Road paver, combination of feeding vehicle and road paver

Abstract

The utility model relates to a road paver which comprises a material hopper used for containing production materials, the material hopper comprises an external boundary, the internal space of the material hopper is at least partially separated from the surrounding environment by the external boundary, and the material hopper can be loaded with the production materials, for example, the production materials are loaded by means of a feeding vehicle. Wherein the outer boundary comprises a multi-component baffle for closing the material hopper, and wherein the position of the first movable component of the baffle in the open position is lower than the position of the second movable component of the baffle in the open position, and wherein movement of the first assembly and the second assembly from the open position to a closed position in which the material hopper is closed is at least partially kinematically coupled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a road paver including a material hopper for containing production materials; and a combination of a feeding vehicle and a road paver. Background Technology

[0002] Road pavers are well known in the art. Such road pavers include a material hopper that can be loaded—for example, using a feed vehicle (such as a truck)—within a production material for producing a road surface. For this purpose, the material hopper is filled with production material, which is then conveyed within the road paver from the material hopper to a paving screed, where it is spread to form a road surface.

[0003] It is well known that production materials must reach a certain minimum temperature during use, otherwise it will be difficult to prepare road surfaces. In order to avoid or at least reduce the cooling of production materials in the material hopper, it is also known to configure the boundary surface of the material hopper to be foldable or substantially movable, thereby allowing the material hopper to be loaded with production materials in the open position and then the material hopper or its sidewalls to be moved to the closed position, thereby at least partially reducing heat conduction from the production materials to the ambient air.

[0004] However, previously known collapsible material hoppers may have drawbacks, namely that the loading truck may collide with the side walls of the material hopper. This is especially problematic if the truck includes a trailer hitch, which is typically located below the loading area of ​​the truck (loaded with production materials). Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on existing technology, the technical problem to be solved is to propose a road paver that allows for reliable loading of production materials while reducing the risk of damage to the material hopper.

[0006] The road paver according to the present invention includes a material hopper for receiving production materials, wherein the material hopper includes an outer boundary that at least partially separates the interior of the material hopper from the surrounding environment, and the material hopper is capable of loading production materials, for example by means of a feeding vehicle, wherein the outer boundary includes a multi-component baffle for closing the material hopper, wherein a first movable component of the baffle is positioned lower than a second movable component of the baffle in the open position, and wherein the movement of the first component and the second component from the open position to the closed position (when the material hopper is closed) is at least partially kinematically coupled.

[0007] Taking a cubic material hopper as an example, the multi-component baffle can be, for instance, part of the side surface of the cube. In the open position, the multi-component baffle extends beyond the cubic volume space, and in the closed position, the multi-component baffle forms part of the side surface. Therefore, it can be understood that the multi-component baffle defines the internal space to a greater extent in the closed position compared to the open position. Generally, the internal space can be understood as the volume space defined by the material hopper (and, if applicable, by other movable parts of the external boundary) in the closed position of the multi-component baffle.

[0008] The first movable component of the baffle, when in the open position, is positioned lower than the second movable component of the baffle, which is understood within the scope of this invention to mean that at least a portion of the first component, preferably a portion of the first component away from the internal space of the material hopper, has a lower upper boundary than the second movable component. In this case, the position of the first movable component in the open position does not necessarily have to be completely lower than the second movable component. Furthermore, at least a partially lower positioning is also included.

[0009] Positioning the first movable component below the second movable component allows for reliable loading of the material hopper, reducing the risk of damage, while also enabling reliable closure of the material hopper, reducing heat loss from the production materials.

[0010] It can be assumed that the first component has a first upper edge on a first outer boundary surface, and the second component has a second upper edge on a second outer boundary surface, wherein in the open position, the position of the first upper edge is lower than the position of the second upper edge. The first or second upper edge can be straight or curved. When the upper edge is curved, the position of the second upper edge is preferably higher than or at most the same as the height of each point of the first upper edge. This prevents production material from falling out near the second upper edge.

[0011] In one embodiment, a first component is rotatably mounted to move from an open position to a closed position about a first axis of rotation, and a second component is rotatably mounted to move from an open position to a closed position about a second axis of rotation. Rotating the first and second components from the open position to the closed position prevents production material from falling out, particularly if the rotation causes the first and second components to move upwards, allowing the production material to slide into the internal space of the material hopper.

[0012] The first and second rotation axes can be parallel, or they can be at an angle to each other, or they can be the same. By configuring the first and second rotation axes to be parallel, the second component can move more reliably with the first component. The configuration of the first and second rotation axes at an angle may help prevent production material from falling out.

[0013] The first component may include a follower that engages with the second component and drives the second component along with the first component. In this way, the second component can be mechanically driven as the first component moves, thereby reducing the risk of failure.

[0014] It can be assumed that the second component includes two baffle elements, which are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the first component. Therefore, the lower-positioned first component is surrounded by the higher-positioned baffle elements, thereby minimizing the risk of damage during loading and preventing production materials from accidentally falling out of the area outside the first component.

[0015] The movement of the first component and / or the second component can be achieved by a drive element. This drive element may include a hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical drive element. In this embodiment, the coupling of movement between the first and second components can be achieved, in particular, by a suitable controller, for example, by means of a computer-based control unit with associated storage devices. This allows the first and second components to move from the open position to the closed position in a more flexible manner, thereby making it possible, for example, to flexibly respond to different types of feeding vehicles and corresponding requirements.

[0016] It can be assumed that the maximum distance from a point of the first component in the open position to the ground is less than 50cm, or less than 45cm, or less than 40cm, or less than 30cm. Here, the distance to the ground is measured assuming the road paver is typically positioned on a flat surface. A smaller distance between the highest point and the ground ensures that components such as those of the feeding vehicle (e.g., trailer couplings) can still extend into the interior space of the material hopper from above the first component. This prevents collisions between the feeding vehicle or its components and the material hopper, thus avoiding damage.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are kinematically coupled to each other such that when the first component moves along a first distance from the open position to the closed position, the second component does not move simultaneously, wherein when the first component moves along a second distance after the first distance from the open position to the closed position, the second component moves simultaneously.

[0018] The first distance can be selected, for example, such that after traveling that distance, the first component and the second component are at the same height. If the two components move in combination in the direction of the closed position, it prevents production material from falling out. In this embodiment, and in all other embodiments, it can be specifically specified that the first component and the second component, at any position between the open and closed positions (including the open and closed positions), are positioned relative to each other such that there is no gap between them allowing production material to pass through.

[0019] It can be specified that the first component includes a flexible or movable element that, in the open position, extends at least partially in the vertical direction and is tiltable under force towards the interior space of the material hopper. The flexible element may be, for example, a rubber band. The movable element may be, for example, a baffle, a rotatable metal plate, or a plate made of other materials, preferably the same material as the material hopper. The flexible or movable element prevents production material from falling out and further reduces the risk of damage.

[0020] The first and / or second component may include a surface that, in the open position, is inclined toward the interior space. This surface can be understood, for example, as the base of the respective component. By arranging the surface such that it is inclined toward the interior space (i.e., downwards toward the interior space) when in the open position, it ensures that production material poured onto the surface falls into the interior space of the material hopper, or at least falls into the interior space of the material hopper when the first or second component moves.

[0021] According to this utility model, a combination of a feeding vehicle and a road paver according to any of the foregoing embodiments is also proposed, wherein the feeding vehicle can supply production materials to the material hopper, and during the supply of production materials, a baffle can be arranged in an open position, and after the supply of production materials is completed, the baffle can be moved to a closed position. The combination of the feeding vehicle and the road paver ensures reliable loading of production materials into the material hopper, while reducing the risk of damage to both the feeding vehicle and the material hopper. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A road paver according to one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the material hopper is shown.

[0024] Figures 3 to 5 An embodiment of a series of movements is shown when a multi-component baffle is moved from an open position to a closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a road paver 100 and a feeding vehicle 180 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the feeding vehicle 180 is configured as a truck with a receiving area 182 where production material 181 is stored for feeding the road paver 100. Other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0026] The road paver 100 includes a material hopper 101 into which production material 181 can be introduced from a feed vehicle. The production material can be stored in the hopper and, for example, fed to a screed 102 located at the other end of the road paver 100 for application to the road to be constructed. The specific construction of the road paver 100 is not limited and can be of any known type.

[0027] The material hopper 101 is essentially configured to include an outer boundary 111 that at least partially separates the internal space 110 of the material hopper from its surrounding environment. As described below, the internal space of the material hopper should be understood as the volumetric space enclosed by the outer boundary 111 in its closed state. The outer boundary may, for example, consist of a plurality of movable and / or immovable metal plates, or may include a plurality of movable and / or immovable metal plates. In this case, the material hopper need not be configured such that the internal space 110 is completely surrounded by the outer boundary 111, but may, for example, include an opening at the top.

[0028] According to this invention, the boundary includes a multi-component baffle 112, which is shown only schematically herein and discussed in more detail in other embodiments, and which can be used as part of the boundary to at least partially close the material hopper. The multi-component baffle 112 is configured to be movable, and in the open position shown herein, the multi-component baffle is preferably arranged such that at least a portion of the multi-component baffle (the first movable component of the multi-component baffle, as described below) is at a height h above the ground, or terminates at a height h above the ground, which is less than the height of the second component of the multi-component baffle in the open position. This allows the components 183 of the feed vehicle 180 to enter the material hopper without damaging the material hopper, and in particular the multi-component baffle. The components 183 of the feed vehicle 180 may be, for example, a trailer coupling extending to the rear of the feed vehicle 180 and generally arranged below the receiving area 182 of the production material 181.

[0029] According to this utility model, the multi-component baffle 112 enables the feeding vehicle 180 to get as close as possible to the road paver 100 without damaging the material hopper 101, thereby minimizing losses when introducing materials into the material hopper and preventing damage to the material hopper or the feeding vehicle.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a material hopper 201 is shown. The material hopper includes a plurality of at least partially movable components forming an outer boundary 220. For example, side surfaces 236 and 237 are movable along the direction of the illustrated double arrows to open or further close the material hopper. Side surfaces 236 and 237 may be configured to be liftable and / or rotatable in the direction of the internal space of the material hopper, for example, to lift production material in a direction toward the center of the material hopper 201 and to supply it more reliably to the discharge area 295, in which an auger or scraper belt may be arranged.

[0031] The outer boundary 220 may also include the wing surfaces 234 and 235 shown, located within portion 210 of the material hopper and pointing toward the feeding vehicle (not shown in the figure). This configuration is not mandatory and should be understood as exemplary only. These wing surfaces may also be movable and, in particular, can be arranged in a foldable and / or rotatable manner to move from an open position to a closed position, in which the wing surfaces define the interior space of the material hopper.

[0032] According to this invention, the material hopper 201 further includes a multi-component baffle 230. It comprises a first movable component 231 and at least one second movable component 233. The first movable component may be configured as a central component, such as a central plate, and the second movable component may include at least two baffle elements 232 and 233 arranged on opposite sides of the first movable component. Although the second component is indicated by two reference numerals below, it is understood that the second component may also be configured as a single piece, for example, it may include only one baffle element 232 or 233.

[0033] According to this utility model, the position of the first movable component 231 of the multi-component baffle 230 in the open position is lower than the position of the second movable components 232 and 233 of the baffle in the open position, that is, the position in which the multi-component baffle does not close the material hopper.

[0034] Furthermore, this utility model specifies that the multi-component baffle 230 is movably arranged such that the first component and the second component can move from an open position to a closed position, wherein this movement is kinematically coupled. Kinematic coupling means that the first component 231 and the second components 232, 233 move together (i.e., simultaneously) at least partially during the entire movement from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa. This may include: the movement of the first component also causing the movement of the second component. Although it is proposed that they move at least partially simultaneously, this does not necessarily mean that the movement amplitude of the first and second components must be the same. Therefore, although the movement is coupled, the first and second components may, for example, move different distances.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling of movement between the first and second components is achieved via a first component 231 having followers 261, 262, which can engage with a second component 232 or 233 and thereby drive the second component during movement of the first component. The followers can be configured, for example, as metal fingers extending from the first component toward the second component. Other configurations are also contemplated. Although not shown here, it is alternatively possible that the second component may include a guide for the followers 261 or 262, allowing the followers to move along the guide. This ensures reliable coupling of movement.

[0036] This type of kinematic coupling between the first and second components is a purely mechanical motion coupling, which implies that the first component 231 is actively driven, for example, between the open and closed positions via the drive element 270. Subsequently, the followers 261, 262 cause the second component to move, creating kinematic coupling with the movement of the first component.

[0037] Alternatively, it may be specified that instead of a single drive element 270 for the first component 231, drive elements 270 for the first component 231 and drive elements for the second components 232, 233 (not shown separately here) are provided. The control unit 280—for example, in the form of a computer or processor with associated storage devices—may be configured to control the respective drive elements, enabling the first and second components to move in at least partially kinematically coupled manner. It is particularly advantageous to move and arrange the first and second components such that no gap is formed between them, whether in the open or closed position, and preferably at any position in between. This prevents the spillage of production materials.

[0038] The drive element 270 can be of any design, but preferred embodiments are configured as a hydraulic drive element (e.g., in the form of a cylinder), a mechanical drive element (e.g., in the form of a shaft connected to the first and second components), or an electrical drive element (e.g., in the form of an electric drive or servo motor). The use of independent drive elements for the first and second components, in conjunction with the corresponding control unit 280, allows for flexible control of movement, and in particular, for example, control of the positioning of the first component in the open position based on the height of the trailer coupling of the feed vehicle. If the trailer coupling of the feed vehicle or other components extending into the material hopper are positioned high, the first component only needs to be positioned not too deeply. In particular, for a rotatable first component (see below), this may be advantageous for allowing production material to slide into the interior space of the material hopper while still maintaining a low risk of damage to the material hopper and the feed vehicle.

[0039] In principle, it can be specified that the movement of the first and second components between the open and closed positions occurs about the rotation axis 260, which is only shown schematically here. Therefore, the first and second components are tilted at least about the rotation axis 260 to allow for reciprocating movement between the open and closed positions.

[0040] The first and second components can be mounted so that they can rotate about the same axis of rotation 260. Alternatively, the axes of rotation of the first and second components can be non-coincident but parallel to each other. For example, the axis of rotation of the second component can be offset by a maximum of 10 cm or a maximum of 20 cm in the direction of the internal space compared to the axis of rotation 260 of the first component.

[0041] Alternatively, these axes of rotation may be specified to form an angle with each other. Here, forming an angle may be particularly preferred, especially to avoid the formation of gaps, for example, by moving the first or second component at least partially behind the other component.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the first component 231 is formed of two parts. However, this is not mandatory, and other embodiments are conceivable, particularly a one-piece design of the first component (and / or the second component). In the embodiment shown here, the second component 231 includes a surface 241 that may extend substantially horizontally or at a slight inclination. This surface may, for example, serve as a surface for receiving production materials.

[0043] Furthermore, the first component includes a flexible or movable element 242, which (in Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the material hopper 201 extends substantially perpendicular to surface 241 and thus represents the outer boundary of the first component 231 beyond which no production material can be removed from the interior of the material hopper 201. The flexible or movable element 242 can be configured, for example, as a rotatably mounted sheet metal plate capable of tilting in the direction of the material hopper's interior space, but not moving beyond a certain end position in the opposite direction (i.e., outwards). This ensures that the feeding vehicle can enter the vicinity of the first component by tilting the plate 242 in the direction of the interior space, for example, with its trailer coupling. This reduces the distance between the feeding vehicle and the material hopper, thereby reducing the risk of production material falling out during loading. Simultaneously, it also prevents damage to the material hopper from the entering trailer coupling.

[0044] Plate 242 may also be connected to a spring element (not shown here) that biases plate 242 to its upright position (as shown here). The tilting of plate 242 in the direction of the internal space of the material hopper can be achieved against the spring force and can be affected, for example, by the trailer coupling described above.

[0045] After it is removed from the material hopper (e.g., when the material hopper is full), the bias of plate 242 will return it to the initial position shown here.

[0046] As an alternative to a movably mounted plate, element 242 may also be composed of or include a flexible material. For example, it may be a rubber lip (which may be made of polyurethane), or may at least include a polyurethane outer coating. The flexible element can be manufactured such that, in a stress-free state, as illustrated by the example... Figure 2 The location of element 242 shown here is illustrated. Subsequently, the flexible element can be deformed by force applied, for example by the trailer coupling device, and pushed, for example, in a direction toward the interior space of the material hopper, thereby allowing, for example, a portion of a feeding vehicle (such as the trailer coupling device) to enter the area.

[0047] Although only the first group 231 is described here, the corresponding design of the second component can also be specified.

[0048] In the embodiment shown here, the surface 241 of the first component—in the open position—may be positioned lower than the corresponding surfaces of the second components 232 and 233. While this may be sufficient to prevent damage to the material hopper, it may optionally or additionally be specified that if the first component has a non-movable outer boundary surface in the form of element 242, the element includes an upper edge 291 positioned lower or deeper than the corresponding upper edge 292 of the second component. This prevents production material from falling out while reducing damage to the material hopper.

[0049] Figures 3 to 5 The diagram schematically illustrates a series of movements involving closing the material hopper and, in particular, moving the multi-component baffle from an open position to a closed position. Figure 3 In the diagram, the material hopper 301 is in the open position. In this context, this means that a multi-component baffle, including a first component 331 and second components 332, 333, is arranged in its open position. As previously stated, this invention specifies that in this open position, the position of the first component of the baffle is lower than the position of the second component, thereby preventing damage, for example, caused by a lower component of the feeding vehicle.

[0050] To close the material hopper, the multi-component baffle must be moved from its open position to its closed position. Figure 4 The intermediate steps are shown in the diagram. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first component 431 moves from its open position toward its closed position. As previously described, this can be achieved, for example, by rotating the first component about a rotation axis. As can be seen, the position of the second component does not change due to the movement of the first component. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first component 431 (from its open position toward its closed position) moves... Figures 3 to 4 The path or distance covered from the open position is achieved without moving the second component. For example, a first distance can be selected such that the first and second components are at the same height at the end of this distance. In this position, the follower (see...) Figure 1 This can subsequently cause the second components 432 and 433 to be driven, thereby causing them to follow the movement of the first component 431 in the direction of the closed position.

[0051] If a follower is not provided, and instead a driving element is provided for each of the first and second components, the movement of the first and second components can be controlled by actuating the driving element, so that the second component moves only after the first component has moved a first distance. Subsequently, within a second distance, the first and second components move in a kinematically coupled manner.

[0052] The second distance may (but does not necessarily) include the entire distance traveled by the first and / or second components when they reach the closed position. For example, it may be specified that the second component reaches the closed position before the first component reaches its closed position, so that the first component is still moving after the movement of the second component has ended. It may also be specified that the first component 431 reaches its closed position before the second components 432 and 433 reach their closed positions.

[0053] exist Figure 4 In the middle, not only did the second components 432 and 433 not move further, but also according to Figure 2 As described above, the optional wing surfaces 434 and 435 also remain in their open position. As stated above, these are merely exemplary and are not necessarily required to be configured this way. Similarly, these components do not necessarily need to be kinematically coupled to the multi-component baffle. Therefore, the movement of these components can occur independently of the movement of the components within the multi-component baffle.

[0054] at last, Figure 5 The closed position of the storage compartment is displayed. As can be seen from... Figure 1 Starting from this point, the first component 531 and the second components 532 and 533 move further about the axis of rotation in the direction of the internal space of the material hopper. Side surfaces 534 and 535 are now also moved to their closed positions, and elements 536 and 537 (which are already in their closed positions)... Figure 2 The components 236 and 237 are described in the middle and are folded toward the interior space of the material hopper so that the interior space of the material hopper is surrounded as completely as possible and therefore no material may fall out.

Claims

1. A road paver (100) comprising a material hopper (101) for containing production material (181), the material hopper comprising an outer boundary (111) at least partially separating an inner space (110) of the material hopper from the surrounding environment and the material hopper being loadable with production material, wherein the outer boundary (111) comprises a multi-component shutter (230) for closing the material hopper, wherein a first component (231) of the shutter movable is in a position in the open position lower than a second component (232, 233) of the shutter movable is in a position in the open position, and wherein the movement of the first component (231) and the second component (232, 233) from the open position to a closed position in which the material hopper is closed is at least partially kinematically coupled.

2. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein, The material hopper is loadable with production material by means of a feeding vehicle (180).

3. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein, The first component (231) comprises a first upper edge (291) of a first outer boundary surface and the second component (232) comprises a second upper edge (292) of a second outer boundary surface, and wherein in the open position the first upper edge is in a position lower than the second upper edge.

4. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein, The first component (231) is rotatably mounted about a first rotation axis (260) for moving from the open position to the closed position, and wherein the second component (232, 233) is rotatably mounted about a second rotation axis for moving from the open position to the closed position.

5. The road paver (100) of claim 3, wherein, The first component (231) is rotatably mounted about a first rotation axis (260) for moving from the open position to the closed position, and wherein the second component (232, 233) is rotatably mounted about a second rotation axis for moving from the open position to the closed position.

6. The road paver (100) of claim 4, wherein, The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are parallel to each other; or wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are angled to each other; or wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are identical.

7. The road paver (100) of claim 5, wherein, The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are parallel to each other; or wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are angled to each other; or wherein the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are identical.

8. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first component (231) comprises a follower (261, 262) configured to engage the second component (232, 233) and drive the second component as the first component.

9. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The second component (232, 233) comprises two shutter elements arranged on opposite sides of the first component.

10. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The movement of the first component (231) and / or the movement of the second component (232, 233) is influenced by a drive element (270).

11. The road paver (100) of claim 10, wherein, The drive element (270) comprises one of a hydraulic drive element, a mechanical drive element and an electrical drive element.

12. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, In the open position, the first assembly has a maximum distance (h) to the ground of less than 50 cm, or less than 45 cm, or less than 40 cm, or less than 30 cm.

13. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first assembly (231) and the second assembly (232, 233) are kinematically coupled to each other, such that the second assembly does not move in unison when the first assembly moves over a first distance from the open position to the closed position, and wherein the second assembly does move in unison when the first assembly moves over a second distance after the first distance from the open position to the closed position.

14. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first assembly (231) comprises a flexible or movable element (242) which, in the open position of the first assembly, extends at least partially in a vertical direction and which, by exerting a force, can be tilted towards the interior space of the material hopper.

15. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first assembly and / or the second assembly comprise a surface (241) which, in the open position, is tilted towards the interior space.

16. A combination of a feed vehicle (180) and a road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The material supply vehicle (180) is capable of supplying production material (181) to the material hopper (101); and during the supply of the production material, the multi-assembly apron (230) can be arranged in the open position; and after the supply of the production material, the multi-assembly apron (230) can be transferred to the closed position.

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