Road construction vehicle with a bunker with a swivel function

Abstract

A road construction vehicle (1, 51) comprises a chassis (5) and a material hopper (9) for receiving material. The material hopper (9) has two opposing hopper sections (17) configured to define a receiving space (19) for the material. At least one of the hopper sections (17) has a base section (21) and a side section (23). The base section (21) is pivotally mounted on the chassis (5) about a main pivot axis (25) between an open position and a closed position. The side section (23) is pivotally mounted on the base section (21) about a side section pivot axis (27) along a pivot end edge of the side section (23). A free end edge (35) of the side section (23) opposite the pivot end edge is configured to lie below the side section pivot axis (27) when the base section (21) is in the closed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of road construction vehicles with a material hopper. In particular, the invention relates to road construction vehicles in the form of a road paver or in the form of a feeder vehicle for a road paver.

[0002] Road pavers are known from practice in which the material hopper has two hopper halves which are opposite each other with respect to a width direction perpendicular to the paving direction. During paving operation, the hopper halves are in a paving configuration. From the paving configuration, the hopper halves can each be pivoted towards each other about an axis extending along the paving direction, whereby the material hopper is brought into a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, the material hopper has a reduced width. When the material hopper is in the transport configuration, the road paver can be transported more easily between construction sites or parked in a space-saving manner. The pivoting hopper halves can each have a side wall which can be pivoted relative to the rest of the hopper half.In the installation configuration, the side wall can be tilted outwards to increase the width of the material hopper and thus make it easier for a truck to dock and tip the installation material into the material hopper.

[0003] Also known in practice are feeder vehicles for road pavers, which act as an intermediary between a truck driving in front of the feeder vehicle and a road paver driving behind it. The truck can dump paving material into the feeder vehicle's material hopper. A conveyor on the feeder vehicle can drop the paving material from above into the road paver's material hopper.

[0004] According to one aspect of the 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 opposing hopper parts. The hopper parts are configured to define a receiving space for the paving material. At least one of the hopper parts has a base part and a side part. The base part is pivotally mounted on the chassis about a main pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The side part is pivotally mounted on the base part about a side part pivot axis along an articulation end edge of the side part. The side part comprises a free end edge which is opposite the articulation end edge. The free end edge of the side part is configured to lie below the side part pivot axis when the base part is in the closed position.

[0005] A transverse direction can be perpendicular to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle, in particular to a paving direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The transverse direction can be a horizontal direction. The transverse direction can be a left-right direction with respect to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The transverse direction can extend from one lateral side of the road construction vehicle to another lateral side of the road construction vehicle.

[0006] The two bunker sections can be designed analogously to each other. The two bunker sections can be mirror images of each other. The two bunker sections can be opposite each other in the transverse direction.

[0007] A conveyor device can be provided with respect to the transverse direction between the two hopper sections. The conveyor device can be configured to convey paving material from the material hopper. The conveyor device can be configured to convey the paving material at least substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle, in particular counter to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The conveyor device can comprise a scraper belt. The conveyor device can form at least part of a floor of the receiving space.

[0008] In the open position, the base part can form at least part of a floor of the receiving space. The base part can comprise an inner surface. In the open position, the inner surface of the base part can form at least part of the floor of the receiving space. In the open position, the inner surface of the base part can form at least part of an inner wall of the receiving space. The inner surface of the base part can be a flat surface. In the open position, the inner surface of the base part can be at least substantially horizontally oriented. In the open position, the inner surface of the base part can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane by a maximum of 5 degrees, or a maximum of 10 degrees, or a maximum of 15 degrees, or a maximum of 20 degrees, or a maximum of 25 degrees, or a maximum of 30 degrees.

[0009] The main pivot axis can be fixed relative to the chassis of the road paver. The main pivot axis can extend along a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The main pivot axis can extend at least substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle. The main pivot axis can extend parallel to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle, at least when projected from above.

[0010] The base part can be configured to be set up into the closed position by pivoting about the main axis towards the opposite bunker part. Pivoting the base part from the open position into the closed position can comprise pivoting by at least 30 degrees, or by at least 40 degrees, or by at least 50 degrees, or by at least 60 degrees, or by at least 70 degrees, or by at least 80 degrees about the main pivot axis. In the closed position, the inner surface of the base part can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane, for example by at least 30 degrees, or by at least 40 degrees, or by at least 50 degrees, or by at least 60 degrees, or by at least 70 degrees, or by at least 80 degrees. In the closed position, the inner surface of the base part can be directed towards the opposite bunker half.

[0011] When the base part is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, a base part of the other bunker part can be pivoted from an open position to a closed position at the same time.

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

[0013] When the base part is in the closed position, the at least one bunker part can be erected. When the base part is in the closed position, the at least one bunker part can be folded inwards towards the other bunker part with respect to the transverse direction. When the base part is in the closed position, the material bunker can have a reduced width. When the base part of the at least one bunker part is in the closed position, in particular when the base parts of both bunker parts are in the closed position, the material bunker can be in a transport configuration. In the transport configuration, transport of the road construction vehicle between work assignments can be simplified due to a reduced bunker width.

[0014] When the base part is in the closed position, the height of the material hopper can be greater than when the base part is in the open position. If the free end edge of the side part lies below the side part pivot axis when the base part is in the closed position, the height of the material hopper in the closed position can still be at least lower than if the free end edge of the side part were above the side part pivot axis. By having the free end edge of the side part below the side part pivot axis when the base part is in the closed position, the material hopper can have a comparatively low height even when the base part is in the closed position. A comparatively low height of the material hopper in the closed position can provide an operator or driver of the road construction vehicle with improved visibility, in particular an improved view to the front.For example, an operator or driver of the road construction vehicle can look forward over the material hopper even when the base part is in the closed position, which simplifies safe driving of the road construction vehicle.

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

[0016] When the base part is pivoted about the main pivot axis, the at least one bunker part as a whole can be pivoted about the main pivot axis with respect to the chassis of the road paver.

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

[0018] The base part can extend between the main pivot axis and the side panel pivot axis. The side panel can connect to the base part along the side panel pivot axis.

[0019] The side part can be configured to pivot about the side part pivot axis relative to the base part between an operating position and a transport position. When the base part is in the open position and the side part is in the operating position, the side part can form at least part of a side wall of the receiving space and / or laterally delimit the receiving space. Pivoting the side part about the side part pivot axis from the operating position to the transport position can occur in the same direction of rotation as pivoting the base part from the open position to the closed position.

[0020] When the side part is swiveled from the operating position to the transport position, the side part can be folded into the interior of the material hopper.

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

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

[0023] The articulation end edge and / or the free end edge of the side part can extend parallel to a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle, at least in plan view.

[0024] The free end edge of the side part can lie below the side part pivot axis when the base part is in the closed position and the side part is in the transport position. If the free end edge of the side part lies below the side part pivot axis when the base part is in the closed position, the material hopper can have a comparatively low height in the closed position. A comparatively low height of the material hopper in the closed position can allow an operator or driver of the road construction vehicle an improved view, in particular an improved view to the front. Preferably, the at least one hopper part or the material hopper does not extend upwards beyond the chassis of the road paver when the base part is in the closed position and the side part is in the transport position.

[0025] The side part can have an intermediate part and an end part. For example, multiple intermediate parts could also be provided, so that the side part has multiple intermediate parts and an end part.

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

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

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

[0029] The intermediate part and the end part can be firmly connected to one another or formed integrally. The first surface and the second surface can be inclined relative to one another. The first surface and the second surface can define a bend in the side part. A bend in the side part allows the side part to be accommodated particularly compactly in the closed position.

[0030] The intermediate part can be attached to the base part so that it can pivot about the side part pivot axis.

[0031] The end part can be pivotally mounted on the intermediate part about an end part pivot axis. The end part pivot axis can be at least substantially parallel to one or more of the following: the main pivot axis, the side part pivot axis, the articulation end edge of the side part, the free end edge of the side part, and a direction of travel of the road construction vehicle.

[0032] The end part can be configured to be pivoted about the end part pivot axis between a folded position and a folded out position. The end part can be configured to be pivoted about the end part pivot axis between the folded position and the folded out position, at least when the base part is in the open position. In the folded position, the end part can form at least part of a side wall of the receiving space when the base part is in the open position. In the folded position, the end part can be at least substantially vertically oriented when the base part is in the open position. In the folded out position, the end part can represent an at least substantially planar continuation of the base part. In the folded out position, the end part can form at least part of a floor surface of the receiving space when the base part is in the open position.When the base section is in the open position, the width of the material hopper can be greater when the end section is in the extended position than when the end section is in the folded position. Pivoting the end section about the end section pivot axis from the extended position to the folded position can occur in the same direction of rotation as pivoting the base section about the main pivot axis from the open position to the closed position and / or pivoting the side section about the side section pivot axis from the operating position to the transport position.

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

[0034] The coupling device can be configured to cause the side part to automatically pivot about the side part pivot axis when the base part pivots about the main pivot axis. The coupling device can be configured to cause the side part to automatically pivot about the side part pivot axis in the same direction of rotation when the base part pivots about the main pivot axis.

[0035] The coupling device can be configured to pivot the side part from the deployment position to the transport position when the main part is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. The coupling device can be configured to pivot the side part from the transport position to the deployment position when the base part is pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

[0036] The coupling device can be configured to cause an automatic pivoting of the side part about the side part pivot axis by a second angle when the base part pivots about the main pivot axis by a first angle, wherein a value of the first angle and a value of the second angle differ from one another.

[0037] The coupling device can be designed with control technology. When a user input with an adjustment command is received, a control device of the road construction vehicle can be configured to control both an actuator for pivoting the base part about the main pivot axis and an actuator for pivoting the side part about the side part pivot axis.

[0038] The coupling device can be mechanically designed. In particular, if the coupling device is mechanically designed, only one actuator can be provided, which is configured both to pivot the base part about the main pivot axis and to pivot the side part about the side part pivot axis, in particular simultaneously.

[0039] The coupling device can comprise a coupling rod. The coupling rod can connect the side part to the chassis. The coupling rod can be hingedly attached to the side part and to the chassis. The side part can have an extension to which the coupling rod is connected. The coupling rod can be in a horizontal position when the base part is in the open position. The coupling rod can be in an upright position when the base part is in the closed position.

[0040] The material hopper can be mounted at the front of the road construction vehicle with respect to the direction of travel during installation.

[0041] The road construction vehicle can be designed as a road paver or as a feeder vehicle for a road paver.

[0042] The road paver may comprise a towing vehicle. The chassis may be a chassis of the towing vehicle. The material hopper may be provided on and / or attached to the towing vehicle. The road paver may comprise a paving screed. The paving screed may be attached to the towing vehicle so as to be pulled behind the towing vehicle. The road construction vehicle may comprise a conveyor device. The conveyor device may be configured to convey paving material from the material hopper backwards, opposite to the paving direction of travel, and to present it to the paving screed.

[0043] The feeder vehicle may include a conveyor. The conveyor may be designed to transport paving material from the feeder vehicle's material hopper and discharge it from above into a material hopper of a road paver traveling behind the feeder vehicle.

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

[0045] The pivoting movement of the at least one bunker 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 a coupling device.

[0046] The pivoting movement of at least one bunker part about the main pivot axis can take place at least partially simultaneously with the pivoting movement of the side part about the side part pivot axis.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, a use for a material hopper is provided. The material hopper comprises at least one hopper section. The at least one hopper section is connected to a chassis of a road construction vehicle via a main pivot axis. The at least one hopper section is bendable along two pivot axes. The material hopper is used to convert a road construction vehicle into a transport configuration with reduced space requirements.

[0048] As described, various aspects of the invention relate to a road construction vehicle, a method for operating a road construction vehicle, and a use of a material hopper. Features described with respect to one of these aspects are also valid for the other aspects and can be applied to them or combined with them. The road construction vehicle can be suitable, designed, and / or configured to carry out the method or to carry out the use. The method can be carried out on the road construction vehicle. The use can be carried out on the road construction vehicle. Carrying out the method can comprise the use. The use can comprise carrying out the method.

[0049] In the following, the invention is further explained using embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 shows schematically a sequence of a transfer of a material hopper of a road paver according to an embodiment from a transport configuration to a working configuration, wherein part A shows the transport configuration and part E shows the working configuration. Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the material bunker according to the embodiment viewed from the chassis in the installation direction. Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the road paver according to the embodiment with the material hopper in the working configuration, with the end part in the unfolded position. Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of the road paver according to the embodiment with the material hopper in an intermediate configuration, with the end part in the unfolded position. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a feeder vehicle with a material bunker according to one embodiment.

[0050] Parts A to E of Fig. 1 show a chronological sequence for moving a road construction vehicle designed 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 towing vehicle 3 with a chassis 5. A material hopper 9 for receiving paving material is provided at the front of the chassis 5 in the paving direction 7. The road paver 1 comprises a conveyor device 11 which, during paving operation, conveys paving material from the material hopper 9 against the paving direction 7 and presents it to a paving screed 13 pulled behind the towing vehicle 3. The paving screed 13 compacts and smoothes the paving material.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the road paver 1 is designed as a compact road paver 1, which can be used in a particularly space-saving manner. The compact road paver 1 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an operating station 15 provided on the paving screed 13, from which an operator can control the road paver 1. The operating station 15 can have a standing option for the operator. The standing option can be provided on or behind the paving screed 13. From the standing option, the operator can see forward over the chassis 5 along the paving travel direction 7.

[0052] In order to move the road paver 1 from the transport configuration to the working configuration (or from the working configuration to the transport configuration), the configuration of the material hopper 9 can be changed. In the configuration shown in Part E of Fig. 1 In the working configuration shown, the material hopper 9 is ready for paving and can receive paving material. In the working configuration, the material hopper 9 has an extra width, ie the material hopper 9 protrudes laterally at least beyond the chassis 5 of the road paver 1. In the configuration shown in Part A of Fig. 1 In the transport configuration shown, the material hopper 9 is folded up and not ready for paving. In the transport configuration, the width of the material hopper 9 is significantly reduced, which simplifies maneuvering with 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 work configuration. Nevertheless, in the embodiment shown, the material hopper 9 does not extend upwards beyond the chassis 5 of the road paver 1, even in the transport configuration. As a result, the view of an operator on the control station 15 to the front through the material hopper 9 is comparatively little impaired, even in the transport configuration.

[0053] The sequence of parts A to E of Fig. 1 shows how the road paver 1 is moved 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 reversing the sequence, i.e., from part E to part A.

[0054] The material hopper 9 comprises two hopper halves 17 that are mirror images of each other. The hopper halves 17 are located opposite each other and can be identical except for their mirror image. A portion of the conveyor system 11 is provided between the hopper halves 17 to convey paving material present in the material hopper 9 out of the material hopper 9 in the opposite direction to the paving direction 7. Particularly in the working configuration, the material hopper 9 forms a receiving space 19 for the paving material.

[0055] Each bunker part 17 comprises a base part 21 and a side part 23. The base part 21 is pivotally mounted on the chassis 5 along a main pivot axis 25. The side part 23 is pivotally mounted on the base part 21 along a side part pivot axis 27. In particular, the side part 23 is pivotally mounted on the base part 21 along an articulation end edge of the side part 23 about the side part pivot axis 27. The main pivot axis 25, the side part pivot axis 27, and the articulation end edge of the side part 23 extend along the paving direction of travel 7. In particular, the main pivot axis 25, the side part pivot axis 27, and the articulation end edge of the side part 23 can run at least substantially parallel to one another and parallel to the paving direction of travel 7.

[0056] For each bunker half 17, an actuator 29 is provided, with which a pivoting position of the respective base part 21 can be adjusted about the main pivot axis 25. In order to convert the road paver 1 from the transport configuration (part A of Fig. 1 ) into the working configuration (Part E of Fig.1 ), the actuators 29 are controlled to pivot the base parts 21 outwards about the main pivot axes 25 away from each other and thus bring them into an open position. In order to move the road paver 1 from the working configuration (part E of Fig. 1 ) into the transport configuration (part A of Fig. 1 ), the actuators 29 are controlled to pivot the base parts 21 towards each other about the pivot axes 25 and thereby place them in a closed position.

[0057] For each bunker half 17, a coupling device 31 in the form of a coupling rod 33 is provided, which is hinged both to the chassis 5 of the road paver 1 and to the side part 23 of the respective bunker half 17. As shown in Fig. 2 As shown, the coupling rod 33 is articulated on an extension 34 of the side part 23, in particular on an extension of an intermediate part 37 of the side part 23.

[0058] The coupling rod 33 is a rigid element. The coupling rod 33 assigns a specific pivot position of the side part 23 about the side part pivot axis 27 to each pivot position of the base part 21 about the main pivot axis 25. The coupling device 31 thus ensures that when the pivot position of the base part 21 about the main pivot axis 25 is changed, the pivot position of the side part 23 about the side part pivot axis 27 is automatically and simultaneously changed.

[0059] A length of the coupling rod 33 can be constant during paving operation of the road paver 1. Nevertheless, a length of the coupling rod 33 can be adjustable, in particular in order to precisely approach the end positions despite manufacturing inaccuracies.

[0060] As from Fig. 1 As can be seen, changing the pivoting position of the base part 21 about the main pivot axis 25 results in pivoting of the associated side part 23 about the side part pivot axis 27 in the same direction of rotation.

[0061] In the transport configuration of the material bunker 9 (part A of Fig. 1 ) the side part 23 is in a transport position relative to the base part 21. In the working configuration of the material hopper 9 (part E of Fig. 1 ), the side part 23 is in an operating position with respect to the base part 21. When the road paver 1 is moved from the transport configuration (part A of Fig. 1 ) into the working configuration (Part E of Fig. 1 ), the side part 23 is pivoted outwards about the side part pivot axis 27 from a space between the bunker halves 17. When the road paver 1 is moved from the working configuration (part E of Fig. 1 ) into the transport configuration (part A of Fig. 1 ), the side part 23 is pivoted about the side part pivot axis 27 into a space between the bunker halves 17.

[0062] At least in the transport configuration (part A of Fig. 1 ) a free end edge 35 of the side part 23, which is opposite the articulation end edge of the side part 23, lies below the side part pivot axis 27. As a result, the material hopper 9 is particularly compact in the transport configuration. In particular, in the transport configuration, an operator's view to the front is only slightly impaired by the material hopper 9. The free end edge 35 of the side part 23 runs along the paving direction 7 and is designed, in particular, parallel to the paving direction 7, the main pivot axis 25, the side part pivot axis 27 and the articulation end edge of the side part 23.

[0063] The side part 23 comprises an intermediate part 37 and an end part 39. The intermediate part 37 connects the base part 21 and the end part 39. The end part 39 defines the free end edge 35. The intermediate part 37 is pivotally connected to the base part 21 about the side part pivot axis 27. The intermediate part 37 comprises a first surface 41 and the end part 39 a second surface 43 (see part D of Fig. 1 ). The first surface 41 and the second surface 43 each form part of an inner wall of the receiving space 19 of the material hopper 9. The intermediate part 37 forms in the working configuration (part E of Fig. 1 ) a part of a floor of the material bunker 9. The end part 39 forms in the working configuration at least a part of a side wall of the receiving space 19 of the material bunker 9.

[0064] The intermediate part 37 and the end part 39 can be fixedly connected to one another, so that a fixed angle exists 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 intermediate part 37 and the end part 39 can be pivotally connected to one another about an end part pivot axis 42. The end part pivot axis 42 runs along the installation travel direction 7 and is in particular parallel to the main pivot axis 25, the side part pivot axis 27, and the installation travel direction 7. The end part pivot axis 42 can run parallel to the articulation end edge of the side part 23 and to the free end edge 35 of the side part 23.

[0065] A pivoting position of the end part 39 relative to the intermediate part 37 can be adjusted independently of a pivoting position of the base part 21 about the main pivot axis 25 and of a pivoting position of the side part 23 about the side part pivot axis 27. The pivoting position of the end part 39 relative to the intermediate part 37 about the end part pivot axis 42 can be adjusted manually or automatically. Predefined locking positions can be provided for a pivoting position of the end part 39 relative to the intermediate part 37.

[0066] In all parts of Fig. 1 The end part 39 is in a folded position relative to the intermediate part 37. In the folded position, in the illustrated embodiment, an angle of approximately 90 degrees exists between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows the road paver 1 in the working configuration (according to part E of Fig. 1 ), where in contrast to Part E of Fig. 1 the end parts 39 have been folded into an extended position about the end part pivot axis 42 relative to the intermediate parts 37. In the extended position, an angle of at least substantially 180 degrees exists between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43. There could also be an angle of less than 180 degrees between the first surface 41 and the second surface 43. By pivoting the end parts 39 into the extended position, a width of the material hopper 9 can be increased, for example, to simplify docking of a truck for filling the material hopper 9 or to make it possible in the first place.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows the road paver 1 in an intermediate configuration between the transport configuration and the working configuration, whereby here too the end part 39 is in the unfolded position relative to the intermediate part 37.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a road construction vehicle designed as a feeder vehicle 51. The feeder vehicle 51 comprises a chassis 5, on which an operator's station 15 is provided. In the direction of travel 7, a material hopper 9 is provided, which corresponds to the Fig. 1 bis 4 described material hopper 9. With respect to the direction of travel 7, the feeder vehicle 51 has a conveyor 53 at the rear. A conveyor device 55 of the feeder vehicle 51 is configured to convey paving material from the material hopper 9 opposite to the direction of travel 7 and transfer it to the conveyor 53. The conveyor 53 is configured to discharge the paving material from above into a material hopper of a road paver traveling behind the feeder vehicle 51.

Claims

1. A road construction vehicle (1, 51), comprising: a chassis (5); and a material hopper (9) for receiving paving material; wherein the material hopper (9) has two opposing hopper parts (17) which are configured to define a receiving space (19) for the paving material; wherein at least one of the hopper parts (17) has a base part (21) and a side part (23); wherein the base part (21) is pivotally mounted on the chassis (5) about a main pivot axis (25) between an open position and a closed position; and wherein the side part (23) is pivotally mounted on the base part (21) about a side part pivot axis (27) along an articulation end edge of the side part (23). characterized in that a free end edge (35) of the side part (23) opposite the articulation end edge is configured to lie below the side part pivot axis (27) when the base part (21) is in the closed position.

2. Road construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the side part (23) has an intermediate part (37) and an end part (39).

3. Road construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate part (37) has a first surface (41) and the end part (39) has a second surface (43), wherein the first surface (41) and the second surface (43) are each configured to form part 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 towards each other.

4. Road construction vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the intermediate part (37) is pivotally mounted on the base part (21) about the side part rotation axis (27).

5. Road construction vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the end part (39) is pivotally mounted on the intermediate part (37) about an end part pivot axis (42).

6. Road construction vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the intermediate part (37) and the end part (39) are firmly connected to one another or formed integrally with one another.

7. Road construction vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the road construction vehicle (1, 51) further comprises a coupling device (31) which is configured to couple a pivoting position of the base part (21) about the main pivot axis (25) and a pivoting position of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27).

8. Road construction vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the coupling device (31) is configured to cause an automatic pivoting of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27), in particular with the same direction of rotation, when the base part (21) pivots about the main pivot axis (25).

9. Road construction vehicle according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the coupling device (31) is configured to cause an automatic pivoting of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27) by a second angle when the base part (21) pivots about the main pivot axis (25) by a first angle, wherein a value of the first angle and a value of the second angle differ from one another.

10. Road construction vehicle according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the coupling device (31) is designed for control purposes or mechanically.

11. Road construction vehicle according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the coupling device (31) comprises a coupling rod (33) which connects the side part (23) to the chassis (5).

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

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the pivoting movement of the at least one bunker part (17) about the main pivot axis (25) is mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27) by a coupling device (31).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the pivoting movement of the at least one bunker part (17) about the main pivot axis (25) takes place at least partially simultaneously with the pivoting movement of the side part (23) about the side part pivot axis (27).

15. Use of a material bunker (9) with at least one bunker part (17) which is connected to a chassis (5) of a road construction vehicle (1, 51) via a main pivot axis (25) and can be bent in itself via two pivot axes (27, 42) in order to bring the road construction vehicle (1, 51) into a transport configuration with reduced space requirements.

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