Road construction vehicle with material hopper with pivoting function

Abstract

The invention relates to a road construction vehicle (1, 51) comprising a chassis (5) and a material hopper (9) for receiving paving material. The material hopper (9) has two opposing hopper portions (17) configured to define a receiving space (19) for paving material. The at least one hopper portion (17) has a base portion (21) and a side portion (23). The base (21) is attached to the chassis (5) and is pivotable about a main pivot axis (25) between an open position and a closed position. The side portion (23) is attached to the base portion (21) along a pivot end edge of the side portion (23), the side portion (23) being pivotable about a side portion pivot axis (27). A free end edge (35) of the side portion (23) opposite the pivot end edge is configured to lie below the side portion pivot axis (27) when the base portion (21) is in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of a road construction vehicle having a material hopper. In particular, the present invention relates to a road construction vehicle in the form of a road paver or in the form of a feed vehicle for a road paver. Background Art

[0002] In practice, it is known that the material hopper of a road paver has two halves which are opposite to each other with respect to a width direction perpendicular to the paving direction. During the paving operation, the hopper halves are in a paving configuration. Starting from the paving configuration, the hopper halves can each be pivoted towards each other about an axis extending in the paving direction, so that the material hopper enters a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the width of the material hopper is reduced. When the material hopper is in the transport configuration, the road paver can be transported more easily between construction sites or can be parked more space-efficiently. The pivotable hopper halves can each have a side wall which can be pivoted relative to the rest of the hopper half. In the paving configuration, the side wall can be tilted outwards to one side to increase the width of the material hopper, thereby facilitating the docking of a truck for dumping paving material into the material hopper.

[0003] In practice, feeder trucks for road pavers are also known, which serve as an intermediate device between a truck traveling in front of the feeder truck and the road paver traveling behind the feeder truck. The truck can dump paving material into the material hopper of the feeder truck. The conveyor belt of the feeder truck can drop the paving material from above into the material hopper of the road paver. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a road construction vehicle is provided. The road construction vehicle comprises a chassis and a material hopper for receiving paving material. The material hopper has two hopper parts opposite to each other. The hopper parts are configured to define a receiving space for paving material. At least one of the hopper parts has a base and a side. The base is attached to the chassis so as to be able to pivot around a main pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The side is attached to the base along a pivot end edge of the side so as to be able to pivot around a side pivot axis. The side comprises a free end edge, which is opposite to the pivot end edge. When the base is in the closed position, the free end edge of the side is configured to be located below the side pivot axis.

[0005] The transverse direction may be perpendicular to the driving direction of the road construction vehicle, in particular perpendicular to the paving direction of the road construction vehicle. The transverse direction may be a horizontal direction. The transverse direction may be a left-right direction relative to the driving direction of the road construction vehicle. The transverse direction may extend from one side of the road construction vehicle to another side of the road construction vehicle.

[0006] The two hopper parts may be formed similarly to each other. The two hopper parts may be designed as mirror images of each other. The two hopper parts may be opposite to each other in the transverse direction.

[0007] A conveying device may be arranged in a transverse direction between the two hopper parts. The conveying device may be configured to convey the paving material out of the material hopper. The conveying device may be configured to convey the paving material at least substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle, in particular against the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The conveying device may comprise a scraper belt. The conveying device may form at least a part of a bottom of the receiving space.

[0008] In the open position, the base may form at least a portion of the bottom of the receiving space. The base may include an inner surface. In the open position, the inner surface of the base may form at least a portion of the bottom of the receiving space. In the open position, the inner surface of the base may form at least a portion of the inner wall of the receiving space. The inner surface of the base may be a plane. In the open position, the inner surface of the base may be at least substantially horizontal. In the open position, the inner surface of the base may be inclined at most 5 degrees, or at most 10 degrees, or at most 15 degrees, or at most 20 degrees, or at most 25 degrees, or at most 30 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.

[0009] The main pivot axis may be stationary relative to the chassis of the road paver. The main pivot axis may extend in the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The main pivot axis may extend at least substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. At least in projection from above, the main pivot axis may extend parallel to the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle.

[0010] The base can be configured to be raised from an open position to a closed position by pivoting about a main axis toward an opposing bunker portion. Pivoting the base from an open position to a closed position can include pivoting about a main pivot axis by at least 30 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 50 degrees, or at least 60 degrees, or at least 70 degrees, or at least 80 degrees. In the closed position, the inner surface of the base can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane, such as by at least 30 degrees, or at least 40 degrees, or at least 50 degrees, or at least 60 degrees, or at least 70 degrees, or at least 80 degrees. In the closed position, the inner surface of the bottom can be toward the opposing other half of the bunker box.

[0011] When the base is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, the base of the other hopper portion may simultaneously pivot from the open position to the closed position.

[0012] During working operation of the road construction vehicle, the base may be in an open position. In the open position, at least one of the hopper parts may be configured to receive paving material. If the base of both hopper parts is in the open position, the material hopper as a whole may be configured to receive paving material. If the base of at least one hopper part is in the open position, in particular if the base of both hopper parts is in the open position, the material hopper may be in a working configuration.

[0013] When the base is in the closed position, at least one of the hopper parts may be upright. When the base is in the closed position, at least one of the hopper parts may be folded inwardly towards the other hopper part with respect to a transverse direction. When the base is in the closed position, the width of the material hopper may be reduced. When the base of at least one of the hopper parts is in the closed position, in particular when the bases of both hopper parts are in the closed position, the material hopper may be in a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, transportation of the road construction vehicle between working operations may be simplified due to the reduced width of the hopper box.

[0014] When the base is in the closed position, the height of the material hopper may be greater than the height when the base is in the open position. If in the closed position of the base the free end edge of the side portion is located below the side portion pivot axis, the height of the material hopper in the closed position may still be at least less than when the free end edge of the side portion is located above the side pivot axis. Since in the closed position of the base the free end edge of the side portion is located below the side pivot axis, the material hopper may have a relatively low height even when the base is in the closed position. The relatively low height of the material hopper in the closed position may provide an operator or driver of the road construction vehicle with a better view, in particular a better view forward. For example, even when the base is in the closed position, the operator or driver of the road construction vehicle may be able to look forward at the material hopper, thereby making it easier to guide the road construction vehicle safely.

[0015] Preferably, at least one hopper portion or material hopper does not extend upwardly beyond the chassis of the road paver when the base is in the closed position.

[0016] When the base is pivoted about the main pivot axis, the at least one hopper section may be pivoted as a whole relative to the chassis of the road paver about the main pivot axis.

[0017] The side pivot axis may extend along the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The side pivot axis may be at least substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. At least in plan view, the side pivot axis may be parallel to the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The side pivot axis may be at least substantially parallel to the main pivot axis.

[0018] The base may extend between the main pivot axis and the side pivot axis.The side may be axially connected to the base along the side pivot axis.

[0019] The side portion may be configured to pivot relative to the base between a deployed position and a transport position about a side portion pivot axis. When the base is in the open position and the side portion is in the deployed position, the side portion may form at least a portion of a side wall of the receiving space and / or laterally delimit the receiving space. The side portion may pivot about the side portion pivot axis from the deployed position to the transport position in the same direction as the base pivots from the open position to the closed position.

[0020] When the sides are pivoted from the deployed position to the transport position, the sides may be folded into the interior of the material hopper.

[0021] The pivot end edge of the side portion may be at least substantially parallel to one or more of the following: the main pivot axis, the side portion pivot axis, the paving direction of the road construction vehicle, the free end edge of the side portion.

[0022] The free end edge of the side portion may be at least substantially parallel to one or more of the following: the main pivot axis, the side portion pivot axis, the paving direction of the road construction vehicle, the pivot end edge of the side portion.

[0023] At least in plan view, the pivot end edge and / or the free end edge of the side portion may extend parallel to the direction of travel of the road construction vehicle.

[0024] The free end edge of the side section may be located below the side section pivot axis when the base section is in the closed position and the side section is in the transport position. If the free end edge of the side section is located below the side pivot axis when the base section is in the closed position, the material hopper may have a relatively low height in the closed position. The relatively low height of the material hopper in the closed position may provide an operator or driver of the road construction vehicle with a better view, in particular a better forward view. Preferably, at least one hopper section or the material hopper does not extend upwards beyond the chassis of the road paver when the base section is in the closed position and the side section is in the transport position.

[0025] The side portion may have a middle portion and an end portion. For example, a plurality of middle portions may also be provided so that the side portion has a plurality of middle portions and an end portion.

[0026] The middle portion may have a first surface. The end portion may have a second surface. Both the first surface and the second surface may be configured to form a portion of an inner wall of the receiving space.

[0027] The first and second surfaces may meet along a boundary line which is at least substantially parallel to one or more of: a main pivot axis, a side pivot axis, a pivot end edge of a side, a free end edge of a side, a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle.

[0028] The first surface and the second surface may be configured to be inclined toward each other.

[0029] The middle portion and the end portion may be rigidly connected to each other or integrally formed. The first surface and the second surface may form a certain angle with each other. The first surface and the second surface may define a bend in the side portion. The bend in the side portion enables the side portion to be particularly compactly accommodated in the closed position.

[0030] The intermediate portion may be attached to a base portion, which may be pivotable about a side pivot axis.

[0031] The end portion may be attached to a middle portion, the middle portion being pivotable about an end pivot axis. The end pivot axis may be at least substantially parallel to one or more of the following: a main pivot axis, a side portion pivot axis, a pivot end edge of a side portion, a free end edge of a side portion, a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle.

[0032] The end portion may be configured to pivot between a folded position and an unfolded position about an end pivot axis. The end portion may be configured to pivot between a folded position and an unfolded position about an end pivot axis at least when the base is in the open position. In the folded position, when the base is in the open position, the end portion may form at least a portion of a side wall of the receiving space. In the folded position, when the base is in the open position, the end portion may be at least substantially vertically aligned. In the unfolded position, the end portion may form at least a substantially planar continuation of the base. In the unfolded position, when the base is in the open position, the end portion may form at least a portion of a bottom surface of the receiving space. When the base is in the open position, the width of the material hopper when the end portion is in the unfolded position may be greater than the width when the end portion is in the folded position. Pivoting the end portion about the end pivot axis from the unfolded position to the folded position can be performed in the same direction of rotation as pivoting the base about the main pivot axis from the open position to the closed position and / or pivoting the side portion about the side pivot axis from the deployment position to the transport position.

[0033] The road construction vehicle may comprise a coupling device. The coupling device may be configured to couple a pivot position of the base part about a main pivot axis and a pivot position of the side part about a side pivot axis. The coupling device may be configured to couple a pivot position of the base part about the main pivot axis and a pivot position of the side part about the side pivot axis such that each pivot position of the base part about the main pivot axis is assigned a corresponding pivot position of the side part about the side pivot axis. The coupling device may simplify the handling of the material hopper. The coupling device may ensure that the base part and the side part are always in the correct position relative to each other.

[0034] The coupling device may be configured to enable automatic pivoting of the side portion about the side pivot axis when the base is pivoted about the main pivot axis. The coupling device may be configured to enable automatic pivoting of the side portion about the side pivot axis in the same rotational direction when the base is pivoted about the main pivot axis.

[0035] The coupling device may be configured to pivot the side portion from the deployed position to the transport position when the body portion is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. The coupling device may be configured to pivot the side portion from the transport position to the deployed position when the base portion is pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

[0036] The coupling device may be configured to automatically pivot the side portion about the side portion pivot axis by a second angle when the base portion is pivoted about the main pivot axis by a first angle, wherein the values ​​of the first angle and the second angle are different from each other.

[0037] The coupling device may be formed by means of control technology. Upon receiving a user input with an adjustment command, the control device of the road construction vehicle may be configured to control an actuator for pivoting the base part about a main pivot axis and an actuator for pivoting the side part about a side pivot axis.

[0038] The coupling device is a mechanical coupling device. In particular in the case of a mechanical design of the coupling device, only one actuator may be provided, which is configured to (in particular simultaneously) pivot the base part about the main pivot axis and pivot the side part about the side pivot axis.

[0039] The coupling device may include a coupling rod. The coupling rod may connect the side portion to the chassis. The coupling rod may be pivotally attached to the side portion and the chassis. The side portion may have an extension connected to the coupling rod. When the base is in the open position, the coupling rod may be in a horizontal position. When the base is in the closed position, the coupling rod may be in an upright position.

[0040] A material hopper may be attached to the front of the road construction vehicle with respect to the paving direction.

[0041] The road construction vehicle may be formed as a road paver or as a feed vehicle for a road paver.

[0042] The road paver may include a tractor. The chassis may be a chassis of the tractor. The material hopper may be disposed on and / or attached to the tractor. The road paver may include a screed. The screed may be attached to the tractor so as to be towed behind the tractor. The road construction vehicle may include a conveying device. The conveying device may be configured to convey paving material from the material hopper to the rear against the paving direction and present it to the screed.

[0043] The feeder vehicle may comprise a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt may be designed to transport paving material from a material hopper of the feeder vehicle and drop it from above into a material hopper of a road paver travelling behind the feeder vehicle.

[0044] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a road construction vehicle is provided. At least one hopper part of a material hopper of the road construction vehicle is pivoted about a main pivot axis with respect to a chassis of the road construction vehicle. The pivoting movement of the at least one hopper part about the main pivot axis is coupled to a pivoting movement in which a side of the at least one hopper part is pivoted relative to a base of the at least one hopper part about a side pivot axis.

[0045] The pivoting movement of at least one hopper part about the main pivot axis can be coupled, in particular mechanically coupled, to the pivoting movement of the side part about the side part pivot axis by means of a coupling device.

[0046] A pivotal movement of at least one hopper part about the main pivot axis may occur at least partially simultaneously with a pivotal movement of the side part about the side part pivot axis.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, a use of a material hopper is provided. The material hopper comprises at least one hopper part. The at least one hopper part is connected to the chassis of a road construction vehicle via a main pivot axis. The at least one hopper part itself is foldable via two pivot axes. The material hopper is used to move the road construction vehicle into a transport configuration with lower space requirements.

[0048] As described above, various aspects of the invention relate to a road construction vehicle, a method of operating a road construction vehicle, and a use of a material hopper. Features described for one aspect are also valid for the other aspects and can be applied to the other aspects or combined with the other aspects. The road construction vehicle can be suitable, adapted and / or configured to perform the method or perform the use. The method can be performed using a road construction vehicle. The use can be performed using a road construction vehicle. Performing the method can include the use. The use can include performing the method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 The diagram schematically shows a conversion sequence of a material hopper of a road paver from a transport configuration to a working configuration according to an embodiment, wherein part A shows the transport configuration and part E shows the working configuration.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a material hopper according to an embodiment is shown as viewed from a chassis along a paving direction.

[0052] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a road paver according to an embodiment is shown with the material hopper in a working configuration with the end in a deployed position.

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a road paver is shown with a material hopper in an intermediate configuration with the ends in a deployed position according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a feeder vehicle with a material hopper is shown according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 Parts A to E in illustrative figures show a chronological sequence during the movement of a road construction vehicle embodied as a road paver 1 from a transport configuration shown in part A to a working configuration shown in part E. The road paver 1 comprises a tractor 3 with a chassis 5. A material hopper 9 for receiving paving material is arranged in front of the chassis 5 in a paving direction 7. The road paver 1 comprises a conveying device 11 which during the paving operation conveys paving material from the material hopper 9 against the paving direction 7 and places it in front of a screed 13 towed by the tractor 3. The screed 13 compacts and levels the paving material.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the road paver 1 is a compact road paver 1 which can be used in a particularly space-saving manner. The compact road paver 1 of the embodiment shown comprises an operator platform 15 arranged on the screed 13, from which the operator can control the road paver 1. The operator platform 15 can have facilities for the operator to stand. The platform can be formed on the screed 13 or behind the screed 13. The operator can look forward from the platform over the chassis 5 in the paving direction 7.

[0057] In order to move the road paver 1 from the transport configuration to the working configuration (or vice versa), the configuration of the material hopper 9 can be changed. Figure 1 In the working configuration shown in part E of the machine 1 , the material hopper 9 is ready for the paving operation and can receive the paving material. In the working configuration, the material hopper 9 has an excess width, i.e. the material hopper 9 at least laterally protrudes beyond the chassis 5 of the road paver 1 . Figure 1In the transport configuration shown in part A of , the material hopper 9 is folded and not yet ready for paving operations. In the transport configuration, the width of the material hopper 9 is significantly reduced, which simplifies maneuvering of the road paver 1 or transporting the road paver 1 between construction site operations. In the transport configuration, the height of the material hopper 9 is greater than in the working configuration. However, in the embodiment shown, the material hopper 9 does not extend upwardly beyond the chassis 5 of the road paver 1 even in the transport configuration. Therefore, even in the transport configuration, the operator's forward vision on the operator platform 15 is relatively less affected by the material hopper 9.

[0058] Figure 1 The sequence of parts A to E of FIG. 1 shows how the road paver 1 moves from the transport configuration to the working configuration. It is understood that the road paver 1 can be moved from the working configuration to the transport configuration by the reverse sequence, ie from part E to part A.

[0059] The material hopper 9 comprises two hopper halves 17 which are formed as mirror images of one another. The hopper halves 17 are opposite one another and can be formed identically except for the mirror symmetry. A part of the conveying device 11 is arranged between the hopper halves 17 in order to convey the paving material present in the material hopper 9 out of the material hopper 9 in a direction opposite to the paving direction 7. In particular in the working configuration, the material hopper 9 forms a receiving space 19 for the paving material.

[0060] Each hopper portion 17 comprises a base 21 and a side portion 23. Each base 21 is pivotably attached to the chassis 5 along a main pivot axis 25. The side portions 23 are pivotably attached to the base 21 along a side pivot axis 27. In particular, the side portions 23 are attached to the base 21 along a pivot end edge of the side portion 23 pivotable about the side pivot axis 27. The main pivot axis 25, the side pivot axis 27 and the pivot end edge of the side portion 23 extend along the paving direction 7. In particular, the main pivot axis 25, the side pivot axis 27 and the pivot end edge of the side portion 23 may extend at least substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the paving direction 7.

[0061] An actuator 29 is provided for each hopper half 17, by means of which the pivot position of the respective base 21 about the main pivot axis 25 can be adjusted. Figure 1 Part A) moves to the working configuration ( Figure 1 E), the actuator 29 is controlled so that the bases 21 are pivoted outwardly away from each other about the main pivot axis 25, thereby bringing them into the open position. Figure 1 E) Move to the transport configuration ( Figure 1 A portion of the control unit 21 controls the actuator 29 so as to pivot the bases 21 toward each other about the pivot axis 25 so as to bring them into the closed position.

[0062] Each hopper half 17 is provided with a coupling device 31 in the form of a coupling rod 33. The coupling rod 33 is hinged both on the chassis 5 of the road paver 1 and on the side 23 of the respective hopper half 17. Figure 2 As shown, the coupling rod 33 is hinged on an extension 34 of the side part 23 , in particular on an extension of a middle part 37 of the side part 23 .

[0063] The coupling rod 33 is essentially a rigid element. Due to the coupling rod 33, a specific pivot position of the side part 23 about the side pivot axis 27 is assigned to each pivot position of the base 21 about the main pivot axis 25. The coupling device 31 thus ensures that the pivot position of the side part 23 about the side pivot axis 27 changes automatically and simultaneously when the pivot position of the base 21 about the main pivot axis 25 changes.

[0064] The length of the coupling rod 33 can remain constant during the paving operation of the road paver 1. Nevertheless, the length of the coupling rod 33 is adjustable, in particular so that the end position can be approached accurately despite manufacturing inaccuracies.

[0065] from Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , changing the pivot position of the base portion 21 about the main pivot axis 25 causes a given side portion 23 to pivot about the side pivot axis 27 in the same rotational direction.

[0066] In the transport configuration of the material hopper 9 ( Figure 1 The side portion 23 is in a transport position relative to the base 21. In the working configuration of the material hopper 9 ( Figure 1 When the road paver 1 is moved from the transport configuration ( Figure 1 Part A) moves to the working configuration ( Figure 1 When the road paver 1 is moved from the working configuration ( Figure 1 E) Move to the transport configuration ( Figure 1 When the side part 23 is pivoted about the side pivot axis 27 into the intermediate space between the hopper halves 17, the side part 23 is pivoted about the side pivot axis 27 into the intermediate space between the hopper halves 17.

[0067] At least in transport configuration ( Figure 1The free end edge 35 of the side section 23, which is opposite the pivot end edge of the side section 23, is located below the side pivot axis 27. As a result, the material hopper 9 is particularly compact in the transport configuration. In particular, the material hopper 9 in the transport configuration only slightly obstructs the operator's forward vision. The free end edge 35 of the side section 23 extends in the paving direction 7 and is particularly parallel to the paving direction 7, the main pivot axis 25, the side pivot axis 27 and the pivot end edge of the side section 23.

[0068] The side portion 23 includes a middle portion 37 and an end portion 39. The middle portion 37 connects the base 21 and the end portion 39. The end portion 39 defines a free end edge 35. The middle portion 37 is connected to the base member 21 and can pivot about the side pivot axis 27. The middle portion 37 includes a first surface 41 and the end portion 39 includes a second surface 43 (see Figure 1 D portion). The first surface 41 and the second surface 43 each constitute a part of the inner wall of the receiving space 19 of the material hopper 9. In the working configuration ( Figure 1 The middle portion 37 forms part of the bottom of the material hopper 9. In the working configuration, the end portion 39 forms at least part of the side wall of the receiving space 19 of the material hopper 9.

[0069] The middle part 37 and the end part 39 may be rigidly connected together so that there is a fixed angle between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43, for example an angle of 90 degrees, or an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, or an angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. Alternatively, the middle part 37 and the end part 39 may be connected to each other and may be pivotable about an end pivot axis 42. The end pivot axis 42 extends in the paving direction 7 and in particular parallel to the main pivot axis 25, the side pivot axis 27 and the paving direction 7. The end pivot axis 42 may extend parallel to the pivot end edge of the side part 23 and to the free end edge 35 of the side part 23.

[0070] The pivot position of the end portion 39 relative to the middle portion 37 can be adjusted independently of the pivot position of the base portion 21 about the main pivot axis 25 and the pivot position of the side portion 23 about the side pivot axis 27. The pivot position of the end portion 39 relative to the middle portion 37 about the end pivot axis 42 can be adjusted manually or automatically. A predetermined locking position can be provided for the pivot position of the end portion 39 relative to the middle portion 37.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In all parts of the embodiment, the end portion 39 is in a folded position with respect to the middle portion 37. In the folded position, as in the embodiment shown, there is an angle of about 90 degrees between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43.

[0072] Figure 3 The road paver 1 is shown in a working configuration (corresponding to Figure 1 E), where Figure 1 Contrary to the E portion of the embodiment of the present invention, the end portion 39 has been folded relative to the middle portion 37 about the end pivot axis 42 into the deployed position. In the deployed position, there is an angle of at least approximately 180 degrees between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43. The angle between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43 may also be less than 180 degrees. By pivoting the end portion 39 into the deployed position, the width of the material hopper 9 can be increased, for example in order to simplify or enable docking of a truck for supplying the material hopper 9.

[0073] Figure 4 The road paver 1 is shown in an intermediate configuration between the transport configuration and the working configuration, wherein here too the end portion 39 is in a deployed position relative to the middle portion 37 .

[0074] Figure 5 1 shows a schematic diagram of a road construction vehicle in the form of a feeder vehicle 51. The feeder vehicle 51 comprises a chassis 5 on which an operator platform 15 is arranged. A material hopper 9 is provided in front of the travel direction 7, which can be connected to the reference Figures 1 to 4 The material hopper 9 described above corresponds to the material hopper 9. At the rear with respect to the driving direction 7, the feeding vehicle 51 has a conveyor belt 53. The conveying device 55 of the feeding vehicle 51 is configured to transport the paving material from the material hopper 9 to the conveyor belt 53 counter to the driving direction 7. The conveyor belt 53 is configured to drop the paving material from above into the material hopper of the road paver traveling behind the feeding vehicle 51.

Claims

1. A road construction vehicle (1, 51), comprising: Chassis (5); as well as a material hopper (9) for receiving paving material; wherein the material hopper (9) has two opposing hopper parts (17), the hopper parts (17) being configured to define a receiving space (19) for paving material; wherein at least one hopper portion (17) has a base (21) and a side portion (23); wherein the base (21) is attached to the chassis (5) and is pivotable about a main pivot axis (25) between an open position and a closed position; and wherein the side portion (23) is attached to the base portion (21) along a pivot end edge of the side portion (23), and the side portion (23) is pivotable about a side portion pivot axis (27); It is characterized in that A free end edge (35) of the side portion (23) opposite the pivot end edge is configured to be located below the side portion pivot axis (27) when the base (21) is in the closed position.

2. The road construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The side portion (23) has a middle portion (37) and an end portion (39).

3. The road construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The middle portion (37) has a first surface (41), and the end portion (39) has a second surface (43), wherein the first surface (41) and the second surface (43) are each configured to form a portion of an inner wall of the receiving space (19), and wherein the first surface (41) and the second surface (43) are configured to be inclined toward each other.

4. The road construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The intermediate portion (37) is attached to the base portion (21) and is pivotable about the side rotation axis (27).

5. The road construction vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The intermediate portion (37) is attached to the base portion (21) and is pivotable about the side rotation axis (27).

6. A road construction vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The end portion (39) is attached to the middle portion (37) and is pivotable about an end portion pivot axis (42).

7. A road construction vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The middle portion (37) and the end portion (39) are rigidly connected to each other or are formed integrally with each other.

8. A road construction vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The road construction vehicle (1, 51) further comprises a coupling device (31) configured to couple the pivot position of the base (21) about the main pivot axis (25) and the pivot position of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27).

9. The road construction vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The coupling device (31) is configured to achieve automatic pivoting of the side portion (23) about the side portion pivot axis (27) when the base portion (21) pivots about the main pivot axis (25).

10. The road construction vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The coupling device (31) is configured to achieve automatic pivoting of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27) when the base part (21) is pivoted about the main pivot axis (25) in the same rotational direction.

11. The road construction vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The coupling device (31) is configured to cause the side portion (23) to automatically pivot around the side portion pivot axis (27) to a second angle when the base portion (21) pivots around the main pivot axis (25) to a first angle, wherein the value of the first angle is different from the value of the second angle.

12. The road construction vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The coupling device (31) is configured to cause the side portion (23) to automatically pivot around the side portion pivot axis (27) to a second angle when the base portion (21) pivots around the main pivot axis (25) to a first angle, wherein the value of the first angle is different from the value of the second angle.

13. The road construction vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The coupling device (31) is configured to cause the side portion (23) to automatically pivot around the side portion pivot axis (27) to a second angle when the base portion (21) pivots around the main pivot axis (25) to a first angle, wherein the value of the first angle is different from the value of the second angle.

14. The road construction vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The coupling device (31) is provided by means of control technology or mechanically.

15. A road construction vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The coupling device (31) is provided by means of control technology or mechanically.

16. The road construction vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The coupling device (31) comprises a coupling rod (33) connecting the side portion (23) to the chassis (5).

17. A road construction vehicle according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The coupling device (31) comprises a coupling rod (33) connecting the side portion (23) to the chassis (5).

18. A method for operating a road construction vehicle (1, 51), comprising: pivoting at least one hopper part (17) of a material hopper (9) of a road construction vehicle (1, 51) about a main pivot axis (25) with respect to a chassis (5) of the road construction vehicle (1, 51), It is characterized in that The pivoting movement of at least one of the hopper parts (17) about the main pivot axis (25) is coupled to the pivoting movement of the side (23) of at least one of the hopper parts (17) relative to the base (21) of at least one of the hopper parts (17) about the side pivot axis (27).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The pivoting movement of at least one of the hopper parts (17) about the main pivot axis (25) is mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the side part (23) about the side pivot axis (27) by means of a coupling device (31).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: A pivoting movement of at least one of the hopper parts (17) about the main pivot axis (25) occurs at least partially simultaneously with a pivoting movement of the side part (23) about the side pivot axis (27).

21. Use of a material hopper (9) having at least one hopper part (17), at least one of the hopper parts (17) being connected to the chassis (5) of a road construction vehicle (1, 51) via a main pivot axis (25) and at least one of the hopper parts (17) itself being foldable via two pivot axes (27, 42) in order to bring the road construction vehicle (1, 51) into a transport configuration with reduced space requirement.

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