EP2268931A1

EP2268931A1 - Vacuum lifter

Info

Publication number: EP2268931A1
Application number: EP09725810A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heinrich Ostendarp
Original assignee: Bohle AG
Current assignee: Bohle AG
Priority date: 2008-03-25
Filing date: 2009-03-25
Publication date: 2011-01-05
Also published as: DE102008015648A1; DE202009014353U1; WO2009118362A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum suction device for temporary fixing to a substantially smooth fastening surface that is permeable to air, comprising a support shell (3) and a flexible suction table (4) and an actuation mechanism for producing a partial vacuum between the suction table (4) and the fastening surface with an at least partial positional shifting of the suction table, wherein a vacuum indicating device (15) is provided for indication of the partial vacuum. In order to create a simple constructive design of the indicating device, by way of which a reduction in the partial vacuum can be easily and reliably detected even by an untrained operator under different environmental conditions, the vacuum indicating device is provided with an indicating element (16) that is coupled to the suction table mechanically. A change in the partial vacuum can be optically and/or haptically detected and indicated by way of the indicating element (16). The indicating device can be integrated into the actuation mechanism.

Description

vacuum lifters

The invention relates to a vacuum suction, in particular a vacuum lifter, for temporary fixation on a substantially smooth, air-impermeable mounting surface, with a carrier shell and a flexible suction plate and an actuating mechanism to generate at least partially positional change in position of the suction cup between this and the mounting surface a partial vacuum, wherein a display device for displaying the partial vacuum is provided with a mechanically coupled to the suction plate display element.

The display of the existing partial vacuum in a vacuum suction is often desirable for its reliability, so that falls below a minimum vacuum part of the vacuum suction is not charged in order to avoid an unforeseen loosening of the vacuum suction of its mounting surface. This may apply to lifting objects when using the vacuum cleaner to prevent damage to the article having the mounting surface, or when the vacuum cleaner is used as a human hand grip temporarily mounted on a mounting surface, such as when the vacuum cleaner is an additional handle use in order to be able to move more safely in a certain environment such as in the sanitary area. The possibility of checking a sufficient partial vacuum under the expected loads is of decisive importance for ensuring personal safety.

Vacuum suckers with devices for displaying the partial vacuum are known, wherein the partial vacuum is measured in each case directly in the vacuum chamber forming between the suction divider and the fastening surface and displayed by means of an electronic display or a pressure gauge display. The metrological detection of the partial vacuum is but in this case comparatively expensive. Furthermore, these displays are based on displays, but the displayed values are not always easily recognizable, since the vacuum sucker is sometimes operated by anyone who is not technically trained. Falling below a given partial vacuum is not always easily detectable for these persons on a display. Furthermore, it should be noted that when using the vacuum suction in the sanitary area, for example, to facilitate movement of people in a bath, a pool or the like, the displays is often acted upon by splashing water, condensation, etc. and thus is not recognizable. An electronic display here also requires a complex encapsulation or works incorrectly. On the other hand, such vacuum cups are also partially used under increased dirt or dust, in which a manometer display is prone to failure. Safe operation of the display device is thus not always possible under these conditions.

A mechanical embodiment of a display device of a vacuum lifter is known from DE 20 2007 008 376 U1. However, this display device is integrated in the suction cup, which requires a very complex production. Furthermore, special forms of the suction cup are required when compared to a vacuum lifter without display device now a vacuum lifter with display device is to provide, which requires additional storage, in which optionally the entire assembly of handle with

Suction plates is to store separately and thus precludes a modular design. Furthermore, the recognition of the display device is difficult for inexperienced persons, since it is arranged concealed in the suction cup integrated.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a vacuum suction in which the display device is structurally simple and under different environmental conditions by a untrained operator a reduction of the partial vacuum is easily and reliably detected, which is simple and inexpensive to produce and the allows easy recognition of the display.

This object is achieved by a vacuum suction device according to claim 1, wherein, the display element or at least a part of the display device is integrated in the actuator. The display element is thereby also particularly well perceived and not covered by other components. If a vacuum suction device with display device is to be produced, then it can be assumed that a conventional suction plate is used; it is merely necessary to provide another actuating element with preferably already integrated display element. All components of the display device, which of the actuating mechanism are different, may be fully integrated in the actuator and be mounted together with this on the vacuum suction and / or disassembled. Such a mechanically acting display device is also particularly robust, always works reliably even under adverse environmental conditions, and is virtually unaffected by external disturbances such as moisture, dust or the like. Due to the mechanical coupling of the display element with the suction cup, a change in the position of the display element associated with the change in the partial vacuum can always be reliably detected by the operator even under adverse environmental conditions such as moisture or dust. The display can for example be such that with increasing reduction of the partial vacuum, the display element increasingly with respect to a reference part such as a scale, a housing part or the like emerges, so that even a relatively small loss of the partial vacuum is reliably detected by the display element. In this case, the display element can be mechanically coupled to the suction plate directly or with a coupling element that extends the display element, so that a partial change in position or deformation of the suction plate causes a change in position of the display element. For this purpose, the display element can be force-receivingly connected to the suction plate. The display device may further be configured such that it only indicates that the value falls below a predetermined minimum partial vacuum, or that it can be designed such that a continuous reduction of the partial vacuum can be monitored via the display element, which changes its position stepwise or continuously of the partial vacuum can change.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

Particularly preferably, the vacuum display can be designed such that the display element displays a change in the partial vacuum visually and / or haptically detectable. A visual indication can be obtained by the display element being progressively displaced by the vacuum suction device with a decreasing partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber relative to a reference point or, if appropriate, also protruding from the vacuum suction device with decreasing extent, for example being increasingly drawn into a housing component of the vacuum suction device. A haptically detectable change in the display position of the display element can in this case take place in that the increased or reduced extent of protrusion with respect to a reference point, for example a housing component, is manually palpable. In particular, at a maximum partial vacuum, optionally taking into account a tolerable deviation, the display element flush with the housing component or another adjacent component and protrude at further vacuum reduction of this, thus changing the position of the Display element is particularly easy to feel.

The display element of the display device is particularly preferably mechanically coupled to or connected to the suction plate, in particular to a region thereof, which preferably performs the greatest possible change in position when the partial vacuum changes, such as, for example, the central region of the suction plate, which undergoes a relatively large change in position relative to the fixed to the mounting surface edge of the suction cup by the partial vacuum application.

In general, the display element can couple directly or indirectly to the suction plate. It is understood that with indirect coupling at least one coupling element is provided. If the Saugtelier provided with a stiffening element, which may be disposed in the central region thereof, the display element may mechanically or indirectly coupled directly to the stiffening element. The stiffening element may be a vulcanized on the suction plate stiffening plate, which may consist of steel or other suitable material. Preferably, the stiffening element is plate-shaped and connected to the suction plate surface.

Alternatively, the object underlying the invention is achieved by a vacuum suction device in which the display device is designed such that it causes a display by the display element with decreasing partial vacuum from reaching a threshold value and that the height of the threshold value is defined frictionally independent by a mechanical coupling mechanism. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary for the display device to be integrated at least substantially or completely in the actuating element, which does not necessarily have to apply to the display element. For example, the display device may be partially or substantially, e.g. the display element may also be arranged on or integrated in the suction plate or on or in another device of the suction device, e.g. also an additional housing part.

Preferably, the display device has a coupling mechanism with at least one coupling element, which preferably already progresses small changes in position of the suction cup or of a suction cup region caused by the change in the partial vacuum progressively or abruptly mechanically coupled in amplified position changes of the display element with decreasing partial vacuum. As a result, the display device has a very high sensitivity. The changes in position of the suction cup or a Saugtellerbereichs can be transferred gradually or continuously under mechanical coupling in reinforced position changes of the display element. By the continuous preferably mechanical coupling of the display device or the display element with the suction plate is a particularly reliable and robust display device even under difficult environmental conditions and given with a particularly high durability. The coupling mechanism may optionally be a pure lever or spring-and / or gear mechanism or Zahnsein, it may be generally free of hydraulic and / or pneumatic elements such as power transmission elements or optionally have.

Particularly preferably, the display device is designed such that with increasing reduction of the partial vacuum, the display element is transferred only when a certain Teilvakuumschwellwert.es (ie only above a certain absolute pressure in the cavity between the suction cup and mounting surface) in a position indicating a vacuum loss, ie not already at any low vacuum loss. The display device may in particular be designed such that the threshold value is defined by a spring element effecting a transfer of the display element into its display position and a transmission ratio of a mechanical coupling mechanism, that is to say independently of a frictional connection to be overcome, but is controlled mechanically in a targeted manner. The coupling mechanism may include one or more displacement and / or force translating elements such as pivot levers. With only a relatively small partial vacuum loss, ie falling below the Teilvakuumschwellwert.es, the vacuum force of the partial vacuum, taking into account the counteracting Federkrafteines a spring element of the display can suffice that the display element with a certain pressure force in its Nichtanzeige- or starting position pressed against a first stop becomes, so that no announcement takes place. This spring can be integrated in the actuator. Only when reducing the partial vacuum below a certain threshold then the spring force of the spring element of the display device is sufficient that the display element lifts from its first stop. The display element can generally progressively proportional to the loss of vacuum extend into its display position, for example, against a second stop determining the maximum display position, optionally also have a non-linear display profile, with increasing vacuum curve a continuous, eg continuous or stepwise display with multiple display positions takes place, preferably a practically sudden movement. This functional principle can be achieved in particular by arranging a separate spring element of the display device, which acts on the display element, preferably in combination with a coupling or transmission mechanism. Generally, within the scope of the invention, proper operation of the vacuum suction device is possible if a partial vacuum is present which satisfies the prescribed minimum vacuum exceeds threshold, that in any case the desired holding force of the vacuum suction on the mounting surface is still present.

Alternatively or additionally, the display device is particularly preferably designed such that upon actuation of the actuator to generate a partial vacuum, the display element until reaching a certain minimum vacuum (ie only below a certain absolute pressure in the cavity between the suction cup and mounting surface) in an existing partial vacuum indicating Position is transferred, for example, against the first stop, if provided, transferred and otherwise can remain at a second stop. Preferably, this threshold value corresponds to a partial vacuum that is at least reached with proper operation and use, the display element then being in its "starting position." The height of the minimum partial vacuum at which the retracted position of the display device is completely reached and / or the behavior of the display Display device up to the extended position indicating vacuum loss can optionally be differently designed or defined by different configurations of the spring element acting on the display device and the mechanical translation and coupling device, in particular their transmission ratio Position (reaching the partial vacuum threshold) in a preferably approximately linear or otherwise defined relationship to the partial vacuum loss can be achieved In an advantageous embodiment, the display device remains in the completely retracted position during the loss of the partial vacuum up to the partial vacuum threshold, in order then to be transferred at least substantially abruptly into the display position, in which case it can abut against the second stop. Only by renewed proper operation of the siphon is this then again in the safe operating condition (initial state) can be transferred. Here, the configuration of the display device ensures that the retracted position of the display element can only be restored when a certain minimum partial vacuum is reached (ie only below a certain absolute pressure between the siphon and the mounting surface). Such behavior generally corresponds to a switching hysteresis. Again, the coupling mechanism may have one or more displacement and / or force translating elements such as pivoting lever. It is understood that the coupling mechanism here is preferably the same, which causes the above-described transfer of the display element in its partial vacuum loss indicating position. By appropriate embodiments of the spring element and the mechanical translation and coupling devices and transitional forms between the at least substantially linear and the at least essentially abrupt form (switching hysteresis) can be achieved.

The coupling mechanism of the display device may generally have a path ratio, which converts slight change in position of the suction cup or a Saugtellerbereichs in reinforced position changes of the display element. This path ratio may comprise at least one or more mechanical coupling elements in the form of pivoting levers which are mounted off-center, wherein each of the shorter lever portion of the two lever portions of the coupling element of the suction cup may be arranged facing. It can also be provided two or more such pivot elements, wherein the display element may be formed as such a pivot member. The pivot levers can each be formed linear, possibly also as a knee or angle lever or in the form of other suitable lever elements. The path-translating coupling elements or other coupling elements may be partially or possibly completely formed as pneumatic and / or hydraulic coupling elements. The coupling can thus generally be a mechanical, a pneumatic and / or a hydraulic coupling, preferably a mechanical coupling. Optionally, the progressive coupling may also be an electrical coupling, preferably in combination with an electrical display. By means of this transmission mechanism, it is also possible to indicate not only the reaching of a limit value with decreasing partial vacuum, such as the achievement of the above-indicated upper and lower threshold values of the partial vacuum, but optionally also the change of the partial vacuum over a certain period of time.

By off-center storage of one or more coupling elements formed as a pivot lever of the display device and / or choice of the spring force of the spring of the display device, a translation can be provided in which the transmission ratio of the change in position of the Saugtellerbereichs on the (greater) variation in position of the display element varies in a structurally simple manner or in which the above-described threshold values of an upper and / or lower partial vacuum, in which the display element is transferred to its display or initial position, can be set in a structurally simple manner optionally. In general, the display element itself as a translation element, for example as off-center mounted lever may be formed. For this purpose, the lever ratios at one or more of the pivot levers of the coupling mechanism can be selected in a suitable manner, it may be sufficient to change only the position of the pivot or bearing points of the respective coupling elements or to use a spring with different spring constant. Incidentally, the structure of the display device can be maintained. It understands itself that particularly large gear ratios can be achieved when two or more such coupling elements, which cause a path ratio, are connected in series.

Together with the path ratio of the coupling mechanism is preferably accompanied by a power transmission (with reverse gear ratio). Thus, preferably associated with the indicator member is a spring member (e.g., a compression spring) (which is preferably different than any spring member of the actuating mechanism). The raised by the converted ratio force of the spring element can act in addition to the force caused by the partial vacuum force, the much lower force of the spring element of the actuating mechanism counteract. Upon confirmation of the vacuum suction for generating a partial vacuum, the latter spring element can be biased, while at the same time the actuator is transferred to its operating position. The display element can be positioned by the spring element of the display device spring-loaded in its display position. Due to the translation mechanism of the display device, which represents an increasing decreasing force transmission with increasing distance ratio, the spring element can be tensioned upon actuation of the actuating mechanism with relatively little force.

The bearing points of the coupling elements or of the display element can each be provided on the actuating member. In general, the display device may be partially or completely dismantled together with the actuating member as a structural unit of the vacuum lifter, for example, under solution of the hinge connection of the actuator of the coupling to the suction cup connecting element.

The display element may be articulated by an extension on the adjacent coupling element, wherein the display element and the extension in the manner of a piston can be arranged longitudinally displaceable against each other.

Furthermore, the display device is particularly preferably designed such that a failure of an element of the same display indicates an apparent vacuum loss, but the display does not indicate the presence of a (sufficient) partial vacuum despite a vacuum loss. Furthermore, the display device can be designed such that a failure of an element thereof does not lead to an impairment of the actuating mechanism and thus also of the partial vacuum generated. For this purpose, a coupling element of the display device on a provided between suction plate and actuator connecting element of the actuating mechanism attack, or at a Koppe- Lungsstelle, which is arranged at the side to the (joint) connection between the actuating member and the connecting element, ie on the side facing away from the suction plate of the connecting element. The display device is thus no longer in the power flow of the actuating mechanism. This applies in particular to a spring element of the display device, which may be provided in addition to a spring element of the actuating mechanism.

In general, further modifications of the translation mechanism are possible. For example, leaf springs can be provided as spring elements which can simultaneously take over the function of a translation element (coupling element) and a spring element.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that in vacuum loss not a display element is moved relative to the actuator but the actuator (especially in training as a rocker arm) even performs a display path relative to the support shell of the vacuum suction. For this purpose, for example, the spring element of the actuating mechanism or another spring element of the display device act on a support element of the actuator, which is variable in position with changing partial vacuum.

Furthermore, a coupling element can be arranged on the suction plate, including the stiffening element, which transmits an at least regional change in position of the suction plate, for example the middle region thereof, to the display element. On the one hand, a mechanically stable coupling of the display element to the suction plate is made possible by the coupling element, on the other hand, the display element can be easily replaced or changed in its position relative to the suction cup, for example, to perform an adjustment of the vacuum indicator. Coupling element and display element are thus preferably releasably and / or telescopically attached to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element and / or the display element can be designed as a pivot lever. In this case, the coupling element and / or the display element are preferably pivotable in a plane transverse or parallel to the main plane of the suction plate, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the main surface of the suction plate. Due to the pivotable mounting of the respective element, a high sensitivity of the display can be achieved given a change in the position of the suction plate, for which purpose a displacement transmission of the position change of the suction plate area into an increased positional change of the display element takes place. If the coupling element and the display element are in each case designed as a pivoting lever or rocker, they can be mounted in such a way that they carry out an opposing pivotal movement when the partial vacuum is reduced, as a result of which a particularly compact construction can be achieved. The display element and / or the coupling element may in this case be pivotally mounted on the actuating member of the actuating device, wherein the actuating member may in particular also be designed as a pivot lever. In this embodiment, but also generally, the display element can be floatingly mounted on the abutment-forming component, in particular, the display element with a bead-like elevation on the underside of the actuator rest to form a hinge connection.

The coupling element, which may be formed, for example, in the manner of a linkage part, on the one hand hinged with an engaging on the suction plate Verbindungsele, be connected, wherein the connecting element may be formed as a tie bolt, which may extend substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup , Furthermore, the coupling element can be pivotally connected to the actuator of the actuator. These two articulated joints can be arranged adjacent to each other, so that the distance between them is smaller or substantially smaller than the distance of the pivot bearing of the display element to one of the two aforementioned articulated joints or to a connection or a hinge region of coupling element with display element. The display area of the display element can in this case in particular be spatially facing the articulated connection of the coupling element with the connecting element, wherein the bearing of the display element of this articulated connection can be arranged facing away.

The display element may be fixed in position in the operating position of the actuator at maximum partial vacuum, whereby a reliable display device is given. With reduction of the partial vacuum, the position fixation can be canceled. Thus, the display area facing away from the end portion of the display element can be fixed in position at maximum partial vacuum between the actuator and the coupling element by the components abut each other, with reduction of the partial vacuum can play or clearance between the display element and the actuator and / or coupling element arise, a Change in position of the display element allows so that this indicates a reduction of the partial vacuum.

Preferably, the coupling element or at least a part of the display device is part the actuating mechanism is for generating a partial vacuum. A component of the actuating mechanism, which is different from the suction cup and may also be different from a tension bolt acting on the suction cup, can thus also be part of the display device at the same time. This part can, for example, force-transmitting between the tie bolt and the actuating member, which is preferably designed as a rocker arm, may be arranged.

The display element may be designed to be displaceable coupled with the coupling element. Preferably, the coupling element and / or the display element extends at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup, whereby changes in position of the suction cup due to a change in the partial vacuum are particularly simple and directly transferable to the display device. In order to create a particularly robust and durable display device, the coupling element and / or the display element can be axially guided in an axial guide, so that changes in position of the suction can be reliably transferred to the display element. Independently of this, the display element and the coupling element can be arranged coaxially with one another and connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner, for example in the form of linkage parts or pins fastened to one another. In general, the display element can represent an extension of the coupling element. The display element may generally be designed in the manner of a pull bolt, so that a change in the partial vacuum can be simply and reliably displayed by its displacement relative to a reference point or its coming out or pulling into a housing part of the display device.

The display element may generally be designed such that it performs a translational movement when reducing the partial vacuum, preferably a translational movement at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the carrier shell. Alternatively, even if the partial vacuum is reduced, the display element can perform a pivoting movement in a plane which may be transverse or parallel to the main plane of the carrier shell. For example, for this purpose, the display element can be designed as a pivot lever, wherein a coupling element connected to the suction plate acts on one of the lever arms of the pivot lever and the other lever arm of the pivot lever acts as a display element. Between suction cup and display element, a transmission mechanism may be provided, so that when reducing the partial vacuum and spacing of the central region of the suction cup of the mounting surface formed as a pivot lever display element also performs a movement in another direction, for example, a pivotal movement, in which the display element of the carrier shell is pivoted upwards away or the pivoting of the display element causes in a plane parallel to the carrier shell level. The pivoting of the display element can also take place in a plane perpendicular to the carrier shell main plane.

Furthermore, the display device may comprise adjusting means by means of which a zero point adjustment of the display device is possible and / or the display position of the display element with respect to a partial vacuum whose underrun is to be displayed, is adjustable. The partial vacuum, from which the display device indicates a change in vacuum, is thus adjustable and freely selectable. For this purpose, the display element with respect to the coupling element and / or the suction cup may be formed variable in position, in particular by changing the distance to the suction cup. For this purpose, the display element can be telescoped relative to the coupling element, for example by a screw connection between the coupling element and the display element. For this purpose, the display element can be received in a threaded bore of the coupling element. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment means may have a positionally variable reference point relative to the display element and / or the suction plate. The reference point may be attached to a component adjacent to the display element, such as e.g. a housing part of the display device surrounding the display element at least partially surrounding it, which can be variable in position.

The display device is thus at least partially or completely integrated in the actuating mechanism or received by this. This may apply to the display element or the display device as a whole. Particularly preferably, the display device or the display element of the same, with respect to the components which are different from the Betätigungsmecha- mechanism, at least partially or completely integrated in the actuating member of the actuating mechanism and received by this.

The display element may also generally couple to the suction cup via a portion of the actuating mechanism. The display device may have a housing part, which is variable in position by actuation of the actuating device and can be transferred to an operating position of the siphon in which there is a maximum partial vacuum. A change in the partial vacuum can be displayed by changing the position of the display element relative to the housing part or another reference point. The housing part may be designed to be displaceable, in particular displaceable perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup. The housing part may be coupled to the actuating member of the actuating device and possibly supported by this, so that at the same time by means of the actuating member and the housing part of the display device is variable in position. This is how it can be general be formed in the invention, the actuating member of the actuator as a knee or rocker arm. The actuator can engage via a connecting element such as a tie bolt on the suction cup. The connecting element may generally be identical to the coupling element which connects the display element to the suction plate. By actuation of the actuating member thus the position of the partial vacuum and the connecting element or the coupling element is also changed position. The display element may be formed such that at maximum present partial vacuum, the display area of the display element is at the level of a reference point, for which the suction plate facing away from the end of the display element terminates at least substantially flush with the housing. The display element is thereby not separately visually recognizable and also haptic relative to the housing imperceptible, ie not as a separate element palpable. When the partial vacuum is reduced, the middle region of the suction plate is then increasingly spaced from the fastening surface, so that the display element then protrudes outwards relative to the reference point or the housing and is hereby perceptible by palpation both optically and haptically.

If the actuator is designed as a lever such as a knee or rocker arm, the display element can at least partially penetrate the lever. Thus, the actuator may have a fork-shaped end portion which faces the siphon and which may abut against the carrier shell. The display element, the housing part of the display device and / or the display device as a whole may pierce the actuator and be received by the actuator of the actuator, e.g. be arranged between the two legs of the knee or rocker arm.

Thus, generally under tension of the knee or rocker arm and the display element is changed in position, e.g. shifted relative to the carrier shell, so by coupling the reference point such as. the housing of the display device to the lever and this will be moved so that when the lever is tightened and maximum partial vacuum, the display element is in its zero position. The displacement can take place here at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup. The display element can be at least substantially flush with the housing or a portion of the lever after the displacement. Alternatively, of course, the display element can be moved to a fixed reference point.

In particular, the vacuum suction can be configured as a siphon or as a handle. The vacuum cleaner can only one or two or more carrier shells, each with a suction cup wherein the trays may be interconnected by a handle or other suitable means. Each of the carrier shells can be provided with a display device according to the invention.

The invention is described below by way of example and explained by way of example with reference to the figures. Show it:

FIGS. 1-3: a representation of a partial region of a vacuum suction device according to the invention in cross-sectional views in the relaxed state (FIG. 1), in the tensioned state at maximum partial vacuum (FIG. 2) and in the tensioned state during partial vacuum loss (FIG. 3),

4 to 6 show an illustration of a partial region of a vacuum suction device according to the invention in two cross-sectional views in the relaxed state (FIG. 4), in the tensioned state at maximum partial vacuum (FIG. 5) and in the tensioned state in the case of partial vacuum loss (FIG. 6),

7 shows a representation of a partial region of a vacuum suction device according to the invention in two cross-sectional representations in the relaxed state (FIG. 7), in the tensioned state at maximum partial vacuum (FIG. 8) and in the tensioned state in the case of partial vacuum loss (FIG. 9),

10 is a schematic representation of the partial vacuum path of the display element of a vacuum suction device according to FIGS. 1-3 or FIGS. 4-6 (FIG. 10a) and of a vacuum suction device according to FIGS. 7-9 (FIG. 10b).

Figures 1 to 3 show a vacuum cleaner according to the invention according to a first embodiment in three different operating conditions, wherein the cross sections of Figures a and b are each at an angle of 90 ° to each other. The vacuum suction device 1 in this case has a handle 2, which connects two arranged at its end portions support shells 3 together.

Each of the carrier shells 3 has a suction plate 4 made of a flexible, preferably rubber-elastic material, which can be pressed by the edge region 5 of the carrier shell against a mounting surface. The carrier shell 3 has an actuating mechanism 6, which has an actuating element 7 designed as a tilting or toggle lever and by means of a connecting element 8 (or in general a connecting mechanism). nismus) coupled to the suction cup, so that under pivoting of the actuating member 7, the central region 9 of the suction cup is spaced from the mounting surface and thus between the suction cup and mounting surface a vacuum chamber acted upon with a vacuum is formed (see Fig. 2, 3). The connecting element 8 is designed here as a pull bolt. The connecting element 8 can be coupled directly to the actuating member 7, for example via a connection yoke, preferably the coupling takes place by means of further elements which may be part of the display device at the same time (see below). Furthermore, the connecting element passes through a slot 10 of the actuating member. For stiffening the central region 9 of the suction cup, this is provided with a stiffening element 11 in the form of a vulcanized steel plate, the actuating member penetrating the stiffening element 11 or coupling thereto. The actuating mechanism is to operate according to the embodiment against a spring force, which is here generated by the arranged between the carrier shell and the suction plate spring 12 when a partial vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber by means of the actuating mechanism.

Furthermore, the vacuum suction device has a display device 15 for displaying the partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber. The associated display element 16 is formed here as a pin-shaped extension of the connecting element 8. The display element 16 is by means of the actuating mechanism, more precisely by means of the connecting element 8, with the

Suction cup 4 is connected, so that the connecting element also serves as a coupling element between the display element and the suction cup. Optionally, however, can couple the display element regardless of the connecting element to the suction cup, for example, if this is adjacent thereto, preferably also takes place the coupling by means of a coupling element, which can also attack the same at the central region of the suction cup or on a stiffening element. Due to the mechanical coupling of the display element with the suction plate, a reduction of a partial vacuum can be displayed reliably and in a structurally simple manner and independently of external disturbing influences. Generally, by changing the partial vacuum, the location of the indicator 16 relative to the housing 17 of the indicator or other reference point will be altered to indicate a change in partial vacuum. By the display element, a change in the partial vacuum such as falling below a minimum vacuum visually and haptically or by sensing can be detected, for example, by a projection of the display element 16 relative to a reference point provided here by the display element 16 immediately surrounding housing portion 25 can be. Further, the extent of partial vacuum degradation may also be affected by the extent of protrusion of the display element be displayed, which is also visually and / or haptically perceptible.

The coupling element 16a (or the connecting element 8) and the pin-shaped display element 16 extend perpendicular to the main plane of the suction plate. The display element 16 and the coupling element 16a are arranged coaxially with each other, wherein the display element 16 is an extension of the coupling element and is attached directly to this. The display element 16 is relative to the connection or the coupling element 8, 16a variable in position or telescopic. For this purpose, the display element 16 engages with a threaded portion 18 in an internal thread 19 of the coupling element (or of the connecting element). For a given position of Verbindungsbzw. Coupling element can thus the display element with respect to a reference point such. the position of the housing 17 are changed or adjusted, so that the display element with respect to the partial vacuum to be displayed is adjustable. Furthermore, according to Figure 1, the connecting element (or coupling element) is guided in an axial guide which can be provided by a portion of the carrier shell, or according to the embodiment by a resting on the support plate 20, on which at the same time running as a rocker arm actuator supports and slides in its tilting movement.

As shown in Figure 3, the housing 17 surrounding the display element 16 is positionally variable by means of the actuating mechanism when the actuator is actuated to produce a maximum partial vacuum. The housing is for this purpose connected to the actuating member 7 and coupled by the engaging in the recess 22 projections 21 with each other. By means of this coupling, the tilting movement of the lever is converted into a translational change in position of the housing 17 and thus of the connection and / or coupling element 16a. The recess 22 may be arranged in the pivot point of the rocker arm, which acts as an eccentric lever. The housing may be spaced apart from the mounting surface coupled with the connecting and / or coupling element 16a, e.g. in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup.

If, with the generation of a maximum partial vacuum, the actuating member 7 is actuated or the rocker arm completely folded over (FIG. 2), then the central region 9 of the suction plate is spaced from the fastening surface. During this tilting movement of the rocker arm runs on a curved path 23, whereby the connecting element 8 is guided in a slot of the rocker arm along and the connecting element is lifted, which is contrary to the force resulting from the partial vacuum and to a small extent against the spring force by the spring 12th can be done. Here, the housing 17 is due to the coupling or the positive and / or non-positive connection with the actuator 7 also lifted and spaced from the mounting surface. At maximum partial vacuum then closes the end face remote from the mounting surface 24 of the display element flush with the surrounding, perceptible from the outside housing portion 25, so that the end portion 24 of the display element 16 is perceived on palpation as well as visually only as a region of the housing.

If the housing 17 is attached to the actuating member 7 with a clearance, then a spring 28 may be provided, for example in the form of a number of disc springs, to force the housing against the display element and towards the suction cup against the corresponding receptacle such as the surrounding one Press actuator. Regardless of the extended position of the display element, the housing 17 can be pressed against the corresponding receptacle of the actuator such as the stepped shoulder 29. The game 27 may be necessary in this case to transfer the actuator or the rocker arm in a stable pivoting position, so that the rocker arm is not automatically transferred under spring force into its initial position shown in Figure 1 back.

If, after reaching a maximum partial vacuum by means of the actuating mechanism, a reduction of the partial vacuum due to unavoidable leaks between suction plate and mounting surface, the middle area of the suction plate 4 is increasingly spaced from the mounting surface and the connecting element 8 between the suction plate and the actuating mechanism or the coupling element 16a and the indicator 16 are also spaced from the mounting surface. The display element 16 can in this case be moved translationally perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup. The display element 16 thus moves with decreasing partial vacuum from the housing 17 or shifts from an intended reference point, which are perceived by a palpation, since the display element 16 protrudes from the surrounding housing portion 25, on the other hand, this projection can be visually perceived. In order to facilitate visual perception, a marking, for example in the form of recognizable identification rings 26, which may differ in color from the housing and the end region 24 of the display element, may be provided on the end region 24 of the display element. In particular, a plurality of rings of different color may be provided, so that the extent of protrusion of the display element is better recognizable. The display device 15 is further integrated in the actuator 7, to which the housing 17 may be arranged between the two fork-shaped legs 30 of the actuator designed as a rocker arm. As a result, a space-saving embodiment is provided and the display device protected from external influences. Figures 4 to 6 show a further embodiment of a vacuum suction device 40 according to the invention, wherein - unless otherwise stated below - reference is made to the first embodiment and the same components with the same reference numerals 5 are provided.

In a modification of the first embodiment, the coupling element 41 and the display element 42 are designed as a pivot lever, which, however, may also apply to only one of the two elements. The coupling element, which is embodied herein as a pivoting beam or pivotable linkage part, is articulated by its first end region 41a to the connecting element 8 by means of the articulated connection 43, wherein the connecting element is designed in accordance with the previous exemplary embodiment and connected to the suction plate 5. The coupling element 41 couples to the display element with the end region 42b facing away from the connecting element

15 42 on. The coupling element 41 is in this case pivotable about the axis 44 arranged between the two end regions. The axis 44 is in this case formed by a hinge connection 45 of the coupling element 41 with the actuating member 7, which may be formed by a hinge pin. The actuator 7 coupled as shown in the first embodiment, to the connecting element 8, which as a tie bolt

20 may be executed. For this purpose, the connecting element transversely passing through pin, which also forms the hinge joint 43, be supported in a receptacle of the actuator so that the pivoting member of the actuator along the cam track 23, the connecting element axially displaced and the suction cup 4 is raised.

25 The display element 42 is also pivotally mounted relative to the actuator 7, in which case there may be a floating hinge connection. For this purpose, the bead-shaped elevation 48, which may rest on the inside of the actuating member 7, serve as a joint element. The articulated connection 49 of the display element with the actuating member is thus on the side facing away from the connecting element 8 of the joint

30 bond 45 arranged. The display region 50 of the display element 42, by the change in position, the change in the partial vacuum is displayed, in this case with respect to the articulated connection 49 of the articulated connection 43 and the hinge connection 45 facing arranged.

Furthermore, a spring 28 is also provided here, for example in the form of a helical spring, which engages on the display element 42 and on the abutment 52, that due to the spring force of the display area 50 of the display element relative to the actuator is advanced to the outside and so protrude beyond the top 53 of the actuator and can visually and / or haptically indicate a reduction of the partial vacuum. The abutment of the spring 28 is formed here by a region of the actuating member 7.

5, the coupling element 41 and the actuating member 7 are angled or substantially perpendicular to the connecting element 8. The display element 42 indicates maximum partial vacuum, to which the display area 50 is substantially flush with the Top 53 of the actuator closes. The connecting element 8 opposite end portion 42b of the display element is in this case preferably fixed between the end portion 41b of the coupling element and the actuator positively in position or has to these two components only a small amount of play. In this fixing, the display area 50 of the display element is thus fixed in position, e.g. against a manual depression.

Upon the occurrence of vacuum loss, as shown in Figure 6, the central region of the suction cup lifts slightly and is slightly spaced from the mounting surface. As a result, the coupling element 41 performs a pivoting movement about the hinge connection 45, so that the connecting element 8 facing end portion 41 a lifts and this remote end portion 41 b relative to the position shown in Figure 5 lowers. Due to this lowering of the end portion 41b of the coupling element and the display element performs a pivoting movement, so that the display area 50 is advanced relative to the top 53 of the actuator and thus indicates the partial vacuum loss. Here, the connecting element 8 facing away from the end portion 42b of the display element is lowered relative to its initial position in Figure 5. In this case, the end region 42b can be in permanent abutment with the end region 41b of the coupling element, so that the change in position of the indicating region 50 is controlled by the change in position of the end region 42b of the indicating element opposite the articulated connection 49. The permanent abutment of the end portions 41 b, 42 b is in this case due to the spring 28, which is arranged on the opposite side of the articulation 49 of the display element.

There is hereby a coupling mechanism, which is realized according to the embodiment, in particular due to the described arrangement of the spring 28 and the arrangement of the bearing points and joints of the display element and coupling element, wherein display element upon actuation of the actuating mechanism to produce a partial vacuum until reaching the maximum partial vacuum starting at a certain th threshold value (for example, -0.4 bar) continuously and practically continuously transferred to its initial position until maximum partial vacuum (for example, -0.7 bar) is generated, before reaching the Teilvakuumschwellwertes of eg -0.4 bar at least practically no perceptible Movement of the display element takes place (Fig. 10a). On the other hand, after reaching the maximum partial vacuum (here about -0.7 bar) with continuous partial vacuum loss with mechanical coupling a practically continuous change in position of the display element in the direction of its (extended) display position in reversal of the first-mentioned path-vacuum curve until reaching a certain threshold, in which only an insufficient partial vacuum is present (here -0.4 bar), the display element is almost completely transferred to its display position. In this position, the display element may abut against a stop, for example on the actuator, so that a further partial vacuum loss is no longer displayed. The path-vacuum characteristic of the display element can be virtually hysteresis-free. This can be produced by the fact that during the process of displaying the partial vacuum loss at the bearing or friction points 43, 44, 41b, 42b and 49, only slight frictional movements occur with favorable material pairings of the friction partners. Furthermore, the path-vacuum characteristic between the movement points of the display element may be at least substantially or very linear. This is achieved in that, given the arrangement of the bearing and hinge points of display and coupling element, the mechanical force or Wegübersetzungsverhältnis remains approximately constant and so is a reduced by a certain amount vacuum in an approximately linear relationship to the extension of the spring 28. This path-vacuum curve of the display element may possibly also apply independently of the embodiment.

Due to the formation of coupling element and display element as a pivot lever is also a structurally simple and at the same time sensitive display device, which is integrated in the actuator.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a modification of a vacuum suction device according to the invention according to FIGS. 4 to 6. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. Unless otherwise clear from the following, reference is also made to the comments on the previous embodiment.

As in the two preceding embodiments, according to this exemplary embodiment, the display device, in particular also the display element 42, is integrated at least partially or completely in the actuating member of the actuating mechanism, so that the display device is completely replaced by replacement of the actuating member can be mounted or dismounted.

Also in this embodiment, the display device 16 has a coupling mechanism with at least one coupling element 41. While the coupling mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 mechanically transfers progressively changes in position of a suction cup region (in this case the suction cup center 4 a) slowly into increased positional changes of the indicating element 42 with decreasing partial vacuum, i. At least substantially in proportion to the partial vacuum loss, according to this exemplary embodiment, an at least substantially sudden transfer of the display element into its (maximum) partial vacuum indicating starting position (FIG. 8) by applying a sufficient partial vacuum from the rest position FIG. 7 and with decreasing partial vacuum an at least substantially sudden transfer of the display element into its partial vacuum loss indicating position (display position) of FIG. 9.

According to this embodiment, the coupling element 41 is again designed as a pivot lever or rocker, which is mounted asymmetrically or eccentrically about the axis 44 pivotally. This axis is at the same time a hinge connection 45 with the actuator. The shorter end of the lever 41a is coupled to the connecting element 8 of the actuating mechanism as in the previous embodiment, more precisely articulated by means of the hinge 43 connected thereto. The longer end of the lever with the end portion 41 b coupled to the display element or is pivotally connected thereto via another hinge connection 55. This articulated connection can, like the other articulated connections according to this exemplary embodiment, optionally be designed as a pin-hole connection, so that it can counteract the forces generated by the partial vacuum on the articulated connection 43 by the spring element 56 of the display device. In this case, the coupling element 41 is articulated on an extension 57, which couples longitudinally displaceably to the display element 42 on the latter, more precisely on a receptacle 58, in this case a sleeve-shaped end, of the display element. The display element 42 couples to the spring element 56 of the display device, which is further biased or compressed according to Figure 8 by actuation of the actuating mechanism with application of a partial vacuum, which applies in so far also for the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. The display element 42 is in turn by means of the hinge connection 59 (pivot axis) also hingedly connected to the actuator 7. Also, the display element (including extension) is mounted asymmetrically or eccentrically, with the short end of the lever facing the display area 50, the long end of the lever facing the suction plate or the connecting element. element 8 faces. The described off-center bearing of the coupling element 41 and the display element (here with extension) is generally provided a translation mechanism and there is a gain or translation of a change in position of the Saugtellerbereichs in view of the thereby caused Lagever change of the display element 42 and the display area 50 thereof, where appropriate, more than two translation elements can be provided. Alternatively, the display element can not be designed as a translation element and this be preceded by a second or further translation elements.

Overall, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, which may also be generally valid, realized a mechanical, continuously effective displacement and / or force transmission, but in which the display element practically abruptly upon actuation of the actuating mechanism to produce a partial vacuum, more precisely at Reaching the sufficient partial vacuum, is transferred to its initial position, wherein before reaching the Teilvakuumschwellwertes (setpoint) at least practically no perceptible movement of the display element takes place (Fig. 8). On the other hand, after actuation of the vacuum lifter with continuous partial vacuum loss, the display element is practically abruptly transferred to its display position only when a certain threshold value at which only an insufficient partial vacuum is reached, whereby at least practically no perceptible movement of the display elements over the preceding progressive vacuum loss he follows. This transfer to the display position is also continuously coupled or mechanically coupled and virtually frictional-independent, i. regardless of overcoming a frictional resistance. This is achieved in each case by the force-displacement ratio in this case is very much dependent on the position of the display element relative to actuator 7 and the spring force of the spring 56 is hardly dependent on this position. Thus, in FIG. 8, this spring force multiplied by the distance b from the pivot point 44 represents a counter-torque projected onto the coupling element 41 to the torque exerted on the coupling element 41, which is generated essentially by the partial vacuum. The distance b results from the distance of the verli- connecting line through bearing point 58 and pivot point 59 to the hinge axis 44. When the partial vacuum falls and the counterforce generated by the spring force, the torque generated by the partial vacuum exceeds torque, indicator 42 releases from the lower stop. As a result, the distance b increases to the hinge axis 44, whereby the counter torque increases again with barely decreasing force of the spring 56. This leads to a sudden reaching of the condition in picture 9.

If the display element is to be pressed against the actuator by sucking in a fastening surface. 7 are transferred from the state in Figure 7 in the state, as shown in Figure 8 and not shown in Figure 9, the force generated by the partial vacuum force on the hinge 43 has a torque in the coupling element 41 to initiate, which exceeds the torque from the force of the spring 56 multiplied by the distance b 'results. If this is the case, so the distance b 'and thus also the counter torque against the torque generated by the partial vacuum decreases. The display element now abruptly enters the retracted position.

Furthermore, as in the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6, the display device as a whole, in particular the spring element of the same, with respect to the suction cup on the hinge joint 43 between actuator 7 and the force-transmitting connecting element 8 is arranged. In a failure of the display device, such as a break of the spring element of the display device 56, thus the actuating mechanism is not impaired as such in its function. Optionally, in this case each of the coupling element 42 also spaced from the hinge connection, for example, at the end remote from the suction plate 8a of the connecting element or a corresponding similar element of the actuating mechanism, couple. Furthermore, the display device, as far as their components are different from the actuating mechanism, completely integrated in the actuator and together with this can be removed and / or disassembled.

Upon actuation of the actuating mechanism for generating a partial vacuum must thus be generally worked on the one hand against the partial vacuum already created, but on the other hand to perform work for compression of the spring element 56. Due to the described displacement / force transmission, however, this work is low due to the small path for compression of the spring element 56, so that the siphon is to be actuated overall for generating a partial vacuum with only little effort. By the translation mechanism, it is also generally possible to display the full display path of the display element with a relatively small vacuum loss practically abruptly.

A schematic partial vacuum path diagram of the display element according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 10b. The display device is in this case designed such that, upon actuation of the actuating device, it indicates a partial vacuum when a predetermined limit value of a partial vacuum is exceeded, ie a partial vacuum sufficient for proper handling of the vacuum suction device is present in the cavity, which can be realized independently of the exemplary embodiment can. This partial vacuum is -0.7 bar here according to the embodiment. Before reaching this This can be achieved in that the display device is increasingly biased against a mechanical stop during actuation of the vacuum suction, wherein the display element from its initial position with relaxed, non-actuated vacuum suction is transferred to a cocked initial position and on the other hand, the spring element, taking into account the ratios of the coupling mechanism against the partial vacuum in the cavity works. The starting position of the display element is thus controlled by the height of the partial vacuum in the cavity and not only eg mechanically by the folding of the actuator, which as such is not a measure of the partial vacuum generated (eg in case of leaks in the mounting surface). The translation mechanism of the display device is thus designed so that at a selected high or maximum partial vacuum of, for example -0.7 bar (corresponding to a pressure P1), the display element is in its no vacuum loss indicating position and, for example, abuts against a stop, which may be provided the actuator. The amount of this partial vacuum is mechanically predetermined according to the invention, due to the spring constant of the spring element and the given ratios of the coupling mechanism (but not for example by a hard to define friction). If the partial vacuum falls in relation to the mentioned pressure P 1, then the display element remains practically in its starting position according to FIG. 8 until the threshold value of the negative pressure P 2 is present with a lower partial vacuum (for example -0.4 bar). The display element then moves virtually abruptly in its display position when fully actuated actuator, in which the display element can abut against a stop, which thus takes place under continuous mechanical coupling with the coupling mechanism and this also with the suction cup (sudden) start of the partial vacuum loss indication Thus, when a preselected negative pressure is exceeded, which is also defined mechanically by the coupling or translation mechanism, more precisely by the spring constant of the spring element of the display device and the transmission ratio of the coupling mechanism, in particular by the lever ratios resulting from the arrangement of the articulated joints and pivot axes described the coupling elements and the display element (or more coupling elements) result. The threshold values of the negative pressure P1 and P2 are thus completely mechanically defined and optionally adjustable.

According to the embodiment, the ratio b7 b is about 1, 75: 1, whereby when using a corresponding compression spring 56 and the pressure ratio P2 to P1 of -0.7 bar to -0.4 bar is determined inevitably, which also the ratio b 'to b corresponds. The "Switching values" of the display device with respect to the negative pressure, which indicate a present maximum partial vacuum and falling below a still acceptable partial vacuum, can thus be selected as required and mechanically predetermined by the translation mechanism.

According to a specific embodiment, the maximum travel of the connecting element 8 acting on the suction plate can be approximately 0.4 mm. This results from the movement of the indicator 42 between the retracted and extended positions. The translation factor of the translation mechanism of the Saugtellerkraft on the spring of the display with the two rockers (coupling element 42 and display element with extension) can be about 9.3. This results in a maximum spring deflection or compression of 3.7 mm. This can be raised again in the display element designed as a rocker, for example by the factor 1, 9, so that the display path of the display area 50 is ultimately approximately 7 mm. Taking into account that the path of the connecting element 8 for the application of a partial vacuum is 7 mm and the use of the force indicator requires an additional travel of 0.4 mm, the work to apply the partial vacuum increases by 6% (ratio 0, 4 mm: 7 mm). It is understood that the above-mentioned values in each case also depend on the transmission ratio of the coupling elements (pivot levers) and can be changed in a simple manner by changing the bearing points of said elements and / or the articulation locations of the elements. On the other hand, by the translation mechanism of the display device described here, these have a relatively long spring element. Thus, for example, the spring element of the display device under vacuum application (display element retracted) still have a length of about 20 mm. When the vacuum is lost, the length of this spring element then only increases by a relatively small amount, for example by ≦ 50% or ≦ 20-30% thereof, according to the exemplary embodiment by just about 3.7 mm to about 23.7 mm.

The articulated connection between the coupling elements designed as a rocker (optionally including the display element) and the actuating member may generally be designed such that a shell is formed in the coupling element, which surrounds a survey of the actuating member. The design of this shell can take place in such a way that in the connection between the actuating member and the rocker (eg display element) there is virtually no frictional movement during movement / tilting of the coupling mechanism but at least essentially only one rolling movement. Such a configuration is possibly possible instead of a pin-hole connection. The second coupling element or the display element may be made of a wear-resistant plastic material, For example, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, exist. The first coupling element, which can engage the connecting element, may for example be made of metal, for example as a yoke, wherein two parallel rigid metal sheets may be provided. The actuator may also generally be made of a plastic material.

If the display device is designed in such a way that it causes a display by the display element when a partial vacuum is reached, and the height of the threshold value is defined independently of friction by a mechanical coupling mechanism, then the present exemplary embodiments can also be modified in such a way that the display element is not integrated in the actuator. For example, it is possible for this purpose, the pad 31, for example in the form of a disc or the plate 20, or generally perform the abutment of the actuator as a display element, in particular as pivotable or tiltable Anzeigeeiement. The display element can then be actuated generally by a coupling and transmission mechanism described here, wherein the above can apply fully accordingly. For this purpose, for example, the actuator can only be formed with a relatively small contact surface on the pad 31, the disc-shaped, or abut against the abutment, so that pad 31 or abutment under the action of the coupling mechanism as described above can be generally operated. The coupling mechanism then attacks the base accordingly. For this purpose, the area below the base may have a corresponding recess or be suitably structured to generally allow tilting of the base or abutment. The pivot lever 41 (possibly with the interposition of one or more other pivot lever) can then attack the inlay, wherein the pad (abutment) itself may be formed as a pivoting element, for example, as described above to the display element. The spring element 56 can then be provided corresponding to the pad (abutment).

vacuum lifters

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 vacuum suction

2 handle

3 carrier shell

4 suction cups

4a middle suction cup area

5 border area

6 operating mechanism

7 actuator

8 connecting element

8a end region of the connecting element

9 middle area

10 slot

11 stiffening element

12 spring

15 display device

16 indicator

16a coupling element

17 housing

18 threaded section

19 internal thread

20 plate

21 lead

22 recess

23 curved path

24 end area 25 housing area

26 identification rings

27 game

28 spring

29 step heel

30 thighs

31 underlay

40 vacuum cups

41 coupling element

41a, 41b end area

42 display element

42a, 42b end area

43 articulation

44 axis

45 joint connection

48 survey

49 joint connection

50 display area

52 abutments

53 top

55 joint connection

56 spring element

57 extension

58 recording

59 joint

Claims

Vacuum lifter patent claims

1. Vacuum suction for temporary fixation on a substantially smooth, air-impermeable mounting surface, in particular as a vacuum lifter, with a carrier shell and a flexible suction plate and an actuating mechanism to produce under at least partially positional change in the suction cup between this and the mounting surface a partial vacuum, wherein a vacuum indicator provided for displaying the partial vacuum with a display element (16) and the display element of the vacuum display device is mechanically coupled to the suction cup, characterized in that the display element (16) or at least a part of the display device (15) in the actuator (7) is integrated and / or that the display device (15) is designed such that it causes a decreasing partial vacuum from reaching a threshold value display by the display element and that the height of the threshold frictional independent a mechanical coupling mechanism (28, 41, 56) is defined.

2. Vacuum suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (15) is designed such that the Anzeigeiement and the components of the display device, which are different from the actuator, together with the actuating member (7) can be mounted and / or disassembled.

3. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the display device (15) is designed such that upon generation of the partial vacuum by the actuating member, the display element (42) only upon reaching a threshold value corresponding to a desired target value of the partial vacuum in which the intended operation of the vacuum gers is transferred to its display position.

4. Vacuum sucker according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the display device (15) is designed such that it causes a decreasing partial vacuum from reaching a threshold, a display by the display element and that the threshold for a just operation of the vacuum suction permissible partial vacuum and that the display takes place at least substantially abruptly.

5. Vacuum suction device according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the display device (15) is designed such that it is at a decreasing partial vacuum from reaching a threshold value with the vacuum loss continuously increasing display, which at a normal operation of the vacuum suction just allowed Partial vacuum reaches its maximum.

6. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display device (15) is designed such that the Anzeigeeiement means of a spring element of the display device and cooperating with the display element mechanical coupling mechanism defined in its partial vacuum loss indicating display position and / or his Starting position is transferred at maximum partial vacuum.

7. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 6, dadurchgekenn - characterized in that on the suction plate (4) or a stiffening element thereof a coupling element (16 a) is arranged as part of the display device, which at least partially positional change of the suction cup (4) on the Indicator (16) transmits.

8. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a connecting element (8) between the suction cup (4) and actuating member (7) for transmitting power from the actuating member (7) on the suction cup (4) is provided that a coupling element as Part of the display device at a coupling point on the connecting element (8) engages, and that the coupling point at a hinge connection between the actuating member (7) and

Connecting element (8) or is provided at a point of the coupling mechanism, which in relation to the articulation between the actuating member (7) and connecting element is arranged facing away from the suction cup.

9. The vacuum suction device according to claim 1, wherein a coupling element (41) of the display device and / or the display element (42) is designed as a pivoting lever.

10. Vacuum suction device according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot lever is mounted eccentrically.

11. Vacuum suction device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the coupling element (41) and the display element (42) each formed as a pivot lever and are mounted such that they perform an opposing pivotal movement when reducing the partial vacuum.

12. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 11, d a d u r c h e c e n e z e c h e n e that the display element (42) on the actuating member (7) is pivotally mounted.

13. The vacuum suction device according to claim 1, wherein a coupling element is on the one hand hingedly connected to a connecting element acting on the suction plate, and on the other hand articulated to the actuating device of the actuating device.

14. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 13, dadurchgekenn - characterized in that a coupling element (41) with an end portion (41 a) articulated with a on the suction cup (4) engaging the connecting element (8) is connected and with another end portion (41 b ) is pivotally connected to the display element (42).

15. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a coupling element (41) with an end portion (41b) is pivotally connected to the display element (42) and that the display area of the display element facing this hinge connection and arranged away from the pivot axis of the display element is.

16. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the display device has a display element (42), which is fixed in position in the operating position of the actuator at maximum partial vacuum.

17. The vacuum suction device according to claim 1, wherein the display device (15) has setting means (18, 19) by means of which the display can be adjusted with respect to a sub-vacuum to be undershot.

18. Vacuum suction device according to one of claims 1 to 17, dadurchgekenn - characterized in that the display device (15) has a reference part, which is variable in position by actuation of the actuator and can be transferred to an operating position of the siphon, and that by changing the partial vacuum, the position of Display element (16) relative to the reference part is variable to indicate a change in the partial vacuum.

19. Vacuum suction device according to claim 18, characterized in that the reference part is a housing part or the actuating element which surrounds the display element (16) at least partially.

20. Vacuum suction device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the reference part is mounted so displaceable that it is displaced by actuation of the actuating mechanism in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the suction cup (4) relative to the carrier shell.

21. Vacuum suction device according to claim 1, wherein a spring element which is independent of the actuating mechanism and which biases the display element against the reference part is provided.