LINE GUIDE APPARATUS FOR SUSPENDED APPLICATIONS, IN PARTICULAR DRILLING RIGS, DRILLING APPARATUS OR THE LIKE

Abstract

Line guide apparatuses for guiding a plurality of lines for suspended applications such as for example in a drilling rig. The line guide apparatus has a flexible carrying strand of high tensile strength which extends over the length of the line guide apparatus. Guide bodies are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand, adjacent guide bodies being spatially deflectable relative to one another. At least some guide bodies in each case have a central part with a fastening device for fastening to the carrying strand, and an outer part with at least one circumferential element, which delimits a receiving region for lines. At least three radial bars are provided on the central part and hold the outer part. At least one spacer body is provided on the carrying strand between in each case two guide bodies, the spacer body specifying a spacing between the central parts of the guide bodies. The spacer body may be configured with an external diameter which is reduced relative to the guide bodies and/or in such a way that the outer parts of the two guide bodies may rest against one another in the fully deflected relative position.

Claims

1-26. (canceled)

27. A line guide apparatus for guiding a plurality of lines, such as cables, or hoses, in particular for suspended applications such as for example in a drilling rig or the like, comprising: a flexible carrying strand of high tensile strength, the carrying strand preferably extending over the length of the line guide apparatus; and a number of guide bodies arranged on the carrying strand in the longitudinal direction thereof, adjacent guide bodies being spatially deflectable relative to one another; at least some guide bodies in each case having: a central part with a fastening device for fastening to the carrying strand; and an outer part with at least one circumferential element, which outwardly delimits a receiving region for lines; at least three radial bars being provided on the central part and holding the outer part, wherein the at least one circumferential element is connected releasably with at least one of the radial bars; each circumferential element having a first end which is connected swivelably by an articulated joint to a radial bar, and which has a joint region with a swivel pin which is connected swivelably with a swivel receptacle on the radial bar; each circumferential element having a second end which is latchable by a releasable snap-fit connection to a further radial bar and forming a latching receptacle which is latchable with a complementarily configured latching projection on the further radial bar, the latching projection extending in the circumferential direction or a tangential direction thereto.

28. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the latching projection is embodied in one piece with a radial portion of the radial bar.

29. The line guide apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the circumferential element is configured for support in the circumferential direction with the releasable end region on the corresponding radial bar.

30. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: at least four radial bars are provided on the central part and carry or support the outer part; or at least five radial bars are provided on the central part and carry or support the outer part.

31. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: the central part forms an axial passage opening for the carrying strand and is preferably of multipart embodiment, the central part having at least two or precisely two components, in particular clamping shells, for fastening to the carrying strand, said components being embodied for form-and/or force-locking fastening to the carrying strand and delimiting the passage opening; at least two radial bars preferably being mounted on, in particular produced or formed in one piece with, at least one component, in particular one of the clamping shells.

32. The line guide apparatus according to claim 31, wherein: the flexible carrying strand is embodied as a cable; and the fastening device of the central part is embodied in the manner of an articulated clamping shell, and comprises a joint and a clamping screw for fastening the at least two or precisely two components, in particular clamping shells, to the carrying strand or cable with generation of a clamping force.

33. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: the outer part surrounds the central part in closed manner, in particular forms a ring encircling the central part; and preferably has at least one closure, in order to close the receiving region transversely of the longitudinal direction.

34. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a number of circumferential elements corresponding to the number of radial bars is provided, each circumferential element being connected releasably with in each case two radial bars.

35. The line guide apparatus according to claim 34, wherein each radial bar comprises a radially extending portion and at least one circumferentially extending projection, in particular embodied in one piece with the radially extending portion, for releasable connection with in each case one circumferential element, the at least one projection having a latching element for latching engagement with the circumferential element.

36. The line guide apparatus according to claim 35, wherein: a first end of the circumferential element forms two support faces in the axial direction on both sides next to the joint region, by way of which support faces the first end is supportable on the radial bar in the circumferential direction; and/or a second end of the circumferential element has a support face, by way of which the second end is circumferentially supportable on the radial bar; and/or the latching receptacle and the latching projection extend substantially in the tangential direction and/or are releasable by leverage or torsion about a tangential direction.

37. The line guide apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the first end of the circumferential element forms an unlocking face which, in cooperation with the bar, enables release of the swivel pin only over a limited angular range.

38. The line guide apparatus according to claim 36, wherein: at least one first radial bar is connected articulatedly in each case on both sides with in each case a first end of two circumferential elements, and for this purpose preferably has two swivel receptacles each for one circumferential element; preferably at least one second radial bar being latchable in each case on both sides by a snap-fit connection with in each case a second end of two circumferential elements, and to this end preferably having two circumferentially extending, one-piece projections with in each case one latching element each for one circumferential element.

39. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the outer part comprises at least two, in particular at least three circumferential elements, which are preferably held releasably, movably and/or swivelably on the central part, and a circumferential, annular, resilient buffer for shock-absorption, which surrounds the circumferential elements externally and is held on the circumferential elements in the axial direction.

40. The line guide apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the circumferential elements have on the outside, and the buffer on the inside, a shape with an annular recess and engaging projection to hold the buffer in the axial direction.

41. The line guide apparatus according to claim 39, wherein one of the at least three radial bars, in particular a second radial bar to which circumferential elements are latchable, has a radially protruding securing region to which the annular resilient buffer is fastenable.

42. The line guide apparatus according to claim 27, wherein: each radial bar is embodied in one piece and/or each circumferential element is embodied between two circumferentially successive bars as a continuous arc segment and held at the end on these bars; and/or the radial bars are arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction around a center axis and/or each circumferential elementis embodied in the form of an arc of a circle and has a radian measure in the circumferential direction of 120, in particular 90; and/or the internal diameter of the outer part amounts to 300 mm; and/or the outer part of the guide body is embodied to be mirror-symmetrical relative to a plane which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

43. A guide body for a line guide apparatus according to claim 27, comprising: a central part with a fastening device for fastening to a carrying strand, and an outer part with at least one circumferential element extending in a circumferential direction, which outwardly delimits a receiving region for lines; at least three radial bars being provided on the central part and holding the outer part and the at least one circumferential element being connected releasably with at least one of the radial bars, wherein: each circumferential element has a first end which is connected swivelably by an articulated joint to a radial bar, and which has a joint region with a swivel pin which is connected swivelably with a swivel receptacle on the radial bar; each circumferential element having a second end which is latchable by a releasable snap-fit connection to a further radial bar and forming a latching receptacle which is latchable with a complementarily configured latching projection on the further radial bar, the latching projection extending in the circumferential direction or a tangential direction thereto.

44. The guide body according to claim 43, wherein, in the operational state of the guide body, the outer part forms a ring around the central part, which ring is passed through or supplemented by radial end regions of the bars.

45. A line guide apparatus for guiding a plurality of lines, such as cables or hoses, in particular for suspended applications such as for example in a drilling rig or the like, comprising: a flexible carrying strand of high tensile strength, the carrying strand preferably extending over the length of the line guide apparatus; and a number of bodies arranged on the carrying strand in the longitudinal direction thereof, adjacent bodies being spatially deflectable relative to one another; at least some bodies taking the form of guide bodies, which in each case comprise: a central part with a fastening device for fastening to the carrying strand; and an outer part with at least one circumferential element, which outwardly delimits a receiving region for lines, wherein: in a longitudinal portion of the line guide apparatus, at least one spacer body is provided on the carrying strand between in each case two guide bodies, the spacer body specifying a spacing between the central parts of the two guide bodies and being configured differently from the guide bodies, in particular with an external diameter which is reduced relative to the guide bodies and/or in such a way that the outer parts of the two guide bodies may rest against one another in the fully deflected relative position; every nth body, with n2, being embodied as a guide body; and each spacer body connecting two adjacent bodies in spatially deflectable and articulated manner, each spacer body having two joint regions at opposite ends for articulated connection with guide bodies, which joint regions are embodied to correspond with corresponding joint regions of the central parts of the guide bodies.

46. The line guide apparatus according to claim 45, wherein exactly one spacer body is provided between every two guide bodies, guide bodies preferably being provided alternatingly with spacer bodies.

47. The line guide apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the spacer bodies are embodied with a compact outer contour in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, lying substantially within the radial inner boundary of a receiving region for lines defined by the central part of the guide bodies.

48. The line guide apparatus according to claims 45, wherein the joint regions at opposite ends of the respective spacer body are axially releasably connectable with corresponding joint regions of the central parts of the guide bodies.

49. The line guide apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the spacer bodies are dimensioned in such a way in the axial direction that a constantly uniform chain pitch is achieved in the longitudinal portion.

50. The line guide apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the outer parts form a circular ring-shaped outer contour, wherein: the maximum external diameter of the spacer bodies amounts to less than 33% of the external diameter of the outer parts of the guide bodies, in particular 30%; and/or the external diameter of the outer parts of the guide bodies amounts to at least 2.5 times the chain pitch, in particular >2.8 times the chain pitch; and/or the external diameter of the outer parts amounts to >300 mm.

51. The line guide apparatus according to claim 45, wherein each spacer body forms an axial passage opening for the carrying strand and is of multipart embodiment, in particular with at least two components for form-and/or force-locking fastening to the carrying strand.

52. The line guide apparatus according to claim 51, wherein each spacer body is embodied in the manner of an articulated clamping shell, and comprises a clamping joint and a clamping screw, to fasten the two shell-type components on the carrying strand with generation of a clamping force.

53. The line guide apparatus according to claim 51, wherein each spacer body substantially consists of two elongate half shell-like components, the components in particular being embodied with an interfering edge-free outer contour and/or without radially protruding bars.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description hereinafter of preferred embodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0077] FIGS. 1A-1C: show a first exemplary embodiment of a line guide apparatus in a suspended arrangement for supplying a vertically movable consumer in side view (FIG. 1A) and in a perspective enlarged view of the lower region or the deflection loop (FIG. 1B); together with a deflection region with which the line guide apparatus is deflected around a deflection roller indicated only schematically (FIG. 1C);

[0078] FIGS. 2A-2B: show an axial section/longitudinal section (FIG. 2A) through a number of guide bodies in the longitudinal direction and a radial section/cross-section (FIG. 2B) of one guide body according to a first exemplary embodiment of a line guide apparatus according to FIGS. 1A-1B;

[0079] FIGS. 2C-2D: show a partial representation in front view of a completely open guide body (FIG. 2C) according to FIGS. 2A-2B and a partial representation of the central part thereof in front view (FIG. 2D);

[0080] FIGS. 3A-3C: show an end region of a radial bar (FIG. 3A) and an individual circumferential element (FIG. 3B) from FIGS. 2A-2D, in each case in perspective view, and a representation of an articulated joint of the circumferential element (FIG. 3C) in cross-section corresponding to FIG. 2B;

[0081] FIGS. 4A-4B: show an alternative exemplary embodiment of a guide body for a line guide apparatus according to FIGS. 1A-1B, here with three radial bars, in perspective view (FIG. 4A) and front view (FIG. 4B);

[0082] FIGS. 5A-5B: show a further, preferred exemplary embodiment of a guide body for a line guide apparatus according to FIGS. 1A-1B, here with five radial bars, in perspective view (FIG. 5A) and front view (FIG. 5B);

[0083] FIGS. 6A-6B: show a preferred exemplary embodiment of a line guide apparatus according to an independent second aspect of the invention in side view of the extended position (FIG. 6A) and a piecewise side view of the deflection region with reduced bending radius (FIG. 6B); and

[0084] FIGS. 7A-7D: show a preferred exemplary embodiment of a spacer body for a line guide apparatus in particular according to the second aspect of the invention, in perspective view (FIG. 7A), in plan and side view (FIGS. 7B-7C) and in front view (FIG. 7D).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] FIGS. 1A-1B show an example of a line guide apparatus 10 in a suspended arrangement with a first vertical longitudinal portion 12A, which has a first end 12C, and a second vertical longitudinal portion 12B with a second end 12D. The first end 12C is connected with a machine part M, for example a drilling head or the like, which, in this example, travels vertically up and down. The second longitudinal portion 12B is in turn fixed with its end 12D to a frame structure or stationary machine part F. In FIG. 1A, a loop 13 forms a freely suspended deflection region which connects the two substantially vertically suspended longitudinal portions 12A, 12B.

[0086] The line guide apparatus 10 has a flexible carrying cable 11 of high-strength plastics fibers, for example of high-modulus polyethylene or high-modulus polyamide, which, as the carrying strand, carries the weight load. To this end, the end regions 11A, 11B, which are free or protrude on both sides, of the carrying cable 11 are suitably fixed to the movable machine part M and the stationary machine part F (shown schematically in FIG. 1A). As a second essential component, the line guide apparatus 10 has a plurality of annularly closed guide bodies 14 succeeding one another in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1B). The guide bodies 14 are arranged in a row one after the other on the carrying cable 11 and are carried and held thereby. The carrying cable 11 thereby carries at least the entire weight of all the guide bodies 14.

[0087] As FIG. 1B shows, the loop 13 between the longitudinal portions 12A, 12B forms a relatively small radius, i.e. the longitudinal portions 12A, 12B can extend at a slight horizontal spacing relative to one another. The small radius is possible inter alia by virtue of the fact that adjacent guide bodies 14 can be angled sharply relative to one another. The guide bodies 14 are in each case movable spatially relative to one another, as shown in FIG. 1B. The spacing between the longitudinal portions 12A, 12B may, however, also be greater depending on the particular application and the longitudinal portions 12A, 12B do not have to hang down vertically. Depending on application, the line guide apparatus 10 may extend differently.

[0088] Figure IC is a schematic representation of a deflection roller U, about which the line guide apparatus 10 is deflected. Depending on the weight load, for example the length of a freely suspended portion 12A, considerable radial forces may here act on the guide bodies 14 in the direction of radius R thereof.

[0089] FIGS. 2A-2B show a first exemplary embodiment of a guide body 14 for the line guide apparatus 10, which is further developed to absorb high radial forces. Each guide body 14 has inwardly a central member or central part 15A having a central axis A and a passage opening 16 coaxial therewith for passage of the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1A) and outwardly an outer part 15B, here with a total of four circumferential elements 17 each in the shape of an arc of a circle, here with an arc length of about 90, in order to hold the lines (not shown). Each circumferential element 17 to this end radially outwardly delimits a receiving region L open in the axial direction for one or more lines.

[0090] The central part 15A comprises a fastening device 18 for axially stationarily fastening the guide body 14 to the suspension cable 11 (cf. FIG. 2A). This is embodied in FIGS. 2A-2D as a screw clamping device 18 in the manner of an articulated clamping shell.

[0091] For this purpose, the central part 15A has two one-piece components 20A, 20B produced in one piece from plastics and which each have an inner clamping shell 21A, 21B. By virtue of their conjugate configuration, the clamping shells 21A, 21B form at one side a hinge-like joint 24 (see FIG. 2B) which swivelably connects the clamping shells 21A, 21B. At the opposite side, the clamping shells 21A, 21B have through screw openings for a clamping screw 25 to clamp the internally effectively U-shaped clamping shells 21A, 21B against each other. Other fastenings 18, e.g. quick-release clamping devices or the like, can alternatively also be considered. The clamping shells 21A, 21B further form centrally two approximately semi-cylindrical inner surfaces of the through opening 16. As a result of tightening the clamping shells 21A, 21B, the central part 15A, i.e. the guide body 14, is fastened to the carrying cable 11 since the inner surface of the passage opening 16 is fixed in force-locking relationship to the carrying strand 11. Profiling extending transversely of the central axis A, e.g. a clamping tooth arrangement or the like, is provided on the inner surfaces of the two clamping shells 21A, 21B for better axial securing.

[0092] As FIGS. 2B-2D show, each of the two components 20A, 20B in each case further comprises, in one piece with the respective clamping shell 21A, 21B, two radial bars 22A, 22B and 22C, 22D respectively. According to FIGS. 2A-2D, the central region or central part 15A thus comprises a total of four radial bars 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, which are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction with an angular spacing of around 90. FIG. 2D only shows the inner part 15A, folded open using the joint 24, without outer part 15B or circumferential elements 17, the degree of opening being sufficient for lateral mounting on the carrying strand 11.

[0093] The outer part 15B is mounted at the radially outer end region of in each case a first type of bar 22A or 22C, which are in each case of identical construction. These first bars 22A or 22C here mount two circumferential elements 17 in articulated manner, here in each case in pairs, by way of an articulated joint 23, in the manner of a hinge-like swivel joint or in the manner of a rotary joint. In this way, the two circumferential elements 17 are in each case connected to the corresponding bar 22A or 22C of the central part 15A swivelably by way of an associated articulated joint 23, for example a hinge, between the closed position in FIG. 2B and an open position in FIG. 2C. This facilitates insertion or removal of lines into or from one of the receiving regions L. The four circumferential elements 17 are here preferably standard parts and embodied in the form of quarter-circle arcs, for example as plastics parts, in particular molded parts produced by injection molding.

[0094] At a first end, the circumferential elements 17 form, for the articulated joint 23, axially extending swivel pins 23A or bearing bolts (FIG. 3B) rotatably mounted in a rotary receptacle 23B. The rotary receptacle 23B is provided on a hook-like, approximately tangentially arranged projection 23C, of which two are in each case arranged on both sides on the first type of bar 22A or 22C, as may be seen most clearly from FIG. 3C.

[0095] FIG. 3B further shows, at the first end of the circumferential element 17, two support faces 17A arranged in the axial direction on both sides next to the joint region with the swivel pin 23A, by way of which support faces the first end of the circumferential element 17 is supported on the respective radial bar 22A or 22C with the articulated joint 23 in the circumferential direction and against tilting in the axial direction, when the circumferential element 17 is closed. The support faces 17A here at the same time form the angular abutment of the closed position (FIG. 2B). Radially further to the outside lie two stop faces 17B for delimiting the swiveling-open angle in the fully open position (not in the stop position in FIG. 2C). Between the faces 17A, 17B, the first end of the circumferential element 17 forms a set-back unlocking face 17C, which, in cooperation with the hook-shaped projection 23C on the bar 22A, 22C, allows release of the swivel pin from the hook or the rotary receptacle 23B over only a limited angular range when the snap-fit connection at the second end is released, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0096] The second end of the circumferential element 17 also forms a support face 17D, by way of which the second end is circumferentially supportable against the corresponding radial bar 22B, 22D.

[0097] At the second end thereof, the circumferential elements 17 may be fastened to the two further bars 22B, 22D at the radial end regions of these second bars 22B, 22D, which are configured according to a second type, by snap-fit connection in order to close the circumferential elements 17 in the closed swivel position (FIG. 2B). To this end, the second end of the circumferential element 17 forms a latching receptacle 27A, which is latchable to a latching projection 27B of complementary or conjugate configuration on the second type of bar 22B or 22D, in order to secure the circumferential element 17 in the closed position. In this case, the latching receptacle 27A and the latching projection 27B are extended substantially in the tangential direction and configured in such a way that they can be undone by levering out or torsion about a tangential direction, but are not readily undone by purely radial forces. Furthermore, a securing projection 27C is provided on the latching projection 27B, which engages in a recess 27D at the second end of the circumferential element 17 in order to bring about securing in the circumferential direction.

[0098] FIGS. 2A-2C further show an annular resilient buffer 19 comprising an elastomer, which surrounds the circumferential elements 17 substantially over the full circumference. The buffer 19 can be rounded in cross-section or at the axial ends and toward the circumferential surface and serves on the one hand as an angular abutment for limiting the minimum deflection radius of the loop 13 (FIG. 1B) and on the other hand for damping radial shocks, for example on impact against the installation/machine or during transportation. The buffer 19 is held securely in the axial direction against the circumferential elements by having one or more projections on the inside (FIG. 2A) which engage in an annular recess on the outside of the circumferential elements 17. To this end, the circumferential elements 17 have a radially protruding edge 17E on both axial end faces to hold the buffer 19, as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0099] FIG. 3C further shows a radially protruding securing region 29A on the bar 22B, with a through screw opening 29B for a securing screw 29C with safety nut or the like to close the buffer 19 in captive manner and fasten it to the central part 15A. In this way, the circumferential elements 17 are simultaneously secured captively by the buffer to the central part 15A, cf. FIG. 2B, independently of the articulated joints 23 and the snap-fit connection 27A, 27B. The radial dimension of the bar 22B is accordingly larger by the dimension of the protruding securing region 29A than in the case of the bar 22D, which is otherwise identically embodied and in particular has latching projections 27B on both sides as in FIG. 3A, cf. FIG. 2B.

[0100] The internal diameter measured radially between the circumferential elements 17 is here greater than 350 mm, for example in the region of 400 mm.

[0101] Each buffer 19 is in the form of an open ring with a gap for mounting on the bar 22B and is closed with the securing screw 29. In the example shown here, the buffer 19 does not protrude axially beyond the circumferential elements 17 but is instead axially flush with the axial end of the circumferential elements 17; a protruding configuration is, however, possible. The resiliently shock-absorbing buffers 19 may be solid bodies or preferably, to save weight, also be embodied as profile bodies, as shown in FIG. 2A, or as hollow bodies.

[0102] FIG. 2A further shows two central axially projecting joint regions 26A, 26B of the central part 15A. They serve for defined low-wear relative movement of adjacent guide bodies 14 without transverse shifts relative to one another out of the extended position in the length portions 12A, 12B into the complete, angled position at the apex of the loop 13 (at the bottom in FIG. 1B) and back. To this end, each central part 15A has two joint regions 26A, 26B in opposite relationship at the ends, coaxially with the central axis A. The opposite joint regions 26A, 26B are of such a conjugate or paired embodiment that the one joint region 26A can be axially inserted releasably coaxially into the respective conjugate other joint region 26B of an adjacent guide body with the application of little or no force, in particular without needing a tool, and does not transmit any tensile forces in axial direction A. The construction of the joint regions 26A, 26B corresponds per se to the teaching of WO 2019/243377 A1.

[0103] FIGS. 4A-4B show an alternative exemplary embodiment of a guide body 44 for a line guide apparatus according to FIGS. 1A-1B. The guide body 44 has precisely three radial bars 42A, 42B, 42C. The radial bar 42A forms two articulated joints with the circumferential elements 47 mounted thereon, as in the case of the bar 22A in FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C. The radial bar 42A forms two snap-fit connections at its two ends with the circumferential elements 47 mounted thereon. The radial bar 42C, on the other hand, has an articulated joint at one end and at the other end a snap-fit connection with the adjoining circumferential elements 47. The circumferential elements 47 in this case have a radian measure of around 120 and may otherwise, in particular with regard to the articulated joint and snap-fit connection, correspond to the construction of FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C. The further features of the guide body 44 also correspond to the first exemplary embodiment, two radial bars 42A, 42B being provided on one of the components of the central part 15A and just one radial bar 42C being provided in one piece on the other component.

[0104] FIGS. 5A-5B show an alternative exemplary embodiment of a guide body 54 for a line guide apparatus according to FIGS. 1A-1B. The guide body 54 has precisely five radial bars 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E. Each radial bar 52A-52E here has at its radial end region on the one hand a projection for the articulated joint 23 corresponding to FIG. 3C and on the other hand a latching projection for snap-fit connection with a corresponding latching receptacle corresponding to FIGS. 3A-3B. In FIGS. 5A-5B, the circumferential elements 57 have a radian measure of around 70 and are otherwise, in particular with regard to the articulated joint and snap-fit connection, embodied in accordance with the construction of FIG. 2A to FIG. 3C. The further features of the guide body 54 also correspond to the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2D, three radial bars 52A, 52B and 52C here being provided on one of the components of the central part 15A and two radial bars 52D, 52E being provided in one piece on the other.

[0105] An independent second aspect of the invention is now explained with reference to FIGS. 6-7. FIGS. 6A-6B show an exemplary embodiment of a line guide apparatus 60. The line guide apparatus 60 is depicted in FIG. 6A merely for exemplary illustration in the extended position and shortened with regard to practical applications.

[0106] The line guide apparatus 60 for example allows, relative to Figure IC, a markedly reduced radius of curvature or bending radius KR, cf. FIG. 6B compared with the construction known for example from WO 2019/243377 A1.

[0107] To this end, in each case at least one spacer body 70 is provided between in each case two guide bodies 14 on the carrying strand, not shown here, cf. FIG. 1A, in the longitudinal portion to be deflected (FIG. 6B) or over the entire length of the line guide apparatus 60. The spacer body 70 ensures axial spacing between the central parts 15A (cf. FIGS. 2A-2D or FIGS. 4-5) of two guide bodies 14. The guide bodies 14 may in this case have a per se known construction with central part 15A and outer part 15B, for example a construction from WO 2019/243377 A1 or indeed according to appended FIGS. 2A-2D or FIGS. 4-5, and are therefore not described in any greater detail.

[0108] In contrast to FIGS. 1-5, the line guide apparatus 60 thus does not consist of identical bodies or links, but rather has two different bodies or links as the main component parts in addition to the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1A).

[0109] As FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate, however, the spacer bodies 70 are configured differently from the guide bodies 14 and have a considerably reduced external diameter compared to the guide bodies 14. The spacer bodies 70 in particular do not have any outer part 15B comparable with guide bodies 14 and do not serve to guide or radially hold lines. In the present example, the spacer bodies 70 do not have any parts protruding radially through the receiving space L, such that the outer parts 15B of two guide bodies 14 held spaced by the spacer body 70 can rest directly against one another in a fully deflected relative position, as shown in FIG. 6B. This enables a markedly smaller bending radius, also in the case of guide bodies 14 with large dimensions in terms of external diameter and/or in the axial direction of the outer part 15B.

[0110] In the example of FIGS. 6A-6B, every second link-like body of the line guide apparatus 60, when viewed along the carrying cable, is a guide body 14 and alternating therewith every second body is a spacer body 70, but other arrangements also fall within the scope of the invention, for example with two spacer bodies 70 between every two guide bodies 14.

[0111] As revealed by a comparison of the cross-section or front view of FIG. 7D with for example FIG. 2B, the spacer bodies 70 have a compactly configured outer contour in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This is intended to lie substantially within the radially inner boundary, defined by the central part 15A of the guide bodies 14, of the receiving region L (cf. for example FIG. 2B) for the lines.

[0112] The spacer bodies 70 connect two adjacent bodies, i.e. guide bodies 14 or spacer bodies 70, in a spatially deflectable and articulated manner. To this end, the spacer body has two joint regions 76A, 76B at opposite ends, which are embodied to correspond with corresponding joint regions 26A, 26B (cf. FIG. 2A) of the central parts 15A of the guide bodies 14. The construction of the joint regions 26A, 26B or 76A, 76B corresponds per se for example to the teaching of WO 2019/243377 A1 and may inter alia enable an axially releasable, ball joint-like connection, here with joint head 26A, 76A and joint receptacle 26B, 76B. The spacer bodies 70 are dimensioned in such a way in the axial direction that a constantly uniform chain pitch T is achieved over the length.

[0113] The maximum external diameter d of the spacer bodies 70 is preferably less than 30% of the external diameter D of the outer parts 15B of the guide bodies 14 and preferably no greater than the delimited internal diameter of the receiving region L. The external diameter of the outer parts 15B may in particular be greater than 2.8 times the chain pitch T, the spacer bodies 70 nevertheless enabling a very small bending radius KR, for example of less than 150% of the external diameter of the outer parts 15B, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0114] The spacer bodies 70 consist of two elongate half shell-like components 71, 72, which in the fitted state form an axial passage opening 73 for the carrying strand. For form-and/or force-locking fastening to the carrying strand 11, the spacer body 70 is embodied in the manner of an articulated clamping shell. Components 71, 72 form a clamping joint 74, in the form of a hinge with axis parallel to the longitudinal direction, which clamps the two shell-like components 71, 72 by way of a diametrically opposing clamping screw 75, with generation of a clamping force radially against the carrying strand 11 (cf. FIGS. 7B-7D). Components 71, 72 have an interfering edge-free outer contour and are embodied without radially protruding bars.