Hose lifter with control valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a hose lifter (10) comprising a lifting hose (12), a suction gripping device (18) with at least one suction point (20), and a control valve (24) for adjusting a flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device to the lifting hose, wherein the control valve comprises a valve body (36) which is displaceable between a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein a total flow cross-section for flows from the suction gripping device to the lifting hose is smaller in the first switching position than in the second switching position, but greater than zero, wherein the valve body is actuated in the direction of the second switching position and has a throttle passage (48) such that the valve body, starting from the second switching position,In the case of free suction with at least one unoccupied suction point, the system is moved into the first switching position against the direction of the application, and in the case of suction with at least one occupied suction point, the system is moved from the first switching position to the second switching position by the application of the application.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hose lifter with a lifting hose, a suction gripping device and a control valve for adjusting a flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device to the lifting hose.

[0002] Vacuum tube lifters are vacuum handling devices used to lift, move, and lower loads using a vacuum. The lifting force is exerted by means of a lifting hose, which can be shortened by applying a vacuum to its interior and lengthened again by releasing the vacuum. A vacuum tube lifter is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 102 572 A1.

[0003] At one end of the lifting hose, a suction gripping device with at least one suction point for picking up an object is typically arranged. The suction gripping device is preferably supplied with negative pressure through the interior of the hose of the hose lifter. Contact between the suction point and an object to be transported then creates a seal extending into the interior of the lifting hose, so that the negative pressure acting within the lifting hose shortens the hose and thus lifts the object.

[0004] To prevent the lifting hose from shortening or to extend it again, for example to place the object, a vent valve is usually provided. Ambient air can be supplied to the lifting hose through this valve, overriding the negative pressure inside the hose. After the workpiece has been placed at a destination, the separation of the object from the suction gripper can be aided by further opening the vent valve.

[0005] When the suction point is unoccupied, i.e., when no object is in contact with the suction point of the suction gripping device, leakage air flows through the suction point into the lifting hose, thus reducing the negative pressure inside the hose and causing the lifting hose to extend. However, this is not always desirable. For example, it can be advantageous if the hose lifter does not move to an end position but remains at a preset suspended height even when the suction point is unoccupied, for instance, to be able to grasp the suction gripping device from this working height in preparation for the next transport operation of an object.

[0006] For this purpose, it is known to provide a throttle valve flap, which forms a throttle cross-section for the air flowing in through the suction gripping device. Depending on the throttle cross-section, a dynamic pressure can then be set in the interior of the hose, thus keeping the lifting hose in a predefined suspended position.

[0007] To restore full suction power when picking up an object, automatic opening of the throttle valve flap is desirable. For this purpose, it is known to provide a plunger on the suction gripper, which interacts with the throttle valve flap and is automatically actuated, e.g., pressed in, when the suction gripper is placed on the object to be gripped. In some application situations, however, such a plunger can create an undesirable obstruction during gripping.

[0008] The invention addresses the problem of simplifying the operation of a hose lifter, in particular being able to adjust a floating position of a lifting hose in a structurally simple, robust and compact manner.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a tube lifter with the features of claim 1. The tube lifter is designed for gripping and handling, in particular lifting and setting down, objects.

[0010] The hose lifter comprises a lifting hose. The lifting hose has an inner tube. The lifting hose can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the inner tube and lengthened again by venting the inner tube (i.e., by allowing air, especially ambient air, to flow into the inner tube).

[0011] The tube lifter also includes a suction gripping device for grasping an object. The suction gripping device is arranged at one end of the lifting tube and can be supplied with negative pressure through the tube's interior. The suction gripping device comprises at least one suction point for picking up an object. Therefore, the suction gripping device includes one or more suction points for picking up an object. The suction gripping device can, for example, be an elastomer suction cup. In this case, a suction point can be provided by a suction opening of the elastomer suction cup. The suction gripping device can also be designed, for example, as a surface suction gripper with multiple suction points. For instance, it is conceivable that the suction gripping device is designed as a surface suction gripper with multiple suction elements. In this case, each suction element can provide a suction point for picking up an object.

[0012] The hose lifter also includes a control valve for adjusting the flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device, in particular from the at least one suction point, to the interior of the lifting hose. The control valve is therefore arranged in a flow path from the suction gripping device, in particular from the at least one suction point of the suction gripping device, to the interior of the lifting hose.

[0013] The control valve comprises a valve housing. The valve housing has a suction port for flow connection with the suction gripper and a lift hose port for flow connection with the lift hose. In particular, the valve housing extends along a main flow direction from the suction port to the lift hose port.

[0014] The valve housing defines an internal valve chamber. This chamber is connected to the internal chamber of the lifting hose via the lifting hose connection and to the suction gripping device via the suction connection. The valve housing can, for example, have a cylindrical shape. In this case, the lifting hose connection could be located on one end face of the valve housing, and the suction connection on the opposite end face.

[0015] The control valve also comprises a valve body which is arranged in the valve chamber, in particular between the suction port and the lift hose port. Specifically, the valve body is arranged in the valve chamber such that the lift hose port is located on one side of the valve body and the suction port is located on the other side. The valve body is received in the valve chamber in such a way that it is displaceable between a first switching position and a second switching position, in particular along the main flow direction.

[0016] The valve body is designed and positioned within the valve chamber such that the total flow cross-section for flows from the suction port to the lift hose port is smaller in the first switching position of the valve body than in the second switching position, but the total flow cross-section in the first switching position is greater than zero. In this respect, the valve body is specifically designed and positioned within the valve chamber such that a flow cross-section for flows from the suction port to the lift hose port is provided in both switching positions. In other words, the control valve is at least partially open in both switching positions of the valve body. As explained below, the total flow cross-section can be formed from several flow cross-sections or flow channels.

[0017] The valve body is actuated in the direction of the second switching position, in particular spring-actuated.

[0018] The valve body has a throttle passage, in particular a flow channel, such that a first flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section is provided by the throttle passage. The throttle passage thus provides a flow channel for flows from the suction port to the lift hose port. In other words, the valve body is specifically designed such that a flow path from the suction port to the lift hose port runs through the valve body or through the throttle passage of the valve body.

[0019] The valve body is designed and arranged within the valve cavity such that the throttle passage is at least partially open in both the first and second switching positions. In particular, the valve body is designed such that a flow path for flows from the suction port to the lift hose port through the throttle passage is provided, and this flow path is open in both the first and second switching positions. In other words, the control valve is designed such that a flow path from the suction port to the lift hose port through the throttle passage is enabled in both the first and second switching positions of the valve body.

[0020] The throttle passage is designed, in particular dimensioned, and preferably adapted to the supply pressure such that a flow resistance for flows through the throttle passage is defined such that, starting from the second switching position, the valve body is moved to the first switching position against the supply pressure when drawing in air with at least one unoccupied suction point (i.e., when no object is drawn in at the at least one suction point), and when drawing in air with at least one occupied suction point (i.e., when, in the case of a single suction point, it is occupied, or when, in the case of multiple suction points, at least one or more of these suction points, preferably all of these suction points, are occupied; for example, when an object is arranged at the at least one suction point).(is sucked in) is transferred from the first switching position to the second switching position by the application of pressure.

[0021] This design allows the flow resistance for the flow from the suction gripper to the lifting hose to be automatically changed, depending on whether an object is being drawn into the suction gripper or not. In particular, it allows switching between a comparatively large flow cross-section (second switching position) and a comparatively small flow cross-section (first switching position). In this way, a comparatively large flow cross-section and thus a high suction capacity can be provided when an object is being drawn in (i.e., when the suction point is occupied), and a reduced flow cross-section can be provided when suction is unoccupied (i.e., when the suction point is unoccupied). When suction is unoccupied, the inflow of leakage air through the suction gripper into the interior of the lifting hose is then throttled.The total flow cross-section in the second switching position is selected in particular such that the lifting hose is held in an intermediate length between a minimum and a maximum length when subjected to negative pressure (floating position).

[0022] In particular, the valve body and the actuation of the valve body in the direction of the second switching position are designed and coordinated such that, starting from the second switching position, the valve body is moved into the first switching position when suction is free with at least one unoccupied suction point, and when suction is applied with at least one occupied suction point (i.e., when, in the case of a single suction point, it is occupied, or when, in the case of multiple suction points, at least one or more of these suction points, preferably all of these suction points, are occupied) is moved from the first switching position to the second switching position by the actuation.

[0023] The actuation of the valve body can be due to gravity. In this respect, the valve body can be designed such that it is acted upon by gravity in the direction of the second switching position, and in particular, is in the second switching position when there is no vacuum. Alternatively or additionally, the control valve can be provided with a spring assembly designed to actuate the valve body in the direction of the second switching position. In this respect, the valve body can be spring-loaded into the second switching position. The spring assembly can, in particular, comprise one or more compression springs.

[0024] The valve body can be of any shape. Advantageously, the valve body can be designed as a valve disc. The valve disc can therefore be disc-shaped. Preferably, one plane of the disc is oriented orthogonally to the main flow direction from the suction port to the lift hose port. In this respect, the valve disc can be designed to extend over a plane orthogonal to the main flow direction. Designing the valve body as a valve disc has the advantage of providing a comparatively large surface area for flow from the suction port to the lift hose port, which promotes reliable switching of the control valve.

[0025] Preferably, the throttle passage is formed as a channel, for example a bore, through the valve body. It is also conceivable that the throttle passage is formed by a plurality of channels, e.g. in a sieve form, which extend through the valve body. If the valve body is designed as a valve disc, the channel(s) preferably extend orthogonally to the plane of the disc, and in particular concentrically.

[0026] The valve body, in particular the valve disc, is preferably provided in the valve housing, and in particular mounted, such that at least in sections along a circumference around the valve body, an air gap is provided between the valve body and the valve housing, in particular between the valve body and an inner wall of the valve housing. The valve body is thus provided in the valve housing in such a way that at least at certain positions along a circumference around the valve body, a distance or gap is formed between the valve body and the valve housing. The air gap provides, in particular, a further flow path from the suction port to the lift hose port. In this respect, the air gap provides, in particular, a second flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section.The total flow cross-section can therefore be composed of the sum of the first flow cross-section (throttle passage) and the second flow cross-section (air gap).

[0027] As mentioned above, the control valve is designed such that the total flow cross-section for flows from the suction port to the lift hose port is smaller in the first switching position of the valve body than in the second switching position. One possible implementation is to position the valve body within the valve housing such that the air gap between the valve body and the valve housing (and thus the second flow cross-section) is smaller in the first switching position than in the second. It is also possible that the air gap is closed in the first switching position, meaning that the total flow cross-section in the first switching position is provided solely by the first flow cross-section (throttle passage).

[0028] The first and second switching positions are, in particular, end positions of the valve body along the main flow direction from the suction port to the lifting hose port.

[0029] In particular, the first switching position can be defined by a first stop for the valve body, which limits the movement of the valve body in the main flow direction from the suction port to the lifting hose port. The second switching position can be defined by a second stop, which limits the movement of the valve body against the main flow direction. A control valve designed in this way is robust and therefore reliable in its operation. Furthermore, this design allows the control valve to be flexibly adapted to different operating situations by changing the position of the stops, for example, depending on the design of the lifting hose and / or the suction gripping device.

[0030] It can be particularly advantageous if the position of the first stop along the main flow direction is changeable, especially repeatable, and especially adjustable. In particular, the control valve can be designed such that the total flow cross-section provided in the first switching position can be changed by altering the position of the first stop. Such a design makes it possible to variably change the throttling resistance during free suction with an unoccupied suction point and thus to adjust the floating position of the lifting hose as needed during free suction.

[0031] Changing the overall flow cross-section by altering the first stop can be achieved, for example, by changing the position of the first stop along the main flow direction, thereby altering the distance between the valve body and the valve housing. In particular, changing the position of the first stop can alter the width of the air gap between the valve body and the valve housing (and thus the second flow cross-section) in the first switching position.

[0032] It can be particularly advantageous if the control valve includes an adjustment device by means of which the position of the first stop along the main flow axis can be changed, and in particular adjusted. This makes it possible to easily change the flow resistance in the first switching position, and thus the floating position of the lifting hose, especially during operation.

[0033] The adjusting device may, in particular, include an actuator, for example in the form of a sliding element or adjusting screw, which is mounted on the valve housing so as to be displaceable along an adjusting axis. The actuator is preferably coupled to the first stop via a gear mechanism or lifting device, in particular such that a displacement movement of the actuator along the adjusting axis can be transferred into a displacement movement of the first stop along the main flow direction.

[0034] The actuating axis can run parallel to the main flow direction. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating axis can run orthogonally to the main flow axis. The actuating element can, in particular, have a wedge-shaped stop section with a wedge surface that forms the first stop for the valve body. The wedge surface is, in particular, inclined to the main flow direction. By moving the actuating element along the actuating axis, the position of a section of the wedge surface interacting with the valve body can be changed along the main flow direction. In other words, a horizontal movement can be redirected into a vertical movement via the wedge-shaped mechanism. Such a design makes it possible to change the position of the first stop in a simple and ergonomic way without having to open the valve housing.In particular, the actuator can be located on the side of the hose lifter.

[0035] In an advantageous further development, the valve body can be motion-coupled with a wedge-shaped counter-stop section. A wedge surface of the counter-stop section is then preferably oriented inclined to the main flow direction, particularly at the same angle as the wedge surface of the stop section of the actuator. In the first switching position of the valve body, the wedge surface of the counter-stop section can then abut the wedge surface of the stop section. In this way, a particularly stable configuration is formed.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the hose lifter can include an operating device for operating the hose lifter. The operating device is preferably arranged between the lifting hose and the suction gripping device. In particular, the operating device can include a lifting hose connection section for connecting to the lifting hose and a suction gripper connection section for connecting to the suction gripping device. The operating device can include a handle for repositioning the lifting hose.

[0037] In a configuration with an operating device, the control valve can be integrated into the operating device. It is also conceivable that the control valve is provided as a separate module, positioned between the operating device and the lifting hose or between the suction gripping device and the operating device.

[0038] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a tube lifter with the features of claim 11. The advantages and optional features of the tube lifter described above can also serve to design the tube lifter according to claim 11, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the preceding disclosure in this regard.

[0039] The above problem is also solved by a control valve for use in one of the tube lifters described above.

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a simplified schematic representation of a hose lifter with control valve; Fig. 2 a sketched representation of an embodiment of the control valve in a perspective view; Fig. 3 a sketched representation of the control valve according to Fig. 2 in a top view; Fig. 4 a sketched representation of the control valve according to Fig. 2in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3 section plane IV-IV shown with valve body in second switching position; and Fig. 5 a sketched representation of the control valve according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view along the in Fig. 3 Section plane IV-IV shown with valve body in first switching position.

[0041] In the following description and in the figures, the same reference symbols are used for identical or corresponding features.

[0042] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a design of a tube lifter, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0043] The hose lifter 10 comprises a lifting hose 12, which encloses a hose chamber 14. The lifting hose 12 can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the hose chamber 14 (e.g., by an external vacuum supply) and lengthened again by venting the hose chamber 14. In other words, the lifting hose 12 is reversibly shortened or lengthened depending on the pressure level in the hose chamber 14, e.g., under the influence of gravity.

[0044] The lifting hose 12 can, for example, be connected at its upper end to a support or frame. It is also conceivable that the lifting hose 12 could be attached at its upper end to a manipulator, for example in the form of a column-mounted jib crane, and thus be movable by the manipulator.

[0045] The tube lifter 10 also includes a suction gripping device 18 for suctioning and thus gripping an object (not shown). By way of example and preferably, the suction gripping device 18 is designed as a surface suction gripper with a plurality of suction points 20. In this specific example, the suction gripping device 18 comprises a plurality of suction bodies 22, e.g., elastomer suction cups, each of which provides a suction point 20 for suctioning an object. In embodiments not shown, the suction gripping device 18 can also have any other configuration.

[0046] The suction gripping device 18 is mounted on the lifting hose 12, so that by shortening the lifting hose 12, the suction gripping device 18, and thus an object suctioned by the suction gripping device 18, can be lifted. The suction gripping device 18 can be supplied with negative pressure through the inner tube 14 of the lifting hose 12.

[0047] The hose lifter 10 also includes a control valve 24 for adjusting a flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device 18 to the hose interior 14 of the lifting hose 12. As in Fig. 1 As shown, the control valve 24 is arranged between the suction gripping device 18 and the lifting hose 12, so that the suction gripping device 18 can be supplied with negative pressure through the control valve 24.

[0048] The control valve 24 comprises a valve housing 26, which includes a lifting hose connection 28 for flow connection with the hose interior 14 of the lifting hose 12 and a suction connection 30 for flow connection with the suction gripping device 18.

[0049] The lifting hose connection 28 can, in particular, include a connecting device (not shown) for mechanically connecting the valve housing 26 to the lifting hose 12. The suction connection 30 can, in particular, include a connecting device (not shown) for mechanically connecting the valve housing 26 to the suction gripping device 18. The connecting devices can, for example, be in the form of quick-release couplings.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the lifting hose connection 28 and the suction connection 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the valve housing 26. The valve housing 26 extends, in particular, along a main flow direction 32 from the suction connection 30 to the lifting hose connection 28.

[0051] The valve housing 26 encloses a valve interior 34, which is connected on the one hand to the hose interior 14 of the lifting hose 12 via the lifting hose connection 28 and on the other hand to the suction gripping device 18 via the suction connection 30.

[0052] As in Figure 1 The control valve 24, shown only schematically, also includes a valve body 36, which is arranged in the valve interior 34 between the suction port 30 and the lifting hose port 28.

[0053] The valve body 36 is exemplary and preferably designed as a valve disc 38, which extends over a plane orthogonal to the main flow direction 34 (see also Fig. 2 )

[0054] The valve body 36 (valve disc 38) is positioned along the main flow direction 32 between a first switching position (cf. Fig. 5 ) and a second switching position (see Fig. 4 and 1The first switching position is defined by a first stop 40, which limits the movement of the valve body 36 in the main flow direction 32. The second switching position is defined by a second stop 42, which limits the movement of the valve body 36 against the main flow direction 32.

[0055] As explained in detail below, the first stop 40 is preferably designed to be adjustable, so that a position of the first stop 40 along the main flow direction 32 can be set.

[0056] The valve body 36 is actuated in the direction of the second switching position. In the illustrated example, the control valve 24 includes a spring assembly 44, which is designed to actuate the valve body 36 in the direction of the second switching position (see also Fig. 4The spring assembly 44 can comprise one or more compression springs 46. It is also conceivable that the valve body 36 is only acted upon in the direction of the second switching position as a result of gravity.

[0057] As explained in more detail below, the valve body 36 is positioned in the valve housing 26 such that the total flow cross-section for flows from the suction port 30 to the lifting hose port 28 is smaller in the first switching position of the valve body 36 than in the second switching position, but greater than zero. By changing the position of the valve body 36 along the main flow direction 32, the flow resistance for flows from the suction port 30 to the lifting hose port 28, and thus the flow resistance for flows from the suction gripper 18 or the suction points 20 to the inner space 14 of the lifting hose 12, can be changed.

[0058] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, the valve body 36 has a throttle passage 48, for example in the form of a channel 50. The throttle passage 48 provides a first flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section. The throttle passage 48 is open in both the first and the second switching position of the valve body 36 (see figure). Figs. 4 and 5 ).

[0059] A second flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section is provided by an air gap 52, which is formed between the valve body 36 and the valve housing 26 or an inner wall 54 of the valve housing 26 (see Fig. 4Specifically, the valve body 36 is positioned in the valve interior 34 such that, at least in sections along its circumference around the main flow direction, a gap is formed between the valve body 36 and the valve housing 26. For example, it is conceivable that the diameter of the valve body 36 or the valve disc 38 is smaller than the diameter of the valve interior 34.

[0060] The valve housing 26 is designed such that the air gap 52 in the first switching position (cf. Fig. 5 ) is smaller than in the second switching position (cf. Fig. 4It is conceivable, for example, that in the first switching position the valve body 36 seals against the valve housing 26, so that the air gap 52 is closed. It is also conceivable that in the first switching position the flow cross-section of the air gap 52, in particular the distance between the valve body and the inner wall 54 of the valve housing 26, is smaller than in the intermediate switching position.

[0061] In the example shown, a change in the total flow cross-section is caused by a change in the air gap 52 between valve body 36 and valve housing 26 when the valve body 36 is moved between the first and second switching positions.

[0062] The operation of the control valve 24 is described below with reference to the Figures 4 and 5 This is explained using an exemplary application situation of the tube lifter 10.

[0063] In an exemplary initial position of the tube lifter 10, the suction points 20 of the suction gripping device 18 are initially unoccupied (i.e., no object is placed at the suction points 20) and a vacuum supply to the lifting tube 12 is switched off.

[0064] In this initial position, the control valve 24 is located in the Fig. 4 configuration shown, in which the valve body 36 rests against the second stop 42 as a result of the action by the spring device 44, i.e. is in the second switching position.

[0065] When the vacuum supply is activated, the valve body 36 is carried along by the resulting airflow from the suction port 30 to the lifting hose port 28 (or from the suction points 20 to the hose interior 14) and thus, contrary to the action of the spring device 44, is moved from the second switching position to the first switching position, in which the valve body 36 then rests against the first stop 40.

[0066] In the first switching position, the inflow of ambient air from the suction points 20 to the hose interior 14 through the throttle passage 48 is throttled, so that a back pressure is created in the lifting hose 12 and it is thus held in a predetermined floating position.

[0067] When the suction gripping device 18 is placed on an object so that the suction points 20 are sealed (occupied), the airflow from the suction port 30 to the lifting hose port 28 decreases, so that it is no longer sufficient to hold the valve body 36 in the first switching position against the force exerted by the spring device 44. Consequently, the valve body 36 is automatically moved into the second switching position by the force exerted (see figure). Fig. 4 ) transferred.

[0068] As mentioned above, in this second switching position the air gap 52 between valve body 36 and valve housing 26 is larger, so that the effective total flow cross-section for flows from the suction port 30 to the lifting hose port 28 is now increased and thus an increased suction power is provided for drawing in the object.

[0069] If the object is now removed from the suction points 20, the valve body 28 is returned to the first switching position with a smaller overall flow cross-section by the airflow during free suction, as described above.

[0070] In the illustrated example, an adjusting device 56 is provided by means of which the position of the first stop 40 can be changed. In this specific example, the adjusting device 56 comprises an actuator 58 which is mounted on the valve housing 26 so as to be displaceable along an actuating axis 60 orthogonal to the main flow direction 32 (see figure). Fig. 4 The actuator 58 has two wedge-shaped stop sections 62 (see figure). Fig. 3 ), wherein a respective wedge surface 64 of the stop sections 62 forms the first stop 40. As in Fig. 4 As shown, the wedge surfaces 64 are inclined to the main flow direction 32.

[0071] The valve body 36 is coupled to two wedge-shaped counter-stop sections 66 for movement. Each counter-stop section 66 has a wedge surface 68 by means of which the valve body 36 rests against the wedge surfaces 64 (first stop 40) of the actuator 58 in the first switching position. The wedge surfaces 68 of the counter-stop sections 66 are preferably inclined at the same angle to the main flow direction 32 as the wedge surfaces 64 of the stop sections 62. By means of the wedge-shaped mechanism, the position of the valve body 36 in the first switching position can be changed by moving the actuator 58 along the actuating axis 60, and thus the width of the air gap 52 between the valve body 36 and the valve housing 26 can be changed.

[0072] In embodiments not shown, it is also possible that the actuator 58 has only one stop section 62 and the valve body 36 is accordingly only coupled to a counter-stop section 66.

Claims

1. A tube lifter (10), comprising - a lifting hose (12) which has a hose interior (14) and can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the hose interior (14); - a suction gripping device (18) which is arranged at one end of the lifting hose (12) and can be supplied with negative pressure through the hose interior (14) of the lifting hose (12), wherein the suction gripping device (18) has at least one suction point (20) for sucking up an object; - a control valve (24) for adjusting a flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device (18) to the hose interior (14), wherein the control valve (24) comprises a valve housing (26) which extends from a suction connection (30) for flow connection with the suction gripping device (18) to a lifting hose connection (28) for flow connection with the lifting hose (12), wherein the valve housing (26) delimits a valve interior (34),which, on the one hand, is fluidly connected to the hose interior (14) via the lifting hose connection (28) and, on the other hand, is fluidly connected to the suction gripping device (18) via the suction connection (30), wherein the control valve (24) comprises a valve body (36) which is arranged in the valve interior (34) and is displaceable between a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein a total flow cross-section for flows from the suction connection (30) to the lifting hose connection (28) in the first switching position of the valve body (36) is smaller than in the second switching position of the valve body (36), but greater than zero, wherein the valve body (36) is acted upon in the direction of the second switching position, wherein the valve body (36) has a throttle passage (48) such that a first flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section is provided by the throttle passage (48),wherein the throttle passage (48) is open in the first and in the second switching position of the valve body (36), wherein a flow resistance for flows through the throttle passage (48) is defined such that the valve body (36), starting from the second switching position, is transferred into the first switching position against the pressure when suction is free with at least one suction point (20) unoccupied, and is transferred from the first switching position to the second switching position by the pressure when suction is free with at least one occupied suction point (20).

2. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (36) is designed as a valve disc (38), in particular wherein the valve disc (38) is arranged such that a disc plane is oriented orthogonally to a main flow direction (32) from the suction connection (30) to the lifting hose connection (28).

3. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the throttle passage (48) is formed as a channel (50) or a plurality of channels through the valve body (36).

4. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (36) is provided in the valve housing (36) in such a way that an air gap (52) is provided between the valve body (36) and the valve housing (26) at least in sections along a circumference around the valve body (36), wherein the air gap (52) provides a second flow cross-section of the total flow cross-section, wherein the air gap (52) is smaller in the first switching position than in the second switching position.

5. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second switching positions are end positions of the valve body (36) along the main flow direction (32).

6. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first switching position is defined by a first stop (40) for the valve body (36), which limits a movement path of the valve body (36) in the main flow direction (32), and wherein the second switching position is defined by a second stop (42) which limits a movement path of the valve body (36) counter to the main flow direction (32).

7. Hose lifter (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein a position of the first stop (40) along the main flow direction (32) is variable, wherein by changing the position of the first stop (40) the total flow cross-section provided in the first switching position, in particular a flow cross-section of the air gap (52), is variable.

8. Hose lifter (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control valve (24) comprises an adjusting device (56) for adjusting the position of the first stop (40) along the main flow direction (32).

9. Hose lifter according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjusting device (56) has an actuator (58) which is mounted on the valve housing (26) so as to be displaceable along an adjusting axis (60) and cooperates with the first stop (40) via a gear device, in particular such that a displacement movement of the actuator along the adjusting axis (60) can be transferred into a displacement movement of the first stop (40) along the main flow direction (32).

10. Hose lifter (10) according to claim 8, wherein the adjusting device (56) has an actuator (58) which is mounted on the valve housing (26) so as to be displaceable along an adjusting axis (60) orthogonal to the main flow direction (32), wherein the actuator (58) has a wedge-shaped stop section (62), wherein a wedge surface (64) of the stop section (62) forms the first stop (40), wherein the wedge surface (64) of the stop section (62) is oriented at an incline to the main flow direction (32).

11. Hose lifter (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the valve body (36) is movement-coupled to a wedge-shaped counter-stop section (66), wherein a wedge surface (68) of the counter-stop section (66) is oriented inclined to the main flow direction (32), wherein in the first switching position of the valve body (36) the wedge surface (68) of the counter-stop section (66) bears against the wedge surface (64) of the stop section (62).

12. Hose lifter (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose lifter (10) has an operating device for operating the hose lifter (10), wherein the operating device is arranged between the lifting hose (12) and the suction gripping device (18), wherein the control valve (24) is integrated into the operating device.

13. A tube lifter (10), comprising - a lifting hose (12) which has a hose interior (14) and can be shortened by applying negative pressure to the hose interior (14); - a suction gripping device (18) which is arranged at one end of the lifting hose (12) and can be supplied with negative pressure through the hose interior (14) of the lifting hose (12), wherein the suction gripping device (18) has at least one suction point (20) for sucking up an object; - a control valve (24) for adjusting a flow resistance for flows from the suction gripping device (18) to the hose interior (14), wherein the control valve (24) comprises a valve housing (26) which extends from a suction connection (30) for flow connection with the suction gripping device (18) to a lifting hose connection (28) for flow connection with the lifting hose (12), wherein the valve housing (26) delimits a valve interior (34),which, on the one hand, is fluidically connected to the hose interior (14) via the lifting hose connection (28) and, on the other hand, is fluidically connected to the suction gripping device (18) via the suction connection (30), wherein the control valve (24) comprises a valve body (36) which is arranged in the valve interior (34) and is displaceable between a first switching position and a second switching position, wherein a total flow cross-section for flows from the suction connection (30) to the lifting hose connection (28) in the first switching position of the valve body (36) is smaller than in the second switching position of the valve body (36), but greater than zero, wherein the valve body is acted upon in the direction of the second switching position, wherein the valve body (36) and the actuation of the valve body (36) in the direction of the second switching position are designed and coordinated with one another in such a way that the valve body (36), starting from the second switching position,in the case of free suction with at least one unoccupied suction point (20) is shifted into the first switching position and in the case of suction with at least one occupied suction point (20) is shifted from the first switching position to the second switching position by the application of pressure.

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