Tool for processing reinforced concrete

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool (100) for processing reinforced concrete. This tool comprises a number of gripping elements (101), a number of cutting elements (103), a protective element (105), and a main drive (107), wherein the gripping elements (101) are configured to grip and cut a concrete element, wherein the cutting elements (103) are configured to cut reinforcement components, wherein the main drive (107) is configured to move the gripping elements (101) and the cutting elements (103) together between an open position and a closed position, wherein the protective element (105) is movable between a protective position and a release position, and wherein, in the protective position, the protective element (105) shields the cutting elements (103) from a concrete element to be gripped by the tool (100), and in the release position, allows contact between the cutting elements (103) and reinforcement of the concrete element.

Description

[0001] The presented invention relates to a tool, a demolition machine and a method for processing reinforced concrete according to the attached claims.

[0002] Reinforced concrete, i.e. concrete that is reinforced or strengthened by means of reinforcing elements such as steel, consists on the one hand of mineral concrete and on the other hand of usually metallic reinforcing elements such as reinforcing steel.

[0003] Combination pliers are frequently used for processing, and especially for demolishing, reinforced concrete. These pliers can both grip and pulverize the concrete and cut the reinforcing elements. A combination pliers includes gripping elements, such as flat grippers, and cutting elements that form a sharp edge.

[0004] By combining gripping elements and cutting elements in a combination pliers, the combination pliers can be used both for gripping concrete and for cutting reinforcing elements, thus eliminating the need to change tools when processing reinforced concrete.

[0005] It has been shown that when using combination pliers with gripping elements and cutting elements for processing reinforced concrete, the cutting elements become blunt upon contact with concrete.

[0006] Furthermore, it is difficult for the operator of a demolition machine, such as an excavator, to determine whether a concrete element being processed is merely within the gripping range of the gripping elements or already within the cutting range of the cutting elements of a particular combination shear. Consequently, situations frequently arise in which concrete, along with any embedded reinforcement, is broken up or uncontrollably, especially in small pieces, removed from a larger structure. This results in a mixture of concrete and reinforcement waste that requires extensive reprocessing.

[0007] However, when processing reinforced concrete, it is advantageous to remove large pieces from a larger structure, as these can be quickly transported and further processed.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the presented invention to provide a durable tool for processing reinforced concrete. It is a further object of the presented invention to enable the selective processing of concrete and reinforcing elements. It is also an object of the presented invention to enable the controlled removal of large pieces of reinforced concrete from a larger structure, such as a concrete slab.

[0009] Thus, according to a first aspect of the presented invention, a tool for processing reinforced concrete is presented.

[0010] The presented tool comprises a number of gripping elements, a number of cutting elements, a protective element, and a main drive, wherein the gripping elements are configured to grip and crush a concrete element, wherein the cutting elements are configured to cut reinforcement parts, wherein the main drive is configured to move the gripping elements and the cutting elements together between an open position and a closed position, wherein the protective element is movable between a protective position and a release position, and wherein in the protective position the protective element shields the cutting elements from a concrete element to be gripped by the tool and in the release position allows contact of the cutting elements with reinforcement of the concrete element.

[0011] In the context of the presented invention, a gripping element is understood to be a tool component configured to grip and move a concrete component. In particular, paired gripping elements can form flat or planar grippers of a pair of pliers. Gripping elements can have a surface optimized, for example, by teeth or a rough texture for holding heavy concrete components. By applying pressure and / or vibration to the gripping elements of the presented tool, the gripping elements can break up the concrete, in particular pulverize it, so that reinforcing elements embedded in the concrete are exposed.

[0012] In the context of the presented invention, a cutting element is understood to be a sharp component, in particular a metal component with a cutting edge, which is configured to cut or divide a reinforcement element, in particular reinforcing steel.

[0013] The presented invention is based on a protective element that is movable between a protective position and a release position, and which in the protective position shields the cutting elements from a concrete element to be gripped by the tool and in the release position enables contact of the cutting elements with a reinforcement of the concrete element.

[0014] To shield the cutting elements, the protective element can surround the cutting elements in certain areas, e.g. in the form of a grid structure, or completely, e.g. in the form of plates.

[0015] To move the gripping elements and the cutting elements, the presented tool includes a main drive, which may include, for example, a hydraulic and / or an electric, and / or a mechanical, and / or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0016] To move the protective element between the protective position and the release position, the protective element can, for example, be folded, slid, or moved in any other technically possible way.

[0017] The protective element can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces, in particular in two pieces with mirror symmetry.

[0018] Due to its protective element, the presented tool can be operated in two ways: firstly, limited to concrete processing by preventing the use of the cutting elements; and secondly, configured for cutting reinforcing elements. This allows the user to switch between these two functionalities and reliably prevent the unintended use of the cutting elements for concrete processing. Therefore, the user can selectively expose and then selectively cut the reinforcing elements embedded in a concrete element using the gripping elements, thus preventing the unintentional removal of small pieces of concrete from the structure due to accidental cutting of the reinforcement.

[0019] Furthermore, the cutting elements are protected from contact with concrete by the protective element of the presented tool, so that the cutting elements remain sharp for a particularly long time and the service life of the presented tool is maximized.

[0020] In particular, it may be provided that the protective element of the presented tool, in the protective position, leaves a predetermined gripping area of ​​the tool free and overlays a predetermined cutting area of ​​the tool.

[0021] To overlay the cutting elements or the cutting area of ​​the tool—that is, the area in which the cutting elements move—the protective element can be positioned above the cutting elements, for example, along a depth axis of the tool, and cover the cutting area in a plane in the X and Y directions. Overlaying the tool's cutting area with the protective element prevents a concrete element from entering the cutting area, as the concrete element, upon moving towards the cutting area, comes into contact with the protective element before entering the cutting area. Upon contact between the concrete element and the protective element, the protective element stops any relative movement of the concrete element to the tool or the cutting area, thus preventing the concrete element from entering the cutting area.

[0022] It may also be provided that the tool includes an auxiliary drive configured to move the guard between the guard position and the release position.

[0023] The auxiliary drive can, for example, include a hydraulic and / or an electric, and / or a mechanical, and / or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0024] It may also be provided that the protective element comprises several, in particular two, protective parts which, in the protective position, overlap the cutting elements at least partially.

[0025] A protective element consisting of several protective parts can be easily and quickly unfolded into its release position or folded down into its protective position. In the protective position, the various protective parts work together to form a stable structure, in particular a striking edge for contact with a concrete element.

[0026] It may also be provided that the auxiliary drive is configured to move the protective parts in a common movement between the protective position and the release position.

[0027] To move the protective parts together, the auxiliary drive can be connected to the protective parts, for example, via a camshaft or a motion mechanism, so that a movement of the actuator is transferred to the protective parts and the protective parts move on a predetermined trajectory.

[0028] It may also be provided that the protective parts are positively interlocked with each other in the protective position.

[0029] A form-fitting arrangement of the protective parts results in a particularly resilient or stable structure when the protective parts are in the protective position.

[0030] It may also be provided that the auxiliary drive includes an interface to a user interface through which the auxiliary drive can be controlled.

[0031] An interface, such as a line, in particular a cable or a hydraulic line, or a wireless interface, enables the auxiliary drive to be controlled and, consequently, the protective element to be moved remotely between the protective position and the release position, such as from a control cabin of a demolition machine.

[0032] Furthermore, feedback about contact between a concrete element and the protective element can be sent via an interface to a control unit of a respective demolition machine, so that movement of the tool is interrupted in order to protect the tool and, if necessary, to issue a warning message that signals to a user that the protective element has come into contact with a concrete element.

[0033] It may also be provided that the protective element is only formed on one side of the tool.

[0034] A protective element designed on only one side of the tool is cost-effective and easy to control, since a minimal number of protective parts, in particular two protective parts, need to be moved to move the protective element between the protective position and the release position.

[0035] It may also be provided that the protective element in the protective position surrounds the number of cutting elements on opposite sides.

[0036] A protective element arranged on opposite sides, which for example comprises several protective parts arranged on each side, shields the cutting elements in the protective position on both sides and forms a very strong or resilient structure.

[0037] It may also be provided that the protective element, in the protective position, forms a stop configured to limit movement of the tool relative to the concrete element.

[0038] A stop can, for example, be a thickened structure configured to absorb large forces and / or transfer them to a supporting structure. Accordingly, the stop can be positively connected to a supporting structure.

[0039] It may further be provided that the gripping elements each comprise a number of reversibly arranged attachments, wherein the attachments each have a tip made of hardened metal and are connected via a connecting interface to a counter-interface formed on a respective gripping element.

[0040] Hardened metal attachments for contact with concrete elements protect the gripping elements of the tool from abrasion and wear. To maximize the service life of the gripping elements and, consequently, the tool itself, the attachments can be replaced. The gripping elements can incorporate a number of connection interfaces, such as receptacles for screws integrated into the attachments.

[0041] For example, an attachment can comprise a hardened element and a cover, such that the cover completely encloses and protects the gripping element, while the hardened element forms a contact element, such as a tooth, with which the gripping element grasps a concrete element. The hardened element can have a tooth on one side and a screw on the opposite side, which can be inserted through the cover into the gripping element, thus securing the cover to the gripping element.

[0042] It may also be provided that the number of gripping elements includes paired, opposing gripping elements and the number of cutting elements includes paired, opposing cutting elements.

[0043] Paired gripping elements and paired cutting elements can together form pliers, especially combination pliers.

[0044] Accordingly, it may be provided that the tool is a pair of pliers, in particular pulverizing pliers.

[0045] According to a second aspect, the presented tool relates to a demolition machine for demolishing reinforced concrete, the demolition machine comprising one possible embodiment of the presented tool.

[0046] The demolition machine presented can be, for example, an excavator, a machine arm to be attached to an excavator, or a machine arm assembly.

[0047] According to a third aspect, the presented invention relates to a method for demolishing reinforced concrete using a possible embodiment of the presented tool.

[0048] The presented method comprises setting the tool's protective element into its protective position, gripping a concrete element using the tool's gripping elements, crushing concrete on the concrete element using the gripping elements to expose reinforcement of the concrete element, setting the protective element into its release position, and cutting the exposed reinforcement using the tool's cutting elements.

[0049] The presented tool is used in particular for carrying out the presented procedure.

[0050] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a possible design of the presented tool, Fig. Figure 2 shows another representation of the tool according to Fig. 1, Fig. Figure 3 shows another representation of the tool according to Fig. 1 with a possible design of the presented demolition machine, Fig. Figure 4 shows a possible design of the presented procedure.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a tool 100. The tool 100 comprises a number of gripping elements 101, a number of cutting elements 103, a protective element 105, a main drive 107 and an optional auxiliary drive 109, as well as an interface 111 to a demolition machine.

[0052] The protective element 105 comprises a first protective part 113 and a second protective part 115, which are in Fig. 1 are shown in their protective position. Accordingly, the protective parts 113 and 115 protect or enclose in Fig. 2 particularly clearly visible cutting elements 103 before contact with concrete elements engaging between the gripping elements 101.

[0053] Here it can be seen that the auxiliary drive 109 includes a connecting element 117, through which a lifting of the auxiliary drive 109 is transmitted to the protective parts 113 and 115 in order to move them.

[0054] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the tool 100. Here, the rear protective parts 201 and 203 are shown in their release position, so that they release the cutting elements 103.

[0055] Furthermore, in Fig. Two bolts 205 and 207 are shown, on which the protective parts 201 and 203 are arranged. The bolts 205 and 207 are connected by the auxiliary drive 109 according to Fig. 1. Movable design.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the tool 100 in combination with a demolition machine 300 in the form of a machine arm. The demolition machine 300 can control the auxiliary drive 109 via the interface 111, e.g., by hydraulic pressure.

[0057] Furthermore, in Fig. Three attachments 301 are particularly easy to see; they are mounted on the gripping elements 101 of the tool 100 and comprise hardened elements 303 and protective elements 305. The attachments 301 can be replaced if necessary. For this purpose, the attachments 301 are reversibly connected to the gripping elements 101 via a connection interface.

[0058] In Fig.Figure 4 shows a method 400. The method 400 comprises a first setting step 401, in which the protective element of the tool is placed in its protective position, a gripping step 403, in which a concrete element is gripped by means of the gripping elements of the tool, a crushing step 405, in which concrete on the concrete element is crushed by means of the gripping elements in order to expose reinforcement of the concrete element, a second setting step 407, in which the protective element of the tool is placed in its release position, and a cutting step 409, in which the exposed reinforcement is cut by means of the cutting elements of the tool.

[0059] The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in many ways.

[0060] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations. Reference symbol list 100 tools 101 Gripping element 103 Cutting element 105 Protective element 107 Main drive 109 Auxiliary drive 111 Interface 113 first protective part 115 second protective part 117 Connecting element 201 Protective part 203 Protective part 205 bolts 207 bolts 300 demolition machine 301 Essay 303 hardened element 305 Protective element 400 procedures 401 First setup step 403 Gripping step 405 Crushing step 407 second setting step 409 Cutting step

Claims

[1] Tool (100) for processing reinforced concrete, a) wherein the tool (100) comprises: a) a number of gripping elements (101), b) a number of cutting elements (103), c) a protective element (105), (d) a main drive (107), b) wherein the gripping elements (101) are configured to grip and crush a concrete element, c) wherein the cutting elements (103) are configured to cut reinforcement parts, d) wherein the main drive (107) is configured to move the gripping elements (101) and the cutting elements (103) together between an open position and a closed position, e) wherein the protective element (105) is movable between a protective position and a release position, and f) wherein the protective element (105) in the protective position shields the cutting elements (103) from a concrete element to be gripped by the tool (100) and in the release position enables contact of the cutting elements (103) with a reinforcement of the concrete element. [2] Tool (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the protective element (105) in the protective position leaves a predetermined gripping area of the tool (100) free and overlays a predetermined cutting area of the tool (100). [3] Tool (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the protective element (105) comprises several, in particular two protective parts (113, 115, 201, 203) which, in the protective position, overlap the cutting elements (103) at least in regions. [4] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the tool (100) comprises a power take-off drive (109) configured to move the protective element (105) between the protective position and the release position. [5] Tool (100) according to claim 3 and 4, characterized by that the auxiliary drive (109) is configured to move the protective parts (113, 115, 201, 203) in a common movement between the protective position and the release position. [6] Tool (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the protective parts (113, 115, 201, 203) are in positive engagement with one another in the protective position. [7] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the protective element (105) forms a stop in the protective position which is configured to limit a movement of the tool (100) relative to the concrete element. [8] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the auxiliary drive (109) comprises at least one actuator from the following list of actuators: hydraulic actuator, electric actuator, mechanical actuator, magnetic actuator. [9] Tool (100) according to claim 8, characterized by that the auxiliary drive (109) comprises a connecting element (117) that connects respective protective parts (113, 115, 201, 203) of the protective element (105) to the at least one actuator in such a way that the protective parts (113, 115, 201, 203) move on a predetermined trajectory during a movement mediated by the at least one actuator. [10] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the auxiliary drive (109) comprises an interface (111) to a user interface through which the auxiliary drive (109) is to be controlled. [11] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the protective element (105) is formed only on one side of the tool (100). [12] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective element (105) in the protective position surrounds the number of cutting elements (103) on opposite sides. [13] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the gripping elements (101) each comprise a number of reversibly arranged attachments (301), wherein the attachments (301) each have a tip made of hardened metal (303) and are connected via a connecting interface to a counter-interface formed on a respective gripping element (101). [14] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the number of gripping elements (101) comprises pairs of opposing gripping elements and the number of cutting elements (103) comprises pairs of opposing cutting elements. [15] Tool (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tool (100) is a pair of pliers, in particular a pulverizing pliers. [16] Demolition machine (300) for demolishing reinforced concrete, the demolition machine (300) comprising a tool (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15. [17] A method (400) for demolishing reinforced concrete using a tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the method (400) comprising: a) setting (401) the protective element (105) of the tool (100) in its protective position, b) gripping (403) a concrete element by means of the gripping elements (101) of the tool (100), c) crushing (405) concrete on the concrete element by means of the gripping elements (101) in order to expose a reinforcement of the concrete element, d) setting (407) the protective element (105) in its release position, e) Cutting (409) the exposed reinforcement by means of the cutting elements (103) of the tool (100).

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