# US 10,309,488 B2 · Energy chain device with at least one drive device for long travel paths

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 10,309,488 B2
- Document ID: US10309488B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/654,750
- Filed: 2013-12-20
- Published: 2015-11-19
- Granted: 2019-06-04
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-24
- Assignees: Tsubaki Kabelschlepp GmbH
- Applicants: Tsubaki Kabelschlepp GmbH
- Inventors: Uwe Kemper; Jochen Bensberg; Dirk Schöler
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10309488B2

## CPC

- F16G 13/16: with arrangements for holding electric cables, hoses, or the like
- F16G 13/20: stiff; Push-pull chains
- G05B 15/02: electric
- H02G 11/006: {using extensible carrier for the cable, e.g. self-coiling spring (extensible conductors or cables H01B7/06)}
- H02G 3/0475: {formed by a succession of articulated units}
- F16G: BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)
- H02G: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES

## Abstract

An energy chain device includes at least one energy chain for guiding lines, cables, hoses or the like between a fixed and a movable connection region so as to form a curved region between a moved strand and a stationary strand. Each energy chain has a number of links which are connected to one another in a flexible manner and are formed by link plates which are arranged parallel to one another and transverse webs which connect the link plates. The energy chain device further includes at least one drive device which is operatively connected to the moved strand, and a control unit which is connected to the drive device so as to transmit signals and is connectable so as to transmit signals to a control device of a device which is connectable to the movable connection region.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An energy chain device, comprising:
at least one energy chain for guiding lines, cables, or hoses between a fixed and a movable connection region so as to form a curved region between a movable strand and a stationary strand, each energy chain having a number of links which are connected to one another flexibly and are formed by link plates which are arranged parallel to one another and transverse webs which connect said link plates,
at least one drive device which is operatively connected to the movable strand, and
a control unit which is connected to the drive device so as to transmit signals and is connectable so as to transmit signals to a control device of a device which is connectable to the movable connection region;
wherein several drive devices which are spaced apart from one another are arranged along a travel path of the movable strand.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a sensor unit which is connected to the control unit so as to transmit signals, wherein the sensor unit detects a movement of the movable connection region.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided a coupling device, by means of which the movable connection region is detachably connectable to an entrainment means of a device.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the movable connection region and the entrainment means are movable relative to one another inside a predefined section of the at least one energy chain.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive device comprises at least one driven roller.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive device comprises at least one driven endless belt.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive device comprises an electric drive motor.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some links are in communication with at least one drive device.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one portion of the movable strand is guided in a guide channel.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive device is a braking device.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The energy chain device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one braking device is provided.