INTRODUCTION DEVICE, SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to an insertion device for introducing a media separation device into a viscous material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying viscous materials. The invention also relates to a system comprising such an insertion device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a system, in particular automatically.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2006 020776 A1 discloses a device for introducing cleaning elements into a conveying line for viscous materials. The device comprises a pipe lock with a housing and a slide valve slidably arranged therein. The housing is connectable to the conveying line via an inlet and an outlet port and is connected to a magazine that can be loaded with cleaning elements. The slide valve, with a passage chamber and at least one barrier zone offset from it, can be selectively positioned between the inlet and outlet ports or behind the inlet port by means of a control device.The magazine has at least one magazine container opening from above into a pre-chamber communicating with the insertion nozzle, for receiving several cleaning elements, and an insertion element that can be controlled via the control device and moved through the pre-chamber, taking with it a cleaning element located there, via the insertion nozzle into the passage chamber. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an insertion device for introducing a media separation device into a viscous material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying viscous material, as well as a system with such an insertion device and a method for operating such a system, in particular automatically, each of which has special, in particular improved, properties.

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

[0005] An insertion device according to the invention serves to insert a media separation device into a viscous material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying viscous materials. The media separation device, which can be inserted into the viscous material conveying line by means of the insertion device, can comprise a pipeline pig or be a pipeline pig itself. The insertion device can be referred to as a "pig loader". The media separation device can comprise several pipeline pigs arranged side by side to form a pipeline pig pack of the media separation device.

[0006] The insertion device according to the invention comprises a housing which has an interior space for guiding a media separation device, which can be inserted into the high-viscosity conveying line, along an insertion direction of the insertion device. The interior space of the housing can be adapted to allow the media separation device to pass through the housing space, in particular to force it through.

[0007] The insertion device according to the invention further comprises an outlet opening which opens the housing interior in the insertion direction such that a media separation device located in the housing interior can be inserted through the outlet opening from the insertion device into the viscous material conveying line, in particular into it. The outlet opening can be adapted to guide the media separation device out of the housing interior through the outlet opening, in particular to force it through.

[0008] Furthermore, the insertion device according to the invention has a controllable application device, which is designed to at least partially apply a propellant fluid to the interior of the housing to advance a media separation device, which is to be inserted into the viscous material conveying line in the insertion direction, and – alternatively or additionally – is to be inserted away from the insertion device. The application device can be controlled by allowing the propellant fluid to flow through it.

[0009] Furthermore, the insertion device according to the invention has a venting device designed to vent at least one interior area of ​​the housing interior when propellant fluid is applied to at least one area. The venting device is designed to allow air to flow through it.

[0010] Furthermore, the insertion device according to the invention has a piston, wherein the piston is adjustable relative to the housing in the insertion direction in order to adjust a media separation device located in front of the piston in the insertion direction relative to the housing. It is understood that the media separation device located in front of the piston is adjustable by means of the piston in the insertion direction.

[0011] According to the invention, the piston has a receiving end position in which the piston is located away from the housing in the opposite direction of insertion such that, in particular, a media separation device that can be guided into the housing interior by means of the piston can be received between the piston and the housing interior.

[0012] According to the invention, the piston also has an intermediate venting position in which the actuation device and the venting device are fluidly connected to each other by means of the housing interior and in which the housing interior is fluid-tightly closed opposite the outlet opening in the direction of insertion by means of the piston.

[0013] According to the invention, the piston also has an insertion end position in which the piston separates the actuation device from the venting device in a fluid-tight manner within the housing interior.

[0014] In particular, the invention relates to: An insertion device for inserting a media separation device into a viscous material conveying line of a construction machine for conveying viscous material, wherein the insertion device comprises: a housing which has an interior, an outlet opening opening the interior, a controllable supply device for supplying at least part of the interior of the housing with a propellant liquid, a venting device, and a piston which is adjustable relative to the housing from a receiving end position via an intermediate venting position to an insertion end position in order to insert the media separation device into the viscous material conveying line.

[0015] The insertion device according to the invention advantageously allows, in particular through the interaction of the piston located in the intermediate venting position with the venting device and the controllable actuation device, an interior area of ​​the housing interior located between the media separation device in front of the piston and the piston, in particular a slit-like area, to be vented, so that a liquid column of motive fluid, at least substantially free of gas bubbles, and in particular free of air bubbles, can be generated between the piston and the media separation device to propel the media separation device away from the insertion device. In this way, the risk of explosion can be reduced or even completely avoided, which can be caused by a sudden expansion of compressed gas bubbles present in the liquid column upon contact with the environment if venting is insufficient.

[0016] The term "configured" can be used synonymously with the term "trained".

[0017] The terms "includes" or "has" can be used synonymously with each other as well as with the term "exhibits".

[0018] In this context, "control" can mean "steer" and / or "regulate".

[0019] The thick material can be a building material. The thick material can be a paste-like mixture of different substances. The thick material can be mortar, cement, screed, or concrete, each in a mixable and / or pumpable state. In the mixable and / or pumpable state, the thick material is not yet hardened or set.

[0020] Suitable propellant liquids include fresh water, process water, or a mixture of fresh water and process water.

[0021] Advantageously, the piston is adjustable in the insertion direction from its receiving end position, through its intermediate venting position, to its insertion end position, and in particular, and vice versa, back in the opposite direction of insertion. The insertion device can be attached to the high-viscosity conveying line, in particular automatically, and / or detached from the high-viscosity conveying line, in particular automatically, by means of a controllable slide mechanism.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the actuation device has a fluid channel through which propellant fluid flows. The fluid channel opens into the housing interior, particularly transversely to the insertion direction and—alternatively or additionally—against a direction of gravity. The fluid channel can open into the housing interior at an angle of -90° to +90° relative to the direction of gravity. In particular, the fluid channel opens into the housing interior at a right angle to the insertion direction.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the venting device includes a sensor for detecting propellant fluid. In particular, the sensor is designed to detect propellant fluid wetting the venting device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be designed to detect propellant fluid flowing into the venting device. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can be designed to detect propellant fluid flowing through the venting device. Advantageously, the sensor of the venting device enables it to detect, and in particular detect substantially complete, venting of the interior area of ​​the housing, especially between the piston and the media separation device located in front of the piston.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the controllable supply device comprises a controllable valve device, wherein the valve device is controlled by the control mechanism and is capable of allowing propellant fluid to flow through it, at least partially, to supply the interior of the housing. In particular, the valve device can be capable of allowing propellant fluid to flow through it, depending on the position of the piston. Specifically, the controllable valve device is capable of allowing propellant fluid to flow through it, at least partially, to supply the interior of the housing, even when the piston is not in its receiving end position.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the venting device communicates fluidly with an external environment of the insertion device, facing away from the housing interior. In particular, the venting device can vent at least the interior area of ​​the housing to the external environment by displacing air present in the interior area with the propellant fluid acting upon it. Specifically, by displacement with propellant fluid, air present in the interior area of ​​the housing can be discharged to the external environment by means of the venting device, particularly exclusively when the piston is in its intermediate venting position.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the venting device has a vent channel through which air flows. The vent channel opens into the housing interior, particularly transversely to the insertion direction and—alternatively or additionally—in the direction of gravity. In particular, the vent channel can open into the housing interior at the highest point in the housing interior with respect to the direction of gravity. The vent channel can open into the housing interior, particularly at the top of the housing with respect to gravity, at an angle of +15° to -15°. Preferably, the vent channel opens into the housing interior perpendicular to the insertion direction and in the direction of gravity.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid channel and the vent channel open into the housing interior at a distance from each other, particularly an axial distance, with respect to the insertion direction. In particular, this distance is at least as large as the axial extent of a sealing element of the piston, which extends transversely to the insertion direction, along the insertion direction. Accordingly, the sealing element of the piston can be arranged at the distance between the fluid channel and the vent channel in the intermediate venting position of the piston and can be formed fluid-tight against the housing, particularly circumferentially, in order to fluid-tightly separate the fluid channel and the vent channel from each other.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has a vent opening through which the vent channel and the housing interior communicate with each other via fluid flow. The piston closes the vent opening, particularly exclusively in its insertion end position. In this way, it can be ensured that the motive fluid, particularly without pressure loss via the vent opening, can be used essentially completely to advance the media separation device arranged in front of the piston in the insertion direction.

[0029] The vent opening should ideally have an inner diameter of 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular 5 mm to 20 mm, and especially approximately 15 mm.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insertion device comprises a controllable drive unit for adjusting the piston, in particular linearly, along the insertion direction. The controllable drive unit can comprise a hydraulic cylinder, in particular a double-acting one. Alternatively or additionally, the controllable drive unit can comprise an electric linear drive, a spindle drive, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the insertion device comprises a position sensing device for detecting the position of the piston, in particular the receiving end position, as well as—alternatively or additionally—the intermediate venting position and—alternatively or additionally—the insertion end position, relative to the housing, in particular steplessly or in increments.In particular, the position detection device can determine whether the piston is currently in its receiving end position, its intermediate venting position, or its insertion end position. Depending on the piston's position detected by the position detection device, the actuation device and – alternatively or additionally – the venting device, especially via forced control, can be monitored.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the piston has a sealing device, in particular annular, circumferential for a fluid-tight seal against the housing, especially on the inside, and – alternatively or additionally – in a self-reinforcing manner. In particular, the sealing device is fluid-tight against the housing in the insertion end position and in the intermediate venting position.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the piston has a piston body on which the sealing device is arranged circumferentially. The piston has a plunger projecting from the piston body along the insertion direction, in particular having a reduced diameter relative to the sealing device and / or being fluid-permeable, for contacting a media separation device adjustable by means of the piston. In particular, a media separation device located in front of the piston body in the insertion direction can be contacted by means of the plunger. A media separation device contacted by the plunger can be acted upon, at least in the insertion end position of the piston, in particular when the housing interior is at least partially impacted, by motive fluid, in particular by means of which the fluid is guided past the plunger and – alternatively or additionally – through the plunger, in order to advance the media separation device away from the plunger in the insertion direction.In other words, the propellant fluid can be guided, at least partially, past the plunger and—alternatively or additionally—through the plunger to advance a media separation device, contacted by the plunger at a distance from the piston body, away from the piston. The plunger can have continuous recesses along the insertion direction for guiding the propellant fluid through.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insertion device comprises a receiving device for receiving the media separation device, which can be guided into the interior of the housing by means of the piston. The receiving device adjoins the housing opposite to the insertion direction. In particular, the media separation device to be received can be fed to the receiving device transversely to the insertion direction. Specifically, the media separation device to be received can only be fed to the receiving device when the piston is in its receiving end position. After the media separation device has been received by means of the receiving device, it can be guided, in particular forced, into the interior of the housing by means of the piston.

[0034] The receiving device may expediently have a hatch, in particular a sensor-monitored one, for closing a feed opening of the receiving device, wherein the feed opening is designed and / or serves for feeding the media separation device to be received.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insertion device comprises a control device, in particular an electronic one, for the, in particular automatic, insertion of the media separation device into the viscous material conveying line. The control device is operatively connected to the controllable application device, in particular to a controllable valve device of the application device, as well as – alternatively or additionally – to the controllable drive device of the insertion device, as well as – alternatively or additionally – to the sensor device of the venting device, and – alternatively or additionally – to the position detection device of the insertion device. In particular, the insertion device can be operated automatically by means of the control device.

[0036] A system according to the invention comprises a feeding device according to the invention as described above. The advantages of the feeding device according to the invention, as explained above, are therefore also transferred to the system according to the invention with such a feeding device. The system also comprises a construction machine for conveying viscous material. The construction machine has a conveying line for viscous material. The feeding device can be connected to, or is connected to, the conveying line for integrating a media separation device into the conveying line, in particular automatically. The system can include a controllable slide device for, in particular automatically, connecting the feeding device to the conveying line for viscous material and / or for, in particular automatically, disconnecting the feeding device from the conveying line for viscous material.After the media separation device has been introduced into the viscous material conveying line by means of the insertion device, the media separation device can be driven through the viscous material conveying line by means of the motive fluid, in particular in the manner of a free piston, especially to clean the viscous material conveying line by displacing viscous material located in the viscous material conveying line.

[0037] The insertion device is appropriately designed for use in the system.

[0038] A method according to the invention serves for the, in particular automatic, operation of a system according to the invention as described above. In this respect, the method according to the invention enables the exploitation of the advantages of the system according to the invention as explained above. The method comprises a step a) in which a media separation device is inserted between the piston, which is in its insertion end position, and the interior of the housing. The method also comprises a step b) in which the piston is moved to its intermediate venting position in order to guide the media separation device into the interior of the housing and to seal the interior of the housing fluid-tight opposite the outlet opening.The method further comprises a step c) according to which – when the piston is in its intermediate venting position – at least the interior area of ​​the housing between the media separation device and the piston is pressurized with motive fluid in order to vent at least this interior area by means of the venting device. The method further comprises a step d) according to which – when at least the interior area of ​​the housing has been vented – the piston is moved into its insertion end position in order to fluid-tightly separate the venting device from the pressurization device within the housing such that the media separation device is advanced away from the insertion device in the insertion direction in the high-viscosity conveying line by means of the motive fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated with reference to the drawings. In this context, identical reference numerals refer to identical, similar, or functionally equivalent components.

[0040] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without leaving the scope of the present invention, the invention being defined only by the attached claims. Fig. 1 shows in a schematic perspective view an embodiment of a system according to the invention with an embodiment of an insertion device according to the invention, Fig. 2 in a schematic view of a section led transversely to an insertion direction the insertion device according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 in schematic representation of a section carried out along the insertion direction, the insertion device according to the Figs. 1 and 2 with a piston in its receiving end position, Fig. 4 in a schematic representation of a section carried out along the insertion direction, a detail of the insertion device according to the Figs. 1 to 3 With the piston in its intermediate venting position, Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a section along the insertion direction, a detail of the insertion device according to the Figs. 1 to 4with the piston in its insertion end position, and Fig. 6 a flow diagram for a method carried out according to the invention for, in particular automatically, operating the system according to Fig. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLE

[0041] An insertion device 1 according to the invention is provided for inserting a media separation device M into a viscous material conveying line 51 of a construction machine 50 for conveying viscous material D. The media separation device M can comprise at least one pipeline pig. The media separation device M can comprise several pipeline pigs arranged side by side as a pig pack. The media separation device M or the pig pack can comprise a crumpled piece of paper, in particular from a crumpled construction material bag.

[0042] The injection device 1 is, for example, a component of a system 100 according to the invention. The injection device 1 can therefore be used in the system 100. The system 100 also includes the construction machine 50 for conveying viscous material D, which comprises the viscous material conveying line 51. The injection device 1 of the system 100 can be connected to the viscous material conveying line 51 or – as shown in Fig. 1 shown - connected to introduce a media separation device M into the thick material conveying line 51, in particular automatically.

[0043] The insertion device 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 has an interior 3. The interior 3 is designed to allow a media separation device M, which can be inserted into the high-viscosity conveying line 51, to pass through it along an insertion direction E of the insertion device 1. In particular, the interior 3 is hollow and cylindrical, extending axially along the insertion direction E.

[0044] The insertion device 1 also has an outlet opening 4 that opens the housing interior 3 in the insertion direction E. The housing interior 3 is opened in the insertion direction E by means of the outlet opening 4 such that a media separation device M located in the housing interior 3 can be inserted through the outlet opening 4 from the insertion device 1 into the high-viscosity conveying line 51. The outlet opening 4 can be designed for connection to the high-viscosity conveying line 51.

[0045] The insertion device 1 further comprises a controllable application device 5. The application device 5 is designed to apply a propellant fluid T to at least part of the interior of the housing 3. The propellant fluid T can be guided from the insertion device 1 into the interior of the housing 3 by means of the application device 5 to propel a media separation device M, which is to be inserted into the viscous material conveying line 51 in the insertion direction E, or – alternatively or additionally – a media separation device M that is already inserted, away from the insertion device 1.

[0046] The insertion device 1 also has a venting device 6. The venting device 6 serves to vent at least one interior area 7 of the housing interior 3 when it is at least partially supplied with propellant T. For example, the interior area 7 of the housing interior 3 can be vented by means of the venting device 6, wherein the interior area 7 can be supplied with propellant T by means of the supply device 5 in order to advance the media separation device M away from the insertion device 1.

[0047] The propellant T can be fresh water, process water, or a mixture of fresh water and process water.

[0048] The insertion device 1 also includes a piston 8. The piston 8 is adjustable relative to the housing 2 in the insertion direction E. The piston 8 is adjustable relative to the housing 2 in the insertion direction E in order to adjust a media separation device M located in front of the piston 8 in the insertion direction E relative to the housing 2. The media separation device M located in front of the piston 8 in the insertion direction E can therefore be moved relative to the housing 2 by means of the piston 8, in particular through and out of the housing interior 3.

[0049] Piston 8 has a receiving end position PA, shown in Fig. 3In the receiving end position PA, the piston 8 is positioned opposite the insertion direction E from the housing 2 such that a media separation device M, which can be inserted into the housing interior 3 by means of the piston 8, can be received between the piston 8 and the housing interior 3. In the receiving end position PA, the piston 8 is, for example, arranged at a distance from the housing interior 3.

[0050] Piston 8 also has an intermediate venting position PZ, shown in Fig. 4 In the intermediate venting position PZ, the actuation device 5 and the venting device 6 are fluidly connected to each other via the housing interior 3. Furthermore, the housing interior 3 is fluid-tightly sealed at one end opposite the outlet opening 4 and the insertion direction E by means of the piston 8.

[0051] Furthermore, piston 8 has an insertion end position PE, shown in Fig. 5In the insertion end position PE, the piston 8 separates the actuation device 5 from the venting device 6 in a fluid-tight manner within the housing interior 3.

[0052] The piston 8 can be adjusted in the insertion direction E from its receiving end position PA via its intermediate venting position PZ to its insertion end position PE. Furthermore, the piston 8 can be adjusted back from its insertion end position PE via the intermediate venting position PZ to its receiving end position PA, in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E.

[0053] System 100 can have a controllable slide gate device 52. By means of the slide gate device 52, the feed device 1 can be attached to the high-viscosity conveying line 51, in particular automatically, and can be disconnected from the high-viscosity conveying line 51, in particular in a high-viscosity conveying line.

[0054] For example, the actuation device 5 has a fluid channel 10. The fluid channel 10 is designed to carry propellant fluid T. In this case, the fluid channel 10 opens into the interior of the housing 3. The fluid channel 10 can open into the interior of the housing 3 transversely to the insertion direction E and – alternatively or additionally – against a direction of gravity G. In this case, the fluid channel 10 opens into the interior of the housing 3 perpendicular to the insertion direction E and against the direction of gravity G.

[0055] The venting device 6, for example, includes a sensor device 11. In this case, the sensor device 11 is configured to detect propellant fluid T. The sensor device 11 can be configured to detect propellant fluid T that wets the venting device 6. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 11 can be configured to detect propellant fluid T that flows into, or alternatively or additionally, through the venting device 6.

[0056] The controllable supply device 5 comprises a controllable valve device 9. The valve device 9 allows propellant fluid T to flow through it, at least partially, to supply the housing interior 3. In particular, the supply of propellant fluid T to the housing interior 3, at least partially, can be controlled by means of the controllable valve device 9.

[0057] The venting device 6 is connected, via a fluid-conducting connection, to an external environment U of the injection device 1, facing away from the housing interior 3. For example, air L can be discharged from the housing interior 3 into the external environment U by means of the venting device 6. The air L to be discharged can be displaced from the interior area 7 by means of propellant T when the interior area 7 is supplied with propellant T. The venting device 6 has a vent channel 13, which is designed to allow air L to flow through it. The vent channel 13 opens into the housing interior 3. Facing away from the housing interior 3, the vent channel 13 can open into the external environment U. The vent channel 13 can open into the housing interior 3 transversely to the injection direction E and – alternatively or additionally – in the direction of gravity G.It is conceivable that the vent channel 13 opens into the interior of the housing 3 at the top of the housing 2 at an angle of, for example, + / - 15° with respect to the direction of gravity G. However, in this case, the vent channel 13 opens into the interior of the housing 3 perpendicular to the insertion direction E and in the direction of gravity G.

[0058] The fluid channel 10 and the vent channel 13 open into the housing interior 3 at a distance A from each other with respect to the insertion direction E. The distance A can be measured parallel to the insertion direction E. The extension B of a sealing element 14 of the piston 8, particularly its axial extension, with respect to the insertion direction E can be at most as large as the distance A. The extension B can be measured parallel to the distance A.

[0059] The sealing element 14 of the piston 8 is designed to extend around the insertion direction E. The sealing element 14 can be designed to be annular. The sealing element 14 is designed, for example, to form a fluid-tight seal against the housing 2 on the inside, and alternatively or additionally, to create a self-reinforcing seal. The sealing element 14 can therefore be made to form a fluid-tight seal against an inner surface of the housing 2 that partially defines the housing interior 3. The sealing element 14 is, for example, formed a fluid-tight seal against the housing 2 in the insertion end position PE and in the intermediate venting position PZ, and especially in the positions between these two positions.

[0060] The housing 2, for example, has a vent opening 15. The vent channel 13 communicates fluid-conductingly with the housing interior 3 via the vent opening 15. In the insertion end position PE, the vent opening 15 can be fluid-tightly closed by means of the piston 8. In this case, the vent opening 15 is only fluid-tightly closed by means of the piston 8 when the piston 8 is in its insertion end position PE. The vent opening 15 can have an inner diameter of 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular from 5 mm to 20 mm, in this case approximately 15 mm.

[0061] The insertion device 1, for example, has a controllable drive device 12. In this case, the controllable drive device 12 is configured to adjust the piston 8 along the insertion direction E. The drive device 12 can be configured to adjust the piston 8 linearly along the insertion direction E.

[0062] The insertion device 1, for example, has a position detection device 20. In this case, the position detection device 20 is configured to detect the position of the piston 8. For example, the position detection device 20 can be configured to detect the receiving end position PA. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection device 20 can be configured to detect the intermediate venting position PZ. Alternatively or additionally, the position detection device 20 can be configured to detect the insertion end position PE. In this case, the position detection device 20 is configured to detect the receiving end position PA, the intermediate venting position PZ, and the insertion end position PE of the piston 8 relative to the housing 2.

[0063] The piston 8, for example, has a piston body 16. The sealing device 14 of the piston 8 is arranged circumferentially on the piston body 16. The piston 8 has a plunger 17 projecting from the piston body 16 along the insertion direction E. In this case, the plunger 17 projects from the piston body 16 in the insertion direction E. The plunger 17 serves to contact a media separation device M that is adjustable by means of the piston 8. A media separation device M contacted by the plunger 17 can be pressurized with motive fluid T at least in the insertion end position PE of the piston 8 in order to advance the media separation device M away from the plunger 17 in the insertion direction E. For example, the media separation device M contacted by the plunger 17 can be pressurized with motive fluid T when the interior of the housing 3 is at least partially pressurized with motive fluid T.In particular, the media separation device M contacted by the plunger 17 can be supplied with propellant T, which is guided past the plunger 17 and – alternatively or additionally – through the plunger 17. In the present case, the propellant T can be guided past and through the plunger 17 in order to supply the media separation device M contacted by the plunger 17.

[0064] The insertion device 1 includes a receiving device 18. The receiving device 18 serves to receive the media separation device M, which can be inserted into the housing interior 3 by means of the piston 8. The receiving device 18 connects to the housing 2 and / or the housing interior 3 opposite the insertion direction E. In this case, the receiving device 18 is connected to the housing 2 opposite the outlet opening 4. The media separation device M, to be received by the receiving device 18, can be fed into the receiving device 18, for example, transversely to the insertion direction E, when the piston 8 is in its receiving end position PA. In this case, the media separation device M can only be fed into the receiving device 18 when the piston 8 is in its receiving end position PA.

[0065] The receiving device 18 can have a hatch 21, for example a sensor-monitored one, for closing a feed opening 22 of the receiving device 18. The feed opening 22 can be designed to feed the media separation device M to be received through the feed opening 22.

[0066] For example, the insertion device 1 has a control device 19. In this case, the control device 19 is designed for the, in particular automatic, insertion of the media separation device M into the high-viscosity conveying line 51. The control device 19 is operatively connected, for example, to the controllable actuation device 5, in this case to the controllable valve device 9 of the actuation device 5. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 19 is operatively connected to the controllable drive device 12. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 19 is operatively connected to the sensor device 11 of the venting device 6. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 19 is operatively connected to the position detection device 20.

[0067] After the media separation device M has been inserted into the viscous material conveying line 51, it can be advanced through the viscous material conveying line 51 by means of the motive fluid T, particularly in the manner of a free piston. As a result of the media separation device M being advanced through the viscous material conveying line 51, viscous material D present in the viscous material conveying line 51 opposite the motive fluid T can be displaced in order to clean the viscous material conveying line 51.

[0068] A method V according to the invention serves to operate the system 100. For example, the system 100 can be operated automatically according to method V. The method comprises a step a) in which a media separation device M is received between the piston 8, located in its receiving end position PA, and the housing interior 3.

[0069] Method V also includes a step b) according to which the piston 8 is moved to its intermediate venting position PZ, so that the media separation device M is introduced into the housing interior 3 and the housing interior 3 is closed fluid-tight opposite the outlet opening 4 by means of the piston 8.

[0070] Method V further comprises a step c) according to which – when the piston 8 is in its intermediate venting position PZ – at least the interior area 7 of the housing interior 3 between the media separating device M and the piston 8 is supplied with propellant fluid T in order to vent at least the interior area 7 by means of the venting device 6. The interior area 7 can be substantially sealed off from the propellant fluid on the one hand by means of the media separating device M and on the other hand by means of the piston 8.

[0071] Furthermore, the method V includes a step d) according to which - if at least the interior area 7 of the housing interior 3 is vented - the piston 8 is moved into its insertion end position PE, so that the venting device 6 is fluid-tightly separated from the actuation device 5 within the housing interior 3 by means of the piston 8 in such a way that the media separation device M is driven away from the insertion device 1 in the insertion direction E in the viscous material conveying line 51 by means of the motive fluid T.

Claims

1. Introduction device (1) for introducing a media separation device (M) into a thick-matter conveying line (51) of a construction machine (50) for conveying thick matter (D), the introduction device (1) comprising: - a housing (2), which has a housing interior (3) for guiding the media separation device (M), which can be introduced into the thick-matter conveying line (51), along an introduction direction (E) of the introduction device (1), - an outlet opening (4) opening the housing interior (3) in the introduction direction (E) in such a way that the media separation device (M) located in the housing interior (3) can be introduced through the outlet opening (4) from the introduction device (1) into the thick-matter conveying line (51), - a controllable application device (5) for applying a driving fluid (T) to at least some regions of the housing interior (3) in order to drive the media separation device (M), which is being introduced and / or has been introduced into the thick-matter conveying line (51) in the introduction direction (E), away from the introduction device (1), - a venting device (6) for venting at least an interior region (7) of the housing interior (3) when applying driving fluid (T) to at least some regions, and - a piston (8), wherein the piston (8) is movable in the introduction direction (E) relative to the housing (2) in order to move the media separation device (M), which is located in front of the piston (8) in the introduction direction (E), relative to the housing (2), - wherein the piston (8) has a receiving end position (PA), in which it is removed from the housing (2) counter to the introduction direction (E) in such a way that the media separation device (M), which can be inserted by means of the piston (8) into the housing interior (3), can be received between the piston (8) and the housing interior (3), - wherein the piston (8) has a venting intermediate position (PZ), in which the application device (5) and the venting device (6) are fluid-conductively connected to each other by means of the housing interior (3) and in which the housing interior (3) is fluid-tightly closed opposite the outlet opening (4) counter to the introduction direction (E) by means of the piston (8), - wherein the piston (8) has an introduction end position (PE), in which it separates the application device (5) fluid-tightly from the venting device (6) within the housing interior (3).

2. Introduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the application device (5) has a fluid channel (10) for driving fluid (T) to flow through, - wherein the fluid channel (10) opens into the housing interior (3), in particular transversely to the introduction direction (E) and / or counter to a direction of gravity (G).

3. Introduction device (1) according to either of the preceding claims, - wherein the venting device (6) has a sensor device (11) for detecting driving fluid (T), which driving fluid is in particular wetting the venting device (6) and / or flowing into and / or through the venting device (6).

4. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the controllable application device (5) has a controllable valve device (9), through which, depending on the control, driving fluid (T) for application to at least some regions of the housing interior (3) can flow.

5. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the venting device (6) facing away from the housing interior (3) communicates fluid-conductively with an external environment (U) of the introduction device (1).

6. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the venting device (6) has a venting channel (13) through which air (L) flows, - wherein the venting channel (13) opens into the housing interior (3), in particular transversely to the introduction direction (E) and / or in a direction of gravity (G).

7. Introduction device (1) at least according to Claim 2, - wherein the fluid channel (10) of the application device and the venting channel (13) open into the housing interior (3) at a distance (A) from each other with respect to the introduction direction (E), - in particular wherein the distance (A) is at least as large as an extent (B) of a sealing device (14) of the piston (8) with respect to the introduction direction (E).

8. Introduction device (1) according to either of the two preceding claims, - wherein the housing (2) has a venting opening (15), by means of which the venting channel (13) and the housing interior (3) communicate fluid-conductively with each other, - wherein the piston (8), in particular exclusively in its introduction end position (PE), closes the venting opening (15) fluid-tightly.

9. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the introduction device (1) has a controllable drive device (12) for the, in particular linear, movement of the piston (8) along the introduction direction (E); and / or - wherein the introduction device (1) has a position detection device (20) for detecting a position of the piston (8), in particular the receiving end position (PA) and / or the venting intermediate position (PZ) and / or the introduction end position (PE), relative to the housing (2).

10. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the piston (8) has an, in particular annularly, encircling sealing device (14) for, in particular internally encircling and / or self-reinforcing, fluid-tight placing onto the housing (2), - in particular wherein the sealing device (14) is placed fluid-tightly on the housing (2) in the introduction end position (PE) and in the venting intermediate position (PZ).

11. Introduction device (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the piston (8) has a piston body (16) on which the sealing device (14) is arranged in encircling fashion, - wherein the piston (8) has a ram (17) protruding from the piston body (16) along the introduction direction (E) for contacting the media separation device (M), which is movable by means of the piston (8), - wherein, at least in the introduction end position (PE) of the piston (8), driving fluid (T) which is guided in particular past the ram (17) and / or through the ram (17) can be applied to the media separation device (M) contacted by the ram (17), in particular during application to at least some regions of the housing interior (3), in order to drive the media separation device (M) away from the ram (17) in the introduction direction (E).

12. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the introduction device (1) has a receiving device (18) for receiving the media separation device (M) which can be introduced into the housing interior (3) by means of the piston (8), - wherein the receiving device (18) adjoins the housing (2) counter to the introduction direction (E), - in particular wherein the media separation device (M) to be received can be supplied to the receiving device (18) transversely to the introduction direction (E), in particular exclusively when the piston (8) is in its receiving end position (PA).

13. Introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - wherein the introduction device (1) has a control device (19) for, in particular automatically, introducing the media separation device (M) into the thick-matter conveying line (51), - wherein the control device (19) is operatively connected to the controllable application device (5), in particular to a controllable valve device (9) of the application device (5), and / or to a controllable drive device (12) of the introduction device (1) and / or to a sensor device (11) of the venting device (6) and / or to a position detection device (20) of the introduction device (1).

14. System (100), which comprises: - an introduction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - a construction machine (50) for conveying thick matter (D), the construction machine (50) having a thick-matter conveying line (51), and - wherein the introduction device (1) is connectable or connected to the thick-matter conveying line (51) in order to introduce a media separation device (M) into the thick-matter conveying line (51), in particular automatically.

15. Method (V) for, in particular automatically, operating a system (100) according to the preceding claim, the method (V) comprising the steps of: a) receiving a media separation device (M) between the piston (8) in its receiving end position (PA) and the housing interior (3); b) moving the piston (8) to its venting intermediate position (PZ) in order to insert the media separation device (M) into the housing interior (3) and to close the housing interior (3) fluid-tightly opposite the outlet opening (4); c) when the piston (8) is in its venting intermediate position (PZ) : applying driving fluid (T) at least to the interior region (7) of the housing interior (3) between the media separation device (M) and the piston (8) in order to vent at least the interior region (7) by means of the venting device (6); and d) if at least the interior region (7) of the housing interior (3) is vented: moving the piston (8) into its introduction end position (PE) in order to separate the venting device (6) fluid-tightly from the application device (5) within the housing interior (3) by means of the piston (8) in such a way that the media separation device (M) is driven away from the introduction device (1) by means of the driving fluid (T) in the introduction direction (E) in the thick-matter conveying line (51).