a deviation from FIGS. 9-10 and FIG. 13 the connecting direction V of the fixing profiles 1421, 1422 is here however not disposed in the neutral fibre but is directed perpendicularly to the neutral fibre N, and here too is in the plane perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, as FIG. 14B shows.
[0112] As a variant from FIG. 14 FIG. 15 shows a structural configuration which is comparable in the fitted state and in which each encasement 1501 is composed of two half-shell portions 1503A which each have two closure profiles 1511, 1512 and only one fixing profile 1521. Two connected half-shell portions 1503A, as shown in FIG. 15B, are however again coupled or connected to each other by way of two respective lateral, functionally separate fixing strips 1521A, 1521B.
[0113] In the variant shown in FIG. 16 the closure profiles 1611, 1612 correspond to those in FIGS. 14-15 or FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, whereas the fixing strips 1621, 1622 have the hook and claw profile of FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10C-10D, which can be fitted together in the connecting direction.
[0114] As a possible development, in particular of the closure profiles of FIGS. 14-16 and FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, FIG. 11 shows an enlarged diagrammatic view of a further functional profile with cooperating functional regions 1711, 1712 based on the principle of a suitable press or zip closure. In this case the individual closure profile elements 1714 are of identical cross-section, each with a mirror image-symmetrical mushroom head or double T-shape or the like and engage hook-like into each other or behind each other in the form of double rows. With such a design configuration separate support regions 415 as in FIG. 4 are not required. The functional regions 1711, 1712 of FIG. 17, as shown for example in FIGS. 14-15, can also be used as fixing profiles. A closure slider 750 (see FIG. 7B) can be provided to release or connect the functional regions 1711, 1712.
[0115] FIGS. 18A-18C show various arrangements of encasements with encasing units 901, for example similarly to FIG. 9. In FIG. 18A the two outer lateral encasing units 901 are specifically associated with two diagrammatically shown support chains 135 so that they are replaceable separately with their associated encasement 901. This also applies to FIG. 18B, in which case the encasements 901B associated with the support chains 135, for example for robust support chains 135 of larger size, are of a comparatively larger free cross-section than the line-guiding encasement 901A.
[0116] FIG. 19 shows a multilayer structure with a plurality of encasements 900-1 . . . 900-5 in which encasing units 900 according to the invention for example as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D are used, wherein some encasements 901B are provided separately for support chains 135, for example in the lower layer 900-5 which is the inner layer in the direction-changing arc.
[0117] FIGS. 13A-13E finally show a flexible encasement 1300 of the general kind set forth for clean room applications in accordance with an independent invention which is preferably but not necessarily carried out in accordance with one of the teachings of FIGS. 1-12. The encasement 1300 is displaceable based on the principle shown in FIG. 8. The two end regions 1305, 1307 of the encasement 1300 are in that case connected together by means of structurally identical clamping devices 1330, for example at a fixed point and a movable connecting point (see FIG. 8).
[0118] The clamping device 1330 shown in FIGS. 13A-13E represents a development of the principle shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 3A. Each clamping device 1330 has a first clamping portion 1331 and a second clamping portion 1332. Each clamping portion 1331, 1332 is plate-like, for example made in the form of a shaped piece of metal, and has an inside recess or receiving means 1333 for the corresponding end region 1305 and 1307 respectively. The here approximately rectangular clamping portions 1331, 1332 each have two opposite ends 1334, 1335 which extend transversely, here perpendicularly, to a through-pass direction of the lines or the longitudinal direction L, in accordance with which encasement 1300 is fitted in the respective clamping devices 1330. In the illustrated example each recess or receiving means 1333 opens at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, that is to say outwardly at the ends 1334, 1335 so that lines can be unimpededly passed therethrough. In regard to the recess or receiving means 1333 both clamping portions 1331, 1332 are preferably of the same structural configuration and only differ in respect of the screw connection for bracing the two clamping portions 1331, 1332 relative to each other in the assembled state (FIG. 13A and FIG. 13C).
[0119] As the perspective view in FIG. 13B and the cross-sectional view in FIG. 13D (corresponding to section plane XIIID viewed from the front view in FIG. 13C) show provided in each recess 1333 at the inside are two structurally identical pressure portions 1340 respectively.
[0120] With the clamping device 1300 closed the pressure portions 1340 are pressed against the corresponding end region 1305, 1307 of the line protective guide or encasement 1300 and hold them in force-locking relationship in the longitudinal direction. In addition the pressure portions 1340 provide for dust-tight closure or serve as sealing profile members to prevent particle escape at the open end of the encasement 1300.
[0121] For that purpose each pressure portion 1340 is made from a plastic which is more compressible or softer in relation to the material of the clamping portions 1331, 1332, in particular being soft-elastic or rubber-elastic or possibly also hard-elastic, in particular in the form of hollow-chamber extrusion members here with two hollow spaces which are oval or ogival in cross-section as indicated at 1345 (FIG. 13E). The desired deformability of the pressure portions 1340 can also be achieved in another way by material selection and/or by shaping.
[0122] As a result each pressure portion 1340 is adapted to be deformable upon pressing or bracing of the clamping portions 1331, 1332 and serves inter alia as a tensile stress relief means for the lines (not shown in FIGS. 13A-13E).
[0123] As FIG. 13D best shows in that case each pressure portion 1340 is of such a size and/or arrangement that it projects or protrudes in the through-pass direction or longitudinal direction L, in particular with a corresponding narrow side 1344, beyond the respective end 1334 and 1335 of the associated clamping portions 1331 and 1332 respectively. That provides that the respective pressure portion 1340 provides at the corresponding end edge a protection affording an edge-blunting action so that the line protective guide or encasement 1300 does not come into contact with the edge of the respective end 1334 and 1335 respectively. That is advantageous in particular in relation to the end 1335 (FIG. 13A), which is disposed inwardly in relation to the configuration of the encasement 1300 or which is towards the respective other clamping device 1330 and at which the encasement 1300 is respectively introduced or fitted into the clamping device 1330.
[0124] As tests have shown, by virtue of a travel movement of the encasement 1300 (see FIG. 8, not shown in FIG. 13A in the deflected operating position) a critical location in regard to the occurrence of unwanted particles, in particular due to abrasion of the encasement 1300, is formed at the end fixing device when approaching the direction-changing arc 4 (FIG. 8). That problem can be alleviated by the simple measure of providing corner protection, here without a noticeable cost increase by virtue of the proposed pressure portions 1340.
[0125] The pressure portions 1340 project beyond the respective critical end 1335 of the associated clamping portion 1331 and 1332 and at least in the assembled state afford protection. In that respect the edge of the end 1335, that is towards the encasement 1300, can possibly also be partially embraced or covered over, but that is not required if there is a sufficiently protective projecting configuration in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 13D) as in that way the pressure portions already afford a softer transition. In addition a suitable choice of material for the pressure portions 1340, in regard to the material of the encasement 1300, can provide a material pairing that is more advantageous in regard to abrasive wear, in comparison with the rigid material, mostly metal, of the clamping portions 3331 and 3332 respectively. The plastic of the pressure portions 1340 can be in particular harder or less soft-elastic than the plastic of the encasement 1300.
[0126] Projection in respect of the pressure portions 1340 at the opposite free end 1334 is also advantageous for the protection of lines which are passed there out of the line guide and to improve the sealing action in relation to particle escape.
[0127] Advantageously each pressure portion 1340 in the non-loaded state at the inside that faces away from the clamping portion, in the cross-section (FIG. 13D), forms one or more convexly curved or outwardly bulged surfaces 1342 in order to provide transitions or boundary surfaces which are as soft as possible at the outside of the encasement.
[0128] The profile-like pressure portions 1340 can extend with their longitudinal extent perpendicularly to the through-pass direction L continuously over the entire width of the recess 1330 as shown in FIG. 13B. Preferably each pressure portion 1340 further has two rounded narrow sides 1344.
[0129] The pressure portions 1340 can be produced inexpensively and in the form of symmetrical profile members for simplification of assembly. For fixing to the clamping portions 1331, 1332 each pressure portion can be provided at the rear with a projecting, for example toothed, fixing rib 1346 for fixing in a transverse groove in the clamping portion (FIG. 13D).
[0130] Preferably two structurally identical pressure regions 1340 are arranged in each clamping portion 1331, 1332 in mutually juxtaposed parallel spaced relationship (FIG. 13D) so that they extend perpendicularly to the through-pass direction, that is to say the longitudinal direction L of the encasement 1300.
[0131] The proposed pressure portions 1340 in the clamping devices 1300, besides edge protection between the clamping portions 1331, 1332—in particular their ends 1335 facing towards the interior of the direction-changing arc—and the encasement 1300 at the same time present better protection for the lines and reliable modular sealing in relation to particle escape and/or end tensile stress relief in respect of the lines for different line diameters. Therefore the number of required components is reduced and assembly is simplified by the pressure portions 1340.
