After-treatment machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a curing machine for curing freshly poured concrete slabs, in particular concrete pavements extending longitudinally in the working direction, which has a spraying device 23 for spraying a curing agent, in particular a dispersion, onto the fresh concrete slab in order to prevent premature drying of the concrete. The curing machine according to the invention is characterized by a control unit 35, which interacts with an operating unit 36, for automatically actuating a pump 38 and shut-off devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the liquid system 34 of the spraying device 23.The control unit 35 is configured such that at least two operating modes from the group comprising filling mode A, spraying mode B, mixing mode C and cleaning mode D can be selected by manually operating the control unit 36, wherein after selection of an operating mode the at least one pump 38 and the shut-off devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 assigned to the selected operating mode are controlled in such a way that the selected operating mode is executed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a post-treatment machine for post-treating freshly manufactured concrete slabs, in particular concrete roadways extending longitudinally in the working direction.

[0002] Slipform pavers are used to construct concrete pavements, ensuring the concrete is laid in the correct shape and position. These pavers are equipped with a smoothing unit to smooth the still-soft surface of the concrete. After smoothing, conventional curing machines are used. These machines generally feature a texturing unit to apply a texture to the fresh concrete surface in the transverse and / or longitudinal direction. This improves road grip, enhances driving comfort, and reduces road noise. Furthermore, curing machines typically have a spraying unit to apply a curing compound, particularly a dispersion, to the fresh concrete surface to prevent premature drying.

[0003] DE 10 2014 212 853 A1 describes a post-treatment machine that includes both a texturing unit and a spraying unit. The dispersion can be sprayed onto the surface of the concrete slab using the spraying unit after the slab has been treated with the texturing unit. For applying the dispersion, the spraying unit has a first group of spray nozzles arranged at intervals along the machine frame across the entire working width. The dispersion can also be applied using a second group of spray nozzles mounted on a carriage that travels across the entire working width.

[0004] The spraying devices of the known post-treatment machines have a liquid system which includes liquid lines for conveying liquid, shut-off devices for shutting off individual liquid lines, pumps for conveying a liquid in the liquid lines, a post-treatment agent container for holding a post-treatment agent, a cleaning agent container for holding a cleaning agent and groups of spray nozzles for spraying post-treatment agent onto the concrete slab.

[0005] The fluid system of the known post-treatment machines is designed to allow different operating modes. In a filling mode, the post-treatment container can be filled with a post-treatment agent. In a spraying mode, the post-treatment agent is sprayed. Furthermore, a mixing mode is provided in which the post-treatment agent is set in motion within the container to mix it. In a cleaning / rinsing mode, cleaning or rinsing fluid can be directed to the spray nozzles to clean them.

[0006] To operate the various modes, it is necessary to manually open and close individual shut-off valves in the fluid system. This procedure proves to be complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, there is a risk of operator error. For example, when cleaning the spray nozzles, cleaning fluid could enter the post-treatment container if the wrong shut-off valves are opened or closed. The risk of operator error also exists if the fluid system design requires the use of multiple pumps to circulate the fluids. If the wrong pumps are switched on or off, malfunctions will occur. Additionally, the use of multiple pumps leads to higher manufacturing costs.

[0007] KR 2020 0121962 A also describes a post-treatment machine that has a spraying device.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of simplifying the operation of the spraying device of a post-treatment machine and reducing the risk of incorrect operation.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particular embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The embodiments of the invention described below may include one or more of the features or combinations of features listed below. A feature designated by an indefinite article may also be present multiple times if the indefinite article is not to be understood as indicating only a single use. Designating features with a numeral, for example, "first and second," does not preclude the possibility that these features may be present a further number beyond the number indicated by the numeral. In the description of all embodiments, the term "may" is also to be understood as "preferably" or "advantageously."

[0011] The spraying device of the post-treatment machine according to the invention is characterized by a control unit that interacts with an operating unit for the automatic actuation of the at least one pump and the shut-off devices of the liquid system. The control unit is configured such that at least two operating modes from the group comprising a filling mode, spray mode, mixing mode, and cleaning mode can be selected by manually actuating the operating unit, wherein, after selection of an operating mode, the at least one pump and the shut-off devices are actuated such that the selected operating mode is executed.

[0012] If a filling mode is provided, the fluid system is configured such that in filling mode (A) the aftertreatment container (29) is filled with an aftertreatment agent. For a spray mode (B), the fluid system is configured such that aftertreatment agent is sprayed by the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25). For a mixing mode (C), the fluid system is configured such that aftertreatment agent is set in motion in the at least one aftertreatment container (29), and for a cleaning mode (D), the fluid system is configured such that a cleaning fluid is directed to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25).

[0013] The control unit actuates the shut-off devices assigned to the operating mode, allowing fluid to flow through the fluid paths or lines associated with that mode. Consequently, the shut-off devices assigned to the operating mode are automatically, preferably electrically, actuated shut-off devices that can be operated by the control unit. The control unit can also be configured so that at least three operating modes, or all operating modes, can be selected and executed by manually operating the control unit. If not all operating modes can be selected, the shut-off device assigned to the non-selectable operating mode can be a manually actuated shut-off device, or the shut-off devices assigned to the non-selectable operating modes can be manually actuated shut-off devices.The ability to select an operating mode via a control unit and the automatic execution of the selected mode simplifies the operation of the curing machine and reduces the risk of operator error. The control unit can be equipped with, for example, mechanical pushbuttons and / or switches and / or a touchscreen for selecting an operating mode. Selecting an operating mode from the available options prevents, for instance, cleaning fluid from entering the curing agent container due to incorrect manual operation of the shut-off valves, thus ensuring that cleaning fluid, rather than curing agent, is not sprayed onto the fresh concrete surface.

[0014] Potential operating errors can also be prevented by configuring the control unit in such a way that multiple operating modes cannot be selected simultaneously. For example, it can be ensured that spray mode and mixing mode cannot be used at the same time.

[0015] The fluid system can be configured such that its fluid lines form a supply path for conveying fluid from an external curing agent source to the curing agent container. The control unit is configured to activate the at least one pump in filling mode, pumping fluid from the external curing agent source into the curing agent container. In filling mode, the control unit is also configured to actuate the shut-off valves in the fluid system associated with the selected filling mode, allowing the fluid to flow through the supply path. Consequently, curing agent can be provided on-site in an external tank and transferred from the tank to the curing agent container.

[0016] The fluid lines of the fluid system can further form a post-treatment agent supply path for conveying fluid from the post-treatment agent container to the at least one group of spray nozzles, wherein the control device is configured such that the at least one pump is activated in spray mode, so that fluid is pumped from the post-treatment agent container to the at least one group of spray nozzles. In spray mode, the control device is also configured such that the shut-off devices in the fluid system associated with the selected spray mode are actuated, so that the fluid flows through the post-treatment agent supply path.

[0017] Furthermore, the fluid system can include a post-treatment fluid circulation path for directing fluid from the post-treatment fluid container back into the post-treatment fluid container, wherein the control device is configured such that the at least one pump is activated in mixing mode, so that fluid is pumped from the post-treatment fluid container back into the post-treatment fluid container. In mixing mode, the control device is also configured such that the shut-off devices in the fluid system associated with the selected mixing mode are actuated, so that the fluid flows through the post-treatment fluid circulation path.

[0018] Furthermore, the fluid system can include a cleaning agent path for conveying cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container to the at least one group of spray nozzles. The control device is configured such that the at least one pump is activated in cleaning mode, pumping fluid from the cleaning agent container to the at least one group of spray nozzles. In cleaning mode, the control device is also configured to actuate the shut-off devices in the fluid system associated with the selected cleaning mode, allowing the fluid to flow through the cleaning agent path. However, the cleaning process need not include flushing the spray nozzles. During cleaning, the spray nozzles can also be closed to prevent cleaning agent from reaching the fresh concrete slab.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention is that the fluid system is designed such that only a single pump is required for pumping the fluid in the filling, spraying, mixing, and cleaning modes. Since pumps are relatively complex components compared to shut-off valves or pipes, using only one pump reduces manufacturing costs.

[0020] In an embodiment with only a single pump, the fluid system is designed such that the single pump is arranged in a common pipe section of the supply line path, aftertreatment agent supply path, aftertreatment agent circulation path, and cleaning agent path. The respective operating mode can be implemented by the control unit actuating individual shut-off valves, so that the single pump delivers the respective fluid, for example, to the nozzles of the at least one nozzle group.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention lies in the mixing unit for mixing the post-treatment agent in the post-treatment agent container. The invention does not utilize the mechanical agitators provided in known post-treatment machines. The mixing unit according to the invention is based on a circulation of the post-treatment agent contained in the post-treatment agent container, achieved by supplying and discharging post-treatment agent from the container. The mixing unit, comprising a first lance-shaped inlet and a second lance-shaped inlet, which are oriented at an angle to each other, is arranged in the post-treatment agent circulation path such that post-treatment agent is supplied to the post-treatment agent container via the lance-shaped inlets and discharged from the post-treatment agent container via an outlet.The mixing unit with the angled supply lines can be inserted into an opening of the post-treatment container from above and removed again.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the mixing unit has a mounting part that can be attached to the post-treatment container. This mounting part is designed such that the lance-shaped supply lines can be attached to the mounting part in an operating position where they are arranged at an angle to each other, and in a transport position where the supply lines are aligned parallel. When the mixing unit is not in use, the supply lines can thus be attached to the mounting part in a space-saving manner.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention is that the curing compound container is designed as an interchangeable unit that can be attached to a base provided on the machine frame. The curing compound container can be a standard IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) canister, which is commonly used on construction sites. If curing compound is available in an IBC tank on the construction site, it can be easily pumped from this tank to the tank on the curing machine during filling. Since both tanks have the same capacity, one tank can be completely emptied and the other completely filled in a single pumping operation. However, pumping the curing compound is unnecessary because the curing compound container is designed as an interchangeable unit. Consequently, the empty container can simply be replaced with a filled one.

[0024] The at least one pump is preferably a centrifugal pump driven by a hydraulic motor and / or the shut-off devices are preferably electromagnetically actuated shut-off devices. However, the pump can also be electrically driven and the shut-off devices can also be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated.

[0025] To simplify manufacturing, individual components of the spraying system can be pre-assembled units that can be placed on and attached to the machine frame.

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the post-treatment machine according to the invention is described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0027] They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the post-treatment machine according to the invention in perspective view, showing an activated transverse spray device, Fig. 2 the post-treatment machine according to the invention in perspective view, showing an activated longitudinal spray device, Fig. 3A individual components of the spray device of the post-treatment machine in perspective view, Fig. 3B a front view of individual components of the spray device of the post-treatment machine, Fig. 3C a side view of individual components of the spray device of the post-treatment machine, Fig. 4 a perspective view of a removed mixing unit of the spray device, Fig. 5 a hydraulic circuit diagram of the spray device of the post-treatment machine and Fig. 6 a table with the switching positions of the shut-off devices of the spray device of the post-treatment machine.

[0028] The Figure 1 and 2Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the post-treatment machine according to the invention for post-treatment of freshly manufactured concrete slabs, in particular concrete roadways extending longitudinally in the working direction A, in perspective view.

[0029] The post-treatment machine 10 has an elongated machine frame 11, which is supported by lifting devices 12 on the left side in the working direction A and lifting devices 13A, 13B on the right side, to which ground support devices 14A, 14B on the left side and 15A, 15B on the right side, for example tracked undercarriages, are attached, so that the machine frame 11 is height-adjustable relative to the concrete slab. The working width of the machine frame 11 is a multiple of the working depth.

[0030] The machine frame 11 has longitudinal beams 16 extending in the working direction A and transverse beams 17 extending perpendicular to the working direction, the transverse beams 17 being telescopically adjustable for variable adjustment of the working width. The working width can also be increased by using additional frame elements not shown.

[0031] The drive unit 18 of the post-treatment machine 10 is located on the left side of the machine frame 11 in the working direction A. Next to the drive unit 18 is a control panel 19 with a control field 19A. The drive unit 18 and the control panel 19 are arranged on a platform 20 of the machine frame 11, which is accessible to the machine operator.

[0032] The post-treatment machine 10 has a working unit for applying a texture to the fresh concrete slab. This working unit can include a unit 21 for applying a texture in the transverse direction and / or a unit (not shown) for applying a texture in the working direction A, which can be activated individually. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment with an activated device 21 for applying a linear texturing in the transverse direction with a brush unit 22A extending in the working direction A, which is movable on a carriage 22B transversely to the working direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the work equipment includes a spraying device 23 for applying a liquid curing agent, for example a dispersion, to the fresh concrete slab, which may include various individually activatable spray units for applying a curing agent. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an activated spray unit 24 of the spray device 23 extending in the working direction A, which can comprise one or more individually switchable groups of spray nozzles 25 arranged at intervals from one another. This spray unit 24 is movable on a slide 26 transversely to the working direction A. Fig. 2 shows another spray unit 27 activated by folding down, which can have one or more individually switchable groups of spray nozzles arranged in a transverse direction.

[0034] The post-treatment agent is provided in an interchangeable post-treatment agent container 29, which is located on the right side of the machine frame 11 in the working direction A. The post-treatment agent container 29 is a conventional IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) canister with a filling volume of 1000 l, comprising a plastic tank 29A enclosed by a metal cage 29B. The plastic tank 29A has an opening 29C at the top, which is closed with a screw cap 29D, and an outlet 29E at the bottom.

[0035] The Figures 3A to 3CFigure 29 shows, for illustrative purposes, the post-treatment agent container 29 together with other components of the spraying device 23. The post-treatment agent container 29 stands as an interchangeable unit on a base 30. Below the base 30 for the post-treatment agent container 29 is a cleaning agent container 31 for holding a cleaning agent, in which a heat exchanger (not shown) is arranged. Hydraulic oil from the drive unit 18 flows through this heat exchanger to warm the cleaning agent, in particular water. Next to the base 30 is a cabinet 32 ​​for holding [details to be added]. Fig. 5components of the spray device 23 as described above, such as liquid lines 43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57 for conveying liquids, a centrifugal pump 38 for pumping liquids in the liquid lines 43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57 and shut-off devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 for shutting off individual liquid lines.

[0036] In addition, the spray device 23 has a removable mixing unit 33 for mixing post-treatment agent in the post-treatment agent container 29, which can be inserted into the opening 29C of the post-treatment agent container 29 when the screw cap 29D is unscrewed.

[0037] Fig. 4Figure 1 shows the removed mixing unit 33 in the transport position, which has a flat, frame-shaped mounting part 33A. This mounting part can be attached to the metal basket 29B of the post-treatment container 29 by means of lateral fastening elements 33B provided on its narrow sides. Fastening elements 33C are located on the wide sides of the mounting part 33A for the detachable attachment of a first lance-shaped supply line 33D and a second lance-shaped supply line 33E in the transport position, in which the lance-shaped supply lines are aligned parallel to each other. Further fastening elements 33F, for example sleeves, are located in the center of the mounting part 33A for attaching the first lance-shaped supply line 33D and the second supply line 33E in the operating position, in which the supply lines are arranged at an angle to each other.When the mixing unit 33 is inserted into the post-treatment container 29, the supply lines 33D, 33E extend almost to the bottom of the container (. Figures 3A to 3C ).

[0038] The following describes the structure and function of the spray device 23. Fig. 5 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram of the spray device 23 and Fig. 6 A table showing the switching positions of their shut-off devices is provided. The spray device 23 has a filling mode A, a spraying mode B, a mixing mode C, and a cleaning mode D. The liquid system 34 of the spray device 23 has several liquid paths, which in turn comprise several liquid lines, and which are described below.

[0039] The spraying device 23 has a control unit 35 and an operating unit 36 ​​that interacts with the control unit. The operating unit 36 ​​has a control element 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D for each operating mode, for example, a push button, switch, or touchscreen button. By actuating a control element 36A, 36B, 36C, or 36D, one of the above-mentioned operating modes is selected, and the respective operating mode is carried out automatically.

[0040] The control unit 35 is via in Fig. 5Control lines (not shown) are connected to the shut-off devices described below. The control unit 35 can form an independent assembly or be at least partially part of the central control and computing unit of the construction machine (not shown). The control unit 35 can, for example, include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) for continuous processing of digital signals, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a free form factor integrated circuit (FPGA), or other integrated circuits (ICs) or hardware components. A data processing program (software) can run on the hardware components to control the individual components of the spraying device 23. The control unit 35 is configured such that individual shut-off devices are opened or closed to activate the operating modes.

[0041] The hydraulic circuit diagram shows two spray units 24, 27, each with two groups 24A, 24B, 27A, 27B of spray nozzles 25 for applying a curing compound. Each group 24A, 24B, 27A, 27B of spray nozzles 25 is assigned a spray nozzle shut-off device 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, for example, a normally closed, spring-returned, electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, so that the fluid supply to the spray nozzles 25 can be interrupted. By opening or closing the respective spray nozzle shut-off devices, curing compound can be applied to the fresh concrete slab over a specific working width using one of the spray units 24, 27. The spray nozzle shut-off devices are hereinafter also referred to as shut-off devices 8 ( Fig. 6 ).

[0042] The fluids are conveyed in the fluid system 34 by a single hydraulic pump 38, which is driven by a single hydraulic motor 39. However, several pumps can also be provided. To operate the hydraulic motor 39, hydraulic fluid flows from a hydraulic fluid tank 40 to the hydraulic motor and from the hydraulic motor back into the hydraulic fluid tank. For the sake of simplicity, the pipe sections 41 leading from the hydraulic fluid tank 40 to the hydraulic motor 39 are shown in Fig. 5 Only partially shown. A flow control valve device 42, known to those skilled in the art, is provided for regulating the volume flow; further description of this device is unnecessary.

[0043] The aftertreatment agent is provided in the interchangeable aftertreatment agent container 29, in particular IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) containers ( Fig. 3During spray mode B, post-treatment agent flows from the post-treatment container 29 to the inlets of the spray nozzle shut-off devices 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D (8) via a post-treatment agent supply path 43, which includes a liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38 and a liquid line 43B leading from the outlet of the pump. The spray nozzles 25 are connected to the outlets of these shut-off devices. A first shut-off device 1, for example, a normally closed, spring-returned, electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, which is also designated "1" in the table, is connected in the liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38 and which is connected to the outlet 29E of the post-treatment agent container 29. A pressure relief valve 44 is connected in the liquid line 43B leading from the outlet of the pump 38, which opens at an adjustable overpressure.Furthermore, liquid filters 45, 46, 47, for example replaceable filter cartridges, are provided in the aftertreatment agent supply path 43 upstream and downstream of the pump 38. A liquid line 48 branches off from the liquid line 43B leading from the outlet of the pump 38 and leads to the aftertreatment agent container 29. A shut-off device 7, in particular an electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, is connected in this liquid line 48. A liquid line 49 leads from the outlet of the pressure relief valve 44 to the aftertreatment agent container 29, and a shut-off device 3, in particular an electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, is connected in this liquid line 49.

[0044] When the control element 36A is activated for spray mode B, the control unit 35 opens the shut-off valve 1 and the respective spray nozzle shut-off valves 8 (37A, 37B, 37C, 37D) as well as the shut-off valve 3 and starts the hydraulic motor 39 of the pump 38, so that aftertreatment agent flows to the spray nozzles 25 of the respective nozzle group 24A, 24B, 27A, 27B. The shut-off valve 7 is closed. Since the shut-off valve 3 is open in spray mode, aftertreatment agent can flow back into the aftertreatment agent container 29 if a pressure is exceeded. Fig. 6 The table shows the switching positions of the respective shut-off devices, with an open shut-off device represented by "O" and a closed shut-off device by "X".

[0045] The filling of the aftertreatment container 29 with aftertreatment medium takes place in filling mode A, wherein the aftertreatment medium is supplied by an external aftertreatment medium source 50, for example in an external aftertreatment medium container, in particular an IBC container. The aftertreatment medium flows via a supply line path 51 from the external aftertreatment medium container 50 into the internal aftertreatment medium container 29, which is arranged on the machine frame 11. The supply line path 51 comprises a liquid line 52, which branches off from the external aftertreatment medium container 50 and leads to the liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38, the liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38, and the liquid line 48, which branches off from the liquid line 43B leading from the outlet of the pump 38 and leads to the aftertreatment medium container 29.In filling mode A, the control unit 35 starts the pump 38 and opens the shut-off valves 6 and 7. The shut-off valve 1 is closed (. Fig. 6 ).

[0046] When cleaning mode D is activated, a cleaning agent flows in a cleaning agent path 53. The cleaning agent is supplied in a cleaning agent reservoir 54, and the cleaning agent may be warm water. A cleaning agent supply line 55 leads from the cleaning agent reservoir 54 to the liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38, and a cleaning agent discharge line 56 branches off from the liquid line 49 connected to the overpressure port of the pressure relief valve 44, leading back to the cleaning agent reservoir 54. A shut-off device 2, in particular a normally closed, spring-returned, electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, is connected in the cleaning agent supply line 55, and a shut-off device 5, in particular an electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, is connected in the cleaning agent discharge line 56.In cleaning mode D, the control unit 35 starts the pump 38 and opens the shut-off devices 2, 5, 8 and closes the shut-off devices 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 (. Fig. 6) closed, so that warm water flows in the cleaning agent path 53 to the spray nozzles 25. It should be noted that the shut-off devices 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 do not need to be actively closed by applying a control voltage, as these shut-off devices are spring-returned. If an overpressure is exceeded, cleaning agent flows back through the cleaning agent discharge line 56 into the cleaning agent container 54. If cleaning mode D is also to include rinsing the spray nozzles 25, for which the shut-off devices 8 are opened, it must be prevented that cleaning agent gets onto the fresh concrete surface. This can be achieved with a drip tray positioned under the spray nozzles for longitudinal spraying, which are arranged transversely to the direction of work. The longitudinally arranged transverse spray nozzles are moved to one side or the other of the construction machine to a position at the edge of the roadway in cleaning mode D.If the spray nozzles are not to be rinsed, the shut-off devices 8 are closed.

[0047] When mixing mode C is activated, post-treatment compound circulates in a post-treatment compound circulation path 57 to mix the post-treatment compound in the post-treatment compound container 29. The mixing of the post-treatment compound in the post-treatment compound container 29 is therefore not achieved by the use of an agitator, but rather by the post-treatment compound flowing through the container.

[0048] The post-treatment agent circulation path 57 comprises the liquid line 43A leading to the inlet of the pump 38 and a section of the liquid line 43B leading from the outlet of the pump, a bypass line 58 branching off from the liquid line 43B leading from the pump 38 and leading via a section of the cleaning agent discharge line 56 to the liquid line 49 connected to the overpressure port of the pressure relief valve 44. A further shut-off device 4, in particular a normally closed, spring-returned, electromagnetically actuated 2 / 2-way valve, is connected in the bypass line 57 and is controlled by the control unit 35. In mixing mode C, the control unit 35 starts the pump 38 and opens the shut-off devices 1, 3, 4 and allows the shut-off devices 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 ( Fig. 3The system is closed, allowing post-treatment agent to flow through the post-treatment agent circulation path 57. The post-treatment agent flows from the post-treatment agent container 29 to the lance-shaped first and second supply lines 33E, 33D, through the angled supply lines 33E, 33D into the post-treatment agent container 29, and out of the container again through the outlet 29E at the bottom of the container. The supply lines 33E, 33D preferably extend close to the bottom of the container. This creates a liquid flow in the post-treatment agent container 29, causing the liquid to move within the container and thus mix. The liquid is circulated or swirled within the container. Tests have shown that supplying the liquid via the two angled lines results in improved mixing.

[0049] The control unit 35 or the operating unit 36 ​​can be configured so that only a single operating mode can be selected and thus activated. This prevents incorrect operation. However, it is also possible for several, i.e., at least two, operating modes to be executed simultaneously, if desired.

Claims

1. Self-propelled curing machine for curing freshly-laid concrete slabs - in particular, concrete roadways extending longitudinally in the working direction - wherein the curing machine has: a machine frame (11) supported by running gear, a spraying device (23) provided on the machine frame for applying a curing agent, which has a liquid system (34) which comprises a plurality of liquid lines (43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57) for conducting liquid, a plurality of shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) for shutting off individual liquid lines, at least one pump (38) for conveying a liquid in the liquid lines, at least one curing agent tank (29) for holding a curing agent, at least one cleaning agent tank (54) for holding a cleaning agent, and at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25) for spraying curing agent onto a concrete slab, characterised in that a control device (35) which works together with an operating unit (36) is provided for automatically actuating the at least one pump (38) and the shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), wherein the control device (35) is configured such that, by manual actuation of the operating unit (36), at least two operating modes from the group comprising: i. a filling mode (A), wherein the liquid system (34) is designed for filling mode (A) such that, in filling mode (A), the curing agent tank (29) is filled with a curing agent, ii. a spraying mode (B), wherein the liquid system (34) is designed for a spraying mode (B) such that, in spraying mode (B), curing agent is sprayed via the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25), iii. a mixing mode (C), wherein the liquid system (34) is designed for a mixing mode (C) such that, in mixing mode (C), curing agent is set in motion in the at least one curing agent tank (29), and iv. a cleaning mode (D), wherein the liquid system (34) is designed for a cleaning mode (D) such that, in cleaning mode (D), a cleaning liquid is conducted to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25), can be selected, wherein, after selection of an operating mode, the at least one pump (38) and the shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) assigned to the selected operating mode are actuated in such a way that the selected operating mode is executed.

2. Self-propelled curing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that< / b> the control device (35) is configured such that, by manual actuation of the operating unit (36), at least three operating modes from the group comprising filling mode (A), spraying mode (B), mixing mode (C), and cleaning mode (D) can be selected, wherein, after selection of an operating mode, the at least one pump (38) and the shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) assigned to the selected operating mode are actuated such that the selected operating mode is executed.

3. Self-propelled curing machine according to claim 1, characterised in that< / b> the control device (35) is configured such that, by manual actuation of the operating unit (36), all operating modes from the group comprising filling mode (A), spraying mode (B), mixing mode (C), and cleaning mode (D) can be selected, wherein, after selection of an operating mode, the at least one pump (38) and the shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) assigned to the selected operating mode are actuated such that the selected operating mode is executed.

4. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 3, characterised in that the control device (35) is configured such that several operating modes cannot be selected simultaneously.

5. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 4, characterised in that liquid lines (43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57) of the liquid system (34) form a supply line path (51) for conducting liquid from an external curing agent source (50) into the curing agent tank (29), wherein the control device (35) is configured such that, in filling mode (A), the at least one pump (38) is activated such that liquid is pumped from the external curing agent source (50) into the curing agent tank (29).

6. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 5, characterised in that liquid lines (43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57) of the liquid system (34) form a curing agent supply path (43) for conducting liquid from the curing agent tank (29) to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25), wherein the control device (35) is configured such that, in spraying mode (B), the at least one pump (38) is activated such that liquid is pumped from the curing agent tank (29) to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25).

7. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 6, characterised in that liquid lines (43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57) of the liquid system (34) form a curing agent circulation path (53) for conducting liquid from the curing agent tank (29) back into the curing agent tank, wherein the control device (35) is configured such that, in mixing mode (C), the at least one pump (38) is activated so that liquid is pumped from the curing agent tank (29) back into the curing agent tank.

8. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 7, characterised in that liquid lines (43A, 43B, 48, 52, 55, 57) of the liquid system (34) form a cleaning agent path (53) for conducting cleaning agents from the cleaning agent tank (29) to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25), wherein the control device (35) is configured such that, in cleaning mode (D), the at least one pump (38) is activated such that liquid is pumped from the cleaning agent tank (29) to the at least one group (24A, 24B, 27A, 27B) of spray nozzles (25).

9. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 8, characterised in that the liquid system (34) is designed such that only a single pump (38) is provided for conveying liquid in filling mode (A), spraying mode (B), mixing mode (C), and cleaning mode (D).

10. Self-propelled curing machine according to claim 9, characterised in that the single pump (38) is arranged in a common line section of the supply line path (43), curing agent feed path (56), curing agent circulation path (53), and cleaning agent path (53).

11. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 10, characterised in that, for mixing mode (C), the liquid system has a mixing unit (33) which comprises a first lance-shaped feed line (33D) and a second lance-shaped feed line (33E) which are skewed in relation to each other, wherein the mixing unit (33) is arranged in the curing agent circulation path (53) in such a way that, via the lance-shaped feed lines (33D, 33E), curing agent is fed to the curing agent tank (29), and curing agent is discharged from the curing agent tank via an outlet (29E).

12. Self-propelled curing machine according to claim 11, characterised in that the mixing unit (33) is designed such that the mixing unit (33) with the first lance-shaped feed line (33E) and the second lance-shaped feed line (33D) can be inserted into an opening (29C) of the curing agent tank (29).

13. Self-propelled curing machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the mixing unit (33) has a mounting part (33A) which can be fastened to the curing agent tank (29) and is designed such that the first lance-shaped feed line (33E) and the second lance-shaped feed line (33D), in an operating position in which the feed lines (33D, 33E) are arranged to be skewed in relation to each other, can be fastened to the mounting part (33A) and, in a transport position, can be fastened to the mounting part (33A), in which the supply lines (33D, 33E) are aligned so as to be essentially parallel.

14. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 13, characterised in that< / b> the curing agent tank (29) is designed as a replaceable unit which can be fastened to a base part (30) provided on the machine frame (11); in particular, the curing agent tank (29) is an IBC (intermediate bulk container) canister.

15. Self-propelled curing machine according to one of claims 1 through 14, characterised in that the at least one pump (38) is a centrifugal pump, and / or the shut-off elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) are electromagnetically-actuatable shut-off elements.

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