Packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system

Abstract

Packer (10) for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system (1), comprising - a housing (11) designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections (11a, 11b), an interior space (11c) and a housing shell (11d), and - a radially inflatable bellows (13) arranged on the outer surface (12) of the housing (11), wherein the bellows is fastened to the housing (11) in an airtight manner in the region of the two end sections (11a, 11b) of the housing (11), so that a pressure chamber (14) is formed between the outer surface (12) of the housing (11) and the bellows (13), which pressure chamber can be subjected to an overpressure.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system. Background of the invention

[0002] In the field of sewer inspection and / or sewer maintenance, particularly of wastewater sewers, damaged areas in the sewer or sewer wall can be repaired. For example, cracks in the sewer wall or roots penetrating the sewer wall must be removed. To do this, the damaged area must first be located. If water escapes through the sewer wall, the leak is not always visually visible, for example, if the leak is hidden behind deposits or encrustations. In this case, the leak can be located using a leak test. To do this, the sewer section to be tested can be sealed with sealing devices inserted through two adjacent shafts, and the sealed sewer section can be pressurized with compressed air. However, this has the disadvantage that two separate sealing systems are required (one for each sewer shaft).

[0003] During rehabilitation work, such as removing roots or encrustations, cutters mounted on a carriage can be used. During milling work where large forces act on the cutter, the carriage may shift within the channel due to these forces, requiring regular adjustment of the cutter and / or cutter. This can significantly increase the milling time. On the other hand, the carriage on which the cutter is mounted is unavailable for other work during the milling process. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide solutions with which the disadvantages and problems mentioned above are at least partially overcome and enable a more efficient and simpler inspection and / or rehabilitation of sewers. Inventive solution

[0005] This task is solved by a packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, comprising - a housing designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections, an interior space and a housing shell, and - a radially inflatable bellows arranged on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the bellows is fastened to the housing in an airtight manner in the region of the two end sections of the housing, so that a pressure chamber is formed between the outer surface of the housing and the bellows, which can be subjected to an overpressure.

[0006] It is advantageous if a through hole is formed in the housing shell, which connects the interior of the housing with the pressure chamber, wherein the pressure chamber can be subjected to overpressure via the through hole.

[0007] The packer may comprise a compressed air generation unit with which the pressure chamber can be subjected to overpressure, wherein the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole in a pressure-tight manner.

[0008] It is advantageous if the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole via a compressed air line.

[0009] The compressed air generation unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0010] The packer may include a power supply unit for providing electrical energy to the compressed air generation unit.

[0011] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0012] The packer may comprise a control unit coupled to the compressed air generation unit and adapted to control the compressed air generation unit.

[0013] The control unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing and coupled to the power supply unit, wherein the control unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit.

[0014] The compressed air generation unit and / or the energy supply unit and / or the control unit can be arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner in the interior of the housing.

[0015] The control unit may be coupled or capable of being coupled to a control device arranged outside the packer via a wired or wireless communication connection.

[0016] The packer may have a first coupling unit of a coupling device with which the packer can be releasably fastened to a transport unit.

[0017] The housing and / or bellows may have a release valve through which excess pressure in the pressure chamber can be reduced.

[0018] The drain valve can be controlled with the control unit.

[0019] The packer can have a pressure sensor with which the pressure in the pressure chamber can be detected. Short description of the characters

[0020] Further details and features of the invention, as well as concrete, particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention, will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system with a transport unit and a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit or operating equipment designed as a packer; Fig. 2 a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit designed as a packer; Fig. 3 a transport unit with a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit arranged thereon; Fig. 4 one transport unit and two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units; Fig. 5 an embodiment of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit designed as a packer; Fig. 6 two end sections of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit designed as a packer; Fig. 7 two possible cross-sections of a packer casing; Fig. 8 two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers, which are connected to each other; Fig. 9 two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers, which have a common housing; Fig. 10 a coupling device with which a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit can be detachably coupled to a transport unit; Fig. 11 two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers, which can be releasably coupled to one another via a coupling device; Fig. 12 a concrete design of a packer in a perspective view; Fig. 13 a concrete design of a packer in a perspective view with an axial camera arranged on it; Fig. 14 a concrete design of a packer in a perspective view with a milling tool arranged thereon; Fig. 15 a concrete design of a packer in a perspective view with a pan-head camera arranged on it; Fig. 16 a concrete packer system with two packers (double packers) in a perspective view with an axial camera arranged on it; Fig. 17 a concrete packer system with two packers (double packers) in a perspective view with a milling tool arranged thereon; Fig. 18 a concrete packer system with two packers (double packers) in a perspective view with a pan head camera arranged on it; Fig. 19 a longitudinal section of a perspective view of a specific packer; Fig. 20 a first and a second coupling element; Fig. 21 which in Fig. 20 shown coupling elements for coupling a packer with a carriage; and Fig. 22 the coupling device according to Fig. 10 with the Fig. 20 coupling elements shown. Detailed description of the invention

[0021] In the following, a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is also referred to simply as an "inspection system." A sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit is also referred to simply as an "inspection unit."

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system 1 with a transport unit 22 and a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit or operating means 150 designed as a packer 10.

[0023] The transport unit 22 is designed here as a carriage that can be inserted into a channel 300 and moved within the channel. Alternatively, the transport unit 22 can also be designed as a sliding eel that can be moved within the channel 300.

[0024] A compressed air generation unit 15 is arranged in the transport unit 22, which is designed here as a carriage. The compressed air generation unit 15 can be a compressor. This allows the compressed air generation unit 15 to be moved along with the carriage 22 within the channel.

[0025] The advantage here is that the compressed air required in the duct, for example for maintenance purposes, can be generated and provided where it is needed.

[0026] This eliminates the need for compressed air hoses, which supply the crawler or other equipment mounted on the crawler with compressed air from a compressor located outside the duct. Because there are no longer any compressed air hoses that need to be pulled into the duct by the crawler or dragged behind it, the crawler requires less power and therefore consumes less energy. In addition, the compressed air can be made available at any location in the duct, whereas when compressed air hoses are used, the crawler's range in the duct is limited because, once the dragged compressed air hose reaches a certain length, the power and traction are no longer sufficient to drive any further into the duct. Furthermore, direct or indirect losses, for example due to the length of the compressed air hose or leaks, are avoided.

[0027] The longer the required compressed air hoses are, the more powerful the compressors must be to deliver the compressed air at the desired pressure to the location of use, i.e., to the carriage 22. By providing a compressed air generation unit 15 in the transport unit 22, however, compressors with significantly less power can be used to generate compressed air at the desired pressure.

[0028] A control unit 18 is arranged in the carriage 22 and is coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15. The control unit 18 can be used to control the compressed air generation unit 15. The control unit 18 can be connected via a communication connection 20, which can be wireless or wired, to a control device arranged outside the channel 300 (in Fig. 1 not shown). The operating personnel can control the compressed air generation unit 15 via the control device. The control unit 18 can receive control commands from the control device and control the compressed air generation unit 15 accordingly. Depending on the operating medium that is supplied with compressed air, the control unit 18 can limit the maximum pressure that can be generated - control commands from the control device that would cause an increase in pressure, but which is not permissible for the operating medium to be supplied with compressed air, can thus be ignored by the control unit 18. Operating materials can thus be protected from damage or excessive wear.

[0029] However, the compressed air generation unit 15 can also be coupled directly to the control device arranged outside the channel 300.

[0030] However, the compressed air generation unit 15 can also be arranged on the carriage 22, for example in a housing that is attached to the carriage 22 and has a corresponding interface via which the compressed air generation unit 15 can be coupled to the control unit 18. In this case, it may be advantageous if the control unit 18 can be detachably attached to the carriage.

[0031] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit or operating means 150 is designed as a packer 10. The function of a packer is known from the prior art.

[0032] The compressed air generation unit 15 arranged in the carriage 22 is used here to supply the packer 10 with compressed air. The packer 10 is in Fig. 1 is shown separated from the carriage 22, wherein the packer 10 is coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15 via a compressed air line 15a. Alternatively, the packer 10 can also be coupled to the carriage 22, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4 shown.

[0033] The packer 10 has a housing 11, which can be designed as a hollow cylinder and has an interior space 11c and a housing shell 11d. A radially inflatable bellows 13 is arranged on the shell surface 12 of the housing 11. In the region of the end sections of the housing 11, the bellows 13 is attached in an airtight manner to the housing 11 or to the shell surface 12, so that a pressure chamber 14 is formed between the shell surface 12 of the housing 11 and the bellows 13.

[0034] The compressed air generation unit 15 is operatively coupled to the pressure chamber 14 in order to apply an overpressure to the pressure chamber 14. For this purpose, a through-hole 16 is formed in the housing shell 11d, which connects the interior 11c of the housing 11 with the pressure chamber 14, thus completely penetrating the housing shell 11d. The compressed air generated and provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 is supplied to the pressure chamber 14 via this through-hole 16.

[0035] The compressed air generation unit 15 is connected to the through hole 16 in a pressure-tight manner on the interior side. This connection is realized via the aforementioned compressed air line 15a.

[0036] With the Fig. In the embodiment of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system 1 shown in Figure 1, a packer 10 can be introduced into a sewer 300 by means of a carriage 22 and filled with compressed air by means of the compressed air generation unit 15 arranged in the carriage 22, without compressed air hoses having to be led to the carriage 22 or to the packer 10.

[0037] In one embodiment, the packer 10 can be decoupled from the carriage 22 after being filled with compressed air. The carriage 22 can then move away from the packer 10, while the packer 10 remains in the channel 300. In this case, the compressed air line 15a is designed in two parts, with the two sections of the compressed air line 15a being pressure-tightly coupled to one another via a coupling.

[0038] A possible design of a coupling mechanism with which the packer 10 can be coupled to the carriage 22 is shown in Fig. Packer 10.

[0039] In Fig. 1 shows the compressed air generation unit 15 for pressurizing a packer 10. Instead of a packer 10, however, other operating devices 150 can also be used together with the compressed air generation unit 15. For example, a cleaning nozzle can be provided as the operating device 150, with which deposits can be removed from the inner wall of the channel 300 using compressed air. According to another example, a compressed air-driven milling machine can be provided as the operating device 150. These operating devices have in common that they can be coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15 of the carriage, and the compressed air generation unit 15 provides the required compressed air for operating the operating devices.

[0040] A power supply unit 17 can also be arranged in the carriage 22, which can be designed to supply the compressed air generation unit 15 with electrical energy. The power supply unit 17 can be a rechargeable battery. Depending on the specific design of the power supply unit 17, it is either directly connected to the compressed air generation unit 15 or indirectly connected to the compressed air generation unit 15 via the control unit 18.

[0041] The carriage 22 itself can be supplied with electrical energy via supply lines (not shown here), for example, from a power source located outside the channel. In this embodiment, it may be advantageous if the compressed air generation unit 15 is supplied or operated with the externally provided electrical energy, wherein the power supply unit 17 can be used as an additional energy source in the event that the power required by the compressed air generation unit 15 cannot be fully provided by the external energy source.

[0042] According to one embodiment, however, it can be provided that the compressed air generation unit 15 and the carriage 22 are supplied with electrical energy exclusively from the power supply unit 17. If the communication connection 20 is wireless, the carriage 22, optionally together with the operating equipment, can be moved in the channel without having to drag cables or hoses behind the carriage 22. However, it is particularly advantageous in all embodiments that compressed air is generated and provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 of the carriage 22.

[0043] Instead of a carriage 22, a sliding eel can also be provided as the transport unit. A housing in which the compressed air generation unit 15 is arranged can be provided at the free end of the sliding eel. Alternatively, the compressed air generation unit 15 can be integrated into the free end of the sliding eel. By means of connecting means, the compressed air generation unit 15 can be coupled to a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10 or an operating device 150 in order to supply compressed air to the maintenance unit 10 or the operating device 150.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit or operating equipment designed as a packer 10.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, a compressed air generation unit 15 can be arranged in or on an operating means 150 or generally in or on a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10. For example, a compressed air generation unit 15 can be arranged in a compressed air-driven milling machine. The compressed air generation unit 15 provides compressed air for the operation of the respective sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10 or for use by the respective sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10.

[0046] At the Fig. The sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit shown in Figure 2 is a packer 10. The purpose of a packer 10 in a sewer is generally known and will therefore not be explained in more detail.

[0047] The packer 10 has a housing 11, which is preferably designed as a hollow cylinder. The housing 11 has two end sections 11a, 11b, an interior space 11c, and a housing shell 11d.

[0048] The outer shape of the housing shell 11d can be largely circular-cylindrical, i.e., the housing 11 can have a round outer cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the outer shape of the housing shell 11d can also have an ovoid-shaped cross-section or an ovoid-shaped outer cross-section, which is particularly advantageous when the packer 10 is used in sewer pipes that have an ovoid cross-section.

[0049] The housing 11 may be made of metal. For example, the housing 11 may comprise a metal cylinder.

[0050] A radially inflatable bellows 13 is arranged on the outer surface 12 of the housing 11. The bellows 13 rests against the outer surface 12 around the entire outer surface 12.

[0051] The bellows 13 here consists of an air-tight rubber mat that rests against the outer surface 12 of the housing 11 and can be expanded in the radial direction. Instead of an air-tight rubber mat, any material that is flexibly stretchable and air-tight, as well as having a certain degree of stability when expanded, can be used.

[0052] At the end sections 11a, 11b, circumferential and radially projecting flanges 12a, 12b can optionally be provided.

[0053] The bellows 13 can be vulcanized onto the housing 11 or the casing surface 12 at the end sections 11a, 11b or in the area of ​​the end sections 11a, 11b, or glued to the casing surface. Alternatively, the bellows 13 can also be glued to the flanges 12a, 12b.

[0054] In a further alternative, the bellows 13 can be secured at the end sections 11a 11b by means of circumferential clamping rings 25a, 25b (as in Fig. 6) be firmly connected or fixed to the flanges 12a, 12b or to the casing 11d of the housing 11.

[0055] Regardless of the selected form of fixation or fastening of the bellows 13 to the housing 11, the fixation or fastening is such that the bellows 13 is fastened airtight to the housing 11 or to the outer surface 12. In the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis LA, the bellows 13 rests against the outer surface 12 in the non-inflated state. An airtight pressure chamber 14 is thus formed between the outer surface 12 of the housing 11 and the bellows 13, the axial extent of which is limited by the fastening to the two end sections 11a and 11b.

[0056] If the flanges 12a, 12b are provided and the bellows 13 is attached to the outer surface 12 in the area of ​​the flanges, the flanges 12a, 12b can prevent axial expansion of the bellows 13 when the bellows 13 is inflated. This means that the flanges prevent or at least minimize longitudinal expansion.

[0057] A through-hole 16 is formed in the housing shell 11d. The through-hole 16 completely traverses the housing shell 11d, preferably in the radial direction, i.e., it connects the interior space 11c of the housing 11 with the pressure chamber 14. The through-hole 16 is intended to apply an overpressure to the pressure chamber 14.

[0058] If the pressure chamber 14 is subjected to an overpressure, the pressure chamber 14 expands and the bellows 13 is inflated in the radial direction, as shown in Fig. 2 with the arrow, wherein the dashed lines show the bellows 13 in an inflated state.

[0059] The through hole 16 can be coupled in a pressure-tight manner to a compressed air generating unit 15, for example via a compressed air line 15a (as also in Fig. 1). The compressed air generation unit 15 can be arranged outside the housing 11 and coupled to the through hole 16 via a compressed air line 15a.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the compressed air generation unit 15 can be arranged in the interior 11c of the housing 11 (as in Fig. 2) and be pressure-tightly connected to the through-hole 16 via a compressed air line 15a. This provides a packer 10 that has its own compressed air generation unit 15 (e.g., a compressor) and can thus be used and operated independently of external compressed air generation units (external compressors) in a duct.

[0061] In one embodiment, the packer 10 can optionally have a power supply unit 17, which can be provided for providing electrical energy for the compressed air generation unit 15. The power supply unit 17 can be an accumulator, which can be arranged in the interior space 11c of the housing 11. If the power supply unit 17 is only needed to provide additional power for the compressed air generation unit 15 for a short time, the power supply unit 17 can also be designed as a supercapacitor.

[0062] About a Fig. 2, the accumulator 17 can be coupled to an external power source to charge the accumulator if necessary. If an external power source is provided, the electrical energy for the compressed air generation unit 15 can also be provided by this source—the accumulator can then be provided to provide additional electrical power for the compressed air generation unit 15 for a short time.

[0063] In one embodiment, the packer 10 can have a control unit 18 coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15. The control unit 18 is adapted to control the compressed air generation unit 15. It is advantageous if the control unit 18 is arranged in the interior space 11c of the housing 11.

[0064] The power supply unit 17 can be coupled to the control unit 18 to supply the control unit 18 with electrical energy. Alternatively, the control unit 18 can also be coupled to an external power supply unit to supply electrical energy to the control unit 18.

[0065] In one embodiment, the compressed air generation unit 15, the energy supply unit 17 and the control unit 18 can be arranged in a fluid- and gas-tight manner in the interior 11c of the housing 11. For this purpose, it may be sufficient to seal the housing fluid- and gas-tight at both its end faces, for example with a (in Fig. 2 (not shown). One of the two covers can be removable, for example, to access the interior 11c of the housing 11 for inspection purposes.

[0066] If the packer 10 is coupled to an external energy supply unit, a cover can have corresponding interfaces, which are preferably integrated into the cover in a fluid- and gas-tight manner.

[0067] In one embodiment, the control unit 18 can be coupled or can be coupled to a control device 19 arranged outside the packer 10 via a wired or wireless communication connection 20. With a wired communication connection 20, corresponding interfaces can be provided in the aforementioned cover, which are also preferably integrated into the cover in a fluid-tight and gas-tight manner. With a wireless communication connection 20, a transmitting and / or receiving antenna can be integrated into the cover; alternatively, the cover itself can be designed as a transmitting and / or receiving antenna.

[0068] If the compressed air generation unit 15, the power supply unit 17, and the control unit 18 are arranged in the interior space 11c of the housing 11, and the communication connection 20 is configured as a wireless communication connection, a packer can be provided that can be used in the sewer without pressure hoses to external compressors and without cables for a communication connection. This allows the packer 10 to be used in the sewer particularly easily and flexibly.

[0069] In one embodiment, the housing 11 and / or the bellows 13 may have a relief valve 23, via which an overpressure in the pressure chamber 14 can be reduced. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the drain valve 23 is arranged in the interior space 11c of the housing 11. Furthermore, the drain valve 23 is arranged in a fluid line that connects the pressure chamber 14 to the environment of the packer 10. The drain valve 23 and the fluid line are designed to be fluid-tight and gas-tight with respect to the interior space 11c. The drain valve 23 can be coupled to the control unit 18 and can be controlled by it.

[0070] In one embodiment, the drain valve 23 can also be manually operated to reduce the excess pressure in the pressure chamber 14. For this purpose, for example, a cable can be provided that is connected to the drain valve 23 on the one hand and extends from the channel to the surface to an operator on the other.

[0071] In one embodiment, the packer 10 can optionally have a pressure sensor 24 with which the pressure in the pressure chamber 14 can be detected. The pressure sensor 24 can be integrated in the housing shell 11d in a pressure-tight manner, as in Fig. 2 shown.

[0072] The pressure sensor 24 can be connected to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 can then, for example, be adapted to control the compressed air generation unit 15 such that the pressure chamber 14 is pressurized until a certain pressure is reached in the pressure chamber 14.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a transport unit 22 with a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10 arranged thereon.

[0074] At the Fig. The sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit 10 shown in Figure 3 is a packer 10, with only the end section of the packer 10 facing the transport unit 22 being shown here. The transport unit 22 is a sliding eel, to whose free end the packer 10 is attached.

[0075] The attachment of the packer 10 to the sliding eel 22 is realized here by means of a coupling device 21, wherein a first coupling unit 21a of the coupling device 21 is arranged on the packer 10, preferably on an end face of the packer. The first coupling unit 21a can, for example, be provided on the aforementioned cover, with which the interior space 11c can be closed. A second coupling unit 21b of the coupling device 21 is arranged at the free end of the sliding eel 22.

[0076] The coupling device 21 and the first coupling unit 21a as well as the second coupling unit 21b are designed such that the packer 10 is detachably arranged on the transport unit 22 - this applies both to a pusher eel and to a carriage as the transport unit 22. Here, the first coupling unit 21a is detachably connectable to the second coupling unit 21b. An example of such a coupling unit 21a is shown in Fig. 10. This allows a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit, for example the packer 10, to be introduced into a sewer with the transport unit 22 and then decoupled from the transport unit 22.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a transport unit 22 and two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units 10. The transport unit here is a carriage 22 and the two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units are each packers 10.

[0078] By means of a first coupling device 21, a first packer 10 is coupled to the carriage 22, wherein a first coupling unit 21a of the first coupling device 21 is arranged on the carriage 22 and a second coupling unit 21b of the first coupling device 21 is arranged on the first packer 10.

[0079] The second packer 10' has a second coupling unit 21b of a second coupling device, which is arranged on the end face facing the first packer 10. The first packer 10 further has a first coupling unit 21a of the second coupling device, which is arranged on the end face facing away from the carriage 22 or on the end face facing the second packer 10'. The second packer 10' can be releasably attached to the first packer 10, i.e., coupled and uncoupled, via the second coupling device.

[0080] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, the second packer 10' was initially coupled to the first packer 10, and the first packer 10 was coupled to the carriage 22. The carriage 22 was then introduced into the channel 300 together with the two packers 10, 10'.

[0081] After reaching the deployment location of the second packer 10', the second packer was inflated using a compressed air generation unit 15. This means that the pressure chamber 14' of the second packer 10' was pressurized with compressed air until the bellows of the second packer 10' was pressed all the way against the inner wall of the channel. The second coupling device was then released, and the carriage 22 with the first packer 10 mounted on it was moved backward.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the second packer 10' can be detached from the first packer 10, ie, placed in the channel 300 before it is inflated. After being placed in the channel, the carriage 22, together with the first packer 10 arranged thereon, can move away from the second packer 10'. The second packer 10' can then, if as in Fig. 2, since the compressed air generation unit 15 required for this purpose is integrated into the second packer 10'. The control of the compressed air generation unit 15 of the second packer 10' can be handled via a wireless communication link established between the carriage 22 and the second packer 10'. Alternatively, the control can also be handled by the control unit 18 arranged in the second packer 10'. In one embodiment, the control unit 18 can be designed such that it autonomously begins and monitors the pressurization of the second pressure chamber 14' after the second packer 10' has been set down or uncoupled.

[0083] The first packer 10 arranged on the carriage 22 can also be detached from the carriage 22 and inflated. In a configuration of the first packer 10 as in Fig. 2, the pressurization of the pressure chamber 14 of the first packer 10 with an overpressure can be carried out by the compressed air generation unit 15 arranged in the first packer 10. Alternatively, the first packer 10 can also be arranged as in Fig. 1 - the first packer 10 is then inflated by the compressed air generating unit 15 of the carriage 22, as described with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0084] The two in Fig. The coupling devices shown in Figure 4 are designed such that the respective first coupling unit 21a can be coupled to the respective second coupling unit 21b. This makes it possible for the carriage 22 to pick up the first packer 10 placed in the channel. The first packer 10 can pick up the second packer 10' placed in the channel. Both packers 10, 10' can then be removed from the channel together with the carriage 22 or moved to another location in the channel.

[0085] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit, which here is a packer 10.

[0086] The packer 10 has a housing 11 on which a radially inflatable bellows 13 is arranged, forming a pressure chamber 14. The pressure chamber is formed here between the outer surface 12 of the housing 11 and the bellows 13, as described above.

[0087] The housing 11 has a front end 11e (which here is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA). An image recording device 30 is arranged on the front end 11e. The image recording device 30 can be a high-resolution digital or analog video camera. However, for packers 10, it may be advantageous to provide low-resolution video cameras, since the video camera in the packer 10 is usually used to locate the position in the channel where the packer 10 is to be placed, i.e., inflated. Low-resolution video cameras provide video images of sufficient quality for these purposes.

[0088] Shown in Fig. 5 only one image recording device 30. However, several image recording devices 30 can also be arranged on the packer 10.

[0089] The image recording device 30 is coupled here to a control unit 18, which processes the images / video signals (hereinafter also referred to as image data) recorded by the image recording device 30. "Processing" in this context can mean or include the following: - the image data are transmitted to a control device (which may include a display device) outside the channel, whereby the image data may be processed (e.g. compressed, converted into another format, converted from digital to analogue or vice versa) before transmission, - the image data are stored in a memory device of the control unit 18, and / or - the image data is evaluated in terms of content, e.g. patterns can be recognized in the image data.

[0090] The image data can be transmitted to a control device outside the channel via a wired or wireless communication connection (not shown here). Control commands for the image recording device 30 can also be transmitted from the control device to the control unit 18 via this communication connection.

[0091] The image recording device 30 can also be controlled by means of the control unit 18, for example the zoom can be adjusted.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit 18 in the packer 10 can also be omitted. In this case, a corresponding control unit can be present in the image recording device 30 itself. Alternatively, signal and control lines can also be routed from the image recording device 30 directly to a control device arranged outside the channel.

[0093] Fig. Figure 5 shows two possible variants of how an image recording device 30 can be integrated into a packer 10, a first variant being shown in Figure (a) and a second variant being shown in Figure (b).

[0094] According to the variant shown in Figure (a), the image recording device 30 is integrated into the front wall of the housing 11. A part of the image recording device 30 protrudes into the interior of the housing 11.

[0095] According to the variant shown in Figure (b), the image recording device 30 is attached to the front wall of the housing 11 via a fastening means 31. The fastening means 31 is preferably designed to enable detachable attachment of the image recording device 30. Data and / or signal lines, as well as lines for supplying the image recording device 30 with electrical power, can be routed from the image recording device 30 through the fastening means 31 into the interior of the housing 11.

[0096] In both variants, the image recording device 30 can be designed to be pivotable.

[0097] Optionally, the packer 10 can be Fig. 5 also the remaining in Fig. 2 shown components (compressed air generation unit 15, energy supply unit 17, through hole 16, pressure sensor 24, discharge valve 23). Thus, a packer 10 according to Fig. 2, on which an image recording device 30 is arranged at the front. The power supply unit 17 can also be used to supply the image recording device 30 with electrical energy.

[0098] Optionally, the Fig. 5, the packer 10 shown has a first coupling unit 21a of a coupling device 21 with which the packer 10 can be detachably fastened to a transport unit 22.

[0099] In Figure (a) of the Fig. 5, the image recording device 30 is coupled to the control unit 18, which in turn (not shown here) can be coupled to an external control device 19. Image data from the image recording device 30 can be transmitted to the control device 19 via the control unit 18. Conversely, control commands or other data can be transmitted to the image recording device 30 via the control unit 18.

[0100] The above is with reference to Fig. 5 describes a packer 10 in which an image recording device 30 is integrated. This allows the channel to be monitored during the advance of the packer 10 in order to find the desired position where the packer 10 is to be placed.

[0101] Instead of or in addition to the image recording device 30, other devices can also be arranged on the packer 10. Such devices can be, for example, milling cutters, drills, grippers, or the like.

[0102] If the devices arranged on the packer 10 are operated by compressed air, they can obtain the compressed air required for operation from the compressed air generation unit 15 of the packer 10. For this purpose, a corresponding compressed air interface can be provided on the packer 10, preferably on the front side where the device is arranged.

[0103] The devices arranged on the packer 10 can be supplied with electrical energy via the power supply unit 17 located in the packer 10. Appropriate interfaces must also be provided on the front side. Alternatively, the power supply can also be provided via an external power supply unit, with the corresponding supply lines being routed through the packer 10 to the device.

[0104] The use of a packer 10 with attached devices has the advantage that the packer 10 is particularly well stabilized in the channel when inflated, both in the axial and radial directions. This also stabilizes the device attached to the packer 10 in the channel. For example, forces acting on a milling cutter during the milling process do not cause the packer 10 to slip within the channel, allowing the milling process to be carried out more precisely, and repositioning the cutter due to a shifted base unit (e.g., a carriage) is no longer necessary.

[0105] A packer 10 of the aforementioned type is also provided, wherein a processing device (milling cutter, drill, gripper, or the like) is arranged on one end face of the packer 10. The processing device can be coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15 of the packer 10.

[0106] Fig. 6 shows two end sections of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit designed as a packer 10 and Fig. 7 shows two possible cross sections of the housing of the Fig. 6 Packers shown.

[0107] In Fig. 6 shows the two end sections 11a, 11b of a packer 10. Also shown here are two clamping rings 25a, 25b, with which the bellows 13 is attached to the end sections or in the area of ​​the end sections 11a, 11b.

[0108] In Fig. 7 are two possible cross sections of the Fig. 6 shown packer 10 along the section axis AA.

[0109] According to figure (a) of the Fig. 7, the housing shell 11d has a circular outer profile. The interior space 11c of the housing 11 has a square or rectangular cross-section. Via a through hole 16, the interior space 11c of the housing 11 is connected to the pressure chamber 14, which is formed between the bellows 13 and the outer surface 12 of the housing 11.

[0110] According to figure (b) of the Fig. 7, the housing shell 11d has a circular outer profile. The interior space 11c of the housing 11 has a round or largely round cross-section. Via a through hole 16, the interior space 11c of the housing 11 is connected to the pressure chamber 14, which is formed between the bellows 13 and the outer surface 12 of the housing 11.

[0111] According to a variant not shown here, the housing 11 or the housing shell 11d can have an egg-shaped outer profile, on the shell surface 12 of which a bellows 13 can also be arranged, as explained above.

[0112] Fig. 8 shows a packer system with two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers, which are connected or coupled to each other.

[0113] The packer system 100 has a first packer 10 and a second packer 10'.

[0114] The first packer 10 comprises a first housing 11 with a first lateral surface 12, wherein a first radially inflatable bellows 13 is arranged on the first lateral surface 12. A first pressure chamber 14 is formed between the first lateral surface 12 and the first bellows 13. The first packer 10 essentially corresponds in its function to the Fig. 2 shown packer and has in the interior 11c essentially the Fig. 2 components shown.

[0115] The second packer 10' comprises a second housing 11' with a second lateral surface 12', wherein a second radially inflatable bellows 13' is arranged on the second lateral surface 12'. A second pressure chamber 14' is formed between the second lateral surface 12' and the second bellows 13'.

[0116] The two housings 11, 11' of the two packers 10, 10' are connected to each other via a connecting unit 40, wherein the connecting unit 40 is arranged on a front side of the two packers 10, 10', so that the two packers are connected to each other in the axial direction.

[0117] In one embodiment, the connecting unit 40 can be designed as a tubular connecting unit.

[0118] In the interior 11c of the first packer 10, as in Fig. 2, a compressed air generation unit 15 is arranged, with which the first pressure chamber 14 of the first packer 10 can be subjected to an overpressure (via the compressed air line 15a).

[0119] The compressed air generation unit 15 can also be used to apply overpressure to the second pressure chamber 14' of the second packer 10'. For this purpose, the compressed air generation unit 15 of the first packer 10 is coupled to the second through-hole 16' of the second packer 10' via a second compressed air line 15a'. This second compressed air line 15a' is routed from the first packer 10 through the connecting unit 40 into the second interior chamber 11c' of the second packer 10'. There, the second compressed air line 15a' is connected in a pressure-tight manner to the second through-hole 16'. This means that only one of the two packers needs to have a compressed air generation unit 15.

[0120] When the two packers are inflated, the respective bellows 13, 13' rest hermetically against the inner wall of the channel. The housings 11 of the packers 10 are also hermetically sealed. This creates a space or surrounding space 200 between the two packers that is hermetically sealed in both channel directions.

[0121] The connecting unit 40 has a compressed air opening 43 in its wall, which is coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15 via a compressed air line. This allows the surrounding area 200 between the two packers to be subjected to overpressure.

[0122] The compressed air line 15a, the compressed air line 15a', and the compressed air line to the compressed air opening 43 are connected here to a valve system 44, which in turn is connected to the compressed air generation unit 15. The supply of compressed air from the compressed air generation unit 15 to the individual compressed air lines can thus be controlled via the valve system 44.

[0123] A sensor unit 42 is also provided on or in the wall of the connecting unit 40. The sensor unit 42 may, for example, comprise a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like.

[0124] A pressure sensor can be used, for example, to measure the tightness of a duct section as follows: The packer system 100 is moved to the desired location in the channel, for example, using a carriage or a pusher. The two packers 10, 10' are inflated using the compressed air generation unit 15 until the bellows 13, 13' rest radially against the inner wall of the channel. A surrounding space 200 is now created between the two packers, which is hermetically sealed in both directions. Subsequently, the compressed air generation unit 15 applies overpressure to the surrounding space 200 via the compressed air opening 43 until a predetermined pressure is reached in the surrounding space 200, which can be detected by the pressure sensor 42. Once the predetermined pressure is reached, the compressed air opening 43 is closed (or alternatively, the corresponding valve of the valve control 44 is closed). The pressure in the surrounding space 200 is then measured using the pressure sensor 42 over a predetermined period of time.The pressure curve over time then provides information about whether the channel in the area between the two packers is tight or not.

[0125] Optionally, the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, an image recording device 30 may be provided in one of the two packers, preferably in the front packer 10'.

[0126] With reference to Fig. 1, a packer system 100 is described in which two packers are connected to each other via a tubular connecting unit 40. Alternatively, the two packers can also be connected to each other via a coupling device 21, which allows the second packer 10' to be uncoupled from the first packer 10. Such a configuration is shown in Fig. 11. A coupling device 21 suitable for this purpose is shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0127] Fig. 9 shows a packer system 100 with two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers.

[0128] The two packers 10, 10' are essentially designed as described with reference to Fig. 8. In contrast to the design according to Fig. 8, the two packers 10, 10' at the Fig. 9, the two packers have a common housing 11, which also forms a common interior space 11c of the housing 11. The two bellows 13, 13' of the two packers are also arranged here on the outer surface 12 of the housing 11, so that a pressure chamber 14, 14' is formed between the respective bellows and the outer surface 12. The two bellows 13, 13' are also arranged axially spaced from one another on the outer surface 12, so that when the bellows are inflated (when the bellows are pressed in the circumferential direction against the inner wall of the channel), an ambient space 200 is created between the two packers or between the two bellows 13, 13', which is hermetically sealed in both channel directions.

[0129] The two pressure chambers 14, 14' are also pressurized by the compressed air generation unit 15, as described with reference to Fig. 8 explained.

[0130] Between the two bellows 13, 13', the housing 11 can have a radially protruding elevation, which is designed as a radially circumferential elevation 12c. This elevation 12c assumes the function of the flanges 12a, 12b for both bellows. Thus, the two bellows are delimited at the end sections 11a, 11b of the common housing 11 by the respective flanges 12a, 12b and between the two bellows by the radially circumferential elevation 12c. This prevents axial expansion of the bellows when inflating, even with a common housing 11.

[0131] The sensor unit 42 (e.g. a pressure sensor) and the compressed air opening 43 can be arranged here on / in or in the elevation 12c.

[0132] Also in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, an image recording device 30 or other devices (e.g., milling cutters, drills, grippers, or the like) can be arranged in or on the housing 11 of the packer 10. If necessary, these devices can be coupled to the compressed air generation unit 15.

[0133] Fig. 10 shows a coupling device 21 with which a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit (such as a packer 10) can be detachably coupled to a transport unit (such as a carriage 22).

[0134] The coupling device 21 is described below using a packer 10. However, other sewer inspection and / or maintenance units can also be coupled to a transport unit using the coupling device 21. A pusher eel can also be used as a transport unit.

[0135] The coupling device 21 has a first coupling unit 21a and a second coupling unit 21b. The first coupling unit 21a is arranged on the packer 10, and the second coupling unit 21b is arranged on the carriage 22.

[0136] The first coupling unit 21a has a first coupling element 50a, and the second coupling unit 21b has a second coupling element 50b corresponding to the first coupling element 50a. The first coupling element 50a and the second coupling element 50b are designed such that they can be releasably connected to one another. "Corresponding" in this context means that they are designed and interact in such a way that the two coupling units 21a, 21b can be releasably connected to one another.

[0137] An embodiment of a concrete coupling device 21 is described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 described.

[0138] This allows the packer 10 to be attached to the carriage 22 by means of the coupling device 21. In the channel, the packer 10 can be detached from the carriage 22, for example, to remain in the channel while the carriage 22 is removed from the channel. In one embodiment, the packer 10 remaining in the channel can be recoupled to the carriage 22 in the channel.

[0139] In order to ensure a secure coupling of the first coupling unit 21a to the second coupling unit 21b, it is provided that the first coupling unit 21a has a first alignment unit 51a and the second coupling unit 21b has a second alignment unit 51b corresponding to the first alignment unit 51a.

[0140] The two alignment units 51a, 51b are configured such that the first coupling unit 21a can be coupled to the second coupling unit 21b in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis LA of the coupling device 21 and in a predetermined orientation relative to the second coupling unit 21b. This means that when the two coupling units 21a, 21b are brought together, the first coupling unit 21a is aligned relative to the second coupling unit 21b such that it can be coupled to the second coupling unit 21b.

[0141] The first alignment unit 51a and the second alignment unit 51b can be designed such that they can be brought into engagement with one another, in particular they can be brought into engagement with one another in a form-fitting manner. Such a design is described in Fig. 10, where the first alignment unit 51a is funnel-shaped and the second alignment unit 51b is correspondingly frustoconical. During the joining of the two coupling units, the first coupling unit 21a is adjusted in the radial direction relative to the second coupling unit 21b. Furthermore, the inclination of the first coupling unit 21a relative to the second coupling unit 21b is adjusted such that the longitudinal axes of the two coupling units run parallel to each other and coincide in the final coupled state.

[0142] The first alignment unit 51a and the second alignment unit 51b can optionally also be configured such that, when the two coupling units are brought together, the angle of rotation of the first coupling unit 21a relative to the second coupling unit 21b is set to a predetermined angle. For this purpose, the alignment units 51a, 51b can, for example, have suitable guide means.

[0143] At the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the alignment units 51a, 51b are rotationally symmetrical. This means that the two coupling units can be coupled to each other regardless of the angle of rotation. In this case, it is advantageous if the first coupling element 50a and the second coupling element 50b are designed such that they can be detachably connected to each other regardless of the angle of rotation.

[0144] In one embodiment, the first alignment unit 51a can be operatively coupled to a first interface 52a for signal and / or energy transmission. Accordingly, the second alignment unit 51b can also be operatively coupled to a second interface 52b for signal and / or energy transmission.

[0145] In a specific embodiment, the first alignment unit 51a can form the first interface 52a for signal and / or energy transmission, and the second alignment unit 51b can form the second interface 52b for signal and / or energy transmission.

[0146] For this purpose, corresponding contact surfaces can be provided in or on the alignment units, such as electrically conductive rings arranged in concentric circles that securely touch each other when the two coupling units are coupled. The electrically conductive rings can be spring-mounted in at least one of the two alignment units, ensuring contact with the respective rings of the other alignment unit in all cases. Designing the interfaces as electrically conductive rings arranged in concentric circles is advantageous when coupling the two coupling devices is to be enabled regardless of the angle of rotation.

[0147] A transmission of data and electrical energy between the two coupling units, independent of the angle of rotation, can also be carried out on an inductive or capacitive basis.

[0148] If it is intended that the two coupling units can only be coupled to each other at a certain angle of rotation, then the interfaces 52b, 52b for signal and / or energy transmission can also be designed in the manner of a pin-sleeve connection.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first coupling unit 21a may have a first signal processing unit 53a and the second coupling unit 21b may have a second signal processing unit 53b, wherein the first signal processing unit 53a is operatively coupled to the first interface 52a and the second signal processing unit 53b is operatively coupled to the second interface 52b.

[0150] On the other hand, the first signal processing unit 53a is operatively coupled to the packer 10 and the second signal processing unit 53b is operatively coupled to the carriage 22.

[0151] If the coupling elements 50a, 50b are electrically or electromagnetically actuated or switchable coupling elements, they can also be coupled to the signal processing unit of the respective coupling unit. The signal processing unit can then control the coupling and uncoupling.

[0152] In a special embodiment of the coupling device 21, it can be provided that the two coupling units 21a, 21b also have a compressed air interface (in Fig. 10 not shown). Such a compressed air interface can be advantageous in several ways: - At the Fig. In the embodiment of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system 1 shown in Figure 1, comprising a carriage 22 and a packer 10, the packer 10 can be coupled to the carriage 22 by means of the coupling device 21. The compressed air provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 of the carriage 22 can be supplied to the packer 10, i.e., the pressure chamber 14 of the packer 10, via the compressed air interface provided in the coupling device 21. - At the Fig. In the embodiment of a packer system 100 shown in Figure 8, the connecting unit 40 between the first housing 11 and the second housing 11' can be designed as a coupling device 21 with a compressed air interface. The compressed air provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 of the first packer 10 can be supplied to the second packer 10', i.e., the pressure chamber 14' of the second packer 10', via the compressed air interface provided in the coupling device 21.

[0153] With a coupling device 21, in which a compressed air interface is integrated, a packer 10 can be coupled to the carriage 22, and another packer 10 can be coupled to the packer 10 coupled to the carriage 22 with such a coupling device 21. This allows, for example, Fig. 4, wherein the compressed air generating unit 15 can in this case be arranged in the carriage 22, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0154] Fig. 11 shows two sewer inspection and / or maintenance units designed as packers, which are connected via a coupling device according to Fig. 10 can be releasably coupled together.

[0155] A first coupling unit 21a is arranged on the front side of the first packer 10 (on the side facing the second packer 10'). A second coupling unit 21b is also arranged on the front side of the second packer 10' (on the side facing the first packer 10). The two coupling units are designed as described with reference to Fig. 10. This allows the second packer 10' to be coupled and uncoupled from the first packer 10 (where in Fig. 11, the two packers are shown in the uncoupled state. If the first packer 10, for example, can be releasably coupled to a carriage 22, both packers can be introduced into the channel. The second packer 10' can then be uncoupled, and the carriage 22 can move away from the second packer 10' with the first packer 10. If the first packer 10 is a certain distance from the second packer 10', the first packer 10 can be uncoupled from the carriage 22, and the carriage 22 can be removed from the channel or used for another purpose.

[0156] The coupling unit 21a of the first packer 10 is connected to the control unit 18 of the first packer 10, while the coupling unit 21b of the second packer 10' is connected to the control unit 18' of the second packer 10'. Via the interfaces 52b, 52b for signal and / or energy transmission of the two packers, control data can be transmitted from the first packer 10 (if the packer is arranged, for example, on a carriage 22) to the second packer 10'. Conversely, camera data, for example, can be transmitted from the second packer 10' to the first packer 10. Electrical energy can also be transmitted from the first packer to the second packer.

[0157] The two in Fig. The packers shown in Figure 11 each have a compressed air generation unit 15, 15', a (in Fig. 11 not shown) energy supply unit and a control unit 18. This allows both to be inflated independently of each other, ie the pressure chamber 14 of the first packer 10 can be pressurized with compressed air by the respective compressed air generation unit 15, 15' independently of the pressure chamber 14' of the second packer 10'.

[0158] Because the second packer 10' can be decoupled from the first packer 10, an ambient space 200 formed between the two packers (when both packers are inflated) can be adjusted by changing the distance between the two packers. This is particularly advantageous when a leak in the channel can initially only be located very roughly. In this case, it is advisable to initially place the two packers at a greater distance from each other in the channel. The first packer 10 can be successively moved towards the second packer 10' (of course, the air must be released from the first packer before moving, which can be done, for example, with a drain valve, as in Fig. 2), whereby the distance between the two packers and thus also the space to be checked between the two packers is reduced. For the purpose of measuring the tightness, the first packer 10 has a corresponding pressure sensor 42. For applying an overpressure to the surrounding space 200, the first packer 10 can also have a compressed air opening 43, which is connected directly to the compressed air generation unit 15 or indirectly via a valve unit 44 to the compressed air generation unit 15.

[0159] Since the second packer 10' has its own compressed air generation unit 15', its own power supply unit, and its own control unit 18', it is possible to decouple the packer 10' and only inflate it after detachment. This can be achieved, for example, by the control unit 18' detecting that packer 10' has been decoupled.

[0160] In the following described Fig. 12 to Fig. 14, packers are shown in two figures, with figure (a) showing the packer in the deflated state and figure (b) in the inflated state. The figures shown in these Fig. 12 to Fig. The packers 10 shown in Figure 14 each have a housing, on whose outer surface the bellows 13 is arranged. The bellows is connected to the outer surface at both end cuts in the area of ​​the flanges 12a, 12b and is delimited by the two flanges 12a, 12b. The packer 10 is coupled to a sliding eel 22, which serves as a transport unit. The coupling device described above with reference to Fig. The coupling device 21 described in Figure 10 can be used. The packers each have a compressed air generation unit.

[0161] Fig. Figure 12 shows a specific embodiment of a packer 10 in a perspective view. The packer 10 here comprises only the inflatable bellows and the modules required for pressurizing the pressure chamber (compressed air generation unit, possibly a power supply unit, and possibly a control unit), which are arranged inside the housing.

[0162] Fig. Figure 13 shows a specific design of a packer in a perspective view with an axial camera mounted thereon. The axial camera 30 is located at the free end of the packer 10. Data and power cables for the axial camera 30 can be routed from the push rod through the packer 10 to the axial camera 30. Alternatively, the power supply to the axial camera 30 can also be provided via a power supply unit located in the packer 10.

[0163] Fig. 14 shows a specific embodiment of a packer in a perspective view with a milling tool 400 arranged thereon. The milling tool 400 is arranged at the free end of the packer 10. The milling tool 400 is preferably designed to be pivotable and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the packer 10. If the milling tool 400 is operated with compressed air, the compressed air required for this purpose can be provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 of the packer 10.

[0164] A particular advantage of this design is that with the inflated packer 10, a particularly good stabilization of the milling tool 400 in the channel can be achieved.

[0165] Fig. 15 shows a concrete design of a packer in a perspective view with a pan head camera 30 arranged thereon. The design of the packer 10 corresponds to that described with reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14. The pan-head camera 30 is located at the free end of the packer 10. Data and power cables for the pan-head camera 30 can be routed from the push rod through the packer 10 to the pan-head camera 30. Alternatively, the power supply to the pan-head camera 30 can also be provided via a power supply unit located in the packer 10. The pan-head camera 30 is designed to be pivotable and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the packer 10.

[0166] In the following described Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, packer systems 100 are shown in two figures, with figure (a) showing the packer system 100 in the non-inflated state and figure (b) in the inflated state. The packer systems 100 each comprise two packers 10, 10', which are coupled together via a connecting unit 40, as shown in Fig. 8. The Fig. 16 and Fig. The packers 10, 10' shown in Figure 17 each have a housing, on the outer surface of which the respective bellows 13, 13' is arranged. The packer 10 is coupled to a pusher 22, which serves as a transport unit. The coupling device between the pusher 22 and the packer 10 can be the one described above with reference to Fig. 10 described coupling device 21 can be used.

[0167] Instead of the connecting unit 40, a coupling device 21 can also be provided, as in Fig. 11. The packers each have a compressed air generation unit, wherein according to one embodiment, only one of the two packers needs to have a compressed air generation unit and the other packer is supplied with compressed air via this compressed air generation unit.

[0168] Fig. Figure 16 shows a specific embodiment of a packer system 100 in a perspective view with an axial camera 30 arranged thereon. The axial camera 30 is arranged at the free end of the second packer 10'. Data and power cables for the axial camera 30 can be routed from the push rod through the two packers 10, 10' to the axial camera 30. Alternatively, the power supply of the axial camera 30 can also be ensured via a power supply unit arranged in the packer system 100.

[0169] Fig. Figure 17 shows a specific embodiment of a packer system 100 in a perspective view with a milling tool arranged thereon. The milling tool 400 is arranged at the free end of the second packer 10'. The milling tool 400 is preferably designed to be pivotable and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the packer system 100. If the milling tool 400 is operated with compressed air, the compressed air required for this purpose can be provided by the compressed air generation unit 15 of the packer system 100.

[0170] A particular advantage of this design is that the inflated packer system 100 allows particularly good stabilization of the milling tool 400 in the channel.

[0171] Fig. Figure 18 shows a specific embodiment of a packer system 100 in a perspective view with a pan-head camera arranged thereon. The design of the packer system 100 corresponds to that described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The pan-head camera 30 is arranged at the free end of the packer 10. Data and power cables for the pan-head camera 30 can be routed from the push rod through the packer system 100 to the pan-head camera 30. Alternatively, the power supply to the pan-head camera 30 can also be ensured via a power supply unit arranged in the packer system 100. The pan-head camera 30 is designed to be pivotable and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the packer system 100.

[0172] Fig. Figure 19 shows a longitudinal section of a perspective view of a specific packer 10, wherein Figures (a) and (b) show the housing 11 with the bellows 13 arranged thereon and an empty interior space 11c. Figures (c) and (d) show the housing 11 with the bellows 13 arranged thereon and the compressed air generation unit 15 arranged in the interior space 11c of the housing.

[0173] The housing 11 is designed as a hollow cylinder, with the radially circumferential flanges 12a, 12b visible at the two end sections, between which the bellows 13 is arranged on the outer surface of the housing shell 11d. For clarity, the end covers of the housing 11 are not shown here.

[0174] In Figures (a) and (c), the bellows 13 lies largely against the outer surface of the housing shell 11d (in the deflated state), so that the pressure chamber 14 has almost no volume. In Figures (b) and (d), the bellows 13 is inflated, so that the pressure chamber 14, which is formed between the outer surface of the housing shell 11d and the bellows 13, can be seen.

[0175] The through hole 16 is provided in the housing shell, which connects the pressure chamber 14 with the interior 11c of the housing 11.

[0176] In Figure (c) and Figure (d), the compressed air generation unit 15 (compressor) is arranged in the interior 11c of the housing 11 and is pressure-tightly connected to the through hole 16 via a compressed air line 15a.

[0177] Fig. Figure 20 shows a first coupling element 50a and a second coupling element 50b. These two coupling elements can also be used as the first coupling unit 21a and the second coupling unit 21b, respectively. Figure (a) shows the two coupling elements in the uncoupled state in a perspective longitudinal section and in a longitudinal section. Figure (b) shows the two coupling elements in the coupled state in a perspective longitudinal section and in a longitudinal section.

[0178] The first coupling element 50a has a substantially cylindrical housing that tapers to a cone at the free, i.e., front, end. The conical end forms a centering section 59 of the first coupling element 50a. The centering section 59 of the first coupling element 50a can, in particular, be designed as a truncated cone. A preferably cylindrical recess 63 is provided in the housing of the first coupling element 50a, which tapers to a cone in the region of the front end.

[0179] In the conical region of the recess 63, a radial through-hole is provided in the wall of the housing, which serves as a bolt guide 61. It is advantageous if at least two bolt guides 61 are provided, advantageously offset by 180°.

[0180] Without taking the bolt guide 61 into account, the entire housing is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical.

[0181] A bolt 55 is arranged in each of the bolt guides 61, which can be moved or displaced radially outward and inward. The bolt guides 61 and the bolts 55 arranged therein are designed such that the bolts 55 cannot fall out of the respective bolt guide 61, but can only be displaced radially within the respective bolt guide 61 up to a stop.

[0182] The bolts 55 are designed such that both ends of a bolt 55 protrude from the respective opening of the bolt guide 61 when pushed to the stop in the bolt guide 61. The length of the bolts 55 is selected such that the bolt 55 protrudes from the stop-side opening of the bolt guide 61 when pushed to the stop, but at the same time does not protrude from the opposite opening of the bolt guide 61. The radially inner end of the bolt 55 can be hemispherical.

[0183] Each bolt 55 is assigned a spring element 56, which applies a spring force to the bolt 55. The spring force of the spring element 56 acts on the bolt 55 in such a way that the bolt 55 is pressed or moved radially inward in the bolt guide 61. In one embodiment, the spring element 56 is arranged in the bolt guide 61.

[0184] A drive element 58 is accommodated in the recess 63 of the housing of the first coupling element 50a. The drive element 58 is operatively coupled to an actuating element 57. The actuating element 57 is provided to move or displace the bolts 55 radially outward. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the actuating element is designed as an axially displaceable expansion cone 57, wherein the expansion cone 57 tapers toward the front end of the coupling element 50a. Alternatively, the front end of the expansion cone 57 can also be wedge-shaped. A rear portion of the expansion cone 57 can be cylindrical. The expansion cone 57 is moved forward or backward in the axial direction by the drive element 58.

[0185] The drive element 58 can be a linear drive, a solenoid, or a pneumatic device. The only important thing here is that the drive element 58 is designed to axially displace the expansion cone 57 in both directions.

[0186] In Fig. 20, the expansion cones 57 are shown in two parts, whereby each part of the expansion cone 57 can be moved independently of each other with the drive element 58.

[0187] However, it is advantageous if the expansion cone 57 is designed as a single piece.

[0188] The expansion cone 57 and the bolts 55 are arranged in the housing or in the bolt guides 61 such that the longitudinal axes of the bolts 55 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the expansion cone 57.

[0189] The expansion cone 57 is in a passive position when it is arranged in the recess 63 at the rear (such a position is assumed in Fig. 20 the lower part of the expansion cone 57). The expansion cone 57 is in an active position when it is arranged in the recess 63 at the front (such a position is assumed in Fig. 20 the upper part of the expansion cone 57).

[0190] If the expansion cone 57 is in the passive position, the two bolts 55 are pressed radially inwards by the spring force of the spring element 56, so that the radially inner end sections of the bolts 55 protrude into the recess 63. The radially outer end sections of the bolts 55 do not protrude from the recesses 63 (such a position of the bolts takes place in Fig. 20 the lower bolt).

[0191] When the expansion cone 57 is moved from the passive position to the active position, the front, conical section of the expansion cone 57 slides between the inner end sections of the bolts 55. As a result, the bolts 55 are pressed radially outwards against the spring force of the spring element 56, so that the bolts protrude from the radially outer opening of the bolt guide 61 (such a position of the bolts takes place in Fig. 20 the upper bolt).

[0192] When the expansion cone 57 is moved from the active position to the passive position, the bolts 55 are pressed radially inwards again by the spring force of the spring element 56.

[0193] The second coupling element 50b has a housing which has a receiving opening 62 into which the first coupling element 50a can be engaged.

[0194] A radially encircling guide 60 is formed on the inner wall of the receiving opening 62. The width of the guide 60 essentially corresponds to the diameter of the bolts 55.

[0195] The receiving opening 62 is designed such that the first coupling element 50a is inserted into the receiving opening 62. The diameter of the receiving opening 62 area, in which the guide 60 is provided, essentially corresponds to the outer diameter of the housing of the first coupling element 50a in the area in which the bolt guides 61 are provided.

[0196] The receiving opening 62 and the first coupling element 50a are also designed such that the first coupling element 50a can be inserted into the receiving opening 62 at least far enough for the bolt guide 61 and the slotted guide 60 to be opposite each other. This position of the first coupling element 50a relative to the second coupling element 50b is shown in Figure (b) of the Fig. 20 shown.

[0197] An inner end section of the receiving opening 62 is formed as a centering section 59a, which corresponds to the centering section 59 of the first coupling element 50a. These two centering sections serve to center and align the two coupling elements when brought together. When the first coupling element 50a is fully inserted into the receiving opening 62, the centering section 59 of the first coupling element 50a rests against the centering section 59a of the second coupling element 50b. In this position, the bolt guide 61 and the slotted guide 60 are opposite each other, as shown in Figure (b).

[0198] As soon as the bolt guide 61 and the slotted guide 60 are opposite one another when inserting the first coupling element 50a into the second coupling element 50b, the expansion cone 57 can be moved from the passive position to the active position. The bolts 55 are then moved radially outward and engage with the circumferential slotted guide. The two coupling elements are now coupled. To decouple the two coupling elements, the expansion cone 57 is moved axially backward again. The two bolts 55 are then moved radially inward again by the spring force of the spring element 56.

[0199] The receiving opening 62 can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical. If the outer wall of the housing of the first coupling element 50a is also designed to be rotationally symmetrical, then the first coupling element 50a can be inserted into the receiving opening 62 of the second coupling element 50b at any angle relative to the second coupling element 50b.

[0200] Fig. 21 shows the Fig. 20 for coupling a packer 10 to a carriage 22. Here, the two coupling elements are used as the first coupling unit 21a and the second coupling unit 21b. The first coupling unit 21a is arranged here on one end face of the carriage 22. The second coupling unit 21b is arranged on one end face of the packer 10. The second coupling unit 21b of the packer 10 can be pushed onto the first coupling unit 21a of the carriage 22. After pushing on, the two bolts 55 are moved radially outward with the aid of the expanding cone 57 so that they engage in the slotted guide of the second coupling unit 21b. The packer 10 is now coupled to the carriage 22.

[0201] Fig. 22 shows the coupling device 21 according to Fig. 10 with the Fig. 20 coupling elements shown.

[0202] On the first coupling unit 21a, two coupling elements 50a are arranged, which, as described with reference to Fig. 20 are designed as described.

[0203] A coupling element 50b is provided on the second coupling unit 21b, the receiving opening 62 of which is arranged radially circumferentially (rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis LA of the second coupling unit 21b) in the second coupling unit 21b. Thus, the first coupling unit 21a can be coupled to the second coupling unit 21b independently of the angle of rotation relative to the second coupling unit 21b.

[0204] The information relating to Fig. 20 and Fig. The coupling device shown in Figure 21 can be used in the systems shown in the other figures to couple two modules (e.g. carriage 22 and packer 10, or two packers 10) together.

[0205] In addition to the embodiments described above, further embodiments are provided and described below, wherein the features mentioned below can be combined with the features mentioned above.

[0206] Furthermore, a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided comprising - a transport unit that can be inserted into a channel and moved and / or shifted in the channel, - a compressed air generation unit for generating and providing compressed air, and - at least one operating means, wherein the compressed air generation unit is arranged in or on the transport unit and wherein the compressed air generation unit is coupled to the at least one operating means via a compressed air line.

[0207] The advantage here is that no external compressed air unit is required to supply compressed air to the equipment. This eliminates the need for compressed air hoses, which must be pulled from the transport unit into the duct.

[0208] The transport unit may comprise a control unit coupled to the compressed air generation unit and adapted to control the compressed air generation unit.

[0209] It is advantageous if the transport unit has a power supply unit for providing electrical energy for the compressed air generation unit.

[0210] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator and / or a capacitor.

[0211] The control unit can be coupled or can be coupled to a control device arranged outside the transport unit via a wired or wireless communication connection.

[0212] The tool may include a packer or a cutter.

[0213] It can be advantageous if the packer comprises a housing, whereby - the housing is designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections, an interior space and a housing shell, - a radially inflatable bellows is arranged on the outer surface of the housing, the bellows being hermetically attached to the housing in the region of the two end sections of the housing, so that a pressure chamber is formed between the outer surface of the housing and the bellows, and - the compressed air generation unit is operatively coupled to the pressure chamber and is adapted to subject the pressure chamber to an overpressure, wherein a through hole is formed in the housing shell which connects the interior of the housing to the pressure chamber and wherein the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole in a pressure-tight manner on the interior side.

[0214] This provides a particularly stable packer, as the blow-out bellows is mounted on the casing. The bellows itself does not need to be particularly stable, allowing for a wider range of materials and material combinations to be considered for the bellows.

[0215] The compressed air generation unit can be connected to the through hole via the compressed air line.

[0216] The transport unit can be a trolley or a pusher.

[0217] Furthermore, a packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided, comprising - a housing designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections, an interior space and a housing shell, and - a radially inflatable bellows arranged on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the bellows is fastened to the housing in an airtight manner in the region of the two end sections of the housing, so that a pressure chamber is formed between the outer surface of the housing and the bellows, which can be subjected to an overpressure.

[0218] It is advantageous if a through hole is formed in the housing shell, which connects the interior of the housing with the pressure chamber, wherein the pressure chamber can be subjected to overpressure via the through hole.

[0219] The packer may comprise a compressed air generation unit with which the pressure chamber can be subjected to overpressure, wherein the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole in a pressure-tight manner.

[0220] It is advantageous if the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole via a compressed air line.

[0221] The compressed air generation unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0222] The packer may include a power supply unit for providing electrical energy to the compressed air generation unit.

[0223] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0224] The packer may comprise a control unit coupled to the compressed air generation unit and adapted to control the compressed air generation unit.

[0225] The control unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing and coupled to the power supply unit, wherein the control unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit.

[0226] The compressed air generation unit and / or the energy supply unit and / or the control unit can be arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner in the interior of the housing.

[0227] The control unit may be coupled or capable of being coupled to a control device arranged outside the packer via a wired or wireless communication connection.

[0228] The packer may have a first coupling unit of a coupling device with which the packer can be releasably fastened to a transport unit.

[0229] The housing and / or bellows may have a release valve through which excess pressure in the pressure chamber can be reduced.

[0230] The drain valve can be controlled with the control unit.

[0231] The packer can have a pressure sensor with which the pressure in the pressure chamber can be detected.

[0232] Furthermore, a packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided, the packer comprising - a housing designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections, an interior space and a housing shell, - a radially inflatable bellows arranged on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the bellows is attached to the housing in an airtight manner in the region of the two end sections of the housing, so that a pressure chamber is formed between the outer surface of the housing and the bellows, and - a compressed air generation unit which is operatively coupled to the pressure chamber and is adapted to subject the pressure chamber to an overpressure, wherein a through-hole is formed in the housing shell which connects the interior of the housing to the pressure chamber and wherein the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through-hole on the interior side in a pressure-tight manner, so that the pressure chamber can be subjected to the overpressure via the through-hole with the compressed air generation unit.

[0233] This provides a particularly stable packer, as the blow-out bellows is mounted on the casing. The bellows itself does not need to be particularly stable, allowing for a wider range of materials and material combinations to be considered for the bellows.

[0234] The compressed air generation unit can be located inside the housing and connected to the through hole via a compressed air line. This creates a compact packer with its own compressed air generation unit. External compressed air generation units (compressors) are thus eliminated. A further advantage is that no compressed air hoses are required in the duct, which would otherwise have to be routed to the packer. A carriage (or pusher) no longer has to drag compressed air hoses behind it, allowing the carriage to be designed more compactly and consume less energy.

[0235] It can be advantageous if the packer includes a power supply unit to provide electrical power for the compressed air generation unit. This also eliminates the need for an external power supply unit, meaning that no power cables need to be routed into the duct for the packer's operation.

[0236] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator and / or a capacitor arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0237] It can be advantageous if the packer includes a control unit that is coupled to the compressed air generation unit and is adapted to control the compressed air generation unit. This allows the packer to operate completely independently. This means that the packer can be operated without any additional equipment or devices in the sewer. The pack simply needs to be moved to the desired location in the sewer.

[0238] The control unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing and coupled to the power supply unit, wherein the control unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit.

[0239] It is advantageous if the compressed air generation unit and / or the power supply unit and / or the control unit are arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner within the housing. This allows the packer to be used even in damp or water-bearing channels.

[0240] It may be advantageous if the control unit is coupled, or can be coupled, to a control device located outside the packer via a wired or wireless communication link. This allows the packer to be controlled, for example, from outside the channel.

[0241] It can be advantageous if the packer has a first coupling unit of a coupling device, with which the packer can be releasably attached to a transport unit. This allows the packer to be moved, for example, to the desired location in the sewer using a trolley and then decoupled from the trolley. The trolley is then available for other work.

[0242] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing and / or the bellows can have a release valve by means of which an overpressure in the pressure chamber can be reduced.

[0243] The drain valve can be controlled with the control unit.

[0244] It is advantageous if the packer has a pressure sensor with which the pressure in the pressure chamber can be detected.

[0245] It can also be advantageous if the packer has a sensor module with which ambient conditions (e.g. ambient pressure) can be detected.

[0246] The bellows can be designed in the manner of a flexible mat.

[0247] In addition, a packer for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided, comprising a housing on which a radially inflatable bellows forming a pressure chamber is arranged, wherein the housing has an end face and wherein an image recording device is arranged on the end face.

[0248] This allows the packer to be used to visually inspect the area surrounding the packer even when it is being inserted into a sewer, for example, to locate the location in the sewer where the packer is to be used. An additional camera unit, which has to be inserted into the sewer via a neighboring manhole, is no longer required. Another advantage is that the camera is fixed in the sewer once the packer is fully inflated.

[0249] It can be advantageous if the image recording device - is detachably attached to the front of the housing by means of a fastening device, or - is integrated into the housing on the front side of the housing.

[0250] When integrating the image recording device into the housing of the packer, it can also be advantageous if the image recording device is detachably integrated into the housing.

[0251] The detachable fastening or integration of the image recording device has the advantage that the image recording device can be easily replaced, for example for inspection purposes or the like, or that one image recording device can be replaced by another image recording device.

[0252] In one embodiment, the housing can be designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections, an interior space, and a housing shell, wherein the radially inflatable bellows is arranged on the shell surface of the housing and wherein the bellows is fastened airtight to the housing in the region of the two end sections of the housing, so that the pressure chamber is formed between the shell surface of the housing and the bellows.

[0253] This provides a particularly stable packer, as the blow-out bellows is mounted on the casing. The bellows itself does not need to be particularly stable, allowing for a wider range of materials and material combinations to be considered for the bellows.

[0254] The image recording device can be arranged on the front side of the housing at least partially in the interior of the housing.

[0255] It may be advantageous if the packer further comprises a compressed air generation unit, wherein the compressed air generation unit is operatively coupled to the pressure chamber and is adapted to apply an overpressure to the pressure chamber.

[0256] A through hole can be formed in the housing shell of the housing, which connects the interior of the housing with the pressure chamber, wherein the compressed air generation unit is connected to the through hole on the interior side in a pressure-tight manner, so that the pressure chamber can be subjected to overpressure via the through hole by means of the compressed air generation unit.

[0257] Preferably, the compressed air generation unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing and connected to the through hole via a compressed air line.

[0258] This provides a compact packer with its own compressed air generation unit. This eliminates the need for external compressed air generation units (compressors). Another advantage is that no compressed air hoses are required in the duct, which would otherwise have to be routed all the way to the packer. A crawler (or pusher) no longer needs to drag compressed air hoses behind it, allowing the crawler to be designed more compactly and consume less energy.

[0259] It can also be advantageous if the packer includes a power supply unit to provide electrical power for the compressed air generation unit. This also eliminates the need for an external power supply unit, meaning that no power cables need to be routed into the duct for the packer's operation.

[0260] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator (or a capacitor) arranged in the interior of the housing.

[0261] It can be advantageous if the packer includes a control unit that is coupled to the compressed air generation unit and adapted to control the compressed air generation unit. This allows the packer to operate completely independently. This means that the packer can be operated without any additional equipment or devices in the sewer. The packer simply needs to be moved to the desired location in the sewer.

[0262] The control unit can be arranged in the interior of the housing and coupled to the power supply unit, wherein the control unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit.

[0263] It can also be advantageous if the compressed air generation unit and / or the power supply unit and / or the control unit are arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner within the housing. This allows the packer to be used in damp or water-bearing channels.

[0264] The control unit must be or be capable of being coupled to a control device located outside the packer via a wired or wireless communication link. This allows the packer to be controlled from outside the channel, for example.

[0265] In one embodiment of the invention, the image recording device can be coupled to the control unit, wherein the image recording device is coupled or can be coupled to the control device arranged outside the packer via the wired or wireless communication connection.

[0266] It is advantageous if the packer has a first coupling unit of a coupling device, with which the packer can be releasably attached to a transport unit. This allows the packer to be moved, for example, to the desired location in the sewer using a trolley and then decoupled from the trolley. The trolley is then available for other work.

[0267] The housing and / or bellows may have a release valve through which excess pressure in the pressure chamber can be reduced.

[0268] The drain valve can be controlled with the control unit.

[0269] The packer can have a pressure sensor with which the pressure in the pressure chamber can be detected.

[0270] Furthermore, a packer system for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided, comprising a first packer and a second packer, wherein - the first packer comprises a first housing with a first lateral surface, wherein a first radially inflatable bellows is arranged on the first lateral surface, and wherein a first pressure chamber is formed between the first lateral surface and the first bellows, and - the second packer comprises a second housing with a second lateral surface, wherein a second radially inflatable bellows is arranged on the second lateral surface, and wherein a second pressure chamber is formed between the second lateral surface and the second bellows.

[0271] The housings are designed to be sturdy. Because the housings are designed to be sturdy, the packers are also particularly sturdy. The blow-out bellows are mounted on the casing shell. The bellows itself does not need to be designed to be sturdy in this respect, so more materials or material combinations can be considered for the bellows.

[0272] The packer system may further comprise a compressed air generation unit, wherein the compressed air generation unit is operatively coupled to the first pressure chamber and to the second pressure chamber and is adapted to apply an overpressure to the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.

[0273] The compressed air generation unit can be adapted to apply an overpressure to the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber independently of one another.

[0274] It is advantageous if the first housing is designed as a hollow cylinder with a first interior space and a first housing shell having the first shell surface, wherein the compressed air generation unit is arranged in the first interior space of the first housing.

[0275] This provides a compact packer system with its own compressed air generation unit. This eliminates the need for external compressed air generation units (compressors). Another advantage is that no compressed air hoses are required in the duct, which would otherwise have to be routed to the packer system. A crawler (or pusher) no longer needs to drag compressed air hoses behind it, allowing the crawler to be designed more compactly and consume less energy.

[0276] A first through-hole can be formed in the first housing shell, which connects the first interior space of the first housing to the first pressure chamber, wherein the compressed air generating unit is connected on the interior side in a pressure-tight manner to the first through-hole, preferably via a first compressed air line, so that the first pressure chamber can be subjected to the overpressure via the first through-hole with the compressed air generating unit.

[0277] It is advantageous if the compressed air generation unit is operatively connected to the second pressure chamber via a second compressed air line. This means that only a single compressed air generation unit needs to be provided for both packs.

[0278] The second housing can be designed as a hollow cylinder with a second interior space and a second housing shell having the second shell surface, wherein a second through-hole is formed in the second housing shell, which connects the second interior space of the second housing to the second pressure chamber, wherein the second compressed air line is connected to the second through-hole in a pressure-tight manner.

[0279] Packer system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing is coupled, preferably detachably, to the second housing in the axial direction via a connecting unit. This allows the area between the two packers to be enlarged by uncoupling the second packer from the first packer and increasing the distance between the first packer and the second packer.

[0280] A compressed air channel can be formed in the connecting unit, which forms a section of the second compressed air line.

[0281] In one embodiment of the invention, the first housing and the second housing can be formed in one piece and together form a one-piece packer housing, wherein the first inflatable bellows and the second inflatable bellows are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction on the outer surface formed by the one-piece packer housing.

[0282] It is advantageous to have a sensor unit located between the first and second bellows. This allows the packer system to measure the pressure between the two packers.

[0283] The sensor unit may comprise a pressure sensor, wherein the sensor unit is arranged on the first housing or on the second housing.

[0284] The packer system may further comprise a power supply unit for providing electrical energy to the compressed air generation unit.

[0285] The power supply unit may comprise an accumulator (or a capacitor) arranged in the first interior space of the first housing.

[0286] The packer system can include a control unit coupled to the compressed air generation unit and adapted to control the compressed air generation unit. The packer can thus be operated completely independently. This means that the packer can be operated without any additional equipment or devices in the sewer. The packer simply needs to be moved to the desired location in the sewer.

[0287] The control unit can be arranged in the first interior space of the first housing and coupled to the power supply unit, wherein the control unit is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit.

[0288] The compressed air generation unit and / or the power supply unit and / or the control unit can be arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner in the first interior space of the first housing. This allows the packer to be used even in moist or water-bearing channels.

[0289] The control unit can be coupled, or capable of being coupled, to a control device located outside the packer system via a wired or wireless communication link. This allows the packer to be controlled, for example, from outside the canal.

[0290] The packer system can have a first coupling unit of a coupling device, with which the packer system can be releasably attached to a transport unit. This allows the packer system to be moved, for example, with a trolley to the desired location in the sewer and then decoupled from the trolley. The trolley is then available for other work.

[0291] The first housing and / or the second housing and / or the first bellows and / or the second bellows may have a relief valve via which an overpressure in the first pressure chamber and / or in the second pressure chamber can be reduced.

[0292] The drain valve can be controlled with the control unit.

[0293] A compressed air opening can be provided between the first packer and the second packer, via which the environment of the packer system, in particular the surrounding area between the first bellows and the second bellows, can be subjected to an overpressure.

[0294] The compressed air opening can be operatively coupled to the compressed air generation unit.

[0295] Finally, a coupling device of a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system is provided for detachably coupling a sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit of the sewer inspection and / or maintenance system to a transport unit of the sewer inspection and / or maintenance system, wherein a first coupling unit of the coupling device is arranged on the sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit and wherein a second coupling unit of the coupling device is arranged on the transport unit, wherein - the first coupling unit has a first coupling element and the second coupling unit has a second coupling element corresponding to the first coupling element, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are designed such that they can be detachably connected to one another, and - the first coupling unit has a first alignment unit and the second coupling unit has a second alignment unit corresponding to the first alignment unit, wherein the alignment units are designed such that the first coupling unit can be coupled to the second coupling unit in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the coupling device and in a predetermined alignment relative to the second coupling unit.

[0296] This allows the sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit to be safely (due to the two alignment units) and easily coupled to and detached from a transport unit.

[0297] The first alignment unit and the second alignment unit can be engageable with each other, in particular can be engageable with each other in a form-fitting manner.

[0298] The first alignment unit and the second alignment unit can be arranged in the longitudinal axis of the coupling device.

[0299] It is advantageous if the first alignment unit and the second alignment unit are designed to be rotationally symmetrical.

[0300] It can be advantageous if - the first alignment unit is operatively coupled to a first interface for signal and / or energy transmission, and - the second alignment unit is operatively coupled to a second interface for signal and / or energy transmission.

[0301] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if - the first alignment unit forms a first interface for signal and / or energy transmission, and - the second alignment unit forms a second interface for signal and / or energy transmission.

[0302] It has proven to be advantageous if - the first coupling unit comprises a first signal processing unit and - the second coupling unit comprises a second signal processing unit, wherein - the first signal processing unit operatively connected to the first interface, and - the second signal processing unit is operatively coupled to the second interface, and wherein - the first signal processing unit is operatively connected to the channel inspection and / or maintenance unit, and - the second signal processing unit can be operatively coupled to the transport unit.

[0303] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if - the first signal processing unit operatively connected to the first coupling element, and - the second signal processing unit is operatively coupled to the second coupling element.

[0304] The first coupling element and / or the second coupling element can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. Reference symbol: 1 sewer inspection and / or maintenance system 10, 10' sewer inspection and / or maintenance unit, e.g. a packer or a carriage 11, 11' hollow cylindrical housing of the packer 10 11a, 11b End sections of the housing 11 11c, 11c' Interior of the housing 11 11d, 11d' casing of the housing 11 or casing casing 11e Front side of the housing 11 12, 12' Casing surface 11, 11' 12a, 12b Flanges on the end sections 11a, 11b of the housing Housing 11 12c radially circumferential elevation 13, 13' Bellows on the outer surface 12, 12' of the housing 11, 11' 14, 14' Pressure chamber between the outer surface 12, 12' of the housing 11, 11' and the bellows 13, 13' 15, 15' compressed air generation unit, compressor 15a, 15a' compressed air line 16, 16' Through hole in the housing shell 11d of the housing 11 17 Energy supply unit, e.g. accumulator 18, 18' control unit 19 Control device 20 Communication connection 21 Coupling device 21a first coupling unit 21b second coupling unit 22 Transport unit, e.g. pusher or trolley 23 Drain valve 24 pressure sensor 25a, 25b clamping rings 30 Image recording device, e.g. video camera / inspection camera 31 Fastening means for, preferably detachably, fastening the image recording device 30 40 Connecting unit between the first housing 11 and the second housing 11' 41 Compressed air duct in the connecting unit 40 42 Sensor unit 43 Compressed air opening 44, 44' valve system 50a, 50b first and second coupling element 51a, 51b first and second alignment unit 52a, 52b first and second interface for signal and / or energy transmission 53a, 53b Signal processing unit 55 bolts (radially movable in the first coupling element 50a) 56 spring element 57 Actuating element, e.g. axially movable expansion cone 58 Drive element 59 Centering section of the first coupling element 50a 59a Centering section of the second coupling element 50b 60 backdrop 61 Bolt guide in the first coupling element 50a 62 receiving opening 63 Recess in the housing of the first coupling element 50a 100 packer system 150 operating materials, e.g. cleaning nozzle, packer 200 Environment of the packer system 300 channel 400 milling tools

Claims

[1] Packer (10) for a sewer inspection and / or maintenance system (1), comprising - a housing (11) designed as a hollow cylinder, with two end sections (11a, 11b), an interior space (11c) and a housing shell (11d), and - a radially inflatable bellows (13) arranged on the outer surface (12) of the housing (11), wherein the bellows is fastened to the housing (11) in an airtight manner in the region of the two end sections (11a, 11b) of the housing (11), so that a pressure chamber (14) is formed between the outer surface (12) of the housing (11) and the bellows (13), which pressure chamber can be subjected to an overpressure. [2] Packer according to the preceding claim, wherein a through hole (16) is formed in the housing shell (11d), which connects the interior (11c) of the housing (11) with the pressure chamber (14), and wherein the pressure chamber (14) can be subjected to the overpressure via the through hole (16). [3] Packer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a compressed air generating unit (15) with which the pressure chamber (14) can be subjected to the overpressure, wherein the compressed air generating unit (15) is connected in a pressure-tight manner to the through hole (16). [4] Packer according to the preceding claim, wherein the compressed air generating unit (15) is connected to the through hole (16) via a compressed air line (15a). [5] Packer according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the compressed air generating unit (15) is arranged in the interior (11c) of the housing (11). [6] Packer according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein it comprises a power supply unit (17) for providing electrical energy for the compressed air generation unit (15). [7] Packer according to the preceding claim, wherein the energy supply unit (17) comprises an accumulator arranged in the interior space (11c) of the housing (11). [8] Packer according to one of claims 3 to 7, comprising a control unit (18) coupled to the compressed air generating unit (15) and adapted to control the compressed air generating unit (15). [9] Packer according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (18) is arranged in the interior (11c) of the housing (11) and is coupled to the power supply unit (17), wherein the control unit (18) is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply unit (17). [10] Packer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressed air generation unit (15) and / or the energy supply unit (17) and / or the control unit (18) are arranged in a fluid-tight and / or gas-tight manner in the interior space (11c) of the housing (11). [11] Packer according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein the control unit is coupled or can be coupled to a control device (19) arranged outside the packer via a wired or wireless communication connection (20). [12] Packer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a first coupling unit (21a) of a coupling device (21) with which the packer can be detachably fastened to a transport unit (22). [13] Packer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (11) and / or the bellows (13) has a discharge valve (23) via which an overpressure in the pressure chamber (14) can be reduced. [14] Packer according to the preceding claim, wherein the discharge valve (23) is controllable by the control unit (18). [15] Packer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a pressure sensor (24) with which the pressure in the pressure chamber (14) can be detected.

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