Apparatus for Conveying Thick Matter

Abstract

An apparatus for conveying thick matter has a drive cylinder for receiving hydraulic fluid, a drive piston, which is arranged in the drive cylinder, a conveying cylinder for receiving thick matter, a conveying piston, which is arranged in the conveying cylinder, and a piston rod, which is fastened to the drive piston for coupling motion together with the conveying piston. The drive cylinder has a rod-side opening for applying pressure to a rod side of the drive piston by way of hydraulic fluid and a crown-side opening for applying pressure to a crown side of the drive piston facing away from the rod side by the hydraulic fluid. A drive pump is designed to generate a drive volume flow having a drive pressure of hydraulic fluid for moving the drive piston. A pump connection is designed for variable connection of the drive pump to the rod-side opening or the crown-side opening for the flow of hydraulic fluid. A sensor is designed for automatic detection of whether the pump connection is connected to the rod-side opening or the crown-side opening. A control unit controls the apparatus in a rod-side operating mode, when the rod-side pump connection is detected, and in a crown-side operating mode, when the crown-side pump connection is detected.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. An apparatus for conveying thick matter, comprising: at least one drive cylinder for receiving hydraulic liquid; at least one drive piston which is arranged in the drive cylinder; at least one conveying cylinder for receiving thick matter; at least one conveying piston which is arranged in the conveying cylinder; at least one piston rod which is fastened to the drive piston for motion coupling to the conveying piston, wherein the drive cylinder has a rod-side passage for pressurization of a rod side of the drive piston with hydraulic liquid and has a crown-side passage for pressurization of a crown side, which is averted from the rod side, of the drive piston with hydraulic liquid; a drive pump which is designed to generate a drive volume flow, with a drive pressure, of hydraulic liquid for the movement of the drive piston; at least one pump connection which is designed for the changeable connection of the drive pump to the rod-side passage or to the crown-side passage for the flow of hydraulic liquid; a sensor which is designed to independently detect whether the pump connection is connected to the rod-side passage or to the crown-side passage; and a control unit which is designed to control the apparatus in a rod-side operating mode when a rod-side pump connection is detected and to control the apparatus in a crown-side operating mode when a crown-side pump connection is detected.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein at least two drive cylinders and at least two drive pistons are provided; and at least one oscillation connection is designed for the changeable connection of crown-side passages or rod-side passages of the drive cylinders for a flow of hydraulic liquid, such that the drive pistons are coupled in terms of phase.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sensor is designed to: measure at least one characteristic variable, which is dependent on the pump connection side, of the drive piston, of the conveying piston, of the piston rod, of the hydraulic liquid and/or of the thick matter in detection operation of the drive pump, and detect the pump connection side based on the measured characteristic variable.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sensor is designed to: determine at least one comparison variable based on the drive volume flow and/or a drive pump pressure, compare the comparison variable with the characteristic variable and/or with a variable based on the characteristic variable, and detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sensor has a position detection device which is designed to: detect at least two positions of the drive piston, of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod, and detect the pump connection side based on the detection of the positions.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the sensor has a time measuring device which is designed to: measure a movement duration of the drive piston, of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod between the positions, and detect the pump connection side based on the measured movement duration.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: an infeed and/or outfeed which is designed for the infeed and/or outfeed of hydraulic liquid into the oscillation connection side situated opposite the pump connection side, wherein the sensor is designed to: measure a phase change of the drive piston, of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rods in the case of infeed or outfeed, and detect the pump connection side based on the measured phase change.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the sensor has at least one pressure measuring device which is designed to: measure a pressure of the hydraulic liquid and/or of the thick matter, and detect the pump connection side based on the measured pressure.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the sensor has at least one further pressure measuring device which is designed to: measure a drive pump pressure of the hydraulic liquid, and compare the measured drive pump pressure with the measured pressure, and detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

20. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of both of: (i) the pump connection and/or the oscillation connection have at least one identification element of the sensor, and the rod-side passage and/or the crown-side passage have an identification detection device of the sensor to detect the identification element, and (ii) the rod-side passage and/or the crown-side passage have an identification element of the sensor, and the pump connection and/or the oscillation connection have at least one identification detection device of the sensor to detect the identification element; wherein the sensor is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the detection and/or non-detection of the identification element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are discussed below based on the figures.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of an exemplary apparatus according to the invention for conveying thick matter, comprising a sensor device having at least one pressure measuring device.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a crown-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a rod-side pump connection and during an oppositely directed stroke.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a crown-side pump connection and during an oppositely directed stroke.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a rod-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a crown-side pump connection and in the absence of a stroke.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of pressure conditions in the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the case of a rod-side pump connection and in the absence of a stroke.

[0038] FIG. 8 shows a further schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus for conveying thick matter, comprising the sensor device having at least one position detection device and at least one time measuring device, in the case of a crown-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 8 in the case of a rod-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows a further schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus for conveying thick matter, comprising the sensor device having at least one position detection device and an infeed and/or outfeed, in the case of a crown-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 10 in the case of a rod-side pump connection and during a stroke.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a pump connection having a contact-type identification element of the sensor device and of a crown-side passage having a contact-type identification device of the sensor device of the apparatus according to the invention for conveying thick matter.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an oscillation connection of the apparatus according to the invention for conveying thick matter.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a further schematic illustration of the pump connection having a contactless identification element of the sensor device and of a crown-side passage having a contactless identification device of the sensor device of the apparatus according to the invention for conveying thick matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The apparatus 1 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 liquid 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 fastened to the drive piston 11a, 11b for motion coupling to the conveying piston 13a, 13b. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, the apparatus 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 liquid HF for the movement of the drive piston 11a, 11b. The pump connection 30a, 30b 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. The sensor device 40 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. The control unit 50 is designed to control the apparatus 1, in particular the drive pump 20, in a rod-side operating mode if a rod-side pump connection is detected and in a crown-side operating mode if a crown-side pump connection is detected.

[0046] In detail, the apparatus 1 has a transmission ratio which is dependent on the pump connection side. The piston rod 14a, 14b occupies a partial area and a partial volume on the rod side SKa, SKb, as can be seen in FIG. 1.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the apparatus 1 has two drive cylinders 10a, 10b and two drive pistons 11a, 11b. Additionally, the apparatus 1 has two conveying cylinders 12a, 12b, two conveying pistons 13a, 13b, two piston rods 14a, 14b and two pump connections 30a, 30b.

[0048] In alternative exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may have only a single drive cylinder, only a single drive piston, only a single conveying cylinder, only a single conveying piston, only a single piston rod and only a single pump connection.

[0049] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the apparatus 1 has an oscillation connection 60. The oscillation connection 60 is designed for the changeable connection of the crown-side passages BDa, BDb or of the 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, in particular are coupled in antiphase.

[0050] In detail, the drive pump 20, the pump connections 30a, 30b, the drive cylinders 10a, 10b and the oscillation connection 60 form a closed circuit for hydraulic liquid HF. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the drive pump, the at least one pump connection, the drive cylinders and the oscillation connection may form an open circuit for hydraulic liquid.

[0051] Furthermore, in FIGS. 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, which is dependent on the pump connection side, of the drive piston 11a, 11b, of the hydraulic liquid HF and/or of the thick matter DS in detection operation of the drive pump 20. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may additionally or alternatively be designed to measure at least one characteristic variable, which is dependent on the pump connection side, of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod in detection operation of the drive pump. Furthermore, in the exemplary 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.

[0052] In detail, 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. 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 exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may additionally or alternatively be designed to compare the comparison variable with a variable based on the characteristic variable. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

[0053] In FIGS. 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 liquid HF and/or of the thick matter DS. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured pressure p1, p2.

[0054] In detail, in FIG. 1, the sensor device has two pressure measuring devices 91, 92. The pressure measuring device 91 is designed to measure the pressure p1 of the hydraulic liquid HF. The pressure measuring device 92 is designed to measure the pressure p2 of the thick matter DS. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may have only a single pressure measuring device, which may be designed to measure the pressure, in particular either of the hydraulic liquid or of the thick matter.

[0055] Furthermore, in FIGS. 1 to 7, the pressure measuring device 91 is arranged at the rod side, in particular on the drive cylinder 10a. In detail, the pressure measuring device 91 is arranged at a rod-side end of the drive cylinder 10a or at the rod-side passage SDa. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the pressure measuring device may be arranged at the crown side, in particular on the drive cylinder, in particular at a crown-side end of the drive cylinder or at the crown-side passage.

[0056] Furthermore, in FIGS. 1 to 7, the apparatus 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 liquid 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.

[0057] In detail, the apparatus 1 or its sensor device 40 has a valve 95. The further pressure measuring device 93 is connected by means of the valve 95 to the drive pump 20. In particular, the valve 95 is designed to in particular automatically connect the further pressure measuring device 93 to a high-pressure side HD of the drive pump 20 for the purposes of measuring the drive pressure pA. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the valve may be designed to in particular automatically connect the further pressure measuring device to a low-pressure side of the drive pump for the purposes of measuring a low-pressure.

[0058] In the exemplary 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 an oscillation pressure pS, in particular of the oscillation connection side. The low pressure level or the low pressure pN is fixedly set at the drive pump 20 and can thus be assumed to be approximately 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 conveying pressure and the active pump connection side. The oscillation pressure pS is, in particular depending on the active pump connection side, proportional either to the high pressure or drive pressure pA or to the low pressure pN. In detail, the oscillation pressure pS is higher than the low pressure pN, in particular is equal to the low pressure pN multiplied by the transmission ratio. Furthermore, the oscillation pressure pS is lower than the high pressure or drive pressure pA.

[0059] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30a to the crown-side passage BDa of the drive cylinder 10a for the flow of hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11a. Thus, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive piston 11a moves to the right, as indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, the oscillation connection 60 is connected to the rod-side passages SDa, SDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b for the flow of hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive cylinder 10a to the drive cylinder 10b. Thus, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive piston 11b thus moves to the left, as indicated by an arrow.

[0060] Here, the pressure measuring device 91 measures the oscillation pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA.

[0061] Furthermore, the sensor device 40 compares the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as comparison variable VG, with the oscillation pressure pS, in particular as characteristic variable.

[0062] Here, the connection of the drive pump 20 or of its high-pressure side HD either to the drive cylinder 10a or to the drive cylinder 10b, or a direction of the flow of the hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 either to the drive piston 11a or to the drive piston 11b, is known to the sensor device 40.

[0063] The sensor device 40 thus detects the crown-side pump connection based on the comparison result.

[0064] 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 liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11a. Thus, in FIG. 3, the drive piston 11a moves to the left, as indicated by an arrow. Furthermore, the oscillation connection 60 is connected to the crown-side passages BDa, BDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b for the flow of hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive cylinder 10a to the drive cylinder 10b. Thus, in FIG. 3, the drive piston 11b moves to the right, as indicated by an arrow.

[0065] Here, 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.

[0066] Furthermore, the sensor device 40 compares the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as comparison variable VG, with the high pressure or drive pressure pA, in particular as characteristic variable.

[0067] The sensor device 40 thus detects the rod-side pump connection.

[0068] In FIG. 4, the drive pump 20 or its high-pressure side HD is connected by means of the pump connection 30b to the crown-side passage BDb of the drive cylinder 10b for the flow of hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11b. Thus, in FIG. 4, the drive piston 11b moves to the right, as indicated by an arrow. Thus, in FIG. 4, the drive piston 11a moves to the left, as indicated by an arrow.

[0069] Here, the pressure measuring device 91 measures the oscillation pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the crown-side pump connection.

[0070] 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 liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 to the drive piston 11b. Thus, in FIG. 5, the drive piston 11b moves to the left, as indicated by an arrow. Thus, in FIG. 5, the drive piston 11a moves to the right, as indicated by an arrow.

[0071] Here, the pressure measuring device 91 measures the low pressure pN. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the high pressure or drive pressure pA. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the rod-side pump connection.

[0072] In FIG. 6, the drive pump 20 is connected by means of the pump connections 30a, 30b to the crown-side passages BDa, BDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b. Furthermore, the drive pump 20 is inactive, or is not generating any flow of hydraulic liquid HF. Thus, neither of the drive pistons 11a, 11b is moving.

[0073] Here, the pressure measuring device 91 measures the oscillation pressure pS. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the low pressure pN. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the crown-side pump connection.

[0074] In FIG. 7, the drive pump 20 is connected by means of the pump connections 30a, 30b to the rod-side passages SDa, SDb of the drive cylinders 10a, 10b. Furthermore, the drive pump 20 is inactive, or is not generating any flow of hydraulic liquid HF. Thus, neither of the drive pistons 11a, 11b is moving.

[0075] Here, the pressure measuring device 91 measures the low pressure pN. The further pressure measuring device 93 measures the low pressure pN. Thus, the sensor device 40 detects the rod-side pump connection.

[0076] In FIGS. 2 to 7, in particular in FIGS. 2 to 5, the connection of the drive pump 20 or of its high-pressure side HD either to the drive cylinder 10a or to the drive cylinder 10b, or a direction of the flow of the hydraulic liquid HF, in particular from the drive pump 20 either to the drive piston 11a or to the drive piston 11b, is known to the sensor device 40. In alternative exemplary embodiments, this does not need to be known to the sensor device. In particular, the sensor device may be designed to compare opposite strokes or movements of the drive pistons, specifically the movements shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 with one another or the movements shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 with one another. Furthermore additionally or alternatively, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the apparatus does not need to have the further pressure measuring device. In particular, the high pressure or drive pressure, the low pressure and/or the oscillation pressure may be known to the sensor device.

[0077] In FIGS. 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 exemplary embodiments, the position detection device may additionally or alternatively be designed to detect at least two positions of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the detection of the positions P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b.

[0078] In detail, the sensor device 40 has two position detection devices 70a, 70b. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may have only a single position detection device.

[0079] Furthermore, in FIGS. 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 duration Ta, Tb of the drive piston 11a, 11b between the positions P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the time measuring device may additionally or alternatively be designed to measure a movement duration of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rod between the positions. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured movement duration Ta, Tb.

[0080] In detail, the sensor device 40 has two time measuring devices 71a, 71b. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may have only a single time measuring device.

[0081] The movement duration Ta, Tb is dependent on the pump connection side, in particular either the crown-side pump connection side shown in FIG. 8 or the rod-side pump connection side shown in FIG. 9, or on the in particular respective transmission ratio.

[0082] The sensor device 40 compares a comparison variable VG based on the drive volume flow AVF with the measured movement duration Ta, Tb or with a speed based thereon, in particular as characteristic variable.

[0083] Thus, based on the comparison result, the sensor device 40 detects the crown-side pump connection in FIG. 8 and the rod-side pump connection in FIG. 9.

[0084] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the apparatus 1 has an infeed and/or outfeed 80. The infeed and/or outfeed is designed for the infeed and/or outfeed of hydraulic liquid HF into the oscillation connection side situated opposite the pump connection side. The sensor device 40 is designed to measure a phase change PV of the drive piston 11a, 11b in the case of infeed or outfeed. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the sensor device may be designed to measure a phase change of the conveying piston and/or of the piston rods in the case of infeed or outfeed. Furthermore, the sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the measured phase change PV.

[0085] In detail, the sensor device 40 compares the measured phase change PV, in particular as characteristic variable, with an in particular crown-side or rod-side comparison phase change, in particular based on the infeed or outfeed, and detects the oscillation connection side and/or the pump connection side based on a comparison result.

[0086] In the case of a crown-side pump connection as shown in FIG. 10, an infeed leads to a movement of the drive piston 11a, 11b to the left. The movement is detected by means of the at least one position detection device 70a, 70b. By contrast, in the case of a rod-side pump connection as shown in FIG. 11, an infeed leads to a movement of the drive piston 11a, 11b to the right. Furthermore, in the case of a crown-side pump connection as shown in FIG. 10, an outfeed leads to a movement of the drive piston 11a, 11b to the right. By contrast, in the case of a rod-side pump connection as shown in FIG. 11, an outfeed leads to a movement of the drive piston 11a, 11b to the left.

[0087] In FIGS. 12 and 14, the pump connection 30a has at least one identification element IE of the sensor device 40. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the oscillation connection may have at least one identification element of the sensor device. The crown-side passage BDa, in particular of the drive cylinder 10a, has an identification detection device EE of the sensor device 40. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the rod-side passage may have an identification detection device of the sensor device. The identification detection device EE is designed to detect the identification element IE.

[0088] In alternative exemplary embodiments, the rod-side passage and/or the crown-side passage may in particular each have an identification element of the sensor device, and the pump connection and/or the oscillation connection may in particular each have at least one identification detection device of the sensor device for detecting the identification element.

[0089] The sensor device 40 is designed to detect the pump connection side based on the detection and/or a non-detection of the identification element IE.

[0090] In detail, in FIG. 12, the identification detection involves contact, in particular the identification detection device EE has a contact switch, in particular a roller-type switch, and the identification element IE has a pin for the actuation of the contact switch.

[0091] In FIG. 14, the identification detection is contactless, in particular an RFID detection.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the oscillation connection 60 has no identification element and no identification detection device.

[0093] In the case of a crown-side pump connection as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the identification detection device EE detects the identification element IE. Thus, based on the detection of the identification element IE, the sensor device 40 detects the crown-side pump connection.

[0094] In the case of a rod-side pump connection, the identification detection device EE does not detect the identification element IE. Thus, based on the non-detection of the identification element IE, the sensor device 40 detects the rod-side pump connection.

[0095] As is made clear by the exemplary embodiments shown and discussed above, the invention provides an advantageous apparatus for conveying thick matter, which permits an optimum and/or reliable conveying action.