CLEANING SYSTEM AND PROCESS

Abstract

A holding device for a post, comprising: a first receiving element (11) and a second receiving element (12), each configured to receive a post (13); a connecting element (14) on which the first receiving element (11) and the second receiving element (12) are arranged; wherein the first receiving element (11) is configured to receive a post (13) in a first mounting orientation (M1) of the holding device (10) and the second receiving element (12) is configured to receive a post (13) in a second mounting orientation (M2) of the holding device (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system for at least partially automatic cleaning of a formwork element and a method for at least partially automatic cleaning. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the construction industry, the use of formwork elements for the production of concrete walls, concrete slabs, or other concrete elements is well known. The surfaces of the formwork elements, which are in direct contact with the concrete as it hardens, influence the final result of the surface of the finished concrete element. The longer the time period between striking and cleaning the formwork elements, the more the concrete adheres to the respective surface of the formwork element. If too long a period of time passes, removal of concrete residue is only possible mechanically, for example with a scraper. However, mechanical cleaning can easily damage the surface of the formwork element. This, in turn, can affect the surface of the concrete and reduce the service life of the formwork element.It is therefore necessary that the formwork is cleaned after each use and any concrete residue is reliably removed.

[0003] It has become apparent that there is a need to provide improved or simplified cleaning of formwork elements.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system for formwork elements. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning formwork elements.

[0005] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner. Summary of the invention

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a cleaning system for the at least partially automatic cleaning of formwork elements, in particular for wall formwork, comprising: - a cleaning area set up for cleaning the formwork elements, especially with water, - a drying area set up for drying the formwork elements, in particular with compressed air, and - a treatment area configured for applying release agent to the formwork elements, wherein the cleaning system comprises at least one conveyor element which extends through the areas and on which at least one formwork element can be positioned for transport through the individual areas.

[0007] The cleaning system according to the invention enables at least partially automatic or self-acting cleaning of formwork elements. It is also possible for the cleaning of the formwork elements to be fully automatic.

[0008] The term "formwork element" should be understood broadly here. The term "formwork element" refers to formwork elements that are suitable or can be used for the production of concrete elements. For example, this could include wall formwork or slab formwork. Other materials besides concrete are also conceivable.

[0009] In the cleaning area, the formwork elements are cleaned after demolding. Cleaning is preferably carried out with water and / or steam. Other additional cleaning agents can be used alternatively or in addition.

[0010] In the drying area, the formwork elements are dried. Drying can be achieved using compressed air and / or heat.

[0011] The treatment area is used to apply release agents. For example, the release agent can be applied to the formwork elements using nozzles.

[0012] The conveyor element of the cleaning system serves to transport the formwork elements through the areas. For this purpose, at least one formwork element is positioned on the conveyor element. It is conceivable that the conveyor element is configured to accommodate one formwork element or multiple formwork elements.

[0013] When passing through the individual areas of the cleaning system on a conveyor element, it is possible for a formwork element to be positioned in several different areas simultaneously. Alternatively, the formwork element can pass through the areas individually.

[0014] The cleaning system according to the present invention enables a rapid cleaning process that requires little to no manual effort. Formwork elements can be positioned and cleaned on the conveyor element immediately after demoulding or after a short period of inactivity. This prevents the concrete from drying out. This allows for reliable removal of contaminants and even application of release agents. This makes the formwork elements available for reuse more quickly.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system further comprises at least one inspection area configured to inspect the surface of the formwork elements. The inspection area may be located after the cleaning area, after the drying area, and / or after the treatment area. In the inspection area, it is checked whether the previous step(s) were performed correctly.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning system is designed to be mobile and / or transportable. This allows the cleaning system to be transported, for example, to a construction site when needed and removed again when no longer required. This allows, for example, a customer to rent the cleaning system only for the period for which it is required.

[0017] In one embodiment, the mobile cleaning system comprises a container, and the individual areas are arranged within the container. The individual areas are preferably not separated from one another within the container. Furthermore, a container can be easily transported and assembled, making it advantageous for transportability.

[0018] In one embodiment, the container is telescopic, allowing it to be converted into a transport configuration and a working configuration. More specifically, the container's height can be telescoped when erected. This allows even large formwork elements to pass through the cleaning system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the conveyor element comprises a linear feed system. The linear feed system serves to transport the at least one conveyor element at least partially automatically through the individual areas of the cleaning system. For example, the linear feed system can comprise a belt, a chain, a rail, or the like that can be coupled or connected to the conveyor element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cleaning system in the inspection area comprises at least one optical detection means, in particular a camera unit, wherein the optical detection means is configured to detect a surface of the formwork element. The optical detection means detects the surface of the formwork element and detects, for example, whether dirt residues are still present, whether the formwork element is dry, and / or whether the release agent has been correctly applied to the formwork element. Other optical detection means besides the camera unit are conceivable.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cleaning system further comprises a communication interface configured to forward the signal detected by the optical detection means to a central processing unit. This makes it possible to perform an automatic before-and-after check.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cleaning system further comprises at least one communication means configured to communicate with the communication means of a formwork element. In this way, for example, the number of cleaning cycles can be stored, for example, using a tracker.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cleaning system comprises a digital interface, in particular a screen. The term "digital interface" is to be interpreted broadly here. The digital interface can be an interface that does not allow inputs or, alternatively, an interface that allows inputs. The digital interface can provide information about the status of the cleaning process and, for example, issue warning messages. Alternatively, the digital interface can have an instruction function.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cleaning system comprises at least one communication interface configured to transmit and / or receive short-range signals and / or configured to transmit and / or receive mobile radio signals. This allows a rental warehouse to automatically commission the delivery of the cleaning system to the construction site upon a predefined event. Such an event could, for example, be a sensor system in the formwork elements detecting the hardening of the concrete.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes a self-cleaning function. This allows the cleaning system to be operated at least largely maintenance-free. Additionally, it is conceivable for the cleaning system to include a filter unit. The filter unit allows the water used for cleaning to be reclaimed or treated.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for at least partially automatically cleaning a formwork element with a mobile cleaning system according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising the following steps: - Arranging the formwork element on the conveyor element, - Cleaning the formwork element, especially with water, in the cleaning area, - Drying of the formwork element in the drying area, and - Applying release agent in the treatment area.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step: - Inspecting the formwork element in at least one inspection area provided after the cleaning area, after the drying area and / or after the treatment area.

[0028] In one embodiment, if the inspection reveals contamination, moisture, and / or undesired release agent application in at least one inspection area, the formwork element undergoes at least the corresponding process step again. In other words, the necessary cleaning steps can be repeated as often as necessary. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0029] Below is a detailed description of the figures, showing: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the cleaning system during unloading; Fig. 2 an embodiment of the cleaning system during assembly; Fig. 3 an embodiment of the cleaning system in the assembled state; Fig. 4 an embodiment of the cleaning system with a formwork element; Fig. 5 an embodiment of the cleaning system in operation; Fig. 6 another embodiment of the cleaning system in operation at the end of the cleaning; and Fig. 7 an embodiment of the cleaning system at the end of cleaning.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a cleaning system 10 being transported to a construction site. Formwork elements 11, particularly wall formwork, are set up on the construction site. The cleaning system 10 comprises a container 17. The container 17 is easily transported by truck, train, or ship. The cleaning system 10 is Fig. 1 is unloaded from a truck by means of a crane 18 and positioned near the formwork elements 11 in use.

[0031] In Fig. 2, the cleaning system 10 is set up. The container 17 is transferred from a transport configuration to a working configuration. In the working configuration, the container 17 is in the vertical direction (see arrow in Fig. 2) is telescopically extended. Furthermore, the container 17 is open longitudinally at each of its axial ends. One opening corresponds to the inlet of the cleaning system 10, and one opening corresponds to the outlet of the cleaning system 10. A contaminated formwork element 11 is inserted into the container 17 through the inlet and exits the container 17 again through the outlet.

[0032] For this purpose, a conveyor element 15 is arranged inside the container 17. The conveyor element 15 is designed to accommodate at least one formwork element 11.

[0033] The conveying element 15 is arranged on a linear feed system. The linear feed system is designed, for example, as a type of conveyor belt or rail. Alternatively, other configurations can be used. The linear feed system extends through the entire cleaning system 10. The linear feed system extends partially outside the cleaning system 10 (see FIG. Fig. 3). More precisely, the linear feed system extends partly in front of the inlet of the cleaning system 10 and partly after the outlet of the cleaning system 10. This is advantageous because in this way the formwork elements 11 can be placed on the conveyor element 15 and removed again by the crane 18.

[0034] Solar elements 19 are arranged on the roof of the container 17 of the cleaning system 10. The solar elements 19 are arranged at an inclined angle on the roof of the container 17. The solar elements 19 can be arranged as in Fig. 1, can be arranged flat against the roof of the container 17 or folded in for transport. The solar elements 19 can be used, for example, to provide energy or to heat water.

[0035] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 each show the cleaning system 10 in operation. The crane 18 takes the formwork element 11 into Fig. 3 and positions it on the conveyor element 15 (cf. Fig. 4). For this purpose, the conveyor element 15 is arranged on the linear feed system in front of the entrance to the cleaning system 10. The crane 18 removes the formwork element 11 directly from the hardened concrete. This means that there is no downtime for the formwork elements 11 during which the concrete can dry onto the formwork element 11. This means that the formwork elements 11 can be cleaned immediately after striking. Mechanical cleaning, for example with scrapers, which could damage the formwork elements 11, can thus be dispensed with or is not necessary. After the formwork element 11 is positioned on the conveyor element 15, the formwork element 11 is guided through the cleaning system 10 via the linear feed system.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 shows the individual areas of the cleaning system 10 through which the formwork element 11 is transported. The cleaning system 10 comprises a cleaning area 12, a drying area 13, a treatment area 14, and an inspection area 16. The individual areas are not spatially separated from one another. The individual areas differ in their functionality.

[0037] The cleaning area 12 is used to clean the formwork element 11 with water. The water can be applied, for example, using nozzles. Alternatively or additionally, other cleaning agents can be used.

[0038] The drying area 13 is located downstream of the cleaning area 12. The formwork element 11 can be dried using heat and / or air. For this purpose, for example, heaters or compressed air nozzles can be arranged in the drying area 13.

[0039] The treatment area 14 is adjacent to the drying area 13. In the treatment area 14, the formwork element 11 is treated with a release agent. The release agent serves to prevent the concrete material from permanently adhering to the formwork element 11. The release agent is applied automatically, for example, by rollers, cylinders, or nozzles. Release agents are harmful to human health. Therefore, another beneficial effect of the cleaning system 10 is health protection, since the application of release agents no longer needs to be carried out manually.

[0040] Next, the inspection area 16 is arranged. The inspection area 16 is located in the area of ​​the exit of the cleaning system 10. In the inspection area 16, the formwork element 11 is checked for concrete residues and / or incorrectly applied release agent. It is possible for the cleaning system 10 to comprise multiple inspection areas 16 arranged downstream of the other areas. Furthermore, the inspection area 16 preferably comprises an optical detection means, in particular a camera unit, for inspecting the formwork elements 11.

[0041] Out of Fig. 5 shows that the formwork element 11 can be arranged in multiple areas of the cleaning system simultaneously. This means, for example, that while one section of the formwork element 11 is being treated with a release agent in the treatment area 14, another section of the formwork element 11 is only arranged in the cleaning area 12.

[0042] Fig. 6 shows the cleaning system 10 after completion of cleaning the formwork element 11. The formwork element 11 can be removed from the conveyor element 15 by the crane 18 after the cleaning process. For further use or for removal, the cleaned formwork element 11 can be stored in an intermediate storage area 20 (see Fig. 7). From the intermediate storage area 20, the formwork element 11 can be immediately reused or transported away.

[0043] However, the present invention is not limited to the preceding preferred embodiments, as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the claims. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. List of reference symbols 10 Cleaning system 11 Formwork element 12 Cleaning area 13 Drying area 14 Treatment area 15 Conveyor element 16 Control area 17 containers 18 Linear feed system 19 solar element 20 interim storage facilities

Claims

[1] Cleaning system for at least partially automatic cleaning of formwork elements (11), in particular for wall formwork, comprising: - a cleaning area (12) arranged for cleaning the formwork elements (11), in particular with water, - a drying area (13) arranged for drying the formwork elements (11), in particular with compressed air, and - a treatment area (14) configured to apply release agent to the formwork elements (11), wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one conveyor element (15) extending through the areas and onto which at least one formwork element (11) can be positioned for transport through the individual areas. [2] Cleaning system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one control area (16) arranged to control the surface of the formwork elements (11). [3] Cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning system (10) is designed to be mobile and / or transportable. [4] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile cleaning system (10) comprises a container (17) and the individual areas are arranged in the container (17). [5] Cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein the container is telescopic so that the container (17) can be converted into a transport configuration and into a working configuration. [6] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying element (15) comprises a linear feed system (18). [7] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (10) in the control area (16) comprises at least one optical detection means, in particular a camera unit, wherein the optical detection means is configured to detect a surface of the formwork element (11). [8] Cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein the cleaning system (10) further comprises a communication interface configured to forward the signal detected by the optical detection means to a central processing unit. [9] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (10) further comprises at least one communication means configured to communicate with communication means of a formwork element (11). [10] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises a digital interface, in particular a screen. [11] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises at least one communication interface configured to transmit and / or receive short-range signals and / or configured to transmit and / or receive mobile radio signals. [12] Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning system (10) comprises a self-cleaning function. [13] Method for at least partially automatically cleaning a formwork element (11) with a mobile cleaning system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - arranging the formwork element (11) on the conveyor element (15), - Cleaning the formwork element (11), in particular with water, in the cleaning area (12), - drying the formwork element (11) in the drying area (13), and - Applying release agent in the treatment area (14). [14] The method of claim 13, further comprising: Checking the formwork element (11) in at least one inspection area (15) provided after the cleaning area (12), after the drying area (13) and / or after the treatment area (14). [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein, if during the inspection in at least one inspection area (15) soiling, moisture and / or an undesired application of release agent is detected, the formwork element (11) undergoes at least the corresponding method step again.

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