VALVE DEVICE, CONSTRUCTION MACHINE AND METHOD

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device, in particular a pig loader, for attachment to a high-density material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying high-density material, as well as to such a construction machine with such a valve device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning, in particular automatically, such a construction machine.

[0002] DE 44 36 247 A1 discloses an arrangement for cleaning high-density solids conveying pipes. DE 87 08 749 U1 discloses a device for introducing and discharging pipe-cleaning pigs into conveying lines. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a valve device, a construction machine with such a valve device and a method for cleaning such a construction machine, which have improved properties.

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0005] A valve device according to the invention is designed to be attached to a high-density material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying high-density material. The valve device can be connected to the high-density material conveying line. The valve device can be designed as a pig loader. The valve device has a base body and an actuating body that can be adjusted relative to the base body between a first switching position and a second switching position. The actuating body can be designed as a slide valve. It is conceivable for the actuating body to be designed as a rotary slide valve or a revolver valve. The valve device further has an automatic, in particular active, transmission device with a receiving space for accommodating a media separation device. "Active" can mean "driven" or "drivable." The media separation device can comprise a pig.The media separation device can comprise several pigs that are arranged next to one another to form a pig package of the media separation device. The base body has a first connection and a second connection. The first connection is used for connection to a pump side of the construction machine, in particular to a pump-side thick matter pump line of the construction machine through which thick matter flows. The actuating body has a third connection for connecting the thick matter delivery line of the construction machine. The second connection and the receiving space are connected to one another. In other words: the automatic transmission device is connected to the second connection. In the first switching position, the first connection and the third connection are connected to one another for a flow of at least thick matter between the first connection and the third connection."At least of thick matter" can mean that, in addition to the thick matter, other media and / or devices can flow through the first port and the third port. In the first switching position, the first port and the third port can be successively flowed through, i.e., in series, by thick matter and / or liquid and / or a mixture of liquid and thick matter. In the second switching position, the second port and the third port are connected to each other for automatic transmission of the media separation device between the third port and the transmission device, in particular via the second port. In the second switching position, the media separation device can therefore be transmitted from the receiving space through the second port into the third port.The valve device advantageously enables the high-viscosity conveying line to be connected to the pump side of the construction machine in the first switching position, for example for high-viscosity conveying operation of the construction machine. In contrast, the pump side can be separated from the high-viscosity conveying line in the second switching position in order to transfer the media separation device to the high-viscosity conveying line at a separation point formed by the valve device. This can advantageously be done automatically, so that time-consuming, manual cleaning of the high-viscosity conveying line can be dispensed with. In particular, manual loading of the high-viscosity conveying line with the media separation device can be dispensed with. This results in a reliably executable cleaning process that can be free from operator-related errors. Each connection can delimit a fluid channel.

[0006] The term "configured" can be used synonymously with the term "trained".

[0007] The term "comprises" or "has" can be used synonymously with the term "comprises".

[0008] The thickener can be a building material. The thickener can be a paste-like mixture of different materials. The thickener can be mortar, cement, screed, or concrete, each in a mixable and / or conveyable state. In the mixable and / or conveyable state, the thickener has not yet hardened or set.

[0009] The valve device expediently has a drive configured to adjust the base body and the actuating body relative to each other between the two switching positions. The drive can be automatically controlled. In this way, the adjustment of the base body and the actuating body relative to each other can advantageously be carried out automatically, in particular by means of a control device of the construction machine.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the base body has a fourth connection. The fourth connection of the base body can be unused. Alternatively, the actuating body has a fourth connection, wherein the fourth connection of the actuating body is connected to the first connection in the second switching position and to an external environment of the valve device in the first switching position facing the base body. The fourth connection can therefore be present either on the actuating body or on the base body. Advantageously, a further transmission device can be connected to the fourth connection, by means of which a further media separation device can be introduced into a thick-material-carrying line of the construction machine.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating body has a fifth connection. In the first switching position, the fifth connection is connected to the second connection, whereby an additional thick material conveying line of the construction machine can be connected to the fifth connection or the fifth connection can be unused. Alternatively, the fifth connection is connected to a fourth connection of the base body in the first switching position and to the first connection in the second switching position. The valve device with a fifth connection can be used particularly flexibly, in particular in a power system of the boom rail with several thick material conveying lines.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the valve device has a further, in particular passive, transmission device. "Passive" can mean "non-driven" or "non-driven." The further transmission device has a further receiving space for accommodating a further media separation device, in particular a pig. The further media separation device can correspond to the media separation device already explained above. The fourth connection or the fifth connection is connected to the further receiving space, so that the further media separation device can be transferred between the further receiving space and the fourth connection or the fifth connection to the pump side. In this way, the further media separation device can advantageously be transferred into a thick matter pump line on the pump side of the construction machine.Thus, a media separation device can be arranged in the high-viscosity conveying line and in the high-viscosity pumping line on the pump side. All transfer devices can be of the same or different types. The transfer device and at least one further transfer device can be active.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the transmission device comprises a housing, wherein the housing defines the receiving space of the transmission device, in particular in a manner that is permeable to liquids and / or thick materials. The housing can advantageously ensure positioning of the media separation device in the receiving space. The housing can also shield the receiving space and / or a media separation device arranged therein from the external environment of the valve device.

[0014] According to the invention, the transmission device comprises a piston. The piston is adjustably guided in the receiving space relative to the housing of the transmission device such that, particularly in the second switching position, the media separation device can be transferred out of the receiving space by adjusting the piston relative to the housing. The piston can therefore transmit an adjusting force to the media separation device. In particular, the transmission device comprises a sensor device for detecting at least one piston position of the piston relative to the housing. By means of the sensor device, a first piston end position and a second piston end position of the piston and - alternatively or additionally - an intermediate position of the piston between the piston end positions relative to the housing can preferably be detected.Alternatively or additionally, the transmission device has, in particular, a drive device, wherein the drive device is designed for automatic, in particular linear, adjustment of the piston relative to the housing. The drive device can have a hydraulic cylinder and - alternatively or additionally - a spindle drive. It is conceivable for the drive device to be electrically driven. In the intermediate position of the piston, the media separation device can be adjusted out of the receiving space by means of the piston. In the intermediate position, the media separation device can be arranged in the connection to which the transmission device is connected. This connection can thus be fluid-tightly sealed from the external environment of the valve device by means of the media separation device.If this connection is now connected to the thick matter conveying line by adjusting the adjusting body, it can be advantageously prevented that thick matter from the thick matter conveying line enters the external environment via this connection.

[0015] According to the invention, the piston is adjustable relative to a housing of the transmission device between a first and a second piston position along an adjustment direction. In the first piston position, the piston is arranged along the adjustment direction at a distance from the connection connected to the receiving space. In contrast, in the second piston position along the adjustment direction, the piston is received in the respective connection such that this connection is separated from the receiving space in a fluid-tight manner by means of the piston. In particular, in the second piston position along the adjustment direction, the piston is flush with a separating surface of the valve device, wherein the base body and the adjusting body contact one another in a sliding manner in the separating surface. A fluid-permeable passage can be formed in the separating surface between the piston and the respective connection in which the piston is received.In other words, the fluid-tight closure of the respective connection by means of the piston in the second piston position can be designed at a distance from the separating surface. Due to the fluid-tight closure of the respective connection by means of the piston in its second piston position, a gap can be formed between the media separation device adjusted by the piston and the sealing point formed by the piston, which gap can be filled with fluid via a fluid channel. If this fluid is pressurized in the gap, the media separation device can be adjusted away from the piston by the fluid pressure.

[0016] The connection on which the transmission device with piston is present expediently has an insertion bevel running around the inside on a connection end facing the transmission device. This insertion bevel can serve to center the media separation device. A sealing sleeve having a circumferential sealing lip can be arranged on the piston. The sealing sleeve can be applied to the inside of the connection in question in the second piston position in order to close this connection in a fluid-tight manner. The insertion bevel can serve to ensure that the sealing lip can be inserted into the respective connection in a way that is gentle on the material and low in wear, in order to bear against the inside there. A plunger can also be arranged on the piston, by means of which the media separation device can be adjusted. An outer diameter of the plunger is preferably smaller than an inner diameter of the connection in question.The tappet can preferably end at a distance from the sealing sleeve along the piston's travel direction. The sealing sleeve can be made of an elastic material. The elastic material can be an elastomer and / or a rubber material. The elastic material can have a reinforcement. When subjected to fluid pressure, the sealing lip can be pressed radially against an inner side of the respective connection. This allows a particularly pressure-resistant closure of the respective connection in the second piston position to be achieved.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base body has a fluid channel opening into the second connection and through which liquid can flow. In particular, the fluid channel can be supplied with liquid by means of a pumping device of the construction machine. The pumping unit is preferably different from the thick matter pumping unit. The valve device can also have a liquid valve, wherein the fluid channel can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the liquid valve in order to separate the fluid channel from the second connection in a fluid-tight manner. The fluid channel opening into the second connection enables the media separation device to be supplied with liquid in order to adjust the media separation device through the thick matter conveying line.The media separation device can be adjusted independently of the high-viscosity pump unit using the fluid conveyed through the fluid channel, so that the high-viscosity pump unit is available for adjusting another media separation device. In particular, the media separation device can be supplied with fluid via the fluid channel when the piston of the transmission device is in its second piston position.

[0018] The fluid channel can expediently have a liquid collection chamber. A venting device can be arranged at the liquid collection chamber, by means of which the fluid channel can be vented. In addition, a draining device can be connected to the liquid collection chamber, by means of which liquid can be drained from the fluid channel. The venting device and / or the draining device can be operated automatically and / or manually. Without venting by means of the venting option, a gas bubble, in particular an air bubble, can become trapped in the thick matter conveying line. When the thick matter conveying line is pressurized, the gas in the gas bubble can be compressed and pretensioned like a gas spring.If the gas bubble is now displaced by the pressure generated in the slurry conveying line, the pre-tension of the gas bubble can suddenly be released as soon as the air or gas bubble comes into contact with an external environment, equalizing the pressure. This can cause slurry to be accelerated explosively out of the slurry conveying line, which can be dangerous for bystanders.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the transfer device has a magazine for preloading media separation devices. Multiple elements of a pigging package of the media separation device can be preloaded into the magazine. This eliminates the need to manually insert multiple elements, in particular a pigging package, of the media separation device into the receiving space of the transfer device.

[0020] A construction machine according to the invention serves to convey thick matter. The construction machine has a thick matter conveying line through which thick matter can flow. In addition, the construction machine has a pump side, on which in particular a thick matter pump line of the construction machine is arranged. Furthermore, the construction machine has a thick matter pump unit, on which the pump side is arranged. The thick matter pump unit is designed to supply the thick matter conveying line with thick matter and / or liquid on the pump side. In addition, the construction machine has a valve device according to the invention as described above. The valve device is arranged between the pump side and the thick matter conveying line, in particular between the thick matter pump line and the thick matter conveying line. The pump side is connected to the first connection for a flow of thick matter.The thick matter conveying line is connected to the third connection for a thick matter flow. The above-explained advantages of the valve device according to the invention also apply to the construction machine according to the invention with such a valve device.

[0021] The construction machine expediently has several transfer devices, by means of which several conveyor lines of the construction machine can be loaded with media separation devices. Thus, a conveyor line system of the construction machine with the multiple conveyor lines can be automatically supplied with media separation devices via the transfer devices.

[0022] A method according to the invention serves for the cleaning, in particular automatic cleaning, of a construction machine according to the invention as described above. The advantages of the construction machine according to the invention shown above can be exploited by means of the method. The method comprises a step a), according to which the actuating body is adjusted from its first switching position to its second switching position relative to the base body. The method also comprises a step b), which is carried out after step a). According to step b), a media separation device is transferred from the transmission device to the third connection, so that the media separation device is arranged on or in the thick matter conveying line. The method also comprises a step c), which is carried out after step b).According to step c), a pressure gradient descending across the media separation device is generated in order to adjust the media separation device relative to the valve device through the thick matter conveying line along the pressure gradient, displacing thick matter located in the third connection and / or in the thick matter conveying line. By adjusting the media separation device through the thick matter conveying line, thick matter located in the thick matter conveying line can advantageously be removed from the thick matter conveying line.

[0023] Preferably, prior to performing step a), the media separation device is moved from the transmission device to the second connection, so that the second connection is sealed fluid-tight by the media separation device. This advantageously prevents the flow of thick matter from the thick matter conveying line via the second connection when the actuator is moved to its second switching position during step a).

[0024] In a further embodiment of the method, step b) additionally comprises transferring a further media separation device from a further transmission device into the first connection, such that the further media separation device is arranged on or in the pump side, in particular on or in a pump-side thick matter pump line. Step c) additionally comprises generating a pressure gradient falling across the further media separation device in order to adjust the further media separation device along the pressure gradient while displacing thick matter present in the first connection and / or on the pump side relative to the valve device on the pump side. In this way, thick matter present on the pump side can advantageously be removed from the pump side for cleaning the construction machine.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the method, when performing step c) to generate the pressure gradient, thick matter present on the pump side is sucked away, in particular by means of the thick matter pump unit of the construction machine, so that the further media separation device is moved away from the valve device by the suction. Once the thick matter has been sucked away, in particular essentially completely, on the pump side, when performing step c) the pump side and the further media separation device arranged on the pump side are pressurized with a liquid. The further media separation device is preferably pressurized with the liquid by means of the thick matter pump unit. The liquid can be fresh or process water.The additional media separation device is pressurized with liquid in such a way that the additional media separation device on the pump side is moved back towards the valve device and then conveyed via the valve device into the additional transfer device. In other words: As a result of the thick matter present on the pump side being sucked away by the thick matter pump unit, the additional media separation device can first be moved away from the valve device and then, after the pumping direction of the thick matter pump unit has been reversed, moved back away from the thick matter pump unit and towards the valve device. After the additional media separation device has been moved back through the valve device, the additional media separation device can be collected by the additional transfer device.Advantageously, the additional media separation device can be inserted into a thick matter pumping line on the pump side via the same additional transfer device, and removed again after cleaning the thick matter pumping line. A separate removal device on or near the thick matter pumping unit is thus eliminated.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the method, when performing step c), the actuating body is adjusted from its second switching position to its first switching position relative to the base body before the media separation device arranged on the thick matter conveying line is adjusted. To adjust the media separation device arranged on the thick matter conveying line, the thick matter conveying line is pressurized with liquid via the pump side and the valve device through the thick matter conveying line. This offers the advantage that the media separation device can be pressurized with liquid by means of the thick matter pump unit in order to adjust the media separation device through the thick matter conveying line. A separate liquid pump can therefore be eliminated.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, when step b) is carried out, the second connection of the valve device is separated in a fluid-tight manner from the receiving space of the transmission device connected to the second connection, in particular by means of a piston of the transmission device connected to the second connection. When step b) is carried out, the second connection is also connected in a fluid-conducting manner to a fluid line of the construction machine, in particular by means of a fluid valve of the valve device. The fluid line can be fed with fluid from a fluid pump unit of the construction machine. When step c) is carried out, the thick matter conveying line and the media separation device arranged therein are pressurized with fluid via the fluid line in order to generate the pressure gradient falling across the media separation device.Consequently, the media separation device can be adjusted independently of the high-viscosity pumping unit by applying liquid via the liquid line. The high-viscosity pumping unit can be used simultaneously to adjust another media separation device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like, similar, or functionally identical components.

[0029] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a valve device according to the invention, wherein a piston of a transmission device of the valve device is in a second piston position, Fig. 2 the valve device according to Fig. 1 , whereby compared to the representation according to Fig. 1 a piston of a transmission device of the valve device is adjusted to a first piston position, Fig. 3 in another sectional view the valve device according to the Fig. 1 and 2 , the piston being in an intermediate position, Fig. 4 in a schematic sectional view a detail of the valve device according to the Fig. 1 bis 3 , Fig. 5 in a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the valve device according to the invention, Fig. 6 in a schematic overview view of an embodiment of a construction machine according to the invention with a valve device designed according to the invention, wherein the construction machine is set up to carry out a method according to the invention, Figs. 7 to 10 snapshots of the construction machine according to Fig. 6 when carrying out a method according to the invention, Fig. 11 shows a schematic overview of a further embodiment of the construction machine according to the invention with a valve device designed according to the invention, wherein the construction machine is set up to carry out a method according to the invention, and Figs. 12 to 14 show snapshots of the construction machine according to Fig. 11 when carrying out a method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A construction machine 100 according to the invention is intended for conveying thick material D. The thick material D can be a building material. The thick material D can be a paste-like mixture of different materials. The thick material D can be mortar, cement, screed, or concrete, each in a mixable and / or conveyable state. In the mixable and / or conveyable state, the thick material D has not yet hardened or set.

[0031] The construction machine 100 has a high-density material conveying line 103 through which high-density material D can flow. The construction machine 100 also has a pump side 101. On the pump side 101, for example, a high-density material pumping line 102 of the construction machine 100 is arranged. Furthermore, the construction machine 100 has a high-density material pumping unit 105. The high-density material pumping unit 105 is arranged on the pump side 101. The high-density material pumping unit 101 is designed to supply the high-density material conveying line 101 with high-density material D and / or liquid F on the pump side. The construction machine 100 has a valve device 1 according to the invention. The valve device 1 is arranged between the pump side 101 and the high-density material conveying line 103. For example, the valve device 1 is arranged between the thick matter pump line 102 and the thick matter delivery line 103. The pump side 101 is connected to a first connection K1 for a flow of thick matter D.The thick matter conveying line 103 is connected to a third connection K3 of the valve device 1 for a flow of thick matter D.

[0032] The thick matter pumping unit 105 can have delivery cylinders with variable-volume delivery chambers. To change the volumes of the delivery chambers, in particular in opposite directions, the delivery cylinders can each have an adjustable delivery piston. The thick matter pumping unit 105 can also comprise an S-shaped bent S-pipe, one end of which is fluidly connected to a pressure port of the thick matter pumping unit 105 that functions as a pump outlet. The S-pipe can be arranged in a storage chamber of the thick matter pumping unit 105, which can be filled with thick matter D from above, for storing thick matter D. The S-pipe can be rotatably mounted at one end on the pressure port within the storage chamber. The variable-volume delivery chambers can open into the storage chamber. The S-pipe can be pivotable in the storage chamber relative to the delivery chambers such that it can be fluidly connected alternately to one of the delivery chambers.In this way, due to the counteraction of the pivoting of the S-pipe and a change in the volume of the conveying chambers, thick matter D located in the storage chamber can be alternately sucked in by means of the conveying chambers and pumped out via the conveying chambers, through the S-pipe, and via the pressure nozzle. If a liquid F or a mixture of thick matter F and liquid F is present in the storage chamber, the liquid F or the mixture can be pumped out in the same way. A pumping direction of the thick matter pumping unit 105 can be reversible, so that thick matter D and / or liquid can be pumped optionally away from the thick matter pumping unit 105 in a conveying mode and towards the thick matter pumping unit 105 in a suction mode. An agitator can be arranged in the storage chamber of the thick matter pumping unit 105.

[0033] The valve device 1 according to the invention is designed for attachment to the thick material conveying line 103 of the building material machine 100. The valve device 1 can therefore be connected to the thick material conveying line 103. The valve device 1 can be a pig loader 12. The valve device 1 has a base body 2. In addition, the valve device 1 has an actuating body 3, which is adjustable relative to the base body 2 between a first switching position P1 and a second switching position P2. The actuating body 3 is designed, for example, like a slide valve. Either the base body 2 or the actuating body 3 can be attached to a substrate. It is also conceivable that neither the base body 2 nor the actuating body 3 are attached to the substrate.

[0034] The valve device 1 has an automatic, for example active, transmission device 4, 4a. The transmission device 4, 4a has a receiving space 5 for receiving a media separation device M, M1. The media separation device M, M1 can comprise a pig. The media separation device M, M1 can comprise several pigs that are arranged one behind the other as elements of a pig package of the media separation device M, M1. Such a pig can function as a free piston that is adjustable, for example, in the thick matter delivery line 103 and / or in the thick matter pump line 102. The construction machine 100 can have several transmission devices 4, by means of which media separation devices M can be introduced into several delivery lines 103, although this is not shown in the figures.

[0035] The base body 2 of the valve device 1 has a first connection K1, which is used for connection to the pump side 101 of the construction machine 100. For example, the first connection K1 can be connected to the pump-side thick matter pump line 102 through which thick matter D can flow. The base body 2 also has a second connection K2. The actuating body 3 has a third connection K3 for connecting the thick matter delivery line 103 of the construction machine 100. The second connection K2 and the receiving space 5 of the automatic transmission device 4, 4a are connected to one another. In the first switching position P1, the first connection K1 and the third connection K3 are connected to one another for a flow of at least thick matter D between the first connection K1 and the third connection K3.In contrast, in the second switching position P2, the second connection K2 and the third connection K3 are connected to each other for automatic transmission of the media separation device M, M1 between the third connection K3 and the transmission device 4, 4a. The automatic transmission of the media separation device M, M1 in the second switching position P2 is possible, for example, via the second connection K2, i.e., through the second connection K2.

[0036] For example, the base body 2 has a fourth connection K4, which can be unused. Alternatively, the actuating body 3 has a fourth connection K4. If the fourth connection K4 is present on the actuating body 3, the fourth connection K4 is connected to the first connection K1 in the second switching position P2. The fourth connection K4 of the actuating body 3 is connected to an external environment of the valve device 1 in the first switching position P1, facing the base body 2. The actuating body 3 has, for example, a fifth connection K5. The fifth connection K5 is connected to the second connection K2 in the first switching position P1 and is unused in the second switching position P2. Alternatively, the fifth connection K5 is connected to the fourth connection K4 of the base body 2 in the first switching position P1 and to the first connection K1 in the second switching position P2.

[0037] The valve device 1 has, for example, a further transmission device 4, 4b, which has a further receiving chamber 5 for receiving a further media separation device M, M2. The further transmission device 4, 4b can be passive. The further media separation device M, M2 can be designed in the manner of the media separation device M, M1. "Further" does not refer to an extension or expansion, but is to be understood as synonymous with "additional." The fourth connection K4 or the fifth connection K5 can be connected to the further receiving chamber 5, so that the further media separation device M, M2 can be transferred between the further receiving chamber 5 and the fourth connection K4 or the fifth connection K5 to the pump side 101.

[0038] Both transmission devices 4, 4a, 4b can be designed identically. In the present case, however, the two transmission devices 4, 4a, 4b are designed differently. This is because the transmission device 4, 4a can be driven automatically, i.e., is actively designed. In contrast, the further transmission device 4, 4b cannot be driven, i.e., is passive. The transmission device 4, 4a in the present case has a housing 6. The housing 6 delimits the receiving space 5 of the transmission device 4, 4a. For example, the receiving space 5 can be delimited by the housing 6 so that it is permeable to liquids and / or thick substances. The transmission device 4, 4a in the present case has a piston 7, which is adjustably guided in the receiving space 5 relative to the housing 6.The piston 7 is adjustable in the housing 6 such that, in the second switching position P2, the media separation device M, M1 can be transferred out of the receiving space 5 by adjusting the piston 7 relative to the housing 6. The transmission device 4, 4a can have a sensor device 8 for detecting at least one piston position of the piston 7 relative to the housing 6. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission device 4, 4a can have a drive device 9. The drive device 9 can be designed for automatically adjusting the piston 7 relative to the housing 6. The drive device 9 can have a hydraulic cylinder 10 and - alternatively or additionally - a spindle drive. The transmission device 4, 4a can have a magazine 15 for preloading media separation devices M, M1.

[0039] In the present case, the piston 7 is adjustable relative to the housing 6 of the transmission device 4, 4a between a first and a second piston position S1, S2 along an adjustment direction R. In the first piston position S1, the piston 7 is arranged along the adjustment direction R at a distance from the connection K2 connected to the receiving chamber 5. In the second piston position S2 along the adjustment direction R, the piston 7 is received in the connection K2 such that the connection K2 is separated from the receiving chamber 5 in a fluid-tight manner by means of the piston 7. For example, in the second piston position S2 along the adjustment direction R, the piston 7 is flush with a separating surface T of the valve device 1. A flush end of the piston 7 with the separating surface T can be fluid-permeable. In the separating surface T, the base body 2 and the actuating body 3 can touch one another in a sliding manner. The separating surface T can be designed as a separating plane.

[0040] The connection K2, to which the transmission device 4, 4a is connected in this case, can have an internal insertion bevel. This insertion bevel can serve to center the piston 7 for its adjustment into the second piston position S2. The insertion bevel can also serve to center the media separation device M, M1 to be transmitted in the connection K2. By means of the insertion bevel, an excess of the media separation device M1, M1 relative to the second connection K2 can be compensated. The piston 7 can have a sealing sleeve at one end facing away from the separation surface T, which can be applied internally to the connection K2. The piston 7 can have a plunger protruding in the adjustment direction R, which ends at a distance from the sealing sleeve in the adjustment direction R. A radial fluid-permeable space can be formed between the plunger and the connection K2. The media separation device M, M1 can be adjusted by means of the plunger.In this respect, force can be transmitted between piston 7 and media separation device M, M1 in the actuating direction R at a distance from the connection K2 by means of the sealing sleeve. A sealing plane defined by the sealing sleeve can thus be spatially separated from a tappet plane for force transmission, in particular along the actuating direction R. In the second piston position S2, the tappet plane can coincide with the separating surface T. A circumferential sealing lip of the sealing sleeve can be pressed radially outwards as a result of the fluid pressure when the media separation device M, M1 is pressurized with fluid F in order to reinforce the sealing effect. The piston 7 can be positionable in an intermediate position between the first and second piston positions S1, S2. The intermediate position can be detected by the sensor device 8.The intermediate position can be arranged such that the media separation device M, M1 is arranged in the second connection K2 and touches the separating surface T when the piston 7 is in the intermediate position.

[0041] The base body 2 has, for example, a fluid channel KF that opens into the second connection K2 and through which fluid can flow. The fluid channel KF can be supplied with fluid by means of a pump unit 104 of the construction machine 100. The pump unit 104 can be different from the thick matter pump unit 105. The pump unit 104 can be based on the same functional principle as the thick matter pump unit 105.

[0042] The valve device 1 has, for example, a liquid valve. The fluid channel KF can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of the liquid valve in order to separate the fluid channel KF from the second connection K2 in a fluid-tight manner. The liquid valve can be arranged on the pump unit 104. The valve device 1 has, for example, a liquid collector chamber 11. The liquid collector chamber 11 can communicate fluidically with a venting device 13. The fluid channel KF can be vented by means of the venting device 13. The venting device 13 can be arranged at a highest point of the fluid channel KF along the direction of gravity. The liquid collector chamber 11 can also communicate fluidically with a drain device 14. The fluid channel KF can be emptied via the drain device 14. The venting device 13 can be manually actuated.Alternatively or additionally, the venting device 13 can be automatically actuated. The venting device 13 can be designed to be controllable, i.e., controllable and / or regulatable. The venting device 13 can have a float, by means of which the venting device 13 can be automatically actuated depending on a fill level of liquid F in the liquid collection chamber 11. The venting device 13 can have a ball valve and / or an electrically controllable valve. The same can apply to the drain device 14.

[0043] A method according to the invention serves to clean the construction machine 100. For example, the construction machine 100 can be cleaned automatically using the method. The method comprises a step a). According to step a), the actuating body 3 is adjusted from its first switching position P1 to its second switching position P2 relative to the base body 2. The method also comprises a step b), which is carried out after step a). According to step b), a media separation device M, M1 is transferred from the transmission device 4, 4a to the third connection K3, so that the media separation device M, M1 is arranged on or in the thick matter conveying line 103. The method also comprises a step c), which is carried out after step b). According to step c), a pressure gradient falling across the media separation device M, M1 is generated.The pressure gradient is generated in order to adjust the media separation device M, M1 relative to the valve device 1 along the pressure gradient, displacing the thick matter D located in the third connection K3 and / or in the thick matter conveying line 103 through the thick matter conveying line 103. In this way, the thick matter D located in the third connection K3 and—alternatively or additionally—in the thick matter conveying line 3 can be pushed outwards in order to remove the thick matter D from the third connection K3 or the thick matter conveying line 103.

[0044] Prior to performing step a), the media separation device M, M1 can be moved from the transmission device 4, 4a into the second port K2 in order to seal the second port K2 in a fluid-tight manner by means of the media separation device M, M1. In particular, the media separation device M, M1 is moved up to the separation surface T. When the media separation device M, M1 touches the separation surface T, the second port K2 opposite the separation surface T can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0045] For example, step b) additionally comprises transferring a further media separation device M, M2 from a further transmission device 4, 4b into the first connection K1. The further media separation device M, M2 is transferred in such a way that the further media separation device M, M2 is arranged on or in the pump side 101, for example on or in the pump-side thick matter pump line 102. Step c) additionally comprises, for example, generating a pressure gradient falling across the further media separation device M, M2. The pressure gradient falling across the further media separation device M, M2 is generated in order to adjust the further media separation device M, M2 relative to the valve device 1 on the pump side along the pressure gradient, displacing thick matter D present in the first connection K1 and - alternatively or additionally - on the pump side.

[0046] When performing step c), for example, thick matter D present on the pump side is sucked off to generate the pressure drop. The sucking off of the thick matter D present on the pump side can be carried out, for example, by means of the thick matter pump unit 105 of the construction machine 100. The thick matter D present on the pump side is sucked off in such a way that the further media separation device M, M2 on the pump side is moved away from the valve device 1 by the sucking off. When the thick matter D has been sucked off, in particular essentially completely, on the pump side, when performing step c), the pump side 101 and the further media separation device M, M2 arranged on the pump side are pressurized with a liquid F. The pressurization of the further media separation device M, M2 can be carried out by means of the thick matter pump unit 105. The liquid F can be in the form of fresh or process water.The second media separation device M, M2 is actuated in such a way that the further media separation device M, M2 is moved back towards the valve device 1 on the pump side and then conveyed via the valve device 1 into the further transmission device 4, 4b. The further transmission device 4, 4b can function as a collecting basket in which the further media separation device M, M2 is collected.

[0047] For example, when performing step c), the adjusting body 3 is adjusted from its second switching position P2 to its first switching position P1 relative to the base body 2 before the media separation device M, M1 arranged on the thick matter conveying line 103 is adjusted. In this case, the thick matter conveying line 103 is pressurized with liquid F via the pump side 102 and the valve device 1 in order to adjust the media separation device M, M1 arranged on the thick matter conveying line 103 through the thick matter conveying line 103.

[0048] When performing step b), for example, the second port K2 of the valve device 1 is fluid-tightly separated from the receiving space 5 of the transmission device 4, 4a connected to the second port K2. This fluid-tight separation can be achieved by means of the piston 7 of the transmission device 4, 4a. When performing step b), the second port K2 is also fluidly connected to the fluid line 106 of the construction machine 100 by means of the fluid valve of the valve device 1. In particular, the fluid line 106 is connected to the second port K2 via the fluid channel KF.

[0049] The fluid channel KF can open into the second connection K2 between the transmission device 4, 4a and the separation surface T, in particular at an acute angle. The fluid line 106 can be supplied with fluid F from the fluid pump unit 104 of the construction machine 100. When performing step c), the thick matter conveying line 103 and the media separation device M, M1 arranged therein are supplied with fluid F, for example via the fluid line 106, in order to generate the pressure drop across the media separation device M, M1.

[0050] In the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 bis 10 The base body 2 has the first connection K1, the second connection K2 and the fourth connection K4. The actuating body 3 has the third connection K3 and the fifth connection K5. The media separation device 4, 4a is connected to the second connection K2. The pump side 101 is connected to the first connection K1. The fourth connection K4 is unused. The further transmission device 4, 4b can be connected to the fifth connection K5. The thick matter conveying line 103 is connected to the third connection K3. The liquid line 106 can, for example, open laterally via the fluid channel KF, in particular at an acute angle, into the second connection K2. Starting from the illustration according to Fig. 6 the method according to the invention can be carried out, which is described in the Fig. 7 bis 10 is illustrated in the style of snapshots. In the illustration according to Fig. 6 For example, the construction machine 100 is in a conveying operation in which thick matter D can be conveyed by means of the construction machine 100 from the thick matter pump unit 105 in the direction of the thick matter conveying line 103. In the thick matter conveying operation, the actuating body 3 is in its first switching position P1. In the first switching position P1, the pump side 101 is connected to the thick matter conveying line 3 by means of the first connection K1 and the third connection K3. The connection K4, which is not used here, can be connected to the fifth connection K5 in the first switching position P1. The second connection K2 can be exposed opposite the transmission device 4, 4a. The connections K1, K3, which are connected to one another in the first switching position P1, are fluid-tightly separated from the other connections K2, K4, K5.Ports K4 and K5, which are connected to each other in the first switching position P1, are fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K1, K2, and K3 in the first switching position P1. Port K2 is fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K1, K3, K4, and K5 in the first switching position P1. "Fluid-tightly separated" means that there is no direct fluid connection between the separated ports. Fluid-tightly separated ports can communicate with each other via an external environment, but not directly. Fig. 7 shows enlarged the same condition of the construction machine 100 as in Fig. 6 shown. According to Fig. 7 The further transmission device 4, 4b is connected to the fifth connection K5.

[0051] Based on the Fig. 6 and 7In the state shown, when carrying out step a) of the method, the adjusting body 3 is moved from its first switching position P1 to its second switching position P2 relative to the base body 2 in order to Fig. 8 This is followed by the execution of step b). As long as the actuator 3 is in its second position P2, the further media separation device M, M2 is adjusted by the further transmission device 4, 4b via the fifth connection K5 and the first connection K1 into the pump-side thick matter pump line 102. This adjustment in the direction of the thick matter pump unit 105 can be effected by suction by means of the thick matter pump unit 105.

[0052] Once the further media separation device M, M2 has been adjusted toward the thick matter pumping unit 105, a pumping direction of the thick matter pumping unit 105 can be reversed. As a result of such a reversal of the pumping direction, the further media separation device M, M2 can then be adjusted back toward the valve device 1.

[0053] As in Fig. 9 As can be seen, the further media separation device M, M2 is adjusted by means of liquid F conveyed by the thick matter pump unit 105 through the first connection K1 and the fifth connection K5 to the further transmission device 4, 4b. The further media separation device M, M2 can then be collected in the receiving space 5 of the further transmission device 4, 4b. At the same time, when carrying out step b), as long as the actuating body 3 is in its second position P2, the media separation device M, M1 is introduced into the thick matter conveying line 103 by means of the transmission device 4, 4a via the second connection K2 and the third connection K3. The actuating body 3 is now adjusted relative to the base body 2 into its first switching position P1 in order to Fig. 10 to achieve the state shown. A liquid column of liquid F already present in the thick matter pump line 102 as a result of the adjustment of the further media separation device M, M2 can thus be brought into contact with the media separation device M, M1. In this way, the media separation device M, M1 is pressurized with the liquid F. Opposite the liquid column, the media separation device M, M1 can be in contact with thick matter D present in the thick matter delivery line 103. By means of the thick matter pump unit 105, an overpressure is now generated in the liquid column of liquid F in order to provide the pressure gradient for adjusting the media separation device M, M2. As a result, the media separation device M, M1 is adjusted along the thick matter delivery line 103 in order to displace the thick matter D from the delivery line 103. In the second switching position P2, in the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 bis 10 the second port K2 is connected to the third port K3. The first port is connected to the fifth port K5 in the second switching position P2. The unused fourth port K4 is free in the second switching position P2. The interconnected ports K2, K3 are fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K1, K4, K5 in the second switching position P2. The interconnected ports K1, K5 are fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K2, K3, K4 in the second switching position P2. The unused port K4 is not connected to any of the ports K1, K2, K3, K5 in the second switching position P2. After the thick matter D has been displaced from the delivery line 103 by means of the media separation device M, M1, the media separation device M, M1 can be sucked back to the valve device 101 by means of the thick matter pump unit 105 by reversing the pumping direction.

[0054] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 11 bis 14 The base body 2 has the first connection K1 and the second connection K2. The actuating body 3 has the third connection K3, the fourth connection K4, and the fifth connection K5. The transmission device 4, 4a is connected to the second connection K2. The further transmission device 4, 4b is connected to the fourth connection K4. The fluid channel KF, through which liquid F can flow, opens into the second connection K2 at an acute angle. The liquid F can be pumped into the fluid channel KF by means of the pump unit 104 through the liquid line 106. According to Fig. 11 the actuator 3 is in its first switching position P1. In the first switching position P1, the construction machine 100 can be in a conveying mode in which thick matter can be conveyed by means of the thick matter pump unit 105 through the pump-side conveying line 102, the first connection K1, the third connection K3 and the thick matter conveying line 103.

[0055] A distribution system of the construction machine 100 can be arranged on a thick matter conveying line 103 opposite the thick matter pumping unit 105. The conveyed thick matter D can be conveyed into a molded casting mold by means of the distribution system.

[0056] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 11 bis 14 In the first switching position P1, the second port K2 is connected to the fifth port K5. In the first switching position P1, the first port K1 is connected to the third port K3. The fourth port K4 is exposed in the first switching position P1. The ports K2 and K5, which are connected to one another in the first switching position P1, are fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K1, K3 and K4. The ports K1 and K3, which are connected to one another in the first switching position P1, are fluid-tightly separated from the other ports K2, K5 and K4. The exposed port K4 is separated from the other ports K1, K2, K3 and K5 in the first switching position P1.

[0057] Based on the Fig. 11 In the state shown, when step a) of the method is carried out, the adjusting body 3 is moved to its second switching position P2 in order to Fig. 12 shown state. Step b) is then carried out. Accordingly, the media separation device M, M1 is introduced from the transmission device 4, 4a via the second connection K2 and via the third connection K3 into the thick matter conveying line 103. At the same time, the further media separation device M, M2 can be introduced from the further transmission device 4, 4b via the fourth connection K4 and the first connection K1 into the pump-side thick matter pumping line 102. In the second switching position P2, the second connection K2 and the third connection K3 are connected to one another. In the second switching position P2, the first connection K1 and the fourth connection K4 are also connected to one another. The fifth connection K5 is unused in the second switching position P2. The connections K1, K4 which are connected to one another in the second switching position P2 are separated from the other connections K2, K3, K5.The ports K2, K3, which are connected to one another in the second switching position P2, are separated from the remaining ports K1, K4, K5. The port K5, which is unused in the second switching position, is separated from the remaining ports K1, K2, K3, K4. After the further media separation device M, M2 has been transferred to the pump side 101 via the fourth port K4 and the first port K1, the media separation device M, M2 is moved towards the thick matter pump unit 105 by suction using the thick matter pump unit 105. In the process, thick matter D present in the pump-side thick matter pump line 102 is displaced towards the thick matter pump unit 105.

[0058] At the thick matter pumping unit 105, the thick matter D displaced by means of the further media separation device M, M2 can be drained, in particular by means of a drain device of the thick matter pumping unit 105. The drain device can automatically release or close the storage space of the thick matter pumping unit 105 downwards.

[0059] Following the Fig. 12 By means of the suction of the further media separation device M, M2 shown, the further media separation device M, M2 can be pressurized with liquid F by means of the thick matter pump unit 105. By this pressurization of the further media separation device M, M2, the further media separation device M, M2 is moved back from the thick matter pump unit 105 towards the valve device through the pump-side thick matter pump line 102. Following this resetting, the further media separation device M, M2 can be collected in the further transmission device 4, 4b, as shown in Fig. 13 is shown. After the further media separation device M, M2 has been collected, the pump-side thick matter pump line 102 can be flushed with liquid F, which is pumped through the thick matter pump line 102 by means of the thick matter pump unit 105.

[0060] Simultaneously with the adjustment of the further media separation device M, M2 - as long as the adjusting body 3 is still in its second switching position P2 - the media separation device M, M1 arranged on the thick matter conveying line 103 can be supplied with liquid F via the fluid channel 102, as shown in Fig. 13 also recognizable. The media separation device M, M1 can be supplied with liquid via the fluid channel 106 during the adjustment of the further media separation device 4, 4b in the direction of the thick matter pump unit 105 and / or simultaneously with the adjustment of the further media separation device M, M2 back from the thick matter pump unit 105 in the direction of the valve device 1. By supplying the media separation device M, M1 with liquid via the fluid channel 106, the media separation device M, M1 is adjusted away from the valve device 1, displacing thick matter D present in the thick matter delivery line 103.

[0061] As soon as the thick material D has been displaced, in particular completely, from the thick material conveying line 103, the actuating body 3 can be moved back to its first switching position P1 in order to Fig. 14 to achieve the state shown. A liquid column present in the thick matter conveying line 103 can be connected to a liquid column present in the pump-side thick matter pumping line 102 as a result of the adjustment of the adjusting body 3 to its first position P1. The liquid column resulting from the connection can then be sucked away by means of the thick matter pumping unit 105 in order to adjust the further media separation device M, M1 in the direction of the thick matter pumping unit 105. In this way, it is possible to prevent the further media separation device M, M1 from entering the formed casting mold, which can be filled with thick matter D during conveying operation of the construction machine 100.

Claims

1. Valve device (1), in particular a pig loader (12), for joining to a thick-matter conveying line (103) of a construction machine (100) for conveying thick matter (D), wherein the valve device (1) has: - a base body (2) and an, in particular slide-like, adjustment body (3), which is adjustable relative to the base body (2) between a first switching position (P1) and a second switching position (P2), and - an automatic, in particular active, transfer device (4, 4A) with a receiving space (5) for receiving a media separation device (M, M1), in particular a pig, - wherein the base body (2) has a first connector (K1) for connection to a pump side (101) of the construction machine (100), in particular to a pump-side thick-matter pump line (102) of the construction machine (100), through which pump line thick matter (D) is able to flow, and has a second connector (K2), - wherein the adjustment body (3) has a third connector (K3) for connection of the thick-matter conveying line (103) of the construction machine (100), - wherein the second connector (K2) and the receiving space (5) are connected to one another, - wherein, in the first switching position (P1), the first connector (K1) and the third connector (K3) are connected to one another for a flow at least of thick matter (D) between the first connector (K1) and the third connector (K3), - wherein, in the second switching position (P2), the second connector (K2) and the third connector (K3) are connected to one another for automatic transfer of the media separation device (M, M1) between the third connector (K3) and the transfer device (4, 4A), in particular via the second connector (K2), characterized in that - the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) has a piston (7) which is guided in the receiving space (5) so as to be adjustable relative to a housing (6) of the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) in such a way that, in particular in the second switching position (P2), the media separation device (M, M1, M2) is transferable from the receiving space (5) by adjustment of the piston (7) relative to the housing (6), in that - the piston (7) is adjustable relative to a housing (6) of the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) between a first and a second piston position (S1, S2) along an adjustment direction (R), in that - the piston (7), in the first piston position (S1) along the adjustment direction (R), is arranged at a distance from the connector (K2, K4, K5) that is connected to the receiving space (5), and in that - the piston (7), in the second piston position (S2) along the adjustment direction (R), is received in the respective connector (K2, K4, K5) in such a way that this connector (K2, K4, K5) is separated in a fluid-tight manner from the receiving space (5) by means of the piston (7).

2. Valve device (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the base body (2) has a fourth connector (K4), which is in particular unused, or - wherein the adjustment body (3) has a fourth connector (K4), wherein the fourth connector (K4) is connected in the second switching position (P2) to the first connector (K1), and in the first switching position (P1) to external surroundings of the valve device (1) so as to face the base body (2).

3. Valve device (1) according to either of the preceding claims, - wherein the adjustment body (3) has a fifth connector (K5), - wherein the fifth connector (K5) is connected in the first switching position (P1) to the second connector (K2), or wherein the fifth connector (K5) is connected in the first switching position (P1) to a fourth connector (K4) of the base body (2) and in the second switching position (P2) to the first connector (K1).

4. Valve device (1) according to either of the two preceding claims, - wherein the valve device (1) has a further, in particular passive, transfer device (4, 4B) with a further receiving space (5) for receiving a further media separation device (M, M2), in particular a pig, - wherein the fourth connector (K4) or the fifth connector (K5) is connected to the further receiving space (5) so that the further media separation device (M, M2) is transferable between the further receiving space (5) and the fourth connector (K4) or the fifth connector (K5) towards the pump side (101).

5. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) has a housing (6), wherein the housing (6) delimits the receiving space (5) of the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B), in particular in a liquid-permeable and / or thick-matter-permeable manner.

6. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) has a sensor device (8) for detecting at least one piston position of the piston (7) relative to the housing (6), and / or - wherein the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) has a drive device (9), wherein the drive device (9) is configured for automatic adjustment of the piston (7) relative to the housing (6), in particular wherein the drive device (9) has a hydraulic cylinder (10) and / or a spindle drive.

7. Valve device (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the piston (7), in the second piston position (S2) along the adjustment direction (R), terminates flush with a separating surface (T) of the valve device (1), wherein the base body (2) and the adjustment body (3) are in contact with one another in a slidingly movable manner in the separating surface (T).

8. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the base body (2) has a fluid channel (KF) which opens out into the second connector (K2) and through which liquid (F) is able to flow, in particular wherein the fluid channel (KF) is able to be supplied with liquid (F) by means of a pump unit (104) of the construction machine (100), - in particular wherein the valve device (1) has a liquid valve, wherein the fluid channel (KF) is able to be closed off in a fluid-tight manner by means of the liquid valve so as to separate the fluid channel (KF) from the second connector (K2) in a fluid-tight manner.

9. Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (4, 4A, 4B) has a magazine (15) for pre-loading media separation devices (M, M1, M2).

10. Construction machine (100) for conveying thick matter (D), wherein the construction machine (100) has, - a thick-matter conveying line (103) through which thick matter (D) is able to flow, - a pump side (101) on which in particular a thick-matter pump line (102) of the construction machine (100) is arranged, and - a thick-matter pump unit (105) at which the pump side (101) is arranged, wherein the thick-matter pump unit (105) is configured for supplying on the pump side thick matter (D) and / or liquid (F) to the thick-matter conveying line (101), - a valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve device (1) is arranged between the pump side (101) and the thick-matter conveying line (103), in particular between the thick-matter pump line (102) and the thick-matter conveying line (103), - wherein the pump side (101) is connected to the first connector (K1) for a flow of thick matter (D) and the thick-matter conveying line (103) is connected to the third connector (K3) for a flow of thick matter (D).

11. Method for in particular automatic cleaning of a construction machine (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) adjusting the adjustment body (3) from its first switching position (P1) into its second switching position (P2) relative to the base body (2), b) temporally after carrying out step a): transferring a media separation device (M, M1) from the transfer device (4, 4A) into the third connector (K3), so that the media separation device (M, M1) is arranged at / in the thick-matter conveying line (103), c) temporally after carrying out step b): generating a pressure gradient which is negative over the media separation device (M, M1) in order to adjust the media separation device (M, M1) under the action of displacement of thick matter (D), situated in the third connector (K3) and / or in the thick-matter conveying line (103), relative to the valve device (1) through the thick-matter conveying line (103) along the pressure gradient.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, - wherein step b) additionally comprises: transferring a further media separation device (M, M2) from a further transfer device (4, 4B) into the first connector (K1), so that the further media separation device (M, M2) is arranged at / in the pump side (101), in particular at a pump-side thick-matter pump line (102); - wherein step c) additionally comprises: generating a pressure gradient which is negative over the further media separation device (M, M2) in order to adjust the further media separation device (M, M2) under the action of displacement of thick matter (D), present in the first connector (K1) and / or on the pump side, relative to the valve device (1) on the pump side along the pressure gradient.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, when carrying out step c), - for generating the pressure gradient, thick matter (D) present on the pump side is extracted by suction, in particular by means of the thick-matter pump unit (105) of the construction machine (100), so that the further media separation device (M, M2) is adjusted away from the valve device (1) on the pump side by way of the extraction by suction, and - when the thick matter (D) has been extracted by suction, in particular substantially completely, on the pump side, a liquid (F), in particular fresh water or service water, is applied, in particular by means of the thick-matter pump unit (105), to the pump side (101) and the further media separation device (M, M2) arranged on the pump side in such a way that the further media separation device (M, M2) is adjusted on the pump side back towards the valve device (1) and is subsequently transported into the further transfer device (4, 4B) via the valve device (1).

14. Method according to either of the two preceding claims, - wherein, when carrying out step c), temporally before adjusting the media separation device (M, M1) arranged at the thick-matter conveying line (103), the adjustment body (3) is adjusted from its second switching position (P2) into its first switching position (P1) relative to the base body (2), - wherein, for adjusting the media separation device (M, M1) arranged at the thick-matter conveying line (103), liquid (F) is applied to the thick-matter conveying line (103) through the thick-matter conveying line (103) via the pump side (102) and the valve device (1).

15. Method according to one of the three preceding claims, - wherein, when carrying out step b), - the second connector (K2) of the valve device (1) is separated, in particular by means of a piston (7) of the transfer device (4, 4A) connected to the second connector (K2), in a fluid-tight manner from the receiving space (5) of the transfer device (4, 4A) connected to the second connector (K2), - the second connector (K2) is connected, in particular by means of a liquid valve of the valve device (1), in a fluid-conducting manner to a liquid line (106) of the construction machine (100), in particular wherein the liquid line (106) is fed with liquid (F) from a liquid pump unit (104) of the construction machine (100), and - wherein, when carrying out step c), liquid (F) is applied to the thick-matter conveying line (103) and the media separation device (M, M1) arranged therein via the liquid line (106) in order to generate the pressure gradient that is negative over the media separation device (M, M1).