Patent ID: 8235337

Claim:
A vacuum suction device or a vacuum lifter for temporary fixing on a substantially smooth, air-impermeable fixing area, comprising: a supporting cup, a flexible suction plate, and an actuating mechanism for creating a partial vacuum between the suction plate and the fixing area while changing a position of the suction plate at least in some regions, wherein a vacuum indication device for indicating the partial vacuum includes an indicating element, wherein the indicating element of the vacuum indication device is coupled to the suction plate and performs a movement between an initial position at a maximum partial vacuum and an end position of indication at a loss of partial vacuum, wherein at least a part of the indication device is integrated in an actuating element or the indication device includes a mechanical coupling mechanism which mechanically couples the indicating element to the suction plate, and wherein (i) the indication device causes an indication through the indicating element if the partial vacuum decreases and if a threshold is reached and such that a level of the threshold is defined by the mechanical coupling mechanism independently of a frictional connection, or (ii) the coupling mechanism is a mechanical displacement transmission that in a decrease in vacuum translates dislocations or deformations of the suction plate in a force transmitting fashion into amplified displacement of the indicating element from a beginning of the vacuum decrease and during an extension movement of the indicating element toward the end position of indication.