Hose lifter with air displacement device in the lifting hose

Abstract

The invention relates to a hose lifter (10) comprising a lifting hose (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (14) of the lifting hose, which defines a hose interior (20) with a hose volume, wherein the lifting hose can be shortened from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration by applying negative pressure to the hose interior and can be extended again to the extended configuration by venting the hose interior (20), and comprising an air displacement device (36) arranged in the hose interior of the lifting hose with at least one filling element (38), wherein the air displacement device (36) fills at least 15% of the hose volume in the extended configuration of the lifting hose.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hose lifter comprising a lifting hose which can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the inside of the hose and lengthened again by venting the inside of the hose.

[0002] Tube lifters are known in various ways from the prior art, e.g. from DE 10 2008 028 205 C5, DE 20 2018 100 403 U1, DE 10 2023 102 438 B3 and DE 10 2023 117 475 A1.

[0003] Vacuum tube lifters are vacuum handling devices used to lift, move, and lower loads using a vacuum. The lifting force is exerted by a lifting tube, which can be shortened by applying vacuum pressure and extended again by releasing the vacuum. An end effector for gripping an object is typically located at one end of the lifting tube.

[0004] To operate the lifting hose and / or the end effector, a control device is typically provided between the lifting hose and the end effector. This device includes a handle for repositioning the lifting hose. The control device usually incorporates a vent valve, operated by a switch or button, which allows the hose's interior to be vented as needed, thus altering its length.

[0005] The lifting hose typically has a hose made of a textile material and a spring, in particular a coil spring, that tensions the textile material.

[0006] During operation, the lifting hose is adjustable between a long configuration, in which the lifting hose is fully extended (textile material taut), and a short configuration, in which the lifting hose is fully retracted (textile material folded and spring on block), depending on the pressure level inside the hose.

[0007] The invention addresses the problem of improving the operation and efficient use of hose lifters of the type mentioned above in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by an operating device having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The tube lifter has a lifting tube. The lifting tube preferably extends along a longitudinal direction between a first, in particular upper, end and a second, in particular lower, end. The first end is, in particular, a mounting end of the lifting tube. Preferably, the lifting tube is connected at the first end to a support or manipulator, in particular so that the lifting tube hangs from the support or manipulator in the direction of gravity. An operating device and / or an end effector can, in particular, be arranged at the second end.

[0010] The lifting hose defines an interior space. This interior space has a volume. The lifting hose can be shortened (reducing the volume) by applying negative pressure to the interior space and lengthened (increasing the volume) by ventilating the interior space (i.e., by allowing air, especially ambient air, to flow into the interior space). The lifting hose can consist of a hose made of a textile material and a spring, especially a coil spring, that tensions the textile material.

[0011] The lifting hose can assume an extended (long) configuration, in which the hose is maximally extended along its longitudinal direction. In the extended configuration, the hose volume (i.e., the volume of the hose interior) is, in particular, at its maximum. The extended configuration is defined, in particular, by the length of the hose made of textile material. Starting from the extended configuration, the lifting hose can be converted (shortened) into a retracted (short) configuration by applying a vacuum to the hose interior—thus reducing the hose volume. The lifting hose can be converted back from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, in particular, by venting the hose interior. In the retracted configuration, the lifting hose is maximally retracted, in particular, along its longitudinal direction.In the retracted configuration, the hose volume of the lifting hose is smaller than in the extended configuration, preferably minimal. The extended and retracted configurations are, in particular, end positions of the lifting hose. Preferably, the hose volume of the lifting hose in the retracted configuration is 15-50%, more preferably 20-40%, of the hose volume of the lifting hose in the extended configuration.

[0012] The hose lifter also features an air displacement device. This device is located inside the lifting hose. Its primary function is to reduce the free volume of the hose's interior. The air displacement device can also be referred to as a displacement unit or filling unit. In this context, "free volume" of the hose's interior refers specifically to the volume of the hose's interior that is filled with air or can be filled with air.

[0013] The air displacement device comprises one or more packing elements. The air displacement device can therefore be an assembly of several units. The packing element can also be referred to as the displacement body.

[0014] Preferably, the air displacement device, in particular the filling element or the filling elements in total, fills at least 15%, preferably at least 20%, further preferably at least 25%, of the hose volume of the hose interior in the extended configuration.

[0015] Preferably, the air displacement device, in particular the packing element or elements in total, fills at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, and more preferably at least 80% of the hose volume in the retracted configuration. In some embodiments, it is also conceivable that the air displacement device fills more than 95%, preferably more than 99%, of the hose volume in the retracted configuration.

[0016] The inventive design with an air displacement device reduces the free volume of the lifting hose. In particular, compared to known hose lifters in the retracted configuration, the free volume and thus the "dead volume" is significantly reduced. It has been found that this allows for a significantly increased lifting speed of the lifting hose compared to known hose lifters. This facilitates faster handling and, compared to known solutions, allows for a reduction in the required suction power at the same lifting speed. Consequently, a smaller vacuum generation device, such as a blower, can be used, which promotes energy-efficient operation of the hose lifter.Within the scope of the invention, it has also been found that by using an air displacement device according to the invention, the lifting hose can be controlled not only faster, but also much more precisely and directly. In particular, it was found that the lifting hose reacts much more directly to a change in the ventilation of the hose interior, e.g., as a result of actuating an optional vent valve. This is attributed to the fact that the reduced dead volume also significantly reduces the dead time between the operator input (e.g., opening or closing the vent valve) and the lifting hose's reaction. The proposed solution is also cost-effective to implement, since the air displacement device operates "passively" and, in particular, no complex control of the vacuum supply is required.Furthermore, the proposed solution makes it possible to improve the operation of existing tube lifters by retrofitting them with an air displacement device according to the invention.

[0017] The hose lifter preferably has a ventilation device, in particular a ventilation valve, for ventilating the inside of the hose.

[0018] The air displacement device can have only a single packing element. The air displacement device can also have two or more packing elements. The air displacement device can also have a plurality, in particular more than ten, preferably more than 50 packing elements.

[0019] In a first advantageous embodiment, the air displacement device can have one or more, in particular two or three, comparatively large packing elements. In particular, the air displacement device according to the first embodiment has fewer than ten, preferably fewer than five, packing elements.

[0020] It may prove advantageous if the filling element or elements each fill 15 to 50%, preferably 20 to 40%, of the hose volume in the extended configuration.

[0021] It can be advantageous if the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, extends over at least 10%, in particular at least 15%, and a maximum of 65%, in particular a maximum of 50%, and further in particular a maximum of 30%, of the longitudinal extent of the lifting hose along the longitudinal direction of the lifting hose in the extended configuration. In this respect, the length of the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, along the longitudinal direction of the lifting hose can correspond to between 10% and 65%, in particular between 15% and 50%, and further in particular between 20% and 40%, of the length of the lifting hose in the extended configuration. Such a dimension has proven to be particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, the flexibility of the tube lifter is only minimally affected, while on the other hand, the dead volume is sufficiently reduced by using a comparatively small number of filling elements, which facilitates a cost-effective and structurally simple design.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, and in particular all filling elements, are designed and arranged in the interior of the hose in such a way that a space, in particular a gap, is formed between the filling element and an inner wall of the lifting hose. In this way, movement of the lifting hose, in particular contraction and extension, is not impaired by friction. Moreover, the space can form a vacuum guide, which facilitates the evacuation of the hose interior. In particular, the at least one filling element does not touch an inner wall of the lifting hose.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, and in particular all filling elements, has at least one axial (i.e., extending along the longitudinal direction of the lifting hose), and in particular a central, through-opening, or more specifically, a through-channel. For example, the filling element can be designed as a hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder. The at least one through-channel can, in particular, form a vacuum guide. In particular, the interior of the hose can be evacuated through the filling element.

[0024] Preferably, the diameter of the through-channel in the filler body is between 10 and 100 mm, preferably between 30 and 80 mm, and more preferably between 40 and 60 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the lifting hose has a vacuum connection through which the hose interior can be supplied with vacuum. In a configuration of the at least one filling element with a through-channel, it can then be advantageous if the flow cross-section, in particular the diameter, of the through-channel in the at least one filling element corresponds to a flow cross-section, in particular the diameter, of the vacuum connection by ±30%, in particular ±10%. In this way, evacuation of the hose interior is particularly efficient.

[0026] Furthermore, it can prove advantageous if the packing element, or at least one of the packing elements, and in particular all packing elements, with its through-channel, has at least one lateral, and in particular radial, flow opening connected to the axial through-channel. The flow opening can thus form a lateral bypass. In this way, for example, if the through-channel is partially blocked, the air can be diverted laterally and, in particular, guided through the optional gap between the packing element and the inner wall of the lifting hose.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the packing material, or at least one of the packing materials, and in particular all packing materials, has one or more axially extending channels on its outer surface, especially in the form of longitudinal grooves, in addition to or as an alternative to a through-channel. Such a design facilitates the flow of air along the outer surface of the packing material.

[0028] Preferably, the channels, in particular longitudinal grooves, extend along the entire length of the filler body.

[0029] It is also conceivable that at least one of the packing particles has a flower-shaped, particularly cloverleaf-shaped, cross-section. This can further promote flow guidance along an outer surface of the packing particle.

[0030] Preferably, the air displacement device has a first (upper) filling element. The first filling element is arranged, and in particular attached, to a first end of the lifting hose. The first end is, in particular, the upper end of the lifting hose (with respect to an installation position of the lifting hose), and in particular, the attachment end of the lifting hose. An arrangement at the upper end has the advantage that when the lifting hose contracts (whereby the lower end moves towards the upper end), the upper filling element does not need to be displaced. Therefore, no lifting force needs to be applied to the upper filling element, which has a positive effect on the load-bearing capacity of the hose lifter. Furthermore, an arrangement of a filling element at the upper end of the lifting hose has the advantage that the flexibility of the lifting hose in the lower region of the lifting hose – where the operating device is usually located – is only minimally affected.The advantages and advantageous configurations of a packing body described above can serve to form the upper packing body.

[0031] Furthermore, it can prove advantageous if the air displacement device has a second (lower) filling element. The second filling element is, in particular, arranged at a second end of the lifting hose, and especially attached there. The second end is, in particular, the lower end of the lifting hose (with respect to an installation position of the lifting hose). For example, the lower filling element can be held in place by an operating device located at the lower end of the lifting hose, e.g., by insertion, pressing, gluing, or screwing. When the lifting hose contracts, the lower filling element is then moved towards the upper end. The advantages and advantageous embodiments of a filling element described above can be used to design the lower filling element.

[0032] In some embodiments, the air displacement device can have a first, in particular upper, filling body which is arranged at a first, in particular upper, end of the lifting hose, and a second, in particular lower, filling body which is arranged at a second, in particular lower, end of the lifting hose.

[0033] In some embodiments, the air displacement device can have a first, in particular upper, filling element and at least one further filling element, which is arranged axially offset from the first, in particular upper, filling element, i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the lifting hose. The at least one further filling element is, in particular, spaced apart from a second, in particular lower, end of the lifting hose. In embodiments with a first (upper) and a second (lower) filling element, the at least one further filling element can, in particular, be arranged between the first and second filling elements. The advantages and advantageous embodiments of a filling element described above can serve to design the further filling element.

[0034] Preferably, the first, and in particular the upper, filling element and the at least one further filling element are displaceable relative to each other in the extended configuration of the lifting hose. In particular, the first, and in particular the upper, filling element and the at least one further filling element can be spaced apart from each other in the extended configuration of the lifting hose. In the retracted configuration of the lifting hose, the first, and in particular the upper, filling element and the at least one further filling element preferably lie abutting each other.

[0035] Preferably, the at least one further filling element is held on the first, and in particular the upper, filling element. It is particularly advantageous if the at least one further filling element is connected to the upper filling element via a flexible connection. This allows relative movement of the filling elements to one another, which has a positive effect on the flexibility of the lifting hose in the retracted configuration. The flexible connection can, in particular, comprise a rubber or textile band. The further filling element can, in particular, be connected to the first filling element via a flexible band, in particular a textile band or rubber band. The at least one further filling element can, in particular, be suspended from the first, and in particular the upper, filling element.

[0036] In a design of the filling bodies with a through-channel, it is also conceivable, for example, that the first, in particular upper, filling body and the at least one further filling body are held at an upper end of the lifting hose by means of a connecting element, in particular elastic, which is passed through the respective axial through-channel of the filling bodies, e.g. in the form of an elastic band, in particular a rubber band.

[0037] In some embodiments, the air displacement device can have a first (upper) filling body arranged at a first (upper) end of the lifting hose, a second (lower) filling body arranged at a second (lower) end of the lifting hose, and at least one further (middle) filling body arranged between the first and the second filling body.

[0038] In an air displacement device with two or more packing elements, it can be advantageous if axially adjacent packing elements (e.g., the first packing element and the next packing element, or the next packing element and the second packing element) are in contact with each other in the retracted configuration of the lifting hose. This ensures a certain degree of stability, which, particularly in designs with through-channels in the packing elements, facilitates the alignment of the through-channels relative to each other in order to provide continuous negative pressure flow through the packing elements. In particular, axially adjacent packing elements are spaced apart from each other in the extended configuration of the lifting hose. This promotes relative movement of the packing elements in the extended configuration, which has a positive effect on the flexibility of the lifting hose.

[0039] In an embodiment of the air displacement device with two or more packing elements, it can be further advantageous if at least some of the axially adjacent packing elements, in particular at least the first and the next packing element, each have a contact structure on their facing sides, especially one that is complementary to each other. For example, in embodiments with a first (upper) and a next packing element, the first and the next packing element can each have a contact structure on their facing sides. In particular, the adjacent packing elements interact via the contact structures. It is conceivable that the adjacent packing elements bear against each other with their contact structures in both the extended and retracted configurations.It is also conceivable that the adjacent filler bodies are spaced apart from each other in the extended configuration, and in the retracted configuration, especially in an intermediate configuration between the extended and retracted configurations, are in contact with each other.

[0040] The contact structures can be designed to allow, and in particular guide, relative movement of adjacent filler elements. In this way, controlled flexibility can be promoted even in the retracted configuration of the lifting hose.

[0041] For example, one of the filler elements can have a concave contact structure and an adjacent filler element can have a convex contact structure, particularly a complementary one, especially in the form of a ball joint. It is also conceivable that the contact structure of one filler element is conical, tapered, stepped, or groove-shaped, and that the contact structure of an adjacent filler element is complementary to this.

[0042] The contact structures can also be designed to block relative movement between adjacent filler elements, particularly in the retracted configuration. This prevents the filler elements from jamming against each other or from being pressed laterally against the inner wall of the lifting tube and becoming entangled with the tube, for example, at an edge of the tube's folds, which could lead to damage to the lifting tube or jerky movement. In particular, the contact structures can be designed to center adjacent filler elements relative to each other. In configurations of the filler elements with through-channels, the contact structures can be designed to center adjacent filler elements relative to each other in such a way that the through-channels of these filler elements overlap, and in particular, are aligned with each other.

[0043] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, in particular the second (lower) filling element and optionally the further filling element, has a circumferential chamfer on at least one side, particularly on an axial end face, preferably with a chamfer angle between 30 and 45°. Such a design facilitates the sliding of the filling element on the lifting hose. The circumferential chamfer can be part of or form the contact structure described above. It is also conceivable that the filling element, or at least one of the filling elements, has a rounded surface instead of a chamfer.

[0044] The at least one filling element can be of different designs, in particular having different shapes and sizes. It is advantageous if the filling element, especially the first, second, and / or subsequent filling elements, is designed as a cylinder, preferably a hollow cylinder. The cylinder can have a round or angular, in particular polygonal, base.

[0045] In a second advantageous embodiment, the air displacement device can have a plurality, in particular more than 10, further in particular more than 20, further in particular more than 50, packing elements. In particular, the packing elements then each fill a maximum of 5%, preferably a maximum of 2%, of the hose volume in the retracted configuration.

[0046] A design with a large number of relatively small filling elements has a beneficial effect on the flexibility of the lifting hose. Furthermore, it is possible for the filling elements to be arranged within the lifting hose without any additional fastening, meaning they can move freely, especially in the extended configuration.

[0047] It is advantageous if the diameter of each filling element is between 25% and 50% of the hose diameter. In particular, the filling elements can each have a minimum diameter of 40 mm and a maximum diameter of 150 mm.

[0048] The filler bodies according to the second realization form are preferably designed as plastic bodies, further preferably as plastic spheres or foam spheres.

[0049] It proves advantageous if a number of the filling elements, in particular plastic spheres, are selected according to the second implementation such that the filling elements, in particular plastic spheres, can move relative to each other within the tube's interior in the extended configuration and, in particular, in the retracted configuration, at least partially abut each other, preferably being densely packed. In this way, flexibility of the lifting hose is ensured in the extended configuration (or an intermediate configuration between the extended and retracted configurations), while dead volume is effectively reduced in the retracted configuration.

[0050] It has proven particularly advantageous if the hose interior in the extended configuration is filled with packing material to a minimum of 15% and a maximum of 50%, preferably at least 20% and a maximum of 40%. In this respect, 15-50%, preferably 20-40%, of the hose volume in the extended configuration can be filled with packing material, in particular plastic spheres.

[0051] In the second embodiment, it can be further advantageous if the lifting hose, particularly at a first, especially upper, end, has an air-permeable retention element, in particular a grid, for the filling material, in particular plastic spheres. The retention element is specifically designed to prevent the filling material from being sucked into a vacuum port of the lifting hose.

[0052] As part of a general aspect (regardless of the form of implementation), in designs with two or more filler bodies, the filler bodies can be foldable or slide into one another.

[0053] From a general perspective (regardless of the specific implementation), it can be advantageous if at least one of the filling elements is made of a plastic material, particularly a vacuum-tight (i.e., non-porous) one. Plastic materials are relatively lightweight, meaning that the effective load-bearing capacity of the tube lifter is not significantly reduced by the additional filling elements. Suitable plastic materials include polystyrene or closed-cell polyurethane foam. Other materials with comparable properties can also be used.

[0054] The hose lifter preferably also includes an operating device for operating the hose lifter. The operating device is arranged, in particular, at a (second) lower end of the lifting hose, preferably between the lifting hose and an optional end effector. The operating device has, in particular, a vent valve for venting the inside of the hose. The operating device also has, in particular, an operating mechanism for actuating the vent valve. The operating device may have a handle, in particular one that can be gripped with one hand.

[0055] The hose lifter preferably also includes an end effector attached to the lifting hose, particularly to the operating device. Preferably, the end effector is a gripping device, especially a suction gripping device. The end effector can preferably be supplied with negative pressure through the interior of the hose. The end effector can be operated via the operating device.

[0056] The tube lifter may also include a vacuum generation device, in particular a blower, to supply the inside of the tube with negative pressure.

[0057] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1A,B sketched representations of an exemplary design of a handling system comprising a hose lifter, with lifting hose in extended configuration (view A) and in retracted configuration (view B); Fig. 2-5 different exemplary designs of a filler body; Fig. 6A,B a sketched representation of another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter, with lifting hose in extended configuration (view A) and in retracted configuration (view B); Fig. 7 a sketched representation of another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter with lifting hose in extended configuration; Fig. 8 a sketched representation of another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter with lifting hose in extended configuration; Fig. 9 a sketched representation of another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter with lifting hose in extended configuration; Fig. 10A,B sketched representations of a further exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter, with lifting hose in extended configuration (view A) and in retracted configuration (view B);

[0058] In the following description and in the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or corresponding features.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a handling system, which is designated by reference numeral 100. The handling system includes a tube lifter 10. In this example, the tube lifter 10 is mounted on a manipulator 102, for example in the form of a column-mounted jib crane, and can thus be moved by the manipulator 102.

[0060] The handling system 100 also includes a vacuum generating device 104, for example in the form of a blower, for operating the tube lifter 10. The vacuum generating device 104 can also be considered part of the tube lifter 10.

[0061] The hose lifter 10 has a lifting hose 12 which extends along a lifting hose longitudinal direction 14 between a first (upper) end 16 and a second (lower) end 18.

[0062] In this example, the lifting hose 12 is held at its upper end 16 on the manipulator 102. In embodiments not shown, the lifting hose 12 can also be held on a support, e.g., a scaffold or a building ceiling.

[0063] The lifting hose 12 encloses an inner hose chamber 20. The lifting hose 12 can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the inner hose chamber 20 along its longitudinal direction 14 and lengthened again by venting the inner hose chamber 20. Depending on the pressure level in the inner hose chamber 20, the lifting hose 12 is thus reversibly shortened or lengthened, e.g., under the influence of gravity.

[0064] In the example, the lifting hose has a vacuum connection 22 at its upper end, through which the hose interior 20 is connected to the vacuum generating device 104.

[0065] As in a comparison of Fig. 1A and Fig. As can be seen in 1B, the lifting hose 12 can be adjusted between a maximum extended configuration (long configuration, see . Fig. 1A) and a maximally retracted configuration (short configuration, see below). Fig. 1B), in particular continuously, shortened or lengthened.

[0066] Preferably, the longitudinal extent 24 of the lifting hose 12 in the retracted configuration is between 20% and 40% of the longitudinal extent 26 of the lifting hose 12 in the extended configuration.

[0067] To operate the hose lifter 10, an optional operating device 28 is provided. The operating device 28 is mounted at the lower end 18 of the lifting hose 12. The operating device 28 includes, in particular, a vent valve (not shown) for venting the interior of the hose 20. Such operating devices 28 with a vent valve are generally known from the prior art and are therefore not described in further detail.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the hose lifter 10 also includes an optional end effector 30 for gripping an object (not shown). The end effector 30 is mounted on the operating device 28 and thus connected to the lifting hose 12. By shortening the lifting hose 12, the end effector 30, and therefore an object gripped by the end effector 30, can be lifted.

[0069] By way of example and preferably, the end effector 30 is designed as a suction gripping device 32 for suctioning an object (in Fig. 1A (indicated by the suction elements 34). The end effector 30 is preferably supplied with negative pressure through the inner tube 20 of the lifting hose 12 (this is generally known and therefore not described in detail). In embodiments not shown, the end effector 30 can also be designed, for example, as a hook or mechanical gripper.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 1A, an air displacement device 36 is arranged in the inner space of the hose 20, which reduces the free volume of the inner space of the hose 20.

[0071] In the example according to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B The air displacement device 36 has a filling element 38. The filling element 38 is arranged at the upper end 16 of the lifting hose 12.

[0072] The filler body 38 is designed according to Fig. 1 designed as a hollow cylinder (see also Fig. 2), which has an optional central through-channel 40. The through-channel 40 serves in particular as a vacuum guide or flow channel through which air can be drawn from the hose interior 20 towards the vacuum connection 22.

[0073] For example, the flow cross-section of the through channel 32 and the flow cross-section of the vacuum connection 18 are essentially the same.

[0074] In this example, the filling element 38 is dimensioned such that a gap 44 is formed between the filling element 38 and the inner wall 42 of a lifting hose. This gap 44 can serve as a vacuum guide, either as an alternative or in addition to the through-channel 40.

[0075] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1A, the filling body 38 in the example extends along the longitudinal direction 14 of the lifting hose in such a way that in the retracted configuration of the lifting hose 12, between 70 and 90% of the hose volume is filled by the filling body 38.

[0076] The filler body 38 is preferably made of a plastic material, in particular polystyrene or closed-cell polyurethane foam.

[0077] The Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show further exemplary designs of a filler body 38.

[0078] The Fig. Figure 3 shows, for example, an embodiment of a packing body 38 in which the axial through-channel 40 has a lateral flow opening 46.

[0079] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a filling body 38, which, in addition to the axial through-channel 40, has a plurality of longitudinal grooves 50 on an outer surface 48. The longitudinal grooves 50 are arranged in particular along a circumference around the filling body 38. The longitudinal grooves 50 can, in particular, serve as flow channels for directing air / vacuum between the filling body 38 and the inner wall 42 of the lifting hose.

[0080] The Fig. Figure 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of a fill body 38, which has a polygonal, in this example hexagonal, base surface.

[0081] While the filler bodies 38 are shown in the figures with an axial through-channel 40, it is also conceivable in embodiments not shown that the filler body 38 does not have an axial through-channel 40.

[0082] The Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows a further embodiment of a tube lifter 10, which differs from the tube lifter 10 according to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B differs in that the air displacement device 36 has three filling bodies 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 which are arranged axially offset from each other.

[0083] Specifically, an upper (first) filling element 38-1 is arranged in the inner space 20 of the hose, which is attached to the upper end 16 of the lifting hose 12. Furthermore, a lower (second) filling element 38-2 is arranged in the inner space 20, which is arranged at the lower end 18 of the lifting hose 12.

[0084] Between the upper and lower filler bodies 38-1, 38-2, a further (third) filler body 38-3 is arranged. As in Fig. As indicated in 6A, the further filler body 38-3 is held on the upper filler body 38-1 via a connecting device 52.

[0085] Preferably, the further filler body 38-3 is connected to the upper filler body 38-1 via one or more flexible connections 54, in particular in the form of textile or rubber bands.

[0086] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6A, the filling elements 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 are spaced apart from each other in the extended configuration of the lifting hose 12. The flexible connection between the upper filling element 38-1 and the middle filling element 38-3 allows for relative movement of both filling elements 38-1, 38-3.

[0087] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6B, the filler bodies 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 are preferably dimensioned such that adjacent filler bodies 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 are in contact with each other in the retracted configuration.

[0088] Preferably, the packing elements 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 fill more than 70% of a hose volume in the retracted configuration.

[0089] In embodiments not shown, it is also conceivable that the lower filling element 38-2 is omitted. In this case, the air displacement device 36 can only comprise the upper filling element 38-1 and the further filling element 38-3.

[0090] In other embodiments not shown, it is also conceivable that the further (middle) filling element 38-3 is omitted. In this case, the air displacement device 36 can only have the upper filling element 38-1 and the lower filling element 38-2.

[0091] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a tube lifter 10, which differs from the tube lifter 10 according to the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B differs in the way the upper filler body 38-1 and the further filler body 38-3 are attached.

[0092] In this specific example, the upper filler body 38-1 and the further (middle) filler body 38-3 are attached to the upper end 16 of the lifting hose 12 via an elastic connecting element 56, which is in particular pre-tensioned. The elastic connecting element 56 extends through the passage channels 40 of the upper and the further filler bodies 38-1, 38-3.

[0093] The elastic connecting element 56 is connected, in particular, to the end of the lifting hose, for example, by means of an eyelet. The elastic connecting element 56 is also connected, in particular, to the side of the further filling body 38-3 facing away from the upper filling body 38-1, for example, by means of a rod 58 extending perpendicular to its length. The elastic connecting element 56 could, for example, be a rubber band.

[0094] The Fig. Figure 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter 10, which differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 7 differs in that the further filling body 38-3 and the lower filling body 38-2 each have a circumferential chamfer 60 on their facing sides. As mentioned above, this promotes flexible contraction of the lifting hose 12.

[0095] In embodiments not shown, only the lower filler body 38-2 or only the further filler body 38-3 may have such a chamfer 60. It is also conceivable that the lower filler body 38-2 and the further filler body 38-3 have differently shaped chamfers 60.

[0096] The Fig. Figure 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of a hose lifter 10, which differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 8 differs in that the upper filler body 38-1 and the further filler body 38-3 each have a contact structure 62-1, 62-3 on their mutually facing sides.

[0097] The contact structures 62-1 and 62-3 are complementary to each other. In this example, the upper filler body 38-1 has a concave contact structure 62-1, and the lower filler body 38-3 has a complementary convex contact structure 62-3. This allows the filler bodies 38-1 and 38-3 to slide against each other like a ball joint, thus promoting flexibility.

[0098] In embodiments not shown, it is also conceivable that one of the contact structures 62-1, 62-3 is conical, tapered, step-shaped or groove-shaped and the other contact structure 62-1, 62-3 is complementary.

[0099] In the example according to Fig. 9 the further filler body 38-3 and the lower filler body 38-2 exhibit the above with regard to Fig. Figure 8 explains chamfer 60. However, in embodiments not shown, it is also conceivable that only one of the filler bodies 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 or none of the filler bodies 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 has a chamfer 60.

[0100] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air displacement device 36 deviates from those specified in the Fig. Examples 6A to 9 shown do not have a lower filler body 38-2.

[0101] In the representations according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are the upper filler body 38-1 and the further filler body 38-2 via a preceding in relation to Fig. The connecting element 56 described in section 7 is connected to each other. In embodiments not shown, a connection can also be made in other ways, e.g., as in relation to Fig. 6A explained.

[0102] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the air displacement device 36 deviates from those specified in the Fig. Examples 6A to 9 show more than one additional filling element 38-3. The multiple additional filling elements 38-3 can then be arranged axially offset from one another along the longitudinal direction 14 of the lifting hose.

[0103] The in the Fig. The packing materials 38-1, 38-2, 38-3 shown in 6A to 9 can be any of those described in the Fig. 2 to 5 shown, as well as the other forms described in this context.

[0104] The Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B shows another exemplary embodiment of a tube lifter 10, in which the air displacement device 36 has a plurality of (smaller) packing bodies 38.

[0105] In the specific example, the lifting hose 12 is filled with a large number of spherical filling bodies 38, in particular in the form of plastic spheres 64.

[0106] As in a comparison of Fig. 10A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10B, a number of the filling elements 38 is preferably selected such that the filling elements 38 can move relative to each other in the extended configuration, but in the retracted configuration they are at least partially in contact with each other. In this way, flexible handling of the lifting hose 12 is facilitated in the extended configuration, while in the retracted configuration the dead volume is filled as much as possible.

[0107] It has proven advantageous if the total filling volume of the packing elements 38 (plastic balls 64) corresponds to approximately 15-50% of the hose volume in the extended configuration.

[0108] As from the Fig. 10A and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 10B, a retaining element 66, in particular in the form of a grid, is arranged in the interior of the hose 20 in the area of ​​the upper end 16 to prevent the filling bodies 38 (plastic balls 64) from being sucked into the vacuum port 22.

Claims

[1] Tube lifter (10), comprising - a lifting hose (12) extending along a longitudinal direction (14) of the lifting hose, which defines a hose interior (20) with a hose volume, wherein the lifting hose (12) can be shortened from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration by applying negative pressure to the hose interior (20) and can be extended again to the extended configuration by venting the hose interior (20), - an air displacement device (36) arranged in the inner space (20) of the lifting hose (12) with at least one filling element (38), wherein the air displacement device (36) fills at least 15% of the hose volume in the extended configuration of the lifting hose (12). [2] Tube lifter (10) according to claim 1, wherein the air displacement device (36) fills at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 70% of the tube volume in the retracted configuration. [3] Tube lifter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a longitudinal extension of the filling body (38) or at least one of the filling bodies (38) along the lifting tube longitudinal direction (14) corresponds to between 10% and 65%, in particular between 10% and 50%, of a length (26) of the lifting tube (12) in the extended configuration. [4] Tube lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling body (38) or at least one of the filling bodies (38) is designed and arranged in the tube interior (20) such that a space (44) is formed between the filling body (38) and a lifting tube inner wall (42) of the lifting tube (12). [5] Tube lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling body (38) or at least one of the filling bodies (38) has an axial through-channel (40), in particular designed as a hollow cylinder. [6] Hose lifter (10) according to the previous claim, wherein the lifting hose (12) has a vacuum port (22) through which the hose interior (20) can be supplied with vacuum, wherein a flow cross-section, in particular diameter, of the axial passage channel (40) corresponds to a flow cross-section, in particular diameter, of the vacuum port (22) ±30%. [7] Tube lifter (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the filling body (38) has at least one lateral flow opening (46) connected to the axial through channel (40). [8] Tube lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler body (38) or at least one of the filler bodies (38) has on its outer surface (48) one or more axially extended channels, in particular in the form of grooves (50), arranged in particular along a circumference around the filler body (38). [9] Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air displacement device (36) has a first, in particular upper, filling body (38-1) which is arranged at a first, in particular upper, end (16) of the lifting hose (12), and / or wherein the air displacement device (36) has a second, in particular lower, filling body (38-2) which is arranged at a second, in particular lower, end (18) of the lifting hose (12). [10] Hose lifter (10) according to the previous claim, wherein the air displacement device (36) has a further filling body (38-3) arranged, in particular between the first and second filling body (38-1, 38-2), which is arranged axially offset to the first filling body (38-1) and is spaced apart, in particular in the extended configuration of the lifting hose (12), from the second end (18) of the lifting hose (12). [11] Tube lifter (10) according to the previous claim, wherein the first filling body (38-1) and the further filling body (38-3) are displaceable relative to each other and / or spaced apart from each other in the extended configuration of the lifting tube (12). [12] Tube lifter according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the further filling body (38-3) is connected to the first filling body (38-1) via a flexible connection (52), in particular in the form of a rubber or textile band (54). [13] Tube lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air displacement device (36) has two or more filling bodies (38-1, 38-2, 38-3), wherein at least some of the axially adjacent filling bodies (38-1, 38-2, 38-3) are in contact with each other in the retracted configuration of the lifting tube (12). [14] Tube lifter (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least some of the axially adjacent fill bodies (38-1, 38-2, 38-3), in particular at least the first and the further fill body (38-1, 38-3), each have a contact structure (62-1, 62-3) on their mutually facing sides, in particular a contact structure (62-1, 62-3) which is complementary to each other, and which the adjacent fill bodies (38-1, 38-3) interact with each other, wherein the contact structures (62-1, 62-3) are configured to guide a relative movement of the adjacent fill bodies (38-1, 38-3) and / or to center the adjacent fill bodies (38-1, 38-3) relative to each other, in particular such that the passage channels (40) of these fill bodies (38-1, 38-3) overlap each other. cursed. [15] Tube lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling body (38-1, 38-2, 38-3) or at least one of the filling bodies (38-1, 38-2, 38-3) has at least one side a circumferential chamfer (60) or rounding. [16] Hose lifter (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the air displacement device (36) has a plurality of, in particular spherical, filling bodies (38), in particular plastic spheres (64) or foam spheres, which each fill a maximum of 5%, in particular a maximum of 2%, of a hose volume of the lifting hose (12) in the retracted configuration. [17] Tube lifter (10) according to the previous claim, wherein a number of the filling elements (38), in particular plastic spheres (64), are selected such that the filling elements (38), in particular plastic spheres (64), can move relative to each other in the interior of the tube (20) in the extended configuration of the lifting tube (12) and are at least partially in contact with each other in the retracted configuration, in particular being tightly packed. [18] Tube lifter (10) according to one of claims 16 or 17, wherein 15-50%, preferably 20-40%, of the tube volume (20) in the extended configuration is filled with packing materials (38), in particular plastic balls (64). [19] Tube lifter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling element(s) (38) are made of a vacuum-tight plastic material, in particular polystyrene or closed-cell polyurethane foam. [20] Tube lifter (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an end effector (30), in particular a suction gripping device (32), which can be supplied with negative pressure through the inner space of the hose (20), and an operating device (28) arranged between the lifting hose (12) and the end effector (30).

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