Construction machine and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction machine (1) for conveying viscous material, wherein the construction machine (1) comprises: a pressure nozzle (2), wherein the pressure nozzle (2) defines a fluid channel (3) open to the outside towards an external environment of the construction machine (1), wherein the fluid channel (3) is through which viscous material flows in a conveying direction (F) during conveying operation of the construction machine (1); a flushing device (4) through which a flushing fluid (S) flows, wherein at least one fluid jet (B1) of flushing fluid (S) can be formed by means of the flushing device (4) during flushing operation of the construction machine (1), wherein the flushing device (4) and the pressure nozzle (2) have complementary coupling devices (19), wherein the complementary coupling devices (19) can be coupled to each other in order to mount the flushing device (4) on the pressure nozzle (2) in such a way that the at least one fluid jet (B1) can be formed in the fluid channel (3) during flushing operation.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a construction machine for conveying thick materials. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for flushing such a construction machine.

[0002] JP H03 81578 A discloses a flushing device mounted between valve boxes and concrete cylinders of a construction machine. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 3,774,633 A discloses mounting a flushing device with a pair of check valves arranged opposite one another directly on a delivery cylinder of a ram-type concrete pump. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a construction machine for conveying thick material and a method for flushing such a construction machine, which have improved properties.

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

[0005] A construction machine according to the invention is used to convey thick material. The construction machine has a pressure nozzle, wherein the pressure nozzle delimits a fluid channel open to the outside environment of the construction machine. During conveying operation of the construction machine, thick material flows through the fluid channel in a conveying direction. During conveying operation, the construction machine can convey thick material. For conveying operation, a conveying line in fluid communication with the fluid channel can be connected to the pressure nozzle, by means of which the thick material conveyed by the construction machine can be fed to a distribution system. The distribution system can be used to introduce the thick material transported via the conveying line into a cast mold. The construction machine further has a flushing device through which a flushing liquid can flow.During flushing operation of the construction machine, at least one liquid jet of flushing fluid can be formed by means of the flushing device. The construction machine can be switchable between its conveying and flushing operation. The flushing device and the pressure nozzle have complementary coupling devices. In other words, both the flushing device and the pressure nozzle each have a coupling device, wherein the coupling devices are coordinated with one another in a complementary manner. The complementary coupling devices can be coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device on the pressure nozzle. As a result of the coupling of the complementary coupling devices, the flushing device can be mounted on the pressure nozzle in such a way that the at least one liquid jet can be formed in the fluid channel during flushing operation, in particular counter to the conveying direction.In particular, the at least one liquid jet is formable within the fluid channel, ie, a location for forming the liquid jet can be located within the fluid channel when the flushing device is in the mounted state. In its mounted state, the flushing device projects into the fluid channel.

[0006] After installing the flushing device on the discharge nozzle, flushing can preferably be performed automatically. The flushing device advantageously enables particularly thorough flushing of the fluid channel as well as components arranged opposite to the conveying direction, which can be flowed through by the flushing fluid of the liquid jet during conveying operation and through which the flushing fluid of the liquid jet flows during flushing operation. In particular, the flushing device eliminates the need for manual flushing of the discharge nozzle.

[0007] The term "configured" can be used synonymously with the term "trained".

[0008] The term "comprises" or "has" can be used synonymously with the term "comprises." "Control" in this context can mean "to steer" and / or "to regulate."

[0009] In the present context, the term "further" is used - unless otherwise stated - not with regard to a geometric extent or extension, but in particular as a synonym for "further" or "additional" or "supplementary".

[0010] The thick aggregate is preferably a building material. The thick aggregate can be a paste-like mixture of different materials. The thick aggregate can be mortar, cement, screed, or concrete, each in a mixable and / or conveyable state. In the mixable and / or conveyable state, the thick aggregate has not yet hardened or set.

[0011] During flushing, the construction machine can be flushed with flushing fluid. Flushing can be used to clean the construction machine. Flushing the construction machine with flushing fluid can remove thick residues adhering to the surface.

[0012] According to the invention, the flushing device comprises a nozzle device insertable into the fluid channel for forming the at least one liquid jet. In particular, the nozzle device is adjustable relative to the coupling device of the flushing device, in particular depending on a fluid pressure dropping across the nozzle device during the formation of the at least one liquid jet. Thus, the point of impact of the at least one liquid jet on an inner side of the pressure nozzle bounding the fluid channel can be adjusted during the formation of the liquid jet. Accordingly, the inner side of the pressure nozzle can be sprayed at least partially with fluid from the liquid jet, which enables particularly thorough cleaning of the inner side.

[0013] The nozzle device is expediently supported on the coupling device of the flushing device by means of a prestressing element of the flushing device such that, when the nozzle device is adjusted relative to the coupling device of the flushing device, the prestressing element undergoes elastic deformation, generating a restoring force. This restoring force can serve to return the nozzle device to its original position when the fluid pressure dropping across the nozzle device decreases. This advantageously enables automatic, pressure-dependent bidirectional adjustment of the nozzle device. In this way, the at least one fluid jet can be automatically guided bidirectionally along the conveying direction over an inner side of the fluid channel.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, when the flushing device is in its assembled state, a passage through which flushing fluid can flow is formed between the pressure port and the flushing device for discharging backflowing flushing fluid into an external environment of the construction machine. This advantageously prevents flushing fluid, especially excessive amounts, from accumulating in the fluid channel. In particular, the flushing device has a deflection device for deflecting flushing fluid discharged through the passage. The deflection device advantageously ensures that the discharged flushing fluid is directed along the shortest possible path toward a subsurface on which the construction machine can be parked.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the construction machine has a storage container, in particular one that is funnel-shaped at least in some areas. The storage container defines on the inside a storage chamber of the construction machine for storing thick material, which storage chamber is in particular open at the top and can be covered by a cover of the construction machine. In particular, the construction machine has an openable emptying device that closes the storage chamber downwards, in particular in a direction of gravity. The construction machine also has at least one, in particular two, conveyor cylinders. Each conveyor cylinder has a variable-volume conveyor chamber for conveying thick material, wherein the conveyor chamber opens into the storage chamber. In addition, the construction machine has a pipe switch, in particular an S-shaped one.The pipe switch defines a control channel of the construction machine on the inside, with the control channel being connected at one end, in particular permanently, to the fluid channel in a fluid-conducting manner. The pipe switch, in particular within the storage chamber, is adjustable relative to the delivery chamber in such a way that the delivery chamber can be fluidly connected alternately, in particular directly, to the storage chamber and, via the control channel, to the fluid channel. Since the control channel is fluidly connected to the fluid channel, the control channel can also be advantageously flushed with flushing fluid during flushing operation using the fluid jet.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the construction machine comprises an additional flushing device through which flushing fluid can flow. During flushing operation of the construction machine, the additional flushing device can be used to form at least one additional jet of flushing fluid at least partially within a storage chamber of the construction machine for storing thick material. Advantageously, the storage chamber can thus be flushed, particularly automatically, with flushing fluid from the additional jet.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, each volume-variable conveying chamber of the construction machine has an outlet opening at which the conveying chamber merges into the storage chamber. The at least one further liquid jet can be directed into the outlet opening and / or into corners of the storage chamber. A corner can be formed by at least one inner edge of the storage chamber. The corners can be rounded or beveled. In particular, a separate further nozzle device of the further flushing device is provided for each outlet opening and / or each corner for forming at least one further liquid jet. This enables particularly thorough flushing or cleaning of the storage chamber and the at least one conveying chamber.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional flushing device is mounted on the storage container so that it can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the storage container. The additional flushing device can be removed from the storage container for filling the storage space with thick material for conveying operation and positioned on, in particular above and / or at least partially within, the storage space for flushing operation. Advantageously, the storage space can thus be filled with thick material without being hindered by the additional flushing device being moved away from the storage space.

[0019] A retrofit kit, which is not part of the invention, is designed for a starting construction machine for conveying thick material

[0020] The starting construction machine has a pressure port, wherein the pressure port has a fluid channel open to an external environment of the starting construction machine, wherein thick material flows through the fluid channel in a conveying direction during conveying operation of the starting construction machine. The starting construction machine can be a conventional construction machine. The starting construction machine can be retrofitted to a construction machine according to the invention by means of the retrofit kit as described above. Accordingly, the advantages of the construction machine according to the invention described above can be exploited by means of the retrofit kit. The retrofit kit has the flushing device through which a flushing liquid can flow, wherein the flushing device and the pressure port have complementary coupling devices, in particular wherein the retrofit kit has at least that of the flushing device among the coupling devices.The retrofit kit can also include an additional flushing device.

[0021] A method according to the invention serves for a flushing operation of a construction machine according to the invention as described above. The above-explained advantages of the construction machine according to the invention can be exploited by means of the method according to the invention. According to the method, the coupling devices are coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device on the pressure port. According to the method, the flushing device is also supplied with flushing fluid. The method further provides that the at least one fluid jet is formed in the fluid channel, in particular counter to the conveying direction, by means of the flushing device, so that the fluid channel is flushed with flushing fluid. The aforementioned measures are preferably carried out in the above order.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method, a storage chamber of the construction machine is opened downwards, in particular by means of a discharge device of the construction machine. "Downwards" can mean "in the direction of gravity." In particular, the storage chamber is opened downwards before and / or during the formation of the liquid jet. The storage chamber is opened to drain thick material and / or flushing liquid stored in the storage chamber. In particular, thick material held in at least one variable-volume conveying chamber of the construction machine is drained into the storage chamber by minimizing the volume of this conveying chamber. The volume of the conveying chamber can be minimized by adjusting a conveying piston of a conveying cylinder of the construction machine relative to the storage chamber. Advantageously, the construction machine, in particular its storage chamber and preferably its at least one conveying chamber, can thus be emptied before the construction machine is flushed.The draining device can remain open during rinsing operation so that accumulation of rinsing liquid in the storage space can be avoided.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, a further flushing device of the construction machine is supplied with flushing fluid. By means of the further flushing device, at least one further liquid jet of flushing fluid is formed at least partially within a storage chamber of the construction machine for storing thick material. In particular, at least one volume-variable conveying chamber of the construction machine has an outlet opening at which the conveying chamber merges into the storage chamber, in particular wherein the at least one further liquid jet is formed into the outlet opening and / or into corners of the storage chamber. In this way, the storage chamber, in particular the outlet opening and / or the corners of the storage chamber, can be flushed particularly thoroughly.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the method, the at least one liquid jet and the at least one further liquid jet are formed sequentially or simultaneously. Forming the two liquid jets sequentially advantageously requires a particularly low volume flow of rinsing liquid for both liquid jets. Simultaneous or simultaneous formation of the two liquid jets, in contrast, proves to be particularly time-saving.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the method, while the at least one liquid jet is being formed by means of a nozzle device of the flushing device, the nozzle device is adjusted relative to the coupling device of the flushing device, in particular counter to the conveying direction and / or within the fluid channel. Preferably, the adjustment of the nozzle device relative to the coupling device of the flushing device takes place depending on a liquid pressure dropping at the nozzle device during the formation of the at least one liquid jet. By adjusting the nozzle device, the liquid jet can advantageously be guided along an inner side of the fluid channel, in particular counter to and / or in the conveying direction. Thus, the inner side of the fluid channel can be irradiated directly with the liquid jet over a particularly large area or even completely.If the adjustment of the nozzle device depends on the fluid pressure, a separate drive for adjusting the nozzle device can be advantageously dispensed with.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the method, during the formation of the at least one liquid jet, a pipe switch, in particular one which is S-shaped, of the construction machine is adjusted relative to at least one volume-variable conveying chamber of a conveying cylinder of the construction machine. The pipe switch delimits a control channel of the construction machine on the inside, wherein the control channel is connected at one end in a fluid-conducting manner to the fluid channel, in particular permanently, in such a way that when the fluid channel is flushed, the control channel is also flushed with flushing liquid. In particular, during the formation of the at least one liquid jet, the pipe switch is adjusted relative to the at least one conveying chamber in such a way that the conveying chamber is alternately connected to the fluid channel by means of the control channel and, in particular directly, to a storage chamber of the construction machine in such a way that the conveying chamber is alternately flushed with flushing liquid guided through the control channel.This results in a particularly thorough rinsing and, consequently, a particularly thorough cleaning of the construction machine.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the method, while the at least one delivery chamber is fluidly connected to the control channel, a volume of this delivery chamber is varied, in particular maximized. Alternatively or additionally, a volume of at least one further delivery chamber is varied, in particular minimized, in particular in the opposite direction. In particular, the volume of the delivery chambers is varied, in particular minimized and / or maximized, by adjusting a delivery piston of the delivery cylinder having this delivery chamber, which delimits the respective delivery chamber, relative to the fluid channel. In this way, the delivery chambers can additionally be flushed with flushing fluid in order to clean the delivery chambers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0029] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. Fig. 1 shows a schematic rear view of an embodiment of a construction machine according to the invention, which is retrofitted by means of a retrofit kit and which is designed to carry out a method according to the invention for a flushing operation of the construction machine, Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the construction machine according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 in schematic plan view the construction machine according to the Fig. 1 and 2 , Fig. 4 in schematic representation of a vertical section the construction machine according to the Fig. 1 to 3 , Fig. 5 in schematic rear view a flushing device for the construction machine according to the Fig. 1 to 4 , Fig. 6 in schematic side view the flushing device according to Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 in schematic front view the flushing device according to the Figs. 5 and 6 , Fig. 8 in schematic plan view the flushing device according to the Fig. 5 to 7 , Fig. 9partially vertically sectioned the construction machine according to the Fig. 1 to 4, Fig. 10 in a schematic excavation view a further embodiment of the construction machine according to the invention, which is retrofitted by means of a further retrofit kit and which is set up to carry out a method according to the invention for a flushing operation of the construction machine, Fig. 11 in a schematic side view a further flushing device for the construction machine according to the Fig. 9 and 10 , Fig. 12 in schematic plan view a further embodiment of the construction machine according to the invention in the form of a snapshot during the implementation of a method according to the invention, Fig. 13 the construction machine according to Fig. 12 in the form of a further snapshot during the implementation of the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] A construction machine 1 according to the invention is provided for conveying thick material. The construction machine has a pressure nozzle 2. The pressure nozzle 2 delimits a fluid channel 3 which is open outwards to the external environment of the construction machine 1. During conveying operation of the construction machine 1, thick material flows through the fluid channel 3 in a conveying direction F. During conveying operation, thick material can be conveyed away from the construction machine 1 in the conveying direction F by means of the construction machine 1. The construction machine 1 also has a flushing device 4 through which a flushing liquid S can flow. The liquid S can be water. During flushing operation of the construction machine 1, at least one liquid jet B1 of flushing liquid S can be formed by means of the flushing device 4. By means of the flushing device 4, flushing liquid S can therefore be sprayed in at least one liquid jet B1.The flushing device 4 and the pressure nozzle 2 have complementary coupling devices 19. Both the flushing device 4 and the pressure nozzle 2 each have such a coupling device 19. The two complementary coupling devices 19 can be coupled to one another. During conveying operation of the construction machine 1, the coupling devices 19 can be decoupled from one another. During flushing operation, the complementary coupling devices 19 can be coupled to one another. The coupling devices 19 can be coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device 4 on the pressure nozzle 2 in such a way that the at least one liquid jet B1 can be formed in the fluid channel 3 during flushing operation. For example, the liquid jet B1 can be formed counter to the conveying direction F in the fluid channel 3 of the construction machine 1 during flushing operation.

[0031] A sensor device 5 can be arranged on at least one of the coupling devices 19, by means of which it can be detected whether the two coupling devices 19 are coupled to one another or whether the two complementary coupling devices 19 are decoupled from one another. In other words: the sensor device 5 can detect an assembled state of the flushing device 4 and / or a disassembled state of the flushing device 4. The sensor device 5 can also serve to center the flushing device 4 and the pressure port 2 relative to one another for the assembly of the flushing device 4 on the pressure port 2. In this case, the sensor device 5 can detect whether the flushing device 4 and the pressure port 2 are correctly aligned relative to one another.

[0032] The flushing device 4 in the present case has a nozzle device 6 that can be inserted into the fluid channel 3. The nozzle device 6 serves to form at least one liquid jet B1. For example, several liquid jets B1 of flushing liquid S can be formed simultaneously by means of the nozzle device 6, which are emitted radially outwards in a star-shaped or radial manner at an acute angle relative to the conveying direction F. These star-shaped or radially radially emitted liquid jets B1 can run in a virtual conical surface that tapers towards the nozzle device 6. In the assembled state of the flushing device 4, the conical surface can taper in the conveying direction F and widen counter to the conveying direction F.

[0033] In the present case, the nozzle device 6 is supported on the coupling device 19 of the flushing device 4 by means of a prestressing element 7 of the flushing device 4. The nozzle device 4 is supported on the coupling device 19 by means of the prestressing element 7 in such a way that, when the nozzle device 6 is adjusted relative to the coupling device 19 of the flushing device 4, the prestressing element 7 undergoes elastic deformation, generating a restoring force. As a result of this restoring force, the nozzle device 6 can be automatically adjusted back as soon as the fluid pressure dropping across the nozzle device 6 is reduced. In particular, a positioning of the nozzle device 6 relative to the coupling device 19 of the flushing device 4 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of the fluid pressure dropping across the nozzle device 6. The prestressing element 7 is designed as a helical spring in the present case.

[0034] For example, in the assembled state of the flushing device 4, a passage 8 is formed between the pressure port 2 and the flushing device 4. The passage 8 can be flowed through by flushing liquid S. The passage through which flushing liquid S can flow serves to drain backflowing flushing liquid S into an external environment of the construction machine 1. The backflowing liquid S is drained, for example, in the conveying direction F via the passage 8. The backflowing liquid S can therefore flow or be drained through the fluid channel 3 via the passage 8 into the external environment against a jet direction of the at least one liquid jet B. In the present case, the flushing device 4 has a deflection device 9 for deflecting flushing liquid S drained through the passage 8.

[0035] The construction machine 1 in the present case has a storage container 10. The storage container 10 is, for example, funnel-shaped at least in some regions. The storage container 10 delimits on the inside a storage chamber 12 of the construction machine 1, which serves to store thick material. The storage chamber 12 is, for example, open upwards, in particular against the direction of gravity. The construction machine 1 can have a lid 11 by means of which the storage chamber 12 can be covered. The construction machine 1 in the present case also has an emptying device 13. The emptying device 13 closes the storage chamber 12 downwards, in particular in the direction of gravity, and is designed to be openable. As a result of the emptying device 13 being opened, the storage chamber 12 can be released downwards, so that the contents of the storage chamber 12 can be drained from the storage chamber 12 by gravity using the open emptying device 13.

[0036] In addition, the construction machine has, for example, one – in this case, two – delivery cylinders C1, C2. Each delivery cylinder C1, C2 has a variable-volume delivery chamber 14 for conveying thick material. The delivery chamber 14 opens into the storage chamber 12. In this case, the two delivery chambers 14 of the two delivery cylinders C1, C2 open into the storage chamber 12 at a distance from one another. The construction machine also has a pipe switch 15, which in this case is S-shaped. The pipe switch 15 defines a control channel 16 of the construction machine 1 on the inside. The control channel 16 is fluidly connected at one end to the fluid channel 3. The pipe switch 15 is adjustable relative to the conveying chambers 14 in such a way that each of the conveying chambers 14 can be fluidically connected by means of the control channel 16 alternately to the fluid channel 3 and directly, ie not via the control channel 16, to the storage chamber 12.The pipe switch 1 is in this case adjustable within the storage chamber 12 relative to the conveying chambers 14. The two conveying chambers 14 can be fluidly connected, for example, alternately to the fluid channel 3 and the storage chamber 12 by means of the control channel. In other words: if one of the conveying chambers 14 is connected to the fluid channel 3 by means of the control channel 16, the other conveying chamber is fluidly connected to the storage chamber 12. If the pipe switch 15 is now adjusted, the other conveying chamber 14 is connected to the fluid channel 3 by means of the control channel 16 and, accordingly, the conveying chamber previously connected to the fluid channel 3 is connected to the storage chamber 12. This can be repeated periodically. By means of the control channel 16, only one conveying chamber 14 is ever connected to the fluid channel 3, with the other conveying chamber 14 being connected to the storage chamber 12.During conveying operation of the construction machine 1, a counter-directional variation of the conveying volumes of the volume-variable conveying chambers 14 can occur, synchronized with the periodic pivoting of the pipe switch 15. In this way, the thick material stored in the storage chamber 12 can first be sucked in by means of the conveying chambers 14 and then conveyed outward via the pipe switch 15 through the fluid channel 3 in the conveying direction F.

[0037] The construction machine 1 has, for example, an additional flushing device 17 through which the flushing liquid S can flow. During flushing operation of the construction machine 1, at least one additional liquid jet B2 of flushing liquid S can be formed at least partially within the storage chamber 12 of the construction machine 1 for storing thick material by means of the additional flushing device 17. The liquid jet B2 can be formed entirely within the storage chamber 12. For this purpose, the additional flushing device 17 can protrude into the storage chamber. In particular, the flushing device 17 can protrude from an external environment into the storage chamber 12. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the flushing device 17 to be arranged outside the storage chamber 12 and for the additional liquid jet B2 to be formed from the outside into the storage chamber 12.For example, the further flushing device 17 is arranged on a vertically upper side of the construction machine 1, in particular on an upper opening of the storage container 10.

[0038] As already mentioned, at least one volume-variable conveying chamber 14 of the construction machine has an outlet opening 18, at which the conveying chamber 14 merges into the storage chamber 12. In the present case, both conveying chambers 14 each have an outlet opening 18, at which the two conveying chambers merge into the storage chamber 12 at a distance from one another. The two outlet openings 18 of the conveying chambers 14 are spaced horizontally from one another and arranged vertically at the same height. The conveying chambers 14 extend horizontally, for example. The conveying chambers 14 can extend parallel. The at least one further liquid jet B2 can be formed into the outlet opening 18. The further liquid jet B2 can therefore be directed towards the outlet opening 18. The further liquid jet B2 can aim into the outlet opening 18.Alternatively or additionally, the at least one further liquid jet B2 can be formed into at least one corner of the storage space 12. Such a corner can be rounded or beveled. The storage space 12 can have a rectangular cross-section. The at least one further liquid jet B2 can be formed into an inner edge of the storage space 12, wherein the inner edge forms a corner of the storage space 12. The inner edge can be rounded or beveled. In the present case, a separate further nozzle device 20 of the further flushing device 17 is provided for each outlet opening 18. Alternatively or additionally, a separate further nozzle device 20 can be provided for each corner or inner edge. At least one further liquid jet B2 can be formed by means of each of these nozzle devices 20.In particular, an entire inner surface of the storage chamber 12 can be irradiated, in particular acted upon, with rinsing liquid by means of the further rinsing device 17 and the at least one further liquid jet B2. The rinsing liquid S can be supplied to the rinsing device 4 and, alternatively or additionally, to the further rinsing device 17 at a liquid pressure of 3 bar to 250 bar, in particular 15 bar to 25 bar. The rinsing device 4 and the further rinsing device 17 can be supplied with rinsing liquid S in the manner of a parallel connection. A controllable valve device can be provided which can be switched over so that either the rinsing device 4 or the further rinsing device 17 or both rinsing devices 4, 17 can be supplied with rinsing liquid S.

[0039] For example, the additional flushing device 17 is mounted on the storage container 10 so as to be movable relative to the storage container 10 such that the additional flushing device 17 can be removed from the storage chamber 12 for filling the storage space 12 with thick material for conveying operation and can be positioned on the storage chamber 12 for flushing operation. For example, the additional flushing device 17 can be pivotally mounted on the storage container 10 so that the additional flushing device 17 can be folded upwards for filling the storage space 12 with thick material. For flushing operation, the additional flushing device 17 can be positioned, for example, above and - alternatively or additionally - at least partially within the storage space 12. In the present case, the additional flushing device 17 can be folded downwards towards the storage space 12 for flushing operation in order to assume its flushing position shown in the figures.

[0040] The construction machine 1 according to the Fig. 1 to 4and 9 and 10 is retrofitted, for example, by means of a retrofit kit. The retrofit kit is intended for a starting construction machine for conveying thick material. The starting construction machine already has a pressure port 2, wherein the pressure port 2 has a fluid channel 3 open to an external environment of the starting construction machine. During conveying operation of the starting construction machine, thick material flows through the fluid channel 3 in a conveying direction F. The retrofit kit has the flushing device 4. In addition, the retrofit kit can have the further flushing device 17. In other words: the starting construction machine can be a conventional construction machine which can be retrofitted to a construction machine 1 according to the invention by means of the retrofit kit.

[0041] A method according to the invention for flushing operation of the construction machine 1 provides that the coupling devices 19 are coupled to one another. The coupling devices 19 are coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device 4 on the pressure nozzle 2. According to the method, the flushing device 4 is supplied with flushing liquid S, for example after the flushing device 4 has been mounted on the pressure nozzle 2. According to the method, the at least one liquid jet B1 is formed in the fluid channel 3, in particular counter to the conveying direction F, by means of the flushing device 4. The at least one liquid jet B1 is formed such that the fluid channel 3 is flushed with flushing liquid S. The forming of the liquid jet B1 can occur as a result of the supplying of the flushing device 4 with flushing liquid S. The liquid jet B1 can be directed against an inner side of the pressure nozzle 2, which delimits the fluid channel 3.

[0042] For example, according to the method, a storage chamber 12 of the construction machine 1 is opened downwards. The opening of the storage chamber 12 can be effected by means of the emptying device 13 of the construction machine 1. For example, the storage chamber 12 is opened downwards before and / or during the formation of the liquid jet B1. The opening of the storage chamber 12 serves to drain thick material stored in the storage chamber 12 and - alternatively or additionally - flushing liquid S. In this case, thick material held in at least one of the variable-volume conveying chambers 14 of the construction machine can be drained into the storage chamber 12 by minimizing the volume of the conveying chamber 14. To minimize the volume of the conveying chamber 14, the conveying piston 21 of the associated conveying cylinder C1, C2 can be adjusted relative to the storage chamber 12. By means of the conveying piston 21, thick material collected in the associated conveying chamber 14 can be pushed into the storage chamber 12.From the storage chamber 12, the thick material pushed out of the conveying chamber 14 can then be discharged via the emptying device 13.

[0043] For example, according to the method, the additional flushing device 17 of the construction machine 1 is supplied with flushing fluid S. At least one additional liquid jet B2 of flushing fluid S is formed at least partially within the storage chamber 12 of the construction machine 1 for storing thick material by means of the additional flushing device 17. The at least one additional liquid jet B2 can be directed into the outlet openings 18 of the conveying chambers 14 and—alternatively or additionally—into corners and / or edges of the storage chamber 12.

[0044] According to the method, the at least one liquid jet B1 and the at least one further liquid jet B2 are formed, for example, sequentially or simultaneously. For example, while the at least one liquid jet B1 is being formed by means of a nozzle device 6 of the flushing device 4, the nozzle device 6 is adjusted relative to the coupling device 19 of the flushing device 4. For example, when forming the liquid jet B1, the flushing device 4 is adjusted counter to the conveying direction F and / or within the fluid channel 3 relative to the coupling device 19 of the flushing device 4. The adjustment of the nozzle device 4 can occur depending on a fluid pressure dropping at the nozzle device 6 during the formation of the at least one liquid jet B1.

[0045] For example, during the formation of the at least one liquid jet B1, the pipe switch 15 of the construction machine 1 is adjusted relative to the at least one volume-variable delivery chamber 14 of the delivery cylinder C1, C2 of the construction machine 1. Since the control channel 16 is fluidly connected at one end to the fluid channel 3, when the fluid channel 3 is flushed, the control channel 16 is also flushed with flushing liquid S. The pipe switch 15 can be adjusted relative to the at least one delivery chamber 14 such that the delivery chamber 14 is alternately fluidly connected by means of the control channel 16 to the fluid channel 3 and directly to the storage chamber 12 in such a way that the delivery chamber 14 is alternately flushed with flushing liquid S guided through the control channel 16.The alternating flushing of the conveying chamber 14 can result from the fact that the pipe switch 15 is pivoted, in particular in an oscillating manner, in order to connect the control channel 16 to the conveying chamber 14 in a recurring alternation and to separate it from the conveying chamber 14.

[0046] For example, according to the method, while at least one delivery chamber 14 is fluidly connected to the control channel 16, a volume of this delivery chamber 14 is varied. For example, the volume of the delivery chamber 14 can be maximized if this delivery chamber 14 is fluidly connected to the control channel 16. Alternatively or additionally, the volume of the other delivery chamber 14 can be varied, in particular in the opposite direction. In other words: if the volume of one delivery chamber 14 is maximized, the volume of the other delivery chamber 14 can be minimized. The volume of the delivery chambers 14 can be varied, i.e. minimized and / or maximized, by adjusting a delivery piston 21, which delimits the respective delivery chamber 14, of the delivery cylinder C1, C2 having this delivery chamber 14, relative to the fluid channel 3.

Claims

1. Construction machine (1) for conveying thick matter, wherein the construction machine (1) has, - a pressure connector (2), wherein the pressure connector (2) delimits a fluid channel (3) which is open outwards towards an external environment of the construction machine (1), wherein, in a conveying operation of the construction machine (1), thick matter flows through the fluid channel (3) in a conveying direction (F), - a flushing device (4) through which a flushing liquid (S) can flow, wherein, in a flushing operation of the construction machine (1), at least one liquid jet (B1) of flushing liquid (S) can be formed by means of the flushing device (4), - wherein the flushing device (4) and the pressure connector (2) have complementary coupling means (19), - wherein the complementary coupling means (19) can be coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device (4) on the pressure connector (2) in such a way that, in the flushing operation, the at least one liquid jet (B1) can be formed in the fluid channel (3), in particular counter to the conveying direction (F), - wherein, for the conveying operation, a conveying line can be connected in fluid-conducting communication at the pressure connector (2) to the fluid channel (3), by means of which conveying line the thick matter conveyed away from the construction machine (1) can be supplied to a distribution system, - characterized in that the flushing device (4) has a nozzle means (6), which can be introduced into the fluid channel (3), for forming the at least one liquid jet (B1).

2. Construction machine (1) according to the preceding claim, - wherein the nozzle means (6) is adjustable relative to the coupling means (19) of the flushing device (4), in particular depending on a liquid pressure that decreases during the forming of the at least one liquid jet (B1) via the nozzle means (6).

3. Construction machine (1) according to either of the preceding claims, - wherein, in a mounted state of the flushing device (4), a passage (8) through which flushing liquid (S) can flow and which is intended for discharging back-flowing flushing liquid (S) into an external environment of the construction machine (1) is formed between the pressure connector (2) and the flushing device (4), - in particular wherein the flushing device (4) has a deflection means (9) for deflecting flushing liquid (S) discharged through the passage (8).

4. Construction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the construction machine (1) has: - a storage container (10), in particular of funnel-shaped design at least in regions, wherein the storage container (10) delimits a storage chamber (12) of the construction machine (1) on the inside, which storage chamber is open in particular upwards and can be covered by means of a cover (11) of the construction machine (1), for storing thick matter, in particular wherein the construction machine (1) has an openable emptying means (13) which downwardly closes the storage chamber (12), - at least one, in particular two, conveying cylinders (C1, C2), wherein each conveying cylinder (C1, C2) has a volume-variable conveying chamber (14) for conveying thick matter, wherein the conveying chamber (14) opens into the storage chamber (12), and - an, in particular S-shaped, pipe switch (15), wherein the pipe switch (15) delimits a control channel (16) of the construction machine (1) on the inside, wherein the control channel (16) is connected at one end in a fluid-conducting manner to the fluid channel (3), - wherein the pipe switch (15), in particular within the storage chamber (12), is adjustable relative to the conveying chamber (14) in such a way that the conveying chamber (14) can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner alternately by means of the control channel (16) to the fluid channel (3) and, in particular directly, to the storage chamber (12).

5. Construction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - wherein the construction machine (1) has a further flushing device (17) through which the flushing liquid (S) can flow, - wherein, in the flushing operation of the construction machine (1), at least one further liquid jet (B2) of flushing liquid (S) can be formed at least partially within a storage chamber (12) of the construction machine (1) for storing thick matter by means of the further flushing device (17).

6. Construction machine (1) according to the two preceding claims, - wherein each volume-variable conveying chamber (14) of the construction machine (1) has a mouth opening (18) at which the conveying chamber (14) merges into the storage chamber (12), - wherein the at least one further liquid jet (B2) can be formed into the mouth opening (18) and / or into corners of the storage chamber (12), - in particular wherein, per mouth opening (18) and / or corner, there is a separate further nozzle means (20) of the further flushing device (17) for forming in each case at least one further liquid jet (B2).

7. Construction machine (1) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein the further flushing device (17) is mounted on the storage container (10) so as to be movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the storage container (12) in such a way that, for filling the storage chamber (10) with thick matter, the further flushing device (17) can be removed from the storage chamber (10) for the conveying operation, and, for the flushing operation, can be positioned on, in particular above and / or at least partially in, the storage chamber (10).

8. Method for a flushing operation of a construction machine (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein, according to the method: - the coupling means (19) are coupled to one another in order to mount the flushing device (4) on the pressure connector (2), - the flushing device (4) is supplied with flushing liquid (S), and - the at least one liquid jet (B1) is formed in the fluid channel (3), in particular counter to the conveying direction (F), by means of the flushing device (4), such that the fluid channel (3) is flushed with flushing liquid (S).

9. Method according to the preceding claim for a construction machine according to Claim 4, - wherein the storage chamber (12) of the construction machine (1) is opened downwards, in particular by means of the emptying means (13) of the construction machine (1), in particular before and / or during the forming of the liquid jet (B1), in order to discharge thick matter and / or flushing liquid (S) stored in the storage chamber (12), - in particular wherein thick matter received in at least one of the volume-variable conveying chambers (14) of the construction machine (1) is discharged into the storage chamber (12) by minimization of the volume of the conveying chamber (14).

10. Method according to either of the two preceding claims for a construction machine according to Claim 5, - wherein the further flushing device (17) of the construction machine (1) is supplied with flushing liquid (S), - wherein, by means of the further flushing device (17), at least one further liquid jet (B2) of flushing liquid (S) is formed at least partially within a storage chamber (12) of the construction machine (1) for storing thick matter, - in particular wherein each volume-variable conveying chamber (14) of the construction machine (1) has a mouth opening (18) at which the conveying chamber (14) merges into the storage chamber (12), in particular wherein the at least one further liquid jet (B2) is formed into the mouth opening (18) and / or into corners of the storage chamber (12).

11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one liquid jet (B1) and the at least one further liquid jet (B2) are shaped successively or simultaneously.

12. Method according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein, during the forming of the at least one liquid jet (B1) by means of the nozzle means (6) of the flushing device (4), the nozzle means (6) is adjusted relative to the coupling means (19) of the flushing device (4), in particular counter to the conveying direction (F) and / or within the fluid channel (3), in particular depending on a liquid pressure that decreases during the forming of the at least one liquid jet (B1) at the nozzle means (6).

13. Method according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein, during the forming of the at least one liquid jet (B1), - an, in particular S-shaped, pipe switch (15) of the construction machine (1) is adjusted relative to at least one volume-variable conveying chamber (14) of a conveying cylinder (C1, C2) of the construction machine (1), wherein the pipe switch (15) delimits a control channel (16) of the construction machine (1) on the inside, wherein the control channel (16) is connected at one end in a fluid-conducting manner to the fluid channel (3) in such a way that, during the flushing of the fluid channel (3), the control channel (16) is also flushed with flushing liquid (S), - in particular wherein the pipe switch (15) is adjusted relative to the at least one conveying chamber (14) in such a way that the conveying chamber (14) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner alternately by means of the control channel (16) to the fluid channel (3) and, in particular directly, to a storage chamber (12) of the construction machine, in such a way that the conveying chamber (14) is alternatingly flushed with flushing liquid (S) conducted through the control channel (16).

14. Method according to the preceding claim, - wherein, while the at least one conveying chamber (14) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the control channel (16), a volume of said conveying chamber (14) is varied, in particular maximized, and / or a volume of at least one further conveying chamber (14) is varied, in particular minimized, in particular in the opposite direction, - in particular wherein the volume of the conveying chambers (14) is varied, in particular minimized and / or maximized, by a conveying piston (21), which delimits the relevant conveying chamber (14), of the conveying cylinder (C1, C2) having said conveying chamber (14) being adjusted relative to the fluid channel (3).

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