Device and method for producing surface-structured concrete components

Abstract

The invention relates to a concrete block manufacturing device (10) and a manufacturing method for distributing free-flowing material (40), in particular granules (42), to form a surface layer (34) of such material on a concrete block base (44). At least one component (A) of a free-flowing material (40) is fed to the device (10). The device (10) comprises a feeding element (12), a distribution device (14), and at least one opening element (16).It is proposed that the portioning device (18) has at least one linear portioning section (14), wherein the free-flowing material (40) can be fed in a controllable manner via the at least one feed element (12) along the linear portioning section (14), and the free-flowing material (40) of a portioning section (14) can subsequently be conveyed out via a distribution section (L) via the opening element (20) and applied via this opening element (20) to a surface (28) of the concrete block base body (44) to form a linear trickle section (R), such that the areal distribution of the free-flowing material (40) along the trickle section (R) corresponds to the volumetric distribution of the free-flowing material (40) in the portioning section (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a concrete block manufacturing device for distributing free-flowing material, in particular granules, to form an at least partially formed surface layer of such material on a concrete block base body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a concrete block manufacturing method using such a concrete block manufacturing device.

[0002] In the concrete block manufacturing device and by the method, at least one component of a free-flowing material is fed in. The device comprises at least one feed element, a portioning device, and at least one opening element, so that the free-flowing material can be spread evenly over the surface of a concrete block base body in a predetermined arrangement and / or mixture.

[0003] The aim of the device and method is to produce a concrete block with a surface that is at least two or more colors, in particular mostly speckled, which can be created by sprinkling various free-flowing components with an individually selectable color scheme. In particular, the device and method can be used to create patterns or images that are made possible by the targeted feeding of different components of the free-flowing material into the portioning device. For example, a striped pattern can be created by sequentially dispensing different components from the portioning device. In other words, a type of image or pattern can be applied, comparable to a printer. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Devices and methods are known from the prior art which are designed to apply a surface layer of at least one component, as well as a mixture of at least two different components, to a concrete block base body.

[0005] EP 2 910 354 A1, for example, discloses a device and method for applying patterned surface structures to paving stones and for producing the paving stones. A filling carriage, which is mounted for movement along a guide rail, can transport different materials to the molds for producing the paving stones. The filling carriage has a first chamber containing the base material and at least one second chamber containing the material for applying the surface structure. A feed device allows the material from the second chamber to reach at least one perforated plate. This is achieved via at least one movable metering element in the form of a mill wheel.

[0006] DE 10 2014 010 259 A1 discloses a manufacturing method for concrete elements. The concrete elements comprise at least one concrete layer. Concrete is poured into a mold for at least one element. The concrete is then compacted by means of vibration and / or stamping. Before compaction, at least one portion of a granular material is applied to the concrete layer using an application device. This can consist of colored or differently colored granular material. The material can be sprinkled or thrown onto the concrete layer using the application device, wherein the application device comprises at least one trickling device, a centrifugal disc, or a paddle wheel. The application device comprises a paddle wheel that rotates about an axis orthogonal to the surface of the mold production base, allowing the material to be distributed over a large area.

[0007] EP 1510 314 B1 discloses a method and apparatus for producing multicolored concrete blocks, comprising a silo and a filling carriage movable between the silo and a molding template. The silo has at least two chambers that can fill different materials into the at least two receiving spaces of the filling carriage. The filling carriage is first positioned beneath the silo and filled, and then moved to the molding templates for producing the concrete blocks. The concrete block is filled with the material from the first receiving space on the outward travel. On the return travel, a surface layer is applied using the material from the second receiving space. A distribution roller can be arranged at each outlet of the receiving spaces so that the material is evenly distributed from the receiving space onto the molding template.The distribution rollers run over the entire length of the outlets of the receiving spaces and are therefore filled with material over the entire length.

[0008] DD 246 075 A1 shows another device for coating concrete elements. The goal is to achieve a uniform coating with grit of varying grain sizes. For this purpose, a grit hopper with a trough is moved over the concrete elements. A cone of grit is formed within the grit hopper. A rotating rotary wheel removes grit from the cone and throws it onto a distribution plate attached to the grit hopper. The rotary wheel has sector-shaped chambers and rotates against the movement of the grit within the grit hopper.

[0009] EP 1 827 784 B4 proposes a method for producing concrete blocks, in which finishing material is ejected by means of a dosing container and a dosing bar. The finishing material falls from the dosing container onto a rotating centrifugal disc. Bars are arranged on the centrifugal disc so that the finishing material is partially carried along with the rotation of the centrifugal disc and ejected by centrifugal force. The centrifugal disc with the silo is moved over the surface of the concrete blocks during processing. This gives the concrete blocks an irregular surface structure because the finishing material is distributed in an uncontrolled manner. The concrete blocks then have an irregularly mottled surface with varying layer thicknesses.

[0010] EP 3 546 165 A1 relates to a generic device and method for producing surface-structured concrete components. Free-flowing material is introduced centrally into a distribution device at points and is initially distributed evenly in one dimension by means of a screw conveyor. A cellular wheel known as a spiked roller can apply the free-flowing material over a large area as part of a relative movement between the application device and the concrete form. Thus, only a uniform, zero-dimensionally supplied free-flowing material can be spread two-dimensionally onto a concrete form. Controllable distribution of the free-flowing material or the application of different types of free-flowing material to different surface areas is therefore not possible.

[0011] DE 10 2015 000 210 A1 describes a method for applying relief structure images to a panel element. The material for the relief structure is placed in a negative mold.

[0012] DD 225 386 A1 shows a device for applying chippings using a mobile container. A metering roller is installed in the container to ensure even application.

[0013] DE 37 10 971 A1 discloses a manufacturing method for a composite building block comprising a core material and a cover layer. The cover layer is sprinkled on, with the scattering material stored in a scattering device and dispensed from there.

[0014] DE 10 2018 116 302 B4 shows a dosing device for producing patterned bricks. Two different components are applied from a hopper through an outlet onto a surface. One of the components can be dispensed through individual openings located on the underside of an outlet and closable. This is possible in segments, as the individual openings can be closed by a slide. Another component can be introduced over the entire length, with a drive unit accelerating the dispensing of the component through a back-and-forth movement.

[0015] US Pat. No. 3,104,184 A discloses a device in which different materials can be applied to a surface via a funnel element having multiple chambers. The funnel element is moved over the surface, and the different materials are discharged from the chambers.

[0016] US 1 584 557 A shows a device which has two funnel elements arranged parallel to each other, wherein the output from both funnels is controlled independently of each other.

[0017] US 2008 / 079185 A1 shows a device in which the material to be applied is distributed along the elongated funnel element by a distribution screw.

[0018] A further distribution device for free-flowing material is shown in EP 2 069 120 A2, EP 3 546 165 A1 and EP 1 510 314 A2, wherein EP 3 546 165 A1 discloses a concrete block manufacturing device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0019] The problem is that in order to form a flat surface layer with a constant layer thickness and uniform material density, the free-flowing or granular material must be conveyed out of the device. In the prior art, this is achieved by manufacturing and providing containers or silos with specially designed opening devices for the respective system, into which the free-flowing material is first transferred from the storage containers and then fed into the device. The length over which the material can ultimately leave the device depends on the length of the opening area or the length of the silo from which the material is fed to the device. The simultaneous production of surface layers on several adjacent concrete blocks would therefore require a very long silo with a very long opening area.Accordingly, the number of surface layers that can be produced simultaneously is limited by the length of the silo's opening. Furthermore, if a silo with a very long opening is low in fill level, an even distribution of material across the entire length of the opening cannot always be ensured.

[0020] Furthermore, it is difficult to create uniform or predetermined patterns or structures with the surface layer because the material is shed uncontrollably. A pattern formed, for example, from stripes of different grain sizes and / or different color elements cannot be created using the known devices and methods.

[0021] In addition, there is the problem that when changing the material, i.e. when replacing it with another material from which the surface layer is to be made, the feed container specially manufactured for the device must first be emptied and then filled with the new material, or a second special container must be stored already filled with the new material.

[0022] Also, individually adjustable mixing ratios of different materials cannot be finely adjusted.

[0023] The design of the distribution and further transport of the free-flowing material within the device or in a similar process is crucial for optimizing the production times for surface coatings with the aforementioned properties. A key role is played by the process step from the feeding of the free-flowing material from any storage container to its flat distribution on a concrete block surface.

[0024] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a concrete block manufacturing device and a method with which a free-flowing material consisting of at least one component, preferably two or more components that can be mixed individually in proportion, can be fed to the device to form an at least partial surface layer on a concrete block, regardless of the design of the feed area, in particular the length, and yet an at least linear distribution of the material is ensured. The feed can therefore take place from any container, i.e. containers of any shape and size. A transfer process into a container specially dimensioned for the system is not necessary. Furthermore, with such a device, the number of surface layers that can be produced synchronously on adjacently arranged concrete blocks is not limited by the length of the feed area from a storage container.

[0025] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention that the component from which the material is made can be exchanged quickly and flexibly in order to be able to produce surfaces with patterns from different components one after the other without having to accept long downtimes of the system.

[0026] This object is achieved by a concrete block manufacturing device and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The subject matter of the invention is a concrete block manufacturing device for distributing free-flowing material, in particular granulate, to form an at least partially formed surface layer of such material on a concrete block base body, wherein at least one component of a free-flowing material can be fed to the device, comprising at least one feed element, a portioning device and at least one opening element.The portioning device has at least one linear portioning section, wherein the free-flowing material can be fed in a controlled manner along the linear portioning section via the at least one feed element. The free-flowing material from one portioning section can then be conveyed out via a distribution section via the opening element and applied via this opening element to a surface of the concrete block base body to form a linear trickling section, such that the areal distribution of the free-flowing material along the trickling section corresponds to the volumetric distribution of the free-flowing material in the portioning section. Advantageously, the material can be trickled out evenly via the opening element, so that a planar, two-dimensional distribution of the material can be achieved.In the case of uneven distribution along the portioning section, a three-dimensional structuring of the material distribution can also be achieved. The portioning device comprises at least two portioning sections and is rotatable, so that the portioning sections can be filled one after the other by the at least one feed element.

[0028] It is proposed that the at least one feed element for filling the portioning section is movable along the portioning section and at the same time is designed to dispense free-flowing material, and in particular has a pneumatic or electromechanical valve.

[0029] This proposes a device in which free-flowing bedding granules can be fed from one, two, or more silos to at least one feed element. The granules are controllably distributed over a length of the positioning device by relative movement of the feed element to the positioning device and can leave the device, i.e., trickle out, at least one-dimensionally, i.e., linearly. The feed from the silos can be effected, for example, via at least one conveyor belt.

[0030] In particular, this occurs via at least one downpipe. In one embodiment, the feed element itself can form a type of silo or storage container and store and discharge a certain amount of free-flowing material. Controllable in this case means that both the quantity and the selection of granules can be influenced during distribution along the length of the positioning device, at least in binary sections, and can be switched on or off. Thus, the type and quantity of granules are adjustable along the length of the positioning device, allowing the resulting flow pattern to be influenced or adjusted.After the free-flowing material has been temporarily stored in the portioning device in a controlled manner, the material is conveyed out of the device via a linear opening element and distributed over a non-cured surface of a concrete product, wherein the distribution device can advantageously be moved relative to the surface of the concrete product and the material can therefore be applied over a surface, ie at least two-dimensionally, to the surface.

[0031] For this purpose, either the concrete product can be stationary and the portioning device can be moved above it, or the portioning device can be stationary and the concrete product can be moved below it. In this way, the plane on which the concrete block bases rest can be shifted relative to the device, allowing at least a two-dimensional surface layer to be created. A combination of both movements is also possible.

[0032] A planar distribution of the material is particularly predefined, which means that the exact position at which the material impacts the surface of the concrete block base body is defined by the portioning device. The material impacts the surface in particular vertically. This means in particular that the material leaves the portioning device without any horizontal throwing movement or horizontal speed. Preferably, the material also impacts the surface without any horizontal throwing movement, so that the position of the individual elements of the free-flowing material, in which they are arranged longitudinally along the portioning device relative to one another on the distribution path, remains unchanged when the elements of the free-flowing material impact the surface of the concrete block base body. This advantageously makes it possible to create a predefined structure or a regular pattern.This is advantageously achieved in that the travel speed of the portioning device over the surface of the concrete block base body is coordinated with a counter-rotating movement of the portioning device or of a cell wheel contained therein, through which the free-flowing material is dispensed.

[0033] For this purpose, the concrete block base can be provided with an unconsolidated, i.e., not fully set, facing layer into which the free-flowing material is sprinkled and embedded, or it can have an unconsolidated surface. However, it is conceivable for the free-flowing material to be applied to an already set, i.e., solidified, base and secured to the already solidified base through an additional fastening step, e.g., using an adhesive material. The free-flowing material can also have self-adhesive properties to solidify on the surface.

[0034] Preferably, the core concrete, i.e., the concrete block base, is produced first, followed by a surface layer. In particular, the device first travels to the last concrete block base, and then applies the free-flowing material to the concrete block base during a return travel. This advantageously allows the portioning device to be refilled while the next concrete block bases are being produced, since the portioning device is already back in its starting position after the material has been discharged.

[0035] An at least partial surface layer means in particular that a certain amount of material which can be controlled in a linear or linear manner is stored in the at least one portioning section and is applied locally to the surface from there.

[0036] The free-flowing material or granulate is a granular to powdery, easily pourable solid and can be, for example, a mineral granulate, in particular rock or sand granulate, glass granulate, or plastic or wood granulate. It is also conceivable for the free-flowing material to contain or consist of metallic or other granular or powdery substances. The free-flowing material is preferably a color contrasting with the concrete block base material to create a visually pleasing effect.

[0037] The manufacture of special feed silos or feed containers with very long opening areas is therefore not necessary. Free-flowing material consisting of at least one component from any container can be fed to a device according to the invention at specific points, e.g. via a conveyor belt or downpipe, while nevertheless ensuring a controllable linear distribution of the material upon exiting the device. Likewise, the feed element can be designed in the shape of a funnel or in the shape of a hollow cylinder or a combination thereof, wherein the opening cross-section of the feed element has a small diameter or a small longest cross-sectional dimension in relation to the length of the distribution device. After the free-flowing material has been fed to the feed element, at least one positioning section is advantageously first filled with the material in a controllable manner.The opening element can then be opened, and the material can exit the linear opening element. When changing the material, it is advantageous to keep the opening element closed until the new material or the new mixing ratio is distributed over the entire length of the portioning section, i.e., completely fills it.

[0038] The at least one feed element can be designed as a funnel. If several different components are fed, each component can be stored and dispensed in a separate feed element. In one embodiment, two to six, in particular four, feed elements can be included. Two feed elements can also be filled with the same component. Preferably, each feed element can be opened and closed individually so that the respective component can be dispensed at a desired time. In particular, a time can be determined during which the at least one feed element is moved relative to the portioning device.

[0039] The device comprises a portioning device for portioning the free-flowing material. This ensures that the material does not impact the concrete block surface in an indefinable amount upon exiting through the opening element, thereby creating a surface layer with an uneven layer thickness. By portioning the material, the amount of material to be conveyed out of the device can be determined. In particular, a portioning section, which can be designed, for example, as a rectangular, separate area, allows a certain amount of material to be stored in the portioning device. In this portioning section, a selected component or a selected distribution of different components can be stored in a precise position before being released onto the surface of the concrete elements. This allows a predetermined and controlled pattern to be created on the surface.The linear portioning sections are designed, in particular, as rectangular, flat chambers, whereby several portioning sections can be arranged side by side and / or one above the other. The length is several times greater than the width and / or height of each portioning section.

[0040] The portioning device comprises at least two portioning sections. These are preferably filled sequentially and independently of one another by the same or different feed elements. This allows, for example, a pattern to be created on the concrete block surface if the two portioning sections are emptied one after the other while at least the portioning device is moved relative to the concrete block surface. Likewise, at least one portioning section can be left unfilled to create a partially formed surface layer.

[0041] The portioning device must be rotatable so that the portioning sections can be filled one after the other by the at least one feed element. The rotation axis runs, in particular, parallel to the trickle section. This allows the individual portioning sections to be dispensed one after the other by rotating the portioning device.

[0042] The at least one feed element is movable along the portioning section for filling the portioning section and is simultaneously designed for the controllable dispensing of free-flowing material. Thus, the portioning section can be filled while the feed element is moving.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the portioning device can comprise at least two portioning sections, which are separated from each other, in particular, by separating elements. The free-flowing material can thus be stored independently in each portioning section before being conveyed out via the opening element on the underside of the portioning device. The separating elements can be strip-shaped and made of rubber or a rubber profile. The remaining elements of the portioning device can be made of aluminum.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, two or more components, in particular differently colored components, of the free-flowing material can be fed into the device, with each component or a mixing ratio of different components being stored in a separate feed element. For example, depending on the travel speed and a controllable discharge of the material from the respective feed element, the mixing ratio of the components in each portioning section can be individually controlled. In a further embodiment, the feed elements can be opened at different times. For example, different components can be deposited along the length of each portioning section, creating a corresponding pattern on the surface of the concrete block base body.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the device, in particular at least the portioning device with the opening element, can be displaceable in at least one direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the opening element over the surface of the concrete block base body, such that the free-flowing material can be distributed in a trickling manner onto a surface to form a surface layer, i.e. at least one two-dimensional plane, in particular a surface. After the material has left the device on a linear trickling path, an at least two-dimensional flat surface layer can be formed from a one-dimensional distribution of the material by moving the device or the plane on which the concrete block base bodies are arranged relative to the concrete block surface or relative to the device.The thickness of the surface layer can be controlled by the speed of the device or the level with the concrete block base bodies.

[0046] The drop height at which the material leaves the opening element can be between 50 mm and 100 mm, in particular 70 mm, 80 mm, or 90 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the drop height is 70 mm, with the portioning device moving very close to the surface of the concrete block base. This very low drop height can support the application of a defined structure.

[0047] The at least one feed element is movable relative to the portioning device. In particular, the feed element can be releasably attached to the portioning device via a holding device. Thus, after filling, the portioning device can be detached from the feed element and the holding device and moved independently over the concrete block base body. The holding device can be mounted in a stationary and immovable manner, for example, on a machine frame. The holding device preferably has the length of the portioning device, so that the feed element can be moved over the entire length of the portioning section and fill it. The holding device can be mounted on the machine frame with vibration dampers.This allows the feed element and portioning device to be moved separately from one another, whereby the feed element can only be moved along the linear portioning section, but does not have to be moved with the portioning device over the concrete block base body, thus enabling a structurally simple and fault-prone construction.

[0048] Preferably, the feed element can signal, in particular a control signal, that the portioning device is completely filled. This can indicate that the material can be applied to the surface of the concrete block base body directly via the portioning device. Furthermore, the feed element can receive a signal when the portioning device is completely empty, so that it can then be refilled by the feed element.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one feed element can have a pneumatic or electromechanical valve. The feed element, in particular, has a pneumatic or electromechanical valve on its underside so that the dispensing of the component can be controlled.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a rotational speed of the portioning device, in particular of a cellular wheel contained in the portioning device that receives the free-flowing material, can correspond to a feed speed at which the device can be moved over the surface of the concrete block base body, wherein a direction of the rotational speed is aligned opposite a direction of the feed speed. This can ensure, in particular, that the free-flowing material leaves the portioning device without a horizontal speed component and impacts the surface of the concrete block base body without a horizontal speed component. For example, the device moves over the concrete block base body in a feed direction with a known feed speed.For example, the portioning device rotates in the opposite direction to the feed speed as the device moves. In particular, these speeds are coordinated in such a way that the free-flowing material does not experience any speed component in the horizontal direction when it leaves the portioning device. This ensures that the material can be applied to the surface in a defined and precise manner, so that defined and, in particular, regular structures or patterns can be created on the surface using the free-flowing material. In particular, images or even letters can be created, with the device acting as a type of printer. The device can therefore apply defined images to a surface in a similar way to a printer.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the free-flowing material can be discharged from the portioning device without a horizontal velocity component, whereby a predefined structure can be formed on the surface of the concrete block base body. This can be achieved in particular by the feed speed corresponding to the rotational speed, but with this rotational movement and the feed movement being counter-rotating. This results in no residual horizontal velocity being applied to the free-flowing material. Consequently, the two speeds are particularly coordinated with one another and controlled interdependently.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the portioning device can comprise a cellular wheel with strip-shaped separating elements. The cellular wheel can rotate around a longitudinal axis, and the free-flowing material can be stored between the separating elements and conveyed out via an opening element on the underside of the portioning device. The feed element controllably fills one linear cell of the cellular wheel along the linear portioning section. Each cell corresponds to a "row" of a printed image to be produced on the concrete block base body. By controlled filling of all cells, a "line-by-line printed image" is stored in the cellular wheel, which can be scattered onto the surface of the concrete block base body by rotating the cellular wheel.By rotating the portioning device, the material is temporarily stored between the individual separating elements in individual circumferential sections, each of which forms a portioning section, of the portioning device.

[0053] This rotation moves a peripheral side section from the top of the portioning device to the bottom, with the material scattering out of the peripheral side section of the portioning device at the bottom, i.e., discharging it vertically downwards. Thus, the amount of material leaving the device can be determined by the rotation speed of the portioning device and the size of the peripheral side sections, i.e., the portioning sections. Preferably, the rotation speed is synchronized with the relative movement of the portioning device above the concrete block base body such that each "row" is scattered at a predeterminable location. Advantageously, all separating elements are designed as flat surfaces. Furthermore, the separating elements are advantageously all arranged at the same distance from the adjacent separating element. The portioning device is therefore advantageously divided into equally sized sections.For example, four to ten, and especially eight, separating elements can be arranged around the circumference of the portioning device. The more separating elements provided, the higher the "line density" of a printable pattern. The individual separating elements of the cellular wheel define line areas of an image in which individual lines of free-flowing material can be applied length-selectively by the feed element, like individual print lines of an image. The individual lines are scattered vertically and without a horizontal projection component by rotating the cellular wheel, preferably in the opposite direction to the movement of the portioning device during the application of the free-flowing material to the concrete surface, in order to be able to scatter free-flowing material of a predeterminable color and grain size with pinpoint accuracy at predeterminable locations on the concrete surface.This makes it possible, for example, to print an image comparable to offset rotary printing. The feeder writes the individual lines onto the cellular wheel, which receives the image to be printed line by line, distributed around its circumference. To ensure the lines are distributed in the correct position, the rotary pressure of the cellular wheel is synchronized in reverse with the movement of the portioning device over the concrete surface.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the cellular wheel can have at least three, in particular four to eight portioning sections, which can be filled sequentially by the at least one feed element and / or with different components in a controllable manner. This allows different sections to be filled with different or identical components. Preferably, the opening element is only opened when a majority, in particular all, of the portioning sections are filled. For this purpose, the opening element can be closed for filling, for example, by a type of flap or a slide. In the meantime, the free-flowing material is stored within the portioning sections.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the opening element can be the same length as the portioning device. The material can be fed over the entire length of the opening element as well as over the entire length of the portioning device.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the portioning device can have a hollow profile with a round or square cross-section as a casing, and a linear slot can be formed on the upper side of the hollow profile for filling the at least one portioning section, wherein the slot preferably runs over the entire length of the portioning device. Within a hollow profile in the form of a hollow cylinder, the portioning device can also be designed with a round cross-section and extend almost to the inner surface of the hollow profile. The hollow profile also serves as a separating element, so that the material cannot leave the portioning device in an area outside the opening element.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the portioning device can have a hollow profile with a round cross-section as a casing, and the opening element can be formed by a linear slot on the underside of the hollow profile, wherein the slot preferably runs over the entire length of the portioning device to define the trickle path. A portioning device in the form of a roller or a cellular wheel can be very well adapted to the shape of the hollow cylinder. The hollow profile also serves as a separating element so that the material cannot leave the portioning device in an area outside the opening element and can be stored between the separating elements up to the outlet through the opening element. A type of flap or a type of slider can be arranged on this slot to close the opening.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the feed element can be coupled to the portioning device in such a way that the feed element is movable during filling and remains stationary during the discharge of the free-flowing material along the pouring path. In particular, the portioning device forms the part of the device that is moved relative to the concrete block base bodies during the application of the surface layer.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the surface formed from the free-flowing material can form a surface layer for concrete products and / or paving stones with a defined structure of different colors and / or different grain sizes. Such a layer serves to form different surface structures and / or different colors and patterns, which in particular serve to create replicas of different materials and / or discolorations. In a preferred embodiment, the surface formed from the free-flowing material can represent a depiction of a defined pattern. In particular, marbling can be formed by a type of striped pattern.Likewise, images can be created on the surface of the concrete block base bodies by selectively feeding different components to different parts of a portioning section and / or to different portioning sections, since the components are dispensed in a targeted manner by the portioning device and are not thrown off in an uncontrolled manner.

[0060] The invention further relates to a concrete block manufacturing method for applying a surface layer of free-flowing material using a device as mentioned above.

[0061] It is proposed that: the free-flowing material of at least one component, in particular at least two or more components, is fed in a controlled manner from the feed element to at least one linear, ie one-dimensional, portioning section of the portioning device, in particular by a relative movement of the feed element along the linear portioning section of the portioning device, wherein for filling the portioning device the movement is over the entire length of the linear portioning section, so that the free-flowing material is at least one-dimensional, ielinearly, over the length of the portioning section, the free-flowing material emerges via a two-dimensional opening element along a distribution path (L), and is applied at least one-dimensionally to a surface (28), by moving the device, in particular at least the portioning device with the opening element, in a direction orthogonal to the opening element and relative to a surface, or by moving the plane on which at least one concrete block base body, in particular a plurality of concrete block base bodies, is placed, relative to the device, the free-flowing material is distributed flatly over the surface of the concrete block base body. .

[0062] The movable feed elements eliminate the need to manufacture special feed silos or feed containers with very long or specially designed openings. The process offers the same advantages as described for the device.

[0063] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the cellular wheel can rotate around a longitudinal axis of the cellular wheel, so that the free-flowing material is successively deposited from the portioning sections onto the concrete block base body via the opening element, with the rotational movement oriented counter to the direction of travel of the device. The speeds are preferably coordinated and controlled independently of one another.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the rotation speed can correspond to the travel speed, so that the free-flowing material leaves the portioning device without horizontal acceleration and is applied, in particular, to the surface of the concrete block base body in a vertical direction. Advantageously, the free-flowing material leaves the portioning device without a horizontal velocity component, so that it only falls vertically out of the portioning device, in particular due to gravity and without acceleration.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the portioning device can be designed as a cellular wheel with separating elements, wherein the free-flowing material is divided into portioning sections between the separating elements, and the free-flowing material is successively applied from the portioning sections onto the concrete block base body via an opening element.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, a plurality, in particular all, of the portioning sections of the portioning device can be filled before the device, in particular at least the portioning device with the opening element, is moved and applied to the concrete block base body, wherein the opening element is closed during the filling period. The opening element can be closed, for example, via a type of flap or a slide.

[0067] This enables continuous dispensing of components from different portioning sections by emptying them one after the other via the opening element. DRAWINGS

[0068] Further advantages will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0069] It shows: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a concrete block manufacturing device in an embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is an isometric representation of a further detailed view of a concrete block manufacturing device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the embodiment of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a representation of different work steps carried out with an embodiment of a concrete block manufacturing device according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of another concrete block manufacturing device according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the embodiment from Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8 a further detailed view of another concrete block manufacturing device according to the invention; Fig. 9 the embodiment of Fig. 3 in a further work step; Fig. 10 various work steps carried out with an embodiment of a concrete block manufacturing device according to the invention.

[0070] In the figures, identical or similar components are numbered with the same reference numerals.

[0071] Fig. 1shows an isometric representation of a concrete block manufacturing device 10 in an embodiment according to the invention. The device 10 is designed for distributing free-flowing material, wherein a surface layer 34 (not shown) can be formed on a surface 28 of a concrete block base body 44. The concrete block manufacturing device 10 has a feed element 12, a portioning device 18 and at least one opening element 20 (not visible in this illustration). The feed element 12 is displaceably mounted on a holding device 17. The holding device 17 can, for example, be fastened to a machine frame (not shown). The feed element 12 can be moved along the holding device 17 to fill the portioning device 18. The portioning device 18 can then be moved in the direction of the arrow shown relative to the feed element 12 and to the holding device 17.This can be achieved, for example, by providing a transport device 55. The transport device 55 can have rails that are slidably in contact with the holding device 17. As the transport device 55 moves with the portioning device 18, free-flowing material is dispensed, in particular continuously, from the opening element 20. The free-flowing material is dispensed over the entire distribution path L, so that a linear giant path R is formed.

[0072] In Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the execution Fig. 1. In this illustration, the portioning device 18 and the feed element 12 are shown in a sectional view. The feed element 12 is designed as a funnel 22, which has an opening in the lower area, at which a pneumatic valve 16 is arranged. The pneumatic valve 16 can be opened or closed via the pneumatic control 16', so that any desired amount of free-flowing material can be dispensed at any desired time. During the dispensing of the material, the feed element 12 is moved along the holding device 17, shown in Fig. 1, process. A motor 50 can be arranged for this purpose. The portioning device 18, which has a rotationally symmetrical cross-section, can be seen in the lower area. The free-flowing material can be fed directly via the opening with the pneumatic valve 16, or indirectly via a feed rail 51 of the portioning device 18. The portioning device 18 and the other components can be made, in particular, from aluminum; the hopper 22 can also be made, for example, from a plastic, in particular PET. This allows the entire device to be designed with a low weight.

[0073] An isometric representation of a further detailed view of a concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention shows Fig. 3This view shows the situation in which the feed element 12 is being filled. In this embodiment, the feed element 12 consists of two hoppers 22, although a different number of hoppers is also possible. Each of the hoppers 22 can contain a different component A or B of the free-flowing material 40, or a mixing ratio A+B. Both components are in particular formed as granules 42. The hoppers 22 are filled directly, separately from one another, in particular via a respective downpipe 26.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the embodiment of a concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention from Fig. 3 This illustration shows a cross-sectional view of the two funnels 22 and the holding device 17. The two openings with the pneumatic valves 16 are visible.

[0075] Fig. 5shows a representation of different work steps, carried out with an embodiment of a concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention. In Fig. 5 (a) A first step in filling the portioning device 18 is shown. In this illustration, at least one component A or B is fed via the feed rail 51 into a first portioning section 14 of the portioning device 18. This is achieved by moving the feed element 12 (not shown in this illustration) along the portioning section 14. The portioning section 14 has, in particular, the same length as the portioning device 18. When the first portioning section 14 is completely filled, further material 40 remains in the feed rail 51. Subsequently, according to Fig. 5 (b)The portioning device 18 is rotated such that an adjacent portioning section 14 can be filled. This can be controlled, for example, via a pulse counter. This is repeated until each, or each desired, portioning section 14 is filled with material 40. During filling, a lid located on the feed rail 51 can be open. This lid can be closed after filling is complete, so that no foreign material can enter the portioning device 18. Fig. 5 (c)the subsequent step is shown, in which the material 40 is dispensed. For this purpose, the portioning device 18 is moved over the concrete block base body with the moving device 55. During the movement, the material 40 trickles out of the portioning device 18. This takes place in particular in a frequency-controlled manner until each portioning section 14 is emptied. The portioning device 18 rotates about its own axis, wherein the direction of rotation is oriented opposite to the feed direction of the device 10. This ensures in particular that the free-flowing material 40 leaves the portioning device 18 without a horizontal speed component and without horizontal acceleration and only impacts the surface of the concrete block base body due to gravity. As a result, a precisely defined pattern, writing or an image can be formed on the surface by the free-flowing material 40.

[0076] You can then use the Fig. 5 (a) In one embodiment, the filling of the portioning device 18 can take place while the transport device 55 is returning to the position shown in Fig. 5 (a) shown position is moved.

[0077] In Fig. 6 A detailed view of another concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention is shown. The illustration shows the carriage 55 with the portioning device 18. In this embodiment, the portioning device 18 is mounted on the carriage 55 via at least one vibration damper 52. This allows the number of moving elements to be reduced. Fig. 7 shows the arrangement of the vibration damper 52 in a detailed view of the embodiment from Fig. 6 .

[0078] Fig. 8shows a further detailed view of another concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention. The illustration shows a type of silo 54, which can be connected directly to the feed element 12 via at least one downpipe 26. The silo 54 can, for example, have a plurality of different containers, so that different components A or B can be fed to the device 10 through different downpipes 26 or through a common downpipe 26. In the illustration, the silo 54 has four containers, which are connected to two hoppers 22 of the feed element 12 via two downpipes 26. Each hopper 22 of the feed element 12 can thus be filled directly via the downpipe 26. This makes it possible, for example, to achieve a stronger contrast with mixed colors, since there is less uncontrolled mixing of components A or B. This means that a mixed color can be filled into each hopper 22.

[0079] Fig. 9 shows the embodiment from Fig. 3 in a further work step. In the illustration, the feed element 12 is located in the center of the holding device 17, whereby the feed element 12 is moved in the direction of the arrow along the holding device 17. During the movement, the material 40 is discharged. This allows a linear trickle path R to be created. This is shown in detail in Fig. 10 shown.

[0080] Fig. 10shows various work steps carried out with an embodiment of a concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention. This shows three exemplary positions in which the portioning device 18 can be located relative to the feed element 12 and relative to the surface 28 of the concrete block base body. During the movement of the driving device 55 with the portioning device 18, material 40 is continuously dispensed. During the dispensing of the material, the portioning device 18 rotates about the rotation axis L2 so that each portioning section 14 can be completely emptied. The drop height between the opening element 20 of the portioning device 18 and the surface 28 of the concrete block base body can be in particular 50 mm to 150 mm. In particular, the drop height is 80 mm to 100 mm, preferably 90 mm or 80 mm. This allows a thin, reproducible extra layer of special material to be applied.

[0081] The concrete block manufacturing device 10 according to the invention applies the material 40 in the direction of production, which can significantly reduce the cycle time. The positioning of the individual elements of the manufacturing device 10 can be achieved using a laser. The holding device 17 can be mounted on the machine frame 32, and the power supply for the holding device 17 can be provided via a plug-in connection.

[0082] A 48V motor can be used to move the individual components, especially the feed element 12. This low-voltage protection provides good personnel protection. At the same time, high torque can be generated in a small space. In particular, only one cable is required per drive, and plug-in connection is possible.

[0083] The portioning device 18 can be made of aluminum profiles. These are available by the meter, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The portioning device 18 is designed, in particular, as a cellular wheel 24 and has, for example, an octagonal profile. Furthermore, the portioning device 18 can have a hollow profile 30 with a round or square cross-section as a casing. This ensures that all portioning sections 14 are filled first before the material is applied.

[0084] The separating elements 38 of the portioning device 18 can also be made of aluminum. However, they are preferably made of rubber, in particular a rubber profile, which is also available by the meter.

[0085] Overall, the concrete block making device 10 according to the invention allows for easy installation directly on the attachment carriage due to its low weight. There is no height limitation compared to standard products, thus enabling widespread use. Since there is no major intervention in the machine controls, there is no additional load height. Furthermore, the cycle time can be optimized. List of reference symbols

[0086] 10 Concrete block manufacturing device 12 Feed element 14 Portioning section 16 Pneumatic valve 17 Holding device 18 Portioning device 20 Opening element of the portioning device 22 Hopper 24 Cell wheel 26 Downpipe 28 Surface of the concrete block base body 30 Hollow profile 32 Machine frame 34 Surface layer 38 Separating element of the cell wheel 40 Free-flowing material 42 Granules 44 Concrete block base body 48 Mixing ratio 50 Motor 51 Feed rail 52 Vibration damper 54 Silo 55 Driving device L2 Rotation axis L Distribution section R Trickle section A, B Component

Claims

1. A concrete block manufacturing device (10) for distributing pourable material (40), in particular granulate (42), to form an at least partially formed surface layer (34) of such material on a concrete block base body (44), wherein at least one component (A) of a pourable material (40) is suppliable to the device (10), comprising at least one supplying element (12), one portioning device (18) and at least one opening element (20), wherein the portioning device (18) has at least one linear portioning section (14), wherein the pourable material (40) is controllably suppliable via the at least one supplying element (12) along the linear portioning section (14) and the pourable material (40) of a portioning section (14) is then dischargeable via the opening element (20) over a distribution distance (L) and depositable via this opening element (20) onto a surface (28) of the concrete block base body (44) to form a linear pouring distance (R) such that an area-based distribution of the pourable material (40) along the pouring distance (R) corresponds to a volume-based distribution of the pourable material (40) in the portioning section (14), wherein the portioning device (18) comprises at least two portioning sections (14) and is rotatable such that the portioning sections (14) are fillable one after the other by the at least one supplying element (12), characterized in that the at least one supplying element (12) for filling the portioning sections (14) is movable along the portioning sections (14) and at the same time designed for discharging pourable material (40).

2. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that two or more components (A, B), in particular differently colored components (A, B), of the pourable material (40) are suppliable to the device (10), wherein each component (A, B) or a proportional mix of the components (A, B) is stored in a separate supplying element (12).

3. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (10), in particular at least the portioning device (18) with the opening element (20), is movable over the surface of the concrete block base body (44) in at least one direction orthogonally to the longitudinal extent of the opening element (20) such that the pourable material (40) is distributable in trickled manner onto a surface (28) for forming a surface layer (34), i.e. at least a two-dimensional plane, in particular a flat surface.

4. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one supplying element (12) has a pneumatic or electromechanical valve (16).

5. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the concrete block manufacturing device (10) is configured to control a rotational speed of the portioning device (18) such that it corresponds to an advancing speed at which the device (10) is movable over the surface of the concrete block base body (44), wherein a direction of the rotational speed is aligned opposite to a direction of the advancing speed.

6. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the pourable material (40) is pourable out of the portioning device (18) without a horizontal speed component, wherein a predefined structure is formable on the surface of the concrete block base body (44).

7. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of claims 1, 5 or 6, characterized in that the portioning device (18) comprises a rotary valve (24) with separating elements (38), wherein the rotary valve (24) can exert a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis (L2) and the pourable material (40) is storable between the separating elements (38) and dischargeable via the opening element (20) on the underside of the portioning device (18).

8. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotary valve (24) has at least three, in particular four to eight, portioning sections (14), which are fillable one after the other by the at least one supplying element (12) and / or with differing components (A, B).

9. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening element (20) has the same length as the portioning device (18).

10. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portioning device (18) has a hollow section (30) with round or angular cross section as its covering and a linear slot is provided on the upper side of the hollow section (30) for filling the at least one portioning section (14), wherein the slot preferably extends over the full length of the portioning device (18).

11. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portioning device (18) has a hollow section (30) with round cross section as its covering, and the opening element (20) is provided on the underside of the hollow section (30) by a linear slot, wherein the slot preferably extends over the full length of the portioning device (18) for definition of the pouring distance (R).

12. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supplying element (12) is coupled to the portioning device (18) such that the supplying element (12) is movable during filling and the supplying element (12) is stationary during discharge of the pourable material (40) along the pouring distance (R).

13. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concrete block manufacturing device (10) is formed such as to provide the surface, which is formed from the pourable material (40), with a surface layer (34) for concrete products and / or paving stones with a defined structure of differing colors and / or differing grain sizes.

14. The concrete block manufacturing device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concrete block manufacturing device (10) is formed such as to present an image of a defined pattern on the surface which is formed from the pourable material (40).

15. A concrete block manufacturing method for depositing an at least partially formed surface layer (34) of pourable material (40) using a device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - the pourable material (40) made up of at least one component (A), in particular at least two or more components (A, B), is supplied in controlled manner to at least one linear portioning section (14) of the portioning device (18) out of the supplying element (12), in particular by a relative movement of the supplying element (12) along the linear portioning section (14) of the portioning device (18), wherein the supplying element (12) for filling the portioning device (18) is moved over the full length of the linear portioning section (14) such that the pourable material (40) is distributed at least one-dimensionally, i.e. linearly, over the length of the portioning section (14), - the pourable material (40) exits via the opening element (20) along a distribution distance (L), and is deposited at least two-dimensionally onto a surface (28), - the pourable material (40) is distributed over the surface (28) of the concrete block base body (44) by movement of the device (10), in particular at least of the portioning device (18) with the opening element (16), in a direction orthogonal to the opening element (20) and relative to a surface (28), or by movement, relative to the device (10), of a two-dimensional plane on which at least one concrete block base body (44), in particular a plurality of concrete block base bodies (44), is placed.

16. The concrete block manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterized in that the portioning device (18) is designed as a rotary valve (24) with separating elements (38), wherein the pourable material (40) is divided up into portioning sections (14) between the separating elements (38) and the pourable material (40) is deposited out of the portioning sections (14) one after the other onto the concrete block base body (44) via an opening element (20).

17. The concrete block manufacturing method according to claim 16, characterized in that the rotary valve exerts a rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the rotary valve such that the pourable material (40) is deposited out of the portioning sections (14) one after the other onto the concrete block base body (44) via the opening element (20), wherein the rotational movement is oriented opposite to the movement direction of the device (10).

18. The concrete block manufacturing method according to claim 17, characterized in that the rotational speed corresponds to the movement speed, so that the pourable material (40) leaves the portioning device (18) without horizontal acceleration and in particular is deposited onto the surface (28) of the concrete block base body (44) in the vertical direction.

19. The concrete block manufacturing method according to claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a plurality of portioning sections (14), in particular all portioning sections (14), of the portioning device (18) are filled prior to depositing onto the concrete block base body (44), wherein the opening element (20) is closed over the duration of filling.

Images