WO2009123460A1

WO2009123460A1 - Chain

Info

Publication number: WO2009123460A1
Application number: PCT/NL2009/050177
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franciscus Hendricus Joseph Van Der Meer
Original assignee: Lake Nassau B.V.
Priority date: 2008-04-04
Filing date: 2009-04-06
Publication date: 2009-10-08
Also published as: NL2001449C2

Abstract

A chain (1), provided with at least a number of successive links (2) which are pivotal relative to each other as far as a pressure surface, so that in use, parts of the links form an arch, wherein the pressure surface is formed by a covering (3) of the links, which extends at least next to the respective links, at least viewed from a direction transverse to a pivot of the links.

Description

Title: Chain

The invention relates to a chain.

WO99/66161 describes a chain for opening and closing a relatively small window, wherein links of the chain are provided with covering elements limiting bending of the chain to one direction. The covering elements are open towards one side for driving the chain via a sprocket wheel.

In the non-prepublished Dutch patent application NL 1033511 a chain is described, in particular a push chain. This chain forms part of a lifting system for, for instance, a screen. The chain comprises links which are pivotal relative to each other to adjacent a stop, in particular under the influence of gravity. In use, the rear parts of the links form an arch. The lifting system comprises a housing which is secured to a ceiling or wall and in which the chain and the screen are stored. This lifting system offers the possibility to lower a screen from the ceiling or the wall with the chain unrolling and forming an arch, while the screen is attached to the end of the chain and drops into view to a selected height. After use, the system can be readjusted into a storage position, while the chain rolls itself up again and is stored together with the screen in the housing.

An object of the invention is to manufacture a relatively inexpensive chain which can possibly, but not exclusively, function as the above-described chain from NL1033511.

This object and/or other objects can be achieved with a chain according to claim 1.

By covering the links of the chain, in principle, the complexity of the design of the links can remain limited. Specific properties of the chain can be determined by designing the covering in a preselected manner. The covering is for instance designed having a predetermined pressure surface. With it, a part of the chain can form a predetermined arch or straight line as self supporting arm, depending on the use of the chain. For instance, the chain links can form part of a selected, relatively inexpensive standard industrial chain, while the covering is desired directed towards the use.

The pressure surfaces are formed by the covering which extends at least next to the respective links, so that the pressure surfaces are relatively wide. As, during use, the pressure surfaces abut against each other over a relatively large width, relatively great forces can be transmitted via the pressure surfaces and the chain can be used for relatively heavy uses, such as for instance raising and lowering a screen panel. The covering and the pressure surface thus formed can also extend over the respective link, so that the surface of the pressure surface can increase and greater forces can be transmitted. During use, successive links with abutting pressure surfaces form a self-supporting arm in the free space, i.e. the arm is relatively rigid and stable in itself, therefore without for instance a guide. During use, for instance for moving a load connected to an end of the chain up and/or down and/or sideways, the chain forms a self-supporting and relatively stable and rigid arm which can move the load over a relatively large distance. The arm takes a form which is substantially defined by the design of successive covering elements. If the covering elements are for instance of rectangular design, the arm will extend substantially according to a virtually straight line. If the covering elements are for instance of trapezoid design, the arm will extend substantially arcuately. Owing to the design of the covering elements, the chain can also be designed to be self-steering. The arm that is formed during use by the chain can take on, by itself, for instance without guide, a straight or curved shape, depending on the covering elements. Designing the covering in plastic allows for relatively inexpensive manufacture of the covering, for instance by means of injection molding. By further using, for the chain, a commercially available industrial chain, the chain can be manufactured in a relatively inexpensive manner, while via the self-supporting arm relatively heavy loads can be moved. If a yet heavier use is desired, for instance for moving an even heavier load, for instance a relatively heavy door and/or a relatively heavy and large screen panel, the covering of the links can also be designed in metal, whereby even greater forces can be transmitted via the pressure surfaces.

By designing the covering elements such that the part extending along the rear of the links is larger than the covering part extending along its front, viewed in a direction transversely to the pivot, the chain can be of even more stable design. Here, the pressure surfaces are formed by the covering parts along the rear which, during use, abut against each other over a relatively large surface and can thus form a relatively stable, rigid, self- supporting and self-steering arm. Depending on the desired shape of the self- supporting arm and of the desired use, the part of the covering that extends along the front can be larger than the part of the covering extending along the rear. The self-supporting arm can then take a different form in a stable manner. In an advantageous embodiment, the drive of the chain can be formed by a roll-up cord connected to the chain as a pulling cord. A drive via a sprocket wheel can thus be omitted, so that driving can be relatively low-noise and efficient. Here, the covering elements can enclose the links virtually completely, so that the links of the chain can be hidden from view which can increase the aesthetic aspect of the chain.

Optionally, the cord can extend at least partly within the chain, so that the stability and/or rigidity of the chain can increase.

In an advantageous manner, the drive can be provided with a second roll-up plastic cord, which is connected as a pulling cord to the chain, while the two cords are designed for driving the chain in two opposite directions. Here, driving the chain in and out can both be carried out in a driven manner. For instance, driving the chain out in upward or downward direction can be driven via the first roll-up cord. Driving the chain in, in the opposite direction, in downward or upward direction, respectively, can be driven via the second roll- up cord. Providing two roll-up plastic cords allows for the movement of the chain to be driven in opposite directions and movement of the load connected to the end of the chain in opposite direction can take place in a controlled manner.

The invention also relates to a chain rolling mechanism provided with such a self-supporting chain and provided with at least one guide along which covering parts of the links glide for driving the chain in and/or out in a controlled manner. The chain rolling mechanism is for instance present/located in a housing and the guide is located adjacent an opening in the housing through which the chain can be rolled out. By providing a guide instead of a roller, better use can be made of the friction between the covering elements of the chain and the guide for driving the chain in and/or out in a controlled fashion. The guide can also define the direction of exit of the chain by for instance designing the guide at an angle α, so that the chain can exit the housing at an angle α. When the chain is driven out further, beyond the guide, the chain forms a self-supporting and self-steering arm, whereby the arm can take a position which is substantially defined by the covering elements, without guide. Upon driving the chain in and/or out in an upward and/or downward direction, the guide can also function as a protection from falling owing to the friction that occurs between the guide and the covering elements. Further advantages and characteristics of the present invention follow from the following specification, wherein the invention is described in further detail in several exemplary embodiments on the basis of the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

Fig. IA shows a part of a chain with covering in perspective; Fig. IB shows the part of the chain with covering of Fig. IA in top plan view;

Fig. 1C shows a cross section of three links with a covering element in side view;

Fig. 2A shows a cross section of a part of a ceiling lift in side view; Fig. 2B shows a cross section of the part of the ceiling lift of Fig. 2A in top plan view;

Fig. 3A shows a schematic side view of two covering elements;

Fig. 3B shows a schematic side view of two other covering elements; Fig. 4A schematically shows a cross section in top plan view of a door drive;

Fig. 4B schematically shows a top plan view of the door drive with door;

Fig. 4C schematically shows a cross section in top plan view of another type of door drive;

Fig. 4D schematically shows a top plan view of the other type of door drive with door;

Fig. 5A schematically shows a cross section of a screen unit integrated with a bed in side view; Fig. 5B schematically shows a screen unit integrated with a bed in front view;

Fig. 5C schematically shows a cross section of the screen unit in use in side view;

Fig. 5D schematically shows the screen unit in use in front view; Fig. 5E schematically shows a part of a cross section of a screen unit in side view;

Fig. 5F schematically shows a part of a cross section of a screen unit in side view with a two-sided drive;

Fig. 6 schematically shows in side view a part of a lifting system integrated with a table;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a side view of a part of a ceiling lift system with a projector.

In this specification, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawing, embodiments are shown merely by way of example. The elements used therewith are mentioned merely by way of example and should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. Other parts too can be utilized within the framework of the invention. The proportions of the embodiments shown in the Figures are often represented in a schematic and/or exaggerated manner and should not be understood to be limitative.

In Figs. IA and IB, in perspective and in top plan view, respectively, an embodiment is shown of a chain 1, which is provided with a number of successive links 2 which are pivotal relative to each other about pivots A. In one embodiment, over the links 2, a covering 3 is provided in the form of covering elements 3C. The covering 3 has a substantially trapezoid circumference, at least viewed in a direction transversely to the hinge A. This provides, for instance, sturdy covering elements 3C which can absorb great compressive forces with respect to each other. The chain 1 is designed for moving a load, wherein pressure surfaces D of the successive covering elements 3C press against each other and wherein the load is preferably attached to an end of the chain 1. Via the pressure surfaces of the covering, the relatively great loads required for moving the load can be transmitted. As, during use, the pressure surfaces of the covering abut against each other, the chain forms a self-supporting arm in the free space, such as shown in, for instance, Fig. 4A or Fig. 5E. In Fig. 4A, the self-supporting arm extends substantially in a direction Rl and is also self-supporting in the arch BlH and the direction Rl. In Fig. 5E, the self-supporting arm extends substantially in a direction L.

The linked links 2 without covering 3 can form part of a known prefabricated chain 4, such as a standard industrial chain. For instance, two of such preferably prefabricated chains 4 are provided, whose links 2 are covered by said covering 3. It is preferred that the covering is manufactured substantially from plastic, at least partly. Providing two parallel industrial chains 4 allows for a relatively stable and rigid design of the chain 1. In one embodiment, the covering 3 is formed by successive covering elements 3C, each comprising at least two covering parts 3A, 3B. A first covering part 3A extends for instance at least partly along a front side of the links 2. In this specification, this covering part 3A is referred to as front part 3A. An opposite covering part 3B extends for instance at least partly along a rear of the links 2. In this specification, this covering part 3B is referred to as rear part 3B.

The front and rear parts 3A, 3B are for instance attached to each other by means of screws 14 or pins, wherein at the same time, the links 2 are partly enclosed and a fixed connection to the links 2 is obtained. The screws 14 can for instance be put through the prefabricated links 2. In another embodiment, the front and rear parts 3A, 3B are interconnected by means of a snap connection. A rear part 3B comprises for instance a projection, and a front part 3A a corresponding receiving opening, or vice versa, wherein the projection comprises a protrusion or the like which, when guided sufficiently far by the receiving opening, hooks behind and edge of the receiving opening. Thus a fixed connection can be obtained.

As can be seen in Fig. 1C, a covering element 3C can be provided exactly between two pivots A. Preferably, the links 2 can pivot freely when one such covering element 3C is provided. As a result, the pivoting properties of the successive covering elements 3C can be defined by the design and/or orientation of the pressure surfaces D of the elements 3C. As can be seen in Figs. IA and B₁ the links 2 are surrounded, at least for the greater part, by the covering 3, so that the links 2 can be withdrawn from view and give the chain good aesthetic properties for use in for instance houses and/or office buildings. Further, cord openings 15 are provided through which a cord 7 can be guided. This will be explained further in this specification. The cord 7 preferably has the properties of being strong and flexible, for instance a plastic fiber reinforced cord or the like, which can withstand very high tensile loads. The covering 3 can be manufactured from plastic or from metal, depending on the use and the desired transmission of forces.

In Fig. 2A₁ 2B, a part of a ceiling lift 5 is shown in cross section and in top plan view, respectively, provided with a chain rolling mechanism for driving the chain 1 in and out. A comparable principle of this ceiling lift 5 is also described in Dutch patent application NL1033511. The ceiling lift 5 is provided with a housing 6. A cord 7, for instance a Dyneema® cord, is provided, and is guided around a roller 8, and is connected at one end to a drive 9, provided with a revolving motor, and/or a worm wheel drive, for instance. At the other end, the cord 7 is connected to an attachment part 10 of the chain 1. The chain roller mechanism comprises a guide shaft 11 along which run the front parts 3A of the links 2. In use, the chain 1 will proceed partly outside the housing 6. To that end, preferably, guides 12 and 17, for instance gliding guides, are provided for driving the chain 2 from the housing 6 in a controlled manner, while the chain 1 can follow the arch-form of the guides 12 and 17. At the end of the chain 1, outside the housing, for instance a screen panel is attached (not shown).

Optionally, the guide shaft 11 for returning the chain 1 in the housing 6 can be omitted. The chain 1 is then substantially in lying position in the housing 6, when the chain 1 is in a position of storage. Here, the housing 6 can be of less high but longer design so that the build-in height of the housing 6 can decrease.

In the storage position, the entire chain 1 will for instance be inside the housing 6. In the example as shown in Fig. 2A, the chain 1 is folded up as it were in the storage position via the guide shaft 11 in the housing 6. The length of the housing 6 can thus remain limited; however, the build-in height of the housing 6 can increase.

In use, the chain 1 is let out by, first, driving the screen and the chain 1 outwards. Here, the drive 9 will have the chain 7 give way to a certain extent. When the screen has been driven out sufficiently, the gravity of the screen and a part of the chain 1 will pull the cord 7. Then, the drive 9 will have to absorb greater forces via the cord 7 while it will lower the cord preferably gradually. In an advantageous manner, to that end, the guides 12 and 17 can be designed for applying friction to the chain 1. Preferably, such friction is selected such that the screen is protected from falling. Also, changing forces on the drive 9 can thus be prevented such as, for instance, at the moment the gravity of the screen starts pulling the cord 7.

In an advantageous manner, the cord 7 comprises two cords 7A, 7B, shown in Fig. 2A, with which each can be driven in opposite direction by the chain 1. When driving the chain 1 from the housing 6, the cord 7A will be unwound from the driven roller 9 and, at the same time, the cord 7B will be wound on the driven roller 9. Conversely, when pulling up the chain 1, the cord 7B will be unwound from the roller 9 while the cord 7A will be wound on the roller 9 so that the chain 1 will be pulled into the housing 6. Driving the chain 1 in one direction (here, driving out) is thus done by means of the cord 7A and driving the chain 1 in opposite direction (here, driving in) is done by means of the cord 7B.

When the chain 1 is guided outside the housing 6, the rear parts 3B of the links will form an arch Bl as the successive links 2 are pivotal only with respect to each other as far as a pressure surface D of the covering 3, in particular the rear parts 3B. As, during use, the pressure surfaces D abut against each other, the chain 1 can form a self-supporting and self-steering arm, while the steering of the chain 1 is substantially defined by the design of the covering parts 3. The pressure surface D is formed by the covering 3 of the links 2 which, as is also shown in Fig. IA and IB, extends at least next to the respective links 2. In Fig. IB, it can also be seen that the pressure surface can also extend over the links to thus form a relatively large surface for the transmission of forces. In one embodiment (see Fig. 1) the pressure surface D extends also between two prefabricated chains 4. As even next to the links 2 pressure surface D is created by the covering 3, a large pressure surface can be achieved, so that the chain 1 can be relatively rigid and stable. Here, the covering 3 contributes to the absorbing of relatively great pressure forces, while the chains 4 are already designed in a known manner for absorbing great tensile loads. The tension that is formed in the chain 1 will be absorbed by the pressure surfaces D of the chain elements 3C, in particular the rear parts 3B. When forming the arch Bl, the rear surfaces 16 of the chain 1, which are formed by the surfaces of the released rear parts 3B₁ can for instance together form a relatively smooth surface, i.e. with little or no projecting parts. At the location of the guide shaft 11, the front parts 3A form a second arch B2 which is smaller than the arch Bl which is formed, in use, by the released part of the rear parts 3B.

It is noted that the covering elements 3C of Fig. 2A and B are designed such that the arch Bl of the rear surface 16 is relatively hollow. Here, the pressure surfaces D taper for instance to some extent in the direction of the rear surface 16. Such covering elements 3C are schematically illustrated in Fig. 3A. In another embodiment, as for instance schematically illustrated in Fig. 3B, the covering elements 3C can be designed such that the rear surface 16 is for instance somewhat convex when the pressure surfaces D of the successive covering elements 3C press against each other. To this end, the pressure surfaces D taper in the direction away from the rear surface 16.

In Fig. 4C and 4D, schematically, a chain 1 is shown, forming part of, for instance, a door or window drive for closing and/or opening and/or checking the speed of the closing or opening and/or holding a door 18 or window in position (see Fig. 4B). The chain 1 is connected at an end 17 to a door 18 or window. As can be seen, the chain 1 in unwound condition forms a self-supporting arm in the free space with a hollow arch BlH. When unwinding, the arm steers itself into a hollow arch B2H owing to the design of the covering elements 3C. To that end, the chain 1 is for instance provided with covering 3, wherein the rear parts 3B may be provided with tapering pressure surfaces D as described hereinabove. The drive is for instance provided with a chain guide 12 and a drive 9. A guide shaft 11 and a cord 7 can be provided too. The chain 1 pushes, for instance a door or window, in a direction Rl. Then, the chain 1 can be completely or almost completely drawn into the housing 6. As shown in Fig. 4B, the door or window drive can be provided, at least partly, next to the door 18 or the window.

In Fig. 4C and 4D, also schematically, an embodiment of a chain 1 is shown, wherein the chain 1 forms part of a door or window drive. Here, the chain elements 3C are designed so that a convex arch BlB is achieved. The pressure surfaces D of the covering elements 3C taper in the direction away from the rear surface 16. Using this embodiment, the door or window drive could be favourably placed for instance above or on the door 18 or the window, as indicated in Fig. 4D with the housing 6 in full lines and interrupted lines, respectively.

In another embodiment, the pressure surfaces D are for instance approximately parallel. Such an embodiment is schematically shown in side view and in front view, in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, respectively, where a bed 19, for instance a bedroom bed or hospital bed is shown with integrated screen unit 20. This unit 20 comprises a housing 6 with a self-supporting chain 1 therein, in particular a push chain, and a screen panel 21. As the pressure surfaces D extend approximately parallel to each other, the covering elements 3C can extend approximately parallel to each other, at least with the screen 21 in pushed-out condition. In the pushed-out condition, the chain 1 is self-supporting in the free space. The self-steering chain 1 will be able to move approximately along a straight line L, as can be seen in Fig. 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F. In a storage position, the chain 1 will for instance be stored, for the greater part, approximately horizontally (Fig. 5A and 5B), while in a pushed- out condition, the chain 1 will extend, for the greater part, approximately vertically (Fig. 5C and 5D).

In Fig. 5E, schematically, a cross section of the housing 6 can be seen. The self-supporting chain 1, in particular the covering elements 3C, is guided outwards and inwards with the aid of guides, preferably guides 12. These preferably align with the covering elements 3C so that the elements 3C glide through the guides 12 preferably with little or no clearance. The guides 12 also guide the chain 1 when it is being driven from the housing 6 about a particular angle α, of, for instance, approximately 90°. The angle α of the guides 12 define the difference between the location of the chain 1 in storage position and in pushed-out condition. The chain 1 with screen 21, schematically indicated in Fig. 5E with a load 22, is pushed upward along a straight line L after the chain 1 has been guided about the angle α. In pushed out condition, the chain 1 forms a self-supporting arm in the free space for bearing a load 22. In this example, the arm is substantially straight. Preferably, a cord 7 extends through the links 2 and/or covering elements 3C, as far as the outermost covering element 3D. Holding the cord 7 tensioned allows for the covering elements 3C to be held in pressed-on condition and the pressure surfaces D align with each other. As a result, also without guiding, the straight position of the self-steering and self-supporting chain 1 along a straight line L can be achieved. To prevent the chain 1 from flipping over, for instance in a direction R₁ while the pressure surfaces D of successive covering elements 3A are separated from each other, the cord 7 can for instance be guided through the pressure surfaces D at least viewed from a transverse direction, while the cord 7 stays tensioned. This may effect the pressure surfaces D to remain pressed against each other when for instance a force F pushes against the load 22.

Guiding the chain 1 with load 22 outwards can for instance be carried out by guiding the cord 7 from the chain 1 around a first roller 8, while the cord 7 is driven, for instance via a second roller 23, by a drive 9 (see Fig. 5E). By pulling the cord 7 by means of the drive 9, in a direction M towards the drive 9 for instance, the first roller 8 is pushed in the direction of the chain 1. This roller 8 is preferably connected to the chain 1. As a result, when pulling the cord 7, the first roller 8 carries along the chain 1 in an outward direction. In such a manner, the cord 7 is held tensioned, and the pressure surfaces D are held against each other.

Optionally, driving can take place both in upward and in downward direction through the use of two cords 7A and 7B, as shown in Fig. 5F. With upward movement of the chain 1, the roller 8 will move towards the roller 23 and the cord 7 A will wind on the driven roller 9 and the cord 7 B will proportionally unwind from the driven roller 9. When lowering the chain 1, the cord 7B will wind on the roller 9 so that the roller 8 is removed from the roller 23 and the cord 7A unwinds from the roller 9, so that driving the chain 1 can take place in two opposite directions.

In this example, the chain 1 is held along a straight line L, however, it would for instance also be possible in this manner to design the chain 1 such that it extends along a predetermined arch. This embodiment of the chain rolling mechanism is also suitable for other uses than integration with a bed 19. Advantages for use of a unit 20 on a bed 19 are, inter alia, that the outer dimensions of the bed 19 only need minor adjustment, while the screen 21 or the load 22 can be stored in the bed 19. Furthermore, for storing the chain 1, use can be made of the often relatively unused space under a bed 19. Also, the length of the bed 19 can be used for storing the chain 1. The screen 21 or the load 22 can for instance be stored at the foot of the bed 19 in the housing 6. Naturally, the housing 6 can be integrated with the bed 19.

According to an approximately similar principle, the chain 1 with for instance a screen 21 could be used under tables, for instance conference tables 29 (see Fig. 6). To that end, the table 29 may be provided with an opening 30, through which the screen 21 can be guided outward, and a closure 31.

Another use of the chain 1 is schematically represented in Fig. 7. Here, as example, a projector 24 is shown. With the aid of the chain 1, the projector 24 can be lowered, for instance from the ceiling 27. For lowering, a drive 9, for instance a self-braking worm wheel, eases the cord 7 down along . two rollers 25, 26. The cords 7 preferably extends, viewed in transverse direction, through the pressure surfaces 7 of the covering elements 3C so that the chain 1 can be guided outwards along a straight line L. The chain is also guided with the aid of guides 12, for instance rolling or gliding guides 12, around an angle α.

Also, electric cables 28 can be guided through the links 2 and/or openings in the covering 3 to adjacent the projector 24 to be connected. Optionally, cables from other public utilities or phone cables can be guided via a cable duct in the covering 3. In a favourable manner, such a system can lower a projector 24 or other apparatus to be connected from, for instance, a dropped ceiling 27. The use of the covering 3 can contribute to a relatively low- noise movement of the chain 1. Furthermore, the build-in height H of the chain 1 can remain relatively small, while a relatively large adjustment of the chain 1 is possible. Instead of screens and/or doors and/or windows, the above- mentioned embodiments and other embodiments can also adjust other loads such as, for instance but not exclusively, multi media stations, panels, audio speakers or completely different types of loads.

The above-described uses can also be suitably used with chain parts wherein the links 2 and the covering 3 form one whole and/or wherein the covering elements 3C are directly interlinked without there being separate links 2 in the covering elements 3C such as, for instance, with the chain as described in the not yet prepublished patent application NL1033511. The described and many comparable variations as well as combinations thereof are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Naturally, different aspects of different embodiments and/or combinations thereof can be combined and/or exchanged with each other within the framework of the invention. Therefore, there should thus be no limitation to only the embodiments mentioned.

Claims

1. A chain, provided with at least a number of successive links which are pivotal relative to each other as far as a pressure surface for transmitting forces via the pressure surface, wherein, in use, with abutting pressure surfaces, successive links form an arm, self-supporting in the free space, wherein the pressure surface is formed by a covering of the links, which extends at least next to the respective links, at least viewed from a direction transverse to a pivot of the links.

2. A chain according to claim 1, wherein the covering is manufactured substantially from plastic.

3. A chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the covering comprises at least two covering parts, wherein one covering part extends at least partly along a rear side of the links and an opposite covering part extends at least partly along a front side of the links.

4. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the links are surrounded at least for the greater part by the covering.

5. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering extends next to and over the respective links.

6. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering has a substantially trapezoid circumference, at least viewed in a direction along the pivot.

7. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein during use parts of the links form an arch.

8. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chain comprises at least one prefabricated chain, of which the links are covered with said covering.

9. A chain according to claim 8, wherein the chain comprises at least two prefabricated chains, of which the links are covered with said covering.

10. A chain according to claim 9, wherein the pressure surface extends next to and between the at least two chains.

11. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a drive is provided for driving the chain in and/or out.

12. A chain according to claim 11, wherein the drive comprises a roll-up cord, which is connected as pulling cable to the chain.

13. A chain according to claim 12, wherein the cord extends at least partly within the chain.

14. A chain according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the drive comprises a second roll-up cord, which is connected as pulling cable to the chain, wherein the two cords are designed for driving the chain in two opposite directions.

15. A chain according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering comprises a cable duct for including at least one public utility cable.

16. A chain rolling mechanism provided with a chain according to any one of the preceding claims, and provided with at least one guide along which glide covering parts of the links for driving the chain in and/or out in a controlled manner.

17. A chain rolling mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the covering parts form a second arch which is smaller than the arch formed in use in the free space by covering parts of the chain, wherein the covering parts of the chain form a self-supporting arm.

18. A door and/or window closing mechanism, load-bearing chain mechanism or ceiling lift, provided with a chain rolling mechanism according to claim 16 or 17.