EP3782250A1

EP3782250A1 - Monitoring system for operating a cable drag chain

Info

Publication number: EP3782250A1
Application number: EP19718595.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Konstantin SCHMER
Original assignee: Igus GmbH
Current assignee: Igus GmbH
Priority date: 2018-04-20
Filing date: 2019-04-05
Publication date: 2021-02-24
Also published as: CN112703647A; JP7386806B2; US20210164872A1; TWI826437B; CN112703647B; AU2019254266A1; KR20210005088A; CA3097052A1; BR112020021019A2; WO2019201626A1; TW201944044A; JP2021522764A; DE202018102217U1; SG11202010392UA

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring system (1) for a cable drag chain (10) which: guides at least one cable (12) between two connection points (13a, 13b) which can be moved relative to one another; and has chain portions as guide regions of the at least one cable (12), said chain portions being positionally adjustable relative to one another when the connection points (13a, 13b) are moved relative to one another. The monitoring system (1) also comprises: at least one tension-relieving device (20) having a cable holding means (21) coupled to the cable (12); a support part (30) at at least one of the connection points (13a, 13b) which immovably fixes the tension-relieving device (20) and by means of which the end of the at least one cable (12) is fixed in a tension-relieving manner; and at least one measuring device (50) for monitoring the operation of the cable drag chain (10). The measuring device (50) is positioned and designed for measuring forces which are exerted on the fixed cable (12) during operation of the cable drag chain (10) and/or which are transmitted from the at least one cable (12) in the direction of the carrier part (30).

Description

"Monitoring system for the operation of an energy supply chain"

The invention relates to a monitoring system for the operation of an energy guiding chain according to the preamble of claim 1.

Cable drag chains with these led lines are exposed to a great deal of stress, both with regard to the chain itself and with respect to the lines routed in it. On the one hand, this relates to wear of components of the energy guiding chain, for example joint areas of the chain links. Often, the chain is arranged between the two relatively movable connection points with the formation of a order directing area, which connects, for example, a top and bottom strand of the chain. When moving the chain, this deflection area moves through the chain. Consequently, the lines routed in the energy guiding chain are also subject to a deformation when a predefined line section is transferred from a less curved, for example, linear state, to a more curved state, as present in the deflection region. By driving back and forth one of the connection points thus mechanical stress is exerted on the line, in particular Biegebeanspru chungen. With fast passage of the chain and a certain flexural rigidity of the lines thus very high claims arise. Further, during acceleration or deceleration of a chain end due to the movement of the chain on the line tensile and / or shear forces are exerted in the longitudinal direction. Only these loads on the line can lead to wear of the cable. However, differently constructed lines or lines with different cross sections are also subject to a different wear. The alternating stresses of the lines in the passage of the energy chain can also lead under certain circumstances to a certain relaxation of the support of the lines, especially at the strain relief of the respective line. These Wechselbeanspru tions can also cause the respective line changes its desired position within the energy supply chain undesirable.

The desired position of the line is usually determined so that in the process of chain line sections do not come into contact with other components such as. The chain links inner sides, including other Lei, undesirable. Changes the line at least in a partial area in deviation from the desired position, so the line section undesirable another component of the chain, such as one that defines the chain interior, or come into contact with another line. However, such contact, in particular rubbing, bumping or hitting, can also lead to considerable wear of the pipe.

However, the wear of the line, in particular due to the passage of the chain, but requires maintenance of the lines in Zeitab conditions to avoid a failure of the same. A line failure would require downtime and replacement of the line and could also result in damage to the line powered machine, leakage of media in the line through exit into the environment, breakage of a line, or damage to other lines or lines Chain, etc. lead. On the other hand, such maintenance itself always means unwanted machine downtime, which are to minimize possible speed.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a monitoring system for the operation of an energy chain with at least one guided in this line, through which the maintenance intervals can be optimized for checking the condition of the lines and / or incipient damage to a line without shutting down the energy chain can be detected early. This object is achieved by a monitoring system according to claim 1 and by the provision of a strain relief device for such a monitoring system according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments result from the subclaims.

According to the invention, at least one measuring device for measuring forces is provided for solving the task, which are exercised when loading the energy chain on the Festge to be determined or Festge laid line and / or which during operation of the chain of the at least one line in the direction of and / or be transferred into the carrier part. Thus, it was found in the course of the invention that during operation of the energy chain from the at least one line in the direction of and / or in the Trä gerteil transmitted forces (also generally called "conduction forces") may be a measure of the wear of the line , in particular with otherwise identical operating parameters of the chain, or over a period of changing conduction forces with otherwise identical operating parameters of the chain can be concluded on the wear or at least indications of such a result.This period can be a significant fraction of an otherwise usual Represent maintenance interval, in which thus can already occur a significant wear of a line.

From WO 2004/090375 Al a monitoring device for a power transmission chain is already known. By means of this, the wear of chain links and the joints between them can be monitored. However, the wear of the chain or the joint connections of chain sections correlated with each other in no way with the wear of in-line guided lines, as other materials and other conditions are mechanical Belastun given. This is especially true if lines of different types are routed in the chain. The Leitungsver wear at a given Kettenverfahrung depends here on the one hand on the type of conduit, but possibly also on the arrangement of the line within the chain, for example. Whether the line is located near or away from the line connecting the chain link elements. Also, the sensitivity of the lines for mechanical Belas tungsspitzen, eg. With rapid acceleration of the chain, from depend on concrete line structure. The monitoring device of WO 2004/090375 Al thus does not solve the invention underlying lowing task.

For example, does a line (in general also: "lines") change its position within the energy supply chain (in general also:

"Chain") in deviation from the desired position for normal operation, this may cause the line with a section against another component such as. A portion of the chain link or a device thereof or to another line beats or at this This can occur repeatedly during operation of the chain, for example during each traversing cycle, and thus lead to wear A change in position of a Lei processing section from the desired position can be done, for example, if the fixing the line fixing slightly loosens or the line in With regard to its longitudinal extension, it is undesirably deformed, for example, with a partial region in the chain link, which is laterally displaced from the end region of the conduit in the longitudinal direction of the conduit, for example in the middle region of the conduit , Rubbing or the like produced Forces at the end of this line are measured technically detectable and are transmitted from the line end in the direction of the strain relief of this line or on this strain relief and beyond in the direction of or on the support member and also in this area of the power transmission or on these components messtech nisch are detectable. By measuring these conduction forces an already beginning wear of the line can thus be detected early and, for example. Countermeasures are taken in time, such as the line again in their desired position to fixie ren. Alternatively, if there is no indication of incipient wear Ver due to lack of deviation of the line forces The maintenance interval is extended by the expected line forces and thus machine downtime is avoided. The "line powers to be expected" can be determined, for example, by a reference measurement with non-wear-impairing or new lines It is understood that the chain is operated in each case with the same operating parameters. Furthermore, in the case of a long service life of the chain, the lines routed in the chain may be subject to operational aging, for example a permanent extension or elongation of the line. An associated reduction in cross-section can also affect the supply of the consumer connected to the chain lines chers. In the case of copper cables, for example, the copper core of the cable can thereby reduce its cross section. As has been found in the course of the invention, this strain can lead to a change in the power transmission of the line to the Zugent

load device (generally also "strain relief") with otherwise identical operating conditions of the chain such as Verfahrge speed, Verfahrbeschleunigung etc. Thus, due to the permanent elongation of the line characteristics dersel ben, which the transmission of forces in the process of the chain of the line on or in the direction of the strain relief of the line and possibly beyond in the direction of the support member, such as the flexural rigidity of the Lei device, without being bound by theory., When the chain is thus a section of the line bent If this is detected by the deflection of the chain, so forces are transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the line as shear and / or tensile forces on or towards the strain relief but these forces change with changing mechanical properties of the line such as their flexural rigidity , with otherwise identical operating parameters de r chain.

The same may apply if due to wear of a line section other properties of the line change, which are important for the application of force from the line to the strain relief or in the direction of the strain relief or further in the direction of the support member, such as the flexural rigidity of Management. Such a change may, for example, result from (i) abrasion of a cable sheath varying its wall thickness, (ii) due to repeated mechanical stresses, individual layers of a conductor sheath detach from each other or their adhesion to each other changes, (iii) individual layers Due to aging, the line changes its properties, such as changing its strength or stiffness and / or (iv) the conduit changes its extension shape and plastically deforms with respect to its longitudinal extension, for example, spirally twisted ver in the longitudinal direction.

The aging of the line can thus be monitored on the basis of the forces exerted on or in the direction of the strain relief or the carrier part. For example, tensile forces and / or shear forces, but also, for example, torsional forces or other forces, can be carried out "Maintenance or replacement of the line can take place when the age-related change and thus also the exerted As a result, the maintenance intervals of the lines themselves can be optimized, for example under consideration of the stresses or operating times of the respective chain.

As a "support member" in the context of the invention, the component should be understood that fixes the strain relief at the junction of this against stationary, for example, is firmly screwed to this, and forces derives from the strain relief in the connection point Thus, the carrier part must not for the most part be changed in position relative to the environment or the chain and / or the lines.Thus, the carrier part can be, for example, a retaining rail for the strain relief which is fixedly fixed to the ground, for example screwed in. If, for example, there is a final fastening part opposite side tabs, wherein the side flaps are fixedly fixed to the ground, and is a retaining rail for the strain relief only in the se tenlaschen plugged, the retaining rail is assigned to the strain relief.

In general, the strain relief outside or within the energy chain, for example, at a Endbefestigungsteil the chain, be set, the Endbefestigungsteil can be fixed and force-receiving fixed to the junction, for example by screwing. Is the strain relief on the Endbefestigsteil the chain set, so the Endbefesti can supply part understood in the context of the invention as a support member. For example, the strain relief can also be arranged outside the chain, for example in the chain longitudinal direction behind the Endbefestigungs part of the chain. Optionally, a Zugent load may also be arranged in a central region of the chain with respect to its longitudinal extent.

In the context of the invention, the term "energy guide chain" is understood to mean a cable guide device with relatively mutually displaceable chain links, in particular articulated interconnected Kettenab, wherein the individual chain links can be releasably or non-releasably fixed to each other beispielswei se, the energy chain with the multiple chain links The chain provides a chain interior in which the at least one line or a multiplicity of lines is routed, The chain interior is structurally limited to guide the lines within the chain, preferably for surrounding purposes.

The chain is preferably arranged with the formation of an upper run, Un trum and an arranged between these deflecting, wherein the connection points are provided at the end regions of the upper and lower run. The chain can also be arranged spirally wound and at least one of the connection points to be moved about an axis of rotation. Other spatial arrangements of the chain and travel paths thereof are also included in the invention.

Preferably, the measuring device for measuring shear and / or tensile forces and / or torsional forces and / or Biegekräf th, particularly preferably for the measurement of shear and / or Zugkräf th, trained, which exercised in the operation of the energy supply chain on the festzulegende or fixed line be and / or which are transmitted during operation of the chain of the at least one line in the direction of and / or in the carrier part. However, the measuring device may also be designed to measure other forces which act on the line and / or transmitted from this. With regard to the power transmission direction from the line in the direction of the carrier part, the at least one sensor of the measuring device can each couple directly to the line. The coupling of the sensor to the line can in this case in power transmission direction of the line in the direction of the support member in particular before the strain relief on the line couple, possibly also behind the strain relief. According to a preferred variant, the at least one sensor of the measuring device does not directly connect to the line, which may also apply to all sensors of the measuring device. The term "couple" with respect to the sensor is generally understood as a measuring pickup coupling for detecting the measured variable.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term "sensor" also encompasses the arrangement of a plurality of sensors, unless otherwise stated in the context.

Particularly advantageous is the measuring device with respect to the direction of a power flow of the at least one gent gentetermination to be determined or specified line in the carrier part force measuring effectively arranged between the line and the support member. As a result, the forces transmitted during the chain travel from the line to the strain relief device and from there further in the direction of the carrier part and thus derived can be measured by means of the measuring device. The measuring device can in this case measure effectively coupled to a component, which is directly in the power flow of the power transmission from the line, in particular fixed to the strain relief line area or line end, on the strain relief in the direction of the support member or in the support member. However, "in the direction of the force flow" also includes compo le, which are not directly in said power flow, but whose position or state, such as mechanical stress or torsion state, by the said power flow changes (or by its changes). For measuring coupling, in each case one sensor of the measuring device can be attached to the said construction part or coupled to it by force measurement Sensor for measurement is activated or can be activated for this purpose.

According to one embodiment, the measuring device force measuring effectively directly to the line itself, especially in the power transmission direction before the strain relief of this line, so that forces acting on the line can be measured directly ge. Preferably, however, the measuring device does not directly connect to the line, which has the advantage that, when replacing the line, the measuring device is not decoupled from the line to be replaced and must be coupled to the new line.

It is understood that the force measurement by the measuring device, the force acting on the respective component when moving the chain or from the line in the direction of the support part transmis gene force is measured directly or can be measured, or a physical size, which with correlated to said force. The force can be measured, for example, by a slight change in position of the respective component due to the forces transmitted by the Lei device in the direction of the support member, but for example on the basis of voltages which will carry on the component through the forces exerted by the line, elastic deformations of the component as Verbie supply or torsion thereof or the like. For example, the forces exerted by the line in the direction of the carrier part can also be measured by a slight change in position of a component lying in the direction of force flow, which may also be determined optically or by other measuring methods, for example by acceleration sensors or the like.

Preferably, the measuring device is designed as a force measuring device, that is, for example, in the form of a load cell, strain gauge, load cell, piezoelectric element, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor or the like, or this as measuring-active element. Preferably, the measuring devices comprises at least one or more load cells for detecting the respective measured variable. The force measurement can be done as a direct or indi rect force measurement. For example, physical quantities resulting from the transmission of force, such as vibration or vibration of the corresponding one in the force flow, can also be generated. direction lying component are measured. When coupling the measuring device to the said, between the line and the support member lying in the direction of force flow between the measuring device can generally when needed to couple to a reference part with anchor point to measure the transmitted from the line on the component forces. The reference point may be a stationary anchor point located outside the chain. The Kraftauf participants of the measuring device can generally on the one hand to the respective component to which conduction forces are transmitted, and on the other hand to couple to the anchor point to measure the force exerted on the component conduction forces.

Particularly preferably, the measuring device is coupled to the strain relief force-measuring in order to measure the force exerted on a passage of the chain from the line to the strain relief forces. This has the advantage that when replacing the line, the measuring device, for example, not to decouple from the Lei device and is to be coupled to the new line. Ande hand, the forces exerted at a Verfahrung the chain of the conditions conditions are largely or virtually completely absorbed by the strain relief of the respective line, so that the transmitted forces are comparatively accurate and thus measurable changes in power transmission due to wear of the lines or these causing events such as a stop of the line on a chain link, for example in the region of the inner radius of the chain, in particular in the deflection of the same. The measuring device can also be coupled to different areas of the strain relief device in a force-measuring manner, for example in order to measure relative force changes between these areas.The measuring device can also have several sensors, such as force transducers which couple force-measuring to strain-relieved brackets provided for different lines in order to measure the forces exerted by the line on the strain relief during the chain movement If several lines are provided which are mounted on a strain relief device for strain relief, then a single line or one can be used smaller subgroup of the larger total number of lines specified at the be identified which wear due to changing de forces exert on the strain relief.

Particularly preferably, the measuring device may have at least one or more sensors, which couple in each case force-measuring at least or to exactly one line holding means of the strain relief. The conductor holding means is in this case the means of strain relief, which cooperates directly zugentlastend with the line. The strain relief, for example, a

Be clamping device, wherein the line holding means can be designed as Klemmmit tel as jaws. By coupling the measuring device to the line holding means, the forces exerted by the line on the strain relief forces can be measured very accurately, as they are transmitted from the line directly to the line holding means. On the other hand, when the line is replaced, the coupling of the measuring device or the sensor to the line holding means can be maintained, which substantially facilitates the maintenance of the chain and / or a line exchange. In addition, in particular, several sensors of the measuring devices on several line holding means kraftmes send couple, so that when multiple lines in a chain individual lines or subgroups of lines can be easily identified, which are exposed to increased wear compared to other lines and thus over a longer period of operation the chain with a variety of traversing movements of the chain, the direction of the lines on the Zugentlas direction or in the direction of the carrier part changed chain. This has the advantage that in an arrangement of a plurality of lines in a chain is not immediately apparent by visual inspection during maintenance, which of the lines is exposed to increased wear and the wear point on the line is not always easy to locate.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the Zugent utilization device on a support region, by means of which the at least one conductor holding means is attached to the device Zugentlastungseinrich, wherein the measuring device couples with the support region of the strain relief force-measuring. Such a Stützbe rich, for example, be the strap of a strap clamp on which are set zugentlastend several lines. A strain relief of a chain often includes several such support areas, wherein at a support area a smaller sub-group of the total number of run in the chain lines is relieved of strain. In this way, a subset of the lines can be identified, in which at least one or more lines is exposed to increased wear / are compared with lines of other subgroups, which are guided in the chain and set to the gent gent. Such a support region may for example also be a strain relief block of a strain relief, which comprises a plurality of such line holding means for a plurality of lines. Such a support region may for example also be a holding block of a strain relief, which connects a plurality of strain relief blocks with each other.

The support area and the line holding means of Zugent

Lastungseinrichtung are preferably ausgebil det as separate components, so that, for example, by exchanging the Leitungshaltemit tel with different cross sections lines under different diameters of the strain relief can be fixed. If, for example, when retrofitting a chain on lines with other outer diameter or other line media to exchange the Lei tion holding means, so the support areas may optionally remain at the strain relief and / or the sensors of the measuring device must not be decoupled from the support area. A conversion of the chain is thus much easier. Nevertheless, the support area is arranged with respect to the power transmission of the lines in the direction of the support member in the direction of force flow near the lines, so that the forces exerted by the lines and their changes over the operating life of the chain are comparatively accurately measurable.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the strain relief device comprises a base element with which the gent gent is held on the support member and fixed. The measuring device is preferably coupled to the base element in a force-measuring manner. Such a base element may, for example, be the foot of a strain relief, for example the foot of a strap clamp designed as a strain relief, with which said tension clamp is held force-absorbing on the support member, for example, a retaining rail thereof. The base element can beispielswei se also be designed as a bar or block, which sets the gent gent to the support member, for example by Ver screw connection. The base element is in this case usually arranged outside of the cable-guiding overall cross-section of the chain.

In the arrangement of one or more lines in the chain and thus also on the strain relief device is thus the Ankop pelung the measuring device to the base element is not hindered by the lines, especially when replacing the lines. Furthermore, a review of the intended force-measuring coupling of the measuring device to the Sockelele element is facilitated, since it is not affected or disturbed by the large number of lines.

The support element and / or base element to which the sensor of the measuring device respectively according to the invention couples, may be a sepa rate component of the strain relief or integrally formed on another element thereof. In particular, Stützbe rich and base area can be integrally formed with each other.

It is understood that the individual embodiments can be realized with force-transmitting coupling of the measuring device to the individual elements or regions of the strain relief, such as line holding means and / or support region and / or base region, in combination with each other.

If the measuring device has a plurality of sensors for measurement according to the invention, which are coupled to different components, for example to a plurality of parts of the strain relief, then these sensors can be mounted prepositioned on a sensor holding device. The Sensorhaiteeinrichtung can be positioned in the region of the chain, for example. At the strain relief, to couple the sensors by measurement to the desired components for Kraftmes solution. The assembly cost of the sensors is so wesent Lich easier.

According to a particularly preferred modification, the measuring device has two or more sensors, such as force transducers, for example. which, with different areas of one and the same component to which conduction forces are transmitted, receive measurement value in order to measure relative force differences between the two named areas of the same component. Instead of the construction part may also be a component group, wherein the individual components of this group are preferably fixed force-transmitting to each other, particularly preferably relative to each other lageunver changeable. For this purpose, for example, strain gauges or other transducers, in particular force transducers, can be coupled to various areas of a component such as a support region and / or a base region of the strain relief device and / or the line itself. As a result, relative differences of the forces acting on the two mentioned areas can be determined by means of the measuring device. As a result, for example, an elastic deformation of the component such as a bend and / or a torsion due to the conduction forces can be measured. As a result, valuable information can be obtained to monitor the stress on the line, which can be to Be mood of the maintenance interval of significant importance.

According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the measuring device has a plurality of sensors such as force sensors, which couple reading different components, which arranged in the transmission direction of the line forces in the direction of the support member between the line or in the region of Zugentlas device line end and the support member are, for example, at different Leitungsendbereichen, and / or various components of the strain relief and / or the carrier part. In particular, this coupling of the multiple Sen sensors may refer to various components of the strain relief, which serve the strain relief of different lines, so example, different conduction and / or various support elements and / or various base elements for fixing various lines. As a result, it can be detected, for example, that certain lines or line subgroups are exposed to other loads such as alternating stresses than other lines or line subgroups as a result of the chain approach. Hereby, valuable information can be provided for monitoring the lines. tions are determined, especially when these line forces change to different lines or line subgroups relative to each other.

In each case, a strain relief device is preferably provided at both connection points of the energy guiding chain, which loads the at least one line to be determined with regard to tensile forces acting on it in the process of the energy transmission chain. It can be provided at one or both of the connection points measuring devices according to the invention. As a result, forces exerted, in particular, on a movable connection point and / or on a stationary connection point by the lines in the direction of the carrier part can be recorded separately by means of the measuring device arranged on the latter, if appropriate on both. Since the force is introduced into the chain and thus also into the lines at the movable connection point on the basis of their Verfahrung, different alternating stresses can act on the lines at both connection points. The line monitoring can thereby be made more efficient or more sensitive in certain applications.

The monitoring system preferably has an evaluation unit in order to store the measured values of the sensors detected by the measuring device and / or to evaluate them with regard to a possible or given wear of the lines.

The evaluation unit can be configured to determine, for example, deviations of the actual values of the determined measured variables or of variables derived therefrom from predetermined desired values taking into account predetermined tolerances. The derived sizes can be derived from the measured values, for example on the basis of a given physical and / or mathematical dependency. Thus, for example, a measured force can be converted into a pressure taking into account a predetermined area. The setpoints with tolerances may be set to ensure proper operation of the lines over a period of time, such as a timed maintenance interval. The evaluation unit can be configured to determine, for example, temporal changes of the actual values or of variables derived therefrom over a period of time which can be within the maintenance interval, for example after each or after a given number of travel cycles of the chain. Changes in the operating state of the lines can be detected. In this way can be extrapolated to reaching the tolerance limit in time and estimated the remaining operating time of the line up to a required maintenance.

Preferably, the evaluation unit is signal-transmitting connected to a signal device which transmits a monitoring signal or interference signal to a monitoring person. Thus, in the event of deviations of the actual values of the line forces from the setpoint values or with a time change of the actual values beyond a predetermined threshold value, an interference signal can be emitted by means of the signal device, which indicates, for example, a maintenance requirement or stops the relative movement of the connection points relative to one another.

The evaluation unit can also store further operating parameters of the chain, which are preferably present in the same traversing cycle of the chain or at the same time as the detection of the forces acting on the line or transmitted from the line in the direction of the carrier part by the measuring device. These operating parameters of the chain can be measured by other suitable measuring devices. Such operating parameters may be, for example, the travel speed of the chain or the acceleration of the chain during the travel movement, in particular the maximum travel speed of the chain or the maximum acceleration of the chain in the travel cycle of the force measurement according to the invention. At maximum acceleration of the chain also maximum loads are exerted on the lines of the chain usually. These further operating parameters of the chain can be displayed together with the determined measured values according to the invention of the forces exerted by the lines (line forces) and / or used to evaluate the line forces. For example, correlations of the measured values of the line forces with the other operating parameters can be carried out be driving, for example, by known mathematical Auswertever or algorithms. Thus, for example, measured values of the line forces can be used separately for evaluation if selected operating parameters of the chain, such as those mentioned above, exceed a specific threshold value or lie in predefined ranges.

In operation of the chain is usually at least one of the Anschlus selemente same moves in a reciprocating movement between Maxi malpositions, which define a traversing cycle of the chain and thus also guided by this lines. This can be given, for example, in arrangement of the chain with upper strand, under rum and this connecting deflection of the chain, the junction of the upper strand performs this reciprocating motion.

Depending on the consumer, which is supplied by the run in the chain lines with media and / or energy, different traversing movements of the connection points are given to each other. Thus, according to one variant, the different traversing cycles of the chain can always be the same, ie the same time-dependent profiles of the chain traversing speed and chain acceleration can be given, which is understood here as "uniform operation of the chain." This can be the case if the consumer operates an automated For such cases, with always at least substantially identical recurring chain traverse cycles, it is usually sufficient to measure only the forces transmitted by the respective line in the direction of the carrier element by means of the measuring device according to the invention It should be understood that, for the sake of completeness, the chain operating pair is also used here to determine the forces exerted by the respective line in the direction of the carrier element and their deviation from a nominal value or temporal changes of these line forces can be detected and displayed in the Auswer teeinrichtung and / or stored together with or in relation to the conduction forces of the respective gene Verfahrzyklus. On the other hand, according to another variant, the different which traversing cycles of the chain significantly different from each other, so different time-dependent profiles of Kettenver speed and / or chain acceleration and / or different travels of the connection points, finally different maximum distances of Anschlusstel len each other in different traversing cycles , This can be understood as being the case where the load is moved manually with the connection point, for example in a manually controlled crane installation the un uniform Kettenverfahrzyklen towards the Zugentlas device and / or the support member are exercised.

In uneven chain operation, the descriptions below NEN developments are particularly preferred. According to a variant, at the beginning of the maintenance interval, the chain is traversed with a predefined traversing cycle, that is to say with a defined traverse path of the at least one movable connection point, speeds of the chain movement defined by the traverse path and defined accelerations. During this traversing cycle (reference cycle), the line forces are measured and stored by the evaluation unit as a reference value. The reference cycle can also be a selected travel cycle. After a predetermined number of traversing cycles, which is substantially less than the total number of expected within the maintenance interval traversing cycles, again a Referenzverfahrung the chain can be taken before and then measured at the measuring device actual values are compared with the reference value taking into account given Toleran zen. At significantly different traversing cycles of the chain and different conduction forces are practiced, so that by the described procedure changes or aging of the lines can be compared with the reference value and the different operations of the chain in terms of the evaluation of the results of the line forces are simply eliminated can. The reference measurements can, for example, take place after a number of chain traversing cycles. According to another variant in non-uniform chain operation, as described in the first variant, a reference measurement of the conduction forces can take place with predefined running of the chain, or any traversing cycle can be selected as the reference measurement. During the further traversing cycles, the essential traversing parameters of the chain such as length and / or direction of travel, speeds of the chain travel during a travel cycle, in particular the maximum speed, chain acceleration or maximum chain acceleration during a travel cycle, etc., can be measured and stored in the evaluation unit , It is understood that these values can be determined for each travel cycle or only for part of the travel cycles, preferably at fixed intervals. To determine any wear of the lines, which is manifested or manifested by changing line forces, then, for example, the measurement of the line forces of different Ver driving cycles can be compared with each other, in which the chain performs an at least substantially similar traversing movement, so for example, predetermined motion parameters The chain differ only in a predetermined tolerance range, so for example, deviations of the maximum speed and / or maximum acceleration of the chain movement in the traversing cycle differ by less than 10% or less than 5% of the ent speaking parameters of the reference cycle. It is understood that in this case also a plurality of predetermined reference cycles can be traversed, which are defined in relation to the parameters of the chain chain, but in significant operating parameters of the chain such as maximum Kettenge speed and / or maximum chain acceleration, etc. signi fikant differ , As a result, a plurality of reference cycles can be defined, which can be distributed over the bandwidth of different operating modes of the chain.

A further variant of the monitoring system consists in that the evaluation unit is configured in such a way as to compare different traverse cycles of the chain by calculation with the reference cycle. For example, it is to be expected that when the maximum acceleration of the chain is doubled, the cable forces will increase, for example by a factor of four. hen. The operating parameters of the chain determined with a certain movement of the chain can hereby be converted to the reference values by a predetermined algorithm. The algorithm can be based on assumptions of how the conduction forces change with changes in an operating parameter, or these dependencies can be determined experimentally, in which the chain is operated on different operating parameters, the line forces are measured and a mathematical compensation calculation is performed to determine the physical dependencies of the changing operating parameters to determine changing line forces.

Further comprising the invention is a Zugentlastungsein direction for one or more ge in a power transmission chain leading lines, comprising a line holding means for zugent constricting fixing the at least one line and with at least one sensor such as force transducer, which rich on a Teilbe or a component of the strain relief device is coupled or can be coupled and which part of a measuring device for measuring the line forces, ie the forces exerted on the fixed or fixed line during operation of the energy supply chain and / or which during operation of the chain of the at least one line in the direction the carrier part will be transferred. Preferably, the measuring device or at least the at least one sensor is also part of the thus further developed strain relief device. The invention further developed strain relief device is configured and provided to be set in a monitoring system according to the invention.

Said force transducer or sensor can be coupled to the cable management means of the strain relief device or configured for coupling to the coupling. The load cell or sensor can be coupled to the coupling device to a support area and / or base area of the gent gentseinrichtung to be configured or for coupling to this. It is understood that the various Vari can also be provided in combination with each other.

In general, the force transducer or sensor can be coupled to a region of the strain relief device, which between the Line holding means and the attachment portion of Zugentlas processing device for fixing the same is arranged on the support member is. It is understood that the "coupling" of the force sensor or sensor on the strain relief device or the respectively described area thereof represents a measured-receiving coupling with respect to the line forces.

Also included in the invention is a method for monitoring the operation of an energy guiding chain, in particular for monitoring at least one line guided in an energy guiding chain during operation of the chain, using the monitoring system according to the invention. Preferably, the monitoring system comprises an evaluation device and / or a signal device. On the other comments on the subject invention and the operation of the chain and their monitoring is fully referenced.

The invention will be explained by way of example with reference to exemplary embodiments. All features of the Ausführungsbeispie le are independently or in combination with each other also generally in the context of the invention - that is, regardless of the particular embodiment - disclosed. Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of an energy supply chain with monitoring device;

2 shows a detail view according to FIG. 1;

3 shows a schematic representation of a strain relief of a first embodiment with sensors of the measuring device coupled thereto;

4 shows a schematic representation of a strain relief of a second embodiment with sensors of the measuring device coupled thereto;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment form of a monitoring device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a Überwachungssys system 1 for the operation of an energy guiding chain 10, wherein the chain at least one or more lines 12 such as in the form of cables, hoses or the like between two relative to each other movable connection points 13a, 13b leads.

The line transmits media and / or energy from one connection point to the other, or from a supply device to a consumer. The lines are in this case arranged in a chain inner space 10a. The energy guiding chain comprises a plurality of hingedly connected chain links 11, which change their position relative to each other during the movement of movement of the chain. The chain can also be formed in another form of a line guide device with mutually positionally variable sections, such as, for example, as a hose, joint tube or the like. One of the connection points, here the connection point 13a, is formed as a fixed connection point or fixed point, the connection point 13b can represent a driver of a moving machine part or derglei surfaces, wherein both connection points 13a, 13b may be movable locations. In general, the chain can be arranged to form a lower strand 10b, an upper strand 10c and a deflection region 10d connecting them, wherein the upper strand and / or upper strand can be rectilinear but also arcuate with respect to their extension direction. However, the chain can also be arranged spatially differently and / or moved.

The movable connection point 13b is traversable between the Verfahrend points VI and V2, which defi ned, for example by the movement of the machine part coupled to this. The Verfahrendpunkte VI and V2 thus define the maxima len travel path of the chain in their operation, for example over the period of a maintenance interval. The movement of the movable junction point 13b from the first traversing point VI to the second traversing point V2 and back to the first procedural end point VI defines a traversing cycle of the chain. The procedural end points VI, V2 may be defined longitudinally by the position of the connection points or another predefined point of the chain in chains, for example by the position of the end fastening part, which fixes the chain at the connection point, the position of the strain relief 20 on said Chain end or the like. The Verfahrendpunkte VI and / or V2 can, where appropriate, at each traversing cycle of the chain another spatial position in the chain receiving space such as. occupy the machine hall.

When the chain is traversed between the travel end points VI and V2, the chain is to be accelerated to a maximum speed starting from the travel end points VI, V2, in which the chain is at rest, so that the chain has a maximum speed in the travel cycle and a maximum speed Maximum acceleration experiences.

As a result of the movement of the chain, forces are also exerted on the at least one line 12 ("lines") in the chain, in particular forces in the direction of the line, such as tensile and / or shear forces When these are detected in the chain running from the current through the chain deflection or sen sen This leads to alternating loads on the lines 12. The force exerted on the respective line forces are on the line end portions 12 b, 12 c, with which the The strain relief 20 has a line holding means 21, which cooperates zugentlastend directly with the line 12, for example, on the Zugentlas processing device 20 zugentlastend fixed to the Zugent load device 20 and transmitted in the form of a Klemmver connection load 20 is determined here on the carrier part 30 in order to be able to dissipate the forces exerted on the strain relief during chain travel by the line into the carrier part. The derivative of the forces of the specified line end area 12 b, 12 c on the strain relief 20 and further in the direction of or in the support member 30 is here as the direction of the force flow KF from the line in the direction of the support member 30 was ver. As "in the direction of the power flow KF" from Leitungsendbe rich 12b to the support member 30, which are gerteil between line and Trä, here, for example, the areas 20a of the strain relief 20 understood, which are arranged facing away from the support member 30 with respect to the line 12 ,

Due to the forces exerted on the lines 12 during the movement of the chain 10, the lines 12 are subjected to a connection. Wear, which may require an exchange of the line 12 to ensure safe operation of the supplied via the lines 12 Ma machine. Such wear can occur when the lines 12 change their desired position during continuous operation of the chain, up to a stop or rubbing the respec gene line to another component, such as another line, the inner wall of a chain link or arranged in this device such as a chain link interior layout or the like. Also, due to the constant alternating loads of the line at the Kettenverfahrung wear of the Lei device 12 can occur, which can manifest themselves already in a certain permanent strain or compression or other permanent Defor mation or change in cross section of the line.

With the monitoring system 1 according to the invention, the state or a wear-related impairment of the line 12 can be monitored on the basis of the experience of the chain, in particular regardless of any wear of parts of the energy supply chain such as wear of the joints between the individual chain links.

To monitor the mechanical loads and / or any wear of the pipe 12, a measuring device 50 is provided which is arranged and configured to measure forces acting on the pipe 12 during operation of the chain 10 and / or from the pipe 12 be transmitted in the direction of the support member 30. For this purpose, the measuring device 50 can couple to components which are transferred in the direction of the force flow from the end region 12b of the line via the strain relief 20 in the direction of the carrier part 30 or into the carrier part 30 which holds and fixes the strain relief 20.

As a result, the forces transmitted during operation of the chain from the line 12 in the direction of the carrier part 30 can be detected by means of the measuring device 50. Due to changing forces, which are transmitted from the line end portion 12b on the Zugentlas device 20 and further in the direction of the support member 30 or in the support member 30 inside (hereinafter called "line forces") can be measured ge undesirable loads on the line. For example, these forces can be reinforced Represent power transmission of the line on the strain relief, for example, when the line strikes when moving the chain to another component. On the other hand, a reduction of the conduction forces can occur during operation of the chain, for example when the line due to the alternating stresses a weakening such as a permanent strain or fatigue experiences, which can lead to a lower bending stiffness of the line. As an example, let the permanent elongation of the copper core of an electrical cable called ge.

According to the embodiment, the invention will be explained with reference to the Ausbil tion of a connection point 13 a. It is understood that only the other connection point 13b or in particular both connection points 13a, 13b can be designed according to the invention.

The measuring device 50 is to be formed according to the embodiment as a force measuring device in the strict sense, so that as a physical size forces are measured by means of at least one or more rer sensors 51 which from the line 12 in the direction of force flow KF toward or on the support member 30th to be transmitted. However, the measuring device 50 may be formed in a modification by means of suitable sensors 51 for measuring physi cal sizes, which result from the Kraftaus exercise the line 12 on the strain relief 20 and optionally further towards and / or in the support member 30, for example Changes in position of a region of the strain relief 20, which are, for example, optically detectable, or derglei chen. The type of force measurement of the conduction forces is not limited to certain physical measurement principles, it can be used in example power cans, strain gauges or the like. As particularly preferred, however, load cells, Deh voltage gauges and / or piezo elements are used taking into account the amount of forces to be measured and their temporal changes and the accuracy of measurement. The term "sensor" may each be a single sensor or a plurality of sensors.

The measuring device 50 is in the region of the power transmission of a force flow KF of the at least one of the strain relief 20th to be determined or specified line 12 coupled in a force-measuring manner in the direction of the support member 30. This means that the Sen sor 51 of the measuring device such as a force transducer, in the field of power transmission of said force flow KF is arranged to detect the forces acting here. The sensor 51 of the measuring device may in particular lie directly in the power flow or possibly be pelt on a component such as the strain relief 20a force measuring angekop pelt, which is not directly in the power flow KF but is subjected to force by the said power flow KF and here, for example, its location the forces transmitted by means of Kraftflus ses changes or strains or stresses undergoes due to the power flow or its changes in particular in the chain experience experiences, which by means of the sensor 51 of the measuring device 50 can be detected.

In a particular embodiment, the measuring device 50 is coupled with the strain relief device 20 in a force-measuring manner or configured for coupling to it. For this purpose, the sensor 51 of the measuring device 50 may be coupled to the strain relief 20 in a force-measuring manner or be configured for coupling to it.

According to FIG. 2, the sensor 51 is coupled to a base element 25 of the strain relief 20 in a force-measuring manner. The base element 25 is integrally formed on the strain relief 20 or may be formed as a separate component of the strain relief 20. In example, the base member 25 represent the foot of a strap used as Zugentlas strap, with which the Zugent load 20 fixed to a mounting portion 31 of the support member 30, which may be formed as a support rail, for example, to the management forces on the strain relief 20 gerteil in the Trä 30 can dissipate.

According to one embodiment, the measuring device 50 with at least one line holding means 21 of the strain relief 20 kraftmes send coupled or configured for coupling to this (see Figures 2 to 4), wherein the line holding means 21 immedi applicable zugkraftaufnehmend with the respective line 12 cooperates. The line holding means 21 may in this case be designed, for example, as a clamping jaw, which clampingly locks on the line. is placed.

According to one embodiment, the strain relief 20 has a support region 22 (see FIGS. 2 to 4) which supports or supports the conduit support 21 and connects it directly or optionally via further components of the strain relief 20 to the base element 25 of the strain relief and from the conduit end area on the line holding means transmitted forces to the carrier part derived. The support region can be seen easily a support element which is formed over the line holding means as separa tes component. In order to support the conduction stop means, the support region 22 is not restricted to specific spatial orientations to the conduction-holding means 21 and the base element 25. The support area can thus be arranged, for example, laterally and / or above and / or below the line holding means with respect to the vertical and / or horizontal direction of a Cartesian space coordinate system of the room in which the monitoring system with the energy guiding chain is arranged. The vertical direction corresponds to the direction of gravity. The support portion 22 is formed here, for example, as a leg of a strap clamp, wherein the Bügelschel le a plurality of superposed line holding means 21 for supporting a plurality of lines may have one above the other. The sensor 51 of the measuring device may in this case be arranged on the support part 30 facing region 22a of the support region or else on the side facing away from the carrier 12 in relation to the support member 30 22b of the support portion 22 or at both regions 22a, 22b. By a verbun with the measuring device 50 denominated evaluation device 60 are also derived from the surfaces of the preparation chen 22a, 22b derived variables as in example difference values determinable. The sensor 51, e.g. as a load cell, coupled on the one hand to the component to be measured to the acting force, on the other hand at a fixed anchor point 51a as a reference point. This principle can apply independently of the embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the strain relief 20 can also be designed for tension-relieving attachment of a multiplicity of lines 12. The strain relief can be several lines holding means 21 which respectively support individual lines 12 or sub-groups 12U of lines 12 with respect to the larger total number of lines fixed to the strain relief 20. In this case, separate sensors 51 of the measuring device 50 can be coupled to transmit a plurality of separate conducting means 21 in order to measure forces acting on the various line holding means 21 or physical quantities derived from these forces. The corresponding measured values transmitted by the measuring device 50 to the evaluation device 60 can then be displayed individually or processed in relation to one another, for example by subtraction or the like. This makes it possible, for example, to monitor individual lines or sub-groups of lines independently and inde pendent of other lines of strain relief.

Optionally, the measuring device 50 may be coupled with the Haltebe 31 of the carrier part 30 metrologically (Fig. 2), wherein the mounting portion 31, the strain relief 20 sets. In this case, the sensor 51 may in particular be designed and configured to detect stresses generated in the holding region 31 on the basis of the applied line forces.

In Figure 4, a strain relief 20 is exemplified, which defines a plurality of lines 12. The strain relief 20 in this case comprises a plurality of line holding means or line holding elements 21, a plurality of supporting areas or supporting elements 22 and at least one or optionally a plurality of base elements 25. The sensors 51 of the measuring device 50 can in each case be connected to a plurality of said elements or areas 21, 22, 25 measured value receiving coupled. This makes it possible to identify individual lines or subgroups of lines, wel che exposed due to the operation of the chain higher loads and Kräf tebeanspruchungen, as other lines to the gentleman. So often in the chain lines for under different media, etc. are supported, for example, lines with different effective cross section, line structure, etc., which are subjected to different loads and thus un ferent wear when the chain is passed. Based on the measurement results of the sensors 51, which individual lines or sub- Assigned groups of lines, can here a targeted court maintenance of individual lines or line subgroups suc conditions.

As shown in FIG. 5, the measuring device 50 can have at least two sensors 51 of the generally two force measuring devices, which are coupled with different regions of one and the same construction in the force transmission direction from the line 12 in the direction of the carrier part 30 in a measuring-receiving manner. to measure relative differences in forces between the two areas mentioned above. The calculation of the differences in forces can suc in the connected to the measuring device 50 evaluation unit 60 suc. As shown in Figure 5, in this case, for example, on the support member 22 of the strain relief 20 may be arranged two sensors which verbun signal-transmitting to the evaluation are the. The sensors can be designed in particular as Dehnungsmessstrei fen, it can also be provided an other strain ermit telnde sensors. The longitudinal extent of the strain gauges is preferably arranged in the direction of the force flow KF. Here, for example, stresses as well as bending and / or torsional stresses on the respective component of the strain relief 20 and the strain relief 20 can be determined in total. Thus, in the case of a force load such as bending stressing, one of the strain gauges can be stretched and the other gashed. The force acting on the strain relief 20 line forces can be measured here with very high sensitivity. The verse with the at least two connected sensors 51 hene component may be a line holding means, support area or So ckelbereich the strain relief or the mounting portion of the support element. Generally in the context of the invention support region or base region of the strain relief can be formed as separate components, in particular also separately from the line holding means.

If a plurality of sensors of the measuring device are provided, they can be arranged on a common sensor holder with a predefined arrangement of the plurality of sensors relative to one another. The positions of the sensors on the sensor holder can the Sollpo positions of the same in the measured value of the invention correspond to the executives mentioned above. By arranging the sensor holding device in the region of the chain, for example on the strain relief, the plurality of sensors can be positioned at the same time in their desired position for measuring value, which facilitates the assembly or disassembly of the sensors.

The monitoring device 1 further comprises a Auswerteeinrich device 60 for the evaluation of the sensed by the sensors Messgeb measurements, which may be signal transmitting connected to a signaling device 70. In the case of undesired states of the lines, for example when the actual values measured by the sensors 51 exceed or fall short of the predetermined tolerance range, the signal device 70 sends a monitoring signal to an operator or stops the drive for moving the movable connection point.

The evaluation unit 60 is optionally configured to determine deviations of the actual values of the measured variables determined by the sensors 51 or of the variables derived therefrom from predetermined desired values taking into account predetermined tolerances. The setpoints with tolerances are set to ensure proper operation of the lines over a certain period of time, such as a timed maintenance interval.

The evaluation unit 60 is optionally configured to determine temporal changes of the actual values or of variables derived therefrom over a period of time which can be within a normal maintenance interval, for example after every 10th or every 100th traversing cycles of the chain. Furthermore, the evaluation unit comprises a computer for temporally extrapolating the actual values measured at different times, for example by adapting a polynomial to the temporal sequence of actual values by means of known mathematical methods. The remaining operating time of the line up to a required maintenance can thus be estimated.

The evaluation unit 60 further stores further operating parameters of the chain, which are measured by other suitable measuring devices, preferably in the same traversing cycle of the chain or at the same time as the measurement of the actual values by the sensors 51. These operating parameters are, according to the Ausführungsbei game, the traversing speed of the chain and / or the acceleration of the chain during the movement of the chain. These further operating parameters of the chain are displayed and stored together with the measured values of the sensors 51 with respect to the line forces.

With uniform operation of the chain transmitted from the respective line in the direction of the support member forces are measured by means of the measuring device 50, as described according to the invention be. If the actual values, i. the sensor measured values, the predetermined tolerance range, the evaluation unit 60 transmits the signal transmission device 70 a signal for triggering the signal.

In the case of intended uneven operation of the chain, according to a first variant at the beginning of the maintenance interval with the chain, one or more reference cycles are passed through and the line forces exerted by the lines are determined by means of the sensors 51 and the operating parameters of the chain and stored as reference values. The reference cycle with a predefined chain run is defined here by the two travel end points VI and V2 of the chain as well as the travel path and chain speed and / or chain acceleration during the travel path. After a predetermined number of traversing cycles, a reference movement of the chain is again carried out and the stated values relating to the line forces and chain traversing parameters are determined again. The measured values determined by means of the sensors 51 in the various reference cycles of the chain can then be compared with one another by the evaluation unit and in the case of deviations outside the tolerance range, a signal can be transmitted to the signal device 70.

According to another variant in non-uniform chain operation as described in the first variant, a reference measurement of the conduction forces at predefined Verfahrung the chain Runaway leads or any traversing cycle be selected as a reference measurement out. During the further traversing cycles, the driving parameters of the chain such as length and / or direction of Verfahrwe ges, speeds of chain experience during a travel cycle and chain acceleration measured during a travel cycle and stored in the evaluation unit. This may refer to each individual travel cycle or multiple cycles in a maintenance interval, for example, every 10th cycle. To determine any wear of the lines, which is characterized by changing line forces, then the measurements of the line forces of different travel cycles are compared with each other, in which the chain each performs an at least substantially similar traversing movement. It is also possible to run through a plurality of predetermined reference cycles, which in each case differ significantly in relation to the movement parameters of the chain and can cover the bandwidth of different modes of operation of the chain.

A further variant of the monitoring system 1 consists in that the evaluation unit 60 is configured in such a way that it can be computationally compared with the reference cycle under different travel cycles of the chain. The operating parameters of the chain determined with a certain movement of the chain can hereby be converted to the reference values by a predetermined algorithm. The algorithm may be based on assumptions or experiments as to how the conduction forces change as the operating parameter of the chain changes. If the actual characteristic value characteristic for the line forces deviates from the expected value of the line forces for the chain forces, which results from the reference value as the expected value, then there is an impermissible deviation which suggests a line closure. The Auswer teeinheit 60 then outputs a signal to the Signalübertragungsein direction 70 for outputting a noise signal, including signal for switching off the drive of the movable connection point.

Claims

claims

1. Monitoring system for the operation of an energy chain, the at least one line such as cables, hoses or the like. between two relatively movable connection points, comprising:

a power transmission chain has the two end portions, which are each Weil connectable or connected to one of the connection points, and which in relative movement of the connection points relative to each other positionally variable or rela tively each other position-changing chain sections as a guide areas of at least one line; at least one strain relief device with a line holding means which can be coupled or coupled to the line; a carrier part at at least one of the connection points, wherein the support part fixes the strain relief device fixedly by means of which the at least one line is fixable or fixed on the strain relief end side; and

at least one measuring device for monitoring the operation of the energy guiding chain,

characterized in that the at least one measuring device is arranged and configured to measure forces which are exerted on the festzulegende or festgeleg te line during operation of the power transmission chain and / or who transmitted from the at least one line in the direction of the support member who the.

2. Monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring device is arranged with respect to the direction of a power flow from the at least one device to the strain relief device to be determined or specified in the carrier member measuring effective between the line and the support member, including on the line itself ,

3. Monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized marked

records that the measuring device is measuring effective coupling with the Zugent lastungseinrichtung.

4. Monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the measuring device is coupled to at least one line retaining means of the strain relief device to measure.

5. Monitoring system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized

shows that the strain relief device has at least one support region, by means of which the at least one conduction-retaining means is fastened to the strain relief device, and that the measuring device is coupled to the support region in a measured manner.

6. Monitoring system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the strain relief device comprises a So ckelelement, with which the strain relief device is fixed to the support member, and that the Messeinrich device coupled to the base element Meßwirkksam.

7. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the strain relief device comprises a So ckelelement with which the strain relief device is fixed to the support member, and that the Messeinrich device with the holding portion of the support member for the Sockelele ment is coupled measuring effective.

8. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the measuring device is designed such that it is coupled to different areas of one and the same component or group of components in the power transmission direction of the line in the direction of the carrier part mens, for measuring relative forces differences which act on the two mentioned areas.

9. Monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that the measuring device has at least two sensors which couple to different areas of one and the same component, preferably with a support region of a Zugent load or with a base element of the strain relief or with a holding portion of the support element for the Zugentlas coupling to the measuring device.

10. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the measuring device is designed such that it is coupled with different components in the power transmission direction tragungsrichtung of the line in the direction of the carrier part reading, for measuring relative differences in forces between the two different compo len.

11. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at both connection points in each case a strain relief device is provided, each relieve the at least one line to be determined in terms of tensile forces relative to the energy chain, and that two Mes devices are provided, which for the measurement of Are arranged and configured forces which are exerted during operation of the power transmission chain on the festzulegende or fixed line and / or which are transmitted from the at least egg nen line in the direction of the support member.

12. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the system comprises an evaluation unit, by means of which the measured values of the at least one or both measuring device can be detected, and that the evaluation unit is configured, the measured values of the measuring device each having a predetermined threshold value to compare and at deviations from the threshold over a predetermined Tole ranzbereich addition sends a signal to a signaling device for triggering the signaling device.

13. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the system comprises an evaluation unit, detects and / or evaluates the signals of the at least one sensor of the measuring device, wherein the evaluation unit in particular special continues to detect the signals of the reference sensor and / or evaluates, wherein the evaluation unit preferably causes a stop the relative movement between the connection points in case of bad.

14. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the system comprises an evaluation unit, by means of which the measured values of the measuring device can be evaluated, and that the energy chain is traversed with a vorbestimm th traversing cycle as a reference cycle and that the measured values in a be compared by the reference cycle different travel cycle of the chain with the measured values of the reference cycle.

15. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the measuring device comprises at least one force transducer for measuring the force acting on the line and / or derived from this in the direction of the carrier part th forces.

16. Strain relief device for one or more in one

Energy guiding chain guided lines, in particular for egg ne monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a line holding means for zugentlastenden Festle tion of at least one line and with at least one sensor which is coupled to a portion or a component of the strain relief device or can be coupled and which Part of a measuring device for measuring forces which exerted during operation of the power transmission chain on the festzulegende or fixed line and / or transmission of the at least one Lei device in the direction of the carrier part during operation of the energy chain.

17. Strain relief device according to claim 16, characterized in that the measuring device comprises at least one, preferably, a plurality of sensors, in particular strain gages, to, which are rich between the line holding means and the Sockelbe attached to the strain relief.