EP3803117B1 - Device for pumping viscous fluids - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

The invention relates to a device for conveying thick matter.

The DE 34 48 016 A1 discloses a hydrostatically driven duplex plunger pump for pumping liquids loaded with abrasive particles, flowable slurries or emulsions, in which each plunger is coupled to a double-acting hydraulic piston-cylinder unit, the supply of hydraulic medium to which is controlled by hydraulic control elements in such a way that their pistons each perform opposite stroke movements. The hydraulic control elements are control valves actuated by electrical signals developed in a control unit depending on the stroke position of the plunger. The control unit is connected to electrical sensors that scan at least the stroke end positions of the plunger. The control unit has a comparator unit in which the temporal synchronization of the stroke end positions of both plunger pistons is compared and, if one plunger piston lags behind, a control signal is developed for the associated hydraulic piston-cylinder unit in such a way that the supply of hydraulic medium to the piston-cylinder unit associated with the leading plunger piston is reduced or blocked until the lagging plunger piston has reached its stroke end position.

The DE 101 50 467 A1 reveals a thick matter pump with flow rate control.

The WO 2005/093253 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for controlling a slurry pump.

The JP-S59 206683 A reveals a concrete pump.

The EN 10 2015 103 180 A1 discloses a hydraulically driven two-cylinder piston pump with a first differential cylinder with a piston-side chamber and a rod-side chamber, which drives a first delivery piston via a first piston rod, and with a second differential cylinder with a piston-side chamber and a rod-side chamber, which drives a second delivery piston via a second piston rod The two-cylinder piston pump is characterized in particular by a switching device which sets a piston-side or rod-side operating mode of the two-cylinder piston pump by switching the hydraulic oil flow to the chambers of the differential cylinders, the switching device being arranged on the bottoms of the piston-side chambers of the differential cylinders as a bridge-forming connection between the differential cylinders. Furthermore, the subject of the EN 10 2015 103 180 A1 also a method for operating the hydraulically driven two-cylinder piston pump.

TASK AND SOLUTION

The object of the invention is to provide a device for conveying thick matter which enables optimal and/or safe conveying.

The invention solves this problem by providing a device for conveying thick matter with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments and/or embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for conveying thick matter has at least one drive cylinder, at least one drive piston, at least one conveying cylinder, at least one conveying piston and at least one piston rod. The drive cylinder is designed to hold hydraulic fluid, in particular oil. The drive piston is arranged in the drive cylinder. The conveying cylinder is designed to hold thick matter. The conveying piston is arranged in the conveying cylinder. The piston rod is attached to the drive piston for movement coupling with or movement transmission to the conveying piston. Furthermore, the drive cylinder has a rod-side passage or inlet for pressurizing a rod side of the drive piston with hydraulic fluid and a bottom-side passage or inlet for pressurizing a bottom side of the drive piston facing away from or opposite the rod side with hydraulic fluid. In addition, the device has a drive pump or drive pump unit, which can be controlled in particular, at least one pump connection, a sensor device, in particular an electrical one, and a control unit, in particular an electrical one. The drive pump is designed to generate a drive volume flow with a drive pressure of hydraulic fluid for moving the drive piston, in particular in the drive cylinder, and in particular thus for moving the piston rod and thus the delivery piston, in particular in the delivery cylinder. The pump connection is designed for variable, in particular operator-changeable or detachable connection of the drive pump, in particular a high-pressure side of the drive pump, with, in particular either, the rod-side passage or the base-side passage for the flow of hydraulic fluid, in particular from the drive pump to the drive piston. The sensor device is designed for independent or autonomous or automatic detection or recognition of whether the pump connection is connected to the rod-side passage or the base-side passage. The control unit is designed for, in particular independent or autonomous or automatic, control of the device, in particular the drive pump, when the rod-side pump connection is detected in a rod-side operating mode and when the base-side pump connection is detected in a base-side operating mode, in particular different from the rod-side.

The device enables a change or switchover, in particular repeatable or multiple, between rod-side and bottom-side drive, in particular by an operator. The device thus enables a change in a transmission ratio between a drive side, in particular the drive cylinder and/or the drive piston, and a delivery side, in particular the delivery cylinder and/or the delivery piston. The device thus enables a change in achievable values for delivery pressure and delivery volume flow, in particular with a constant drive pressure or drive pressure value and a constant drive volume flow or drive volume flow value.

In detail, the rod side and the base side can have an area of the same size or an equal area value. However, the piston rod attached to the drive piston can take up a partial area of the rod side and thus take away the partial area for the hydraulic fluid to apply the drive pressure. In contrast, the entire base side can be available to the hydraulic fluid to apply the drive pressure. Thus, a force or a force value transmitted by the hydraulic fluid with the drive pressure to the base side can be higher than a force or a force value on the rod side. Thus, the device can have the, in particular different, transmission ratios. In particular, the base-side pump connection or the base-side operating mode can be used or utilized for high-pressure delivery. The rod-side pump connection or the rod-side operating mode can be used or utilized for low-pressure delivery.

Furthermore, the piston rod in the drive cylinder can take up a partial volume on the rod side and thus take away the partial volume from the hydraulic fluid to fill. In contrast, the hydraulic fluid in the drive cylinder on the bottom side can have a volume completely available to fill. Thus, when the drive cylinder is filled on the bottom side, a movement or a displacement value of the drive piston caused by the hydraulic fluid can be shorter or lower than a movement or a displacement value of the drive piston when the drive cylinder is filled on the rod side or the drive cylinder is filled with the drive volume. The device can therefore have the, in particular different, transmission ratios. In particular, the rod-side pump connection or the rod-side operating mode can be used or utilized for high-volume conveyance. The bottom-side pump connection or the bottom-side operating mode can be used or utilized for low-volume conveyance.

In particular, the gear ratios may differ from one another by a value of 1.1 to 2.5, in particular from 1.2 to 2.2, in particular from 1.3 to 1.9, in particular from 1.4 to 1.6, in particular from 1.5.

The rod side can refer to the side, in particular the front side, of the drive piston, to which the piston rod is attached to the drive piston. The bottom side can refer to the opposite side, in particular the front side, of the drive piston. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom side does not need to be at the bottom.

The piston rod can be attached to the delivery piston.

The pump connection can have or be a pump connection line, in particular a hydraulic hose line. Additionally or alternatively, the pump connection can be connected to the drive pump and designed for variable connection to the rod-side passage or the base-side passage.

Rod side pump connection can refer to the connection of the pump connection to the rod side passage. Bottom side pump connection can refer to the connection of the pump connection to the bottom side passage.

Furthermore, the device or its sensor device enables the rod-side pump connection and the bottom-side pump connection or the active pump connection side to be detected independently. In other words: the operator does not need to enter the active pump connection side into the control unit after a change between the rod-side and bottom-side drive.

In particular, the sensor device can be referred to as a detection device or recognition device. In detail, the sensor device can have at least one sensor and/or an evaluation unit, such as a processor. The sensor and the evaluation unit can have a signal connection to one another.

In addition, the device or its control unit or its rod-side operating mode and its base-side operating mode enable the device, in particular the drive pump, to be controlled optimally and/or safely.

In particular, in the bottom-side operating mode or in the high-pressure conveying operating mode, conveying through a conveying line on an arm package or a mast, in particular of the device, can be prevented or an operating time can be limited, in particular in order to reduce or even completely avoid negative effects on the service life of components, in particular of the device. In contrast, in the rod-side operating mode or in the low-pressure conveying operating mode, unlimited operation can be possible or enabled. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit for controlling the device can be designed with at least one operating parameter, in particular a value of the operating parameter, adapted to the respective pump connection, in particular rod-side or bottom-side pump connection, when the rod-side pump connection is detected in the rod-side operating mode and when the bottom-side pump connection is detected in the bottom-side operating mode, which is in particular different from the rod-side. In particular, the at least one or more operating parameters, in particular a value of the operating parameter, can be different in the rod-side operating mode and in the base-side operating mode. Additionally or alternatively, in the base-side operating mode, a delivery pressure and/or the drive pressure and/or an operating time can be limited and/or delivery through a delivery line of an arm package can be prevented. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, in the rod-side operating mode, limit-free operation can be enabled.

The control unit can have a processor and/or a memory. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can have a signal connection to the sensor device and/or the drive pump, in particular in each case.

In addition, the device can have an output device, in particular an electrical one. The output device can be designed to output, in particular automatically, the detected pump connection side and/or the operating mode, in particular to the operator. In particular, the output device can have or be a display. Additionally or alternatively, the output device can have a signal connection to the sensor device and/or the control unit, in particular in each case.

The device can be referred to as a thick matter pump. Thick matter can refer to mortar, cement, screed, concrete, plaster and/or sludge. Additionally or alternatively, the delivery piston can act on the thick matter to convey it, in particular have immediate or direct contact with the thick matter. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the device can be designed as a mobile device.

The sensor device is designed for, in particular, automatic measurement of at least one characteristic variable that depends on the pump connection side or the, in particular, respective transmission ratio, in particular a value or amount of the characteristic variable, of the drive piston, the delivery piston, the piston rod, the hydraulic fluid and/or the thick material in a detection mode of the drive pump. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for, in particular, automatic detection of the pump connection side based on the measured characteristic variable. This enables indirect detection of the pump connection side. In other words: the sensor device does not need to be designed for immediate or direct detection of the connection of the pump connection side with the rod-side passage or the base-side passage. In particular, the control unit can be designed for, in particular, automatic control of the drive pump in a detection mode. Additionally or alternatively, the detection mode or the detection mode can be different from the rod-side operating mode and/or the base-side operating mode. In particular, loads on components, in particular the device, can be reduced during detection operation.

The sensor device is based on the drive volume flow and/or a drive pump pressure, in particular the drive pressure, for, in particular automatic, Determination, in particular calculation and/or measurement, of at least one comparison variable, in particular a value or amount of the comparison variable. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for, in particular automatic, comparison of the comparison variable with the characteristic variable and/or a variable based on the characteristic variable. In addition, the sensor device is designed for, in particular automatic, detection of the pump connection side based on a comparison result. In particular, the comparison variable can be referred to as a default variable or target variable. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device can be designed to determine a rod-side comparison variable and a base-side comparison variable, which can differ from one another in particular due to the transmission ratios. Further additionally or alternatively, the drive pump pressure can be a high pressure, in particular a high pressure side of the drive pump, or a low pressure, in particular a low pressure side of the drive pump. Further additionally or alternatively, the comparison variable can be the drive volume flow and/or the drive pump pressure.

In a further development of the invention, the device has at least two drive cylinders and at least two drive pistons. Furthermore, the device has at least one swing connection. The swing connection is designed for a changeable, in particular operator-changeable or detachable, connection, in particular either bottom-side passages or rod-side passages of the drive cylinders for a flow of hydraulic fluid, in particular between the drive cylinders, so that the drive pistons are phase-coupled, in particular anti-phase-coupled or for counter-rotating movement. This makes it possible to reduce or even completely avoid a gap in the conveyance of thick matter, in particular in comparison to a device with only a single drive cylinder and only a single drive piston. In particular, the device can have at least two delivery cylinders, at least two delivery pistons, at least two piston rods and/or at least two pump connections. Additionally or alternatively, the swing connection can have or be a swing connection line, in particular a hydraulic hose line. Furthermore, or alternatively, the swing connection can be designed for variable connection to the bottom-side passages or the rod-side passages. Furthermore, or alternatively, the swing connection can be connected to the passages not connected by the pump connection. In other words: the swing connection side can be opposite the pump connection side. In particular, the drive pump, the at least one pump connection, the drive cylinders and the swing connection can form a circuit for hydraulic fluid, in particular an open or closed circuit. An open circuit can allow a flow of hydraulic fluid from a tank through the drive pump, the pump connection, the drive cylinders and the swing connection to the tank. Closed circuit can refer to a flow of hydraulic fluid from the drive pump, in particular a high pressure side of the drive pump, through the pump connection, the drive cylinders, the swing connection and another pump connection to the pump, in particular a low pressure side or suction side of the drive pump. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the sensor device can be designed to independently detect whether the swing connection is connected to the bottom-side passages or the rod-side passages, and thus to independently detect whether the pump connection is connected to the rod-side passage or the bottom-side passage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has a position detection device, in particular an electrical one. The position detection device is designed for the, in particular automatic, detection of at least two, in particular different, positions, in particular end position positions, of the drive piston, in particular in the drive cylinder, of the delivery piston, in particular in the delivery cylinder, and/or the piston rod. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for the, in particular automatic, detection of the pump connection side based on the detection of the positions. In particular, the characteristic variable can have or be the at least two positions. Additionally or alternatively, the position detection device can have at least two position switches, in particular end position switches, or a distance measuring system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has a time measuring device, in particular an electrical one. The time measuring device is designed for, in particular, automatic measurement of a movement time period, in particular a value or amount of the movement time period, of the drive piston, the delivery piston and/or the piston rod between the positions, in particular the end position positions. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for, in particular, automatic detection of the pump connection side based on the measured movement time period. In particular, the characteristic variable can have or be the movement time period. The sensor device can compare the measured movement time period with a comparison movement time period, in particular based on the drive volume flow. Additionally or alternatively, the characteristic variable can have or be a speed of the drive piston, the delivery piston and/or the piston rod. The speed can be determined, in particular calculated, from a distance between the positions and the movement time period. The sensor device can Compare measured speed with a reference speed, in particular based on the drive volume flow.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device has a supply and/or discharge. The supply and/or discharge is designed for the, in particular automatic, supply and/or discharge of hydraulic fluid into the rocking connection side opposite the pump connection side. The sensor device, in particular the at least one position detection device, is designed for the, in particular automatic, measurement of a phase change, in particular a value or amount of the phase change, of the drive pistons, the delivery pistons and/or the piston rods during supply or discharge. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for the, in particular automatic, detection of the pump connection side based on the measured phase change. In particular, the characteristic variable can have or be the phase change. The sensor device can compare the measured phase change with a comparison phase change, in particular based on the supply or discharge, and detect the rocking connection side and/or the pump connection side based on a comparison result. In detail, the drive pistons, the delivery pistons and/or the piston rods or their positions, in particular those detected by means of the positioning device, can have a phase position relative to one another, in particular 180 degrees. The phase position can change, in particular unintentionally, in particular due to at least one leak. The phase position can be changed by supply or discharge, in particular in one direction or an opposite direction. Additionally or alternatively, the supply and/or discharge can have a supply and/or discharge valve.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has at least one, in particular electrical, pressure measuring device. The pressure measuring device is designed for, in particular automatically, measuring a pressure, in particular a value or an amount of pressure, of the hydraulic fluid, in particular in the drive cylinder, and/or of the thick material, in particular in the feed cylinder. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for, in particular automatically, detecting the pump connection side based on the measured pressure. In particular, the characteristic variable can have or be the pressure. The sensor device can compare the measured pressure with a comparison pressure, in particular based on the drive pump pressure.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has at least one further, in particular electrical, pressure measuring device. The further pressure measuring device is designed for, in particular automatically, measuring a, in particular the, drive pump pressure, in particular a value or an amount of the drive pump pressure, of the hydraulic fluid. Furthermore, the sensor device is designed for, in particular automatically, comparing the measured drive pump pressure with the measured pressure. In addition, the sensor device is designed for, in particular automatically, detecting the pump connection side based on a comparison result. In particular, the comparison variable can have or be the drive pump pressure.

In a further development of the invention, the pump connection and/or the swing connection, if present, in particular each have at least one identification element of the sensor device. The rod-side passage and/or the base-side passage in particular each have an identification detection device, in particular an electrical one, of the sensor device. The identification detection device is designed for, in particular, automatic detection of the identification element. Additionally or alternatively, the rod-side passage and/or the base-side passage in particular each have an identification element of the sensor device. The pump connection and/or the swing connection, if present, in particular each have at least one identification detection device, in particular an electrical one, of the sensor device. The identification detection device is designed for, in particular, automatic detection of the identification element. The sensor device is designed for, in particular, automatic detection of the pump connection side based on the detection and/or non-detection of the identification element. This enables immediate or direct detection of the pump connection side. In particular, the identification detection can be contactless, in particular RFID detection. Additionally or alternatively, the identification detection can be contact-based.

In a further development of the invention, the sensor device has at least one, in particular electrical, optical detection device, in particular a camera. The optical detection device is designed for the, in particular automatic, optical detection of the connection of the pump connection and/or the swing connection, if present, with the rod-side passage or the base-side passage. This enables immediate or direct detection of the pump connection side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Schaltplan einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff mit einer Sensoreinrichtung aufweisend mindestens eine Druckmesseinrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei bodenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei stangenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem entgegengesetzten Hub,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei bodenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem entgegengesetzten Hub,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei stangenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei bodenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und keinem Hub,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung von Druckverhältnissen in der Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bei stangenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und keinem Hub,

Fig. 8

einen weiteren schematischen Schaltplan der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff mit der Sensoreinrichtung aufweisend mindestens eine Positionserfassungseinrichtung und mindestens eine Zeitmesseinrichtung bei bodenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung der Fig. 8 bei stangenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 10

einen weiteren schematischen Schaltplan der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff mit der Sensoreinrichtung aufweisend mindestens eine Positionserfassungseinrichtung und eine Zuund/oder Abspeisung bei bodenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung der Vorrichtung der Fig. 10 bei stangenseitiger Pumpenverbindung und einem Hub,

Fig. 12

einen schematische Darstellung einer Pumpenverbindung aufweisend ein berührungsbehaftetes Identifikationselement der Sensoreinrichtung und eines bodenseitigen Durchlasses aufweisend eine berührungsbehaftete Identifikationseinrichtung der Sensoreinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff,

Fig. 13

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaukelverbindung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff, und

Fig. 14

einen weitere schematische Darstellung der Pumpenverbindung aufweisend ein berührungsloses Identifikationselement der Sensoreinrichtung und eines bodenseitigen Durchlasses aufweisend eine berührungslose Identifikationseinrichtung der Sensoreinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Förderung von Dickstoff.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.

Fig.1

a schematic circuit diagram of a device according to the invention for conveying thick matter with a sensor device having at least one pressure measuring device,

Fig.2

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with bottom-side pump connection and one stroke,

Fig.3

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with rod-side pump connection and an opposite stroke,

Fig.4

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with bottom-side pump connection and an opposite stroke,

Fig.5

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with rod-side pump connection and one stroke,

Fig.6

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with bottom-side pump connection and no lift,

Fig.7

a schematic representation of pressure conditions in the device of Fig.1 with rod-side pump connection and no stroke,

Fig.8

a further schematic circuit diagram of the device according to the invention for conveying thick matter with the sensor device having at least one position detection device and at least one time measuring device with a bottom-side pump connection and a stroke,

Fig.9

a schematic representation of the device of the Fig.8 with rod-side pump connection and one stroke,

Fig.10

a further schematic circuit diagram of the device according to the invention for conveying thick matter with the sensor device having at least one position detection device and a supply and/or discharge with a bottom-side pump connection and a stroke,

Fig. 11

a schematic representation of the device of the Fig.10 with rod-side pump connection and one stroke,

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of a pump connection having a contact-based identification element of the sensor device and a bottom-side passage having a contact-based identification device of the sensor device of the device according to the invention for conveying thick matter,

Fig. 13

a schematic representation of a swing connection of the device according to the invention for conveying thick matter, and

Fig. 14

a further schematic representation of the pump connection having a contactless identification element of the sensor device and a bottom-side passage having a contactless identification device of the sensor device of the device according to the invention for conveying thick matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES

The device 1 according to the invention for conveying thick matter DS has at least one drive cylinder 10a, 10b, at least one drive piston 11a, 11b, at least one conveying cylinder 12a, 12b, at least one conveying piston 13a, 13b and at least one piston rod 14a, 14b. The drive cylinder 10a, 10b is designed to receive hydraulic fluid HF. The drive piston 11a, 11b is arranged in the drive cylinder 10a, 10b. The conveying cylinder 12a, 12b is designed to receive thick matter DS. The conveying piston 13a, 13b is arranged in the conveying cylinder 12a, 12b. The piston rod 14a, 14b is attached to the drive piston 11a, 11b for movement coupling with the Delivery pistons 13a, 13b are attached. Furthermore, the drive cylinder 10a, 10b has a rod-side passage SDa, SDb for pressurizing a rod side SKa, SKb of the drive piston 11a, 11b with hydraulic fluid HF and a bottom-side passage BDa, BDb for pressurizing a bottom side BKa, BKb of the drive piston 11a, 11b facing away from the rod side SKa, SKb with hydraulic fluid HF. In addition, the device has a drive pump 20, at least one pump connection 30a, 30b, a sensor device 40 and a control unit 50. The drive pump 20 is designed to generate a drive volume flow AVF with a drive pressure pA of hydraulic fluid HF for moving the drive piston 11a, 11b. The pump connection 30a, 30b is designed for the variable connection of the drive pump 20 to the rod-side passage SDa, SDb or the bottom-side passage BDa, BDb for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF. The sensor device 40 is designed to automatically detect whether the pump connection 30a, 30b is connected to the rod-side passage SDa, SDb or the bottom-side passage BDa, BDb. The control unit 50 is designed to control the device 1, in particular the drive pump 20, in a rod-side operating mode when the rod-side pump connection is detected and in a bottom-side operating mode when the bottom-side pump connection is detected.

In detail, the device 1 has a transmission ratio that depends on the pump connection side. The piston rod 14a, 14b takes up a partial area and a partial volume on the rod side SKa, SKb, as shown in Fig.1 to recognize.

In the embodiment shown, the device 1 has two drive cylinders 10a, 10b and two drive pistons 11a, 11b. In addition, the device 1 has two feed cylinders 12a, 12b, two feed pistons 13a, 13b, two piston rods 14a, 14b and two pump connections 30a, 30b.

In alternative embodiments, the device may have only a single drive cylinder, only a single drive piston, only a single delivery cylinder, only a single delivery piston, only a single piston rod and only a single pump connection.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the device 1 has a rocking connection 60. The rocking connection 60 is designed for the variable connection of the bottom-side passages BDa, BDb or the rod-side passages SDa, SDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b for a flow of hydraulic fluid HF, so that the drive pistons 11a, 11b are phase-coupled, in particular antiphase-coupled.

In detail, the drive pump 20, the pump connections 30a, 30b, the drive cylinders 10a, 10b and the rocking connection 60 form a closed circuit for hydraulic fluid HF. In alternative embodiments, the drive pump, the at least one pump connection, the drive cylinders and the rocking connection can form an open circuit for hydraulic fluid.

In addition, the Fig. 1 to 11 the sensor device 40 is designed to measure at least one characteristic variable P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2 of the drive piston 11a, 11b, the hydraulic fluid HF and/or the thick substance DS in a detection mode of the drive pump 20, which characteristic variable depends on the pump connection side. In alternative embodiments, the sensor device can additionally or alternatively be designed to measure at least one characteristic variable of the delivery piston and/or the piston rod in a detection mode of the drive pump, which characteristic variable depends on the pump connection side. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured characteristic variable P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2.

In detail, the sensor device 40 is designed to determine at least one comparison variable VG based on the drive volume flow AVF and/or a drive pump pressure pA, in particular the drive pressure pA. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to compare the comparison variable VG with the characteristic variable P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2. In alternative embodiments, the sensor device can additionally or alternatively be designed to compare the comparison variable with a variable based on the characteristic variable. In addition, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

In the Fig. 1 to 7 the sensor device 40 has at least one pressure measuring device 91, 92. The pressure measuring device 91, 92 is designed to measure a pressure p1, p2 of the hydraulic fluid HF and/or the thick substance DS. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured pressure p1, p2.

In detail, Fig.1 the sensor device 40 has two pressure measuring devices 91, 92. The pressure measuring device 91 is designed to measure the pressure p1 of the hydraulic fluid HF. The pressure measuring device 92 is designed to measure the pressure p2 of the thick substance DS. In alternative embodiments, the sensor device can have only a single Have a pressure measuring device which can be designed to measure the pressure, in particular either of the hydraulic fluid or of the thick material.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 1 to 7 the pressure measuring device 91 is arranged on the rod side, in particular on the drive cylinder 10a. In detail, the pressure measuring device 91 is arranged on a rod-side end of the drive cylinder 10a or on the rod-side passage SDa. In alternative embodiments, the pressure measuring device can be arranged on the bottom side, in particular on the drive cylinder, in particular on a bottom-side end of the drive cylinder or on the bottom-side passage.

In addition, the Fig. 1 to 7 the device 1 has a further pressure measuring device 93. The further pressure measuring device 93 is designed to measure the drive pump pressure pA, in particular the drive pressure pA, of the hydraulic fluid HF. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to compare the measured drive pump pressure pA with the measured pressure p1, p2 and to detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

In detail, the device 1 or its sensor device 40 has a valve 95. The further pressure measuring device 93 is connected to the drive pump 20 by means of the valve 95. In particular, the valve 95 is designed to connect the further pressure measuring device 93 to a high-pressure side HD of the drive pump 20 for measuring the drive pressure pA, in particular automatically. In alternative embodiments, the valve can be designed to connect the further pressure measuring device to a low-pressure side of the drive pump for measuring a low pressure, in particular automatically.

In the embodiment shown, there are three different pressures or pressure levels: the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular of the drive pump 20, a drive pump pressure or the low pressure pN, in particular of the drive pump 20, and a rocking pressure pS, in particular of the rocking connection side. The low pressure level or the low pressure pN is fixed on the drive pump 20 and can therefore be assumed to be almost constant. The high pressure level or the high pressure or drive pressure pA is set by the pressure of the thick matter DS or a delivery pressure and the active pump connection side. The rocking pressure pS is, in particular depending on the active pump connection side, either proportional to the high pressure or drive pressure pA or to the low pressure pN. In detail, the Rocking pressure pS is higher than the low pressure pN, in particular equal to the low pressure pN multiplied by the transmission ratio. Furthermore, the rocking pressure pS is lower than the high pressure or drive pressure pA.

In Fig.1 and 2 the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30a to the bottom-side passage BDa of the drive cylinder 10a for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11a. Thus, the drive piston 11a moves in Fig.1 and 2 to the right, as indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, the rocking connection 60 is connected to the rod-side passages SDa, SDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive cylinder 10a to the drive cylinder 10b. Thus, the drive piston 11b moves in Fig.1 and 2 to the left, as indicated by an arrow.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the rocking pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA.

Furthermore, the sensor device 40 compares the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as a comparison variable VG, with the rocking pressure pS, in particular as a characteristic variable.

The sensor device 40 knows the connection of the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD either with the drive cylinder 10a or the drive cylinder 10b or a direction of the flow of the hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 either to the drive piston 11a or the drive piston 11b.

Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the bottom-side pump connection based on the comparison result.

In Fig.3 the drive pump 20 or its high pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30a to the rod-side passage SDa of the drive cylinder 10a for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11a. Thus, the drive piston 11a moves in Fig.3 to the left, as indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, the swing connection 60 with the bottom-side passages BDa, BDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b is for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive cylinder 10a to the drive cylinder 10b. Thus, the drive piston 11b moves in Fig.3 to the right, as indicated by an arrow.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA.

Furthermore, the sensor device 40 compares the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as a comparison variable VG, with the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as a characteristic variable.

Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the rod-side pump connection.

In Fig.4 the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30b to the bottom-side passage BDb of the drive cylinder 10b for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11b. Thus, the drive piston 11b moves in Fig.4 to the right, as indicated by an arrow. Thus, the drive piston 11a moves in Fig.4 to the left, as indicated by an arrow.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the rocking pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA. The sensor device 40 thus detects the bottom-side pump connection.

In Fig.5 the drive pump 20 or its high pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30a to the rod-side passage SDb of the drive cylinder 10b for the flow of hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11b. Thus, the drive piston 11b moves in Fig.5 to the left, as indicated by an arrow. Thus, the drive piston 11a moves in Fig.5 to the right, as indicated by an arrow.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the low pressure pN. The additional pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA. The sensor device 40 thus detects the rod-side pump connection.

In Fig.6 the drive pump 20 is connected to the bottom passages BDa, BDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b by means of the pump connections 30a, 30b. Furthermore the drive pump 20 is off or there is no flow of hydraulic fluid HF. Thus, none of the drive pistons 11a, 11b moves.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the rocking pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the low pressure pN. The sensor device 40 thus detects the bottom-side pump connection.

In Fig.7 the drive pump 20 is connected to the rod-side passages SDa, SDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b by means of the pump connections 30a, 30b. Furthermore, the drive pump 20 is off or there is no flow of hydraulic fluid HF. Thus, none of the drive pistons 11a, 11b move.

The pressure measuring device 91 measures the low pressure pN. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the low pressure pN. The sensor device 40 thus detects the rod-side pump connection.

In Fig. 2 to 7 , especially in Fig. 2 to 5 , the sensor device 40 knows the connection of the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD with either the drive cylinder 10a or the drive cylinder 10b or a direction of flow of the hydraulic fluid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to either the drive piston 11a or the drive piston 11b. In alternative embodiments, this does not need to be known to the sensor device. In particular, the sensor device can be designed to compare opposite strokes or movements of the drive pistons, in detail the ones in Fig.2 and 4 shown movements with each other or the ones in Fig.3 and 5 shown movements with each other. Furthermore, in addition or alternatively, in alternative embodiments, the device does not need to have the further pressure measuring device. In particular, the high pressure or drive pressure, the low pressure and/or the rocking pressure can be known to the sensor device.

In the Fig. 8 to 11 the sensor device 40 has a position detection device 70a, 70b. The position detection device 70a, 70b is designed to detect at least two positions P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b of the drive piston 11a, 11b. In alternative embodiments, the position detection device can additionally or alternatively be designed to detect at least two positions of the delivery piston and/or the piston rod. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the Pump connection side is formed based on the detection of positions P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b.

In detail, the sensor device 40 has two position detection devices 70a, 70b. In alternative embodiments, the sensor device can have only a single position detection device.

Furthermore, in the Fig. 8 and 9 the sensor device 40 has a time measuring device 71a, 71b. The time measuring device 71a, 71b is designed to measure a movement time duration Ta, Tb of the drive piston 11a, 11b between the positions P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b. In alternative embodiments, the time measuring device can additionally or alternatively be designed to measure a movement time duration of the delivery piston and/or the piston rod between the positions. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured movement time duration Ta, Tb.

In detail, the sensor device 40 has two time measuring devices 71a, 71b. In alternative embodiments, the sensor device can have only a single time measuring device.

The movement time Ta, Tb is determined from the pump connection side, in particular either the Fig.8 bottom pump connection side shown or the one in Fig.9 shown rod-side pump connection side, or the, in particular, respective, transmission ratio.

The sensor device 40 compares a comparison variable VG based on the drive volume flow AVF with the measured movement time duration Ta, Tb or a speed based thereon, in particular as a characteristic variable.

Thus, the sensor device 40 detects based on the comparison result in Fig.8 the bottom-side pump connection and in Fig.9 the rod-side pump connection.

In Fig. 10 and 11 the device 1 has a supply and/or discharge device 80. The supply and/or discharge device is designed to supply and/or discharge hydraulic fluid HF into the swing connection side opposite the pump connection side. The sensor device 40 is designed to measure a phase change PV of the drive pistons 11a, 11b during supply or discharge. In alternative embodiments, the Sensor device for measuring a phase change of the delivery pistons and/or the piston rods during feeding or discharging. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured phase change PV.

In detail, the sensor device 40 compares the measured phase change PV, in particular as a characteristic variable, with a comparison phase change, in particular on the base side or rod side, in particular based on the supply or discharge, and detects the swing connection side and/or the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

At Fig.10 In the bottom-side pump connection shown, a feed leads to a movement of the drive pistons 11a, 11b to the left. The movement is detected by means of the at least one position detection device 70a, 70b. In contrast, in Fig. 11 shown rod-side pump connection leads to a movement of the drive pistons 11a, 11b to the right. Furthermore, in Fig.10 shown bottom-side pump connection, a discharge leads to a movement of the drive pistons 11a, 11b to the right. In contrast, in Fig. 11 shown rod-side pump connection a feed to a movement of the drive pistons 11a, 11b to the left.

In Fig. 12 and 14 the pump connection 30a has at least one identification element IE of the sensor device 40. In alternative embodiments, the swing connection can have at least one identification element of the sensor device. The bottom-side passage BDa, in particular of the drive cylinder 10a, has an identification detection device EE of the sensor device 40. In alternative embodiments, the rod-side passage can have an identification detection device of the sensor device. The identification detection device EE is designed to detect the identification element IE.

In alternative embodiments, the rod-side passage and/or the bottom-side passage can, in particular, each have an identification element of the sensor device and the pump connection and/or the swing connection can, in particular, each have at least one identification detection device of the sensor device for detecting the identification element.

The sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the detection and/or non-detection of the identification element IE.

In detail, Fig. 12 the identification detection is contact-based, in particular the identification detection device EE has a contact switch, in particular a roller switch, and the identification element IE has a pin for actuating the contact switch.

In Fig. 14 Identification detection is contactless, especially RFID detection.

In the embodiment shown, the swing connection 60 has no identification element and no identification detection device.

At Fig. 12 and 14 shown bottom-side pump connection, the identification detection device EE detects the identification element IE. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the bottom-side pump connection based on the detection of the identification element IE.

In the case of a rod-side pump connection, the identification detection device EE does not detect the identification element IE. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the rod-side pump connection based on the non-detection of the identification element IE.

As the embodiments shown and explained above make clear, the invention provides an advantageous device for conveying thick matter, which enables optimal and/or safe conveying.

Claims (8)

1. Apparatus (1) for conveying thick matter (DS), having:

   - at least one drive cylinder (10a, 10b) for receiving hydraulic liquid (HF), at least one drive piston (11a, 11b) which is arranged in the drive cylinder (10a, 10b), at least one conveying cylinder (12a, 12b) for receiving thick matter (DS), at least one conveying piston (13a, 13b) which is arranged in the conveying cylinder (12a, 12b), and at least one piston rod (14a, 14b) which is fastened to the drive piston (11a, 11b) for motion coupling to the conveying piston (13a, 13b);

   - wherein the drive cylinder (10a, 10b) has a rod-side passage (SDa, SDb) for the pressurization of a rod side (SKa, SKb) of the drive piston (11a, 11b) with hydraulic liquid (HF) and has a crown-side passage (BDa, BDb) for the pressurization of a crown side (BKa, BKb), which is averted from the rod side (SKa, SKb), of the drive piston (11a, 11b) with hydraulic liquid (HF);

   - a drive pump (20) which is designed to generate a drive volume flow (AVF), with a drive pressure (pA), of hydraulic liquid (HF) for the movement of the drive piston (11a, 11b);

   - at least one pump connection (30a, 30b) which is designed for the changeable connection of the drive pump (20) to the rod-side passage (SDa, SDb) or to the crown-side passage (BDa, BDb) for the flow of hydraulic liquid (HF) ;

   - a sensor device (40) which is designed to independently detect whether the pump connection (30a, 30b) is connected to the rod-side passage (SDa, SDb) or to the crown-side passage (BDa, Bdb); and

   - a control unit (50) which is designed to control the apparatus (1) in a rod-side operating mode if a rod-side pump connection is detected and to control the apparatus (1) in a crown-side operating mode if a crown-side pump connection is detected;

   - wherein the sensor device (40) is designed to measure at least one characteristic variable (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2), which is dependent on the pump connection side, of the drive piston (11a, 11b), of the conveying piston, of the piston rod, of the hydraulic liquid (HF) and/or of the thick matter (DS) in detection operation of the drive pump (20) and to detect the pump connection side based on the measured characteristic variable (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2);

   - characterized in that the sensor device (40) is designed to, based on the drive volume flow (AVF) and/or a drive pump pressure (pA), in particular the drive pressure (pA), determine at least one comparison variable (VG), compare the comparison variable (VG) with the characteristic variable (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b, Ta, Tb, PV, p1, p2) and/or with a variable based on the characteristic variable, and detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.
2. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, having:

   - at least two drive cylinders (10a, 10b) and at least two drive pistons (11a, 11b); and

   - at least one oscillation connection (60) which is designed for the changeable connection of crown-side passages (BDa, BDb) or rod-side passages (SDa, SDb) of the drive cylinders (10a, 10b) for a flow of hydraulic liquid (HF), such that the drive pistons (11a, 11b) are coupled in terms of phase.
3. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

   - wherein the sensor device (40) has a position detection device (70a, 70b) which is designed to detect at least two positions (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b) of the drive piston (11a, 11b), of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod, and to detect the pump connection side based on the detection of the positions (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b).
4. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 3,

   - wherein the sensor device (40) has a time measuring device (71a, 71b) which is designed to measure a movement duration (Ta, Tb) of the drive piston (11a, 11b), of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod between the positions (P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b), and to detect the pump connection side based on the measured movement duration (Ta, Tb).
5. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, having:

   - an infeed and/or outfeed (80) which is designed for the infeed and/or outfeed of hydraulic liquid (HF) into the oscillation connection side situated opposite the pump connection side;

   - wherein the sensor device (40) is designed to measure a phase change (PV) of the drive pistons (11a, 11b), of the conveying pistons and/or of the piston rods in the case of infeed or outfeed and to detect the pump connection side based on the measured phase change (PV).
6. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

   - wherein the sensor device (40) has at least one pressure measuring device (91, 92) which is designed to measure a pressure (p1, p2) of the hydraulic liquid (HF) and/or of the thick matter (DS) and to detect the pump connection side based on the measured pressure (p1, p2).
7. Apparatus (1) according to Claim 6,

   - wherein the sensor device (40) has at least one further pressure measuring device (93) which is designed to measure a drive pump pressure (pA), in particular the drive pressure (pA), of the hydraulic liquid (HF), and to compare the measured drive pump pressure (pA) with the measured pressure (p1, p2) and to detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.
8. Apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

   - wherein the pump connection (30a) and/or the oscillation connection have/has at least one identification element (IE) of the sensor device (40) and the rod-side passage and/or the crown-side passage (BDa) have/has an identification detection device (EE) of the sensor device (40) to detect the identification element (IE); and/or

   - wherein the rod-side passage and/or the crown-side passage have/has an identification element of the sensor device and the pump connection and/or the oscillation connection have/has at least one identification detection device of the sensor device to detect the identification element;

   - wherein the sensor device (40) is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the detection and/or non-detection of the identification element (IE).

Images