Road paving machine including material hopper for receiving construction material

Abstract

To provide a road paving machine that allows reliable loading of construction materials while reducing risks of damaging a material hopper.SOLUTION: A road paving machine includes a material hopper for receiving construction materials. The material hopper includes an outer boundary which at least partially isolates interior space of the material hopper from the surroundings, the material hopper can be filled with construction materials, for example, by a feeder vehicle, the outer boundary includes a multi-component flap for closing the material hopper, a first movable part of the multi-component flap in an open position is lower than a second movable part of the multi-component flap in the open position, and the first movable part and the second movable part are at least partially linked in operation for movement from an open position to a closed position in which the material hopper is closed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a road paver including a material hopper for receiving construction material according to claim 1, a combination of a feeder vehicle and a road paver according to claim 13, and a method for charging a material hopper of a road paver according to claim 14. [Background technology]

[0002] Road pavers are well known from the prior art. They comprise a material hopper into which construction material for creating a road surface can be fed using a feeder vehicle, for example a truck. The material hopper is then filled with construction material, which is then transported from the material hopper to a screed in the road paver, where it is supplied as a road surface.

[0003] It is known that the construction material must have a certain minimum temperature when it is spread, otherwise it will be difficult to create a road surface. In order to avoid or at least reduce the cooling of the construction material in the material hopper, it is also known to configure the boundary surface of the material hopper to be foldable or totally movable, so that in an open position the construction material can be loaded into the material hopper and then the material hopper or its side wall can be moved to a closed position, in which the heat transfer from the construction material to the surrounding air is at least partially reduced.

[0004] However, previously known collapsible material hoppers suffer from the disadvantage that the loading truck may strike the sidewall of the material hopper, especially if the truck includes a trailer hitch, which is typically lower than the loading area of ​​the truck onto which the construction material is loaded. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Based on the prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to provide a road paver that allows reliable charging of construction material while reducing the risk of damage to the material hopper. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a road paver according to claim 1, by a combination of a feeder vehicle and a road paver according to claim 13, and by a method for charging a material hopper of a road paver according to claim 14. Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are contained in the dependent claims.

[0007] A road paver according to the present invention includes a material hopper for receiving construction material, the material hopper including an outer boundary at least partially isolating the interior of the material hopper from the surroundings, into which the construction material can be added, for example by a feeder vehicle, the outer boundary including a multi-component flap for closing the material hopper, a first movable part of the multi-component flap in an open position being lower than a second movable part of the multi-component flap in the open position, and the first movable part and the second movable part being at least partially operatively linked for movement from the open position to a closed position in which the material hopper is closed.

[0008] Considering the example of a cube-shaped material hopper, the multi-component flap may be, for example, a portion of a side of the cube. In the open position, the multi-component flap extends outside the volume of the cube and forms a portion of the side in the closed position. Thus, it can be understood that the multi-component flap defines a larger extent of interior space in the closed position than in the open position. In general, the interior space can be understood as the volume defined by the material hopper when the multi-component flap is in the closed position and, if applicable, when other movable parts of the outer boundary are in the closed position.

[0009] The fact that the first movable part in the open position is lower than the second movable part of the multi-component flap in the open position should be understood in the context of the present invention to mean that at least a part of the first movable part, preferably the part of the first movable part facing away from the interior space of the material hopper, has an upper boundary that is lower than the second movable part. In this case, the first movable part in the open position does not have to be completely lower than the second movable part. It can also be at least partially lower.

[0010] By positioning the first moving part lower than the second moving part, on the one hand, the material hopper is reliably filled with reduced risk of damage, and on the other hand, the material hopper is reliably closed with reduced heat loss of the production material.

[0011] It is conceivable that the first movable part has a first upper end with a first outer boundary surface, and the second movable part has a second upper end with a second outer boundary surface, and that in the open position, the first upper end is lower than the second upper end. The first upper end or the second upper end may be straight or curved. In the case of a curved upper end, the second upper end is preferably higher than the first upper end at all points, or at most at the same height. This prevents the construction material from falling near the second upper end.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first movable part is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation for movement from the open position to the closed position, and the second movable part is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation for movement from the open position to the closed position. Rotating the first and second movable parts from the open position to the closed position can prevent the construction material from falling, particularly if the rotation causes the first and second movable parts to move upward, causing the construction material to slide into the interior space of the material hopper.

[0013] The first and second rotation axes may be parallel, may be at an angle to each other, or may be the same. By configuring the first and second rotation axes to be parallel, the second movable part can be more reliably moved together with the first movable part. Configuring the first and second rotation axes to be at an angle may be preferable to prevent the construction material from falling.

[0014] The first moving part may include a follower that engages with the second moving part to drive the second moving part with the first moving part, which allows the second moving part to mechanically move with the movement of the first moving part, thereby reducing the risk of failure.

[0015] It is conceivable that the second moving part comprises two flap elements placed on either side of the first moving part, so that the lower first moving part is surrounded by the higher flap elements, which on the one hand minimizes the risk of damage during loading and on the other hand prevents the construction material from accidentally falling into the outer area of ​​the first moving part.

[0016] The movement of the first moving part and / or the movement of the second moving part may be effected by a drive element. The drive element may include a hydraulic drive element, a mechanical drive element, or an electric drive element. In this embodiment, the operational coupling between the first moving part and the second moving part may be realized with the aid of a control device, particularly by a suitable controller, e.g., a computer with associated storage. This allows the first moving part and the second moving part to be moved from the open position to the closed position in a more flexible manner, e.g., to accommodate various types of feeder cars and their corresponding requirements.

[0017] The maximum distance to the ground of the first moving part in the open position can be less than 50 cm, less than 45 cm, less than 40 cm, or less than 30 cm. The distance from the ground is measured here with the road paver normally positioned on a flat surface. The small distance between the highest point and the ground ensures that parts of the feeder car, such as the trailer hitch, extend above the first moving part and into the interior space of the material hopper. This prevents collisions between the feeder car or its parts and the material hopper, avoiding damage.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first movable part and the second movable part are operatively coupled to one another such that movement of the first movable part along a first distance from the open position to the closed position occurs without simultaneous movement of the second movable part, and movement of the first movable part over a second distance after moving the first distance from the open position to the closed position occurs with simultaneous movement of the second movable part.

[0019] The first distance can be selected, for example, so that after moving this distance, the first movable part is flush with the second movable part. Then, when they are combined and moved toward the closed position, the building material is prevented from falling. In this embodiment, as well as in all other embodiments, the first movable part and the second movable part can be positioned relative to each other such that no gap through which the building material can pass exists between them in any position between the open and closed positions, including the open and closed positions.

[0020] The first movable part may include a flexible or movable element that extends at least partially vertically in the open position of the first movable part and can be tilted by force toward the interior space of the material hopper. The flexible element may be, for example, a rubber strip. The movable element may be, for example, a flap, a rotatable metal plate, or a plate made of another material, preferably the same material as the material of the material hopper. The flexible or movable element may, on the one hand, prevent the production material from falling and, on the other hand, further reduce the risk of damage.

[0021] The first and / or second movable parts may include a surface that is inclined toward the interior space in the open position. This surface may be understood, for example, as the base of the respective part. By configuring this surface to be inclined toward the interior space in the open position (i.e., to slope downward toward the interior space), it is ensured that the construction material lowered onto this surface falls into the interior space of the material hopper, or at least falls into the interior space of the material hopper as the first or second movable part moves.

[0022] According to the present invention, there is also provided a combination of a feeder vehicle and a road paver according to one of the above embodiments, wherein the feeder vehicle is capable of supplying construction material to the material hopper, and the multi-component flap can be placed in an open position during the supply of construction material and can be placed in a closed position after the supply of construction material. Such a combination of the feeder vehicle and the road paver ensures reliable input of construction material into the material hopper while reducing the risk of damage to the feeder vehicle and the material hopper.

[0023] Further, there is provided a method for loading construction material into a material hopper of a road paver according to one of the above embodiments, the method comprising: positioning a multi-component flap in an open position; subsequently positioning a feeder car for supplying the construction material to the material hopper; moving the feeder car at least partially away from the material hopper; and subsequently moving the multi-component flap to a closed position. This method allows for reliable loading of the construction material into the material hopper while reducing the risk of damage to the feeder car and the road paver, particularly the material hopper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a road paver according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a material hopper. [Figure 3]10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a movement sequence for moving a multi-component flap from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 4] 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a movement sequence for moving a multi-component flap from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 5] 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of a movement sequence for moving a multi-component flap from an open position to a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the combination of a road paver 100 and a feeder vehicle 180. In the embodiment shown, the feeder vehicle 180 is configured as a truck having a receiving area 182 in which construction material 181 is stored for feeding to the road paver 100. Other embodiments are also contemplated.

[0026] The road paver 100 includes a material hopper 101 into which construction material 181 can be loaded from a feeder vehicle. The construction material is contained within the hopper and fed to a screed 102 at the other end of the road paver 100 for spreading, for example, on the road under construction. The exact configuration of the road paver 100 is not limited and can be of any known type.

[0027] The material hopper 101 is substantially configured to include an outer boundary 111 that at least partially isolates the interior space 110 of the material hopper from the surroundings. The interior space of the material hopper should be understood as the volume of the material hopper that is enclosed by the outer boundary 111 in a closed state, as described below. The outer boundary may be formed of or include, for example, a plurality of movable and / or non-movable (fixed) metal plates. In this case, the material hopper does not need to be configured such that the interior space 110 is completely enclosed by the outer boundary 111, and may include an opening, for example, at the top.

[0028] According to the present invention, the outer boundary may include a multi-component flap 112, which is shown only diagrammatically and will be described in more detail in further embodiments, and which may be used as part of a boundary that at least partially closes the material hopper. The multi-component flap 112 is configured to be movable, and in the open position shown here, preferably, at least a portion of the multi-component flap (a first movable part of the multi-component flap, as described below) is positioned at or ends at a height h from the ground, which is lower than the height at which a second part of the multi-component flap is positioned in the open position. This allows the parts 183 of the feeder car 180 to enter the material hopper without damaging the material hopper, particularly the multi-component flap. The part 183 of the feeder car 180 may be, for example, a trailer hitch that extends rearward of the feeder car 180 and is typically positioned below the receiving area 182 for the production material 181.

[0029] The multi-component flap 112 of the present invention allows the feeder vehicle 180 to get as close as possible to the road paver 100 without damaging the material hopper 101, allowing material to be dumped into the material hopper with as little loss as possible without damaging the material hopper or feeder vehicle.

[0030] 2 is a schematic diagram of a material hopper 201. The material hopper includes, as an outer boundary 220, several at least partially movable parts. For example, side surfaces 236 and 237 are provided, which can be moved along the directions of the double arrows shown in the figure to open and close the material hopper. These side surfaces 236 and 237 can be configured to be liftable and / or rotatable (pivotable) toward the interior space of the material hopper, for example, to lift the production material toward the center of the material hopper 201 and more reliably feed the production material into a discharge area 295 where an auger or scraper belt may be located.

[0031] The outer boundary 220 may also include the wing surfaces 234 and 235 shown here on the portion 210 of the material hopper facing the feeder car, not shown here. This configuration is not required and should be understood as merely an example. These wing surfaces may be movable, in particular foldable and / or rotatable, so that they can be moved from an open position to a closed position that defines the interior space of the material hopper.

[0032] According to the present invention, the material hopper 201 further includes a multi-component flap 230. The multi-component flap is here formed by a first movable part 231 and at least one second movable part 233. The first movable part may be configured as a central part, such as a central plate, and the second movable part may include at least two flap elements 232 and 233, arranged on either side of the first movable part. Hereinafter, the second movable part will be referred to by two reference numerals, but it will be understood that the second movable part may also be configured as a single unit, for example, the second movable part may include only one flap element 232 or one flap element 233.

[0033] According to the present invention, it is envisaged that the first movable part 231 of the multi-component flap 230, in the open position shown here, is positioned lower than the second movable parts 232, 233 of the multi-component flap in the open position, i.e. in the position in which the multi-component flap does not close the material hopper.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention provides that the multi-component flap 230 is configured to be movable such that the first and second moving parts are operatively coupled to move from the open position to the closed position. By operatively coupled, it is meant that the first and second moving parts 231 and 232, 233 move at least partially together, i.e., simultaneously, throughout the entire movement from the open position to the closed position or vice versa. This may also include movement of the first moving part causing movement of the second moving part. While movement at least partially simultaneously is provided, this does not necessarily mean that the first and second moving parts move by the same amount. Thus, for example, the first and second moving parts may move different distances despite being operatively coupled.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the movement coupling between the first and second moving parts is achieved by the first moving part 231 having followers 261, 262 that engage with the second moving part 232 or 233 and can drive the second moving part during the movement of the first moving part. The followers can be configured, for example, as metal fingers extending from the first moving part toward the second moving part. Other configurations are also possible. Optionally, although not shown here, the second moving part can include a guide for the follower 261 or 262, along which the follower can be moved. This ensures a reliable movement coupling.

[0036] It may be envisaged that this type of operational coupling between the first and second moving parts is a purely mechanical movement coupling, whereby the first moving part 231 is actively driven between the open and closed positions, for example via the drive element 270. The followers 261, 262 then move the second moving part in operational coupling with the movement of the first moving part.

[0037] However, instead of a single drive element 270 for the first movable part 231, a drive element 270 for the first movable part 231 and drive elements (not separately shown here) for the second movable parts 232, 233 may alternatively be provided. In this case, a control unit 280, for example in the form of a computer or a processor with associated memory, may be configured to enable control of the respective drive elements such that the first and second movable parts may move in at least partial operative connection. It is particularly advantageous for the movement and configuration of the first and second movable parts to be such that no gaps are formed between them in either the open or closed position, and preferably in any position therebetween. This prevents the construction material from falling out.

[0038] The drive element 270 can be designed in any way, but preferably, the drive element is configured as a hydraulic drive element, for example in the form of a pneumatic cylinder, as a mechanical drive element, for example in the form of a shaft connected to the first and second moving parts, or as an electric drive element, for example in the form of an electric drive or servo motor. The use of separate drive elements for the first and second moving parts in combination with the corresponding control unit 280 allows for flexible control of the movement, and in particular the positioning of the first moving part in the open position, for example, depending on the height of the trailer hitch of the feeder car. If the trailer hitch or another part of the feeder car extending into the material hopper is positioned higher, it may be sufficient to position the first moving part less deeply. In particular, in the case of a rotatable first moving part (see below), this may facilitate sliding the production material into the interior space of the material hopper with a low risk of damage to the material hopper and the feeder car.

[0039] In principle, the movement of the first and second movable parts between the open and closed positions may be effected about a rotation axis 260, shown only schematically here, in which case the first and second movable parts tilt at least about the rotation axis 260 in order to move back and forth between the open and closed positions.

[0040] The first and second moving parts may be mounted rotatably about the same axis of rotation 260. Alternatively, the axes of rotation of the first and second moving parts may not coincide but may be parallel to each other. For example, the axis of rotation of the second moving part may be offset by up to 10 cm or up to 20 cm in the direction of the interior space compared to the axis of rotation 260 of the first moving part.

[0041] Alternatively, these rotation axes could be at an angle to one another, which may be particularly preferred here in order to avoid the formation of gaps, which can be avoided, for example, by moving the first or second moving part partially behind the other part.

[0042] 2, the first moving part 231 is formed from two parts. This is not necessary, and other embodiments are conceivable, in particular an integrated design of the first moving part (and / or the second moving part). In the embodiment shown here, the second moving part 231 comprises a surface 241, which may extend substantially horizontally or at a slight angle. This surface can serve, for example, as a receiving surface for the construction material.

[0043] The first movable part further includes a flexible or movable element 242, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface 241 and defines the outer boundary of the first movable part 231, preventing the construction material from being moved beyond this outer boundary from the interior of the material hopper 201. The flexible or movable element 242 may be configured, for example, as a rotatably mounted thin metal plate that can tilt toward the interior space of the material hopper but does not move beyond a certain end position in the opposite direction, i.e., toward the exterior. This ensures, for example, that a feeder vehicle with its trailer hitch can enter the vicinity of the first movable part by tilting the plate 242 toward the interior space. This reduces the distance between the feeder vehicle and the material hopper, reducing the risk of the construction material falling during loading. At the same time, damage to the material hopper due to the trailer hitch entering the material hopper is prevented.

[0044] Alternatively, plate 242 may be connected to a spring element (not shown) that biases plate 242 into the upright position shown here, in which case tilting of plate 242 toward the interior space of the material hopper is possible against the spring force, which may be achieved, for example, by the trailer hitch described above.

[0045] After the material hopper is emptied (eg, after it has been filled), the bias on plate 242 causes it to return to the initial position shown here.

[0046] Instead of a movably mounted plate, element 242 can be made of or include, for example, a flexible material. For example, it can be a polyurethane rubber lip or include at least an outer polyurethane coating. The flexible element can be made to assume the position of element 242 shown here in the absence of force, as shown in FIG. 2 by way of example. The flexible element can then be deformed by the application of force, such as by the trailer hitch described above, and pushed, for example, toward the interior space of the material hopper, allowing a portion of the feeder vehicle, such as the trailer hitch, to enter this area.

[0047] Although described here only in relation to the first moving part 231, a corresponding design may be provided for the second moving part.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the surface 241 of the first movable part in its open position is lower than the corresponding surface of each of the second movable parts 232 and 233. While this may be sufficient to prevent damage to the material hopper, alternatively or additionally, if the first movable part has a non-moving (fixed) outer boundary surface in the form of element 242, this element may include an upper end 291 that is lower or deeper than the corresponding upper end 292 of the second movable part. This may prevent the build material from falling while simultaneously reducing damage to the material hopper.

[0049] 3 to 5 show a schematic sequence of operations for closing a material hopper, in particular for moving a multi-component flap from an open position to a closed position. In FIG. 3, the material hopper 301 is shown in an open position. In this context, this means that the multi-component flap, including a first movable part 331 and a second movable part 332, 333, is positioned in its open position. As already explained, the invention provides that in this open position, the first movable part is positioned lower than the second movable part of the multi-component flap, which can avoid damage from parts located, for example, underneath the feeder car.

[0050] To close the material hopper, the multi-component flap must be moved from its open position to its closed position. Figure 4 illustrates this intermediate step. In Figure 4, the first moving part 431 is moved from its open position toward its closed position. As previously explained, this can be done, for example, by rotating the first moving part about a rotation axis. As can be seen, the position of the second moving part does not change as a result of the movement of the first moving part. Thus, the path or distance traveled by the first moving part from Figure 3 to Figure 4, starting from the open position, is achieved in this embodiment without the second moving part moving. The first distance traveled can be selected, for example, so that the first and second moving parts are at the same height at the end of this distance. Then, in this position, the follower (see Figure 1) can drive the second moving parts 432, 433 so that they follow the movement of the first moving part 431 toward the closed position.

[0051] If no follower is provided and instead a drive element for each of the first and second moving parts is considered, the movement of the first and second moving parts is controlled by actuation of the drive element such that the second moving part moves only after the first moving part has moved a first distance, after which the first and second moving parts move in operative connection (in unison) over a second distance.

[0052] The second distance may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the total distance traveled by the first and / or second moving parts before reaching the closed position. For example, the second moving part may reach the closed position before the first moving part reaches the closed position, in which case the first moving part continues to move after the second moving part has finished moving. The first moving part 431 may reach its closed position before the second moving parts 432, 433 reach their closed positions.

[0053] In Figure 4, not only have the second movable parts 432, 433 not moved, but the optional wings 434 and 435, according to the description of Figure 2, remain in their open position. As noted above, these are merely examples and need not necessarily be provided. Likewise, these parts need not be operatively connected to the multi-component flap. Thus, their movement may occur independently of the movement of the parts of the multi-component flap.

[0054] Finally, Figure 5 shows the closed position of the storage bin. As can be seen, the first movable part 531 and the second movable parts 532, 533 have been moved further towards the interior space of the material hopper around the axis of rotation starting from Figure 1. The sides 534 and 535 have also been moved to their closed position, and elements 536 and 537, previously described as elements 236 and 237 in relation to Figure 2, have been folded towards the interior space of the material hopper, ensuring that the interior space of the material hopper is enclosed as completely as possible and that no material can fall out.

Claims

1. A road paver (100) including a material hopper (101) for receiving production material (181), said material hopper including an outer boundary (111) at least partially separating an interior space (110) of said material hopper from the surroundings, said material hopper being capable of being fed with production material, for example by a feeder vehicle (180); the outer boundary (111) includes a multi-component flap (230) for closing the material hopper; a first movable part (231) of the multi-component flap in an open position is lower than a second movable part (232, 233) of the multi-component flap in an open position; the first movable part (231) and the second movable part (232, 233) are at least partially operatively coupled to move from the open position to a closed position in which the material hopper is closed; Road paver (100).

2. the first movable part (231) includes a first upper end (291) of a first outer boundary surface; the second movable part (232) includes a second upper end (292) of a second outer boundary surface; In the open position, the first upper end is lower than the second upper end. The road paver (100) of claim 1.

3. the first movable part (231) is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (260) for movement from the open position to the closed position; the second movable part (232, 233) is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation for movement from the open position to the closed position; A road paver (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are parallel to each other; the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are at an angle to each other, or The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis are the same. A road paver (100) according to claim 3.

5. 5. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein the first moving part (231) includes a follower (261, 262), the follower (261, 262) configured to engage with the second moving part (232, 233) and drive the second moving part with the first moving part.

6. 6. The road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second movable part (232, 233) comprises two flap elements (232, 233) arranged on either side of the first movable part.

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

8. The road paver (100) of claim 7, wherein the drive element (270) comprises one of a hydraulic drive element, a mechanical drive element, and an electric drive element.

9. 9. The road paver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the open position, a maximum distance (h) of a point of the first movable part to the ground is less than 50 cm, less than 45 cm, less than 40 cm, or less than 30 cm.

10. 10. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein the first movable part (231) and the second movable part (232, 233) are operatively coupled to one another such that movement of the first movable part over a first distance from the open position to the closed position occurs without engagement of the second movable part, and movement of the first movable part over a second distance after the first distance from the open position to the closed position occurs with engagement of the second part.

11. 11. The road paver (100) of claim 1, wherein the first movable part (231) comprises a flexible or movable element (242) that extends at least partially vertically in the open position of the first movable part and that can be tilted toward the interior space of the material hopper (101) when a force is applied to it.

12. 12. The road paver (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first movable part and / or the second movable part include a surface (241) that is inclined towards the interior space in the open position.

13. A combination of a feeder vehicle (180) and a road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The feeder car (180) is capable of supplying the manufacturing material (181) to the material hopper (101), and allows the multi-component flap (230) to be located in the open position while the manufacturing material is being supplied, and allows the multi-component flap to move to the closed position after the manufacturing material is supplied. combination.

14. A method for feeding production material (180) into a material hopper (101) of a road paver (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: placing the multi-component flap (230) in the open position; Then, a feeder car (180) for supplying the manufacturing material (181) is arranged to supply the manufacturing material to the material hopper (101); moving the feeder car (180) at least partially away from the material hopper; then moving said multi-component flap (230) to said closed position; A method comprising:

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