Construction machinery equipped with a foldable material deflector for a material hopper

Abstract

We provide a material hopper equipped with a material deflector that does not cause damage. [Solution] A construction machine (100) is provided which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, and the construction machine (100) defines an XYZ coordinate system in which the longitudinal direction of the construction machine (100) is the X direction, the width direction of the construction machine (100) is the Y direction, and the height direction of the construction machine (100) is the Z direction, and comprises a material hopper (10) for receiving bulk material, the material hopper (10) comprises a proximal end (10a) and a distal end (10b), a material deflector formed on the distal end (10b) of the material hopper (10) which is bendable between a closed position and an open position, and a biasing member which applies a biasing force to the material deflector in the direction of the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a material deflector for a material hopper.

Background Art

[0002] Construction machines, particularly road construction machines such as paving machines, usually include an operator station and a material hopper. Such construction machines equipped with a material hopper for receiving bulk materials are well known. For example, in road construction, paving machines and feeder vehicles equipped with a material hopper for receiving asphalt in the front are frequently used. Such a material hopper can also have a conveyor belt, also known as a scraper belt, which extends parallel to the traveling direction of the paving machine through the center of the material hopper. As a result, two partial hoppers are obtained. The two partial hoppers can often be rotated around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the construction machine so that the asphalt located in each partial hopper can be carried out onto the scraper belt.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Conventionally, to reduce material loss in front of the paving machine, a rigid or elastic member, such as a rubber sheet, is provided in the forward area of ​​the material hopper. The feeder vehicle reverses toward the paving machine to load paving material into the material hopper. At this time, the container on the truck is horizontal, i.e., not tilted. During the feeding process, the container is tilted until the truck is completely empty, thereby moving the rear edge of the container downwards. Once the truck is completely empty, the truck drives away from the paving machine with the container tilted. Because the distance between the container and the elastic member is relatively small, the material deflector must have a limited height to avoid damage when the truck drives with the container tilted. Since feeder vehicles exist in various configurations and shapes, the material deflector must be designed to suit the most unfavorable shape of the feeder vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a material hopper equipped with a material deflector that can significantly prevent material loss in the material hopper and is not damaged in the process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This objective is achieved by a construction machine, which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, having the features described in claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The construction machine according to the present invention is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, wherein the construction machine defines an XYZ coordinate system in which the longitudinal direction of the construction machine is the X direction, the width direction of the construction machine is the Y direction, and the height direction of the construction machine is the Z direction, and comprises a material hopper for receiving bulk material, the material hopper comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a material deflector formed at the distal end of the material hopper and bendable between a closed position and an open position, and a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the material deflector toward the closed position.

[0007] According to the embodiment, the material deflector is biased by a biasing member, and this bias holds the material deflector in a closed position, thereby preventing material loss forward. As the truck moves away from the material hopper, the material deflector can be retracted forward against the bias, so as not to be damaged by the container. The material deflector folds up only to the extent that material loss is minimized, conforming to the shape of each truck / container.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the biasing member may be a spring member that biases and holds the material deflector in a closed or folded position. The spring member may be, for example, a gas spring or a torsion spring.

[0009] In a further embodiment, instead of a spring member, an active hydraulic or electric adjustment device such as a hydraulic cylinder may be used to move the material deflector. To avoid collisions, it is necessary to detect the position of the feeder vehicle relative to the paving machine. During the feeding process, the track is pushed by the paving machine via a buffer roller or buffer bar. Sensors on the buffer bar detect whether the track is docked to the paving machine. If the track is not docked to the paving machine, the material deflector(s) are folded down (opened). When the track is docked, the sensors recognize this and the material deflector(s) are folded up (closed) to prevent material loss. When the track moves away from the paving machine and the track's tires are no longer in contact with the buffer bar, the material deflector(s) are folded down again to prevent damage to the track as it moves away.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the material hopper may have a triangular metal plate provided at the distal end of the material hopper, and a material deflector may be attached to this triangular metal plate. A biasing member may be formed on the bottom surface of the triangular metal plate, particularly on its underside. The triangular metal plate may be attached to the material hopper via one or more hinges. The hinges may be attached to the triangular metal plate using screws.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the material hopper may have a central flap located at the distal end of the bulk material conveying area of ​​the material hopper, and a material deflector may be formed on the central flap. A biasing member may be formed on the bottom surface of the central flap. A protective member may also be provided on the material deflector on the central flap. This provides even better protection against damage to the track.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the material deflector can be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, steel, and spring steel. The material deflector can be attached to a material hopper via one or more hinges. The hinges can be attached to the material hopper using screws.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a protective member can be formed at least partially on the upper edge of a material deflector to protect the truck from damage as it drives away from the paving machine. The protective member can be made of rubber and plastic. Any material can be used for the protective member, as long as it does not damage the truck and has abrasion resistance to ensure a long service life. The protective member may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the protective member may be elliptical or quadrilateral. The protective member can be attached to the material deflector via one or more hinges. The hinges can be attached to the material deflector using screws. The protective member provides even better protection against damage to the truck.

[0014] In a further embodiment, a recess can be formed in the bottom surface of the material hopper for accommodating the material deflector when the material deflector is in the open position. The recess can be a depression or notch in the bottom surface of the material hopper and can be designed to fully accommodate the biasing member. Alternatively, a holder may be provided in the bottom surface of a triangular metal plate, and the holder may have a recess for accommodating the biasing member.

[0015] This allows the central flap and / or triangular flaps to be fully opened (folded down). This provides even better protection against damage to the track. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the biasing members are protected from damage.

[0016] Alternatively, the biasing member can be attached to the outside of the side of the material hopper. This also allows the biasing member to fully open (fold down) the central flap and / or triangular flaps.

[0017] According to the present invention, the closed position or folded-up position can be a position in which the material deflector is substantially oriented in the Z direction, and the open position or folded-down position can be a position in which the material deflector is substantially oriented in the X direction.

[0018] The closed position can include an angular range of 60 degrees to 100 degrees, and the open position can include an angular range of 60 degrees to 0 degrees. This ensures that bulk material is securely held within the material hopper.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the material hopper may include a first partial hopper and a second partial hopper, the first and second partial hoppers being arranged parallel to each other in the X direction and each equipped with a material deflector at its distal end. Furthermore, an additional material deflector may be provided at the distal end of the bulk material transport area located between the first and second partial hoppers of the material hopper. By attaching material deflectors to each component at the distal end of the material hopper, bulk material can be effectively held, minimizing the loss of bulk material.

[0020] The material deflector includes a side wall that forms an extension of the side wall of the material hopper, preventing bulk material from falling from the side when the material hopper is in the open or folded-down position. In the closed or folded-up position of the material deflector, the material deflector can be housed in a receiving section provided in the side wall of the material hopper. Alternatively, the side wall of the material deflector can be housed in a cavity formed in the side wall of the material hopper. These side walls minimize the loss of bulk material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a portion of a material hopper equipped with a triangular metal plate and a material deflector, with the material deflector in either the open or folded-down position. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a portion of a material hopper equipped with a triangular metal plate and a material deflector, with the material deflector in either the closed or folded-up position. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view of a portion of a material hopper equipped with a biasing member attached to the bottom surface, with the material deflector in the open or folded-down position. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of a portion of a material hopper equipped with a biasing member attached to the bottom surface, with the material deflector in the closed or folded-up position. [Figure 5]It is a bottom view of a part of a material hopper equipped with a biasing member attached to the bottom surface, where the partial hopper of the material hopper is in an inclined position and the material deflector is in a closed position or a folded-up position. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a paving machine.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the specification and drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In the drawings, some components may be omitted or simplified for the sake of simplicity of explanation.

[0023] In an embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system respectively indicate the longitudinal direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a construction machine 100 which is a paving machine for forming a paving layer, for example, an asphalt layer, on a roadbed, for example, a road. The paving machine 1 includes a material hopper 10 disposed forward in the traveling direction R. The bulk material accommodated inside the material hopper 10 is conveyed from there to the screed of the paving machine 100 in a direction opposite to the traveling direction R of the paving machine 100 through a bulk material conveyance area. As shown in FIG. 6, the bulk material conveyance area is disposed inside the chassis 12 of the paving machine 100 and includes a scraper belt 13. The construction machine 100 can also be a feeder vehicle for a paving machine.

[0025] The material hopper 10 extends along the longitudinal direction X and includes two partial hoppers 3 and 4 that accommodate the scraper belt 13 therebetween and side walls 10c. There is a driver's cab at the proximal end 10a of the material hopper 10, from where the paving machine 100 is operated.

[0026] At the distal end 10b of the material hopper 10, each of the partial hoppers 3 and 4 is provided with a partial hopper flap 5 equipped with a material deflector 20. A central flap 6 is also formed at the distal end of the scraper belt 13 (see, for example, Figure 5), which is similarly equipped with a material deflector 20.

[0027] During the supply process, the track is pushed by the paving machine 100 via the buffer rollers or buffer bars 14 shown in Figure 6. The track docks with the paving machine 100 at these buffer rollers 14. When the track is not docked with the paving machine 100, the material deflector(s) 20 in an actively folding configuration are folded down. The term “folded down” means that the material deflector(s) 20 are folded forward in the direction of travel R and extend substantially horizontally in the longitudinal direction X. At this time, the material deflector(s) 20 are in an open state.

[0028] When the truck docks, the material deflector(s) 20, which may be of an active folding configuration, folds upward to prevent material loss. The term "folded upward" means that the material deflector(s) 20 are positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel R and extend substantially vertically in the height direction Z. At this point, the material deflector(s) 20 are in a closed state.

[0029] As the truck moves away from the paving machine and its tires no longer come into contact with the buffer bar, the actively folding material deflector(s) 20 fold down again to prevent damage to the material deflector and the truck as the truck moves away.

[0030] In a passive configuration, the material deflector is essentially held in a closed position by a biasing member and can be pushed out or bent forward by contact with the inclined container of a moving truck.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of the paving machine 100. In this figure, the lateral flap 5 is configured in the form of a triangular metal plate, with a material deflector 20 positioned at its end. As shown in this example, the material deflector 20 includes a protective member 7 with a circular cross-section attached to the upper edge 20a of the material deflector 20. The foldable material deflector 20 prevents damage to the material deflector and the track when the track moves away, and the protective member 7 provides additional protection to the track.

[0032] Figure 1 shows the material deflector 20 in the open state, with both the triangular metal plate 5 and the material deflector 20 folded forward. Figure 2 shows the material deflector 20 in the closed state, with both the triangular metal plate 5 and the material deflector 20 folded up to securely hold the bulk material. As shown in Figure 2, the triangular metal plate 5 is attached to the partial hopper 4 via hinges 15. The material deflector 20 is attached to the triangular metal plate 5 or the central flap 6 by one or more hinges.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a partial bottom view of a material hopper 10 equipped with biasing members 30, each biasing member 30 being attached to the bottom surface 5a of the triangular metal plate 5 and the bottom surface 6a of the central flap 6. In Figure 3, the material deflector 20 is in a folded-down or open position. The biasing members 30 are spring members 33 that bias and hold the material deflector 20 in the folded-up position. The spring members 33 are, for example, gas springs or torsion springs.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, a recess 11 in the form of a depression or notch is formed in the bottom surface 8 of the material hopper 10 to protect the spring member 33 and to allow the triangular metal plate 5 to be folded completely forward.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a partial bottom view of a material hopper 10 equipped with multiple biasing members 30, the biasing members 30 being attached to the bottom surface 5a of the triangular metal plate 5 and the bottom surface 6a of the central flap 6, respectively. In Figure 4, the material deflector 20 is in the folded-up state, i.e., the closed state.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a partial bottom view of the material hopper 10 equipped with biasing members 30 attached to the bottom surfaces 5a and 6a, in which the material deflector 20 is folded up, i.e., in a biased state. In this position, the bulk material is securely held and the dropping of bulk material is greatly prevented.

[0037] Instead of a spring member, an active hydraulic or electric adjustment device, such as a hydraulic cylinder (not shown), can be used and mounted in the same position as the spring member.

[0038] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the language of the claims and is intended to include all modifications in scope and meaning corresponding to the language of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 100 Construction Machinery 10. Material hopper 10a Proximal end 10b Distal end 10c side wall 20 Material Deflectors 20a Upper edge 30 biasing member 33 Spring member 3. First section hopper 4. Second section hopper 5 triangular metal plate 5a Bottom surface of the triangular metal plate 6. Center flap 6a Bottom surface of the central flap 7. Protective components 8. Bottom of the material hopper 11 Notches 12 Chassis 13 Scraper Belt 14 Buffalo 15 Hinge

Claims

1. A construction machine (100) which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, wherein the construction machine (100) defines an XYZ coordinate system in which the longitudinal direction of the construction machine (100) is the X direction, the width direction of the construction machine (100) is the Y direction, and the height direction of the construction machine (100) is the Z direction, and is equipped with a material hopper (10) for receiving bulk material, the material hopper (10) is The proximal end (10a) and the distal end (10b), A material deflector (20) is formed at the distal end (10b) of the material hopper (10) and is bendable between a closed position and an open position, A biasing member (30) applies a biasing force to the material deflector (20) toward the closed position, A construction machine (100) equipped with the following features.

2. The construction machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the material hopper (10) is provided with a triangular metal plate (5) at the distal end (10b) of the material hopper (10), and the material deflector (20) is attached to the triangular metal plate (5).

3. The construction machine (100) according to claim 2, wherein the biasing member (30) is formed on the bottom surface (5a) of the triangular metal plate (5).

4. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the material hopper (10) comprises a central flap (6) located at the distal end (10b) of the material hopper (10), and the material deflector (20) is formed on the central flap (6).

5. The construction machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein the biasing member (30) is formed on the bottom surface (6a) of the central flap (6).

6. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the material deflector (20) is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, steel, and spring steel.

7. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a protective member (7) is at least partially formed on the upper edge (20a) of the material deflector (20).

8. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the biasing member (30) is a spring member (33) that biases and holds the material deflector (20) in a closed position.

9. A construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a recess (11) is formed in the bottom surface (8) of the material hopper (10) for accommodating the material deflector (20) when the material deflector (20) is in the open position.

10. The construction machine (100) according to claim 9, wherein the recess (11) is a notch or depression in the bottom surface (8).

11. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the closed position is a position in which the material deflector (20) substantially faces the Z direction, and the open position is a position in which the material deflector (20) substantially faces the X direction.

12. The construction machine (100) according to claim 11, wherein the closed position includes an angular range of 60 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less, and the open position includes an angular range of 60 degrees or less and 0 degrees or more.

13. The construction machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the material hopper (10) includes a first partial hopper (3) and a second partial hopper (4), the first partial hopper (3) and the second partial hopper (4) are arranged parallel to each other in the X direction and each has a material deflector (20) at its distal end (10b).

14. The construction machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member (30) is an active hydraulic or electric adjustment that biases and holds the material deflector (20) in the closed position.

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